bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integration of aerial surveys and resource selection analysis indicates human land use supports boreal deer expansion
Authors: Fuller Hugh W. , Frey Sandra , Fisher Jason T.
Published: August 2022

Landscape change is a driver of global biodiversity loss. In the western Nearctic, petroleum exploration and extraction is a major contributor to landscape change, with concomitant effects on large mammal populations. One of those effects is the continued expansion of invasive white‐tailed deer populations into the boreal forest, with ramifications for the whole ecosystem. We explored deer resource selection within the oil sands region of the boreal forest using a novel application of aerial ungulate survey (AUS) data. Deer locations from AUS were “used” points and together with randomly allocated “available” points informed deer resource selection in relation to landscape variables in the boreal forest. We created a candidate set of generalized linear models representing competing hypotheses about the role of natural landscape features, forest harvesting, cultivation, roads, and petroleum features. We ranked these in an information‐theoretic framework. A combination of natural and anthropogenic landscape features best explained deer resource selection. Deer strongly selected seismic lines and other linear features associated with petroleum exploration and extraction, likely as movement corridors and resource subsidies. Forest harvesting and cultivation, important contributors to expansion in other parts of the white‐tailed deer range, were not as important here. Stemming deer expansion to conserve native ungulates and maintain key predator–prey processes will likely require landscape management to restore the widespread linear features crossing the vast oil sands region.
Retracted: Distributions of trace elements with long‐term grazing exclusion in a semi‐arid grassland of inner Mongolia
Authors: Hu Juan , Li Qiang , Huang Yingxin , Zhang Qilin , Zhou Daowei
Published: August 2022

We still know little about the distributions of trace elements in grassland with long‐term grazing exclusion. The contents, stocks, and proportions of iron (Fe), aluminum (Al), manganese (Mn), and boron (B) in green plant–litter–root–soil were evaluated by enclosing for 18‐, and 39 years inside the fence (F18 and F39) and grazing outside the fence (F0) in Mongolia grassland. Results showed that F18 and F39 decreased the stocks of Fe, Al, and Mn in green plant and root compared with F0 (p < .05), while increased the stocks of them in litter (p < .05). The F18 obviously increased the stocks of Fe and Mn in soil, especially B (p < .05). The stock of Fe, Al, and Mn in green plant at F39 was 28.6%, 13.9%, and 39.2% higher than that at F18. The stocks of trace elements in undecomposed litter at F39 were increased by 12.7%–52.2% compared with F18, while the stocks of them in complete decomposed litter were decreased by 32.2%–42.5%. The stocks of trace elements in soil at F39 were 9.1%–28.0% lower than that at F18, especially B (p < .05). In conclusion, the trace elements were mainly shifted from green plant and root to soil and complete decomposed litter with 18‐year grazing exclusion. The trace elements were shifted from complete decomposed litter and soil to root with 39‐year grazing exclusion compared with 18‐year grazing exclusion.
Mammal responses to predator scents across multiple study areas
Authors: Sunde Peter , Böcker Felix , Rauset Geir Rune , Kjellander Petter , Chrenkova Monika , Skovdal Trine Munck , van Beeck Calkoen Suzanne , Mayer Martin , Heurich Marco
Published: August 2022

Antipredator behaviors allow prey to mitigate the impacts of their predators. We investigated antipredator responses of two herbivore species, roe deer and European hare, and one mesopredator, red fox, toward predation risk imposed by lynx and wolf. We collected data (using camera traps) on visitation frequency and vigilance behavior to olfactory predator stimuli during 158 standardized scent trials in five areas across Europe, where lynx and wolves either occurred or had been absent for centuries. After a period without scent, trial sites were either marked with lynx or wolf urine, or butyric acid (unspecific scent used to contrast species‐specific scent responses). We expected the two herbivores to respond aversively (reduced visitation frequency, and increased vigilance) to predator urine, while red foxes (scavengers) might adopt a risk‐sensitive exploration strategy by increasing vigilance near predator urine without reducing visitation frequency. For all species, we expected stronger responses toward the ambush predator lynx than to the pursue predator wolf (cryptic predator hypothesis). If prey responds more strongly to predator stimuli when coexisting with the predator, we expected stronger reactions to predator urine in areas where predators occurred (naïve prey hypothesis). Roe deer significantly avoided lynx urine and butyric acid, but not wolf urine. However, roe deer visitation frequency did not differ between scent treatment with large carnivore urine and butyric acid (suggesting that roe deer generally avoid areas with unfamiliar scent), or between areas where large carnivores were present and absent. Hares did not significantly avoid predator urine. Red foxes were attracted to lynx urine in sympatry, but not in allopatry with large carnivores. They increased vigilance rates in the presence of lynx urine independent of sympatry/allopatry with large carnivores. These findings generally confirm our expectations of predator avoidance by herbivores, and attraction combined with increased vigilance of mesopredators. In all species, lynx urine elicited stronger responses than wolf urine (although not significantly different), which to some extent conforms to the cryptic predator hypothesis. We found no support for the naïve prey hypothesis. However, higher attraction of red foxes to lynx urine in sympatric situations might indicate that positive responses by scavengers are learning based.
Right ventricular dysfunction predicts outcome after transcatheter mitral valve repair for primary mitral valve regurgitation
Authors: Doldi Philipp M. , Stolz Lukas , Kalbacher Daniel , Köll Benedikt , Geyer Martin , Ludwig Sebastian , Orban Mathias , Braun Daniel , Weckbach Ludwig T. , Stocker Thomas J. , Näbauer Michael , Higuchi Satoshi , Ruf Tobias , Da Rocha e Silva Jaqueline , Wild Mirjam , Tence Noemie , Unterhuber Matthias , Schofer Niklas , Petrescu Aniela , Thiele Holger , Lurz Philipp , Lubos Edith , von Bardeleben Stephan , Karam Nicole , Samim Daryoush , Paradis Jean‐Michel , Iliadis Christos , Xhepa Erion , Hagl Christian , Massberg Steffen , Hausleiter Jörg ,   EuroSMR and PRIME‐MR Investigators
Published: August 2022

Aims

Right ventricular dysfunction (RVD), as expressed by right ventricular to pulmonary artery coupling, has recently been identified as a strong outcome predictor in patients undergoing mitral valve edge‐to‐edge repair (M‐TEER) for secondary mitral regurgitation (MR). The aim of this study was to define RVD in patients undergoing M‐TEER for primary MR (PMR) and to evaluate its impact on procedural MR reduction, symptomatic development and 2‐year all‐cause mortality.

Methods and results

This multicentre study included patients undergoing M‐TEER for symptomatic PMR at nine international centres. The study cohort was divided into a derivation (DC) and validation cohort (VC) for calculation and validation of the best discriminatory value for RVD. A total of 648 PMR patients were included in the study. DC and VC were comparable regarding procedural success and outcomes at follow‐up. Sensitivity analysis identified RVD as an independent predictor for 2‐year mortality in the DC (hazard ratio [HR] 2.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.47–3.81, p < 0.001), which was confirmed in the VC (HR 2.06, 95% CI 1.36–3.13, p < 0.001). Procedural success (MR ≤2+) and symptomatic improvement at follow‐up (New York Heart Association [NYHA] class ≤II) were lower in PMR patients with RVD (MR ≤2+: 82% vs. 93%, p = 0.002; NYHA class ≤II: 57.3% vs. 66.5%, p = 0.09 for with vs. without RVD). In all PMR patients, the presence of RVD significantly impaired 2‐year survival after M‐TEER (HR 2.23, 95% CI 1.63–3.05, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Mitral valve edge‐to‐edge repair is an effective treatment option for PMR patients. The presence of RVD is associated with less MR reduction, less symptomatic improvement and increased 2‐year mortality. Accordingly, RVD might be included into pre‐procedural prognostic considerations.
Novel homozygous CD46 variant with C‐isoform expression affects C3b inactivation in atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome
Authors: Schack Vivien R. , Herlin Morten K. , Pedersen Henrik , Jensen J. Magnus Bernth , Færch Mia , Bundgaard Bettina , Jensen Rasmus K. , Jensen Uffe B. , Christensen Rikke , Andersen Gregers R. , Thiel Steffen , Höllsberg Per
Published: August 2022

Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a thrombotic microangiopathy that may lead to organ failure. Dysregulation of the complement system can cause aHUS, and various disease‐related variants in the complement regulatory protein CD46 are described. We here report a pediatric patient with aHUS carrying a hitherto unreported homozygous variant in CD46 (NM_172359.3:c.602C>T p.(Ser201Leu)). In our functional analyses, this variant caused complement dysregulation through three separate mechanisms. First, CD46 surface expression on the patient's blood cells was significantly reduced. Second, stably expressing CD46(Ser201Leu) cells bound markedly less to patterns of C3b than CD46 WT cells. Third, the patient predominantly expressed the rare isoforms of CD46 (C dominated) instead of the more common isoforms (BC dominated). Using BC1 and C1 expressing cell lines, we found that the C1 isoform bound markedly less C3b than the BC1 isoform. These results highlight the coexistence of multiple mechanisms that may act synergistically to disrupt CD46 function during aHUS development.
Temperature and non‐communicable diseases: Evidence from Indonesia's primary health care system
Authors: Fritz Manuela
Published: August 2022

Climate change induced rising temperatures will pose a detrimental threat to decent health in the coming decades. Especially at risk are individuals with chronic diseases, since heat can exacerbate a variety of health conditions. In this article, I examine the heat‐morbidity relationship in the context of Indonesia, focusing on chronic, non‐communicable diseases, namely diabetes, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Using a novel dataset from the Indonesian national health insurance scheme Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional/Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Sosial (BPJS) and linking it with meteorological data on the daily‐district level, I estimate the causal effect of high temperatures on the daily number of primary health care visits. The results show that on a hot day all‐cause visits and visits with a diagnosis of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases increase by 8%, 25% and 14%, respectively. These increases are permanent and not offset by visit displacement or ‘harvesting’. Visits related to respiratory diseases seem not to be affected by high temperatures. I use several climate change scenarios to predict the increase in visits and costs by the end of the century, which all forecast a substantial financial burden for the health care system. These results might have relevance for other middle‐income countries with similar climatic conditions.
Challenges in the implementation of an electronic referral system: A qualitative study in the Iranian context
Authors: Kabir Mohammad Javad , Heidari Alireza , Honarvar Mohammad Reza , Khatirnamani Zahra , Rafiei Narges
Published: August 2022

Referral chain reduces patient costs and results in more efficient use of workforce and equipment. Despite the implementation of the Family Physician Programme in Iran, the referral system does not function as intended. Therefore, this study was conducted to explain the challenges in the implementation of an electronic referral system in Iran. This qualitative study was performed in Golestan province in northern Iran. The participants were 46 family physicians, specialist physicians, healthcare managers, experts, and patients who were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using in‐depth individual interviews and were analysed using content analysis. Implementation of the electronic referral system faces management challenges (planning, organisation, motivation, control), administrative challenges (scheduling, patient load and waiting time, visit and diagnosis, feedback), and educational, policy, sociocultural, technological, and economic challenges. Policymakers can adopt appropriate strategies to improve the quantity and quality of their electronic referral system according to the challenges identified herein.
Prevalence and associated factors for elevated fear and depressive symptoms among the private service holders in Bangladesh during the Covid‐19 pandemic: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Islam Md. Rabiul , Nahar Zabun , Hossain Md. Sakhawat , Hossain Md. Jamal , Shahriar Mohammad , Islam Sardar Mohammad Ashraful , Bhuiyan Mohiuddin Ahmed
Published: August 2022

Background and Aims

The ongoing public health emergency has created incredible fear of getting the infection and a terrible psychological burden among all levels. The pandemic has severely affected private job holders' economic status and lifestyle factors in Bangladesh. Here we aimed to assess fear and depressive symptoms among private job holders in Bangladesh during the Covid‐19 pandemic and associated risk factors.

Methods

We conducted this online cross‐sectional survey between January 15, 2021, and March 15, 2021, among 510 private job holders aged above 18 years. We followed the convenience sampling method for data collection. We assessed sociodemographic factors and two psychometric parameters. We applied the Fear of Covid‐19 Scale and Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 to assess increased fear and depressive symptoms, respectively. Chi‐square test, independent sample t‐test, and binary logistic regression analysis were performed for data analysis.

Results

The prevalence of increased fear and depressive symptoms were 86.27% and 42.16%, respectively. Factors associated with increased fear among private job holders during COVID‐19 were economic class, obesity, on‐time salary, company's downsizing policy, salary reduction, home office, and transportation facilities. However, depressive symptoms were associated with marital status, education level, residence area, the organizational practice of health safety rules, company performance, on‐time salary, health insurance, downsizing, salary reduction policy, organization type, transportation, and mental health support at work. The present study also noticed some interrelations among the above factors with mental health issues.

Conclusion

Based on the present findings, we recommend actionable items to improve the mental health of private job holders in Bangladesh due to the ongoing pandemic. Authorities can develop mental health support programs and efficient Covid‐19 response systems. The policymakers and regulatory bodies might take some initiatives to promote mental health in the private sector in Bangladesh.
Israeli soldiers' intentions and actions toward seeking mental health help: Barriers and facilitators
Authors: Schneider Maayan , Werner Shirli , Yavnai Nirit , Ben Yehuda Ariel , Shelef Leah
Published: August 2022

Background

While military settings may increase psychological distress, soldiers frequently avoid seeking professional help. This study aimed to examine barriers and facilitators associated with intentions to seek help and actually seeking help from a mental health officer (MHO) and how these differ among soldiers who had sought help in the past and those who had not.

Method

This cross‐sectional study included 263 combat and noncombat soldiers. The Health Belief Model and the Help‐Seeking Model were the theoretical framework used to map the potential variables associated with soldiers' decision to seek help.

Results

Stigma and administrative barriers were found to be significant barriers to both the intention to seek help and actually consulting an MHO. These findings were more definitive among combat soldiers. The belief in the effectiveness of mental health treatment was positively associated with the intention to seek help. Positive associations were found between well‐being, perceived seriousness of one's condition, and belief in the effectiveness of mental health care and intention to seek MHO help. Distress and self‐concealment were positively associated with actual consultation with an MHO. Public stigma about seeking help was associated with both the intention to seek mental health assistance and actually consulting an MHO.

Conclusion

Military commanders should make an effort to make soldiers feel safe to seek mental health assistance by creating a supportive organizational atmosphere to reduce the stigma associated with mental health care.
Examining the relationship between dysmorphia symptoms and suicidality through the lens of the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide
Authors: Ortiz Shelby N. , Grunewald William , Morgan Robert , Smith April
Published: August 2022

Objective

Using the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (IPTS) as a framework, this two‐study investigation tested whether burdensomeness and low belongingness explained the association between body and muscle dysmorphia symptoms and suicidal ideation (tested in Study 1 and Study 2), and if fearlessness about death and pain tolerance explained the association between dysmorphia symptoms and previous suicide attempt frequency (tested in Study 2).

Methods

Study 1 used a community sample (n = 273) and Study 2 used an at‐risk population sample (n = 261). Participants completed cross‐sectional questionnaires online.

Results

In Study 1, both types of dysmorphic symptoms related to suicidal ideation through burdensomeness, but only body dysmorphic symptoms related to suicidal ideation through low belongingness. In Study 2, results were replicated as both types of dysmorphic symptoms related to suicidal ideation through burdensomeness. While both types of symptoms related to low belonging, low belonging did not relate to suicidal ideation. Neither dysmorphic symptoms nor capability for suicide related to frequency of suicide attempts.

Conclusions

Results suggest that improving interpersonal needs, such as feeling more effective, may be important treatment targets for individuals with dysmorphic symptoms who also experience suicidal ideation. Future work should continue to identify mediators for suicide attempts among individuals with dysmorphia symptoms.
The role of cyberbullying victimization in the relationship between adult BTS fans' psychological sense of community and wellbeing
Authors: Laffan Derek A. , Stenson Audrey , Flood Cliona
Published: August 2022

Adult fans of K‐Pop band BTS are part of a diverse and global fandom that has an evident psychological sense of community associated with psychosocial benefits such as increases in wellbeing. This study aimed to investigate if cyberbullying victimization plays an influential role in the relationship of BTS fans' psychological sense of community and wellbeing using an online co‐designed survey administered to 183 participants. There was a significant positive relationship found between psychological sense of community and wellbeing. The results of a moderation analysis were interpreted as cyberbullying victimization not having an influential role in this positive relationship, despite cyberbullying typically having detrimental effects on interpersonal relationships and communities generally. It was concluded that BTS fans' psychological sense of community may be buffering against the adverse consequences of cyberbullying victimization and/or competent anti‐cyberbullying and online safety practices are being carried out in online BTS fan communities. Implications for anti‐cyberbullying researchers and cyberbullying prevention efforts are also discussed.
Environmentally friendly ionic liquid medium based on dicyanamide anion for leaching gold from e‐waste CPUs by iodination
Authors: Liu Ziyuan , Kou Jue , Xing Yi , Sun Chunbao , Zhang Yuxin
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUD

The large and growing amount of electronic waste (e‐waste) caused by the rise of the electronics industry has negatively impacted the environment and secondary resource utilization. Thus, research on the recovery, recycling, and reuse of valuable metals from e‐waste has attracted considerable attention. In this study, a novel leaching system based on dicyandiamide ionic liquids (ILs): 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium dicyandiamide, 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium dicyandiamide, and 1‐hexyl‐3‐methylimidazolium dicyandiamide were used to evaluate the effectiveness of leaching gold from typical e‐waste CPUs by iodination.

RESULTS

The response surface experiment and analysis of variance (ANOVA) for the results showed that the optimal gold leaching efficiency reached 93.81% after 170 min under a rotational speed of 300 rpm, temperature of 32 °C, and iodine dosage of 1.15%. The mechanism of reaction was determined and the main reaction products were Au[IN(CN)2]− and Au[N(CN)2]2−. Moreover, the kinetic behavior of gold leaching showed a good correlation with the Avrami model and the activation energy value was 14.01 kJ·mol−1. The comparison of iodine consumption between aqueous medium and ILs showed that the required amount of iodine (calculated by ionic iodine) decreased by a factor of six times in ILs.

CONCLUSION

The iodine dosage, leaching temperature, and time had significant effects on the gold leaching efficiency in the IL leaching system. The reaction of gold leaching was jointly controlled by diffusion and chemical reactions. The coordination groups [N(CN)2]22− and [IN(CN)2]2− in the pregnant solution formed stable complexes with Au(I). The consumption of iodine in ILs decreased remarkably, showing the significant practical value of ILs. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Renewable palm oil sticks biomass‐derived unique hierarchical porous carbon nanostructure as sustainability electrode for symmetrical supercapacitor
Authors: Julnaidi  , Saputra Edy , Nofrizal  , Taer Erman
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND

Three‐dimensional and hierarchical porous materials enriched with 2D nanostructure can boost the electrochemical performance of carbon‐based electrodes in the supercapacitor devices. These materials are obtained from novel precursors of palm oil stock biomass. The unique combination of hierarchical and 2D nanostructures was controlled using ZnCl2 impregnation of 0.3–0.9 mol L−1 with high‐temperature pyrolysis.

RESULTS

Impregnation with 0.5 mol L−1 ZnCl2 (POSC5) produced the highest specific surface area with dominant micropores of 89% in a total volume of 0.343 cm3 g−1. POSC5 was shown to have an excellent morphological combination of trimodal‐foam‐sponge‐like hierarchical porosity with large messy short 2D nano‐rod structures as the optimum carbon preparation. A symmetrical system was designed as a solid electrode without a binder, confirming high capacitive properties of 256 F g−1 in 1 mol L−1 H2SO4 electrolyte with capacitance retention of 76% at 10 mV s−1. The results showed that the transport and resistance behavior of the charge tends to be stable and satisfactory at an internal resistance of 0.012 Ω, with the energy density increased from 9.14 to 21.19 W h kg−1 at 1 A g−1 in 1 mV s−1.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, this research provides an environmentally benign and novel approach for developing a high‐quality, sustainable biomass carbon‐based electrode material for electrochemical energy storage applications. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Lung ultrasound findings in children with foreign body aspiration
Authors: Aydin Orkun , Birbilen Ahmet Ziya , User Idil Rana , Turer Ozlem Boybeyi , Teksam Ozlem
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Foreign body aspiration (FBA) has a wide clinical spectrum, patients may be asymptomatic or present with cardiopulmonary arrest. Radiological imaging methods are used in addition to history and physical examination findings for certain diagnosis. Lung ultrasonography (LUS), whose usage area is increasing year by year, can be included in these. This study aimed to investigate ultrasonography findings in FBA and hypothesized that LUS may have a standard place in FBA diagnosis.

Methods

Patients who administered to the pediatric emergency department between August 2019–August 2021, considered according to the clinical findings and physical examination possible FBA, and who undergone rigid bronchoscopy by pediatric surgery were included in the study.

Results

Thirty‐two patients were included in the study. According to the results of bronchoscopy, FBA was detected in 25 patients. The most common finding in radiography was hyperinflation on one side, while LUS findings were confluent‐B lines in eight patients, barcode‐sign in five patients, pleural line abnormalities in two patients, and pleural consolidation in two patients.

Conclusion

This study is the first study aiming to evaluate LUS findings in FBA to the best of our knowledge. The B‐lines, barcode sign, pleural line abnormalities and consolidation are seen findings in LUS of the patients with FBA. Although it is far from replacing chest radiography in these patients, it is possible to say that it has an equivalent value with chest radiography.
Africa beyond ‘South‐South cooperation’: A frame with limited resonance
Authors: Haug Sebastian , Kamwengo Cynthia M.
Published: August 2022

With reference to frames as socially determined definitions of reality, this paper examines the discrepancies between the prominence of ‘South‐South cooperation’ terminology in globally dominant discourses and its limited usage by African stakeholders. Based on insights from the United Nations, (cross‐)regional collaboration formats and bilateral cooperation, we find that African officials employ ‘South‐South’ terminology mainly when ‘Northern’ partners are present but use other frames when engaging with developing countries. This limited resonance poses a challenge to multilateral organisations and traditional donors in their attempts to expand engagement with ‘South‐South’ relations. A focus on the usage and effects of frames, we argue, can clarify the assumptions based on which international cooperation unfolds.
A longitudinal comparative study by in vivo harmonic generation microscopy: Q‐switched ruby laser versus picosecond 532‐nm Nd: YAG laser for the treatment of solar lentigines
Authors: Wu Pei‐Jhe , Chen Sheng‐Tse , Sheen Yi‐Shuan , Sun Chi‐Kuang , Liao Yi‐Hua
Published: August 2022

Background

Nanosecond quality‐switched ruby laser (QSRL) and frequency‐doubled 532‐nm picosecond Nd:YAG laser (532‐nm picosecond Nd: YAG laser [PSNYL]) are well‐documented treatments for solar lentigines (SLs). However, no studies have longitudinally tracked the microscopic findings before and after QSRL and 532‐nm PSNYL treatment for SL removal.

Objectives

To compare the clinical efficacy and dynamic histological changes between QSRL and 532‐nm PSNYL in the treatment of SLs in Asian patients.

Method

Twenty‐five patients with SLs on both sides of the face were enrolled in this prospective split‐face study. QSRL and 532‐nm PSNYL therapy for SLs on the left and right side of the face, respectively, were performed for each subject. All subjects underwent baseline and follow‐up assessment at Weeks 3 and 6. In vivo harmonic generation microscopy (HGM) imaging was adopted for the noninvasive observation of melanin mass density of basal cells (MMDbasal cell), epidermal melanocyte dendricity, and dermal melanophages before and after laser treatment.

Results

At Week 6, 60% of the lesions treated with QSRL and 68% with 532‐nm PSNYL had over 75% improvement. Histologically, both lasers resulted in statistically significant decrease of MMDbasal cell in SLs to the level of that in the normal skin at Weeks 3 and 6. Statistically significant increase of dermal melanophages was observed 3 weeks after both laser treatments. Nevertheless, 532‐nm PSNYL led to faster clearance of melanophages than QSRL at Week 6. Moreover, activated melanocytes with enhanced dendrite formation was significantly increased till 6 weeks after both laser treatments.

Conclusion

Both QSRL and 532‐nm PSNYL were effective treatments for SLs, and there was no statistically significant difference in clinical scoring. However, from histological aspect, 532‐nm PSNYL was associated with lower degree of melanin incontinence and melanophage accumulation. HGM imaging analysis can noninvasively quantitate the cutaneous response to pigmentary laser therapy.
Superhydrophobic and Anti‐Icing Coatings Made of Hierarchically Nanofibrillated Polymer Colloids
Authors: Williams Austin H. , Roh Sangchul , Kotb Yosra , Velev Orlin D.
Published: August 2022

The deposition of coatings with hierarchical morphology from hydrophobic and hydrophilic polymers is a common approach for making superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic coatings. The water‐repellent, water‐wicking, and anti‐icing coatings reported here are made from a class of materials called soft dendritic colloids (SDCs). The branched, nanofibrous SDCs are produced in suspension through nonsolvent‐induced phase separation in a turbulent medium. The properties of coatings formed by drying ethanol suspensions of SDCs made of polystyrene, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyester are compared. The highly branched SDC morphology creates entangled, porous coating layers with strong physical adhesion to the substrate due to the multitude of nanofiber sub‐contacts analogous to the “gecko leg effect”. Polystyrene SDC coatings show excellent superhydrophobicity but weaker adhesion due to low surface energy. Alternatively, polyvinyl alcohol SDC coatings show superhydrophilicity and strong adhesion from their high surface energy. Two strategies to improve the adhesivity and cohesivity of the SDCs layers are shown effective – use of intertwined networks and of silicone droplet microbinders. The water repulsion, together with the air trapped in the blended superhydrophobic coatings also makes them effective against ice nucleation and adhesion. Finally, these SDCs make thin, flexible, and durable nonwovens with similar properties.
Psychometric evaluation of the acute care nurses' job satisfaction scale‐revised
Authors: Yasin Yasin M. , Kehyayan Vahe , Khraim Fadi , Al‐Lenjawi Badriya
Published: August 2022

Aim

The aim of this study was to validate a job satisfaction scale among acute care nurses in the context of Qatar.

Design

Cross‐sectional correlational survey.

Methods

A convenience sampling technique was used to recruit 295 acute care nurses between June 2021–September 2021. Exploratory factor analysis followed by confirmatory factor analysis was used for item reduction and convergent and discriminant validity evaluation. Pearson's correlations were conducted to evaluate the concurrent and convergent validity of the revised scale. Reliability was tested using several internal consistency indicators.

Results

A revised scale was proposed, the Acute Care Nurses Job Satisfaction Scale‐Revised (ACNJSS‐R) scale; it is composed of 13 items loaded on five factors. The composite reliability and the maximal reliability were >.7 for all factors. The study provides empirical support for the validity and reliability of the ACNJSS‐R scale.
Controlling resin flow in Liquid Composite Moulding processes through localized irradiation with ultraviolet light
Authors: Endruweit Andreas , Matveev Mikhail , Tretyakov Michael V.
Published: August 2022

A vacuum infusion process was implemented to produce composite specimens from a random glass filament mat and an acrylic modified polyester resin curable upon irradiation with ultraviolet (UV) light. Through localized irradiation with UV light during the reinforcement impregnation, the viscosity of the flowing resin was increased selectively. This allowed converging–diverging flow patterns with defined inclusions to be realized and racetracking along reinforcement edges to be suppressed. The approach is based on radical photopolymerisation. Here, the degree of cure and the viscosity of the resin increase under direct irradiation, such that the resin gels and the flow stalls in a matter of seconds, but remain unchanged in areas covered with an opaque mask. While this study is concerned with the feasibility of the process, potential practical applications are in flow control for Liquid Composite Moulding, that is, compensation for local variations in the fiber volume fraction and permeability of reinforcements.
Influence of depression on survival of colorectal cancer patients drawn from a large prospective cohort
Authors: Varela‐Moreno Esperanza , Rivas‐Ruiz Francisco , Padilla‐Ruiz María , Alcaide‐García Julia , Zarcos‐Pedrinaci Irene , Téllez Teresa , Fernández‐de Larrea‐Baz Nerea , Baré Marisa , Bilbao Amaia , Sarasqueta Cristina , Morales‐Suárez‐Varela María Manuela , Aguirre Urko , Quintana José María , Redondo Maximino ,   CARESS‐CCR Study Group
Published: August 2022

Objective

The prevalence of depressive symptoms immediately after the diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) is high and has important implications both psychologically and on the course of the disease. The aim of this study is to analyse the association between depressive symptoms and CRC survival at 5 years after diagnosis.

Methods

This multicentre, prospective, observational cohort study was conducted on a sample of 2602 patients with CRC who completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS‐D) at 5 years of follow‐up. Survival was analysed using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox regression models.

Results

According to our analysis, the prevalence of depressive symptoms after a CRC diagnosis was 23.8%. The Cox regression analysis identified depression as an independent risk factor for survival (HR = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.21–1.8), a finding which persisted after adjusting for sex (female: HR = 0.63; 95% CI: 0.51–0.76), age (>70 years: HR = 3.78; 95% CI: 1.94–7.36), need for help (yes: HR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.17–1.74), provision of social assistance (yes: HR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.16–1.82), tumour size (T3–T4: HR = 1.56; 95% CI: 1.22–1.99), nodule staging (N1–N2: HR = 2.46; 95% CI: 2.04–2.96), and diagnosis during a screening test (yes: HR = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.55–0.91).

Conclusions

There is a high prevalence of depressive symptoms in patients diagnosed with CRC. These symptoms were negatively associated with the survival rate independently of other clinical variables. Therefore, patients diagnosed with CRC should be screened for depressive symptoms to ensure appropriate treatment can be provided.
Increased pain catastrophizing longitudinally predicts worsened pain severity and interference in patients with chronic pain and cancer: A collaborative health outcomes information registry study (CHOIR)
Authors: Wilson Jenna M. , Schreiber Kristin L. , Mackey Sean , Flowers K. Mikayla , Darnall Beth D. , Edwards Robert R. , Azizoddin Desiree R.
Published: August 2022

Objective

Little is known about how changes in psychosocial factors impact changes in pain outcomes among patients with cancer and chronic pain. This longitudinal cohort study of cancer patients investigated the relationships between changes in psychosocial factors and changes in pain severity and interference over time.

Methods

Data from patients with cancer and chronic pain (n = 316) treated at a tertiary pain clinic were prospectively collected. At their baseline visit (Time 1), patients provided demographic and clinical information, and completed validated psychosocial and pain assessments. Psychosocial and pain assessments were repeated at a follow‐up visit (Time 2), on average 4.9 months later. Change scores (Time 2‐Time 1) were computed for psychosocial and pain variables. Multivariable hierarchical linear regressions assessed the associations between changes in psychosocial factors with changes in pain outcomes over time.

Results

Participants were an average age of 59 years, were 61% female, and 69% White. Overall, a decrease in pain severity (p ≤ 0.001), but not pain interference, was observed among the group over time. In multivariable analyses, increased pain catastrophizing was significantly associated with increased pain severity over time (β = 0.24, p ≤ 0.001). Similarly, increased pain catastrophizing (β = 0.21, p ≤ 0.001) and increased depression (β = 0.20, p ≤ 0.003) were significantly associated with increased pain interference over time. Demographic and clinical characteristics were not significantly related to changes in pain outcomes.

Conclusions

Increased pain catastrophizing was uniquely associated with increased chronic pain severity and interference. Our findings indicate that cancer patients with chronic pain would likely benefit from the incorporation of nonpharmacological interventions, simultaneously addressing pain and psychological symptoms.
The utility of glucose area under the curve from the oral glucose tolerance test as a screening tool for cystic fibrosis‐related diabetes
Authors: Gileles‐Hillel Alex , Soesman Liora H. , Miari Silwan , Breuer Oded , Tsabari Reuven , Elyashar‐Earon Hila , Armoni Shoshana , Sprikkelman Aline B. , Reiter Joel , Zangen David , Lavi Eran , Kerem Eitan , Cohen‐Cymberknoh Malena
Published: August 2022

Background

Consistently abnormal glucose levels on oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) are the most effective screening tool for cystic fibrosis‐related diabetes (CFRD). However, some cystic fibrosis (CF) patients demonstrate abnormal glucose profiles not reaching levels required for CFRD diagnosis and are, therefore, left untreated. Since CFRD is associated with disease deterioration, early diagnosis and treatment are desirable.

Aim

To explore the association between the area under the curve of glucose (G‐AUC) obtained during a five‐point 2‐h standard OGTT and CF disease severity parameters.

Methods

All CF patients referred for an annual routine OGTT at the Hadassah CF Center between 2002 and 2018, were included. Disease severity parameters were correlated with the G‐AUC.

Results

Two hundred forty‐two OGTTs were performed in 81 patients (mean age 19.7 ± 9.0 years); 54% were normal, 14% showed impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), 5% had values in the indeterminate range (INDET), 11% had both IGT and INDET and 16% were diagnosed with CFRD. A gradual increase in mean G‐AUC was observed among the groups. In multivariate regression models, G‐AUC ≥ 295 mg h/dl was independently associated with an increased number of pulmonary exacerbations (PEx). Not all the patients having this value met the CFRD definition.

Conclusion

Patients who do not fulfill the criteria for CFRD may have abnormal glucose metabolism identifiable by abnormally high G‐AUC values, which may be associated with more PEx. The potential advantage of treating these patients with insulin and the subsequent reduction in PEx needs further investigation.
Performance of Cox proportional hazard models on recovering the ground truth of confounded exposure–response relationships for large‐molecule oncology drugs
Authors: Poon Victor , Lu Dan
Published: August 2022

A Cox proportional hazard (CoxPH) model is conventionally used to assess exposure–response (E–R), but its performance to uncover the ground truth when only one dose level of data is available has not been systematically evaluated. We established a simulation workflow to generate realistic E–R datasets to assess the performance of the CoxPH model in recovering the E–R ground truth in various scenarios, considering two potential reasons for the confounded E–R relationship. We found that at high doses, when the pharmacological effects are largely saturated, missing important confounders is the major reason for inferring false‐positive E–R relationships. At low doses, when a positive E–R slope is the ground truth, either missing important confounders or mis‐specifying the interactions can lead to inaccurate estimates of the E–R slope. This work constructed a simulation workflow generally applicable to clinical datasets to generate clinically relevant simulations and provide an in‐depth interpretation on the E–R relationships with confounders inferred by the conventional CoxPH model.
A Discussion on Associating THz Safety with 5G Safety
Authors: Yu Liangdeng , Rimjaem Sakhorn
Published: August 2022

A project on the development of midinfrared free‐electron laser and terahertz (THz) radiation produced by a home‐constructed electron accelerator has recently been launched in the laboratory. A study of THz technology and its applications for biology is one of the emphases and thus THz safety is in focus. This is not only due to the THz radiation itself, but also its association with 5G safety, which has recently become a topic of public concern worldwide. If THz radiation is demonstrated safe, 5G, with the same power, should be safe due to its lower photon energy. The safety issues of both radiations are discussed with different opinions. Herein, safety from physics is discussed and it is pointed out that radiation safety not only depends on photon energy but also radiation power, or the photon dose rate. Through quantitative discussion of the currently used 5G transmission station power, this study confirms that 5G is safe, while THz safety is not yet certain. Therefore, measurement of THz power, a test of THz radiation effect on DNA change, an investigation of the DNA vibration using the THz time‐domain spectroscopy, and molecular dynamics simulation of THz radiation of DNA are suggested.
Sensitivity analyses for the principal ignorability assumption using multiple imputation
Authors: Wang Craig , Zhang Yufen , Mealli Fabrizia , Bornkamp Björn
Published: August 2022

In the context of clinical trials, there is interest in the treatment effect for subpopulations of patients defined by intercurrent events, namely disease‐related events occurring after treatment initiation that affect either the interpretation or the existence of endpoints. With the principal stratum strategy, the ICH E9(R1) guideline introduces a formal framework in drug development for defining treatment effects in such subpopulations. Statistical estimation of the treatment effect can be performed based on the principal ignorability assumption using multiple imputation approaches. Principal ignorability is a conditional independence assumption that cannot be directly verified; therefore, it is crucial to evaluate the robustness of results to deviations from this assumption. As a sensitivity analysis, we propose a joint model that multiply imputes the principal stratum membership and the outcome variable while allowing different levels of violation of the principal ignorability assumption. We illustrate with a simulation study that the joint imputation model‐based approaches are superior to naive subpopulation analyses. Motivated by an oncology clinical trial, we implement the sensitivity analysis on a time‐to‐event outcome to assess the treatment effect in the subpopulation of patients who discontinued due to adverse events using a synthetic dataset. Finally, we explore the potential usage and provide interpretation of such analyses in clinical settings, as well as possible extension of such models in more general cases.
Catastrophic pulmonary haemorrhage after endobronchial biopsy of necrotic lung mass
Authors: Partridge Devan , Eilert Randy , Newton Felecia A.
Published: August 2022

Flexible bronchoscopy (FB) is instrumental in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory illness, with low rates of bleeding post‐procedure but unpredictable degrees of severity. Although exceedingly rare, massive pulmonary haemorrhage after FB is often catastrophic. We present a case of massive pulmonary haemorrhage after endobronchial biopsy of a 67‐year‐old patient with a prior diagnosis of right upper lobe (RUL) necrotic lung mass. Imaging revealed possible lymphangitic carcinomatosis and tumour invasion into the lymphatics and vasculature. Significant RUL tumour burden was visualized during the procedure, however, routine endobronchial biopsy resulted in massive pulmonary haemorrhage leading to pulseless electrical activity. Prevention of massive pulmonary haemorrhage may be possible with identification of known risk factors. Catastrophic outcomes from massive pulmonary haemorrhage remain high despite current therapies. Further studies identifying modifiable risk factors, treatment protocols, and the formulation of a multi‐disciplinary action plan could prove lifesaving.
Deep learning algorithm outperforms experienced human observer at detection of blue whale D‐calls: a double‐observer analysis
Authors: Miller Brian S. , Madhusudhana Shyam , Aulich Meghan G. , Kelly Nat
Published: August 2022

An automated algorithm for passive acoustic detection of blue whale D‐calls was developed based on established deep learning methods for image recognition via the DenseNet architecture. The detector was trained on annotated acoustic recordings from the Antarctic, and performance of the detector was assessed by calculating precision and recall using a separate independent dataset also from the Antarctic. Detections from both the human analyst and automated detector were then inspected by an independent judge to identify any calls missed by either approach and to adjudicate whether the apparent false‐positive detections from the automated approach were actually true positives. A final performance assessment was conducted using double‐observer methods (via a closed‐population Huggins mark–recapture model) to assess the probability of detection of calls by both the human analyst and automated detector, based on the assumption of false‐positive‐free adjudicated detections. According to our double‐observer analysis, the automated detector showed superior performance with higher recall and fewer false positives than the original human analyst, and with performance similar to existing top automated detectors. To understand the performance of both detectors we inspected the time‐series and signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of detections for the test dataset, and found that most of the advantages from the automated detector occurred at low and medium SNR.
Metal‐Loaded Biochar for the Removal of Arsenic from Water: A Critical Review on Overall Effectiveness, Governing Mechanisms, and Influential Factors
Authors: Srivastava Vartika , Karim Ansaf V. , Babu Davuluri Syam , Nidheesh Puthiya Veetil , Kumar Manukonda Suresh , Gao Bin
Published: August 2022

Arsenic (As) contamination in water sources is a serious threat to safe drinking water afflicting many developed and developing nations. Among the different water treatment techniques, arsenic removal using metal‐loaded biochar has gained considerable interest as an efficient environmentally sustainable adsorbent. This review critically focuses on an in‐depth analysis of different adsorption mechanisms and various physicochemical properties such as pH, surface area and surface charge, porosity, and functional groups of the metal‐loaded biochar that are significant for As adsorption, which has not been previously described. It centers on addressing the overall effectiveness, governing mechanisms, and influential factors of metal‐loaded biochars for As removal from the aqueous medium. Special consideration on oxidation of arsenite to arsente and its removal was given. The oxidation processes are also effective in reducing arsenic toxicity by oxidation of arsenite to arsenate. A comprehensive insight into the utility of biochar for As removal for future field applications of biochar is delineated.