bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case series analysis validation of the ERICSO: a new assessment tool for internet child abuse material offenders
Authors: Garrington Catherine , Kelty Sally Fiona , Rickwood Debra , Boer Douglas
Published: July 2023

Purpose

There are limited risk assessment tools validated for use with the internet child abuse material (I/CAM) offender cohort. Developed through a multi-stage process, the purpose of this paper is to present the “Estimated Risk for Internet Child Sexual Offending” (ERICSO), a new tool for I/CAM offender assessment, including demographic, collection, nature of engagement and social domains, plus a structured professional judgement section. Validation studies remain ongoing.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a case series analysis of six Australian men, including two Aboriginal men, convicted of I/CAM offences to pilot proposed ERICSO domains and commence validation against the short self-esteem scale, University of California Los Angles loneliness scale, internet sex screening test and the sexual violence risk-20 V2.

Findings

Participants of all ages generally reported histories of mental health diagnosis and/or treatment and substance abuse. Two participants reported prior sexual offending, one for I/CAM offences. Participants expressed sexual preferences for female child victims and were convicted of possessing thousands of I/CAM files. Two participants reported accessing I/CAM for over six and 10 years, respectively, before detection by law enforcement.

Practical implications

Preliminary implications indicate ERICSO higher scores are consistent with I/CAM offenders having more online sexual behaviour diversity and more areas of risk/treatment need. For example, participants with problematic self-esteem and loneliness in our data set have higher ERICSO scores. Social connectedness may be a relevant factor though definitive conclusions cannot be drawn from the small sample size.

Originality/value

The ERICSO presents novel assessment of factors in considering treatment targets in addressing both illegal I/CAM and problematic legal sexual behaviours.
Progressive deterioration of reinforced concrete structures: effect on dynamic properties of flexural members
Authors: Khan Qaiser Uz Zaman , Farhan Muhammad , Raza Ali
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to examine the damage behavior of flexural members under different loading conditions. The finite element model is proposed for the prediction of modal parameters, damage assessment and damage detection of flexural members. Moreover, the analysis of flexural members has been done for the sensor arrangement to accurately predict the damage parameters without the laborious work of experimentation in the laboratory.

Design/methodology/approach

Beam-like structures are structures that are subjected to flexural loadings that are involved in almost every type of civil engineering construction like buildings, bridges, etc. Experimental Modal Analysis (EMA) is a popular technique to detect damages in structures without requiring tough and complex methods. Experimental work conducted in this study concludes that a structure experiences high changes in modal properties once when cracking occurs and then at the stage where cracks start at the critical neutral axis. Moreover, among the various modal parameters of the flexural members, natural frequency and mode shapes are the viable parameters for the damage detection.

Findings

For torsional mode, drop in natural frequency is high for higher damages as compared to low levels. This is because of the opening and closing of cracks in modal testing. When damage occurs in the structure, there is a reduction in the magnitude of the FRF plot. The measure of this drop can also lead to damage assessment in addition to damage detection. The natural frequency of the system is the most reliable modal parameter in detecting damages. However, for damage localization, the next step after damage assessment, mode shapes can be more helpful as compared to all other parameters.

Originality/value

Effect on Dynamic Properties of Flexural Members during the Progressive Deterioration of Reinforced Concrete Structures is studied.
Determinants of ticket prices in the secondary ticket market and the effects of COVID-19: empirical evidence from NBA ticket price data analytics
Authors: Hyun Moonsup , Soebbing Brian P.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Scholars note there are limited studies analyzing ticket price determinants. Using the common seat approach, the authors sought to advance this line of research by analyzing determinants of National Basketball Association (NBA) ticket prices in the secondary ticket market. The authors’ research seeks to ask two questions. The first is how ticket prices in the secondary market are associated with common determinants of consumer demand. The second question is what impact the COVID-19 pandemic has on ticket prices in the secondary market.

Design/methodology/approach

Ticket prices of NBA regular season games in the 2021–2022 season were collected a week before the game day from Ticketmaster.com. A regression model was estimated with a group of independent variables: income, population, consumer preference, quality of viewing, quality of contest and pandemic (the number of COVID-19 cases).

Findings

Results indicate income, population, consumer preferences (e.g. team quality and star players) and quality of viewing (e.g. arena age and weekend) impact prices. Further, the number of COVID-19 cases did reduce the ticket price.

Originality/value

The present study illuminates the theoretical significance of analyzing ticket prices as a proxy of demand in professional sport, while providing practical implications regarding the potential opportunity to increase revenue.
How substrate type and elevation drive woody communities and influence species ecological strategies in the Brazilian savanna at local scale
Authors: de Souza Patrícia Corrêa Guedes , da Luz Lima Mota Sílvia , Corrêa Rodrigo Studart , Pinto José Roberto Rodrigues
Published: July 2023

Environmental heterogeneity can influence the formation of different vegetation types, even at small spatial scales. However, little is known about the factors that drive communities at local scales and species' mechanisms to adapt to different environments. Here, we investigated the influence of local environmental conditions and spatiality on the floristic variation of woody vegetation and ecological strategies of shrub‐tree species in the Brazilian savanna. We sampled adjacent sites in three substrate types—deep soil at high altitude (in Red Oxisol, with vegetation locally called Typical Cerrado—TCRO), deep soil, sandy and at low elevation (Typical Cerrado in Entisol Quartzipsamment—TCEQ), and shallow soil with rocky outcrops at high elevation (in Entisol Lithic, with vegetation known locally as Rupestrian Cerrado—RCEL). At each environment, we inventoried the vegetation, analyzed the physical–chemical soil properties, and recorded the elevation and geographic coordinates. For the most representative species of each site and the most common one among the environments, we evaluated the functional attributes (leaf nutrient concentration, specific leaf area, and maximum population heights). We showed that substrate type and elevation explain most of the floristic variation at the local scale and that the low nutritional demand constitutes the main strategy used by the species in RCEL, while in TCEQ and TCRO, species are more efficient in resource acquisition. Our results revealed that local ecological factors and processes drive species distribution. Therefore, variations in vegetation, even at the local scale must be considered to conserve biodiversity effectively.
Circadian regulation in aging: Implications for spaceflight and life on earth
Authors: Malhan Deeksha , Schoenrock Britt , Yalçin Müge , Blottner Dieter , Relόgio Angela
Published: July 2023

Alterations in the circadian system are characteristic of aging on Earth. With the decline in physiological processes due to aging, several health concerns including vision loss, cardiovascular disorders, cognitive impairments, and muscle mass loss arise in elderly populations. Similar health risks are reported as “red flag” risks among astronauts during and after a long‐term Space exploration journey. However, little is known about the common molecular alterations underlying terrestrial aging and space‐related aging in astronauts, and controversial conclusions have been recently reported. In light of the regulatory role of the circadian clock in the maintenance of human health, we review here the overlapping role of the circadian clock both on aging on Earth and spaceflight with a focus on the four most affected systems: visual, cardiovascular, central nervous, and musculoskeletal systems. In this review, we briefly introduce the regulatory role of the circadian clock in specific cellular processes followed by alterations in those processes due to aging. We next summarize the known molecular alterations associated with spaceflight, highlighting involved clock‐regulated genes in space flown Drosophila, nematodes, small mammals, and astronauts. Finally, we discuss common genes that are altered in terms of their expression due to aging on Earth and spaceflight. Altogether, the data elaborated in this review strengthen our hypothesis regarding the timely need to include circadian dysregulation as an emerging hallmark of aging on Earth and beyond.
The Míkmaw Concordat: Rethinking Treaty Making between Indigenous Peoples and Settlers
Authors: LeBlanc Abbie
Published: July 2023

In 1610, the Míkmaq formed a treaty with French representatives of the Holy See. James (Sákéj) Youngblood Henderson argues in The Míkmaw Concordat (1997) that through this treaty the Míkmaq enfolded settlers into their existing international political order by extending to settlers their concept of sacred kinship. In the more than 25 years since the publication of The Míkmaw Concordat, it has received no attention from scholars of political science. This omission is unsurprising as political science struggles to account for Indigenous politics because of its traditional focus on the “Westphalian state.” This framework excludes many aspects of Indigenous political traditions, particularly their approaches to international politics, which are not reducible to state‐centric frameworks. The Concordat, as a treaty between two nonstate entities, is an example of Indigenous treaty making that can illuminate both the history of settler colonialism and how contemporary social movements are resisting the settler state.
Usefulness of blood flow evaluation by indocyanine green fluorescence in laparoscopic or robot‐assisted surgery for colorectal cancer with persistent descending mesocolon
Authors: Kusafuka Hiroshi , Hiraki Masayuki , Kawai Kenji , Ikeshima Ryo , Hata Taishi , Yanagisawa Kiminori , Kinoshita Mitsuru , Katsuyama Shinsuke , Shinke Go , Ohmura Yoshiaki , Sugimura Keijiro , Masuzawa Toru , Takeda Yutaka , Murata Kohei
Published: July 2023

A persistent descending mesocolon is defined as a congenital fixation anomaly caused by the defective membrane fusion of the descending colon and the lateral abdominal wall. Anatomically, in persistent descending mesocolon, the left colonic artery is often shortened, and joins the marginal artery soon after its bifurcation from the inferior mesenteric artery, while the colonic mesentery often adheres firmly to the mesentery of the small intestine. As a result of these characteristics, anatomical knowledge of the persistent descending mesocolon and preservation of bowel blood flow are important during surgery for left‐sided colorectal cancer to avoid adverse events. Moreover, indocyanine green based blood flow assessment is useful for the detailed evaluation of bowel ischemia at the anastomotic site. Here we report the usefulness of blood flow evaluation using indocyanine green fluorescence in laparoscopic or robot‐assisted surgery for three patients with colorectal cancer and persistent descending mesocolons.
A replication and extension of bifactor modelling of perseverative thought in an at‐risk community sample: Exploring sex differences in the structure of PT
Authors: Koscinski Brandon , Accorso Catherine , Albanese Brian , Schmidt Norman B. , Allan Nicholas P.
Published: July 2023

Background

Perseverative thought (PT) is a transdiagnostic construct associated with internalizing disorders. Bifactor models have shown that PT can be split into a general PT factor and lower‐order factors for specific forms of PT, such as rumination and worry. No bifactor study to date has investigated if the structure of PT differs across sexes.

Methods

The study consisted of 280 individuals recruited for a larger study targeting risk factors for suicidal ideation and behaviours. Participants completed a diagnostic interview and self‐report questionnaires.

Results

A two‐factor model of PT fit best in males, whereas a bifactor model fit best in females. In a structural equation model, worry was associated with generalized anxiety disorder diagnoses in females, but not males. Rumination was associated with depressive disorder diagnoses in females, but not males.

Conclusions

The present study contributes to a growing literature on PT; we found that dimensionality of PT varied by sex. We also found that relations between PT factors and generalized anxiety disorder differed by sex. Sex differences in the internalizing spectrum and related risk factors need to be considered when examining the structure and function of risk factors.
Accelerating Hair Rendering by Learning High‐Order Scattered Radiance
Authors: KT Aakash , Jarabo Adrian , Aliaga Carlos , Chiang Matt Jen‐Yuan , Maury Olivier , Hery Christophe , Narayanan P. J. , Nam Giljoo
Published: July 2023

Efficiently and accurately rendering hair accounting for multiple scattering is a challenging open problem. Path tracing in hair takes long to converge while other techniques are either too approximate while still being computationally expensive or make assumptions about the scene. We present a technique to infer the higher order scattering in hair in constant time within the path tracing framework, while achieving better computational efficiency. Our method makes no assumptions about the scene and provides control over the renderer's bias & speedup. We achieve this by training a small multilayer perceptron (MLP) to learn the higher‐order radiance online, while rendering progresses. We describe how to robustly train this network and thoroughly analyze our resulting renderer's characteristics. We evaluate our method on various hairstyles and lighting conditions. We also compare our method against a recent learning based & a traditional real‐time hair rendering method and demonstrate better quantitative & qualitative results. Our method achieves a significant improvement in speed with respect to path tracing, achieving a run‐time reduction of 40%‐70% while only introducing a small amount of bias.
Hematopoiesis and immune reconstitution after CD19 directed chimeric antigen receptor T‐cells (CAR‐T): A comprehensive review on incidence, risk factors and current management
Authors: Galli Eugenio , Fresa Alberto , Bellesi Silvia , Metafuni Elisabetta , Maiolo Elena , Pansini Ilaria , Frioni Filippo , Autore Francesco , Limongiello Maria Assunta , Innocenti Idanna , Giammarco Sabrina , Chiusolo Patrizia , Zini Gina , Sorà Federica
Published: July 2023

Impaired function of hematopoiesis after treatment with chimeric antigen T‐cells (CAR‐T) is a frequent finding and can interest a wide range of patients, regardless of age and underlying disease. Trilinear cytopenias, as well as hypogammaglobulinemia, B‐cell aplasia, and T‐cell impairment, can severely affect the infectious risk of CAR‐T recipients, as well as their quality of life. In this review, we provide an overview of defects in hematopoiesis after CAR‐T, starting with a summary of different definitions and thresholds. We then move to summarize the main pathogenetic mechanisms of cytopenias, and we offer insight into cytomorphological aspects, the role of clonal hematopoiesis, and the risk of secondary myeloid malignancies. Subsequently, we expose the major findings and reports on T‐cell and B‐cell quantitative and functional impairment after CAR‐T. Finally, we provide an overview of current recommendations and leading experiences regarding the management of cytopenias and defective B‐ and T‐cell function.
Striatal dopamine transporter uptake, parkinsonism and cognition in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Kang Sungwoo , Jeon Seun , Lee Young‐gun , Ye Byoung Seok
Published: July 2023

Background and purpose

The correlates of motor parkinsonism in Alzheimer's disease (AD) remain controversial. The effects of nigrostriatal dopaminergic degeneration on parkinsonism and cognition in biomarker‐validated patients with AD were evaluated.

Methods

This study recruited 116 patients with AD who underwent dual‐phase 18F‐N‐(3‐fluoropropyl)‐2β‐carbon ethoxy‐3β‐(4‐iodophenyl) nortropane positron emission tomography, 18F‐florbetaben positron emission tomography, 3 T brain magnetic resonance imaging, and Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and neuropsychological tests. The mean cortical thickness in the frontal, temporal, parietal and occipital cortices, and the dopamine transporter (DAT) uptake in the caudate, anterior/posterior putamen and substantia nigra were quantified. The relationship between DAT uptake, mean lobar cortical thickness, UPDRS motor score and cognition was investigated using general linear models (GLMs) after controlling for age, sex, education, intracranial volume, and deep and periventricular white matter hyperintensities. A path analysis was performed for the UPDRS motor score with the same covariates.

Results

Path analysis and multivariable GLMs for UPDRS motor score showed that lower caudate DAT uptake was directly associated with a higher UPDRS motor score, whereas caudate DAT uptake confounded the association between mean frontal/parietal thickness and UPDRS motor score. Multivariable GLMs for cognitive scores showed that lower caudate DAT uptake was associated with visuospatial/executive dysfunction independent of mean frontal or parietal thickness.

Conclusions

Nigrostriatal dopaminergic dysfunction is associated with parkinsonism and visuospatial/executive dysfunction in patients with AD.
Association between choroid plexus volume and cognition in Parkinson disease
Authors: Jeong Seong Ho , Jeong Hyun‐Jae , Sunwoo Mun Kyung , Ahn Sung Soo , Lee Seung‐Koo , Lee Phil Hyu , Kim Yun Joong , Sohn Young H. , Park Chae Jung , Chung Seok Jong
Published: July 2023

Background and purpose

The choroid plexus (CP) clears harmful metabolites from the central nervous system as part of the glymphatic system. We investigated the association of CP volume (CPV) with baseline and longitudinal cognitive decline in patients with Parkinson disease (PD).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 240 patients with newly diagnosed PD who had undergone detailed neuropsychological tests and high‐resolution T1‐weighted structural magnetic resonance imaging during the initial assessment. The CPV of each patient was automatically segmented, and the intracranial volume ratio was used in subsequent analyses. The relationship between CPV and baseline composite scores of each cognitive domain was assessed using multivariate linear regression analyses. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to compare the risk of dementia conversion with CPV.

Results

CPV negatively correlated with composite scores of the frontal/executive function domain (β = −0.375, p = 0.002) after adjusting for age, sex, years of education, and parkinsonian symptom duration. The Cox regression model revealed that a larger CPV was associated with a higher risk of dementia conversion (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.509, p = 0.038), which was no longer significant after adjusting for the composite scores of the frontal/executive function domain. A mediation analysis demonstrated that the effect of CPV on the risk of dementia conversion was completely mediated by frontal/executive function (direct effect: HR = 1.203, p = 0.396; indirect effect: HR = 1.400, p = 0.015).

Conclusions

Baseline CPV is associated with baseline frontal/executive function, which subsequently influences dementia conversion risk in patients with PD.
Sensitivity analysis of physical and mental health factors affecting Polycystic ovary syndrome in women
Authors: Guha Srirupa , Kodipalli Ashwini
Published: July 2023

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition affecting women worldwide. In this paper, we analyse physical and mental health factors affecting PCOS in women. We collected data in the form of questionnaires from women belonging to diverse backgrounds and performed a sensitivity analysis to find which factors are significant in determining the presence or absence of PCOS in women and further predict the severity of the symptoms. We implemented four types of methods for determining significant physical and mental health factors affecting the presence and degree of PCOS in women. Our analysis showed that menstrual period cycle length, menstrual period duration, regularity of menstrual periods, menstrual period flow, hair growth, eating pattern, and sleep pattern are the most significant physical health factors and feeling of worthlessness, depression, feeling of hopelessness, not able to be calm, sad and can't cheer up, can't sit still and restlessness are the most significant mental health factors in determining the presence or absence of PCOS in an individual, as well as the degree of PCOS. Furthermore, physical factors are more significant than mental health factors in determining PCOS presence and degree in the cohort of female individuals considered for the analysis.
Conceptualization of patient‐centered care in Latin America: A scoping review
Authors: Klimesch Anne , Martinez‐Pereira Alejandra , Topf Cheyenne , Härter Martin , Scholl Isabelle , Bravo Paulina
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Patient‐centered care (PCC) has been declared as a desirable goal for health care in Latin American countries, but a coherent definition of what exactly PCC entails for clinical practice is missing. This article's aim was to identify how PCC is conceptualized in Latin American countries.

Methods

Scientific databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scielo, Scopus, Web of Science) and webpages of the ministries of health were searched, and experts were contacted for suggestions of literature. References were included if they contained one of a range of a priori defined keywords related to PCC in the title, were published between 2006 and 2021, and were carried out in or concerned Latin America. Definitions of PCC were extracted from the included articles and analyzed using deductive and inductive coding. Deductive coding was based on the integrative model of patient‐centeredness, which unites the definitions of PCC in the international literature (mainly North America and Europe) and proposes 16 dimensions describing PCC.

Results

Thirty‐two articles were included in the analysis and about half of them were from Brazil. Numerous similarities were found between the integrative model of patient‐centeredness and the definitions of PCC given in the selected literature. The dimensions of the integrative model of patient‐centeredness that were least and most prominent in the literature were physical support and patient information, respectively. A differentiation between PCC and family‐centered care (FCC) was observed. Definitions of PCC and FCC as well as their cited references were diverse.

Conclusion

A considerable overlap between the conceptualization of PCC in Latin America and the integrative model of patient‐centeredness has been identified. However, there are substantial differences between countries in Latin America regarding the emphasis of research on PCC versus FCC and diverse conceptualizations of PCC and FCC exist.

Patient Contribution

This scoping review takes the patient's perspective based on the integrative model of patient‐centeredness. Due to the study being a review, no patients, neither caregivers, nor members of the public, were involved.
Vibrio species bloodstream infections in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Davidson Natalie , Edwards Felicity , Harris Patrick N. A. , Laupland Kevin B.
Published: July 2023

Background

Vibrio species bloodstream infections have been associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Limited information is available regarding the epidemiology of bloodstream infections because of Vibrio species in the Australian context.

Aims

The objective of this study was to define the incidence and risk factors for developing Vibrio species bloodstream infections and compare differences between different species.

Methods

All patients with Vibrio spp. isolated from positive blood cultures between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2019 were identified by the state‐wide Pathology Queensland laboratory. Demographics, clinical foci of infections and comorbid conditions were collected in addition to antimicrobial susceptibility results.

Results

About 100 cases were identified between 2000 and 2019 with an incidence of 1.2 cases/1 million person‐years. Seasonal and geographical variation occurred with the highest incidence in the summer months and in the tropical north. Increasing age, male sex and multiple comorbidities were identified as risk factors. Vibrio vulnificus was isolated most frequently and associated with the most severe disease. Overall case fatality was 19%.

Conclusions

There is potential for increasing cases of Vibrio species infections globally with ageing populations and climate change. Ongoing clinical awareness is required to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
Immune‐related adverse events after immune check point inhibitors: Understanding the intersection with autoimmunity
Authors: Singh Namrata , Hocking Anne M. , Buckner Jane H.
Published: July 2023

Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies act through blockade of inhibitory molecules involved in the regulation of T cells, thus releasing tumor specific T cells to destroy their tumor targets. However, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) can also lead to a breach in self‐tolerance resulting in immune‐related adverse events (irAEs) that include tissue‐specific autoimmunity. This review addresses the question of whether the mechanisms that drive ICI‐induced irAEs are shared or distinct with those driving spontaneous autoimmunity, focusing on ICI‐induced diabetes, ICI‐induced arthritis, and ICI‐induced thyroiditis due to the wealth of knowledge about the development of autoimmunity in type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. It reviews current knowledge about role of genetics and autoantibodies in the development of ICI‐induced irAEs and presents new studies utilizing single‐cell omics approaches to identify T‐cell signatures associated with ICI‐induced irAEs. Collectively, these studies indicate that there are similarities and differences between ICI‐induced irAEs and autoimmune disease and that studying them in parallel will provide important insight into the mechanisms critical for maintaining immune tolerance.
Microstructure, magnetic, and power loss characteristics of low‐sintered NiCuZn ferrites with La2O3‐Bi2O3 additives
Authors: Huo Xingyu , Xu Liming , Zhang Yuan , Liang Ji , Jing Yulan , Su Hua
Published: July 2023

Low‐temperature‐sintered Ni0.5Cu0.125Zn0.375Fe1.98O4 ferrites co‐added with x wt% (x = 0.00‐0.25 wt%) La2O3 and 0.25 wt% Bi2O3 were successfully prepared via conventional solid‐phase reaction method. The phase composition, microstructure, magnetic properties, and especially power loss variation of the samples were systematically studied. The results showed that all samples possessed a single spinel phase structure at a sintering temperature of 900°C, exhibiting high degree of densification and uniform grains. The appropriate amount of La2O3 additive improved the saturation flux density and permeability of NiCuZn ferrites, simultaneously reducing the coercivity and power loss. The maximum permeability and the lowest power loss were achieved at x = 0.15 wt%. The corresponding sample had the homogeneous microstructure and excellent magnetic properties, being a promising low‐temperature co‐fired ferrite candidate for magnetic power components.
Stepwise dissolution of silica surface in alkaline solution revealed by molecular modeling
Authors: Sun Ming , Gao Xiaojian , Zhang Zhe , Zou Chaoying , Xin Dabo , Geng Guoqing
Published: July 2023

The atomic scale solid–liquid interfacial process dominates the macro‐dissolution of silica, yet its direct experimental observation is challenging. Here we employed the reactive molecular dynamics to model this process in alkaline condition. An elevated temperature strategy under canonical ensemble (NVT) was applied to accelerate the process for sufficient sampling at temporal domain. A stepwise transformation from fully linked SiO4 network (Q3 and Q4) to reduced linkage and eventually aqueous species (Q0) was revealed. The simulated dissolution rate agrees well with the value predicted by empirical model. By tracing hydrogen atoms, we found that the dehydroxylated silica surfaces in alkaline electrolyte solutions underwent a transition from Si–O–Si bond cleavage‐dominated (mainly reacted with OH−) to hydroxylation‐dominated surface reactions. The free‐energy reconstruction of well‐tempered metadynamics reveals that 1500 K accelerates dissolution without altering the reaction pathways. These findings offer novel insights into the evolution of atomic‐scale surface configurations during the dissolution kinetics of silica.
Synthesis of SiAlON‐type compounds by carbothermal reduction and nitridation of nanoparticulate geopolymers
Authors: Bagci Cengiz , Hulbert Benjamin S. , Yang Qun , Kriven Waltraud M.
Published: July 2023

Various types of SiAlON compounds were synthesized by heating of carbon‐mixed, geopolymer compositions of M2O•Al2O3•4.5SiO2•12H2O + 9C. A fixed molar ratio of carbon to silica of 2 and charge‐balancing cations Na+, K+, or Cs+ were used to prepare the geopolymer‐carbon precursor resins. After curing, the precursors were ground to powders and then fired at 1400 to 1600°C for 2 h under flowing nitrogen. In contrast to previous studies, powdered forms of the precursors and moderate carbon ratios were used in these syntheses. X‐ray diffraction results indicated that phase‐pure β‐ or O‐SiAlON powders were synthesized, in the case of potassium at 1400 or 1500°C (for β‐SiAlON) and sodium cations at 1400°C (for O‐SiAlON), respectively. In the cases of cesium, high purity β‐SiAlON with some corundum and pollucite were synthesized. Furthermore, depending on the cation type and temperatures, tailored compositions of SiAlON or other compounds (mainly Al2O3) were formed by other reactions between precursors in this systematic study.
Deep gray matters iron deposition is positively associated with white matter hyperintensity in hypertension
Authors: Su Yu , Wu Wenjun , Qin Ziji , Li Chungao , Zhao Jie , Kang Jiamin , Wang Youzhi , Zheng Chuansheng , Haacke Ewart Mark , Wang Lixia
Published: July 2023

The association and underlying mechanisms between iron deposition and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) remain unclear. In this study, quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) was used to quantify deep gray matters iron deposition and to explore the association from both global and regional perspectives. A total of 84 patients with hypertension and 26 healthy controls underwent a strategically acquired gradient echo (STAGE) protocol, and the multi‐echo data were used to reconstruct QSM images. The susceptibilities were used to describe iron content. Global region (RI) susceptibilities were measured in regions of interest, and age‐related thresholds were used to determine high‐iron content region (RII) susceptibilities. Compared with healthy controls, hypertension had higher total WMH scores and regional scores (all p = .001) and higher susceptibilities using the RI or RII analysis (all p < .05). In healthy controls, there was no significant association between susceptibilities and WMH scores. In hypertension, the susceptibilities of deep gray matters were positively correlated with WMH scores (RI analysis: right putamen; RII analysis: bilateral caudate nucleus head, putamen, red nucleus, substantia nigra, and dentate nucleus; age and education corrected p < .05). These findings suggest that iron deposition in deep gray matters was positively associated with WMH in hypertension, especially using the RII analysis.
Astragaloside IV ameliorates peritoneal fibrosis by promoting PGC‐1α to reduce apoptosis in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Xie Mingxia , Xia Bohou , Xiao Lan , Yang Dun , Li Zhenghong , Wang Hanqing , Wang Xiaoye , Zhang Xi , Peng Qinghua
Published: July 2023

Prolonged exposure of the peritoneum to high glucose dialysate leads to the development of peritoneal fibrosis (PF), and apoptosis of peritoneal mesothelial cells (PMCs) is a major cause of PF. The aim of this study is to investigate whether Astragaloside IV could protect PMCs from apoptosis and alleviate PF. PMCs and rats PF models were induced by high glucose peritoneal fluid. We examined the pathology of rat peritoneal tissue by HE staining, the thickness of rat peritoneal tissue by Masson's staining, the number of mitochondria and oxidative stress levels in peritoneal tissue by JC‐1 and DHE fluorescence staining, and mitochondria‐related proteins and apoptosis‐related proteins such as PGC‐1α, NRF1, TFAM, Caspase3, Bcl2 smad2 were measured. We used hoechst staining and flow cytometry to assess the apoptotic rate of PMCs in the PF model, and further validated the observed changes in the expressions of PGC‐1α, NRF1, TFAM, Caspase3, Bcl2 smad2 in PMCs. We further incubated PMCs with MG‐132 (proteasome inhibitor) and Cyclohexylamine (protein synthesis inhibitor). The results demonstrated that Astragaloside IV increased the expression of PGC‐1α by reducing the ubiquitination of PGC‐1α. It was further found that the protective effects of Astragaloside IV on PMCs were blocked when PGC‐1α was inhibited. In conclusion, Astragaloside IV effectively alleviated PF both in vitro and in vivo, possibly by promoting PGC‐1α to enhance mitochondrial synthesis to reduce apoptotic effects.
3D reconstructionof the bronchial tree of the Gray short‐tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica) in the postnatal period
Authors: Ferner Kirsten , Mahlow Kristin
Published: July 2023

Recent didelphid marsupials resemble the assumed mammalian ancestor and are suitable to inform on the evolution of the mammalian lung. This study uses X‐ray computed tomography (μCT) to three‐dimensionally reconstruct the bronchial tree of the marsupial Gray short‐tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica) in order to reveal the timeline of morphogenesis during the postnatal period. The development of the bronchial tree was examined in 37 animals from embryonic day 13, during the postnatal period (neonate to 57 days) and in adults. The first appearance and the branching of lobar, segmental and sub‐segmental bronchioles in the lungs were documented. Based on the reconstructions, the generation of end‐branching airways, the median and maximum generation and the number of branches were calculated for each pulmonary lobe. At birth, the lung ofM. domesticahas a primitive appearance since it consists of a simple system of branching airways that end in a number of terminal air spaces, lobar bronchioles, and first segmental bronchioles are present. During the postnatal period, the volumes of the lung and bronchial tree steadily increase and development, differentiation, and expansion of the bronchial tree takes place. By 14 days, the fundamental bronchial tree consisting of lobar, segmental, and sub‐segmental bronchioles has been established. A mature bronchial tree, including respiratory bronchioles and alveolar ducts is present by day 35. The asymmetry of the right (predominately four lobes) and the left lung (predominately two lobes), as present inM. domestica, can be considered as plesiomorphic for Mammalia. In marsupials, the process of branching morphogenesis, which takes place intrauterine in the placental fetus, is shifted to the postnatal period, but follows similar patterns as described in placentals. Lung maturation in general and the branching morphogenesis in particular seems to be highly conservative within mammalian evolution.
Stimulus control for insomnia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Jansson‐Fröjmark Markus , Nordenstam Lisa , Alfonsson Sven , Bohman Benjamin , Rozental Alexander , Norell‐Clarke Annika
Published: July 2023

Stimulus control (SC) is commonly viewed as an evidence‐based treatment for insomnia, but it has not been evaluated comprehensively with modern review and meta‐analytic techniques. The aim of the current study was thus to perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis of trials that examine the efficacy of stimulus control for insomnia. A systematic search for eligible articles and dissertations was conducted in six online bibliographic databases. The 11 included studies, with the majority published between 1978 and 1998, were randomised controlled and experimental studies in adults, comparing stimulus control for insomnia with passive and active comparators and assessing insomnia symptoms as outcomes. A random effects model was used to determine the standardised mean difference Hedge's g at post‐treatment and follow‐up for three sleep diary measures: the number of awakenings, sleep onset latency, and total sleep time. A test for heterogeneity was conducted, forest plots were produced, the risk of publication bias was estimated, and the study quality was assessed. In the trials identified, stimulus control resulted in small to large improvements on sleep onset latency and total sleep time, relative to passive comparators (g = 0.38–0.85). Compared with active comparators, the improvements following stimulus control were negligible (g = 0.06–0.30). Although methodological uncertainties were observed in the included trials, stimulus control appears to be an efficacious treatment for insomnia when compared with passive comparators and with similar effects to active comparators. More robust studies are, however, warranted before stronger conclusions are possible to infer.
Skin problems associated with using of personal protective equipment inCOVID‐19 intensive care units
Authors: Altin Leyla , Akbiyik Ayşe
Published: July 2023

Background

Health care workers, who worked intensively during the COVID‐19 pandemic, faced some problems, including skin problems, due to the personal protective equipment (PPE) they used to control the spread of infection.

Aims

This study aimed to identify the skin problems because of using PPE by nurses during the delivery of health care in three COVID‐19 intensive care units (ICUs) within one hospital service.

Study design

The study was designed as a cross‐sectional survey. The study was conducted with nurses working in three intensive care units in the metropolitan districts of Ankara, Turkey. The data were collected online with a questionnaire developed by the researchers between December 2021 and June 2022.

Results

In this study, 82/120 (68.33%) nurses responded to the questionnaire at least once during the distribution period. The mean of the duration of PPE utilization per each time including goggles, N95 mask, bonnet, face‐shield, gloves, boots/shoe covers and coverall was 3.76 ± 1.36 h. The proportion of nurses who experienced any skin problem related to any PPE at least two or more was 74/82 (90.24%). The proportion of pressure sores, acne, skin reaction including allergic dermatitis or contact urticaria, and regional pain varied between 4.9% and 79.3%. The proportion of nurses who applied any protective application to prevent skin problems was 53.66%. Among the protective applications, pressure‐reducing surfaces were used the most. The use of protective applications for goggles (p = .010), bonnet (p = .000) and face shield (p = .000) effectively reduced PPE‐related skin problems.

Conclusion

During the pandemic, nurses faced a wide variety of skin problems because of PPEs. It may be beneficial to design a study programme that reduces the duration of PPEs use in clinics. In addition, there is a need for effective protective applications to prevent skin problems and new development of PPE that do not cause skin problems.

Relevance to clinical practice

In the pandemic, skin problems have developed because of the use of PPE in nurses who provide health care, intensively. These problems, which were not seen as a priority in the pandemic, may adversely affect the health of nurses, their performance in the treatment and care process and their work quality.
Leukemoid reaction in minocycline‐induced drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome: A brief report
Authors: Shea Moira , Weese Kaylan , Dhossche Julie
Published: July 2023

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is an idiosyncratic drug reaction hallmarked by cutaneous eruption, fever, lymphadenopathy, multiorgan involvement, and hematological abnormalities, most often eosinophilia and atypical lymphocytosis. Leukemoid reactions have rarely been described in DRESS syndrome and here we describe a 16‐year‐old male who was admitted to the hospital with DRESS syndrome due to minocycline, who had a severe leukocytosis up to 52.08 K/μL. He improved with cessation of minocycline and initiation of systemic steroids. We report this case to add to the literature on hematological abnormalities in pediatric DRESS syndrome.
Cerebellar EEG source localization reveals age‐related compensatory activity moderated by genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Paitel Elizabeth R. , Nielson Kristy A.
Published: July 2023

The apolipoprotein‐E (APOE) ε4 allele is the greatest genetic risk factor for late‐onset Alzheimer's disease (AD), but alone it is not sufficiently predictive. Because neuropathological changes associated with AD begin decades before cognitive symptoms, neuroimaging of healthy, cognitively intact ε4 carriers (ε4+) may enable early characterization of patterns associated with risk for future decline. Research in the cerebral cortex highlights a period of compensatory recruitment in elders and ε4+, which serves to maintain cognitive functioning. Yet, AD‐related changes may occur even earlier in the cerebellum. Advances in electroencephalography (EEG) source localization now allow effective modeling of cerebellar activity. Importantly, healthy aging and AD are associated with declines in both cerebellar functions and executive functioning (EF). However, it is not known whether cerebellar activity can detect pre‐symptomatic AD risk. Thus, the current study analyzed cerebellar EEG source localization during an EF‐dependent stop‐signal task (i.e., inhibitory control) in healthy, intact older adults (Mage = 80 years; 20 ε4+, 25 ε4−). Task performance was comparable between groups. Older age predicted greater activity in left crus II and lobule VIIb during the P300 window (i.e., performance evaluation), consistent with age‐related compensation. Age*ε4 moderations specifically showed that compensatory patterns were evident only in ε4−, suggesting that cerebellar compensatory resources may already be depleted in healthy ε4+ elders. Thus, the posterolateral cerebellum is sensitive to AD‐related neural deficits in healthy elders. Characterization of these patterns may be essential for the earliest possible detection of AD risk, which would enable critical early intervention prior to symptom onset.
The oscillatory fingerprints of self‐prioritization: Novel markers in spectral EEG for self‐relevant processing
Authors: Haciahmet Céline C. , Golubickis Marius , Schäfer Sarah , Frings Christian , Pastötter Bernhard
Published: July 2023

Self‐prioritization is a very influential modulator of human information processing. Still, little is known about the time‐frequency dynamics of the self‐prioritization network. In this EEG study, we used the familiarity‐confound free matching task to investigate the spectral dynamics of self‐prioritization and their underlying cognitive functions in a drift‐diffusion model. Participants (N = 40) repeatedly associated arbitrary geometric shapes with either “the self” or “a stranger.” Behavioral results demonstrated prominent self‐prioritization effects (SPEs) in reaction time and accuracy. Remarkably, EEG cluster analysis also revealed two significant SPEs, one in delta/theta power (2–7 Hz) and one in beta power (19–29 Hz). Drift‐diffusion modeling indicated that beta activity was associated with evidence accumulation, whereas delta/theta activity was associated with response selection. The decreased beta suppression of the SPE might indicate more efficient sensorimotor processing of self‐associated stimulus–response features, whereas the increased delta/theta SPE might refer to the facilitated retrieval of self‐relevant features across a widely distributed associative self‐network. These novel oscillatory biomarkers of self‐prioritization indicate their function as an associative glue for the self‐concept.
Computer‐assisted surgery for placing toggle constructs across the coxofemoral joints of small equids using a minimally invasive approach–A proof‐of‐concept cadaveric study
Authors: Claeys Ines , Van der Vekens Elke , Kümmerle Jan , de Preux Mathieu , Koch Christoph
Published: July 2023

Objective

To develop a minimally invasive technique for placing a toggle construct across the coxofemoral joint of small equids using computer‐assisted surgery.

Study design

Experimental cadaveric study.

Sample population

Three pilot specimens: One donkey, one Shetland pony and one Warmblood foal. Six main study specimens: Three Shetland ponies, one American Miniature Horse, one Warmblood foal and one donkey.

Methods

Experimental surgeries were performed on both coxofemoral joints of each cadaver. Using a minimally invasive surgical approach, 5.5 mm bone canals were drilled through the femur and acetabulum, traversing the coxofemoral joint. Intraoperative guidance was provided by a cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT)‐coupled surgical navigation system. A toggle construct was introduced through the bone canals. Surgical accuracy aberrations (SAA) were measured at the femoral entry and exit points and at the acetabular entry point on merged pre‐ and postoperative CBCT scans. The coxofemoral joint was assessed for articular cartilage damage by gross dissection.

Results

A toggle construct was placed across all 18 coxofemoral joints. The overall median SAA in the main study was 2.8 mm (range: 0.4–8.0 mm). No cartilage damage was found in the cadaveric specimens of the main study.

Conclusion

The described technique allowed for the placement of a toggle construct across the coxofemoral joint of small equid cadaveric specimens without prior coxofemoral luxation.

Clinical relevance

This technique may serve as an option for surgical stabilization of coxofemoral joints in small equids. Further biomechanical investigations are required to assess optimal implant positioning and toggle constructs.