bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Results and implications for future beach school practice
Authors: Borrett Amy
Published: March 2023

In the latest article in this series, Amy Borrett shares the findings of her research exploring whether beach school could be a beneficial form of outdoor learning, and the implications for practice.
Helping children build self-esteem
Authors: Fuller Hayley
Published: March 2023

Helping children to develop high self-esteem is an important part of their everyday learning experiences and enjoyment, in and outside of the classroom setting. There are many ways in which educators can play a vital role in supporting children with low self-esteem, Hayley Fuller explains.
Professional Book Reviews
Authors: Celinska Angelica
Published: March 2023

Angelica Celinska reviews books around the topic of sustainability, with a professional book that encourages a critical and reflective view of nature pedagogies, and picture books which will spark discussions around our connection to nature and our impact on the world around us.
Using books in your environment
Authors: Marycz Adam
Published: March 2023

During March every year we are encouraged to celebrate books. This month, I wanted to share with you something a little different – in the form of one particular area of provision which I believe supports children's development in many different ways.
Test characteristics of rasterstereography for the early diagnosis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Vendeuvre Tanguy , Tabard-Fougère Anne , Armand Stéphane , Dayer Romain
Published: March 2023

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate rasterstereography of the spine as a diagnostic test for adolescent idiopathic soliosis (AIS), and to compare its results with those obtained using a scoliometer.

Methods

Adolescents suspected of AIS and scheduled for radiographs were included. Rasterstereographic scoliosis angle (SA), maximal vertebral surface rotation (ROT), and angle of trunk rotation (ATR) with a scoliometer were evaluated. The area under the curve (AUC) from receiver operating characteristic (ROC) plots were used to describe the discriminative ability of the SA, ROT, and ATR for scoliosis, defined as a Cobb angle > 10°. Test characteristics (sensitivity and specificity) were reported for the best threshold identified using the Youden method. AUC of SA, ATR, and ROT were compared using the bootstrap test for two correlated ROC curves method.

Results

Of 212 patients studied, 146 (69%) had an AIS. The AUC was 0.74 for scoliosis angle (threshold 12.5°, sensitivity 75%, specificity 65%), 0.65 for maximal vertebral surface rotation (threshold 7.5°, sensitivity 63%, specificity 64%), and 0.82 for angle of trunk rotation (threshold 5.5°, sensitivity 65%, specificity 80%). The AUC of ROT was significantly lower than that of ATR (p < 0.001) and SA (p < 0.001). The AUCs of ATR and SA were not significantly different (p = 0.115).

Conclusion

The rasterstereographic scoliosis angle has better diagnostic characteristics than the angle of trunk rotation evaluated with a scoliometer, with similar AUCs and a higher sensitivity.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(4):431–438.
The treatment of a femoral shaft fracture in patients with a previous post-traumatic femoral deformity using a Clamshell osteotomy
Authors: Zhang Congming , Wang Chaofeng , Duan Ning , Zhou Dawei , Ma Teng
Published: March 2023

Aims

The aim of this study was to assess the safety and clinical outcome of patients with a femoral shaft fracture and a previous complex post-traumatic femoral malunion who were treated with a clamshell osteotomy and fixation with an intramedullary nail (IMN).

Methods

The study involved a retrospective analysis of 23 patients. All had a previous, operatively managed, femoral shaft fracture with malunion due to hardware failure. They were treated with a clamshell osteotomy between May 2015 and March 2020. The mean age was 42.6 years (26 to 62) and 15 (65.2%) were male. The mean follow-up was 2.3 years (1 to 5). Details from their medical records were analyzed. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the quality of correction of the deformity, functional recovery, the healing time of the fracture, and complications.

Results

The mean length of time between the initial injury and surgery was 4.5 years (3 to 10). The mean operating time was 2.8 hours (2.05 to 4.4)), and the mean blood loss was 850 ml (650 to 1,020). Complications occurred in five patients (21.7%): two with wound necrosis, and three with deep vein thrombosis. The mean coronal deformity was significantly corrected from 17.78° (SD 4.62°) preoperatively to 1.35° (SD 1.72°) postoperatively (p < 0.001), and the mean sagittal deformity was significantly corrected from 20.65° (SD 5.88°) preoperatively to 1.61° (SD 1.95°; p < 0.001) postoperatively. The mean leg length discrepancy was significantly corrected from 3.57 cm (SD 1.27) preoperatively to 1.13 cm (SD 0.76) postoperatively (p < 0.001). All fractures healed at a mean of seven months (4 to 12) postoperatively. The mean Lower Extremity Functional Scale score improved significantly from 45.4 (SD 9.1) preoperatively to 66.2 (SD 5.5) postoperatively (p < 0.001). Partial cortical nonunion in the deformed segment occurred in eight patients (34.8%) and healed at a mean of 2.4 years (2 to 3) postoperatively.

Conclusion

A clamshell osteotomy combined with IMN fixation in the treatment of patients with a femoral shaft fracture and a previous post-traumatic femoral malunion achieved excellent outcomes. Partial cortical nonunions in the deformed segment also healed satisfactorily.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(4):449–454.
Quality Characteristics of Gijeongtteok Made with Kimchi Broth and Extract Mulberry (Cudrania tricuspidate) Fruit
Authors: Jeong Duyun , Sim Eun , Chung Hyun-Jung
Published: March 2023

This study investigated the quality characteristics of the traditional rice cake of Gijeongtteok added with an extract from Cudrania tricuspidate fruit and different amounts of kimchi broth. The pH measurement showed a significant decrease with the increase of the kimchi broth from pH 5.48 (control) to 4.86 (KG180). Hunter color L-values were decreased while redness and yellowness were increased as the amount of kimchi broth increased. Texture profile analysis showed that hardness and adhesiveness significantly increased and decreased as the amount of kimchi broth increased. Gijeongtteok with kimchi broth (KG180) had the lowest specific volume with increased gummy layers in the crumb structure. Sensory evaluation of color, flavor, taste, appearance, and overall acceptance for various levels of kimchi broth showed that the KG140 sample had the highest acceptability. Therefore, this study suggests that Gijeogtteok made with the KG140 mixing ratio has excellent quality and sensory characteristics.
How does mythic love endure in modernity? Exploring romantic love’s cultural structure and structure of feeling
Authors: Dong Jessie
Published: March 2023

In ideal-typical terms, the cultural structure of love can be said to be organised according to the binary categorisations of ‘mythic’ and ‘prosaic-realist’ love. Sociological studies on the culture of love have typically favoured the latter, characterising contemporary love as a product of modern sensibilities that prioritise individual autonomy over loving commitment. And yet, as many empirical studies have shown, mythic love seems to persist. This article theoretically and empirically accounts for the endurance of mythic love by demonstrating how its core promises are reconciled with prosaic-realist love. It elaborates a theoretical model for assessing the attitudes people have towards romantic ideals: ‘structures of feeling’ (Williams, 1961; Illouz, 2012). To investigate romantic structures of feeling, I conducted interviews with participants who watched one of two quintessential cinematic representations of mythic and prosaic-realist love, respectively: The Notebook (2004) and Blue Valentine (2010). I found that mythic love persists as a legitimate cultural model for love through the feeling structures of irony and aspiration. Participants expressed aspiration towards mythic love through surprised faith in the film’s mythic idealism and attributed authenticity to mythic love’s purity, while also integrating prosaic-realist rationales into their assessment of mythic love’s legitimacy. Participants expressed ironic dispositions towards prosaic-realism, finding its core principles to be ‘too real’ and deflationary. These findings point to a need to take myth in romance seriously, by not only recognising its existence but also the cultural mechanisms that reconcile its promises with prosaic-realist alternatives.
Sustainable consumption by product substitution? An exploration of the appropriation of plant-based ‘mylk’ in everyday life
Authors: Büchs Milena , Middlemiss Lucie , Mylan Josephine , Stevens Lucy
Published: March 2023

Many mainstream visions of sustainable societies assume that ‘green’ products will come to replace existing ones, reducing the footprint of consumption and enabling daily life to continue relatively undisturbed. However, several sustainable consumption studies have demonstrated that product substitution is not necessarily a straightforward process. This article asks whether the increased consumption of plant-based ‘mylk’, which is marketed as a more sustainable option compared to dairy milk, can be understood as a case of sustainable consumption via product substitution. The study applies a mixed methods approach, combining quantitative data from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey with secondary qualitative data from the Mass Observation Archive. We find that while the consumption of mylk has increased and that of milk decreased, this cannot be characterised as a straightforward case of substitution. Many people consume mylk alongside milk, rather than cutting milk consumption entirely. Rising mylk consumption requires the engagement of new, sometimes conflicting, meanings around health and the environment. In addition, a range of situational factors constitute unequal mylk consumption in society, and provisioning systems present important drivers and barriers that shape mylk consumption. Overall, our account suggests that moving towards sustainable consumption is not a simple process of product substitution as mylk is often consumed in addition to milk, and as this process requires adjustments in practices and meanings, unfolds unevenly within society, and is shaped by production systems rather than just demand.
Scattering analysis of a Laguerre Gaussian beam for target detection
Authors: Fang Liang , Luo Lan , Zhao Rujin , Liu Bo
Published: March 2023

The propagation and scattering characteristics of a Laguerre Gaussian (LG) beam and Gaussian beam are theoretically and experimentally comparatively studied. The phase of the LG beam is almost free of scattering when the scattering is weak, resulting in a much weaker loss of transmission compared with the Gaussian beam. However, when scattering is strong, the phase of the LG beam is completely disturbed by it, and the transmission loss of the LG beam is stronger than that of the Gaussian beam. Moreover, the phase of the LG beam becomes stabler as the topological charge increases, and the beam radius increases as well. Therefore, the LG beam is suitable for short-range target detection in a weak scattering medium, not for long-range in a strong scattering medium. This work will contribute to the development of target detection, optical communication, and other applications of orbital angular momentum beams.
Mid-high-frequency error suppression of small optical aspheric molds
Authors: Zhang Jiarong , Wang Han , Zhuo Shaomu , Kuang Jiaqi , Wu Yuchang , Zhang Jiahang , Zhu Xiangyou , Ma Shuaijie , Yao Honghui
Published: March 2023

To suppress the mid-high-frequency error of small optical tungsten carbide aspheric molds, it is proposed to quickly select the critical process parameters by simulating the residual error after convolution of the tool influence function (TIF). After polishing for 10.47 min by the TIF, two simulation optimizations, RMS and Ra, converge to 9.3 and 5.347 nm, respectively. Their convergence rates are improved by 40% and 7.9%, respectively, compared to ordinary TIF. Then, a faster and more high-quality multi-tool combination smoothing suppression method is proposed, and the corresponding polishing tools are designed. Finally, the global Ra of the aspheric surface converges from 5.9 to 4.5 nm after smoothing for 5.5 min with a disc-shaped polishing tool with a fine microstructure and maintains an excellent low-frequency error (PV 0.0781 µm).
Completely non-invasive cell manipulation in lens-integrated microfluidic devices by single-fiber optical tweezers
Authors: Jiang Chunlei , Wang Yunkai , Dong Taiji , Li Dong , Yan Bing , Chen Peng , Shao Keyong , Wang Xiufang , Wang Zengbo
Published: March 2023

In a fiber-based optical tweezer system, it is a common practice to insert the fiber probe into the sample solution to perform the tweezer function. Such a configuration of the fiber probe may lead to unwanted contamination and/or damage to the sample system and is thus potentially invasive. Here, we propose a completely non-invasive method for cell manipulation by combining a microcapillary microfluidic device and an optical fiber tweezer. We demonstrate that Chlorella cells inside the microcapillary channel can be successfully trapped and manipulated by an optical fiber probe located outside of the microcapillary, thus making the process completely non-invasive. The fiber does not even invade the sample solution. To our knowledge, this is the first report of such a method. The speed of stable manipulation can reach the 7 µm/s scale. We found that the curved walls of the microcapillaries worked like a lens, which helped to boost the light focusing and trapping efficiency. Numerical simulation of optical forces under medium settings reveals that the optical forces can be enhanced by up to 1.44 times, and the optical forces can change direction under certain conditions.
Comparison of a machine and deep learning model for automated tumor annotation on digitized whole slide prostate cancer histology
Authors: Duenweg Savannah R. , Brehler Michael , Bobholz Samuel A. , Lowman Allison K. , Winiarz Aleksandra , Kyereme Fitzgerald , Nencka Andrew , Iczkowski Kenneth A. , LaViolette Peter S.
Published: March 2023

One in eight men will be affected by prostate cancer (PCa) in their lives. While the current clinical standard prognostic marker for PCa is the Gleason score, it is subject to inter-reviewer variability. This study compares two machine learning methods for discriminating between cancerous regions on digitized histology from 47 PCa patients. Whole-slide images were annotated by a GU fellowship-trained pathologist for each Gleason pattern. High-resolution tiles were extracted from annotated and unlabeled tissue. Patients were separated into a training set of 31 patients (Cohort A, n = 9345 tiles) and a testing cohort of 16 patients (Cohort B, n = 4375 tiles). Tiles from Cohort A were used to train a ResNet model, and glands from these tiles were segmented to calculate pathomic features to train a bagged ensemble model to discriminate tumors as (1) cancer and noncancer, (2) high- and low-grade cancer from noncancer, and (3) all Gleason patterns. The outputs of these models were compared to ground-truth pathologist annotations. The ensemble and ResNet models had overall accuracies of 89% and 88%, respectively, at predicting cancer from noncancer. The ResNet model was additionally able to differentiate Gleason patterns on data from Cohort B while the ensemble model was not. Our results suggest that quantitative pathomic features calculated from PCa histology can distinguish regions of cancer; however, texture features captured by deep learning frameworks better differentiate unique Gleason patterns.
Registered report: Survey on attitudes and experiences regarding preregistration in psychological research
Authors: Spitzer Lisa , Mueller Stefanie
Published: March 2023

Background

Preregistration, the open science practice of specifying and registering details of a planned study prior to knowing the data, increases the transparency and reproducibility of research. Large-scale replication attempts for psychological results yielded shockingly low success rates and contributed to an increasing demand for open science practices among psychologists. However, preregistering one’s studies is still not the norm in the field. Here, we conducted a study to explore possible reasons for this discrepancy.

Methods

In a mixed-methods approach, we conducted an online survey assessing attitudes, motivations, and perceived obstacles with respect to preregistration. Respondents (N= 289) were psychological researchers that were recruited through their publications on Web of Science, PubMed, PSYNDEX, and PsycInfo, and preregistrations on OSF Registries. Based on the theory of planned behavior, we predicted that positive attitudes (moderated by the perceived importance of preregistration) as well as a favorable subjective norm and higher perceived behavioral control positively influence researchers’ intention to preregister (directional hypothesis 1). Furthermore, we expected an influence of research experience on attitudes and perceived motivations and obstacles regarding preregistration (non-directional hypothesis 2). We analyzed these hypotheses with multiple regression models and included preregistration experience as a control variable.

Results

Researchers’ attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and the perceived importance of preregistration significantly predicted researchers’ intention to use preregistration in the future (see hypothesis 1). Research experience influenced both researchers’ attitudes and their perception of motivations to preregister, but not the perception of obstacles (see hypothesis 2). Descriptive reports on researchers’ attitudes, motivations and obstacles regarding preregistration are provided.

Discussion

Many researchers had already preregistered and had a rather positive attitude toward preregistration. Nevertheless, several obstacles were identified that may be addressed to improve and foster preregistration.
Characteristics of inflammatory response and repair after experimental blast lung injury in rats
Authors: Hamacher Jürg , Hadizamani Yalda , Huwer Hanno , Moehrlen Ueli , Bally Lia , Stammberger Uz , Wendel Albrecht , Lucas Rudolf
Published: March 2023

Background and objectives

Blast-induced lung injury is associated with inflammatory, which are characterised by disruption of the alveolar-capillary barrier, haemorrhage, pulmonary infiltrateration causing oedema formation, pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine release, and anti-inflammatory counter-regulation. The objective of the current study was to define sequence of such alterations in with establishing blast-induced lung injury in rats using an advanced blast generator.

Methods

Rats underwent a standardized blast wave trauma and were euthanised at defined time points. Non-traumatised animals served as sham controls. Obtained samples from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) at each time-point were assessed for histology, leukocyte infiltration and cytokine/chemokine profile.

Results

After blast lung injury, significant haemorrhage and neutrophil infiltration were observed. Similarly, protein accumulation, lactate dehydrogenase activity (LDH), alveolar eicosanoid release, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9, pro-Inflammatory cytokines, including tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin (IL) -6 raised up. While declining in the level of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 occurred. Ultimately, pulmonary oedema developed that increased to its maximum level within the first 1.5 h, then recovered within 24 h.

Conclusion

Using a stablished model, can facilitate the study of inflammatory response to blast lung injury. Following the blast injury, alteration in cytokine/chemokine profile and activity of cells in the alveolar space occurs, which eventuates in alveolar epithelial barrier dysfunction and oedema formation. Most of these parameters exhibit time-dependent return to their basal status that is an indication to resilience of lungs to blast-induced lung injury.
Not just quantity but also quality of language: Cross-cultural comparisons of maternal mental state talk in New Zealand, Australia, and China
Authors: Kong Qiuyi , Mulvihill Aisling , Slaughter Virginia , Fraser Harry , Cavanagh-Welch Bailey , Elwina Felicia Crysta , Kang Jie , Ruffman Ted
Published: March 2023

Western mothers use more mental state talk with children than do Chinese mothers (e.g., “think”, “like”, “happy”). The present study aimed to examine whether Western mothers not only produced a greater amount of mental state talk, but also used a wider range of mental state terms (i.e., greater lexical variety) compared to Chinese mothers. We compared maternal mental state talk in 271 mother-child dyads from New Zealand, Australia and China, and coded both quantity (i.e., frequency) and quality (i.e., type, variety, valence) of mothers’ mental state talk to their 2.5- to 5-year-olds. Western mothers produced more talk about cognitions and emotions, as well as modulations of assertions, but a similar amount of desire talk, compared to Chinese mothers, with the same patterns found in the variety of talk. Western mothers produced an overall higher amount of mental state talk and a greater variety of mental state terms, but crucially, still produced more MS talk after controlling for the variety. Neither the amount nor the variety of maternal MS talk was correlated with children’s theory of mind. These findings shed light on the diverse ways that mothers construe and describe mental states in different cultures, and highlight the importance of examining different aspects of maternal mental state talk and their impact on children’s theory of mind in future longitudinal studies.
A single center experience of adjusting valve pressure ventriculoperitoneal shunts for the treatment of hydrocephalus in infants under 6 months old
Authors: Cattani Adriano , Schwarzer Franziska , Schwarzer Mario , Spyrantis Andrea , Marquardt Gerhard , Schubert-Bast Susanne , Seifert Volker , Freiman Thomas M.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) with adjustable differential pressure valves are commonly used to treat infants with hydrocephalus avoiding shunt related under- or overdrainage. The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of VPS adjustable differential pressure valve on the head circumference (HC) and ventricular size (VS) stabilization in infants with post intraventricular haemorrhage, acquired and congenital hydrocephali.

Methods

Forty-three hydrocephalic infants under 6 months old were prospectively included between 2014 and 2018. All patients were treated using a VPS with adjustable differential pressure valve. HC and transfontanelle ultrasonographic VS measurements were regularly performed and pressure valve modifications were done aiming HC and VS percentiles between the 25th and 75th. The patients were divided into two groups: infants with hydrocephalus due to an intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH-H), and infants with hydrocephalus due to other aetiologies (OAE-H).

Results

The mean of pressure valve modification was 3.7 per patient in the IVH-H group, versus 2.95 in the OAE-H group. The median of last pressure valve value was higher at 8.5 cm H2O in the IVH-H group comparing to 5 cm H2O in the OAE-H group (p = 0.013).

Conclusion

Optimal VPS pressure valve values could be extremely difficult to settle in order to gain normalisation of the HC and VS in infants. However, after long term follow up (mean of 18 months) and several pressure valve modifications, this normalisation is possible and shows that infants with IVH-H need a higher pressure valve value comparing to infants with OAE-H.
Impulsive fractional order integrodifferential equation via fractional operators
Authors: Al-Omari Ahmad , Al-Saadi Hanan
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we establish the existence and uniqueness of the solution to fractional equations abstract integrodifferential equation with impulsive as
d η w ( z ) d z η + ζ w ( z ) = f ( z , w ( z ) ) + K ( w ) ( z ) , z > z 0 , z ≠ z k , 0 < η ≤ 1 , Δ w | z = z k = I k ( w ( z k - ) ) , k = 1 , . . . , m , w ( z 0 ) + φ ( w ) = w 0 ∈ X ,
where
K ( w ) ( z ) = ∫ z 0 z q ( z - s ) g ( s , w ( s ) ) d s ,
and we used the fixed point theorems due to Banach space. The main conclusion is obtained by using fractional calculus, operator semigroup and fixed point theorem. Finally, in support, an example is presented to validate the obtained results.
Network pharmacology predicts combinational effect of novel herbal pair consist of Ephedrae herba and Coicis semen on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells
Authors: Lim Dong-Woo , Yu Ga-Ram , Kim Jai-Eun , Park Won-Hwan
Published: March 2023

Background

Herbal combinations are regarded as basic strategy in oriental medicine with various purposes. Ephedrae herba (EH) and Coicis semen (CS) are two herbal medicines used to treat obesity in many herbal prescriptions, yet the effect and significance of this herbal pair have not been evaluated.

Purpose

This study is to elucidate the effect of a novel herbal pair, EH-CS, on obesity and identify the key synergistic mechanism underlying it.

Methods

We investigated the network of herbs comprising the anti-obesity herbal prescriptions. Using the tools of network pharmacology, we investigated the compound-target interactions of EH and CS in combination to predict their effects in combination. Five EH-CS samples with different EH to CS ratios were prepared to investigate their efficacies in adipocytes.

Results

1-mode network analysis of herbs in prescriptions based on literature review revealed the importance of EH-CS in anti-obesity prescriptions. The herbal combination comprised of equivalent weights (1:1) of EH and CS most potently reduced mature adipocyte adiposity, although several markers of adipogenesis and lipid synthesis were more suppressed by pure EH. PTGS2 (COX-2 gene) expression, a common target of EH and CS as deduced by compound-target network analysis, was affected by EH-CS extract treatments. However, EH at high concentration (25 μg/ml) notably increased PTGS2 expression without adversely affecting cell viability. However, EH-CS combination of the same concentration markedly decreased PTGS2 gene expression.

Conclusion

These results show that the compounds in CS and EH act in concert to enhance the pharmacological effect of EH, but control unexpected effects of EH treatment.
Factors impacting the pre-analytical quality of blood cultures—Analysis at a tertiary medical center
Authors: Romann Lucas , Werlen Laura , Rommers Nikki , Hermann Anja , Gisler Isabelle , Bassetti Stefano , Bingisser Roland , Siegemund Martin , Roloff Tim , Weisser Maja , Muigg Veronika , Hinic Vladimira , Osthoff Michael , Franzeck Fabian C. , Egli Adrian
Published: March 2023

Background

Blood cultures (BC) are critical for the diagnosis of bloodstream infections, pathogen identification, and resistance testing. Guidelines recommend a blood volume of 8–10 mL per bottle as lower volumes result in decreased sensitivity. We aimed to evaluate factors for non-adherence to recommended volumes and assess the effects on diagnostic performance.

Methods

From February to April 2020, we measured collected blood volumes by weighing all BC containers from inpatient samples at the University Hospital Basel. Information on BC volumes was merged with clinical and microbiological data, as well as nursing staff schedules. We analyzed factors associated with (i) BC sampling volume, (ii) reaching recommended volumes (≥8 mL), (iii) BC positivity, and (iv) time to positivity using linear and generalized linear mixed effect models.

Results

We evaluated a total of 4’118 BC bottles collected from 686 patients. A total of 1’495 (36.3%) of all bottles contained the recommended filling volume of ≥8 mL. Using a central venous and arterial catheter for drawing blood resulted in an increase of filling volume by 0.26 mL (95% CI 0.10, 0.41) and 0.50 mL (95% CI 0.31, 0.69) compared to peripheral venipuncture, respectively. Each additional nursing staff working at the time of blood drawing was associated with 6% higher odds of achieving the recommended filling volume. We found no significant correlation between the filling volume and the positivity rate.

Conclusion

Our results indicate critical pre-analytical quality markers linked to BC collection procedures to reach recommended collection volumes. No significant impact on the positivity rate was found.
Insecticidal activity of Bacillus thuringiensis towards Agrotis exclamationis larvae–A widespread and underestimated pest of the Palearctic zone
Authors: Baranek Jakub , Jakubowska Magdalena , Gabała Elżbieta
Published: March 2023

acillus thuringiensis is an entomopathogenic bacterium commonly used as a bioinsecticide against numerous invertebrate pests. However, the efficacy of this microbe has not yet been determined towards Agrotis exclamationis–a lepidopteran, polyphagous pest, widespread throughout the Palearctic zone. In this work we have detected very low susceptibility of A. exclamationis to B. thuringiensis commercial strains, used as microbial formulations in pest control. To investigate this matter, the biological activity of six selected (Cry1Aa, Cry1Ca, Cry1Ia, Cry2Ab, Cry9Ea and Vip3Aa), heterogously-expressed Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal proteins has been assessed towards A. exclamationis. Only Cry9Ea and Vip3Aa caused significant mortality in the tested pest species, with LC50 values of 950 and 140 ng/cm2, respectively. The histopathological effects of Cry9Ea and Vip3Aa on A. exclamationis were determined. On the other hand, Cry1- and Cry2-type toxins, which are the main active molecules of the majority of currently-used B. thuringiensis-based biocontrol agents (including the commercial strains tested in this work), did not cause mortality in target insect, but only different levels of growth inhibition. Moreover, in the case of Cry1Ca and Cry1Ia hormesis has been observed–a phenomenon that may be disadvantageous in implementation of these proteins in pest management. The obtained results broaden the existing knowledge regarding B. thuringiensis insecticidal protein target range and depict variable susceptibility of A. exclamationis to different groups of Cry/Vip toxins. This work indicates Cry9Ea and Vip3Aa as good candidates for efficient biological control of A. exclamationis and possibly other Agrotinae and discusses the potential use of Vip3-type and Cry9-type insecticidal proteins as successful bioinsecticides.
Machine learning models trained on synthetic datasets of multiple sample sizes for the use of predicting blood pressure from clinical data in a national dataset
Authors: Arora Anmol , Arora Ananya
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The potential for synthetic data to act as a replacement for real data in research has attracted attention in recent months due to the prospect of increasing access to data and overcoming data privacy concerns when sharing data. The field of generative artificial intelligence and synthetic data is still early in its development, with a research gap evidencing that synthetic data can adequately be used to train algorithms that can be used on real data. This study compares the performance of a series machine learning models trained on real data and synthetic data, based on the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS).

Methods

Features identified to be potentially of relevance by directed acyclic graphs were isolated from the NDNS dataset and used to construct synthetic datasets and impute missing data. Recursive feature elimination identified only four variables needed to predict mean arterial blood pressure: age, sex, weight and height. Bayesian generalised linear regression, random forest and neural network models were constructed based on these four variables to predict blood pressure. Models were trained on the real data training set (n = 2408), a synthetic data training set (n = 2408) and larger synthetic data training set (n = 4816) and a combination of the real and synthetic data training set (n = 4816). The same test set (n = 424) was used for each model.

Results

Synthetic datasets demonstrated a high degree of fidelity with the real dataset. There was no significant difference between the performance of models trained on real, synthetic or combined datasets. Mean average error across all models and all training data ranged from 8.12 To 8.33. This indicates that synthetic data was capable of training equally accurate machine learning models as real data.

Discussion

Further research is needed on a variety of datasets to confirm the utility of synthetic data to replace the use of potentially identifiable patient data. There is also further urgent research needed into evidencing that synthetic data can truly protect patient privacy against adversarial attempts to re-identify real individuals from the synthetic dataset.
Influence of different data-averaging methods on mean values of selected variables derived from preoperative cardiopulmonary exercise testing in patients scheduled for colorectal surgery
Authors: Franssen Ruud F. W. , Sanders Bart H. E. , Takken Tim , Vogelaar F. Jeroen , Janssen-Heijnen Maryska L. G. , Bongers Bart C.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Patients with a low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) undergoing colorectal cancer surgery have a high risk for postoperative complications. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) to assess CRF is the gold standard for preoperative risk assessment. To aid interpretation of raw breath-by-breath data, different methods of data-averaging can be applied. This study aimed to investigate the influence of different data-averaging intervals on CPET variables used for preoperative risk assessment, as well as to evaluate whether different data-averaging intervals influence preoperative risk assessment.

Methods

A total of 21 preoperative CPETs were interpreted by two exercise physiologists using stationary time-based data-averaging intervals of 10, 20, and 30 seconds and rolling average intervals of 3 and 7 breaths. Mean values of CPET variables between different data averaging intervals were compared using repeated measures ANOVA. The variables of interest were oxygen uptake at peak exercise (VO2peak), oxygen uptake at the ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VO2VAT), oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES), the ventilatory equivalent for carbon dioxide at the ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VE/VCO2VAT), and the slope of the relationship between the minute ventilation and carbon dioxide production (VE/VCO2-slope).

Results

Between data-averaging intervals, no statistically significant differences were found in the mean values of CPET variables except for the ventilatory equivalent for carbon dioxide at the ventilatory anaerobic threshold (P = 0.001). No statistically significant differences were found in the proportion of patients classified as high or low risk regardless of the used data-averaging interval.

Conclusion

There appears to be no significant or clinically relevant influence of the evaluated data-averaging intervals on the mean values of CPET outcomes used for preoperative risk assessment. Clinicians may choose a data-averaging interval that is appropriate for optimal interpretation and data visualization of the preoperative CPET. Nevertheless, caution should be taken as the chosen data-averaging interval might lead to substantial within-patient variation for individual patients.

Clinical trial registration

Prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05353127).
Quality of life by dysmenorrhea severity in young and adult Japanese females: A web-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Mizuta Rami , Maeda Noriaki , Tashiro Tsubasa , Suzuki Yuta , Oda Sakura , Komiya Makoto , Urabe Yukio
Published: March 2023

Dysmenorrhea is a monthly menstrual pain that can limit a woman’s quality of life (QOL). The relationship between dysmenorrhea severity and QOL has been reported in several countries; however, the results cannot be generalized because lifestyle and cultural background affect menstrual pain. This study sought to uncover whether 1) different factors, such as emotions and ways of coping with symptoms, vary with the severity of dysmenorrhea and 2) the severity of dysmenorrhea ultimately affects QOL in Japan. A web-based cross-sectional survey was sent to 1000 Japanese females aged 16–30 years. The respondents were divided into two groups: those without dysmenorrhea (n = 24) and those with dysmenorrhea (n = 471). The severity of dysmenorrhea was classified using the Numerical Rating Scale as either mild (1–3), moderate (4–7), or severe (8–10). In total, 156 respondents reported mild dysmenorrhea, 249 reported moderate dysmenorrhea, and 66 reported severe dysmenorrhea. QOL was measured using the 26-item World Health Organization Quality of Life scale. One-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare QOL across different levels of dysmenorrhea severity, depending on normality. Ultimately, significant differences in QOL scores (p<0.001) were observed based on dysmenorrhea severity, with respondents with severe dysmenorrhea reporting the lowest QOL scores. Meanwhile, significant differences were observed in the physical, psychological, and environmental subscales (p<0.001, p<0.001, p = 0.019) across respondents with different levels of dysmenorrhea severity; notably, respondents with severe dysmenorrhea demonstrated a negative spiral of chronic pain, which may significantly impact QOL, and, relatedly, a relatively low psychological QOL. This study is the first to show the relationship between dysmenorrhea severity and QOL in Japanese females, who are more likely to experience negative feelings during menstruation.
To tax or to ban? A discrete choice experiment to elicit public preferences for phasing out glyphosate use in agriculture
Authors: Bjørnåvold Amalie , David Maia , Mermet-Bijon Vincent , Beaumais Olivier , Crastes dit Sourd Romain , Van Passel Steven , Martinet Vincent
Published: March 2023

In 2023, the European Union will vote on the reauthorization of glyphosate use, renewed in 2017 despite concern on impacts on the environment and public health. A ban is supported by several Member States but rejected by most farmers. What are citizens’ preferences to phase out glyphosate? To assess whether taxation could be an alternative to a ban, we conducted a discrete choice experiment in five European countries. Our results reveal that the general public is strongly willing to pay for a reduction in glyphosate use. However, while 75.5% of respondents stated to support a ban in the pre-experimental survey, experimental results reveal that in 73.35% of cases, earmarked taxation schemes are preferred when they lead to a strong reduction in glyphosate use for an increase in food price lower than that induced by a ban. When glyphosate reduction is balanced against its costs, a tax may be preferred.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of families dealing with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Winfield Alexis , Sugar Carly , Fenesi Barbara
Published: March 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic uprooted regular routines forcing many children to learn from home, requiring many adults to work from home, and cutting families off from support outside the home. Public health restrictions associated with the pandemic caused widespread psychological distress including depression and anxiety, increased fear, panic, and stress. These trends are particularly concerning for families raising neuroatypical children such as those with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), as these children are already more likely than their typically developing peers to experience comorbid mental health issues, and to experience greater distress when required to stay indoors. Families with children who have ADHD are also at greater risk for experiencing heightened familial stress due to the challenges associated with managing ADHD behavioural symptoms, greater parental discord and divorce, and greater financial difficulties compared to other families. The current study engaged families comprised of at least one child diagnosed with ADHD to elucidate 1) the unique ways that the COVID-19 pandemic affected their mental health and 2) the specific barriers these families faced to maintaining optimal mental wellbeing.

Methods and findings

A total of 33 participants (15 parent-child dyads) engaged in virtual interviews. Content analysis revealed that the most frequently identified mental health effects for families were increased child anxiety and disconnectedness, as well as deteriorating parental mental health. The most frequently identified barriers to maintaining optimal mental wellbeing were lack of routine, lack of social interaction and social supports, and uncertainty and fear.

Conclusions

Findings underscore areas of need during times of large-scale social isolation, specifically for families with children who have ADHD. This work contributes to a growing body of research aimed at creating safeguards to support mental wellbeing for vulnerable families during times of crisis.
The art of hanging textiles between individual style and design authenticity: Blended learning model in art education
Authors: Mandour Basant Awad
Published: March 2023

Against the backdrop of the pandemic, the teaching of art and design courses is being perceived as a challenge for lecturers and instructors owing to a shift in the types of courses during the COVID-19 era as well as the pandemic’s physiological impact on students. This article demonstrates the impact of applying a blended learning model on a teaching method focusing primarily on developing the students’ style and authentic design sense. This study was applied to one of the major courses in the Department of Textile Printing, Dyeing and Finishing, Faculty of Applied Arts, Damietta University during the first semester of the academic year 2020–21. The study comprises a questionnaire to assess the effectiveness of the blended learning model in the printed hanging textile design course, acknowledging the impact of the lecturer’s teaching strategies and understanding the individual style development process from students’ perspectives.
Creating and supervising expressive arts groups for migrant families on the Mexican border
Authors: Soto Hurtado Marianela , Orellana Roxana
Published: March 2023

Voces, a coalition of volunteer expressive arts therapists, created a one-year programme for Central American migrants at a large Mexican shelter on the US border during 2020–21. A team of four psychosocial professionals at the shelter were trained via an online course and weekly self-care and supervision. Two Hispanic members of Voces guided the team in using music, dance, role-play, stories and art to help address the high levels of anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression shown by the evaluations of 900 migrants waiting up to a year for US entry. The Voces members guided shelter professionals to create expressive arts groups for different ages of children and for parents. With scarce materials, online resources like Pixar/Disney shorts and Pinterest posters, culturally relevant music and cartoons were used to address emotional regulation, conflict resolution, attachment and self-concept.
Antimicrobial resistance pattern of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli with detection of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing isolates in broilers in east Algeria
Authors: Aberkane Chahrazed , Messaï Ahmed , Messaï Chafik Redha , Boussaada Tarek
Published: March 2023

Background and Aim: Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is the causative agent of colibacillosis, one of the most prevalent bacterial diseases responsible for significant economic losses in the poultry industry worldwide. This study aimed to assess the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns of APEC isolates recovered from poultry in east Algeria and estimate the prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing isolates.

Materials and Methods: In the slaughterhouse of Batna City (Algeria), livers indicating colibacillosis were sampled from 204 suspected carcasses with growth retardation and generalized congestion. Escherichia coli isolation and identification were performed on MacConkey agar using conventional methods and the API 20E system. Antimicrobial resistance susceptibility was tested by the disk diffusion method according to the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute Guidelines. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase detection was carried out using the double-disk confirmation test.

Results: One hundred sixty E. coli isolates were recovered (one isolate per sample). Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli isolates showed high levels of resistance to ampicillin and tetracycline (100%), nalidixic acid (95%), ofloxacin (93.75%), doxycycline (91.87), ciprofloxacin (87.50%), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (62.50%), gentamycin (32.50%), chloramphenicol (27.50%), amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (16.25%), colistin (14.37%), and nitrofurantoin (10.62%). All strains were multidrug-resistant to at least three antibiotics, and more than half (52.52%) of the isolates were resistant to at least seven antibiotics. All isolates were susceptible to ceftriaxone, ceftazidime, and aztreonam. Two E. coli isolates were ESBL producers (1.25%).

Conclusion: Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli resistance to most antimicrobial agents used in poultry may lead to antimicrobial therapy failure.

Keywords: antimicrobial resistance, avian pathogenic Escherichia coli, broilers, colibacillosis, Eastern Algeria, extended-spectrum β-lactamase.
Once and Future Liberal:
Authors: Da Silveira José Renato Ferraz , Henrique Gonçalves Maciel Gideon
Published: March 2023

O livro O progressista de ontem e o do amanhã: desafios da democracia liberal no mundo pós-políticas identitárias de Mark Lilla examina o fenômeno da crise na esquerda estadunidense. Após sucessivas derrotas, Lilla critica a profunda desconexão do Partido Democrata com o americano comum. O resultado disso foi o trágico triunfo de Donald Trump e concomitante ao colapso do discurso dos direitos civis.
Ativismo evangélico conservador nas presidenciais de 2022 na Colômbia
Authors: Castellanos Villamil Nayive
Published: March 2023

As eleições presidenciais de 2022 na Colômbia registraram a conjuntura pela que atravessa o ativismo evangélico conservador nesse país em termos de reacomodação de forças no Estado, e sinalizaram o grau de aderência a repertórios morais nestes comícios, que outrora foram coadjuvantes de processos políticos. O segmento evangélico representa um quinto da população da América Latina e seu ativismo desaguou no neoconservadorismo. Os capitais político, simbólico e financeiro fazem das maiores lideranças evangélicas agentes com paulatino potencial para disputar os comícios eleitorais. Este artigo trata, de forma breve, desse ativismo nas últimas eleições colombianas.
Mercury in Soils of Seabird Nesting Islands in West Iceland
Authors: Mallory Mark L. , Petersen Aevar , Thorstensen Sverrir , Spooner Ian , O'Driscoll Nelson J. , Baak Julia E. , McIntyre Jessie A.
Published: March 2023

Seabirds are globally recognized vectors of marine-derived materials, which get deposited on land at their breeding colonies, potentially altering local soil chemistry. We studied mercury (Hg) in soil cores on two islands in west Iceland that host thousands of nesting seabirds, predicting that Hg subsidies from nesting birds would result in elevated Hg in local soils. However, despite clear evidence from nitrogen isotopes of marine influence (seabird faeces) on coastal soil cores, O horizon Hg concentrations averaged 223 nanograms per gram (ng/g), were similar between reference and seabird-nesting sites, and were within the range of soils elsewhere in Europe and the Arctic. The concentration of Hg declined for samples deeper in the core, mirroring declines in organic content and concomitant increases in stable isotopes of nitrogen. A more detailed analysis of local pedogenic processes is required to determine the relative contribution of lithogenic, atmospheric, and anthropogenic Hg, but our data do not suggest that seabirds are markedly increasing local soil Hg through ornithogenic subsidies.