bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
211 Pathological Analysis of Spermatic Dysfunction in Testicular Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Hirata K , Ohira S , Tone S , Nakatsuka T , Morinaka H , Takasaki H , Sugiyama S , Shimizu S , Nagai A
Published: May 2022

Introduction & Objectives

Testicular ischemia represented by torsion needs emergency surgery to reperfuse testicular blood flow. However, spermatic dysfunction is often led despite appropriate treatment. Pathology of spermatic dysfunction following testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is still unclear. In previous research, Inflammation and excessive oxidative stress were thought to be involved in tissue dysfunction following IRI. We hypothesized that inflammation and excessive oxidative stress plays key role in spermatic dysfunction following testicular IRI. We investigated relevance between Inflammation / excessive oxidative stress and spermatic dysfunction using testicular IRI model mice.

Materials & Methods

Ten to fifteen weeks old, C57BL/6 male were used through the study. Unilateral (left side) testicular vessels were clamped and de-clamped 1 hour later. Testicular blood flow was resumed. Sham operation mice were set as control. Bilateral testes were removed at 0(during ischemia), 1, 3, 5 weeks after modeling testicular IRI mice. Inflammation and oxidative stress changes in bilateral testis were investigated using histological, biochemical and immunohistochemical analysis. Spermatic changes extracted from the epididymal cauda were investigated using computer aided sperm analysis (CASA).

Results

Histological analysis using HE and Masson-Trichrome (MT) stain showed invasion of inflammatory cells and destruction of tissue structure from week 1. Inflammatory analysis using comprehensive protein assay and immunofluorescent stain showed increased expression of cytokines (IL-2, IL-3, IL-17A, IL-23), chemokines (CCL2, CCL5, CXCL1, CX3CL1), testes were showed from week1. Oxidative stress and cell death analysis using representative candidates (8-OHdG, ROS) showed increased expression of representative candidates from week0. Spermatic analysis showed that obvious decreased spermatic concentration and motility were showed from week 1. In contralateral testes, slow decreased spermatic concentration and motility was showed from week 1.

Conclusions

Spermatic dysfunction following testicular-ischemia reperfusion injury was induced in inflammatory and excessive oxidative stress changes. Inflammatory and excessive oxidative stress changes might be a novel regulatory factor for spermatic dysfunction following testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Disclosure

Work supported by industry: no.
236 Evaluation of Sexual Function after Dutasteride Treatment in Patients with Once Negative Prostate Biopsy and Benign Prostate Hyperplasia.
Authors: Taniguchi H , Inoue T , Kawa G , Murota T , Tsukino H , Yoshimura K , Kamoto T , Ogawa O , Matsuda T , Kinoshita H
Published: May 2022

Introduction

5α-reduced inhibitors (5ARIs) are usually administered to patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, however, whether 5ARIs affect sexual function remains a controversial issue for both patients and urologists.

Objective

In this study, we evaluated the impact of dutasteride treatment for erectile function in patients with once-negative prostate biopsy and benign prostate hyperplasia.

Methods

81 patients with benign prostate hyperplasia were enrolled in a one-arm prospective study. They were administrated 0.5 mg/day of dutasteride for 12 months. Patient characteristics, change of IPSS and IIEF-15 scores at baseline and 12 months after dutasteride administration were examined.

Results

The mean ± SD age of the patients was 69.4 ± 4.9 years and the prostate volume was 56.6 ± 21.3 mL, respectively. The mean ± SD prostate volume and PSA levels were decreased 25.0% and 50.9%, respectively, after 12 months of dutasteride administration. IPSS total, voiding subscore, storage subscore, and QOL score significantly improved after 12 months of dutasteride administration. No significant change was observed in any of the IIEF scores after 12 months. There was no decrease in EF severity.

Conclusion

Twelve months administration of dutasteride for patients with BPH improved urinary function and did not increase the risk of sexual dysfunction.

Disclosure

Work supported by industry: no.
242 Standardizing Sonographic Descriptors of Peyronie's Plaques
Authors: Baird B , Broderick G
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Peyronie's Disease (PD) is characterized by a fibrous scar of the tunica albuginea. PD is typically imaged with 2D ultrasound. We propose a classification system of these ultrasound findings in the evaluation of PD.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to establish a functional, reproducible sonographic classification system for evaluating PD and to examine the relationship between PD grading and curvature, duration of PD, and vascular erectile status.

Methods

In our study, 395 patients with PD underwent intracavernous injection with an erectile agent (ICI) followed by Color Doppler Duplex Ultrasound (CDDU). All CDDU studies were performed by a single examiner and all PD grading was done by two independent reviewers using saved images. CCDU findings including peak systolic velocities (PSV) and resistive indices (RIs) were recorded. PD grades of 2D images were classified into three grades: Grade 1 acoustic shadowing without calcification; Grade 2 focal microcalcifications of the tunica, pillars, or septal fibers; Grade 3 confluent calcification of the dorsal, septal, ventral tunica albuginea.

Results

There were 250 patients classified with Grade 1 (63%) sonographic changes, 75 with Grade 2 (19%), and 70 with Grade 3 (18%). Neither median age nor body mass index (BMI) of the cohorts were significantly different: Grade 1 (59.3 yr), Grade 2 (59 yr) and Grade 3 (60.3 yr), p = 0.711; BMI 27.6, 28.2, 27.7, p = 0.813. Medical risk factors for erectile dysfunction, including hypertension, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, smoking history, and history of prostate surgery were not statistically different for the three cohorts. Most patients had previously used PDE5-Inhibitors (293/395). History and or physical findings of Dupuytren's palmar contracture was noted in 30/395 (7.6%) of men. The median duration of PD was not significantly different in the three cohorts (12, 12, 14 months p = 0.639). Neither CDDU diagnoses (Table 1) nor curvature varied by sonographic grades (Table 2).

Conclusions

The scar resulting from PD seals together the outer longitudinal and inner circular layers of the tunica albuginea causing deformity of the erect shaft. PD plaques are usually palpable and associated with focal thickening of the tunica. On 2D ultrasound, the typical appearance is an acoustic shadow. Most of our patients presented with Grade I acoustic shadowing and no calcifications 250/395 (63%); on the other hand, 19% had acoustic plaque shadowing and additional findings of focal tunica or deep microcalcifications and 18% had confluent calcification of the dorsal, septal or ventral tunica. We propose a unique and reproducible classification system. This grading system based on grayscale ultrasound of Peyronie's plaques may serve as a paradigm for diagnosis, didactics and integrated research.

Disclosure

Work supported by industry: no, by N/A.
245 Remodeling of Extracellular Matrix Cell Elements in Peyronie's Disease Experimentally Induced by TGF-Beta and Treated with Mycophenolate Mofetil
Authors: Antoniassi T , Fácio JR F , Taboga S , Colleta S , Ruiz T
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Peyronie´s disease(PD) is a common disease among men which causes tortuosity in the penis, making it difficult and sometimes even preventing sexual activity. PD corresponds to the presence of fibrotic disorder in the tunica albuginea of the corpus cavernosum.This disorder is characterized by excessive accumulation of collagen fibers and other components of the extracellular matrix(ECM).The metalloproteimases(MMP) are involved in the reinforcement and debilitation of many processes that influence the development of fibrosis. PD can be conducted initially with clinical treatment, but the literature does not show an adequate resolution of this condition. Mycophenolate mofetil(MMF) belongs to a class of immunosuppressants drugs and has been used to treat patients with some fibrotic disorders as retroperitoneal fibrosis. A previous study evaluating the use of Mycophenolate Mofetil showed an important improvement in the arrangement of collagen fibers after experimental induction of peyronie´s disease. This experimental model, where the penile anatomy of rats is similar to the men, promote the ability to study fibrosis at its various levels and the effects of new drug for penile rehabilitation.

Objectives

The aim of this research is to investigate the alterations in the elements of extracelular matrix promoted by the antifibrotic action of Mycophenolate Mofetil in rats with TGF-Beta induced peyronie-s disease

Methods

Thirty male Wistar rats will be used,divided into 6 groups.Group 1- control group. Group 2 - rats that will receive injection of saline in the tunica albuginea. Group 3- rats that will receive only injection of TGF-beta. Group 4- rats that will receive TGF-beta and will be treated with MMF during 7 daysy. Group 5- rats that will receive TGF-beta and will be treated with MMF por 30 days. Group 6- rats that will receive only MMF. All rats‘penises will be collected after euthanasia for histochimical assesmente of collagen fibers with picrossirius and immunohistochewmistry of metalloproteinases(MMP2, MMP3 and MMP9). Five random fields from the region of the tunica albuginea will bew captured for each penile sample with Olyvia software and measurements will be performed with ImageJ software of the elements of the extracellular matrix. To compare groups will be used the paired sample T test. Data will be checked for normality using th kolmogorov-Smirnov test. When non-parametric, the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn´s test will be used.Differences will be considered statiscally significant when p<0,05.This experimente was approved and will be conducted according to the ethics committee rules on the use of animals.

Hypothesis

MMF promotes na improvement in fibrotic disorder preventing peyronie´s disease.

Disclosure

Work supported by industry: no.
256 The Burden of Female Sexual Dysfunction in Basrah-Iraq: The First Preliminary Report
Authors: Odhaib S , Mansour A , Altemimi M , Alidrisi H , Abdulrazzaq Z , Mohammed A , AlWaeli D , Alibrahim N
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Help-seeking behavior in women with female sexual dysfunction (FSD) from conservative communities is affected by cultural and religious factors.

Objective

To evaluate psychosexual, social, physical, and biochemical factors which impact FSD in premenopausal women from Basrah.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional observational study in a tertiary endocrine center on 673 reproductive-aged premenopausal women with sexually-related complaints for more than 6 months during (Sep 2018-Jan 2021). Relevant history and examination were done in the initial visit using non-judgmental patient-centered integrative approach, with ubiquity statement followed by a closed-ended question, and then an open-ended follow-up. FSD diagnosis was done (n=219).

A couple-interview session was scheduled, involved intimacy assessment through series of questions, then we used Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Decreased Sexual Desire Screener (DSDS), to diagnose generalized and secondary acquired hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), and related sexual disorder.

The gonadotropins, androgens, thyroid, adrenal, ovarian, and pituitary function, along with insulin resistance, glycemic and lipid level were assessed. The final number of the women in the study was 166 women. We used Pearson's correlational analysis to confirm the significance correlations between FSD and different parameters. We used Mann-Whitney U test in subgroup analysis HSDD subtypes.

Results

FSD prevalence was 24.67% with mean duration (8±2 months). Intercourse frequency prior to complaint onset (3±1 times weekly), compared to (2±1 times monthly) in the latest month before consultation. All FSFI domains scores were reduced. DSDS diagnosed generalized and secondary acquired-HSDD in 31 and 57 women, respectively. Hormonal investigation did not aid FSD diagnosis. Pearson's correlational analysis did not show any significant correlation between the test variables and FSD.

Conclusions

No significant correlation between FSD and any psychosexual, physical, and biochemical parameter could be seen. Longitudinal multicenter larger scale studies are needed.

Disclosure

Work supported by industry: no.
262 High Inguinal Microsurgical Denervation of the Spermatic Cord for Chronic Scrotal Content Pain for Pediatric Patients
Authors: Shiraishi K , Matsuyama H
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Microsurgical denervation of the spermatic cord (MDSC) has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment for men with chronic scrotal content pain (CSCP) in adult but not for pediatric patients.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety, including testicular development, of MDSC for pediatric patients less than 15 years old.

Methods

A retrospective review of 10 patients who underwent MDSC was performed. A 3-cm transverse incision was made at the middle of the inguinal canal. Macroscopically identified nerves were transected, and the internal surface of the inguinal canal was ablated by bipolar cautery. Under an operating microscope, all the components of spermatic cord were transected, except for the testicular artery, lymphatics, vas system. A 0-10 visual analogue scale (VAS) was compared with pre- and post-MDSC at 12 months. Testicular volume measured by punched-out orchidometer and endocrinological examination was evaluated pre- and post-MDSC at least 12 months.

Results

The average patient age was 12.7 years (range from 10 to 15 years old). The mean duration of symptoms before surgery was 10 months. The mean operative time was 47 minutes. The mean post-VAS was significantly reduced as compared with pre-VAS (2.1 and 8.7, respectively, p<0.0001).

There was no testicular atrophy or scrotal edema. Negative responses to spermatic cord block, depressive symptoms (as screened by the Beck Depression Inventory), and multiple sites of pain were predictors of MDSC failure (p<0.05).

Conclusions

For both adult and pediatric patients, high inguinal MDSC for CSCP is an effective easier to perform, as it requires fewer divisions of veins and is associated with a larger diameter of the spermatic artery. It also enables complete resection of the nerves, including the nerves running outside the spermatic cord, resulting in high success rates.

Disclosure

Work supported by industry: no.
265 Postpartum Dyspareunia and Sexual Functioning: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Abidi I , bettaieb H , Halouani S , Frikha M , Mbarki W , Boufarguine R , Gabsi H , Oueslati H , Mbarki C
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Dyspareunia is a common short-term pregnancy complication. Possible risk factors for perineal pain after childbirth include perineal trauma, mode of delivery and breastfeeding.

Objective

Considering the important implications of dyspareunia on women's quality of life. Our study aims to investigate the prevalence and determinants of dyspareunia and sexual dysfunction before and after childbirth.

Methods

Between November 2018 and December 2019, 150 women in their third trimester of pregnancy were enrolled in a prospective cohort study at gynecology and obstetrics Department-Ben Arous Regional Hospital. Dyspareunia and perineal pain after childbirth were evaluated at 6 months postpartum and were assessed using validated self-report questionnaires: Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) validated Arabic version. This questionnaire evaluates the different parameters of female sexual function, recommended by the American Foundation for Health and Sexual Function. The collected data were systematically transcribed into a database and database, and their analysis was carried out with the help of the statistical software "SPSS 21" with the use of chi-square tests, and the ANOVA method.

Results

The mean FSFI pain domain score was 3.68 after delivery. Indeed, in our study, 82% of women reported dyspareunia after delivery. Sixteen percent of women rated the degree of discomfort during penetration after delivery as high and 18 % as very high.

At six months postpartum, the degree of dyspareunia was significantly associated with the route of delivery (p = 0,005), perineal injury (p = 0,001) and breastfeeding (p = 0,026).

Conclusions

Our findings affirm that dyspareunia is a very common complaint after childbirth. Given the high prevalence and its impact on a woman's quality of life, special attention should be paid to this common complaint during the postpartum period.

Disclosure

Work supported by industry: no.
032 Sliding Technique Through a Non-Degloving Approach for Peyronie's Disease: 2-Surgeon Experience
Authors: Hernandez J. Clavell , Wang R.
Published: May 2022

Introduction

The sliding technique (ST) has been used to restore penile size in patients with penile atrophy secondary to severe Peyronie's Disease (PD) and erectile dysfunction (ED). When combined with degloving, this procedure carries a potential risk of causing ischemia or necrosis to the glans penis.

Objective

We hereby present a detailed surgical technique of the non-degloving approach for the ST and penile prosthesis (PP) placement.

Methods

Retrospective review of databases from 2 surgeons and report patient outcomes after PP placement with sliding technique for the correction and size restoration of severe PD and ED from January 2015 to September 2019.

Results

A total of 39 patients had significant penile atrophy and/or curvature >60 degrees and underwent PP placement with grafting procedures between 2 surgeons. 11 of those patients underwent ST of which 9 had the procedure performed through a non-degloving ventral incision. Mean degree of curvature prior to ST was 62 degrees (45 to 90 degrees) Mean penile length gain was 2.47 cm (2.0 to 3.0 cm). At a mean follow up of 12.4 months (3 to 31 months) only 1 patient had residual curvature, which was minimal at 15 degrees. There were no infections or vascular complications in our series.

Conclusion

There are reports of ischemic injury in PD patients undergoing penile prothesis placement in addition to the ST with a circumcision and penile degloving. The non-degloving technique with a ventral incision provides for an alternative method to perform the ST in patients with penile atrophy secondary to severe PD and ED. This approach could theoretically minimize the risk of glans ischemia by maintaining dartos and skin continuity to the glans penis while still allowing for adequate surgical exposure.

Disclosure

Work supported by industry: no. A consultant, employee (part time or full time) or shareholder is among the authors (Jonathan Clavell Hernandez: Consultant for Coloplast and Boston Scientific, Run Wang is consultant for Boston scientific and Coloplast ).
034 Postoperative Progress of Modified Grid Incision and Sealing with Collagen Fleece for Treatment of Peyronie's Disease
Authors: Ahn S.T. , Jo S.B. , Lee D. , Han D.E. , Lee H.S. , Moon D.G.
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Recently, there have been reports on partial plaque excision and grafting with collagen fleece technique regarding long term efficacy. However, there is still concern regarding complete regeneration of tunical defect from collagen fleece graft in terms of regenerative medicine. Previously, we introduced a less invasive modified technique by multiple grid incisions of Peyronie's plaque to minimize weakness of regenerated tunica from the collagen fleece graft and consequent veno-occlusive erectile dysfunction.

Objective

To assess the efficacy of Modified Grid Incision of plaque and sealing with Collagen Fleece through post-operative progress of 31 patients with prospective follow-up study.

Methods

From Aug 2018, 31 patients with stable Peyronie's disease (PD) were included. Surgical technique was composed 3 major steps; 1) dissection of the neurovascular bundle or urethra according to the location of plaque, 2) multiple deep grid plaque incisions for complete correction of curvature and deformity and 3) sealing with collagen fleece (TachoSil®) without suturing. Prospectively, we assessed the stretched penile length (SPL), totally straightness, penile sono, erectile function preoperatively and 6, 12, 24, 36 months postoperatively. This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Korea University Hospital.

Results

Mean patient age was 58.5 years (range: 46–75). The mean curvature was 45.95 (15-90) degrees, 8 with hinge and 7with hourglass deformity. Inflatable penile prosthesis(IPP) was inserted in 4 patients and postoperative 30 months in a patient for poor erectile function. Mean follow-up was 15 months (6-36).

Daily massage softened the hard thickening of penis gradually from 3 months until 2 year. On follow-up sonography, subcutaneous thickening gradually decreased to near normal at 1 year and the breakage of tunica by grid incision reunited at postoperative 10-12 months. All patients achieved totally straightness. All patients gained preoperative length after 1.6 year. 96% of patients satisfied in GAQ at 1 year. Minor skin problem was occurred in three patients of IPP. Subcutaneous bulging hematoma was occurred in 2 patients but subsided within 3 months. In postoperative erectile function of 27 patients without IPP, spontaneous hard erection was recovered in 10 and the rest are satisfied with PED5 inhibitors.

Conclusions

Our prospective progress reports with technical modification of various plaque incisions shows that one can achieve a sufficient surgical effect without making defect of tunica albuginea. Precise understanding of the postoperative progressions are necessary for physician's confidence and encouraging the patients for successful clinical outcomes.

Disclosure

Work supported by industry: no.
053 Different Evaluation Exists Between Men with Erectile Dysfunction and Their Female Partners When Using Erectile Hardness Model: An Interesting, Observational and Cross-Sectional Field Survey
Authors: Gao J. , Zhang Y. , Li H. , Gao P. , Zhang X.
Published: May 2022

Introduction

It is an interesting clinical phenomenon that when evaluating the erectile function of men with erectile dysfunction by couples respectively using erectile hardness model, there will exist the evaluation difference between men and their female partners. This phenomenon reflects the problem of communication and cognition between husband and wife in ED patients.

Objective

To explore the influencing factors associated with this clinical phenomenon, we conducted this interesting, observational and cross-sectional field survey.

Methods

We enrolled 385 couples from the Andrology clinics of the first affiliated hospital of Anhui medical university from December 2017 to December 2018. The demographic data of couples, the medical history, sexuality and the characteristics of ED, anxiety and depression of the couples were collected through face-to-face interview and questionnaires. The couples were divided into two groups containing 238 couples and 147couples respectively. We divided couples into difference group including couples which have inconsistent evaluation results from touching the erectile hardness model and no difference group including couples which have consistent evaluation results from touching the erectile hardness model respectively.

Results

The difference group where the couples share different evaluation results reported higher erectile hardness grade from men than from their female partners (Men >Female: 73.11% vs. Men <Female: 26.89%).

The scores of IIEF-5 in difference group and no difference group are 13.43 ± 5.75 and 16.82 ± 8.23 respectively. The average grades evaluated from men and women in difference group are 2.79 ± 0.85 and 2.45 ± 0.63 respectively. The average grades evaluated from couples in no difference group are 3.02± 0.45.

Through statistical comparison and logistic regression analysis, duration of ED >16 months, seeking treatment from female, negative communication state and depression from men are the relevant factors accounting for the different evaluation results. This phenomenon reflects the problem of communication and cognition between husband and wife in ED patients.

Conclusions

As for couples with these risk factors, we can't only focus on the oral medication which only restore the penile erectile function. More importantly, we must combine the sexual counseling and sexual knowledge education with the drug treatment. When the two treatment are tightly integrated, not only the penile erection but also the gap of couples can be restored which is the best result of the ED treatment.

Disclosure

Work supported by industry: no.
055 Effects of Testosterone Treatment on Clitoral Haemodynamics in Women with Sexual Dysfunction
Authors: Cipriani S. , Maseroli E. , Stasi V. Di , Scavello I. , Todisco T. , Rastrelli G. , Fambrini M. , Sorbi F. , Petraglia F. , Jannini E.A. , Maggi M. , Vignozzi L.
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Preclinical studies show that, in the clitoris, testosterone (T) is necessary to maintain a functional contractile and relaxant machinery, which represents the underlying mechanism of the peripheral arousal response. Although there is clinical evidence suggesting that T treatment significantly improves multiple domains of sexual functioning, the vascularization of clitoral tissue and its regulation by sex steroids are still under-investigated.

Objective

To explore the effects of 6-month systemic T administration on clitoral color Doppler ultrasound (CDU) parameters in women with female sexual dysfunction (FSD).

Methods

81 women with FSD were retrospectively recruited. Data on CDU parameters at baseline and after 6 months with four different treatments were available and thus further longitudinally analyzed: local non-hormonal moisturizers (NH group), n=37; transdermal 2% T gel 300 mcg/day (T group), n=23; local estrogens (E group), n=12; combined therapy (T+E group), n=9. Patients underwent physical, laboratory, and genital CDU examinations at both visits and completed different validated questionnaires, including the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).

Results

At 6-month visit, T therapy significantly increased clitoral artery peak systolic velocity (PSV) when compared to both NH (p < 0.0001) and E (p < 0.0001) groups. A similar increase was found in the T + E group (p = 0.039 vs. E) (Fig.1). In addition, T treatment was associated with significantly higher FSFI desire, pain, arousal, lubrication, orgasm and total scores at 6-month visit vs. baseline. Similar findings were observed in the T + E group. No significant differences in the variations of total and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting glycemia, insulin and glycated hemoglobin levels were found among the four groups. No adverse events were observed.

Conclusions

In women complaining for FSD, systemic T administration, either alone or combined with local estrogens, was associated with a positive effect on clitoral blood flow and a clinical improvement in sexual function, showing a good safety profile.

Disclosure

Work supported by industry: no.
COVID-19 – International Psychology’s Role in Addressing Healthcare Disparities and Ethics in Marginalized Communities
Authors: Rami Falu , Searight H. Russell , Dryjanska Laura , Battista Peter
Published: May 2022

Abstract. This conceptual paper provides an overview of the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare disparities and particularly its impact on marginalized communities. This critical analysis addresses the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 10, and 16, which include health and well-being, reduction of inequality between and within countries, and the need for peaceful and inclusive societies. COVID-19 has infected over 189 million individuals in 220 countries and territories. The pandemic exposed long-standing healthcare inequities between and within countries. Prior to the pandemic, there were limited health and mental health services available to marginalized communities, individuals of lower socioeconomic status, and those in low- and middle-income countries; COVID-19 overburdened healthcare and mental health systems, which resulted in grave mental and physical health consequences. SDG 10 focuses on reducing inequality within and between countries and the need for advocacy for vulnerable groups. International psychology is in a unique position to address the ethical issues associated with healthcare disparities and rationing of care. SDG 3 addresses the need for good health and well-being for all. Achieving this goal is a challenge because of unequal access to healthcare and barriers to services continue, particularly in countries without universal healthcare. Goal 16 focuses on creating and promoting peaceful, just, and inclusive societies and institutions. However, access to healthcare does not erase long-standing histories of injustice, colonialism, and discrimination. Additionally, appreciation of the suspicion with which many minority communities view the healthcare system can be the first step in addressing vaccine reluctance.
Psychological Impact and Clinical Psychology Responses to COVID-19
Authors: Melluish Steve , Bhola Poormina , Gutierrez Marybexy Calcerrada , Critchfield Ken , Atwood Kelly
Published: May 2022

Abstract. This paper examines four different countries with distinct health care systems to explore both global commonalities and national differences in terms of the psychological impact and the clinical psychological response to COVID-19 ( Torales et al., 2020 ). Through four descriptive case examples from Bangalore in India, Holguín in Cuba, Virginia in the United States, and Leicester in the United Kingdom, this paper describes and explores how the profession of clinical psychology in each country has responded and adapted to the pandemic. Each case example considers how the pandemic has led to the adoption of new ways of practice by clinical psychologists who have the potential to contribute to the provision of more equal access to mental health care and so ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all (United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3).
Feedback Effects of Sediment Suspensions on Transport Mechanisms in an Estuarine Turbidity Maximum
Authors: Zhu Chunyan , van Maren D. S. , Guo Leicheng , Lin Jianliang , He Qing , Wang Zheng Bing
Published: May 2022

The mechanisms controlling the formation of an estuarine turbidity maximum (ETM) in estuaries have been extensively investigated, but one aspect that has received much less scientific attention is the role of high suspended sediment concentrations in combination with tidal asymmetry in ETM formation. Particularly in highly turbid estuaries, sediment suspensions influence ETM development through a combination of horizontal sediment‐induced density currents, a reduction in turbulent mixing, and water‐bed exchange processes. In this study, we developed a schematic model resembling the Yangtze Estuary where the ETM is controlled by tidal pumping, estuarine circulation, and advection operating simultaneously. Model results suggest that high water slack tide asymmetry with Sediment‐induced density effects (SedDE) favors landward migration of the ETM. In addition, without SedDE, stronger flood tidal dominance leads to more pronounced sediment trapping through tidal pumping. Depending on the type of tidal asymmetry, SedDE strengthen ETM growth by increasing estuarine circulation but may also lead to increased or reduced sediment concentration in the ETM due to enhanced or weakened landward tidal pumping, respectively. Higher near‐bed sediment concentrations as a result of water‐bed exchange processes, in turn, strengthen the effect of estuarine circulation but simultaneously strengthen the divergence of sediment by tidal pumping. Overall, the SedDE and higher near‐bed sediment concentration, in combination with tidal asymmetry, play an important role in ETM formation and should be properly accounted for in studies on ETM dynamics in turbid estuaries.
Temporal Hierarchical Reconciliation for Consistent Water Resources Forecasting Across Multiple Timescales: An Application to Precipitation Forecasting
Authors: Jahangir Mohammad Sina , Quilty John
Published: May 2022

Obtaining consistent forecasts at different timescales is important for reliable decision‐making. This study introduces and evaluates the benefits of utilizing temporal hierarchical reconciliation methods for water resources forecasting, with an application to precipitation. Original (precipitation) Forecasts (ORFs) were produced using “automatic” Exponential Time‐Series Smoothing (ETS), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), and Seasonal Auto‐Regressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) models at six timescales, namely, monthly, 2‐monthly, quarterly, 4‐monthly, bi‐annual, and annual, for 84 basins extracted from the Canadian model parameter experiment. Temporal hierarchical reconciliation methods, including structural scaling‐based Weighted Least Squares (WLS), series variance scaling‐based WLS, and Ordinary Least Squares, along with the simple Bottom‐Up (BU) method, were applied to reconcile the forecasts. In general, ETS (direct forecasting) demonstrated better performance compared to ANN and SARIMA (recursive forecasting). The results confirmed that improvements in accuracy due to reconciliation is dependent on the basin, timescale, and the ORFs' accuracy. For different forecast models, the reconciliation methods showed different levels of performance. For ETS, BU was able to improve forecast accuracy to a greater extent than the temporal hierarchical reconciliation methods, while for ANN and SARIMA, forecast accuracy was improved through all temporal hierarchical reconciliation methods but not BU. The reconciled forecasts' accuracy was affected more by the ORFs' accuracy than by the reconciliation method. Different timescales showed dissimilar sensitivity to reconciliation. The presented results are anticipated to serve as a valuable benchmark for evaluating future developments in the promising area of temporal hierarchical reconciliation for water resources forecasting.
The emerging roles of N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-modified long non-coding RNAs in human cancers
Authors: Liu Jingwen , Zhao Wei , Zhang Leyu , Wang Xi
Published: May 2022

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) epitranscriptional modifications widely exist in RNA, which play critical roles in RNA metabolism and biogenesis processes. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are class of non-coding RNAs longer than 200 nucleotides without protein-coding ability. LncRNAs participate in a large number of vital biological progressions. With the great improvement of molecular biology, m6A and lncRNAs are attracting more attention from researchers and scholars. In this review, we overview the current status of m6A and lncRNAs based on the latest research, and propose some viewpoints for future research perspectives.
Accurate and efficient molecular dynamics based on machine learning and non von Neumann architecture
Authors: Mo Pinghui , Li Chang , Zhao Dan , Zhang Yujia , Shi Mengchao , Li Junhua , Liu Jie
Published: May 2022

Force field-based classical molecular dynamics (CMD) is efficient but its potential energy surface (PES) prediction error can be very large. Density functional theory (DFT)-based ab-initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) is accurate but computational cost limits its applications to small systems. Here, we propose a molecular dynamics (MD) methodology which can simultaneously achieve both AIMD-level high accuracy and CMD-level high efficiency. The high accuracy is achieved by exploiting deep neural network (DNN)’s arbitrarily-high precision to fit PES. The high efficiency is achieved by deploying multiplication-less DNN on a carefully-optimized special-purpose non von Neumann (NvN) computer to mitigate the performance-limiting data shuttling (i.e., ‘memory wall bottleneck’). By testing on different molecules and bulk systems, we show that the proposed MD methodology is generally-applicable to various MD tasks. The proposed MD methodology has been deployed on an in-house computing server based on reconfigurable field programmable gate array (FPGA), which is freely available athttp://nvnmd.picp.vip.
Clustering of cognitive subtypes in schizophrenia patients and their siblings: relationship with regional brain volumes
Authors: Alkan Erkan , Evans Simon L.
Published: May 2022

Schizophrenia patients (SZH) often show impaired cognition and reduced brain structural volumes; these deficits are also detectable in healthy relatives of SZH. However, there is considerable heterogeneity: a sizable percentage of SZH are relatively cognitively intact; clustering strategies have proved useful for categorising into cognitive subgroups. We used a clustering strategy to investigate relationships between subgroup assignment and brain volumes, in 102 SZH (N = 102) and 32 siblings of SZH (SZH-SIB), alongside 92 controls (CON) and 48 of their siblings. SZH had poorer performance in all cognitive domains, and smaller brain volumes within prefrontal and temporal regions compared to controls. We identified three distinct cognitive clusters (‘neuropsychologically normal’, ‘intermediate’, ‘cognitively impaired’) based on age- and gender-adjusted cognitive domain scores. The majority of SZH (60.8%) were assigned to the cognitively impaired cluster, while the majority of SZH-SIB (65.6%) were placed in the intermediate cluster. Greater right middle temporal volume distinguished the normal cluster from the more impaired clusters. Importantly, the observed brain volume differences between SZH and controls disappeared after adjustment for cluster assignment. This suggests an intimate link between cognitive performance levels and regional brain volume differences in SZH. This highlights the importance of accounting for heterogeneity in cognitive performance within SZH populations when attempting to characterise the brain structural abnormalities associated with the disease.
Differences in phenology, daily timing of activity, and associations of temperature utilization with survival in three threatened butterflies
Authors: Franzén Markus , Francioli Yannick , Askling John , Kindvall Oskar , Johansson Victor , Forsman Anders
Published: May 2022

We used observational data collected during a mark-recapture study that generated a total of 7503 captures of 6108 unique individuals representing three endangered butterfly species to quantify inter-and intraindividual variation in temperature utilization and examine how activity patterns vary according to season, time of day, and ambient temperature. The Marsh Fritillary, the Apollo, and the Large Blue differed in utilized temperatures and phenology. Their daily activity patterns responded differently to temperature, in part depending on whether they were active in the beginning, middle or end of the season, in part reflecting interindividual variation and intraindividual flexibility, and in part owing to differences in ecology, morphology, and colouration. Activity temperatures varied over the season, and the Apollo and the Large Blue were primarily active at the highest available ambient temperatures (on the warmest days and during the warmest part of the day). The Marsh Fritillary was active early in the season and decreased activity during the highest temperatures. The relationship between individual lifespan and the average temperature was qualitatively different in the three species pointing to species-specific selection. Lifespan increased with an increasing range of utilized temperatures in all species, possibly reflecting that intra-individual flexibility comes with a general survival benefit.
Investigation of ultra-precision planing process to fabricate high luminance retroreflector based on cutting force and tool vibration analysis
Authors: Jeong Ji-Young , Han Jun Sae , Kang Chung-Mo , Gwak Eun-Ji , Choi Doo-Sun , Je Tae-Jin
Published: May 2022

In ultra-precision planing process, the analysis of the critical depth of cut (DOC) is required to reduce the edge blunt and micro burrs produced by size effect which decreases of the effective area for high luminance retroreflector. However, since the machining characteristics are different according to cutting tool shape, machining material, and cutting condition, determine of the critical DOC is difficult without a comparison of machined surfaces under various DOC measured by ultra-high resolution measuring instrument. In this study, the critical DOC was analyzed using cutting force and tool vibration signals. The specific cutting energy was calculated by cutting force and cross-sectional area to analyze the stress variation according to DOC. Also, acceleration signals were converted to frequency spectrum that analyze dominant vibrating direction of the cutting tool by variation of cutting characteristic. It was confirmed that the method of using tool vibration more effective and accurate than specific cutting energy through validation of the comparison between results from analyze of the vibration signals and direction measuring surfaces. The master mold with area of 250 mm2 was manufactured by applying analyzed critical DOC. In addition, the high luminance characteristic of a retroreflection film press formed by the master mold was confirmed.
Tracing the structural evolution of quasi-freestanding germanene on Ag(111)
Authors: Kesper Lukas , Hochhaus Julian A. , Schmitz Marie , Schulte Malte G. H. , Berges Ulf , Westphal Carsten
Published: May 2022

In the last decade, research on 2D materials has expanded massively due to the popularity of graphene. Although the chemical engineering of two-dimensional elemental materials as well as heterostructures has been extensively pursued, the fundamental understanding of the synthesis of 2D materials is not yet complete. Structural parameters, such as buckling or the interface structure of a 2D material to the substrate directly affect its electronic characteristics. In order to proceed the understanding of the element-specific growth and the associated ability of tuning material properties of two-dimensional materials, we performed a study on the structural evolution of the promising 2D material germanene on Ag(111). This study provides a survey of germanium formations at different layer thicknesses right up to the arising of quasi-freestanding germanene. Using powerful surface analysis tools like low-energy electron diffraction, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and x-ray photoelectron diffraction with synchrotron radiation, we will reveal the internal and interfacial structure of all discovered germanium phases. Moreover, we will present models of the atomic and chemical structure of a $$\hbox {Ag}_2\hbox {Ge}$$

Ag
2

Ge

surface alloy and the quasi-freestanding germanene with special focus on the structural parameters and electronic interaction at the interface.
Production, statistical optimization, and functional characterization of alkali stable pectate lyase of Paenibacillus lactis PKC5 for use in juice clarification
Authors: Sheladiya Priyanka , Kapadia Chintan , Prajapati Vimal , Ali El Enshasy Hesham , Abd Malek Roslinda , Marraiki Najat , Zaghloul Nouf S. S. , Sayyed R. Z.
Published: May 2022

Pectate lyase is a hydrolytic enzyme used by diverse industries to clarify food. The enzyme occupies a 25% share of the total enzyme used in food industries, and their demand is increasing gradually. Most of the enzymes in the market belong to the fungal origin and take more time to produce with high viscosity in the fermentation medium, limiting its use. The bacteria belonging to the genus Bacillus have vast potential to produce diverse metabolites of industrial importance. The present experiment aimed to isolate pectate lyase-producing bacteria that can tolerate an alkaline environment at moderate temperatures. Bacillus subtilis PKC2, Bacillus licheniformis PKC4, Paenibacillus lactis PKC5, and Bacillus sonorensis ADCN produced pectate lyase. The Paenibacillus lactis PKC5 gave the highest protein at 48 h of incubation that was partially purified using 80% acetone and ammonium sulphate. Purification with 80% acetone resulted in a good enzyme yield with higher activity. SDS-PAGE revealed the presence of 44 kDa molecular weight of purified enzyme. The purified enzyme exhibits stability at diverse temperature and pH ranges, the maximum at 50 °C and 8.0 pH. The metal ions such as Mg2+, Zn2+, Fe2+, and Co2+ significantly positively affect enzyme activity, while increasing the metal ion concentration to 5 mM showed detrimental effects on the enzyme activity. The organic solvents such as methanol and chloroform at 25% final concentration improved the enzyme activity. On the other hand, detergent showed inhibitory effects at 0.05% and 1% concentration. Pectate lyase from Paenibacillus lactis PKC5 had Km and Vmax values as 8.90 mg/ml and 4.578 μmol/ml/min. The Plackett–Burman and CCD designs were used to identify the significant process parameters, and optimum concentrations were found to be pectin (5 gm%) and ammonium sulphate (0.3 gm%). During incubation with pectate lyase, the clarity percentage of the grape juice, apple juice, and orange juice was 60.37%, 59.36%, and 49.91%, respectively.
Springback effect and structural features during the drying of silica aerogels tracked by in-situ synchrotron X-ray scattering
Authors: Zemke Fabian , Scoppola Ernesto , Simon Ulla , Bekheet Maged F. , Wagermaier Wolfgang , Gurlo Aleksander
Published: May 2022

The springback effect during ambient pressure drying of aerogels is an interesting structural phenomenon, consisting of a severe shrinkage followed by almost complete re-expansion. The drying of gels causes shrinkage, whereas re-expansion is believed to be linked to repelling forces on the nanoscale. A multi-scale structural characterization of this significant volume change is key in controlling aerogel processing and properties. In this work, hydrophobic, monolithic silica aerogels with high specific surface areas were synthesized by modification with trimethylchlorosilane and ambient pressure drying. Here, we report a multi-method approach focusing on in-situ X-ray scattering to observe alterations of the nanostructured material during the drying of surface-modified and unmodified silica gels. Both show a porous fractal nanostructure, which partially collapses during drying and only recovers in surface-modified samples during the springback effect. Distinct changes of the X-ray scattering data were reproducibly associated with the shrinkage, re-expansion and drying of the gel network. Our findings may contribute to tailor aerogels with specific functionality, as the springback effect has a direct influence on properties (e.g., porosity, pore size distribution), which is directly affected by the degree of re-expansion.