bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global research status of localised scleroderma reported over the period 1993–2022: A 30‐year bibliometric analysis
Authors: Li Zi‐Ming , Li Tian‐Hao , Li Zhu‐Jun , Wang Li‐Quan , Long Xiao , Huang Jiu‐Zuo
Published: January 2024

Localised scleroderma predominantly affects the skin with an unknown aetiology. Despite its clinical importance, no comprehensive bibliometric analysis has been conducted to assess the existing research landscape and future prospects for localised scleroderma. The articles related to localised scleroderma were retrieved from the WoSCC database and analysed by VOSviewer 1.6.10.0 (Leiden University, Netherlands), CiteSpace 6.1.R1 (Dreiser University, USA), and HistCite 2.1 (New York, United States). 2049 research papers pertaining to localised scleroderma spanning the years from 1993 to 2022 were extracted from the WoSCC database. The United States exhibited the highest productivity with 644 papers, accounting for 31.43% of the total output, followed by Germany with 206 papers (10.05%) and Italy with 200 papers (9.76%). Regarding academic institutions and journals, the University of Texas System and Dermatology published the most significant number of papers, and Professor Ihn, H emerged as the most prolific contributor among scholars. The top 10 cited references primarily concentrated on the diagnosis and treatment of localised scleroderma. “Phototherapy” and “methotrexate (MTX)” surfaced as the most recent and noteworthy keywords, representing the research hotspots in the domain of localised scleroderma. This bibliometric analysis furnishes valuable insights into the contemporary research landscape of localised scleroderma.
Organizational development and management factors involved in the prevention and effective therapy of pressure ulcers: The results of the national survey conducted among Hungarian public hospitals
Authors: Cseh Borbála , Balogh Zoltán , Takács Johanna , Túri Gergő , Dózsa Csaba László
Published: January 2024

The prevention of pressure ulcer (PU) or pressure injury (PI) wounds is of public health importance in developed countries, including Hungary. The study aimed to assess the PU/PI prevention and care practices of Hungarian public hospitals and identify organizational and management factors. In 2022, a national, questionnaire‐based survey of inpatient institutions relevant to PU/PI care was conducted, providing a picture of the practices of 86 hospitals for the year 2019. The questionnaire was processed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. The survey results show that good practices in Hungary are isolated, the reporting system is inhomogeneous, and documentation is not uniform across our institutional system. Of the 86 institutions, 71.0% operate a PU prevention team, 64.0% use prophylactic dressings, and 88.3% use an anti‐decubitus mattress, with an average ratio of 26.1% to the number of beds. Less than half of the institutions reported the incidence of hospital acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs). In this sample, we found no significant association between hospital type and hospital size with the incidence of full‐thickness HAPIs (stage III and IV wounds). Developing a comprehensive PU/PI reporting system and updating the national PU/PI prevention and care guidelines are essential in Hungary.
Novel medium‐permittivity Ba2.92Cu0.08(Zn1/3Nb2/3)2Ti2Nb4O21 microwave dielectric ceramics with high Q × f value and densification for low‐temperature co‐fired ceramics electronic devices
Authors: Wu Xiaohui , Wang Xixi , Jing Yulan , Li Yuanxun , Su Hua
Published: January 2024

With the emergence of 5G–6G communication technology, the miniaturization and integration of electronic components are crucial. Ba3Ti4Nb4O21 (BTN) ceramics with hexagonal structures have attracted special attention due to their high dielectric constant, which shows greater application potential in communication base stations and dielectric resonators. However, its high sintering temperature and low‐quality factors also greatly limit the application field. In this paper, boric acid (H3BO3) as a dopant, was used to investigate the influence on the structure, microstructure, Raman spectrum, and microwave properties for Ba2.92Cu0.08(Zn1/3Nb2/3)2Ti2Nb4O21 (BCZTN)‐xHB (0.25≤x≤1.25 wt%) ceramics. The results reflected that H3BO3 was an effective additive, which could promote ceramic densification, accelerate grain growth and uniform distribution, and enhance its microwave performance. Among them, high densification was 93.92 ± 0.35%, and the Q × f value ∼16981 ± 340 GHz at x = 0.75, was more than 2∼3 times higher than other BTN‐based ceramics. Superior microwave dielectric properties were achieved for 0.75 wt% H3BO3‐doped BCZTN ceramic sintered at 900°C: εr∼42.35 ± 0.48, Q×f∼16981 ± 340 GHz, and τf∼40.02 ± 1.43 ppm/°C. More encouragingly, BCZTN‐0.75HB ceramic did not chemically react with Ag, which suggested that it had the potential to be a candidate material for low‐temperature co‐fired ceramics base station communication devices.
The Problem with Preparing to Kill in Self‐Defense
Authors: Chae Lee‐Ann
Published: January 2024

In a society marked by liberal gun ownership laws, and an increasingly militarized police force, how should we think about cases where a homeowner shoots a person who has mistakenly knocked on the wrong door, or where a police officer shoots someone who is unarmed? The general tendency – by shooters, courts, and many observers – is to use the framework of self‐defense. However, as I will argue, relying on the framework of self‐defense is inappropriate in these cases, because theories of self‐defensive killing are built up around a very specific type of case, namely, a random, sudden, one‐off encounter between roughly equally matched strangers. When a person who acts in self‐defense has undertaken certain preparations to kill in self‐defense – such as buying a gun, or undergoing certain kinds of training – they transform what would have been defensive violence into offensive violence. But because the self‐defense framework distinguishes only between defensive and aggressive violence, it cannot easily register the unique moral features of offensive violence. Relying on the self‐defense framework, then, produces judgments that are overly permissive of killings by gun owners and police, masking them as self‐defensive when in fact they are much more morally fraught.
A bibliometric analysis of studies on technology‐supported learning environments: Hot topics and frontier evolution
Authors: Jing Yuhui , Wang Chengliang , Chen Zhaoyi , Shen Shusheng , Shadiev Rustam
Published: January 2024

Background Study

Technology‐supported learning environments, act as significant observational and enabling indicators for evaluating and encouraging the digital revolution of education, are of vital importance in current educational research. Keeping track of the dynamics of technology‐supported learning environment research allows for the enrichment of theoretical studies and a prompt innovation of talent‐training environments.

Objectives

The present study carried out a bibliometric analysis of the core collection of WoS database over the last two decades.

Method

This study is a bibliometric research. We applied CiteSpace and VOSviewer for co‐occurrence and evolution analysis. In addition, we extracted the fundamental ideas and thoughts through reading and analysis.

Results

First, the study found that technology‐supported learning environment research is in a growth phase, with core journals such as Interactive Learning Environments or Computers & Education. The findings show that a core research team comprised of such scholars as Hwang Gwo‐Jen, Lester James C. and Wong Lung‐Hsiang. Key nations of publishing and research strength are from China, the United States, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Second, the hot topics in research on technology‐supported learning environments were virtual learning environments, technology‐enabled learning environments and interactive learning environments. Nine study specifics were derived from these three topics such as moulding function, generating scenario, stimulating sensation, effect verification, design idea, research reflection, inquiry and research, virtual community, and mixed environment. Lastly, the frontier evolution offers a pattern of development from enhancing performance to changing mode to incorporating experience.

Conclusion

Looking ahead, our research recommendations for the field of technology‐supported learning environments include a multifaceted approach. We should aim to enhance research designs and methodologies, develop contemporary guiding theories and strive for a balanced representation across various educational domains, expanding our scope to encompass all academic disciplines. In terms of practical application, it is imperative to focus on the design and implementation of technology‐supported learning environments from three critical perspectives: “change‐demand,” “student‐learning” and “online‐offline.” These approaches will collectively ensure that technology‐supported learning environments are both innovative and responsive to the diverse needs of the educational landscape.
Perspectives on genetic studies of type 2 diabetes from the genome‐wide association studies era to precision medicine
Authors: Imamura Minako , Maeda Shiro
Published: January 2024

Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have facilitated a substantial and rapid increase in the number of confirmed genetic susceptibility variants for complex diseases. Approximately 700 variants predisposing individuals to the risk for type 2 diabetes have been identified through GWAS until 2023. From 2018 to 2022, hundreds of type 2 diabetes susceptibility loci with smaller effect sizes were identified through large‐scale GWAS with sample sizes of 200,000 to >1 million. The clinical translation of genetic information for type 2 diabetes includes the development of novel therapeutics and risk predictions. Although drug discovery based on loci identified in GWAS remains challenging owing to the difficulty of functional annotation, global efforts have been made to identify novel biological mechanisms and therapeutic targets by applying multi‐omics approaches or searching for disease‐associated coding variants in isolated founder populations. Polygenic risk scores (PRSs), comprising up to millions of associated variants, can identify individuals with higher disease risk than those in the general population. In populations of European descent, PRSs constructed from base GWAS data with a sample size of approximately 450,000 have predicted the onset of diseases well. However, European GWAS‐derived PRSs have limited predictive performance in non‐European populations. The predictive accuracy of a PRS largely depends on the sample size of the base GWAS data. The results of GWAS meta‐analyses for multi‐ethnic groups as base GWAS data and cross‐population polygenic prediction methodology have been applied to establish a universal PRS applicable to small isolated ethnic populations.
Fibroblast growth factor signalling regulates the development of tooth root
Authors: Jin Chengxue , Adachi Noritaka , Yoshimoto Yuki , Sasabuchi Aino , Kawashima Nobuyuki , Ota Masato S. , Iseki Sachiko
Published: January 2024

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signalling plays a crucial role in the morphogenesis of multiple tissues including teeth. While the role of the signal has been studied in tooth crown development, little is known about root development. Of several FGF ligands involved in hard tissue formation, we suggest that FGF18 regulates the development of murine tooth roots. We implanted FGF18‐soaked heparin beads into the lower first molar tooth buds at postnatal day 6 (P6), followed by transplantation under the kidney capsule. After 3 weeks, FGF18 significantly facilitated root elongation and periodontal tissue formation compared to the control. In situ hybridisation showed that Fgf18 transcripts were initially localised in the dental pulp along Hertwig's epithelial root sheath at P6 and P10 and subsequently in the dental follicle cells at P14. Fgf receptors were expressed in various dental tissues during these stages. In vitro analysis using the dental pulp stem cells revealed that FGF18 inhibited cell proliferation and decreased expression levels of osteogenic markers, Runx2, Alpl and Sp7. Consistently, after 1 week of kidney capsule transplantation, FGF18 application did not induce the expression of Sp7 and Bsp, but upregulated Periostin in the apical region of dental mesenchyme in the grafted molar. These findings suggest that FGF18 facilitates molar root development by regulating the calcification of periodontal tissues.
Exploring intensive care nurses' perception of simulation‐based learning: A systematic review and meta‐synthesis
Authors: Weismantel Isabella , Zhang Nancy , Burston Adam
Published: January 2024

Aim(s)

To explore intensive care nurses' (ICN) perceptions of simulation‐based learning (SBL).

Design

A systematic review and meta‐synthesis.

Methods

The review followed the PRISMA guidelines for reporting a systematic review. A systematic search strategy was developed using a modified PICo framework. A comprehensive search was conducted in July 2023 in CINAHL, OVID Embase, Medline complete, Web of Science, ERIC and Scopus databases for articles published in English between 2013 and 2023. Data were extracted using the Joanna Briggs Institute QARI Data Extraction, with data synthesis guided by Braun and Clark's thematic analysis approach. Quality appraisal was assessed using the CASP tool.

Results

Eleven studies providing qualitative data were included for analysis. Analysis and meta‐synthesis led to the construction of two themes: The learning experience and professional growth through collaboration.

Conclusion

The review highlights the balance needed in finding the appropriate simulation approach, with the right level of fidelity, conducted at appropriately regular intervals, incorporating the correct makeup of professional team members, conducted in the right environment and facilitated by a skilled facilitator, to ensure best outcomes and return on investment for ICN's education.

Implications for Practice

These findings are a valuable resource for educators and organisations considering simulation‐based learning initiatives in the intensive care setting.

No Patient or Public Contribution

This review involved analysis of existing literature and as such no unique patient or public involvement occurred.

Reporting Method

The systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) reporting guidelines.
Manufacturer Collusion and Resale Price Maintenance*
Authors: Hunold Matthias , Muthers Johannes
Published: January 2024

We provide a novel theory of harm for resale price maintenance (RPM). In a model with two manufacturers and two retailers, we show that RPM facilitates manufacturer collusion when retailers have alternatives to selling a manufacturer's product. Because of the alternatives, manufacturers can only ensure that retailers sell their products by leaving sufficient retail margins. This restricts the wholesale price level even when the manufacturers collude. RPM allows colluding manufacturers to establish higher prices.
Analysis of England's incident and mental health nursing workforce data 2015–2022
Authors: Woodnutt Samuel , Hall Simon , Libberton Paula , Flynn Matt , Purvis Francesca , Snowden Jasmine
Published: January 2024

Accessible Summary

What is known on the subject?

Mental health services report adverse incidents in different ways and the relationship between adverse incidents and the workforce is uncertain. In England, there are national datasets recording all incidents and workforce statistics though there is no peer‐reviewed evidence examining recent trends.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge?

Although there has been an overall increase in the number of mental health nurses, more are working in the community and the number of nurses relative to adverse incidents has decreased. There have been service‐provision changes but the role of mental health nurses has not significantly changed in this period, and we can therefore assume that their current practice is saturated with risk or increased reporting. To help understand the relationship between nurses and incidents, we need to transform how incidents are recorded in England.

What are the implications for practice?

English mental health services report greater levels of patient‐related factors such as self‐harm or aggression rather than missed or erroneous care. This makes it difficult to understand if a rise in incident frequency is linked to reporting behaviour, patient risk, unsafe/ineffective care or other reasons and therefore planning workforce deployment to improve care quality is problematic.

Introduction

There is a paucity of empirical data examining incidents and mental health nurses and the relationship between the two remains uncertain.

Aim

Comparison of English national data for incidents and nursing workforce to examine recent trends.

Method

Descriptive analysis of two national datasets of incidents and workforce data for England between 2015 and 2022.

Results

A 46% increase in incidents was found; the leading causes are self‐harm and aggressive behaviour. Despite the rise in adverse incident reporting, a 6% increase in mental health nurses was found, with more nurses in community settings than hospitals.

Discussion

Current services are incident reporting at greater concentrations than in previous years. Patient‐related behaviour continues to be most prominently reported, rather than possible antecedent health services issues that may contribute to reporting. Whilst staffing has increased, this does not seem to have kept pace with the implied workload evident in the increase in incident reports.

Implications for Practice

Greater emphasis should be placed on health service behaviour in reporting mechanisms. Self‐harm and aggression should continue to be considered adverse outcomes, but causal health service factors, such as missed care, should be present in pooled reporting to help reduce the occurrence of adverse outcomes.
An integrative delimitation of the species boundaries within one hornbeam species complex (Betulaceae: Carpinus)
Authors: Lu Zhi‐Qiang , Yang Yong‐Zhi , Liu Jian‐Quan
Published: January 2024

Both hybridization and intraspecific morphological variation across environmental gradients complicate species delineation. We aimed to discern both possibilities that may blur species boundaries in the Carpinus viminea–Carpinus laxiflora–Carpinus londoniana species complex. We conducted statistical analyses on 535 specimens encompassing the entire distribution of this species complex to identify phenotypic clusters. Additionally, we analyzed genetic divergence and probable hybridization between clusters using 76 individuals from 37 populations. Based on phenotypic and genetic clusters, we tentatively recognized four species: C. viminea, C. fargesii, C. laxiflora, and C. londoniana. Except for rare overlapping distributions between C. fargesii and C. londoniana, the redefined four species are mostly allopatric to each another based on their distributions. The morphological delimitation, species boundary and distribution of each species differ distinctly from past taxonomic treatments. For example, specimens previously identified under C. viminea, in fact, belong to three different species. Hybrids between C. fargesii and C. londoniana exhibit morphological traits similar to C. viminea, thereby contributing to difficulties in determining species boundaries and outlining species distributions. These findings suggest that local selection and geographical isolation may together have promoted both phenotypic and genetic divergences within this species complex. However, interspecific hybridization blurs species boundaries by producing hybrids with phenotypic similarity in addition to intraspecific variation. This study emphasizes the importance of statistical analyses of population‐level morphological and genetic variations across major distributional ranges for an integrative delimitation of species boundaries and the identification of hybridization and hybrids.
Effect of daily light exposure on sleep in polar regions: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Shao Yingqi , Li Yao , Wang Nan , Xue Yan , Wang Tongyue , Qiu Fengxi , Lu Yi , Lan Danmei , Wu Hengjing
Published: January 2024

Although studies have shown that light affects sleep in polar populations, the sample size of most studies is small. This meta‐analysis provides the first systematic review of the effects of summer glare, spring and fall moderate daylight, and artificial lighting on general sleep problems (sleep duration, efficiency, and delay). This analysis included 18 studies involving 986 participants. We calculated the random effect size via an evidence‐based meta‐analysis that analysed the effect of bright/auxiliary light on sleep and the effect of three different types of light on sleep compared with conventional light. There was no significant correlation between specific light types and sleep duration. Intense summer light has a negative effect on sleep time and efficiency. Moderate, natural light in spring and autumn effectively delayed sleep but could not improve sleep efficiency. For artificial fill light, neither blue light nor enhanced white light has been found to have a significant effect. In summary, summer light has a detrimental effect on sleep in polar populations, and moderate natural light may be superior to conventional light. However, specific strategies to improve sleep and artificial lighting in polar populations must be explored further.
Rapid adaptation of Viola arvensis to pollinator declines
Authors: Kelly John K.
Published: January 2024

This article is a Commentary on Acoca‐Pidolle et al. (2024), 242: 717–726.
Development of a Chrono‐Urbanism Status Composite Index under the 5/10/15‐Minute City Concept Using Social Media Big Data
Authors: Liu Dong , Kwan Mei‐Po , Wang Lan , Kan Zihan , Wang Jianying , Huang Jingbo
Published: January 2024

Developing walkable urban environments is crucial for enhancing urban liveability and sustainability. To evaluate the chrono‐urbanism status, this study combines conventional census and mapping data with social media check‐in big data. A composite index is proposed, which assesses the accessibility of essential urban functions under the 5/10/15‐minute chrono‐thresholds. This index incorporates five categories of urban functions (public transit, living, education, health care and entertainment) in Macau. Utilising check‐in information from Sina Weibo, the level of attraction for different urban functions is integrated into the calculation. The findings highlight significant disparities in chrono‐urbanism status, with regions inhabited by lower socio‐economic status residents being more vulnerable than the affluent institutional and commercial centre of Macau. Leveraging social media big data, this study provides valuable insights to urban planners and policy‐makers, enabling them to understand the overall chrono‐urbanism status and target interventions for developing a more sustainable and liveable urban environment in Macau.
Comparison of the distraction index and Norberg angle with radiographic grading of canine hip dysplasia
Authors: Carneiro Rafael K. , da Cruz Igor C. , Lima Bruna , Aires Luiz P. N. , Pompeu Brenda , Ferreira Márcio P. , Giglio Robson F. , Uscategui Ricardo A. , Minto Bruno W. , Gasser Beatriz , Feliciano Marcus R.
Published: January 2024

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) radiographic grading system stands as a well‐established benchmark for categorizing hip dysplasia in canines. Although more objective techniques to quantify early hip laxity in young dogs, such as the Norberg angle (NA) and distraction index (DI), have been documented, there is a scarcity of published studies that directly compare these radiographic measures. The primary objectives of this prospective, analytical study were to assess and compare the NA and DI measures with OFA grades within a cohort of dogs. Thirty dogs (57 hip joints) were evaluated, with a mean age of 5.4 ± 2.9 years and a mean body weight of 34.3 ± 7.1 kg. The discriminative power of hip dysplasia for DI and NA used OFA as a reference were compared by multivariate discriminant analysis test. Using the DI (≤0.3) 12 joints were classified as normal, using NA (≥105°) 24 joints and using OFA (≤3) 29. When comparing the discriminant power of NA with OFA resulting similar (P = .8324) with correct classifications of 81% using cross validation, however, the discriminant power of dysplasia of the DI resulted significantly greater (P = .0034) than OFA with correct classifications of only 59% using cross‐validation, consequently it was possible determined that of 29 patients with OFA ≤ 3, 20 had DI > 0.3. These findings demonstrated that phenotypic healthy dogs according to OFA grading can present passive hip joint laxity, as demonstrated by radiographic evaluation with distraction. Furthermore, DI can contribute to the screening of CHD when evaluated in conjunction with OFA grading.
Interface Reliability Modeling of Coaxial Through Silicon Via Based on WOA-BP Neural Network
Authors: Zhang Liwen , Yang Chen , Yang He , Wang Jinchan , Zhang Jincan
Published: January 2024

Due to the complex structure and thermal mismatch of coaxial through silicon via (TSV), cracks easily occur under thermal load, leading to interface delamination or spalling failure. The reliability issue of coaxial TSV is important for its application in three-dimensional packaging, so it is of great significance to predict the crack trend and evaluate the reliability of coaxial TSV. In this paper, an algorithm model with the combination of whale optimization algorithm (WOA) and back propagation (BP) neural network for the reliability prediction of coaxial TSV is proposed. Based on finite element method (FEM), the training and validation datasets of the energy release rates (ERR) of the crack at the critical interface are calculated to construct the deep learning neural network. Six key structure parameters affecting the reliability of coaxial TSV are selected as the input values of the BP neural network. The maximum relative error of whale optimization algorithm optimized back propagation (WOA-BP) neural network model is 0.88%, which is better than the prediction results of the traditional BP and genetic algorithm (GA) optimized BP models. The WOA-BP neural network model was also compared with BP and GA-BP neural network models with four error metric models. It is verified that WOA-BP neural network model has the best prediction performance. The proposed model can be used to achieve improved prediction accuracy for the interface reliability of coaxial TSV under complex structural conditions since it has higher accuracy and stronger robustness.
Active control of target sound fields using structural-acoustic brightness applied to a ship model's acoustic signature
Authors: Ungnad Steffen , Sachau Delf , Zerbs Carsten , Müller Andreas , Homm Anton
Published: January 2024

This manuscript presents a method for reproducing sound fields actively by using a vibrating submerged structure as the field reproduction source, with the target sound field to be reproduced defined in the frequency domain using the acoustic brightness approach. To balance the predetermination of a mono- or multi-zone target sound pressure field and the control effort required, singular value decomposition of the structural-acoustic system matrix is proposed. The dependency of the radiation efficiency into the target zone on the singular modes representing source and pressure modes is investigated using a wavenumber-domain approach. Furthermore, a feedforward control principle is adopted for adaptive sound-field reproduction with mode matching from the least squares perspective. Finally, an experiment is reported that involve synthesizing a tonal target underwater acoustic signature of a model of a fast attack craft (scale 1:8) at a measurement facility at Lake Plön in Germany. The results show that with the structural-acoustic brightness approach structural modes with radiation coupling into the target zone are excited and related pressure modes exhibit individual focus in the direction of hydrophones in use. Finally, a predetermined narrowband sound pressure field is actively reproduced at the hydrophone positions using inertial actuators and accelerometers on the ship model's hull.
Targeted genomic sequencing of avian influenza viruses in wetland sediment from wild bird habitats
Authors: Kuchinski Kevin S. , Coombe Michelle , Mansour Sarah C. , Cortez Gabrielle Angelo P. , Kalhor Marzieh , Himsworth Chelsea G. , Prystajecky Natalie A.
Published: January 2024

Diverse influenza A viruses (IAVs) circulate in wild birds, including highly pathogenic strains that infect poultry and humans. Consequently, surveillance of IAVs in wild birds is a cornerstone of agricultural biosecurity and pandemic preparedness. Surveillance is traditionally done by testing wild birds directly, but obtaining these specimens is labor intensive, detection rates can be low, and sampling is often biased toward certain avian species. As a result, local incursions of dangerous IAVs are rarely detected before outbreaks begin. Testing environmental specimens from wild bird habitats has been proposed as an alternative surveillance strategy. These specimens are thought to contain diverse IAVs deposited by a broad range of avian hosts, including species that are not typically sampled by surveillance programs. To enable this surveillance strategy, we developed a targeted genomic sequencing method for characterizing IAVs in these challenging environmental specimens. It combines custom hybridization probes, unique molecular index-based library construction, and purpose-built bioinformatic tools, allowing IAV genomic material to be enriched and analyzed with single-fragment resolution. We demonstrated our method on 90 sediment specimens from wetlands around Vancouver, Canada. We recovered 2,312 IAV genome fragments originating from all eight IAV genome segments. Eleven hemagglutinin subtypes and nine neuraminidase subtypes were detected, including H5, the current global surveillance priority. Our results demonstrate that targeted genomic sequencing of environmental specimens from wild bird habitats could become a valuable complement to avian influenza surveillance programs.

IMPORTANCE

In this study, we developed genome sequencing tools for characterizing avian influenza viruses in sediment from wild bird habitats. These tools enable an environment-based approach to avian influenza surveillance. This could improve early detection of dangerous strains in local wild birds, allowing poultry producers to better protect their flocks and prevent human exposures to potential pandemic threats. Furthermore, we purposefully developed these methods to contend with viral genomic material that is diluted, fragmented, incomplete, and derived from multiple strains and hosts. These challenges are common to many environmental specimens, making these methods broadly applicable for genomic pathogen surveillance in diverse contexts.
Multidrug resistance of
Botrytis cinerea
associated with its adaptation to plant secondary metabolites
Authors: Wu Zhaochen , Bi Yue , Zhang Junting , Gao Tuqiang , Li Xueming , Hao Jianjun , Li Guihua , Liu Pengfei , Liu Xili
Published: January 2024

The emergence of MDR in plant pathogens is a threat to plant disease management and leads to the use of excessive fungicides.
Botrytis cinerea
is of particular concern because its MDR has widely emerged in the field. Understanding its genesis is the first step for controlling MDR. In this study, the contribution of PSMs to MDR has been examined. Effective management of this pathogen in agroecosystems relies on a better understanding of how it copes with phytochemicals or fungicides.
A data-driven approach for timescale decomposition of biochemical reaction networks
Authors: Akbari Amir , Haiman Zachary B. , Palsson Bernhard O.
Published: January 2024

Complex interactions within interconnected biochemical reaction networks enable cellular responses to a wide range of unpredictable environmental perturbations. Understanding how biological functions arise from these intricate interactions has been a long-standing problem in biology. Here, we introduce a computational approach to dissect complex biological systems' dynamics in evolving environments. This approach characterizes the timescale hierarchies of complex reaction networks, offering a system-level understanding at physiologically relevant timescales. Analyzing various hypothetical and biological pathways, we show how stoichiometric properties shape the way energy is dissipated throughout reaction networks. Notably, we establish that glycolysis operates as a cofactor-driven pathway, where the slowest dynamics are governed by a balance between high-energy phosphate bonds and redox trafficking. This approach enhances our understanding of network dynamics and facilitates the development of reduced-order kinetic models with biologically interpretable components.
Supplemental Material: Middle–Late Jurassic subduction erosion caused by intra-oceanic arc subduction in central Tibet
Authors: Zhang Bo-Chuan , Fan Jian-Jun , et al.
Published: January 2024

Analytical data for the Dongco granodiorites.
‘Armed kyphoplasty’ with posterior stabilization avoids corpectomy in complex thoracolumbar spine fractures: a case series
Authors: Bertulli Lorenzo , Pileggi Marco , Marchi Francesco , Scarone Pietro , Cianfoni Alessandro
Published: January 2024

Background

Complex thoracolumbar fractures require reduction and stabilization. Posterior instrumentation alone and standard cement augmentation may represent undertreatment, while corpectomy has significant morbidity. In a series of unstable thoracolumbar fractures, we assessed the feasibility, safety, and results of ‘armed kyphoplasty’ (AKP) and surgical posterior stabilization (PS).

Methods

A total of 24 consecutive patients were treated with combined AKP and PS. Minimally invasive and open surgery techniques were used for PS. AKP was performed with C-arm or biplane fluoroscopic guidance, and screws were placed under navigation or fluoroscopic guidance. A postoperative CT scan and standing plain films were obtained. Patients were followed up according to clinical standards. Kyphosis correction (measured with regional Cobb angle), pain (measured with the Numeric Rating Scale), neurological status (measured with Frankel grade) were assessed.

Results

A total of 25 fractures of neoplastic (40%), traumatic (32%), and osteoporotic (28%) nature were treated. Open surgery and minimally invasive techniques were applied in 16/24 and 8/24 patients, respectively. Decompressive laminectomy was performed in 13 cases. No intraprocedural complications occurred. Two patients (8%) died due to underlying disease complications and three complications (12%) required re-intervention (one surgical site infection, one adjacent fracture, and one screw pull-out) in the first month. The mean Cobb angle was 20.14±6.19° before treatment and 11.66±5.24° after treatment (P<0.0001). No re-fractures occurred at the treated levels.

Conclusions

Combined AKP and PS is feasible and effective in the treatment of complex thoracolumbar fractures of all etiologies. AKP avoided highly invasive corpectomy. Anterior and posterior support ensured stability, preventing implant failure and re-fracture. The complication rate was low compared with more invasive traditional 360° open surgical approaches.
Cineangiography versus standard digital subtraction angiography in mechanical thrombectomy: lowering the radiation exposure without sacrificing the outcome
Authors: Molinaro Stefano , Mistretta Francesco , Russo Riccardo , Risi Gaetano , Venturi Fabrizio , Bergui Mauro
Published: January 2024

Background

Endovascular thrombectomy has become a standard procedure for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusion. Radiation exposure to the patient and operators during mechanical thrombectomy procedures is a concern.

Methods

The use of a high frames per second unmasked protocol—cineangiography (CINE)—derived from cardiac intervention could mitigate radiation exposure without sacrificing procedural and clinical outcomes.

Results

The analysis of a prospective-maintained monocentric database of 131 patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy (65 with the CINE protocol and 66 with the conventional digital subtraction angiography (DSA) protocol) showed a significant reduction in radiation exposure for both air kerma (AK) and dose-area product (DAP) indicators (AK 463.7 mGy vs 772 mGy, P<0.01; DAP 41.35 Gy/cm2CINE vs 83.77 Gy/cm2DSA, P<0.01), with no differences regarding both safety and efficacy outcomes (modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) ≥2b 78.4% CINE and 81.5% DSA, P=0.79; overall complications rate both intracranial and extracranial 23% CINE and 19.6% DSA, P=0.65). There were no significant differences in post-thrombectomy radiographic hemorrhagic conversion rate (P=0.77) or functional independence on discharge defined as modified Rankin Scale score ≤2 (P=0.39). A post-hoc image assessment of vessel point occlusion and recanalization mTICI score performed by three experienced interventional neuroradiologists not involved in the procedure showed a non-significant difference between the two groups regarding occlusion point (0.928 vs 0.953, P=0.31) and recanalization grade (0.814 vs 0.847, P=0.62).

Conclusions

Our initial experience demonstrated that reduction of the quality of CINE images caused no modifications in safety and efficacy and should fit within the context of diagnostic requests in an intracranial revascularization procedure.
Prevalence of anxiety and depression and the association with self-management behaviour in >12 000 patients with inflammatory rheumatic disease: a cross-sectional nationwide study
Authors: Vestergaard Sofie Bech , Esbensen Bente Appel , Klausen Julie Midtgaard , Glintborg Bente , Lau Lene , Yilmaz Jantzen Connie , Aadahl Mette , Fevejle Cromhout Pernille , de Thurah Annette
Published: January 2024

Objective

To investigate the prevalence of anxiety and depression among patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA) and evaluate the association of these mental health issues with self-management behaviour.

Methods

In this nationwide cross-sectional study, we analysed data from 12 713 adult Danish patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) or spondyloarthritis (SpA). Patients received an electronic questionnaire covering sociodemographics, self-management behaviour and mental health status. Questionnaire data were linked to clinical data from the Danish Rheumatology database (DANBIO) and the Danish National Patient Registry. The prevalence of anxiety and depression (by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale for Anxiety (HADS-A) and Depression (HADS-D)) was estimated separately for RA/PsA/SpA. The association between mental health status and low self-management behaviour (adherence to treatment, health activation and physical activity) was estimated using multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for age, sex, educational level and comorbidity.

Results

The prevalence of anxiety (HADS-A≥8) was highest for patients with SpA (34.5% (95% CI 32.4% to 36.6%)) and lowest for patients with RA (22.1% (95% CI 21.2% to 23.0%)), it was higher for women, younger (<55 years) and recently diagnosed (<3 years) patients and those with basic education. Similar prevalence estimates were found for depression. Across diagnoses, the clinically relevant symptoms of anxiety and depression (HADS≥8) were significantly associated with low self-management behaviour.

Conclusion

Patients with IA showed substantial levels of anxiety and depression. A statistically significant association between anxiety and depression and low self-management behaviour was identified. These findings call for a systematic approach to identifying mental health issues in patients with IA.
Butorphanol inhibits androgen biosynthesis and metabolism in rat immature Leydig cells in vitro
Authors: Li Changchang , Shi Lei , Su Ming , Li Xiaoheng , Zhu Qiqi , Ge Ren-Shan , Li Huitao
Published: January 2024

Butorphanol is a synthetic opioid analgesic medication that is primarily used for the management of pain. Butorphanol may have an inhibitory effect on androgen biosynthesis and metabolism in rat immature Leydig cells. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of butorphanol on androgen secretion by rat Leydig cells isolated from the 35-day-old male rats. Rat Leydig cells were cultured with 0.5–50 μM butorphanol for 3 h in vitro . Butorphanol at 5 and 50 μM significantly inhibited androgen secretion in immature Leydig cells. At 50 μM, butorphanol also blocked the effects of luteinizing hormone (LH) and 8bromo-cAMP-stimulated androgen secretion and 22R-hydroxycholesterol- and pregnenolone-mediated androgen production. Further analysis of the results showed that butorphanol downregulated the expression of genes involved in androgen production, including Lhcgr (LH receptor), Cyp11a1 (cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme), Srd5a1 (5α-reductase 1), and Akr1c14 (3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase). Additionally, butorphanol directly inhibited HSD3B1 (3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1) and SRD5A1 activity. In conclusion, butorphanol may have side effects of inhibiting androgen biosynthesis and metabolism in Leydig cells.
Investigation of the influence of Halloysite Nanotubes (HNTs) on the low-velocity impact behavior of carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Kumar Sanjay , Hwang Dong-Wook , Kim Se-Yoon , Li Xiaoqi , Kim Yun-Hae
Published: January 2024

This study explores the impact of incorporating Halloysite Nanotubes (HNTs) nanoparticles on the low-velocity impact (LVI) behavior of carbon fiber (CF) laminate epoxy nanocomposites. The objective of this investigation was to observe the effects of different nanotube loadings (0.5[Formula: see text]wt.% and 0.7[Formula: see text]wt.%) on CF composites and assess their impact resistance. To achieve this, the CF was subjected to Electrophoretic Deposition (EPD) process to introduce the HNTs. Vacuum-assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VaRTM) was employed to fabricate the CF-reinforced epoxy-based laminated nanocomposites with incorporated HNTs. LVI tests were conducted following the ASTM-D-7136 standard, utilizing impact energies of 10[Formula: see text]J and 15[Formula: see text]J. Subsequently, the damaged areas within the composites were examined using optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The findings of this investigation revealed a significant enhancement in impact damage resistance with the addition of HNTs. The highest damage resistance and minimal energy absorption were observed at a loading of 0.7[Formula: see text]wt.% HNTs. The results reveal that incorporating 0.7[Formula: see text]wt.% HNTs substantially reduces delamination damage, influenced by absorbed impact energy. As well it composite underscores enhanced interlaminar bonding through 0.5[Formula: see text]wt.% and 0.7[Formula: see text]wt.% HNTs modification. Hence, we confidently assert that the addition of HNTs nanoparticles to CF/epoxy composites has considerably influenced the impact response of the nanocomposites.
Engineering applications development through OHAM in heat and mass transfer during stagnant flow of second-grade nanomaterial
Authors: Muhammad Khursheed , Hayat Tasawar , Momani Shaher
Published: January 2024

This paper investigates the stagnation point flow of a second-grade nanomaterial, considering nanofluid effects via thermophoresis and Brownian motion. The study addresses convective heat and mass transfer conditions within the flow induced by a stretching cylinder. The transformed systems are solved using the optimal homotopy solutions (OHAM) method, revealing the impact of various parameters on the quantities of interest. The results indicate that an increase in curvature, viscoelasticity, velocity ratio and injection parameters leads to an enhancement in velocity, while the opposite trend is observed due to suction. The viscoelasticity and curvature parameters also increase skin friction. Additionally, thermophoresis enhances the temperature and concentration fields, while Brownian motion reduces mass diffusion.
Erbium-Ion-Doped Bismuth Borate Glasses for High Optical Gain NIR Fiber Laser Applications
Authors: Prasanth M. , Ravi Nirlakalla , Thyagarajan K.
Published: January 2024

The study focused on investigating the thermal, structural, and luminescent properties of bismuth borate glasses doped with erbium (Er3+) ions and modified with Gd2O3, K2O, and Li2O (BBGKL: Erx) aiming for fiber lasers. Two glass transition temperatures were observed at 381 (Tg1) and 471 K (Tg2) for BBGKL glass. O1s de-convolution spectrum bridging oxygens for BBGKL glass, including B-O, Bi-O, Li2O, and K2O, were discovered by XPS. Both the photoluminescence (PL) 4I13/2→4I15/2 NIR and the absorption bands from the UV-visible-NIR spectrum were found to occur at 1531 nm for BBGKL: Er. The luminescence quenching was not noticed up to 3.0 mol% of Er3+ ion concentration. The BBGKL: Er0.5 glass has a remarkable connection between its absorbance and emission cross-sections of 0.77 and 0.82 × 10−20 cm2, respectively. The longest lifetime of green emission for the 4S3/2→4I15/2 transition was found for BBGKL: Er2.0 glass at 10.6 μs and 1531 nm NIR emission for the 4I13/2→4I15/2 transition of BBGKL: Er0.5 glass was 0.77 ms. In the 1413–1728 nm NIR band region for BBGKL:Er3.0, high optical gain cross-section G(λ) was promising for the population inversion at γ = 0.6. These findings suggested that the BBGKL: Er0.5 glass would prove helpful in NIR fiber laser applications.
Adjusting the Effects of Cr3+ Doping on Structural, Dielectric, Antimicrobial Properties of Delafossite SrCuO2 Nanoparticle
Authors: Talha Abeer T. , Meaz Talaat M. , El Nahrawy Amany M.
Published: January 2024

SrCu(1−x) Cr
x
O2 nanoparticles (x = 0.0, 0.6, 1.2, and 1.8) nanoparticles were synthesized using sol-gel processing and subjected to calcination at 650 °C. The investigation delved into the influence of varying chromium concentrations on the structural, FTIR, electrical, and antimicrobial characteristics. The microstructure of the SrCu(1−x)Cr
x
O2 nanoparticles (x = 0.0, 0.6, 1.2, and 1.8) nanoparticles were analyzed through X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Additionally, changes in chemical bonds were observed as the Cr content increased. The dielectric parameters exhibit an increase with higher Cr ratios. Additionally, there is a decrease in these parameters as the frequency rises, which could be attributed to the mobility of charged particles within the SrCu(1−x)Cr
x
O2 nanostructure. Our investigation underscores the significant role of Cr incorporation in influencing both the dielectric properties and antimicrobial activity of Cr, emphasizing its relevance for diverse applications.
Gastrointestinal dysmotility in rodent models of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Pellegrini Carolina , Travagli R. Alberto
Published: January 2024

Multiple studies describe prodromal, nonmotor dysfunctions that affect the quality of life of patients who subsequently develop Parkinson’s disease (PD). These prodromal dysfunctions comprise a wide array of autonomic issues, including severe gastrointestinal (GI) motility disorders such as dysphagia, delayed gastric emptying, and chronic constipation. Indeed, strong evidence from studies in humans and animal models suggests that the GI tract and its neural, mainly vagal, connection to the central nervous system (CNS) could have a major role in the etiology of PD. In fact, misfolded α-synuclein aggregates that form Lewy bodies and neurites, i.e., the histological hallmarks of PD, are detected in the enteric nervous system (ENS) before clinical diagnosis of PD. The aim of the present review is to provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of GI dysmotility in PD, focusing our attention on functional, neurochemical, and molecular alterations in animal models.