bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An audit of mental health questions on U.S. nursing licensure applications: Evidence to guide urgent action for change
Authors: Melnyk Bernadette Mazurek , Holod Alicia F. , Hsieh Andreanna Pavan , Feist J. Corey
Published: October 2023

Background

Nurses often forgo needed mental healthcare due to stigma and fear of losing their license. The decision to access care or disclose mental health struggles is intensified when registered nurses (RNs) or advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) discover that licensure applications ask invasive mental health questions that could impact their ability to work.

Aims

This study highlights findings from an audit of mental health and substance use questions included in RN and APRN licensure applications across the United States.

Methods

A sequential 4‐step approach was used to retrieve RN and APRN licensure applications: (1) review of Board of Nursing (BON) websites, (2) communication with BON staff, (3) communication with Deans of Nursing to ask for retrieval assistance, and (4) creation of mock applicants. An embedded checklist within the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation's Remove Intrusive Mental Health Questions from Licensure and Credentialing Applications Toolkit guided the audit. Two study team members reviewed the applications independently for intrusive mental health questions, which were designated as non‐compliant with the Toolkit's recommendations and arbitrated for consensus. States were designated as non‐compliant if ≥1 item on the checklist was violated.

Results

At least one RN and APRN application was obtained from 42 states. Only RN applications were obtained from five states, while only APRN applications were obtained from three states. Only 13 states (26%) fully adhered to the Took‐Kit checklist.

Linking Evidence to Action

The majority of BONs did not fully adhere to the Took‐Kit checklist. Guidance from national organizations and legislation from state governments concerning the removal or revision of probing mental health and substance use questions is urgently needed to cultivate a stigma‐reducing environment where nurses are supported in seeking needed mental health treatment.
Emerging role of cyclophilin A in HIV-1 infection: from producer cell to the target cell nucleus
Authors: Padron Adrian , Prakash Prem , Pandhare Jui , Luban Jeremy , Aiken Chris , Balasubramaniam Muthukumar , Dash Chandravanu
Published: October 2023

The HIV-1 genome encodes a small number of proteins with structural, enzymatic, regulatory, and accessory functions. These viral proteins interact with a number of host factors to promote the early and late stages of HIV-1 infection. During the early stages of infection, interactions between the viral proteins and host factors enable HIV-1 to enter the target cell, traverse the cytosol, dock at the nuclear pore, gain access to the nucleus, and integrate into the host genome. Similarly, the viral proteins recruit another set of host factors during the late stages of infection to orchestrate HIV-1 transcription, translation, assembly, and release of progeny virions. Among the host factors implicated in HIV-1 infection, Cyclophilin A (CypA) was identified as the first host factor to be packaged within HIV-1 particles. It is now well established that CypA promotes HIV-1 infection by directly binding to the viral capsid. Mechanistic models to pinpoint CypA’s role have spanned from an effect in the producer cell to the early steps of infection in the target cell. In this review, we will describe our understanding of the role(s) of CypA in HIV-1 infection, highlight the current knowledge gaps, and discuss the potential role of this host factor in the post-nuclear entry steps of HIV-1 infection.
Slab breakoff diorite porphyries derived from two cratons in a continental subduction zone, Sulu orogen, China
Authors: Feng Peng , Wang Lu , Kusky Timothy , Chen Zhe , Hu Wei , Yang Xiandeng
Published: October 2023

Syncollisional magmatism plays an important but underappreciated role in continental crust growth and maturation. However, the origin of syncollisional intermediate magmas in continental subduction zones is controversial, with some models suggesting they form by arc-related processes, and others indicating they form by later slab breakoff−induced melting. Diorite porphyry dikes intruding granitic gneiss in the Paleo-Tethyan Sulu ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) continental collisional orogen have inherited zircon grains with 206Pb/238U ages of ca. 749−238 Ma, and magmatic zircons with weighted mean ages of 216−215 Ma, falling within the well-constrained time range (ca. 235−208 Ma) tracking exhumation of the Sulu UHP rocks from UHP peak conditions to amphibolite facies; they are thus syncollisional. The dikes have high Cr (330−402 ppm), Ni (84.5−103 ppm), and Mg# (64−66) values, showing a mantle origin. The porphyries have relatively high Sm/Yb, Nb/Y, La/Yb, and Gd/Yb ratios, representing a classic signature of slab breakoff magmatism. Together with the arc-like trace-element patterns and enriched Sr-Nd isotope compositions, ages, and εHf(t) values (−19.5 to −17.0) of magmatic zircons and their tectonic setting, we propose a syncollisional slab breakoff model in which the melts were initially generated from asthenospheric upwelling in the gap created when the oceanic slab attached to the Yangtze craton detached underneath the North China craton during Late Triassic collision following Paleo-Tethys Ocean closure. The diorite porphyry dikes have consistent Sr-Nd isotope compositions and spatiotemporal relationships with the nearby Shidao gabbro-syenite-granite complex, for which the tectonic affinity is controversial. Thus, we argue that the diorite porphyries and Shidao complex were sourced from two cratons, including the enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle of the North China craton, which interacted with abundant felsic melts derived from the sinking slab breaking away from the subducted crust of the Yangtze continental-ocean transitional margin. This study sheds new light on crustal recycling versus continental growth in collisional orogens and implies that considerable syncollisional intermediate magmas can be generated by slab breakoff in continental subduction zones, representing hybrid additions to continental growth that are different and more evolved than arc magmas and have a composition similar to that of the bulk continental crust.
Radiative–Convective Heating of the Surface of the Martian Descent Vehicle MSL with Taking into Account the Turbulent Nature of Flow
Authors: Surzhikov S. T.
Published: October 2023

The three-dimensional computer model based on the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations together with the Baldwin–Lomax and Prandtl algebraic models of turbulent mixing is used to calculate radiative–convective heat transfer on the surface of the MSL descent space vehicle. The intensification of convective heat transfer on the leeward side of the frontal aerodynamic shield and the superiority of the radiative heat flux density over the convective one on the rear surface are demonstrated. The calculations are performed using the physically and chemically nonequilibrium gas model. The results are compared with the calculations based on other computational models and the flight data on the heat load to the descent vehicle obtained during MSL descent in the dense layers of the Martian atmosphere.
Successful multidisciplinary treatment of the rare pathology of vulvar Crohn’s disease
Authors: Al yacoub Raed , Brown Kelcie , Ladna Michael
Published: October 2023

A woman in her 50s with a medical history of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and hypothyroidism presented with 3 months of vaginal pain and swelling. Physical examination showed vulvar oedema and erythema, ulcerations of the inferior vulva that extended to the buttocks and introitus with erythema and superficial erosions. MR pelvis showed a fibroid in the uterus but otherwise was unremarkable. Biopsies of the vagina showed extensive acute and chronic inflammation, necrosis and granulomas without concern for malignancy, which was consistent with a diagnosis of cutaneous Crohn’s disease. MR enterography, upper endoscopy and colonoscopy revealed no gastrointestinal manifestations of Crohn’s. She was treated initially with corticosteroids and metronidazole as well as vulvectomy and graft placement. Azathioprine was added to her regimen due to lack of response; however, despite 6 weeks of this therapy, the ulcerations did not heal thus infliximab was initiated. After 8 weeks the lesions had completely resolved.
Severe chronic diarrhoea caused by hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis
Authors: Toppeta Angelica , Dell'Era Alessandra , Molteni Paola , Ardizzone Sandro
Published: October 2023

Amyloidosis includes a heterogeneous group of diseases caused by the extracellular deposition of insoluble fibrillar proteins, leading to multiple organ dysfunction and a poor life expectancy. In the early stages of amyloidosis, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are uncommon. We describe a rare case of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv) with involvement of the heart, nervous system and GI tract. A man in his 60s was hospitalised due to chronic diarrhoea, orthostatic hypotension, malabsorption and weight loss. An organic origin for the diarrhoea was suspected, but the most common causes were ruled out. The review of GI biopsies and an abdominal fat aspirate confirmed the diagnosis of amyloidosis. The diagnosis of ATTRv amyloidosis with GI presentation is challenging, especially in the early stages, and misdiagnosis is common. The recent approval of therapies emphasises the importance of early diagnosis to prevent irreversible organ damage.
Predictive modeling of oocyte maternal mRNA features for five mammalian species reveals potential shared and species-restricted regulators during maturation
Authors: Schall Peter Z. , Latham Keith E.
Published: October 2023

Conservation across species of mRNA features regulating maternal mRNA stability during mammalian oocyte maturation was analyzed. 3′-Untranslated region length and synonymous codon usage are positively associated with stability, while GC content is negatively associated. Just three RNA binding protein motifs were predicted to regulate mRNA stability across all five species examined, but associated pathways and functions are shared, indicating oocytes of different species arrive at comparable physiological destinations via different routes.
Oxidative damage in neurodegeneration: roles in the pathogenesis and progression of Alzheimer disease
Authors: Perluigi Marzia , Di Domenico Fabio , Butterfield D. Allan
Published: October 2023

Alzheimer disease (AD) is associated with multiple etiologies and pathological mechanisms, among which oxidative stress (OS) appears as a major determinant. Intriguingly, OS arises in various pathways regulating brain functions, and it seems to link different hypotheses and mechanisms of AD neuropathology with high fidelity. The brain is particularly vulnerable to oxidative damage, mainly because of its unique lipid composition, resulting in an amplified cascade of redox reactions that target several cellular components/functions ultimately leading to neurodegeneration. The present review highlights the “OS hypothesis of AD,” including amyloid beta-peptide-associated mechanisms, the role of lipid and protein oxidation unraveled by redox proteomics, and the antioxidant strategies that have been investigated to modulate the progression of AD. Collected studies from our groups and others have contributed to unraveling the close relationships between perturbation of redox homeostasis in the brain and AD neuropathology by elucidating redox-regulated events potentially involved in both the pathogenesis and progression of AD. However, the complexity of AD pathological mechanisms requires an in-depth understanding of several major intracellular pathways affecting redox homeostasis and relevant for brain functions. This understanding is crucial to developing pharmacological strategies targeting OS-mediated toxicity that may potentially contribute to slow AD progression as well as improve the quality of life of persons with this severe dementing disorder.
Evaluating Effect of Operating Speed on Crashes of Rural Two-Lane Highways
Authors: Rahman Fahmida , Zhang Xu , Chen Mei
Published: October 2023

Crashes on a roadway are influenced by various factors, including but not limited to road geometries, traffic volume, and environmental conditions. Among these factors, traffic volume and segment length are commonly used to predict crashes. Recently, the role of speed in crashes has been recognized as a significant factor, prompting its incorporation as a variable in crash modeling. Nevertheless, previous research studies that examined speed-related factors are mostly concentrated on higher functional class roads where speed data are abundant. Lack of actual speed data has limited the scope of such a study on rural two-lane highways. Due to recent advancements in data collection methodologies, there has been a significant increase in the accessibility of speed data pertaining to these roads. This study aims to assess the significance of speed as a predictor of crashes on rural two-lane highways, utilizing actual speed data. The results of this study showed a negative correlation between speed and crash frequency on rural two-lane roadways. In addition, it was observed that the impact of speed in the crash model becomes more pronounced at higher operating speed conditions of these roads. The aforementioned observation prompted us to consider a categorizer based on speed and, afterwards, separating crash prediction models for various speed ranges. This approach ultimately resulted in enhanced accuracy in crash prediction. Based on our analysis, developing separate models at different speed levels is recommended to better evaluate the safety performance of these roads under various conditions. Such models can also be useful for transportation planners and policymakers to identify high-risk segments and allocate resources to improve the safety of these roads.
Occurrence of Harmful Algal Blooms in Freshwater Sources of Mindu and Nyumba ya Mungu Dams, Tanzania
Authors: Gobry Josephine J. , Bachwenkizi Hilda S. , Kimambo Offoro N. , Ngassapa Faustin N. , Kilulya Kessy F.
Published: October 2023

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) pose a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems and human health due to the production of toxins. The identification and quantification of these toxins are crucial for water quality management decisions. This study used DNA analysis (PCR techniques) to identify toxin-producing strains and liquid-chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to quantify microcystins in samples from Mindu and Nyumba ya Mungu Dams in Tanzania. The results showed that HABs were detected in both dams. The BLAST results revealed that the 16S gene sequences of uncultured samples were very similar to an Antarctic cyanobacterium, Leptolyngbya sp, Anabaena sp, and Microcystis aeruginosa. Sequences of the cultured samples were most similar to Nodularia spumigena, Amazoninema brasiliense, Anabaena sp, and Microcystis aeruginosa. Further analyses showed that the nucleotide sequence similarity of uncultured isolates from this study and those from the GenBank ranged from 85 to 100%. For cultured isolates from this study and others from the GenBank, nucleotide identity ranged from 81 to 100%. The molecular identification of Microcystis aeruginosa confirmed the presence of HABs in both Mindu and Nyumba ya Mungu Dams in Tanzania. At Mindu Dam, the mean concentrations (± standard deviation) of microcystin-LR, -RR, and -YR were 1.08 ± 0.749 ppm, 0.120 ± 0.0211 ppm, and 1.37 ± 0.862 ppm, respectively. Similarly, at Nyumba ya Mungu Dam, the concentrations of microcystin-LR, -RR, and -YR were 1.07 ± 0.499 ppm, 0.124 ± 0.0224 ppm, and 0.961 ± 0.408 ppm, respectively. This paper represents the first application of PCR and LC-MS/MS to study microcystins in small freshwater reservoirs in Tanzania. This study confirms the presence of toxin-producing strains of Microcystis aeruginosa in both dams and also provides evidence of the occurrence of microcystins from these strains. These findings contribute in improving the monitoring of HABs contamination and their potential impact on water quality in Tanzanian reservoirs.
A Rare Case of Mosaic 3pter and 5pter Deletion-Duplication with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Dyskinesia
Authors: Bajracharya Luna , Lall Meena , Bijarnia-Mahay Sunita , Kumar Praveen , Mushtaq Imran , Saviour Pushpa , Paliwal Preeti , Joshi Anju , Agarwal Shruti , Suman Praveen
Published: October 2023

Introduction. There is evidence that neurodevelopmental disorders are associated with chromosomal abnormalities. Current genetic testing can clinch an exact diagnosis in 20–25% of such cases. Case Description. A 3 years and 11 months old boy with global developmental delay had repetitive behaviors and hyperkinetic movements. He was stunted and underweight. He had ataxia, limb dyskinesia, triangular face, microcephaly, upward slanting palpebral fissure, hypertelorism, retrognathia, posteriorly rotated ears, long philtrum, thin lips, broad nasal tip, polydactyly, tappering fingers, and decreased tone in the upper and lower limbs with normal deep tendon reflexes. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, ultrasound of the abdomen, and ophthalmological evaluation were normal. Brain evoked response auditory revealed bilateral moderate hearing loss. He fulfilled the Diagnostic Statistical Manual 5 criteria for autism. In the Vineland Social Maturity Scale, his score indicated a severe delay in social functioning. His genetic evaluation included karyotyping, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA). The karyotype report from high-resolution lymphocyte cultures was mos 46, XY, der(3)t(3; 5)(p26; p15.3)[50]/46, XY,der(5) t(3;5) (p26;p15.3)[50].ish. His karyotype report showed a very rare and abnormal mosaic pattern with two cell lines (50% each). Cell-line#1: 3pter deletion with 5pter duplication (3pter−/5pter+) and cell-line#2: 3pter duplication with 5pter deletion (3pter+/5pter−) derived from a de novo reciprocal translocation t(3; 5)(p26; p15.3) which was confirmed by FISH. The chromosomal microarray analysis report was normal. The two cell lines (50% each) seem to have balanced out at the whole genome level. Occupational, sensory integration, and behavior modification therapy were initiated for his autistic features, and anticholinergic trihexiphenidyl was prescribed for hyperkinetic movements. Conclusion. This case highlights a rare genetic finding and the need for timely genetic testing in a child with dysmorphism and autism with movement disorder to enable appropriate management and genetic counselling.
Afan Oromo Speech-Based Computer Command and Control: An Evaluation with Selected Commands
Authors: Teshite Kebede , Mamo Getachew , Calpotura Kris
Published: October 2023

Speech-based computer command and control utilize natural speech to enable computers to understand human language and execute tasks through commands. However, there has been no study or development of a speech-based command and control system for Microsoft Word in Afan Oromo. The primary aim of this research is to investigate and develop a speech-based command and control system for Afan Oromo using a selected set of command-and-control words from MS Word. To accomplish this objective, a speech recognizer was developed using the HTK toolkit, employing a small vocabulary, isolated words, speaker independence, and HMM-based techniques. The translation of the selected MS command words from English to Afan Oromo was completed in order to develop this automatic speech-based computer command system. Audio recordings were obtained from 38 speakers (16 females and 22 males) aged between 18 and 40 years, based on their availability. Word-level speech recognition was performed using MFCC and data processing, which are widely used and are effective approaches in speech recognition. Out of a total of 64 MS command words, 54 words (84.37%) were used for training and 10 words (15.63%) were used for testing. Live and nonlive evaluation techniques were employed to assess the performance of the recognizer. The live recognizer, which considers variations in the environment, outperformed the nonlive recognizer due to the influence of neighboring phones. The performance results for the monophone tied state, triphone, and triphone-based recognizers were 78.12%, 86.87%, and 88.99%, respectively. Thus, the triphone-based recognizer exhibited the best performance among the nonlive recognizers. The challenges of limited resources in this research study were limited to investigate speech-based commands for computers using only selected MS commands, which play a crucial role in text processing. In order to evaluate a speech-based interface in a real environment, there were no components available for object-as-a-service. The experimental findings of this study demonstrated that if an adequate amount of language resources was available, a computer-based Afan Oromo speech-based interface for command-and-control purposes could be developed.
FIGURE 3 from DNA2 Nuclease Inhibition Confers Synthetic Lethality in Cancers with Mutant p53 and Synergizes with PARP Inhibitors
Authors: Folly-Kossi Helena , Graves Joshua D. , Garan Lidija A. Wilhelms , Lin Fang-Tsyr , Lin Weei-Chin
Published: October 2023

d16 displays on-target effects on DNA2 in mutp53-harboring breast and ovarian cancer cells. Cpd d16 modestly induces apoptosis in MDA-MB-468 (A) and MDAH-2774 cells (B). Cells were treated with DMSO vehicle or d16 (5 or 10 µmol/L) for 21 hours. Active caspase-3/7 was determined by Caspase-Glo 3/7 Assay, and was normalized to protein concentrations. The data shown represent the mean ± SD in MDA-MB-468 (n = 6 biological replicates) or MDAH-2774 (n = 3 biological replicates). *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; and ***, P < 0.001 indicating statistically significant difference (two-tailed t test). C and D, Flow cytometric cell cycle analysis of MDAH-2774 cells treated with vehicle (Veh) or 20 µmol/L d16 overnight. C, Quantification of cells stained with PI indicates the percentage of cell distribution in G1-, S-, and G2–M-phase. D, Representative PI profiles. *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01 (two-tailed t test, n = 3 biological replicates). E, Colony formation of H1299 stable cells harboring a DNA2 shRNA (shDNA2) or a scrambled shRNA (shScr). Cells were treated with vehicle (Veh) or 2 µmol/L d16 for 24 hours and cultured for additional 7 days in a drug-free medium. Bar chart shows the percentage of colonies relative to untreated cells of each group. Error bars = mean ± SD; n = 3; *, P < 0.05. Right: Western blotting confirms DNA2 knockdown in H1299 cells. BT549 (F) and MDAH-2774 (G) stable cell lines expressing a scrambled shRNA (shScr) or a DNA2 shRNA (shDNA2) were treated with increasing concentrations of d16 or C5 for 72 hours followed by MTT assay. Cell lysates of both cell lines were analyzed by immunoblotting (right). The data shown represent mean ± SD (n = 3 biological replicates). P values are *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; and ***, P < 0.001 (two-tailed t test). CETSA, Western blot (H) and melt curves (I) from MDAH-2774 cell lysates following d16 (20 µmol/L) treatment. The intensity of DNA2 was quantified using NIH ImageJ software, normalized by its corresponding β-actin signal, and relative to the room temperature) sample. J, Recombinant flag-tagged DNA2 (10 nmol/L) was mixed with biotin-conjugated flap DNA substrate (500 fmol) in the absence or presence of d16 (20 µmol/L). The image shows a representative result of biochemical reaction (37°C, 30 minutes) that was resolved using 15% denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.
Aggressive Fibromatosis of the Left Mesocolon Mimicking a Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor: A Case Report
Authors: Abu-Jeyyab Mohammad , Al-Asbahi Hanna , Al-Jafari Mohammad , Al-Tarawneh Bushra Khalaf , Nashwan Abdulqadir J.
Published: October 2023

Mesenteric fibromatosis (MF) is a proliferative fibroblastic lesion of the intestinal mesentery. It constitutes 8% of all desmoid tumors, representing 0.03% of all neoplasms. It is benign histologically, although it could infiltrate locally and recur following excision; however, it is free from the potential to metastasize. It is spontaneous or associated with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP]) mutation as a part of Gardner’s syndrome. This case report discusses the radiological, intraoperative, and histopathological findings from a 45-year-old male patient who presented with abdominal pain and a palpable mass in the left hemiabdomen. The pain was dull and aching, extending to the back and unrelated to any other gastrointestinal symptoms. There was no history of severe weight reduction. Furthermore, he is not a smoker. There were no comorbidities, severe medical diseases, or prior surgical procedures. Computerized tomography revealed a well-defined, lobulated, heterogeneously enhancing altered signal intensity mass at the mesocolon. Ultrasonography of the abdomen showed an intra-abdominal mass. Macroscopic mass characteristics include a well-defined mass measuring 22 × 14 × 11 cm connected to a small intestine segment measuring 21 × 2 × 2 cm. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations of the resected tumor, including positive nuclear immunostaining for beta-catenin, confirmed a postoperative diagnosis of desmoid-type fibromatosis. Based on its clinical presentation and computed tomography results, this case demonstrated how desmoid-type fibromatosis of the colon might mimic gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Due to the varied therapies and follow-up methods used for these lesions, the differential diagnosis between desmoid-type fibromatosis and GIST is clinically significant.
A beautiful new species of Dichorisandra (Commelinaceae) from the mountains of northeastern Goiás, Brazil
Authors: SILVA MARCOS JOSÉ DA , AONA LIDYANNE YURIKO SALEME
Published: October 2023

Dichorisandra pulcherrima, a new species from the mountains of the northeastern state of Goiás, Brazil, is described and illustrated here. Its morphological relationships are discussed and compared with those of D. villosula, D. hexandra, and D. pubescens, especially with the first two, with which it is most similar. However, it differs from all of them by a combination of characters that includes the erect habit without pendulous branches, the presence and type of indumentum in the vegetative parts, stem diameter, internode length, the color, shape and size of the leaf blades, the size of the inflorescence, the shape and size of the cincinnus bracts, and the color and shape of the petals and pollen sacs.
A preliminary account of the Arctic/Subarctic Suberites (Porifera: Demospongiae) fauna
Authors: MOROZOV GRIGORI , STRELKOVA NATALYA ANISIMOVA , ZIMINA OLGA , SABIROV RUSHAN
Published: October 2023

Sponges of the genus Suberites are quite polymorphic and diverse, yet the delimitation of species within the group has always been challenging since there are only a few spicule types that show little, or sometimes no variation in closely allied species. Koltun (1966) created a variety, S. domuncula var. ficus—something of a “dustbin assemblage”—with a geographic distribution ranging from the North Atlantic, across the Arctic, to the North Pacific Oceans. Our study shows that in the Arctic/Subarctic region, boreal S. ficus is replaced by a mix of closely related species: in the western-Arctic—S. lutkenii, in the eastern-Arctic—S. cebriones. A defining feature—centrotylote microxeas—sets the northern species group apart from the boreal S. ficus and all other congeners known outside the Arctic/Subarctic seas. Altogether, we report seven species and one variety belonging to Suberites from the European Arctic/Subarctic. Five species are Arctic endemics: S. lutkenii, S. spermatozoon, S. montiniger, S. glasenappii, and S. cebriones. One species, S. virgultosus, is a typical boreal. S. syringella is apparently a species complex.
How Visual Design of Severe Weather Outlooks Can Affect Communication and Decision-Making
Authors: Clive Mary Anne T. , Doyle Emma E. H. , Potter Sally H. , Noble Chris , Johnston David M.
Published: October 2023

Multiday severe weather outlooks can inform planning beyond the hour-to-day windows of warnings and watches. Outlooks can be complex to visualize, as they represent large-scale weather phenomena overlapping across several days at varying levels of uncertainty. Here, we present the results of a survey (n = 417) that explores how visual variables affect comprehension, inferences, and intended decision-making in a hypothetical scenario with the New Zealand MetService Severe Weather Outlook. We propose that visualization of the time window, forecast area, icons, and uncertainty can influence perceptions and decision-making based on four key findings. First, composite-style outlooks that depict multiple days of weather on one map can lead to biased perceptions of the forecast. When responding to questions about a day for which participants accurately reported there was no severe weather forecast, those who viewed a composite outlook reported higher likelihoods of severe weather occurring, higher levels of concern about travel, and higher likelihoods of changing plans compared to those who viewed outlooks that showed weather for each day on a separate map, suggesting that they perceived the forecast to underrepresent the likelihood of severe weather on that day. Second, presenting uncertainty in an extrinsic way (e.g., “low”) can lead to more accurate estimates of likelihood than intrinsic formats (e.g., hue variation). Third, shaded forecast areas may lead to higher levels of confidence in the forecast than outlined forecast areas. Fourth, inclusion of weather icons can improve comprehension in some conditions. The results demonstrate how visualization can affect decision-making about severe weather and support several evidence-based considerations for effective design of long-term forecasts.

Significance Statement

Severe weather outlook forecasts can be hard to clearly communicate because they show multiple weather patterns across multiple days and regions with varying uncertainty. The purpose of this study is to explore how visual elements of outlook design affect the way that people understand this complex content. We had three separate groups respond to the same series of questions while viewing different modified versions of the MetService Severe Weather Outlook in Aotearoa New Zealand and compared their responses. We find that the way the outlooks’ time window, forecast area, icons, and uncertainty are visualized can influence how people understand outlooks and make inferences and decisions about severe weather. We discuss how these influences may impact communication and action and present several evidence-based considerations for effective outlook design.
Les attitudes des Spirituels mais non religieux envers les relations homosexuelles et les rôles de genre
Authors: WILKINS-LAFLAMME Sarah
Published: October 2023

In 2008 and 2018, the International Social Survey Programme (ISSP) asked respondents from 44 countries if they self-identify as ‘I don’t follow a religion, but consider myself to be a spiritual person interested in the sacred or the supernatural’ (Spiritual But Not Religious, SBNR). This paper compares issue positions on same-sex relations and gender roles between SBNR respondents and religiously active, marginally affiliated and nonreligious and nonspiritual respondents. Previous studies show that more religious individuals tend to hold more right-leaning stances on many sociopolitical issues, due to more conservative religious and political socialization as well as influences from surrounding social environments. However, these previous studies have not looked at the potentially distinct category of SBNR. Our study finds that progressive attitudes extend to both the SBNR and the nonreligious and nonspiritual, the attitudes among respondents of both these categories being very similar when it comes to same-sex relations and gender roles.
Modified Laryngeal Forceps for Arytenoid Cartilage Dislocation Caused by Endotracheal Intubation: A Retrospective Case–Control Pilot Study
Authors: Lou Zhewei , Li Xiaxia , Jiang Jack J , Lin Zhihong
Published: October 2023

Background: Arytenoid cartilage dislocation is considered as a rare laryngeal injury and closed reduction is commonly used as the first choice for the arytenoid dislocation. However, the tools of closed reduction vary, and there is no dedicated tool for closed reduction, and the treatment outcome varies from person to person. This study compared the treatment outcome of the modified laryngeal forceps and traditional laryngeal forceps. Material and Methods: This study conformed to the strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology guidelines regarding retrospective studies. From May 2021 to February 2023, the records of 28 patients with arytenoid cartilage dislocation caused by endotracheal intubation were reviewed. They were divided into the traditional group ( n = 14) and the modified group ( n = 14) by gender. Indirect or direct laryngoscopy, video stroboscopy, high-resolution computed tomography, and cricoarytenoid joint 3-dimensional reconstruction were used to evaluate arytenoid position and motion. Clinical characteristics, voice function, procedural skill, and treatment outcome for each case were recorded. Results: Each patient was diagnosed with arytenoid dislocation caused by endotracheal intubation. There was no significant difference in the treatment outcome between the traditional group and the modified group ( P > .05). However, the median time interval between closed reduction and the return of normal voice in the traditional group was 31.08 ± 10.56 days, which was significantly longer than the median time of 17.92 ± 3.83 days in the modified group ( P < .05). Conclusion: Closed reduction with the modified laryngeal forceps under local anesthesia is an effective and safe procedure. Compared with traditional laryngeal forceps, the modified laryngeal forceps can shorten the treatment duration.
An operative case of pseudocoarctation with chronic dissection
Authors: Yoshitatsu Masao , Kakizawa Yumi , Misumi Yusuke , Shirasaki Yukie , Kitahara Mutsunori , Nishi Hiroyuki
Published: October 2023

A 47-year-old man with a history of hypertension was found to have a prominent aortic knob on routine chest X-ray and was referred to our hospital. Enhanced computed tomography angiography showed severe flexion at the proximal descending aorta with chronic type B dissection localized to the flexion region. Graft replacement of the distal aortic arch was performed. Surgical management of chronic pseudocoarctation dissection is sparsely reported in the literature because of its rare occurrence. We present an operative case of a patient with chronic dissection of distal aortic arch pseudocoarctation.
Advancing Proficiencies for Health Professionals in the Treatment of Tobacco Use Among Marginalized Communities: Development of a Competency-Based Curriculum and Virtual Workshop
Authors: Sheffer Christine E. , Shevorykin Alina , Freitas-Lemos Roberta , Vantucci Darian , Carl Ellen , Bensch Lindsey , Marion Matthew , Erwin Deborah O. , Smith Philip H. , Williams Jill M. , Ostroff Jamie S.
Published: October 2023

Background:

Tobacco-related disparities are a leading contributor to health inequities among marginalized communities. Lack of support from health professionals is one of the most cited barriers to tobacco cessation reported by these communities. Improving the proficiencies with which health professionals incorporate social and cultural influences into therapeutic interactions has the potential to address this critical barrier. In general, training to improve these proficiencies has shown promise, but the specific proficiencies required for treating tobacco use among marginalized communities are unknown. This project aimed to develop a competency-based curriculum to improve these proficiencies among health professionals with experience and training in the evidence-based treatment of tobacco use, and then pilot test the content delivered via an expert review of a virtual, self-paced workshop.

Methods:

We used the Delphi Technique to systematically identify the specific competencies and corresponding knowledge and skill sets required to achieve these proficiencies. Educational content was developed to teach these competencies in a virtual workshop. The workshop was evaluated by 11 experts in the field by examining pre- and post-training changes in perceived knowledge, skill, and confidence levels and other quantitative and qualitative feedback. Repeated measures analysis of variance and paired sample t-tests were used to examine pre-post training differences.

Results:

Six competencies and corresponding skill sets were identified. After exposure to the virtual workshop, the experts reported significant increases in the overall proficiency for each competency as well as increases in nearly all levels of knowledge, skill, and confidence within the competency skill sets. Qualitative and quantitative findings indicate that content was relevant to practice.

Conclusions:

These findings provide preliminary support for 6 competencies and skills sets needed to improve therapeutic interpersonal interactions that recognize the importance of social and cultural influences in the treatment of tobacco use.
Determinants of Neonatal Mortality in Bhutan: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Lethro Pema , Nishizawa Yoriko , Dorjee Kinley , Zangmo Kencho , Dorji Lobzang , Tenzin Karma
Published: October 2023

More than half of Bhutan’s under-five mortality is attributed to neonatal deaths. Despite this, there is a lack of local evidence on determinants of neonatal mortality. It is critical to generate new evidence to accelerate interventions to achieve sufficient reduction of neonatal mortality rate in line to sustainable development goal target 3.2. Thus, this study was aimed at exploring determinants of neonatal mortality in Bhutan. A case-control study was performed with reported neonatal deaths from hospitals and primary health centers between 2018 and 2019. A total of 181 neonatal deaths were included as cases along with three corresponding controls. Epidata and STATA were used for data management and analysis, respectively. A multivariable model was fitted to identify determinants of neonatal mortality. History of obstetric complications (odds ratio [OR] = 3.53; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.48-8.42), intrapartum complications (OR = 3.86; 95% CI = 1.71-8.74) gestational age (OR = 8.07; 95% CI = 2.89-22.52), and Apgar 1 minute (OR = 4.40; 95% CI =1.83-10.59) were associated with neonatal death. Therefore, quality of care during pregnancy and childbirth besides promoting supportive family environment is essential to reduce neonatal mortality.
Assessing Anxiety-Related Impairment in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Etkin Rebecca G. , Lebowitz Eli R. , Silverman Wendy K.
Published: October 2023

Anxiety disorders (ADs) frequently lead to significant impairment across important domains of youth functioning. Yet until recently, clinical research and assessment have largely neglected the measurement of anxiety-related impairment. In this article, we review the evidence for five extant rating scales of youth anxiety-related impairment, guided by widely used evaluative criteria. Emerging psychometric data show the potential utility of these rating scales for achieving different assessment functions. Of the five scales, the Child Anxiety Impact Scale, particularly the parent-report version, has been the most researched one. Promising psychometric data support its use for assessing anxiety-related impairment in school, social, and family/home domains of functioning. We conclude with recommendations for growing this research base and for incorporating these rating scales into the youth AD clinical and research assessment process.
Auditory Test of Processing Speed: Preliminary validation of a smartphone-based test of mental speed
Authors: Weinstock Zachary L , Jaworski Michael , Dwyer Michael G , Jakimovski Dejan , Burnham Alex , Wicks Taylor R , Youngs Margaret , Santivasci Celeste , Cruz Sara , Gillies John , Covey Thomas J , Suchan Christopher , Bergsland Niels , Weinstock-Guttman Bianca , Zivadinov Robert , Benedict Ralph HB
Published: October 2023

Background:

The Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) is a gold-standard measure of cognitive efficiency and processing speed for people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) but relies on vision and oculomotor function.

Objectives:

To develop and validate a new processing speed test with minimal memory involvement and no eye function requirements.

Methods:

We created an Auditory Test of Processing Speed (ATOPS). A total of 122 PwMS, of whom 33 were severely disabled (median Expanded Disability Status Scale 8.0) and 37 healthy volunteers (HVs), were enrolled. We assessed sensitivity to discriminate MS participants from HVs, convergent validity between ATOPS and SDMT, sensitivity to discriminate between cognitively impaired (CI) and cognitively preserved (CP) MS participants, and correlations with MS pathology (overall brain lesion burden). Acceptability was examined with completion rates and participant ratings of ATOPS.

Results:

ATOPS discriminated PwMS from HVs ( d = 0.739–0.856), correlated with SDMT (| r| = 0.528–0.587), discriminated between CI and CP PwMS ( d = 0.623–0.776), and correlated with lesion burden ( r = 0.332–0.436). All groups indicated high favorability of ATOPS and severely disabled MS patients could be assessed by ATOPS more frequently than by SDMT (100% vs. 72.4% completion).

Conclusions:

ATOPS is a novel, accessible, and acceptable cognitive processing speed test that may be useful in clinical and/or research settings.
National survey of patient symptoms and therapies among 707 women with a lipedema phenotype in the United States
Authors: Aday Aaron W , Donahue Paula MC , Garza Maria , Crain Vanessa N , Patel Niral J , Beasley John A , Herbst Karen L , Beckman Joshua A , Taylor Shannon L , Pridmore Michael , Chen Sheau-Chiann , Donahue Manus J , Crescenzi Rachelle
Published: October 2023

Background:

National survey data exploring the patient experience with lipedema are lacking.

Methods:

We conducted national surveys from 2016 to 2022 of women with lipedema as well as female controls. Surveys collected information on symptomatology, pain, and therapies. We performed logistic regression comparing symptoms among those with lipedema versus controls adjusting for age and BMI.

Results:

A total of 707 women with lipedema and 216 controls completed the surveys. Those with lipedema had a mean age of 48.6 years and mean BMI of 40.9 kg/m2. Lipedema symptom onset occurred frequently at puberty (48.0%) or pregnancy (41.2%). Compared to controls, women with lipedema were more likely to report leg swelling in heat (odds ratio [OR], 66.82; 95% CI, 33.04–135.12; p < 0.0001), easy bruising (OR, 26.23; 95% CI, 15.58–44.17; p < 0.0001), altered gait (OR, 15.54; 95% CI, 7.58–31.96; p < 0.0001), flu-like symptoms (OR, 12.99; 95% CI, 4.27–39.49; p < 0.0001), joint hypermobility (OR, 12.88; 95% CI, 6.68–24.81; p < 0.0001), cool skin (OR, 12.21; 95% CI, 5.20–28.69; p < 0.0001), varicose veins (OR, 11.29; 95% CI, 6.71–18.99; p < 0.0001), and fatigue (OR, 9.59; 95% CI, 6.10–15.09; p < 0.0001). Additionally, 70.3% had upper arm involvement, 21.2% reported foot swelling, and 16.6% reported foot pain. Most (52.2%) reported no symptom improvement with diet or exercise. Common therapies used included compression therapy (45.0%), gastric bypass (15.7%), and lower-extremity liposuction (14.0%).

Conclusion:

In a large, national, symptom survey, women with lipedema reported excess pain, swelling, and fat in the legs along with numerous symptoms beyond those classically described. Symptom responses to common therapies remain understudied.
Investigation on tribological behaviour of co-deposited zinc, tungsten and graphene (ZnWG) nanocomposite coatings on low-carbon steel
Authors: Karthik N. R. , Yoganandh J. , Raveen R.
Published: October 2023

The protection of steel surfaces in industrial applications to improve their tribological behaviour using graphene-based nanocomposite coatings is a potential area for researchers to investigate. An attempt has been made to develop and compare the tribological properties of Zinc–tungsten (ZnW), Zinc–Tungsten with 0.25 wt.% of graphene (ZnWG 0.25 wt.%) and Zinc-Tungsten with 0.50 wt.% of graphene (ZnWG 0.50 wt.%) coatings on steel substrates with low-carbon content using the electroplating technique with pulse power supply. The electrolyte bath for pulsed electro-deposition was maintained as aqueous by involving zinc sulphate, sodium tungstate and citric acid. The experiments inferred that ZnWG 0.50 wt.% performed with better wear resistance due to its increased graphene content, contributing to the effective ductile load-bearing ability of the ZnW coating matrix. Grain size control and improved grain strength due to the presence of graphene in the ZnW matrix produced dislocation obstruction and displacement inhibition to create defect-free layered cauliflower morphology and contributed to ZnWG 0.50 wt.% exhibiting better corrosion resistance than the plain ZnW coating.
Effect of standoff distance on printability of aluminum 5356 alloy through extrusion-based metal additive manufacturing using induction heating
Authors: Choubey Rahul Kumar , Jain Prashant Kumar
Published: October 2023

Induction heating as a heat source in extrusion-based metal additive manufacturing (EMAM) is gaining popularity due to its inherent benefits as a safe, clean, and precise heating source. Metal wire as a feedstock material is economically viable and highly efficient in terms of material utilization compared to powder feedstock materials. The combination of induction heating with metal wire as a feedstock through an EMAM system has been investigated in this article. The article aims to identify the standoff distance for printing aluminum 5356 in EMAM using induction heating ( Figure 1 ). In induction heating-based AM, it is crucial to identify the standoff distance between the extruder and substrate to maintain a constant extruder tip temperature and ensure a consistent liquid/solid fraction ratio for uniform material deposition. The approach adopted in this article is to perform electromagnetic and thermal multifield coupling model simulations of extruder with the substrate through a two-dimensional axe-symmetrical model using COMSOL multiphysics. The simulation model analyzed the extruder tip temperature at variable standoff distance cases during extruder heating and material deposition processes. A practical approach for thermal cartography has been used to identify extruder tip temperature during experimentation using an infrared imager. The extruder tip temperature results obtained through simulation have been compared with experimental results and found to be in close agreement with each other. A favorable temperature range of 575–625 °C is obtained through a standoff distance of 2.0 mm compared to other standoff distances taken for the study.