bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' perspectives on community pharmacists prescribing: a co-designed study protocol
Authors: Cross Cara , Christie Vita , Holt Leanne , Rambaldini Boe , Ward Katrina , Skinner John , Henson Connie , McCowen Debbie , Benrimoj Shalom (Charlie) , Dineen-Griffin Sarah , Gwynne Kylie
Published: June 2024

Background In Australia, medications can be prescribed by medical practitioners, dentists, nurses, and dispensed by pharmacists. Until recently, pharmacists have been limited to prescribing Schedule 2 and 3 medications, and optometrists, podiatrists, and nurse practitioners can prescribe medications under their scope of practice in some areas of Australia. Recently, the New South Wales (NSW) Government initiated a trial where approved pharmacists in NSW and Australian Capital Territory have an expanded scope of practice to prescribe further medications for urinary tract infections, dermatology conditions (mild to moderate atopic dermatitis, herpes zoster (shingles), impetigo, and mild plaque psoriasis), and resupply of contraceptives. This protocol is for a sub-study of the larger research trial and will explore the perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities including clinicians, healthcare services, and community members about the expanded scope of pharmacists’ practice. Methods and analysis Yarning circles (group) and individual yarns (semi-structured interviews) will be conducted with leaders, clinicians working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (general practitioners, nurses, Aboriginal health workers, community pharmacists), Aboriginal Elders, and community members to understand perspectives of the risks, benefits, opportunities, and issues associated with pharmacists prescribing for these specific conditions. Ethics approval was obtained through the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW. Conclusion The findings of this sub-study will clarify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ unique perspectives, including perception of risks and opportunities.
Simultaneous measurement of solid concentration and solid moisture in gas–solid two-phase flow using a dual-modality electrical sensor
Authors: Zhu Zengyan , Wang Yutao , Wang Dayang , Yang Gang , Xie Zhi
Published: June 2024

In a gas–solid two-phase flow system, simultaneous measurement of solid concentration and solid moisture is essential for some applications. However, during the measurement process, solid concentration and solid moisture are coupled in the measurement signals when the measurement signal is sensitive to both solid concentration and moisture. This makes it challenging to measure them simultaneously in the same measurement field. To solve this issue, a novel measurement method is proposed in this study, which uses a dual-modality electrical sensor to achieve simultaneous measurement of solid concentration and solid moisture in gas–solid two-phase flow. The dual-modality electrical sensor features a simple structure and captures measurement signals of capacitance and angle of dielectric loss within the same measurement section. With the above signals which are both sensitive to solid concentration and moisture, an iterative correction calculation method is adopted to achieve the simultaneous measurement of solid concentration and solid moisture. During the calculation process, the measured parameters are decoupled and continuously corrected until the related error values meet the threshold requirement. Numerical simulation experiments under three typical distributions and physical experiments under roping flow are carried out to verify the proposed measurement method. The results prove the effectiveness of the proposed measurement method in the simultaneous measurement of solid concentration and solid moisture for gas–solid two-phase flow.
TTIS-YOLO: a traffic target instance segmentation paradigm for complex road scenarios
Authors: Xia Wenjun , Li Peiqing , Li Qipeng , Yang Taiping , Zhang Shunfeng
Published: June 2024

The instance segmentation of traffic targets in complex road scenes is one of the most challenging tasks in autonomous driving. Unlike the bounding box localization for object detection and the category perception mask for semantic segmentation, instance segmentation requires accurate identification of each object under each category and more precise segmentation and positioning of these target objects. Although instance segmentation has apparent advantages, methods, for instance segmentation in complex road scenes, still need to be discovered. In this paper, we proposed an efficient instance segmentation method traffic target instance segmentation—YOLO (TTIS-YOLO) based on YOLOV5-7.0 for traffic object segmentation of complex road scenes. Our main work is as follows: to propose a multiscale efficient cross stage partial network module, which has fewer parameters, better cross-layer information exchange, and feature representation capabilities. Propose an efficient bidirectional cross scale connection optimization method that enables the network to perform more detailed and efficient feature fusion without losing original information, refining the mask flow. WIoU Loss is used as the loss function of positioning and segmentation, and the positioning performance of the model is effectively improved through the strategy of dynamically allocating gradient gains. Experiments have shown that our proposed TTIS-YOLO outperforms baseline models and other mainstream instances segmentation algorithms such as Mask RCNN, YOLACT, SOLO, and SOLOV2 with the highest segmentation accuracy and fastest inference speed. Our proposed TTIS-YOLO-S achieves the best balance between segmentation accuracy and inference speed. Compared to the baseline model, the AP50 and recall values on the Cityscapes validation set increased by 1.7% and 0.9%, respectively, with a parameter reduction of 20.6% and, an inference speed of 78.1fps on GeForce RTX 3090Ti. Meanwhile, TTIS-YOLO-L achieved the highest segmentation accuracy, with an AP50 value of 27%, and the model parameter quantity decreased by 35.4% compared to the baseline model.
Audio fault diagnosis of belt conveyors based on improved variational modal decomposition and improved adaptive noise reduction convolutional network in strong noise environments
Authors: Li Zhiyuan , Wang Hongwei , Liang Wei , Yao Linhu
Published: June 2024

Fault diagnosis of belt conveyors is crucial for coal mine production, but audio-based fault diagnosis in underground coal mines remains challenging due to the strong noise environment. To address this problem, a method for audio fault diagnosis of belt conveyors based on improved variational modal decomposition and improved adaptive noise reduction convolutional networks (IANCNs) in strong noise environments is proposed. Firstly, the improved beluga whale optimization is designed by introducing the non-linear balance factor and non-linear probability and combining them with the proposed cyclical shock factor to optimize the variational modal decomposition parameters to achieve noise reduction and signal reconstruction. Secondly, an IANCN is developed using an adaptive threshold activation function and an improved loss function to enhance noise robustness and fault diagnosis accuracy. Finally, the proposed method’s effectiveness is evaluated in low and strong noise environments, with experimental results demonstrating superior fault diagnosis performance. In low noise environments, the fault diagnosis accuracy is 98.61%, and in strong noise environments, it is 98.96%, outperforming existing fault diagnosis methods.
Microscopy studies of InGaN MQWs overgrown on porosified InGaN superlattice pseudo-substrates
Authors: Ji Yihong , Frentrup Martin , Fairclough Simon M , Liu Yingjun , Zhu Tongtong , Oliver Rachel A
Published: June 2024

In this study, possible origins of small V-pits observed in multiple quantum wells (MQWs) overgrown on as-grown and porosified InGaN superlattice (SL) pseudo-substrates have been investigated. Various cross-sectional transmission microscopy techniques revealed that some of the small V-pits arise from the intersection of threading defects with the sample surface, either as part of dislocation loops or trench defects. Some small V-pits without threading defects are also observed. Energy dispersive x-ray study indicates that the Indium content in the MQWs increases with the averaged porosity of the underlying template, which may either be attributed to a reduced compositional pulling effect or the low thermal conductivity of the porous layer. Furthermore, the porous structure inhibits the glide or extension of the misfit dislocations (MD) within the InGaN SL. The extra strain induced by the higher Indium content and the hindered movement of the MDs combined may explain the observed additional small V-pits present on the MQWs overgrown on the more relaxed templates.
Investigations on structural and opto-electrical characterization of Ag-TCNQ (metal-organic frameworks) as complex thin films for potential device applications
Authors: Dawood Mahmoud S , Hassan N M , Desoky W M
Published: June 2024

The silver- (7, 7, 8, 8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (Ag-TCNQ) organometallic complex was synthesized chemically as a nano-powder and thereafter deposited as a thin film by thermal evaporation. The monoclinic, needle-like, polycrystalline structure of the Ag-TCNQ complex was analyzed employing x-ray diffraction (XRD) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Whereas their chemical structure and stability were explored using Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) techniques. The findings imply a charge transfer of degree −0.5 between TCNQ° and TCNQ−, as revealed by the shift of the bands of the C≡N stretching and the (C═C-H) bond positioned at 2198 and 824 cm−1, respectively. As well as the optical properties of Ag-TCNQ thin film were studied using spectrophotometric measuring in the wavelength ranging 200 to 2500 nm. The measurement of transmittance and reflectance spectra were employed to calculate the refractive index (n), dielectric constant, absorption index (k), surface and volume energy loss functions, and optical conductivity. In the normal dispersion zone, optical characteristics such free charge carrier concentration, infinity dielectric constant (ε
∞), lattice dielectric constant (ε
L), oscillator energy (Eo), and dispersion energy (Ed) were estimated. Furthermore, the optoelectronic nonlinear optical features and electronic transitions for the Ag-TCNQ thin film were assessed. Finally, these findings are promising milestones on the path to providing convincing evidence for the synthesis of stoichiometric thermally stable Ag-TCNQ thin film by conventional thermal evaporation technique that is potential to be utilized in optoelectronic devices applications.
A review on Comparative study of using Silica Fume and Areca Fiber on Soil Stabilization
Authors: Yaniam Yowa , Kalita Ajanta , Tashi Kunchok , Perme Tadgi
Published: June 2024

The rapid expansion of urban areas and the rise in construction activities have led to a shortage of land with suitable soil conditions. This has forced people to utilize weak soils available locally for construction purposes, employing various stabilization techniques. Urban expansion and construction demand the utilization of local weak soils for building, necessitating the application of soil stabilization techniques. These methods enhance soil strength by altering its properties. This study evaluates silica fume and areca fiber as stabilizers. Silica fume is a pozzolanic and supplementary cementitious material that enhances material properties such as strength, durability, and resistance to chemical attacks and abrasion. Few studies have examined areca fiber as soil reinforcement. Areca fiber (20-30 mm in length) upto 0.6% of dry weight of soil significantly improves engineering properties of soil. Varied weight ratios of silica fume and areca fiber are used based on soil type for optimal conditions. Silica fume stabilizes, and areca fiber reinforces problematic soil, as demonstrated through compaction, UCS, and CBR tests. Utilizing such waste materials is a cost-effective and more sustainable approach in the field of engineering. This research investigates the compaction and strength properties of various problematic soils stabilized with silica fume and areca fiber, providing a comprehensive review of the findings.
Analytical Simulation Approach to Evaluate the Ambient Humidity Effects on the Performance of a Wind Accelerator
Authors: Al-Hinai Abdulhamid , Clement Varaprasad Karu , Vinod Kumar V.
Published: June 2024

The power production of wind turbines is experiencing an upward trend. However, on the other hand, the wind turbine’s performance slows down due to unseen changes in the environment. Humidity is one of the environmental factors affecting the performance of wind turbines. When humidity levels are high in the atmosphere, air is less dense. This air is lighter, and it results in reduced air pressure. A remedy to increase the air pressure in the direction of wind flow is to locate a wind accelerator, an aerodynamic device before the wind turbine to amplify the incoming wind speed and reduce the impact of humidity on the wind energy. This study intends to investigate the impact of environmental humidity on the performance of the wind accelerator. The study includes modelling the wind accelerator using Ansys 2023R1, to simulate different humidity levels. An analytical simulation is conducted to describe the aerodynamic behaviour of the wind accelerator in response to the changes in ambient humidity. The air at different percentage levels of humidity is passed through the proposed wind accelerator geometry to observe the wind speed variation and kinetic energy of the wind. The simulation study reveals that the wind speed and kinetic energy show higher values when the humidity is at a lower level, while the opposite is true when the humidity is higher. This emphasizes how important it is to consider all environmental elements while designing and developing wind turbines and wind accelerators for optimal performance subjected to various climatic conditions.
Analysis of The Impact of Ballast Water Disposal on Marine Pollution in Mt. Star Valiant
Authors: Zulaikah S , Kendek M , Tudang A
Published: June 2024

This research aims to know the supervision of the 1st Officer towards the ship’s crew/ABK when discharging ballast water on the MT. Star Valiant. This research was carried out from 03 December 2020 to 24 November 2021 on a ship when the author carried out research at MT. Star Valiant. The method used in this research is a qualitative descriptive method, namely an analysis of a collection of data that focuses on interviews and observations to determine the performance of loading and unloading workers and the factors that influence it. The author collects data by approaching the object with direct observation and interviews with the subject. The results of the research and discussion of the problem regarding pollution from ballast water discharge at the port, where when the ballast water is discharged, it mixes with oil due to a lack of supervision by the deck crew regarding the disposal of ballast water, so that the ship receives a warning from the terminal at the port. After this warning, the ship was able to take action to prevent more widespread oil pollution in the port and stop the discharge of ballast water and the officer on duty at that time instructed the oiler to check the condition of the cargo pipe and ballast pipe in the pump room after holding checking by the oiler found that the valve that separated the ballast pipe and the cargo pipe was not tight enough, resulting in contamination between oil and sea water and resulting in sea water pollution around the port.
Isolation and characterization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa VK30 capable of degradation of Triton X-100
Authors: Pham Thien Thu , Kiefer Rudolf , Nguyen Ngoc Tuan
Published: June 2024

Triton X-100 is widely used in various industrial and commercial products. The harmful effects of Triton X-100 on aquatic organisms have experimentally been shown. In this study, we isolated twelve bacteria from polluted water and soil samples, demonstrating the ability to utilize Triton X-100 as their exclusive carbon and energy source. Strain VK30, distinguished by its effective Triton X-100 utilization, underwent further investigation and was identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa through 16S rRNA gene analysis. The degradation of Triton X-100 was validated via UV–Visible spectrophotometric analysis. These findings suggest that strain VK30 can be a promising candidate for remediation of Triton X-100.
Life’s Essential 8, genetic susceptibility and the risk of psoriatic disease: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Ouyang Fujun , Yang Honghao , Di Zhenghong , Hu Jiahao , Ding Yuan , Ji Chao , Liu Yashu , Chen Liangkai , Xia Yang
Published: June 2024

Background

Psoriatic disease (PsD) is closely associated with cardiovascular (CV) disease. The Life’s Essential 8 (LE8) score is a new metric to assess CV health (CVH), where a higher score indicates better CVH. However, the longitudinal association between LE8 score and the risk of PsD remains uncertain.

Objectives

To investigate, in a cohort study, the association between LE8 score, genetic susceptibility and the risk of PsD.

Methods

This cohort study included 261 642 participants in the UK Biobank without PsD at baseline. LE8 comprises eight indicators: diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, sleep health, body mass index, blood lipids, blood glucose and blood pressure. Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine the association between participants’ LE8 scores, genetic risk of PsD and the risk of PsD. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

Results

During an average follow-up of 12.3 years, 1501 participants developed PsD. Compared with participants with low LE8 scores, the HRs of developing PsD for those with moderate and high LE8 scores were 0.51 (95% CI 0.43–0.59) and 0.34 (95% CI 0.27–0.42) after adjustments, respectively. Dose–response analysis revealed a linear negative association between continuous LE8 score and the risk of developing PsD (P < 0.001), with no evidence of nonlinear association detected. Genetic susceptibility to PsD did not modify this association (P­interaction = 0.63). Subgroup analyses revealed that women had a more pronounced beneficial association between LE8 scores and PsD risk (P­interaction = 0.02).

Conclusions

Our study suggests that a higher LE8 score, regardless of genetic risk, is associated with a lower risk of PsD, particularly in women. Consequently, maintaining good CVH status is recommended to prevent PsD and assess associated risks.
Chikungunya fever’s chromatic chronicle: a kaleidoscope of pigmentary alterations
Authors: Palaniappan Vijayasankar , Gopinath Hima , Karthikeyan Kaliaperumal
Published: June 2024

Chikungunya fever (CKF), a neglected tropical disease caused by the chikungunya virus, manifests with skin pigmentary changes in a significant portion of people. A myriad of pigmentary alterations in individuals with CKF have been documented in the literature. This review highlights the pathogenesis, clinical features, histopathology, diagnosis and treatment of CKF-associated pigmentation. Notable presentations include the ‘Chik sign’ often seen in neonates and children. Treatment involves reassurance and topical agents for persistent pigmentation. Understanding these pigmentary changes is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management, facilitating improved patient outcomes. Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the underlying mechanisms and optimize therapeutic strategies.
Extracellular vesicles: an emerging tool for wild immunology
Authors: Espejo Camila , Ezenwa Vanessa O
Published: June 2024

The immune system is crucial for defending organisms against pathogens and maintaining health. Traditionally, research in immunology has relied on laboratory animals to understand how the immune system works. However, there is increasing recognition that wild animals, due to their greater genetic diversity, lifespan, and environmental exposures, have much to contribute to basic and translational immunology. Unfortunately, logistical challenges associated with collecting and storing samples from wildlife, and the lack of commercially available species-specific reagents have hindered the advancement of immunological research on wild species. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived nanoparticles present in all body fluids and tissues of organisms spanning from bacteria to mammals. Human and lab animal studies indicate that EVs are involved in a range of immunological processes, and recent work shows that EVs may play similar roles in diverse wildlife species. Thus, EVs can expand the toolbox available for wild immunology research, helping to overcome some of the challenges associated with this work. In this paper, we explore the potential application of EVs to wild immunology. First, we review current understanding of EV biology across diverse organisms. Next, we discuss key insights into the immune system gained from research on EVs in human and laboratory animal models and highlight emerging evidence from wild species. Finally, we identify research themes in wild immunology that can immediately benefit from the study of EVs and describe practical considerations for using EVs in wildlife research.
Contemporary management of borderline left ventricle
Authors: Albrahimi Ergida , Korun Oktay
Published: June 2024

Borderline left ventricle cases present considerable difficulties in determining the most effective surgical approaches. The evolution of approaches in the field has shifted from classical systemic pulmonary shunts to orthodox univentricular palliation and has subsequently seen the emergence of biventricular repair concepts. The concept of biventricular repair for borderline left heart conditions has developed through studies that aim to establish predictive scoring systems for identifying appropriate candidates. Despite continuous efforts, a definitive scoring system for guiding this decision is still difficult to find. There is a growing trend to provide neonatal patients with borderline ventricles with options other than univentricular palliation. Several centres have developed personalized strategies, including hybrid and staged ventricular recruitment approaches. These strategies provide sufficient time for personalized decision-making, taking into account the individual circumstances of each patient. This article presents an overview of the changing approaches to borderline left ventricular cases. It discusses the use of predictive scoring systems and emphasizes the advancements in staged strategies that improve the likelihood of successful biventricular repairs.
Reprogramming of RNA m6A Modification Is Required for Acute Myeloid Leukemia Development
Authors: Liu Weidong , Wang Yuhua , Yao Shuxin , Han Guoqiang , Hu Jin , Yin Rong , Zhou Fuling , Cheng Ying , Zhang Haojian
Published: June 2024

Hematopoietic homeostasis is maintained by hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), and it is tightly controlled at multiple levels to sustain the self-renewal capacity and differentiation potential of HSCs. Dysregulation of self-renewal and differentiation of HSCs leads to the development of hematologic diseases, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Thus, understanding the underlying mechanisms of HSC maintenance and the development of hematologic malignancies is one of the fundamental scientific endeavors in stem cell biology. N  6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a common modification in mammalian messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and plays important roles in various biological processes. In this study, we performed a comparative analysis of the dynamics of the RNA m6A methylome of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) and leukemia-initiating cells (LICs) in AML. We found that RNA m6A modification regulates the transformation of long-term HSCs into short-term HSCs and determines the lineage commitment of HSCs. Interestingly, m6A modification leads to reprogramming that promotes cellular transformation during AML development, and LIC-specific m6A targets are recognized by different m6A readers. Moreover, the very long chain fatty acid transporter ATP-binding cassette subfamily D member 2 (ABCD2) is a key factor that promotes AML development, and deletion of ABCD2 damages clonogenic ability, inhibits proliferation, and promotes apoptosis of human leukemia cells. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the role of m6A in regulating cell state transition in normal hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis, and identifies ABCD2 as a key factor in AML development.
Microbial consortium assembly and functional analysis via isotope labelling and single-cell manipulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon degraders
Authors: Li Jibing , Luo Chunling , Cai Xixi , Zhang Dayi , Guan Guoqing , Li Bei , Zhang Gan
Published: June 2024

Soil microbial flora constitutes a highly diverse and complex microbiome on Earth, often challenging to cultivation, with unclear metabolic mechanisms in situ. Here, we present a pioneering concept for the in situ construction of functional microbial consortia (FMCs) and introduce an innovative method for creating FMCs by utilizing phenanthrene as a model compound to elucidate their in situ biodegradation mechanisms. Our methodology involves single-cell identification, sorting, and culture of functional microorganisms, resulting in the formation of a precise in situ FMC. Through Raman-activated cell sorting–stable-isotope probing, we identified and isolated phenanthrene-degrading bacterial cells from Achromobacter sp. and Pseudomonas sp., achieving precise and controllable in situ consortia based on genome-guided cultivation. Our in situ FMC outperformed conventionally designed functional flora when tested in real soil, indicating its superior phenanthrene degradation capacity. We revealed that microorganisms with high degradation efficiency isolated through conventional methods may exhibit pollutant tolerance but lack actual degradation ability in natural environments. This finding highlights the potential to construct FMCs based on thorough elucidation of in situ functional degraders, thereby achieving sustained and efficient pollutant degradation. Single-cell sequencing linked degraders with their genes and metabolic pathways, providing insights regarding the construction of in situ FMCs. The consortium in situ comprising microorganisms with diverse phenanthrene metabolic pathways might offer distinct advantages for enhancing phenanthrene degradation efficiency, such as the division of labour and cooperation or communication among microbial species. Our approach underscores the importance of in situ, single-cell precision identification, isolation, and cultivation for comprehensive bacterial functional analysis and resource exploration, which can extend to investigate MFCs in archaea and fungi, clarifying FMC construction methods for element recycling and pollutant transformation in complex real-world ecosystems.
“If Foreign, Then Cleaner”: Individual Corruption Perceptions and Support for Free Trade in Developing Nations
Authors: Shi Dihan , Rosas Guillermo
Published: June 2024

Extant literature on public opinion in international political economy documents the role that domestic corruption perceptions play in the formation of mass attitudes toward a range of integration-related foreign policies. Based on this precedent, we conjecture that corruption perceptions also affect opinions toward free trade. We build on a heuristic approach to attitude formation where individual perceptions of corruption among the political elite trigger positive attitudes toward foreign countries, firms, and products, what we refer to as a “foreignness cue.” This cue drives individuals with high perceptions of corruption to be more supportive of free trade. Based on survey data from eighteen Latin American countries, we demonstrate that higher levels of perceived domestic corruption are associated with greater support for free trade. Causal mediation analysis provides additional evidence that positive attitudes toward foreign countries and firms are a conduit through which the corruption perceptions effect operates. We also offer evidence of external validity of the main effect by analyzing additional surveys on a distinct set of less and more developed countries. Our heuristic-based model of support for free trade complements theories based on material self-interest as a basis for attitude formation in the realm of trade policy.
Establishment of a new subfamily for the parasitic isopod genusPleurocryptella(Isopoda: Bopyridae), including recognition of epicaridium larval yolk sacs and description of a new genus and species of hyperparasite
Authors: Williams Jason D , Boyko Christopher B , Stewart Eva C D
Published: June 2024

External yolk sacs in free-living larvae of marine invertebrates are extremely rare, with all reported cases exhibiting yolk that is taken up through connection with the anterior alimentary canal. Herein, we confirm a novel yolk sac connected to the posterior end of the alimentary canal in the first larval stage of species in the bopyrid isopod genus PleurocryptellaBonnier, 1900, all known as ectoparasites in the branchial chambers of squat lobsters. Pleurocryptella poseidon Williams & Boyko sp. nov. infesting the munidopsid Galacantha bellis Henderson, 1885 in the Arabian Sea, is described on the basis of adults and larvae. In common with conspecifics, the new species exhibits a suite of putative “primitive” characters including the presence of oostegites on the sixth and seventh pereomeres of females and maxillipeds and articulated uropods in males. Pleurocryptella poseidon Williams & Boyko sp. nov. differs from other species of Pleurocryptella by characters of body shape, antennae, oostegite 1, pleon, and uropods of females and midventral tubercles, pleomeres, and pleopods of males. The epicaridium larvae have a large posterior, external yolk sac and segmented maxillipeds, a unique set of characters within Epicaridea. In addition to larval and adult characters, molecular data (COI) indicate that the genus is distinct from other members of Bopyridae, so we erect the new subfamily Pleurocryptellinae for it. Pleurocryptella poseidon Williams & Boyko sp. nov. bears a new genus and species of hyperparasitic isopod that is herein described based on its cryptoniscus stage. A review of epicaridium larval morphology and a key to the species of Pleurocryptella are provided.
A rare case of solitary fibrous tumor of the lung parenchyma: case report
Authors: Afreen Sumayya , Wu Xiyi , Miranda Maria Emilia Espinoza , Lazarevic Milenko
Published: June 2024

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) of the lung is a rare neoplasm, usually originating from lung pleura. We present a case report of a 57-year-old male with no significant medical history who was incidentally diagnosed with an SFT of lung parenchyma on chest computed tomography scan. Radiological imaging revealed a well-defined mass in the left lower lobe of the lung. Biopsy and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of solitary fibrous tumor. This case highlights the importance of considering SFT in the differential diagnosis of lung masses, as its clinical presentation and radiological features can mimic those of more common pulmonary malignancies.
Cosmic-ray confinement in radio bubbles by micromirrors
Authors: Ewart Robert J , Reichherzer Patrick , Bott Archie F A , Kunz Matthew W , Schekochihin Alexander A
Published: June 2024

Radio bubbles, ubiquitous features of the intracluster medium around active galactic nuclei, are known to rise buoyantly for multiple scale heights through the intracluster medium (ICM). It is an open question how the bubbles can retain their high-energy cosmic-ray content over such distances. We propose that the enhanced scattering of cosmic rays due to micromirrors generated in the ICM is a viable mechanism for confining the cosmic rays within bubbles and can qualitatively reproduce their morphology. We discuss the observational implications of such a model of cosmic-ray confinement.
Northern Vernacular Traditions of Mary Magdalene, especially Protestant Prints, Music, and Performance Arts
Authors: Dykema Bobbi
Published: June 2024

In the late medieval and early modern period, graphic artists, playwrights, and composers engaged the story of Mary Magdalene from the gospels using approaches with broad appeal. While Protestant content creators at times emphasized different aspects of the Magdalene story, by and large these media were developed to appeal to mixed audiences of Catholics and Protestants alike. Many of the forms that predated the onset of the Reformation, such as devotional prints, saint plays, and musical settings of Mary Magdalene’s visit to Christ’s tomb, persisted with only minor changes into Protestant contexts. Mary Magdalene’s life journey from sin to redemption to apostolic endeavor in each iteration and genre are key moments in the larger story of Christ’s love and redemptive sacrifice.
Melanoma and People of Color: The Role of Physical Therapists
Authors: Robinson Michael T.
Published: June 2024

While the incidence of melanoma in people of color is low, when melanoma is diagnosed, it is often at later stages, resulting in the likelihood of death when compared to non-Hispanic White individuals. This is a health disparity that needs to be addressed. This disparity demands the attention of first-line health care providers, especially providers serving minority populations. Physical therapists (PTs) in the United States are allowed direct access to patients (access specifics vary by state) and are well-positioned to be part of the solution to this health disparity. The skin is an organ highly accessible to and frequently encountered by PTs, and early detection is associated with better melanoma-related outcomes. However, there is limited literature available regarding PTs and their role in aiding melanoma detection in skin, much less among people of color. This perspective paper introduces a novel, inclusive screening approach, following the mnemonic NO SUN, as an adjunct to the well-established asymmetry, borders, color, diameter, and evolution/evolving rule to address the disparity. The mnemonic NO SUN stands for Non-sun-exposed, Oral, Soles and palms, Underneath genitalia, and Nail beds—areas where suspicious lesions are commonly found in people of color. Both patient and PT education on melanoma and how its presentation differs in people of color are included in this strategy. Highlighting the needs of this special population and addressing those needs with standard physical therapy practice serves as a path toward health equity within an interdisciplinary framework.
Bedside Nurse Documentation Practices
Authors: Gauthier-Wetzel Holly E.
Published: June 2024

High-quality care requires precise and timely provider documentation. Hospitals have used technology to document patient care within both the inpatient and outpatient areas and long-term care facilities. Research has demonstrated, by revealing a reduction in medical errors, that there has been a worldwide improvement in our community health and welfare since the implementation and utilization of documenting patient care electronically. Although electronic documentation has proven to be an improvement in patient record keeping, the most efficient location in which this documentation is to occur remains a question. At the location where this project took place, only the ICU had computers within the patient rooms for documentation purposes.

This project evaluated bedside nurses' opinions related to the efficiency of documentation practices compounded by the location where documentation took place. The options were at the patient's bedside, on a workstation on wheels, or at the nursing station. Surveys were provided to bedside nursing staff both before and after computers were installed in patients' rooms in surgical and medical/surgical nursing units at a Veteran Affairs Medical Center located in the Northeastern region of the United States. The results of this project inconclusively answer the question posed: “Which mode of entry do nurses feel is more efficient to document patient care, on a computer in the patient room, at the nurses' station, or on a workstation on wheels?” Innovative strategies should be explored to develop a user-friendly design for computers located within the patient rooms for patient documentation.
Modifiable Lifestyle Risk Factors in Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer
Authors: Ton Minh D. , Chan Jeffrey Shi Kai , Satti Danish Iltaf , Peckham-Gregory Erin C. , Mahal Brandon A. , Isrow Derek , Dee Edward Christopher , Swami Nishwant S.
Published: June 2024

Objectives:

Given the vulnerable health condition of adult childhood cancer survivors, it is essential that they develop positive health behaviors to minimize controllable health risks. Therefore, we evaluated if adult survivors of non-childhood cancer and childhood cancer differ in the odds of each modifiable risk factor compared with each other and compared with the general population.

Methods:

This nationally representative study leveraged the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) sample from 2000 to 2018 and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) sample from 2016 to 2021. Our study population included adults diagnosed with cancer when they were ≤14 years of age. Outcomes included physical activity, body mass index (BMI), current smoking, ever-smoking, alcohol use, and binge drinking.

Results:

Insufficient physical activity was not statistically significant in the BRFSS, but in the NHIS, childhood cancer survivors had significantly more insufficient physical activity compared with non-childhood cancer survivors (aOR 1.29, P=0.038) and the general population (aOR 1.40, P=0.006). Childhood cancer survivors also had a higher likelihood of being significantly underweight (aOR 1.84, P=0.018) and having ever-smoked (aOR 1.42, P=0.001) compared with the general population in the NHIS. There was a significantly higher likelihood of smoking among childhood cancer survivors in the BRFSS (aOR 2.02, P=0.004).

Conclusions:

The likelihoods of many risky behaviors between adult childhood cancer survivors and general population controls were comparable, although rates of physical activity may be decreased, and rates of smoking may be increased among childhood cancer survivors. Targeted interventions are needed to promote healthy behaviors in this vulnerable population.
Predicting Success in Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty Using Machine Learning
Authors: Karaca Emine Esra , Bulut Ustael Ayça , Keçeli Ali Seydi , Kaya Aydin , Uçan Alaettin , Evren Kemer Ozlem
Published: June 2024

Purpose:

This study aimed to predict early graft failure (GF) in patients who underwent Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty based on donor characteristics.

Methods:

Several machine learning methods were trained to predict GF automatically. To predict GF, the following variables were obtained: donor age, sex, systemic diseases, medications, duration of stay in the intensive care unit, death-to-preservation time (DPT), endothelial cell density of the cornea, tightness of Descemet membrane roll during surgery, anterior chamber tamponade, tamponade used for rebubbling, and preoperative best corrected visual acuity. Five classification methods were experimented with the study data set: random forest, support vector machine, k-nearest neighbor, RUSBoosted tree, and neural networks. In holdout validation, 75% of the data were used in training and the remaining 25% used in testing. The predictive accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, f-score, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the methods were evaluated.

Results:

The highest classification accuracy achieved during the experiments was 96%. The precision, recall, and f1-score values were 0.95, 0.81, and 0.90, respectively. Feature importance was also computed using analysis of variance. The model revealed that GF risk was related to DPT and the intensive care unit duration (P < 0.05). No significant relationship was found between donor age, endothelial cell density, systemic diseases and medications, graft roll, tamponades, and GF risk.

Conclusions:

This study shows a strong relationship between increased intensive care duration, DPT, and GF. Experimental results demonstrate that machine learning methods may effectively predict GF automatically.
Global, regional, and national burdens of mild traumatic brain injuries from 1990 to 2019: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 – a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wu Liang , Li Yunfei , Sun Meng , Ye Pengpeng , Zhang Zhaofeng , Liu Weiming
Published: June 2024

Background:

The objective of this study was to utilize data from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2019 to estimate the patterns and prevalence of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) from 1990 to 2019, with the intention of informing the development of efficacious intervention strategies.

Material and Methods:

Data from the GBD 2019 were examined to determine the prevalence, incidence, and rates of years lived with disability (YLDs) associated with mTBI across global geographic populations from 1990 to 2019. To assess temporal patterns, estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) and age-standardized rates were computed. Additionally, an age-period-cohort model (APC model) framework was employed to analyze potential trends in incidence based on age, period, and birth cohort.

Results:

In 2019, there were a total of 12 268.5 thousand incident cases (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 992.66–1602.07), 11 482.5 thousand prevalent cases (95% UI 107.59–123.52), and 1366.9 thousand YLDs (95% UI 96.36–183.35) of mTBI worldwide. The age-standardized rates (ASRs) of incidence, prevalence, and YLDs exhibited a decline from 1990 to 2019. Across all age groups, males had higher prevalence, incidence, and YLD rates. Furthermore, middle-aged and elderly adults experienced a greater disease burden. The primary causes of the global mTBI burden in 2019 were falls and road injuries. According to the APC model, the age effect trend exhibited a similar pattern across individual sociodemographic index (SDI) groups, characterized by an initial increase, followed by a decrease and a subsequent increase. Regarding the period effect, each SDI group demonstrated variation, with the middle SDI group notably displaying a consistent increase. Furthermore, in terms of the birth effect, the middle-SDI group experienced the most substantial and continuous increase.

Conclusion:

The global incident cases and prevalent cases of mTBI increased significantly from 1990 to 2019, with a heavier burden observed in males, older adults, and in low SDI such as Afghanistan. More efforts are needed in the prevention and management of mTBI, such as reducing the incidence of falls among older people and building safer road transport facilities to reduce the burden of mTBI.
Impact of major hepatectomy on recurrence after resection of hepatocellular carcinoma at CNLC Ib stage: a propensity score matching study
Authors: Jiang Kunyuan , Li Jingfei , Liu Zihao , Chen Miao , Cai Wei , Liu Lianxin , Yin Dalong
Published: June 2024

Objective:

Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who undergo curative hepatectomy may experience varying remnant liver volumes. Our study aimed to evaluate whether the extent of liver resection has an effect on postoperative recurrence in HCC patients at China Liver Cancer Staging (CNLC) Ib stage.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 197 patients who underwent hepatectomy for a solitary HCC lesion measuring ≥5 cm (CNLC Ιb stage) between January 2019 and June 2022. Patients were divided into a major hepatectomy (MAH) group (n=70) and a minor hepatectomy (MIH) group (n=127) based on the extent of liver resection. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was compared between the two groups. Propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to minimize bias in the retrospective analysis.

Results:

Patients who underwent MAH had a greater total complication rate than those who underwent MIH (35.7 vs. 11.8%, P<0.001). The median RFS was 14.6 months (95% CI: 11.1–18.1) for the MAH group and 24.1 months (95% CI: 21.2–27.1) for the MIH group (P<0.001). After PSM, patients who underwent MAH still had a greater total complication rate than those who underwent MIH (36.7 vs. 16.3%, P=0.037). The median RFS was 13.2 months (95% CI: 15.1–21.7) for the MAH group and 22.3 months (95% CI: 18.1–26.5) for the MIH group (P=0.0013). The Cox regression model identified MAH as an independent poor predictor for HCC recurrence (hazard ratios of 1.826 and 2.062 before and after PSM, respectively; both P<0.05).

Conclusion:

MIH can be performed with fewer postoperative complications and contributes to improved RFS in patients with HCC at CNLC Ιb stage compared to MAH. Parenchyma-sparing resection should be considered the first choice for these HCCs.
What causes cough in pulmonary fibrosis, and how should we treat it?
Authors: Myall Katherine J. , Cho Peter S.P. , Birring Surinder S.
Published: June 2024

Purpose of review

To review the current understanding of the impact, mechanisms and treatments for cough in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD). Evidence suggests that cough is a prevalent symptom in patients with ILD and has a significant impact on patients.

Recent findings

There is increasing interest in the role of cough hypersensitivity as seen in chronic refractory cough in patients with ILD, and encouraging recent results suggest that ILD-associated cough responds to opiate therapy.

Understanding the aetiology of cough in patients with ILD is crucial to continue to develop therapies which might be effective in reducing cough and increasing quality of life.
Postnatal renal tubule development: roles of tubular flow and flux
Authors: Cheng Yi-Jing G. , Chen Chien-Chou , Cheng Chih-Jen
Published: June 2024

Purpose of review

Postnatal renal tubule development is critical to adult kidney function. Several postnatal changes regulate the differentiation and proliferation of renal tubular cells. Here, we review the literature and our efforts on thick ascending limb (TAL) development in Bartter syndrome (BS).

Recent findings

Glomerular filtrate quickly increases after birth, imposing fluid shear stress and circumferential stretch on immature renal tubules. Recent studies showed that kidney organoids under flow (superfusion) have better development of tubular structures and the expression of cilia and solute transporters. These effects are likely mediated by mechanosensors, such as cilia and the piezo1 channel. Improved renal oxygenation and sodium pump-dependent active transport can stimulate mitochondrial respiration and biogenesis. The functional coupling between transport and mitochondria ensures ATP supply for energy-demanding reactions in tubular cells, including cell cycle progression and proliferation. We recently discovered that postnatal renal medulla maturation and TAL elongation are impaired in Clc-k2-deficient BS mice. Primary cultured Clc-k2-deficient TAL cells have G1-S transition and proliferation delay. These developmental defects could be part of the early pathogenesis of BS and worsen the phenotype.

Understanding how tubular flow and transepithelial ion fluxes regulate renal tubule development may improve the treatment of congenital renal tubulopathies.
Implementing a nurse-led prehabilitation program for patients undergoing spinal surgery
Authors: Shields Lisa B.E. , Clark Lisa , Reed Jenna , Tichenor Stephanie
Published: June 2024

Prehabilitation, or “prehab,” helps patients optimize strength, function, and nutrition before surgery. This evidence-based practice project presents strategies for implementing a prehab program to prepare patients for spinal surgery. Nurses play an integral role in educating patients preoperatively about the myriad lifestyle changes associated with spinal surgery.