bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Standard Versus Natural: Assessing the Impact of Environmental Variables on Organic Matter Decomposition in Streams Using Three Substrates
Authors: Schreiner Verena C. , Liebmann Liana , Feckler Alexander , Liess Matthias , Link Moritz , Schneeweiss Anke , Truchy Amélie , von Tümpling Wolf , Vormeier Philipp , Weisner Oliver , Schäfer Ralf B. , Bundschuh Mirco
Published: January 2023

The decomposition of allochthonous organic matter, such as leaves, is a crucial ecosystem process in low-order streams. Microbial communities, including fungi and bacteria, colonize allochthonous organic material, break up large molecules, and increase the nutritional value for macroinvertebrates. Environmental variables are known to affect microbial as well as macroinvertebrate communities and alter their ability to decompose organic matter. Studying the relationship between environmental variables and decomposition has mainly been realized using leaves, with the drawbacks of differing substrate composition and consequently between-study variability. To overcome these drawbacks, artificial substrates have been developed, serving as standardizable surrogates. In the present study, we compared microbial and total decomposition of leaves with the standardized substrates of decotabs and, only for microbial decomposition, of cotton strips, across 70 stream sites in a Germany-wide study. Furthermore, we identified the most influential environmental variables for the decomposition of each substrate from a range of 26 variables, including pesticide toxicity, concentrations of nutrients, and trace elements, using stability selection. The microbial as well as total decomposition of the standardized substrates (i.e., cotton strips and decotabs) were weak or not associated with that of the natural substrate (i.e., leaves, r² < 0.01 to r² = 0.04). The decomposition of the two standardized substrates, however, showed a moderate association (r² = 0.21), which is probably driven by their similar composition, with both being made of cellulose. Different environmental variables were identified as the most influential for each of the substrates and the directions of these relationships contrasted between the substrates. Our results imply that these standardized substrates are unsuitable surrogates when investigating the decomposition of allochthonous organic matter in streams. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:2007–2018. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
A shared decision‐making model about care for people with severe dementia: A qualitative study based on nutrition and hydration decisions in acute hospitals
Authors: Anantapong Kanthee , Sampson Elizabeth L. , Davies Nathan
Published: January 2023

Objectives

To understand the decision‐making processes regarding eating and drinking for hospital patients with severe dementia and use this data to modify a decision‐making model about care for people with severe dementia.

Methods

From January to May 2021, qualitative semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 29 family carers and hospital staff in England who cared for people with severe dementia during hospital admissions. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using codebook thematic analysis.

Results

We demonstrated a modified decision‐making model consisting of six stages of the decision‐making process: (i) identify a decision to be made; (ii) exchange information and recognise emotions; (iii) clarify values and preferences of all involved; (iv) consider feasibility of each choice; (v) share preferred choice and make a final decision; and (vi) deliver the decision, monitor outcomes and renegotiation. From this study, decision‐making needed to be shared among all people involved and address holistic needs and personal values of people with dementia and family carers. However, hospital staff often made assumptions about the persons' ability to eat and drink without adequate consultation with family carers. The process was impacted by ward culture, professional practice, and legal framework, which might overlook cultural and personal beliefs of the persons and families. Treatment escalation plans could help inform stepwise treatments, create realistic expectations, and guide future decisions.

Conclusions

Our decision‐making model provides clear stages of decision‐making processes and can be used to guide clinical practice and policy around care decisions for eating and drinking, which is often poorly supported.
Effectiveness of episiotomy to prevent OASIS in nulliparous women at term
Authors: Perrin Antoine , Korb Diane , Morgan Rosemary , Sibony Olivier
Published: February 2023

Objective

To assess the association between episiotomy and severe obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS) in nulliparous women at term according to the use of an instrument for delivery with control confounding by indication.

Methods

This was an observational retrospective cohort study including 12 346 women from 2004 to 2020. All nulliparous women with a cephalic singleton pregnancy were included. The primary outcome was the occurrence of OASIS. Association between episiotomy and OASIS was assessed by multivariate logistic regression with adjustment for confounding factors and stratification on the use of an instrument at delivery. Propensity score matching was used to account for indication bias.

Results

Among 12 346 women included, 7803 (63.2%) had an episiotomy and 4543 (36.8%) did not have an episiotomy; the rate of OASIS was similar in both groups (0.7%). After stratification on use of instrument, an association between episiotomy and OASIS was shown in the case of instrumental delivery (odds ratio [OR] 0.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.26–0.80) but not if the delivery was spontaneous (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.29–1.98). The result was similar after matching on propensity score (in the case of operative vaginal delivery: OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.10–0.75).

Conclusion

Episiotomy seems to be a protective factor for OASIS in nulliparous woman at term only in the case of operative vaginal delivery.
A transformer‐based deep neural network for detection and classification of lung cancer via PET/CT images
Authors: Barbouchi Khalil , El Hamdi Dhekra , Elouedi Ines , Aïcha Takwa Ben , Echi Afef Kacem , Slim Ihsen
Published: February 2023

Lung cancer is the leading cause of death for men and women worldwide and the second most frequent cancer. Therefore, early detection of the disease increases the cure rate. This paper presents a new approach to evaluate the ability of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) images to classify and detect lung cancer using deep learning techniques. Our approach aims to fully automate lung cancer's anatomical localization from PET/CT images. It also searches to classify the tumor, which is essential as it makes it possible to determine the disease's speed of progression and the best treatments to adopt. We have built, in this work, an approach based on transformers by implementing the DETR model as a tool to detect the tumor and assist physicians in staging patients with lung cancer. The TNM staging system and histologic subtype classification were both taken as a standard for classification. Experimental results demonstrated that our approach achieves sound results on tumor localization, T staging, and histology classification. Our proposed approach detects tumors with an intersection over union (IOU) of 0.8 when tested on the Lung‐PET‐CT‐Dx dataset. It also has yielded better accuracy than state‐of‐the‐art T‐staging and histologic classification methods. It classified T‐stage and histologic subtypes with an accuracy of 0.97 and 0.94, respectively.
Chromium exposure altered metabolome and microbiome‐associated with neurotoxicity in zebrafish
Authors: Yan Tongtong , Xu Yawen , Zhu Yuqi , Jiang Ping , Zhang Zhan , Li Lei , Wu Qian
Published: February 2023

In recent years, chromium (Cr) has been found to induce neurotoxicity. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of chromium exposure on the metabolome and microbiome that may contribute to neurotoxicity in juvenile zebrafish. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to 1 mg/L Cr (III) and 1 mg/L Cr (VI) for 7 days, respectively. Swimming distance and locomotor behavior was decreased, and acetylcholinesterase activity was reduced in Cr‐exposed groups. Total cholesterol levels were decreased in Cr‐exposed groups. The differential‐expressed metabolites due to Cr exposure were mainly enriched in primary bile acid biosynthesis, which indicated that Cr exposure may promote cholesterol conversion. The abundance of Bacteroidetes decreased and the abundance of Actinomycetes increased in Cr‐exposed groups, as compared with that in the control group. At the genus level, the abundance of Acinetobacter, Acidophorax, Mycobacterium, Aeromonas, Hydrophagophaga, and Brevundimonas increased, whereas Chryseobacterium, Pseudomonas, Delftia, and Ancylobacter decreased in the Cr‐exposed groups. Analysis of the correlation between gut microbiota and bile acid metabolites showed that changes of gut microbial community due to Cr exposure may be related to secondary bile acid metabolism. Collectively, chromium exposure may disturb cholesterol metabolism, including primary bile acid and microbiota‐related secondary bile acid metabolism. This study provides potential mechanism of the effects of chromium on neurotoxicity based on modulation of metabolome and gut microbiota diversity, which needs further verification.
The detection of the captured circulating tumor cells on the core‐shell nanofibrous membrane using hyaluronic acid‐functionalized graphene quantum dots
Authors: Asghari Sahar , Mahmoudifard Matin
Published: February 2023

In recent years, cancerous cases have increased remarkably worldwide, and metastasis is the leading cause of death. Therefore, research on the early detection of cancer and metastasis has expanded to aid successful cancer treatment. Here in this paper, at the first step, an electrospun nanofibrous membrane (NFM) with a core‐shell structure was fabricated from PCL and HA to achieve cancer cell capturing (about 75% of cells). On the other hand, hyaluronic acid (HA)‐functionalized graphene quantum dots (GQDs) were used to detect captured cancer cells on NFM through the changes in photoluminescence intensity. Therefore, CD44 receptor‐HA interaction is the main principle used for both entrapment and detection of cancer cells. Results demonstrated the GQD‐HA fluorescent intensity of solution decreased through the increase of the captured cancer cell numbers on NFM, which is related to the more adsorption of GQD nanocomposites to the CD44 receptors. In contrast, this intensity for noncancerous cells was steady with any cell concentrations. This difference shows the system's remarkable selectivity and specificity, which can be crucial in fluorescent imaging for accurate cancer diagnosis.
Expression of the prognostic marker IL‐8 correlates with the immune signature and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in breast cancer
Authors: Liao Huifeng , Li Huayan , Song Jin , Chen Hongye , Si Huiyan , Dong Junhua , Wang Jiandong , Bai Xue
Published: February 2023

Background

IL‐8 has been implicated in the malignant progression of various types of cancers; however, the precise molecular mechanisms associated with IL‐8 in breast cancer (BRCA) are unclear.

Methods

We analyzed the clinical signature and immune characteristics of BRCA patients and its correlation with IL‐8 expression using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets. The role of IL‐8 in epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) was verified through Western blotting, Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay, and wound healing assays, as well as cell invasion experiments.

Results

Through a comprehensive bioinformatics study, we determined that high IL‐8 expression was associated with poor prognosis. Enrichment analysis revealed that high IL‐8 expression was enriched in immune‐related processes and cancer‐related signaling pathways. In addition, IL‐8 was associated with most of the immune‐infiltrating cells, and high IL‐8 expression indicated poor response to immunotherapy. Importantly, we found that IL‐8 induced EMT in vitro.

Conclusions

Taken together, our data indicate that IL‐8 may be a potential and valuable prognostic marker in BRCA, which may induce adverse outcomes by modulating the immune response and promoting EMT in BRCA patients.
Development of integrated electronic medical and dental record competencies and impact of training modalities
Authors: Puranik Chaitanya , Slavik Amanda , Pickett Kaci , Dani Aditee , Generalovich Zora , Neveaux Lindsay , de Peralta Tracy
Published: January 2023

Background

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided incentives for the adoption of electronic health records. The integrated electronic medical and dental records (iEMDRs) can minimize healthcare charting errors. The use of iEMDR by healthcare students requires training and competence. There are no defined student competencies to assess the effective and responsible use of iEMDR in dentistry. The goal of this study was to propose a student competency model and study the impact of training modalities on iEMDR competency.

Methods

This retrospective observational cohort study evaluated de‐identified assessment scores (AS) and performance scores (PS) in predoctoral dental student (PDS) and advanced standing predoctoral (ASP) student cohorts that received remote or in‐person iEMDR training. The AS and PS evaluated the knowledge and application of iEMDR, respectively. A voluntary survey evaluated students’ self‐perceived preparedness for iEMDR use. Linear regressions were used to determine the association between training modality and scores. Mantel–Haenszel ordinal chi‐square tested differences between groups and agreement by training type. Statistical significance was set at 0.05.

Results

The sample size (N = 214) provided 95% power to detect differences between study groups. The knowledge of iEMDR (AS) was not impacted due to the training type (p = 0.90) in either student cohorts, whereas the application of knowledge (PS) was higher in ASP student cohort after remote training (p < 0.001) as compared to PDS student cohort. Higher proportion of students perceived preparedness after remote learning in comparison to in‐person training (p < 0.001).

Discussion

The iEMDR competency model was useful to test the effective and responsible use of iEMDR, and remote training improved students’ self‐perceived preparedness.
Treatment with integrase inhibitors alters SARS‐CoV‐2 neutralization levels measured with HIV‐based pseudotypes in people living with HIV
Authors: De La Torre‐Tarazona Erick , González‐Robles Alba , Cascajero Almudena , Jiménez Paloma , Miró José María , Sánchez‐Palomino Sonsoles , Alcamí José , Buzón Maria José , García‐Pérez Javier ,   the Hospital Clinic HIV Investigators
Published: February 2023

The presence of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) is a major correlate of protection for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection. Thus, different in vitro pseudoviruses‐based assays have been described to detect NAbs against SARS‐CoV‐2. However, the determination of NAbs against SARS‐CoV‐2 in people living with HIV (PLWH) through HIV‐based pseudoparticles could be influenced by cross‐neutralization activity or treatment, impeding accurate titration of NAbs. Two assays were compared using replication‐defective HIV or VSV‐based particles pseudotyped with SARS‐CoV‐2 spike to measure NAbs in COVID‐19‐recovered and COVID‐19‐naïve PLWH. The assay based on HIV‐pseudoparticles displayed neutralization activity in all COVID‐19‐recovered PLWH with a median neutralizing titer 50 (NT50) of 1417.0 (interquartile range [IQR]: 450.3−3284.0), but also in 67% of COVID‐19‐naïve PLWH (NT50: 631.5, IQR: 16.0−1535.0). Regarding VSV‐pseudoparticles system, no neutralization was observed in COVID‐19‐naïve PLWH as expected, whereas in comparison with HIV‐pseudoparticles assay lower neutralization titers were measured in 75% COVID‐19‐recovered PLWH (NT50: 100.5; IQR: 20.5−1353.0). Treatment with integrase inhibitors was associated with inaccurate increase in neutralization titers when HIV‐based pseudoparticles were used. IgG purification and consequent elimination of drugs from samples avoided the interference with retroviral cycle and corrected the lack of specificity observed in HIV‐pseudotyped assay. This study shows methodological alternatives based on pseudoviruses systems to determine specific SARS‐CoV‐2 neutralization titers in PLWH.
SARS‐COV‐2 infection and Parkinson's disease: Possible links and perspectives
Authors: Al‐kuraishy Hayder M. , Al‐Gareeb Ali I. , Kaushik Ajeet , Kujawska Małgorzata , Ahmed Eman A. , Batiha Gaber El‐Saber
Published: January 2023

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. The hallmarks are the presence of Lewy bodies composed mainly of aggregated α‐synuclein and immune activation and inflammation in the brain. The neurotropism of SARS‐CoV‐2 with induction of cytokine storm and neuroinflammation can contribute to the development of PD. Interestingly, overexpression of α‐synuclein in PD patients may limit SARS‐CoV‐2 neuroinvasion and degeneration of dopaminergic neurons; however, on the other hand, this virus can speed up the α‐synuclein aggregation. The review aims to discuss the potential link between COVID‐19 and the risk of PD, highlighting the need for further studies to authenticate the potential association. We have also overviewed the influence of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection on the PD course and management. In this context, we presented the prospects for controlling the COVID‐19 pandemic and related PD cases that, beyond global vaccination and novel anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 agents, may include the development of graphene‐based nanoscale platforms offering antiviral and anti‐amyloid strategies against PD.
Crossing the line: The violating effects of illegitimate interruptions from work and the differential impact on work‐to‐family conflict by gender
Authors: Grotto Angela R. , Mills Maura J.
Published: February 2023

Despite interruptions from work being increasingly common for many employees, their inherently disruptive nature induces strain on the work–life interface; yet, it remains unclear why the experienced strain is not universal. Drawing on role identity and Stress‐as‐Offense‐to‐Self theories, illegitimate interruptions from work (IIWs) are inappropriate, avoidable, unnecessary, or unreasonable interruptions that carry an added meaning of disrespect, thereby presenting a threat to the self and potentially inducing additional unnecessary strain. Differential value placed on professional and personal roles likely shapes attributions of illegitimacy. We collected event‐based data over 5 days from 182 employees (432 interruptions). Our multilevel moderated mediation model established IIW's indirect effect on work‐to‐family conflict (WFC) via boundary violation, above and beyond the negative effects of interruptions themselves. Thus, subjectively ascribed illegitimacy induces further but potentially unnecessary negative strain. Men were more likely to experience boundary violation in reaction to IIWs and subsequently reported more WFC as compared to women. Yet, although results suggest that IIWs may be a more salient immediate threat to men, it is possible that women's higher threshold for IIWs may present a more distal threat for gender parity. We offer guidance for developing strategies to reduce IIWs and mitigate their impact.
Experimentation in the face of ambiguity: How mindful leaders develop emotional capabilities for change in teams
Authors: Harvey Jean‐François , Kudesia Ravi S.
Published: February 2023

Strategic change in organizations prompts pervasive ambiguity. As change initiatives cascade down the hierarchy, they can be met with habitual, inertial responses that ultimately generate negatively charged emotions—or they can prompt novel, experimental behaviors that forestall them. What remains unclear, however, is which factors drive teams, and the leaders that guide them, toward or away from this negative emotional reaction to change. In this study, we integrate social cognitive theory and research on mindfulness to unpack collective responses to change through a field study on 88 teams in a mortgage industry firm undergoing strategic change. We theorize that, when faced with ambiguous goals, team leaders low on mindful attention will lack the necessary cognitive capabilities to enact experimental behaviors—as they neither have clear external goals from senior managers nor internal dispositions to drive their attention into noticing novel information and eliciting unscripted experimental responses. In contrast, the experimental behaviors of team leaders who are high on mindful attention will not be affected by ambiguous goals—and the experimental behaviors of team leaders, in turn, will prompt greater experimental behaviors within their team, thereby lowering the team's negative emotional reaction to change. Finding support for these hypotheses, our study contributes to research on dynamic managerial capabilities, collective responses to organizational change, and mindfulness.
An update on animal models of intervertebral disc degeneration and low back pain: Exploring the potential of artificial intelligence to improve research analysis and development of prospective therapeutics
Authors: Alini Mauro , Diwan Ashish D. , Erwin W. Mark , Little Chirstopher B. , Melrose James
Published: January 2023

Animal models have been invaluable in the identification of molecular events occurring in and contributing to intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration and important therapeutic targets have been identified. Some outstanding animal models (murine, ovine, chondrodystrophoid canine) have been identified with their own strengths and weaknesses. The llama/alpaca, horse and kangaroo have emerged as new large species for IVD studies, and only time will tell if they will surpass the utility of existing models. The complexity of IVD degeneration poses difficulties in the selection of the most appropriate molecular target of many potential candidates, to focus on in the formulation of strategies to effect disc repair and regeneration. It may well be that many therapeutic objectives should be targeted simultaneously to effect a favorable outcome in human IVD degeneration. Use of animal models in isolation will not allow resolution of this complex issue and a paradigm shift and adoption of new methodologies is required to provide the next step forward in the determination of an effective repairative strategy for the IVD. AI has improved the accuracy and assessment of spinal imaging supporting clinical diagnostics and research efforts to better understand IVD degeneration and its treatment. Implementation of AI in the evaluation of histology data has improved the usefulness of a popular murine IVD model and could also be used in an ovine histopathological grading scheme that has been used to quantify degenerative IVD changes and stem cell mediated regeneration. These models are also attractive candidates for the evaluation of novel anti‐oxidant compounds that counter inflammatory conditions in degenerate IVDs and promote IVD regeneration. Some of these compounds also have pain‐relieving properties. AI has facilitated development of facial recognition pain assessment in animal IVD models offering the possibility of correlating the potential pain alleviating properties of some of these compounds with IVD regeneration.
Intracorneal Implantation of 3D Bioprinted Scaffolds Containing Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Using Femtosecond‐Laser‐Assisted Intrastromal Keratoplasty
Authors: Boix‐Lemonche Gerard , Nagymihaly Richard M. , Niemi Essi M. , Josifovska Natasha , Johansen Stian , Moe Morten C. , Scholz Hanne , Petrovski Goran
Published: February 2023

Injury of the cornea is a complex biological process. Regeneration of the corneal stroma can be facilitated by the presence of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and application of tissue equivalents. A new tissue‐engineering strategy for corneal stroma regeneration is presented using cellularized 3D bioprinted hydrogel constructs implanted into organ cultured porcine corneas using femtosecond laser‐assisted intrastromal keratoplasty. The ex vivo cultured, MSC‐loaded 3D bioprinted structures remain intact, support cell survival, and contain de novo synthesized extracellular matrix components and migrating cells throughout the observation period. At day 14 postimplantation, the cellularized tissue equivalents contain few or no cells, as demonstrated by optical coherence tomography imaging and immunofluorescent staining. This study successfully combines a laboratory‐based method with modern, patient‐care practice to produce a cell‐laden tissue equivalent for corneal implantation. Optimal bioink composition and cellularization of tissue equivalents are essential in fine‐tuning a method to promote the current technique as a future treatment modality.
Hybrid joining of aluminum alloys and thermoplastic CFR‐PA12 manufactured by IR‐irradiation: Influence of pretreatment and aging on the mechanical properties
Authors: Meinhard Dieter , Nester Sara , Schanz Jochen , Pott Timo , Riegel Harald , Knoblauch Volker
Published: January 2023

In this work, a thermal direct joining process was applied to obtain hybrid composites of thermoplastic carbon fiber compounds and selected aluminum alloys. With the successful proof‐of‐concept, the aging behavior under hydrothermal and corrosive conditions is also investigated. Before joining, various linear surface topographies with a characteristic aspect ratio ranging from 0.1 to 2.0 were generated on the aluminum using a short‐pulsed near‐infrared (NIR) laser source. By using optimized NIR laser parameters, the achieved shear strength under tensile load can reach the maximum value corresponding to the interlaminar shear strength of the used carbon fiber‐reinforced thermoplastic polymer. In two aging regimes under hydrothermal and corrosive conditions, a rapid and sharp decrease in mechanical strength over time was observed exclusively under corrosive conditions.
Linkage Design in Two‐Dimensional Covalent Organic Frameworks for High Iodine Uptake
Authors: Zhang Yuwei , Shi Wei , Zhao Yanning , Zhang Chunyu , Zhi Yongfeng
Published: January 2023

Radioactive iodine waste in the nuclear field is harmful to the environment and human health. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are a novel kind of porous organic material with a well‐fine and unformal structure, which is an excellent candidate as a solid adsorbent for iodine adsorption. Herein, a linkage design is proposed for effective iodine adsorption. Imine‐linkage COF (I‐COF) and hydrazone‐linked COF (H‐COF) are constructed under solvothermal conditions. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area of H‐COF is as high as 1747 m2 g−1. Furthermore, the H‐COF shows high porosity, stability, and rich atoms in the linkage. As a result, the work outperforms most of the previous reports in iodine capture with a high capture value at 5.72 g g−1.
New pathogenic variants in ARMC5 gene in a series of Italian patients affected by primary bilateral macronodular adrenocortical hyperplasia (PBMAH)
Authors: Giacché Mara , Panarotto Alessandra , Mori Luigi , Poliani Pietro Luigi , Lanzi Roberto , Lena Marco Schiavo , Castellano Maurizio
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Background

To perform genetic screening for ARMC5 gene germline pathogenic variants in patients with primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PBMAH).

Subjects and Methods

In a group of 10 PBMAH patients, we performed complete sequencing of the coding region of the ARMC5 gene and MLPA analysis for large deletion detection. In subjects with the ARMC5 variant, we searched ARMC5 gene somatic variants on tumor samples.

Results

Among 10 PBMAH patients, we identified four ARMC5 germline variants (40%). One variant, c:174dupC p.Glu59Argfs*44, was already known; one variant p.Gly323Asp, was already reported and classified as likely disease‐causing VUS (class 3–4); two variants p.Leu596Arg and p.Arg811Pro, were never reported before. For p.Gly323Asp and p.Arg811Pro, we identified second deleterious variants at the somatic level, enforcing the possible pathogenic effect of germline variants.

Conclusions

Our results underscore the importance of performing genetic testing also in sporadic PBMAH patients and broaden the spectrum of molecular variants involved in PBMAH syndrome.
Extended B‐spline‐based implicit material point method enhanced by F‐bar projection method to suppress pressure oscillation
Authors: Sugai Riichi , Han Jike , Yamaguchi Yuya , Moriguchi Shuji , Terada Kenjiro
Published: January 2023

An enhancement of the extended B‐spline‐based implicit material point method (EBS‐MPM) is developed to avoid pressure oscillation and volumetric locking. The EBS‐MPM is a stable implicit MPM that enables the imposition of arbitrary boundary conditions thanks to the higher‐order EBS basis functions and the help of Nitsche's method. In particular, by means of the higher‐order EBS basis functions, the EBS‐MPM can suppress the cell‐crossing errors caused by material points crossing the background grid boundaries and can avoid both the stress oscillations arising from inaccurate numerical integration and the ill‐conditioning of the resulting tangent matrices. Although the higher‐order EBS basis functions are known to avoid volumetric locking, the problem of pressure oscillation has not yet been resolved. Therefore, to suppress pressure oscillation due to quasi‐incompressibility, we propose the incorporation of the F‐bar projection method into the EBS‐MPM, which is compatible with the higher‐order EBS basis functions. Three representative numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the capability of the proposed method in suppressing both the pressure oscillation and volumetric locking. The results of the proposed method are compared to those of the finite element method with F‐bar elements and those of isogeometric analysis with quadratic NURBS elements.
Coping strategies adopted by frontline nurses in dealing with COVID‐19 patients in a developing country during the pandemic: A qualitative study
Authors: Rony Moustaq Karim Khan , Rahman Muhammad Mostafijur , Saki Md. Abdullah Al , Parvin Mst. Rina , Alamgir Hasnat M.
Published: January 2023

Aim

This study aimed to explore the coping strategies adopted by frontline nurses in dealing with COVID‐19 patients during the pandemic in Bangladesh.

Design

A qualitative descriptive study.

Methods

Purposive sampling was used to recruit seventeen frontline nurses from three COVID‐19‐specific hospitals in Dhaka City. In‐depth online interviews and semi‐structured questionnaires were used to collect data through the Google Meet platform. Interview sessions audio–video were recorded, interpreted, analysed, verbatim transcribed and quotes of the participants were verified by member checking. Thematic analysis was used in this research. The study's reporting guidelines were based on the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research.

Results

Seven themes were identified after careful data analysis: (i) A positive attitude in dealing with challenging situation, (ii) Intimate partner's influence, (iii) Self‐emotional regulation, (iv) The tendency to avoid negativity, (v) Motivated by professional obligations, (vi) Religious influence, (vii) Recreational activities.

No patient or public contribution

This study explored various coping strategies employed by frontline nurses in caring for COVID‐19 patients. No patient or public contribution was investigated.
Hospital‐Negotiated Pricing of Cochlear Implants
Authors: Bartholomew Ryan A. , Rathi Vinay K. , Suresh Krish , Sethi Rosh K. V. , Lee Daniel J. , Xiao Roy
Published: January 2023

Access to cochlear implantation can be restricted by financial burden, and little is known about the extent to which cochlear implant (CI) devices prices may vary between hospitals or manufacturers. We performed a cross‐sectional analysis of private payer‐negotiated prices for CI devices. In total, 161 hospitals were analyzed. Prices varied widely across hospitals and between payers. Despite clinical equipoise between manufacturers with regards to CI user outcomes, significant differences in prices were identified, with higher prices for MED‐EL ($38,478 ± 2633) than for Cochlear Ltd. ($34,150 ± 2418, p < .001). Markup analysis for Cochlear Ltd. devices revealed a mean 58.5% ± 7.4% markup in excess of the company's average sales price ($24,649). Negotiated prices were also at least $5000 lower when all 3 brands were offered at the same center (p < .05). Further research examining the influence of patient outcomes and hospital volume on prices are needed.
The architectonics of bitetrazole‐based porous organic polymers for capturing iodine and fluorescence sensing to iodine and 4‐nitrophenol
Authors: Wang Kang , Geng Tongmou , Zhu Feng
Published: January 2023

Two bitetrazole‐based porous organic polymers (POPs), TBTZ and HBTZ, have been synthesized by nucleophilic substitution reactions with yields up to 79.08% and 78.81%, respectively. After a series of characterization, these two POPs show good chemical stability, thermal stability, and high pore properties. Through performance tests, we found that the two POPs show dual functions due to the introduction of bitetrazole, capturing iodine and fluorescence sensing I2 and 4‐nitrophenol (p‐NP). First, owing to the plenty of nitrogen affinity sites, both TBTZ and HBTZ show excellent iodine adsorption with 3.54 and 5.66 g g−1, respectively. The higher adsorption amount of HBTZ for iodine than TBTZ is due to the larger specific surface area of HBTZ than TBTZ, and stronger interaction of cyclophosphonitrile unit with iodine are than triazine ring with iodine. Second, on account of their excellent conjugated properties and nitrogen‐enriched structures, TBTZ and HBTZ exhibit high sensitivity to I2 and p‐NP with KSV of 3.97 × 103 and 5.49 × 104 L mol−1 and limits of detection of 8.00 × 10−10 and 5.46 × 10−11 mol L−1, respectively. The former is the photo‐induced electron transfer mechanism, while the latter is the energy transfer mechanism.
Facile fabrication of polypyrrole/NiOx core‐shell nanocomposites for hydrogen production from wastewater
Authors: Atta A. , Negm H. , Abdeltwab E. , Rabia Mohamed , Abdelhamied M. M.
Published: February 2023

This work highlights testing the polymer nanocomposite for hydrogen gas production from wastewater (sewage water). The in‐situ polymerization technique is used to prepare polypyrrole (PPy) and PPy/NiOx nanocomposite films on a glass substrate. The film's ability to generate hydrogen from sewage water is then evaluated. The XRD and XPS confirmed the formation of two types of NiOX: NiO and Ni2O3. The optical property of the composite is greater than the polymer under the insertion of NiOx as a core for the polymer coating shell, in which the band gap values are 2.25 and 1.81 eV, respectively. The TEM confirmed the PPy/NiOx core‐shell formation, in which the polymer shell (20 nm) coated the NiOX core (170 nm). The electrochemical testing for H2 gas production is carried out through a three‐electrode cell. The effect of light on/off, wavelengths, and temperature on the H2 production is applied. Under off/on light, the produced current density (Jph) value is enhanced from 5 to 16 μA, respectively. The effect of monochromatic light: 440, 540, and 730 nm are tested, and the produced Jph values are −1.28, −1.16, and −1.14 μA cm−2, respectively. In which, the decreasing Jph value with increasing of the monochromatic light confirmed the behavior of the photoelectrode under different optical regions. The Jph values increase from −1.6 to −5.8 μA cm−2 with a rise in temperature from 30 to 55°C. Moreover, enthalpy (ΔH*), activation energy (Ea), and entropy (ΔS*) of thermodynamic processes are determined using the photoelectrode response at different temperatures.
Parent–child perception differences in home‐based parental involvement and children's mental health in China: The effects of peer support and teacher emotional support
Authors: Liu Keqiao , Zhang Qiang
Published: January 2023

Parents' perception of parental involvement or that of children has been found to be associated with the mental health of children. Rather than scrutinizing whether parents' perception or children's perception matters more, this study investigated whether and how parent–child perception differences (parents' perceptions minus their children's perceptions) in home‐based parental involvement were related to anxiety, depression, and stress in children. We surveyed 2219 adolescents (approximately 12–14 years old) and their parents in nine middle schools in eastern China. Findings indicate that parent–child perception differences in parental daily involvement (e.g., Depression: β = .065,p < .01) and parent–child communication (e.g., Depression: β = .107,p < .001) were detrimental to the mental health of children, and that perceived peer support and perceived teacher emotional support might mitigate the adverse effects.
“Take up to eight tablets per day”: Incorporating free‐text medication instructions into a transparent and reproducible process for preparing drug exposure data for pharmacoepidemiology
Authors: Jani Meghna , Yimer Belay Birlie , Selby David , Lunt Mark , Nenadic Goran , Dixon William G.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Routinely collected prescription data provides drug exposure information for pharmacoepidemiology, informing start/stop dates and dosage. Prescribing information includes structured data and unstructured free‐text instructions, which can include inherent variability, such as “one to two tablets up to four times a day”. Preparing drug exposure data from raw prescriptions to a research ready dataset is rarely fully reported, yet assumptions have considerable implications for pharmacoepidemiology. This may have bigger consequences for “pro re nata” (PRN) drugs. Our aim was, using a worked example of opioids and fracture risk, to examine the impact of incorporating narrative prescribing instructions and subsequent drug preparation assumptions on adverse event rates.

Methods

R‐packages for extracting free‐text medication prescription instructions in a structured form (doseminer) and an algorithm for transparently processing drug exposure information (drugprepr) were developed. Clinical Practice Research Datalink GOLD was used to define a cohort of adult new opioid users without prior cancer. A retrospective cohort study was performed using data between January 1, 2017 and July 31, 2018. We tested the impact of varying drug preparation assumptions by estimating the risk of opioids on fracture risk using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

During the study window, 60 394 patients were identified with 190 754 opioid prescriptions. Free‐text prescribing instruction variability, where there was flexibility in the number of tablets to be administered, was present in 42% prescriptions. Variations in the decisions made during preparing raw data for analysis led to marked differences impacting the event number (n = 303–415) and person years of drug exposure (5619–9832). The distribution of hazard ratios as a function of the decisions ranged from 2.71 (95% CI: 2.31, 3.18) to 3.24 (2.76, 3.82).

Conclusions

Assumptions made during the drug preparation process, especially for those with variability in prescription instructions, can impact results of subsequent risk estimates. The developed R packages can improve transparency related to drug preparation assumptions, in line with best practice advocated by international pharmacoepidemiology guidelines.
Dynamics of semi‐flexible and breakable fibers under Poiseuille flow
Authors: Choi Kisuk , Lee Jaebin , Choi Woo Jin , Myung Jin Suk
Published: January 2023

In the processing of fiber‐reinforced polymer composites, especially in injection molding, the fiber's orientation, length, and distribution vary depending on the location of the channel flow and its properties, which affects the performance of final products. To investigate the intricate behavior of fiber suspensions under Poiseuille flow, we used the hybrid simulation approach, multiparticle collision dynamics–molecular dynamics (MPC‐MD), which takes hydrodynamic interactions and fiber properties (strength, flexibility) into account. For non‐breakable and rodlike fibers, fibers align well along the flow direction while showing more alignment near the wall. As fiber becomes breakable and/or flexible, the length and orientation of fibers strongly depend on their properties. The interesting phenomenon is specifically seen for breakable and semiflexible fibers, where the orientation of the fiber exhibits non‐monotonic behavior depending on the flow rate. This complex behavior highlights the importance of comprehending the dynamics of many types of fibers and necessitates research into the best conditions for injection molding.
Acceptability, implementation, and perceived utility of a school‐based cognitive‐behavioral intervention: A qualitative feasibility study
Authors: Tilley Micah A. , Montreuil Tina
Published: January 2023

Understanding how cognitive‐behavioral therapy programs can be best implemented within the school environment is critical for ensuring that preventative mental health efforts reach all children and are most effective. The purpose of this study was to provide a qualitative analysis of students and school‐based facilitators' perspectives of a cognitive‐behavioral school‐based intervention. Thematic analysis was used to evaluate the feasibility of the program, with a focus given to acceptability, implementation, and perceived utility. School‐based facilitators (n = 10) provided data via weekly checklists. At the end of the program, facilitators also completed an online survey, and elementary students (n = 186) completed a questionnaire and open‐ended worksheet. Results indicated that the program was feasible for teaching important coping skills to elementary school students. While there were specific challenges and barriers reported regarding program implementation, the program was deemed useful, engaging, and beneficial for students overall. These findings provide invaluable information from key stakeholders that will permit revisions and improvements to the program post‐validation. This study also serves to further bridge the research‐to‐practice gap by incorporating facilitator and student perspectives into existing interventions to ensure the successful and sustained transfer of clinical practice into the school setting.
All‐cause and cause‐specific mortality rates after severe extremity injuries among previously deployed active duty service members
Authors: Schmied Emily A. , Boltz Jessamyn , Levine Jordan A. , Koenig Hannah , Forbang Nketi , Shero John , Dearth Christopher L. , Thomsen Cynthia J.
Published: February 2023

Background

Previous research has shown that active duty military personnel who sustain extremity injuries while in service are at elevated risk for serious physical and psychological health issues that could affect their long‐term functioning and quality of life yet longer‐term mortality has not been studied in this population.

Objective

To determine whether rates of all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality are elevated for active duty U.S. service members who sustained traumatic limb injuries in service, compared to the broader population of deploying service members. To assess differences in mortality rates between service members with traumatic limb injuries that did versus did not result in amputation.

Design

Retrospective cohort study; archival Department of Defense deployment, personnel, medical, and death records were combined and analyzed. Standardized mortality ratios (SMR) adjusted for age, sex, and ethnoracial group, along with associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were calculated to directly compare all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality rates in each of the two injury groups to rates in the total study population.

Setting

Not applicable.

Participants

Service members who deployed in support of the global war on terror between 2001 and 2016 were eligible for inclusion; the final sample included 1,875,206 individuals surveilled through 2019.

Intervention

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

All‐cause and cause‐specific mortality rates.

Results

Overall, the number of deaths was over three times higher than expected among service members with amputations (SMR = 3.01; CI: 2.36–3.65), and nearly two times higher among those with serious limb injuries not resulting in amputation (SMR = 1.72; CI: 1.54–1.90) when compared to the larger study population. Rates for both internal and external causes of death were significantly elevated among those with limb injuries.

Conclusions

Long‐term mortality rates are elevated among service members with traumatic limb injuries, though mortality patterns may differ based on whether the injury results in amputation. Although further research into causal mechanisms is needed, these results may inform the development of interventions to improve long‐term health outcomes among injured military personnel.
It hurts to get forced: Children's narratives about restraint during medical procedures
Authors: Forsner Maria , Cyrén Monika , Gerdin Anna , Rullander Anna‐Clara
Published: February 2023

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), children have the right to be involved in decisions about medical procedures affecting them. However, research has shown that healthcare professionals sometimes find this difficult to achieve and those procedures then are performed against the will of the child. The aim was to illuminate restraint from the perspective of children's and young people's experiences of feeling forced during medical procedures. Following the phenomenological hermeneutic method, a secondary qualitative analysis of narrative data from four datasets collected between 2001 and 2020 was performed. Twelve children and young people aged 6–19 years (three male, nine female) from central and northern Sweden narrated their experiences of restraint related to medical procedures in nine narrative interviews and three short written narratives. The analysis revealed that it hurts to get forced, this being illustrated in six themes: bodily misery, emotional rebellion, feeling disregarded, physically limited, desiring escape, and leaving deep traces. From the perspective of children and young people, restraint was interpreted with inspiration from the philosopher Michel Foucault, as being overpowered – not voluntary submission but offering resistance – and according to the theory of caring and uncaring, a relationship in which the healthcare professional is perceived as indifferent to the patient as a person. In conclusion restraint hurts and means powerlessness to the child, leaving deep traces that remain for a long time. The findings call the healthcare profession to take action to support children's self‐determination, participation, and integrity in healthcare. How children experience restraint in healthcare merits further investigation from the children's own perspective.