bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the dynamics of chemically reactive Casson liquid flow above a convectively heated curved expanse
Authors: Sandeep N , Sulochana C , Ashwinkumar GP
Published: August 2022

This paper studied the simulation of partial differential equations that model Casson fluid dynamics on a curved surface when Lorentz force, viscous dissipation, first-order chemical reaction, convection, uneven heat sink/source, and mass transmission at the wall are significant. An appropriate similarity conversion transforms the governing equations into non-dimensional ODEs. The bvp5c Matlab package is utilized to acquire the velocity, temperature, and concentration outcomes. This work aims to attain simultaneous solutions for Newtonian and non-Newtonian flow cases and analyze the reasons for deviation in flow and thermic border thicknesses. Augmenting the parametric curvature values inflates the velocity profiles and declines the thermal transmission rate. Also, the heat transport rate in the brunt of uneven heat source and viscous dissipation is extensive for non-Newtonian liquid compared with the Newtonian fluid.
Road surface recognition based slip rate and stability control of distributed drive electric vehicles under different conditions
Authors: Hongbo Wang , Boyang Zhang , Jinfang Hu , Jiahao Xu , Linfeng Zhao , Xianjun Ye
Published: August 2022

Distributed drive vehicles are prone to wheel slip during driving on low adhesion coefficient roads. Wheel slip will not only cause energy loss, but also the different driving states of the two sides of the wheels will lead to a sharp deterioration in vehicle stability, which will adversely affect the dynamics and safety of the vehicle. For the control characteristics of distributed drive vehicles, a slip rate controller is designed on the basis of slip rate estimation, and a stability control strategy adapted to straight and steering driving are proposed. Firstly, the road surface is identified based on the Burckhardt tire model, and the optimal slip rate of the current road surface is estimated. And the optimal wheel speed corresponding to the current vehicle speed is calculated. An active disturbance rejection controller (ADRC) is established, which controls the four-wheel speeds by adjusting the motor output torque and tracks the optimal wheel speed corresponding to the optimal slip rate. The sliding-mode controller is designed considering the stability requirements of the vehicle during high-speed steering. And the wheel output torque is optimally allocated based on the quadratic programing method. Finally, joint simulations and hardware-in-the-loop tests verify the effectiveness of the control strategy proposed in this paper.
An unsteady two-dimensional vortex method for the flow separation over a flapping wing
Authors: Wu Yue , Xie Changchuan , Yang Chao
Published: August 2022

The flow separation over a very flexible or morphing aircraft, especially during flying or oscillation at a high angle of attack, is stronger than that for conventional aircraft. However, a low-order model for reliably predicting the dynamics of the LEV and its influence on the force is still not found. It is valuable to develop such aerodynamic approaches for optimizing the wing structure and kinematics and for designing a flight control strategy considering the flow separation problem. This paper presents a two-dimensional vortex method in which an artificial boundary is constructed for the velocity adjustment of the vortices near the control panels. This artificial boundary is established in accordance with the thickness of the actual wing. A sub-time step is introduced into the solution process of the vortex method to predict the vortex locations and perform velocity adjustments. Crossing vortices retain only their tangential velocity components relative to the artificial boundary in order to avoid entering the range of the airfoil represented by the artificial boundary. Moreover, the excessive induced velocities on the control panels caused by crossing vortices are decreased, and the nonphysical behaviors and discontinuous pressure are avoided. To demonstrate the advantages of the proposed artificial boundary method in modeling an airfoil during high-angle-of-attack flight, the proposed approach is applied to a flat-plate starting problem and a flapping problem. The simulation results are then compared with the results of several experiments and numerical data for both attached and separated test cases, verifying the capabilities of the proposed method.
Distributed robust filtering for cyber-physical systems under periodic denial-of-service jamming attacks
Authors: Zhu Fengzeng , Ding Shuchen , Zuo Yingqi , Peng Li
Published: August 2022

This article focuses on a class of distributed security estimation for cyber-physical systems against denial-of-service attacks. First, an energy-constrained periodic denial-of-service jamming attack model and a Markov stochastic process-based switching topology model are developed. Then, Bernoulli random variables are applied to indicate whether measurement and estimation between nodes are successfully transmitted, where the data loss phenomenon is subject to denial-of-service attacks and inherent network properties. With the help of Lyapunov functions and linear matrix inequalities, sufficient conditions are established to guarantee that the error system satisfies exponentially mean-square stability and robust [Formula: see text] performance. Finally, two numerical simulation examples prove the effectiveness of the proposed distributed filtering method.
Holocene upland and wetland dynamics in the Chihuahuan Desert, Cuatrociénegas Mexico
Authors: Minckley Thomas A , Horn Sally P , Valente Matthew J
Published: August 2022

The Cuatrociénegas Basin, Coahuila MX, has the highest rate of endemism in North America and has been the source of a rich aridlands, paleoenvironmental history in the Chihuahuan Desert of North America. Understanding the recent past of the Cuatrociénegas Basin contextualizes how aridland terrestrial and wetland systems may respond to ongoing climate warming and the potential aridification in already water-limited regions. A 12.3 m long sediment core dated to ~13,500 cal yr BP was collected from Poza Cortador and examined for pollen to reconstruct the Holocene terrestrial and wetland history of the Basin. The terrestrial record indicates a transition from woodland to desert environments by ~7500 cal yr BP. This transition is characterized more by the decrease in conifer and oak pollen abundances relative to desert taxa rather than a sudden appearance of new pollen types. Wetlands appear more stable than the terrestrial record, possibly because of groundwater buffering of the wetland surface. Alternatively, there might be less obvious changes because of the overall pollen diversity of identified wetland pollen types selected in this study. Significant aridity in both the terrestrial and wetland environments is inferred between 5000 and 3000 cal yr BP based on poor pollen preservation. The record of the last 3000 cal yrs reflects the resilience of both the terrestrial and wetland systems to prolonged drought and provides hope that this unique system may have resiliency to some aspects of future climate change if the hydrologic connectivity can remain intact.
Deliberating enhanced weathering: Public frames, iconic ecosystems and the governance of carbon removal at scale
Authors: Cox Emily , Spence Elspeth , Pidgeon Nick
Published: August 2022

Meeting goals for ‘net zero’ emissions may require the removal of previously emitted carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. One proposal, enhanced rock weathering, aims to speed up the weathering processes of rocks by crushing them finely and spreading them on agricultural land. Public perceptions of enhanced rock weathering and its wider social and environmental implications will be a critical factor determining its potential; we use six 2-day deliberative workshops in England, Wales and Illinois to understand public views. Consideration of enhanced rock weathering deployment in tropical countries led participants to frame it from a social justice perspective, which had been much less prevalent when considering Western agricultural contexts, and generated assumptions of increased scale, which heightened concerns about detrimental social and environmental impacts. Risk perceptions relating to ‘messing with nature’ became amplified when participants considered enhanced rock weathering in relation to ‘iconic’ environments such as the oceans and rainforest.
The Influence of a Firm’s Attributes on Human Resource Disclosure Level: Evidence from India
Authors: Aggarwal Kirti
Published: August 2022

The aim of the present study is to examine the effect of a firm’s different attributes on human resources (HR) disclosure level of the Indian listed companies’. The study has been conducted on 126 companies listed on National Stock Exchange (NSE)-200 index for the time period of 7 years (F.Y. 2012–2013 to 2018–2019). The data were gathered from ‘annual reports and Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) ProwessIQ Database. For analysis, descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation matrix and Two-way Least Square Dummy Variable (LSDV) regression model’ have been used. The results of the study depicted that on an average, companies disclose 43.86% of HR information in their annual reports. Further, the results of the two-way LSDV regression model shows that there is a significant positive effect of net sales, market capitalization, pages of an annual report and significant negative of debt to equity ratio, promoter’s holding, profit after tax and listing status on HR disclosure level of the selected Indian listed companies. Overall, it can be said that The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and other regulatory bodies should set standardized guidelines for enhancing the HR disclosure practices of the Indian companies, and in the near future, they should come up with different HR disclosure sheet.
The Effectiveness of Benson’s Relaxation Technique on Pain and Perceived Stress Among Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Double-Blind, Cluster-Randomized, Active Control Clinical Trial
Authors: Abu Maloh Haya Ibrahim Ali , Soh Kim Lam , Chong Seng Choi , Ismail Siti Irma Fadhilah , Soh Kim Geok , Abu Maloh Dima Ibrahim , Al Yateem Nabeel , AbuRuz Mohannad Eid
Published: August 2022

Benson’s relaxation affects many symptoms among hemodialysis patients. A cluster-randomized active control clinical trial with three repeated measures; pre, 1-week, and 1-month post-intervention sought to evaluate the effectiveness of Benson’s Relaxation on pain and perceived stress (P&PS) among hemodialysis patients. Two governmental hospitals were randomly assigned to intervention and control. Thirty-six participants were randomly selected; 18 were intervention, and 18 were controlled. The intervention group performed Benson’s Relaxation twice a day for 10 minutes for 8 weeks after a training session. The control group received an educational session about Progressive Relaxation. Findings revealed a statistically significant reduction in the PSS-10 and PRI scores between pre-intervention and 1 month after-intervention ( p < .001) and at 1 week after intervention and 1 month after-intervention ( p < .001). A non-statistically significant reduction between pre-intervention and 1 week after-intervention ( p > .05). Benson’s Relaxation significantly relieved P&PS among hemodialysis patients but not after only 1 week of practicing.
Self-Rated Versus Clinician-Rated Assessment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: An Evaluation of Discrepancies Between the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 and the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5
Authors: Kramer Lindsay B. , Whiteman Sarah E. , Petri Jessica M. , Spitzer Elizabeth G. , Weathers Frank W.
Published: August 2022

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is commonly assessed with self-rated or clinician-rated measures. Although scores from these assessment modalities are strongly associated, they are often discrepant for individual symptoms, total symptom severity, and diagnostic status. To date, no known studies have empirically identified the sources of these discrepancies. In the present study, we had three aims: (a) replicate previously identified discrepancies; (b) examine contribution of possible objective predictors of discrepancies, including negative response bias, random responding, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and verbal IQ; and (c) identify subjective sources of discrepancies through analysis of participant feedback. Trauma-exposed undergraduates ( N = 60) were administered the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5), and other questionnaires. Interviewers identified discrepancies between corresponding PCL-5/CAPS-5 scores and asked participants to describe their attributions for discrepancies. Discrepancies, both dimensional and dichotomous, occurred at the item, cluster, and total score level. Objective predictors were weakly associated with discrepancies. The most commonly reported reasons for discrepancies were time-frame reminders, comprehension of symptoms, trauma-related attribution errors, increased awareness, and general errors. These findings help explain discordance between the PCL-5 and CAPS-5, and inform use and interpretation of these two widely used PTSD measures in clinical and research applications.
The Impact of Parental Presence Restrictions on Canadian Parents in the NICU During COVID-19: A National Survey
Authors: Campbell-Yeo Marsha , Dol Justine , McCulloch Holly , Hughes Brianna , Hundert Amos , Bacchini Fabiana , Whitehead Leah , Afifi Jehier , Alcock Lynsey , Bishop Tanya , Dorling Jon , Earle Rebecca , Elliott Rose Annette , Inglis Darlene , Leighton Carye , MacRae Gail , Melanson Andrea , Simpson C. David , Smit Michael
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this research was to explore parental perspectives on the impact of parent restrictions imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic across Canadian Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). A co-designed online survey was conducted targeting parents ( n = 235) of infants admitted to a Canadian NICU from March 1, 2020, until March 5, 2021. Parents completed the survey from 38 Canadian NICUs. Large variation in the severity of policies regarding parental presence was reported. Most respondents (68.9%) were classified as experiencing high restrictions, with one or no support people allowed in the NICU, and felt that policies were less easy to understand, felt less valued and respected, and found it more challenging to access medicine or health care. Parents reported gaps in care related to self-care, accessibility, and mental health outcomes. There is significant variation in parental restrictions implemented across Canadian NICUs. National guidelines are needed to support consistent and equitable care practices.
Bereaved mothers and widows’ grief and their unfolding relationships: Implications for social work
Authors: Hochman Yael , Segev Einav , Regev Irit , Zafrani Yafa , Sharfi Yafa , Elkayam Ayelet
Published: August 2022

The literature on coping with loss has examined parental loss and widowhood largely independently, pointing to the enduring and developing grief along the lifecycle. Little is known about the relationship between bereaved mothers and widows as it develops over time. This qualitative study explored how bereaved mothers and widows perceived and described the unfolding relationship between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law, following the loss of a son or husband in the Israeli security forces. Interviews were conducted with ten bereaved mothers and ten non-related widows from Jewish families to explore their developing relationship with their in-laws following the loss.

Thematic analysis revealed three main stages in the mother-in-law/daughter-in-law, relationship: disruption of the status quo directly after the loss; testing the relationship; and a process of decision-making, whether to continue cultivating the relationship and establish a new status quo. Participants described key events that challenged the newly created status quo, serving as milestones of difficulty and tension, but also as opportunities for renewal.

The study points to the centrality of the relationship between the bereaved mother and widow in the process of coping with the loss, and reveals that this relationship is not static but rather dynamic and evolving over time. Social workers in the field of bereavement may be able to improve their effectiveness in helping families cope with loss by also considering multigenerational and longitudinal perspectives in their assessment and interventions.
Pre-service Teachers’ Evidence-Informed Reasoning: Do Attitudes, Subjective Norms, and Self-Efficacy Facilitate the Use of Scientific Theories to Analyze Teaching Problems?
Authors: Greisel Martin , Wekerle Christina , Wilkes Theresa , Stark Robin , Kollar Ingo
Published: August 2022

Using the theory of planned behavior, we investigated whether attitudes, subjective norms, and self-efficacy facilitate pre-service teachers’ engagement in evidence-informed reasoning about classroom problems. N = 157 pre-service teachers were asked about these motivationally relevant antecedents to engaging in evidence-informed reasoning about classroom-related challenges and analyzed case scenarios of problematic teaching situations. Results revealed that self-reported evidence-informed reasoning was directly predicted by intention to engage in evidence-informed reasoning, self-efficacy, and attitude toward evidence-informed reasoning. However, the objectively coded quality of teachers’ evidence-informed reasoning was seemingly negatively predicted by perceived costs and self-efficacy. Thus, the theory of planned behavior partly explained self-reported evidence-informed reasoning, but not objectively observed reasoning. Pre-service teachers might not be skilled enough to assess their own competency accurately and might be unaware of external conditions facilitating or hindering evidence-informed reasoning. Thus, interventions aiming to foster pre-service teachers’ motivation to engage in evidence-informed reasoning might not be effective until such teachers gain the necessary skills.
Intermediate-porosity stent for coil-reconstruction of mixed saccular-fusiform basilar trunk aneurysm
Authors: Raygor Kunal P , Caton M Travis , Tonetti Daniel A , Dubnicoff Todd B , Abla Adib A
Published: August 2022

Vertebrobasilar junction and basilar trunk aneurysms are extremely difficult to treat, with significant morbidity associated with bypass-trapping procedures. As a result, endovascular techniques including flow diversion and stent-assisted coil embolization have become the mainstay of treatment.1-3 Traditional flow diverters pose risk of occlusion of basilar perforator arteries while traditional stents used as adjuncts for coil-embolization often have high porosity and cannot function as flow diverters. On the other hand, the LVIS stent uniquely provides more porosity than other flow diverters,4,5 allowing patency of perforators while also being amenable to stent-assisted coiling. We present a case of a mixed saccular and fusiform basilar trunk aneurysm that underwent LVIS stent-assisted coil embolization. Using bifemoral access with triaxial systems, one microcatheter was placed in the aneurysm sac and another was used to deploy a stent from the basilar apex into the right vertebral artery. A durable angiographic outcome was observed at 9 months.
Agonistic memory as a relational concept: Remembering socialism in Lithuania
Authors: Christophe Barbara
Published: August 2022

Based on a biographical narrative interview, this article analyzes the policies of discursive positioning enacted by Adele, a history teacher born in the Lithuanian countryside in 1951, while telling her life story. Showing how she consistently disrupts two rival narratives, the misalignments between which inform public debate in Lithuania’s divided memory culture, I interpret her account as a bottom-up example of agonistic memory. To date, this mode of remembering the past has usually been described as the project of creative intellectuals. In order to prepare the ground to include the memory practices of the rank and file, I suggest (1) reconceptualizing agonistic memory as a relational concept and (2) using agonistic memory as a sensitizing concept in an analysis of oral history accounts focused on the positions articulated by interviewees in response to public memory discourses.
The contralateral hip in slipped capital femoral epiphysis: Is there an easy-to-use algorithm to support a decision for prophylactic fixation?
Authors: Lindell Mikael , Sköldberg Martin , Stenmarker Margaretha , Michno Piotr , Herngren Bengt
Published: August 2022

Purpose:

To identify a specific factor that can support the decision for prophylactic fixation in unilateral slipped capital femoral epiphysis.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study included a total national population of 379 children diagnosed with slipped capital femoral epiphysis from 2007 to 2013. Regression analysis used information on slip severity, clinical classification of the index hip, age, sex, age-adjusted body mass index, the difference in epiphyseal–diaphyseal angle, and comorbidity to identify any risk factor for the subsequent development of a slip in the contralateral hip. Four observers evaluated the triradiate cartilage following the modified Oxford bone score grade. The occurrence of later development of a contralateral slip in different stage of physeal closure was used to analyze the sensitivity and specificity for this method.

Results:

This study’s only predictor for a subsequent contralateral slip was chronological age. At age 13 years or older, 1/15 in girls and 3/65 in boys suffered from a slip in the contralateral hip. Thus, when using age <13 years as a test for deciding when to do prophylactic fixation, the sensitivity would be 88% and specificity 51% for preventing contralateral slip. However, the correlation between the four different observers was too low to be considered useful when assessing the triradiate cartilage for skeletal maturity.

Conclusion:

We would advocate a prophylactic fixation for children <13 years diagnosed with a unilateral slipped capital femoral epiphysis as an easy-to-use algorithm.

Level of evidence:

level II.
Effects of brief exposure to misinformation about e-cigarette harms on Twitter on knowledge and perceptions of e-cigarettes
Authors: Liu Jessica , Wright Caroline , Elizarova Olga , Dahne Jennifer , Bian Jiang , Williams Philippa , Zulkiewicz Brittany , Tan Andy SL
Published: August 2022

Background

This study examined whether exposure to misinformation found on Twitter about e-cigarette harms leads to inaccurate knowledge and misperceptions of harms of e-cigarette use among cigarette smokers.

Methods

We conducted an online randomized controlled experiment in November 2019 among an online sample of 2400 adult US and UK cigarette smokers who did not currently use e-cigarettes. Participants viewed four tweets in one of four conditions: 1) e-cigarettes are as or more harmful than smoking, 2) e-cigarettes are completely harmless, 3) e-cigarette harms are uncertain and 4) control (physical activity). Outcomes were knowledge about e-cigarettes and harm perceptions of e-cigarette use for five diseases. We conducted multiple logistic and linear regressions to analyze the effect of experimental conditions on outcomes, controlling for baseline knowledge and perceived harms.

Findings

Participants in the ‘as or more harmful’ condition (vs. control group) had higher odds of accurate knowledge about e-cigarettes containing toxic chemicals ( p < 0.001), not containing only water vapor (p < 0.001) and containing formaldehyde ( p < 0.001). However, these participants had lower odds of accurate knowledge that e-cigarettes did not contain tar ( p < 0.001) and contained fewer toxins than cigarettes ( p < 0.001). Exposure to ‘as or more harmful’ tweets also increased harm perceptions for five diseases (all p < 0.001), with the greatest effect observed for lung cancer (β = 0.313, p < 0.001). This effect was greater among UK participants for all diseases.

Interpretation

Brief exposure to misinformation on Twitter reduced accurate knowledge of the presence of tar and the level of toxins compared with smoking and increased harm perceptions of e-cigarette use.
Neuroimaging Correlates of Treatment Response with Psychedelics in Major Depressive Disorder: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kuburi Sarah , Di Passa Anne-Marie , Tassone Vanessa K. , Mahmood Raesham , Lalovic Aleksandra , Ladha Karim S. , Dunlop Katharine , Rizvi Sakina , Demchenko Ilya , Bhat Venkat
Published: August 2022

Preliminary evidence supports the use of psychedelics for major depressive disorder (MDD). However, less attention has been given to the neural mechanisms behind their effects. We conducted a systematic review examining the neuroimaging correlates of antidepressant response following psychedelic interventions for MDD. Through MEDLINE, Embase, and APA PsycINFO, 187 records were identified and 42 articles were screened. Six published studies and one conference abstract were included. Five ongoing trials were included from ClinicalTrials.gov. Our search covered several psychedelics, though included studies were specific to psilocybin, ayahuasca, and lysergic acid diethylamide. Three psilocybin studies noted amygdala activity and functional connectivity (FC) alterations that correlated with treatment response. Two psilocybin studies reported that FC changes in the medial and ventromedial prefrontal cortices correlated with treatment response. Two trials from a single study reported global decreases in brain network modularity which correlated with antidepressant response. One ayahuasca study reported increased activity in the limbic regions following treatment. Preliminary evidence suggests that the default mode and limbic networks may be a target for future research on the neural mechanisms of psychedelics. More data is required to corroborate these initial findings as the evidence summarized in this review is based on four datasets.
Phase 3 trial of gilteritinib plus azacitidine vs azacitidine for newly diagnosed FLT3mut+ AML ineligible for intensive chemotherapy
Authors: Wang Eunice S. , Montesinos Pau , Minden Mark D. , Lee Je-Hwan , Heuser Michael , Naoe Tomoki , Chou Wen-Chien , Laribi Kamel , Esteve Jordi , Altman Jessica K. , Havelange Violaine , Watson Anne-Marie , Gambacorti-Passerini Carlo , Patkowska Elzbieta , Liu Shufang , Wu Ruishan , Philipose Nisha , Hill Jason E. , Gill Stanley C. , Rich Elizabeth Shima , Tiu Ramon V.
Published: August 2022

Treatment results for patients with newly diagnosed FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3)-mutated (FLT3mut+) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) ineligible for intensive chemotherapy are disappointing. This multicenter, open-label, phase 3 trial randomized (2:1) untreated adults with FLT3mut+ AML ineligible for intensive induction chemotherapy to receive gilteritinib (120 mg/d orally) and azacitidine (GIL + AZA) or azacitidine (AZA) alone. The primary end point was overall survival (OS). At the interim analysis (August 26, 2020), a total of 123 patients were randomized to treatment (GIL + AZA, n = 74; AZA, n = 49). Subsequent AML therapy, including FLT3 inhibitors, was received by 20.3% (GIL + AZA) and 44.9% (AZA) of patients. Median OS was 9.82 (GIL + AZA) and 8.87 (AZA) months (hazard ratio, 0.916; 95% CI, 0.529-1.585; P = .753). The study was closed based on the protocol-specified boundary for futility. Median event-free survival was 0.03 month in both arms. Event-free survival defined by using composite complete remission (CRc) was 4.53 months for GIL + AZA and 0.03 month for AZA (hazard ratio, 0.686; 95% CI, 0.433-1.087; P = .156). CRc rates were 58.1% (GIL + AZA) and 26.5% (AZA) (difference, 31.4%; 95% CI, 13.1-49.7; P < .001). Adverse event (AE) rates were similar for GIL + AZA (100%) and AZA (95.7%); grade ≥3 AEs were 95.9% and 89.4%, respectively. Common AEs with GIL + AZA included pyrexia (47.9%) and diarrhea (38.4%). Gilteritinib steady-state trough concentrations did not differ between GIL + AZA and gilteritinib. GIL + AZA resulted in significantly higher CRc rates, although similar OS compared with AZA. Results support the safety/tolerability and clinical activity of upfront therapy with GIL + AZA in older/unfit patients with FLT3mut+ AML. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02752035.
Long-term watermelon continuous cropping leads to drastic shifts in soil bacterial and fungal community composition across gravel mulch fields
Authors: Gu Xin , Yang Na , Zhao Yan , Liu Wenhui , Li Tingfeng
Published: August 2022

Despite the known influence of continuous cropping on soil microorganisms, little is known about the associated difference in the effects of continuous cropping on the community compositions of soil bacteria and fungi. Here, we assessed soil physicochemical property, as well as bacterial and fungal compositions across different years (Uncropped control, 1, 6, 11, 16, and 21 years) and in the watermelon system of a gravel mulch field in the Loess Plateau of China. Our results showed that long-term continuous cropping led to substantial shifts in soil bacterial and fungal compositions. The relative abundances of dominant bacterial and fungal genera (average relative abundance > 1.0%) significantly varied among different continuous cropping years (P < 0.05). Structural equation models demonstrated that continuous cropping alter soil bacterial and fungal compositions mainly by causing substantial variations in soil attributes. Variations in soil pH, nutrient, salinity, and moisture content jointly explained 73% and 64% of the variation in soil bacterial and fungal compositions, respectively. Variations in soil moisture content and pH caused by continuous cropping drove the shifts in soil bacterial and fungal compositions, respectively (Mantel R = 0.74 and 0.54, P < 0.01). Furthermore, the variation in soil bacterial and fungal composition showed significant correlation with watermelon yield reduction (P < 0.01). Together, long-term continuous cropping can alter soil microbial composition, and thereby influencing watermelon yield. Our findings are useful for alleviating continuous cropping obstacles and guiding agricultural production.
Prognostic implications for patients after myocardial infarction: an integrative literature review and in-depth interviews with patients and experts
Authors: Hwang Seon Young , Kim Sun Hwa , Uhm In Ae , Shin Jeong-Hun , Lim Young-Hyo
Published: August 2022

Background

As patients with myocardial infarction (MI) survive for a long time after acute treatment, it is necessary to pay attention to the prevention of poor prognosis such as heart failure (HF). To identify the influencing factors of adverse clinical outcomes through a review of prospective cohort studies of post-MI patients, and to draw prognostic implications through in-depth interviews with post-MI patients who progressed to HF and clinical experts.

Methods

A mixed-method design was used that combined a scoping review of 21 prospective cohort studies, in-depth interviews with Korean post-MI patients with HF, and focus group interviews with cardiologists and nurses.

Results

A literature review showed that old age, diabetes, high Killip class, low left ventricular ejection fraction, recurrent MI, comorbidity of chronic disease and current smoking, and low socioeconomic status were identified as influencing factors of poor prognosis. Through interviews with post-MI patients, these influencing factors identified in the literature as well as a lack of disease awareness and lack of self-care were confirmed. Experts emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle after acute treatment with the recognition that it is a chronic disease that must go together for a lifetime.

Conclusion

This study confirmed the factors influencing poor prognosis after MI and the educational needs of post-MI patients with transition to HF. Healthcare providers should continue to monitor the risk group, which is expected to have a poor prognosis, along with education emphasizing the importance of self-care such as medication and lifestyle modification.
Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion in a frail, high-risk, octogenarian patient population, after having undergone transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Drosos Ioannis , De Rosa Roberta , Cremer Sebastian , Seppelt Philipp C. , Hemmann Katrin , Oppermann Jana , Blessing Recha , Mas-Peiro Silvia , Vasa-Nicotera Mariuca , Zeiher Andreas M. , Dimitriadis Zisis
Published: August 2022

Background

Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) represents an alternative stroke prevention method in patients with atrial fibrillation and an increased bleeding risk, chronic kidney disease or contraindications to oral anticoagulants. Aim of our study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of percutaneous LAAO in high-risk, frail patients having undergone transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Methods

Thirty-one patients having undergone TAVI and scheduled for LAAO were prospectively included in our study.

Results

Implantation was successful in 29 of 31 cases (93.5%).There were no patients that developed a major acute cardiovascular event, stroke, or device dislocation/embolization. There was a single case of major bleeding (3.2%) and 3 cases of acute kidney injury (9.7%). At 3 months, no patients experienced a stroke, one patient had a device-related thrombus (3.4%), one patient showed a significant peri-device leak, and one patient had a persistent iatrogenic atrial septal defect.

Conclusions

Our study shows that percutaneous LAAO may represent a feasible alternative strategy for stroke prevention, that can be safely performed in high-risk, multimorbid patients with high bleeding risk or contraindications to oral anticoagulation.
Continuous infusion versus intermittent infusion of vancomycin in critically ill patients undergoing continuous venovenous hemofiltration: a prospective interventional study
Authors: Xu Jinhui , Duan Lufen , Li Jiahui , Chen Fang , Xu Xiaowen , Lu Jian , Zhuang Zhiwei , Cao Yifei , Yuan Yunlong , Liu Xin , Sun Jiantong , Zhou Qin , Shi Lu , Tang Lian
Published: August 2022

Background

A prospective interventional study comparing outcomes in critically ill patients receiving intermittent infusion (II) or continuous infusion (CI) of vancomycin during continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) is lacking. The objective of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) target attainment, therapeutic efficacy and safety among critically ill patients who received CI or II of vancomycin in a prospective interventional trial and to explore the correlations of effluent flow rate (EFR) with PK/PD indices.

Methods

This prospective interventional study was conducted in two independent intensive care units (ICUs) from February 2021 to January 2022. Patients in one ICU were assigned to receive CI (intervention group) of vancomycin, whereas patients in the other ICU were assigned to receive II regimen (control group). The primary outcome was to compare the PK/PD target attainment, including target concentration and target area under the curve over 24 h to minimum inhibitory concentration (AUC24/MIC).

Results

Overall target attainment of PK/PD indices was higher with CI compared with II, irrespective of target concentration (78.7% vs. 40.5%; P < 0.05) or AUC24/MIC (53.2% vs. 28.6%; P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in clinical success (72.2% vs. 50.0%; P = 0.183) and microbiological success (83.3% vs. 75.0%, P = 0.681) between the patients treated with CI or II of vancomycin. Adverse reactions occurred at similar rates (0.0% vs. 4.4%; P = 0.462), and mortality between the two modalities was also not significant different (21.7% vs. 17.9%; P = 0.728). Correlation analysis showed a weak to moderately inverse correlation of EFR with observed concentration (r = − 0.3921, P = 0.01) and AUC24/MIC (r = − 0.3811, P = 0.013) in the II group, whereas the correlation between EFR and observed concentration (r = − 0.5711, P < 0.001) or AUC24/MIC (r = − 0.5458, P < 0.001) in the CI group was stronger.

Conclusion

As compared to II, CI of vancomycin in critically ill patients undergoing CVVH was associated with improved attainment of PK/PD indices. Furthermore, the inverse correlation of PK/PD indices with EFR was stronger among patients treated with CI of vancomycin.

Trial registration The trial was registered in the Chinese clinical trial registration center (21/01/2021-No. ChiCTR2100042393).
The pattern glare and visual memory are disrupted in patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Wang Min , Qi Xiongwei , Yang Xiao , Fan Huanhuan , Dou Yikai , Guo Wanjun , Wang Qiang , Chen Eric , Li Tao , Ma Xiaohong
Published: August 2022

Background

Visual memory impairment is one of the most commonly complained symptoms in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Pattern glare is also a distorted visual phenomenon that puzzles patients with MDD. Nevertheless, how these two phenomena interact in MDD remains unknown. This study investigated the association between pattern glare and visual memory in MDD patients.

Methods

Sixty-two patients with MDD and forty-nine age-, sex- and education level-matched healthy controls (HCs) were included in this study. The Pattern Recognition Memory (PRM) test and the Brief Visual Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R) were applied to measure visual memory. The pattern glare test including three patterns with different spatial frequencies (SFs) was used to explore pattern glare levels.

Results

Patients with MDD scored lower on the PRM-PCi, BVMT-R1, BVMT-R2, BVMT-R3, and BVMT-Rt and higher on the PRM-MCLd than HCs (allp < 0.05). Pattern glare scores for MDD patients were higher with mid-SF (p < 0.001), high-SF (p = 0.006) and mid-high SF differences (p = 0.01) than for HCs. A positive correlation between mid-SF and PRM-MCLd scores in all participants was observed (p = 0.01,r = 0.246). A negative correlation between mid-high difference scores and BVMT-R2 scores (p = 0.032,r = -0.317) was observed in HCs, but no significant correlation was observed in MDD patients.

Conclusions

The present study showed that visual memory and pattern glare are disrupted in MDD. Visual memory may be associated with pattern glare and needs to be studied in future work.
The moderating effect of social resources on the link between study-related stressors and depressive symptoms among medical students in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany – a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kappner Nora , Lang Jessica , Berthold Anne , Gaum Petra Maria
Published: August 2022

Background

Previous research has demonstrated the negative effects of study-related stressors on the mental health of medical students. It has been found that social resources such as social identity, dual identity and social support help buffer negative mental health outcomes. Notably, social status has been found to weaken the connection between stress and depressive symptoms.

Based on these findings, the present study investigates how social resources (i.e., social identity, social support, dual identity and status) mitigate the impact of study-related stressors on the mental health of medical students who carry an inordinate stress burden.

Methods

The data collection was based on a questionnaire (online and paper–pencil) which was distributed to medical students in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The sample (224 participants) consisted of 77.2% female and 22.8% male medical students (36.2% human medicine students (HMS) and 63.8% dental medicine students (DMS)). The questionnaire included graphical scales and standardized questionnaires. We investigated demographic data, study-related stressors (i.e. academic performance, clinical practice, faculty relations) and depressive symptoms as outcomes, and social identity, social support, dual identity and status as moderators. The analyses were performed using SPSS 25 for Windows.

Results

We found significant positive associations between study-related stressors and depressive symptoms. While dual identity as well as social support by fellow students emerged as buffers in these associations, the other social resources did not. As regards status, it was found to work as a buffer only in HMS, who typically enjoy a significantly higher status than dental medical students.

Conclusion

It is only social resources such as support from fellow students and dual identity, but not other resource types, that can be effective buffers against depressive symptoms associated with study-related stressors. These findings can be used to promote students’ identities in relation to both fellow students and the faculty, or the university as a whole, enabling students to better cope with stress and, thus, suffer less from depressive symptoms. Furthermore, the HMS, who ascribe a relatively high status to themselves, can use their status as a buffering factor in stressful situations, in which little can be done from the outside.
Factors impacting new bone formation in transcrestal sinus floor elevation followed by implant placement: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Lin Zhe-Zhen , Xu Dong-Qian , Wang Yong , Gao Xue , Cai Qi , Ding Xi
Published: July 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate factors related to new bone formation (NBF) following simultaneous implant placement with transcrestal sinus floor elevation (TSFE).

Materials and methods

Between 2008 and 2020, 357 implants (276 patients) were placed with TSFE. Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed at the preoperative, postoperative, restoration, and follow-up stages. Marginal bone loss, during healing, and the survival rate were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Implant protrusion lengths (IPL: 3–5 mm) significantly influenced NBF during the healing period (P-value = 0.026, Odds Ratio = 1.15, 95% confidence interval = 1.02- 1.30). Bone grafting was correlated with NBF (P-value = 0.001). The distance between the implant and lateral wall of the sinus (mesial: P-value = 0.041, distal: P-value = 0.019, buccal: P-value = 0.032, lingual: P-value = 0.043) and angle between the implant and sinus floor significantly influenced NBF in four directions (mesial: P-value = 0.041, distal: P-value = 0.02, buccal: P-value = 0.047, lingual: P-value = 0.005). Implant shape (cylindrical or conical), perforations, smoking, and diabetes did not significantly affect NBF during the healing period (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Increasing the distance and angle between the implant and lateral wall of the sinus floor corresponded with reduced NBF. IPL may be an important factor that should be considered.

Clinical relevance

Our study analyzed new bone formation following transcrestal sinus floor elevation among patients who underwent this procedure with simultaneous implant placement, several factors (including angle and distance between sinus and lateral wall and implant protrusion length) were included in our study.
“Knowledge, clinical experience, and perceived need for training regarding molar-incisor hypomineralization among a group of Egyptian dental students: a cross-sectional study”
Authors: Yehia Alaa Mohammed , Abdelaziz Amr M. , Badran Amira
Published: August 2022

Background

Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) is a common oral health condition that can lead to difficulties and complications for both dental professionals and patients. It also has a negative impact on the oral health-related quality of life. The present study aimed to assess the knowledge, clinical experience, and perceived need for training of a group of Egyptian dental students regarding MIH.

Methods

Paper-based survey administration method was used to collect the responses of dental students regarding their knowledge, clinical experience, and perceived need for training about MIH. The survey consisted of two sections of questions regarding clinical features, etiological factors, prevalence, materials used in treating these teeth, factors affecting the choice of restorative materials, and their preferences regarding clinical training of MIH. Descriptive statistics was used for the data analysis by using SPSS® Statistics Version 26.

Results

About two-thirds of the respondents were familiar with MIH (69.2%). The vast majority of students (87.8%) had difficulty distinguishing MIH as a developmental defect that differs from other tooth conditions (p < 0.001); most commonly enamel hypoplasia. The most common defects seen by the respondents were yellow/brown opacities (59.1%). Nearly half of the students (45.2%) choose composite resin as the material of choice for the treatment of MIH-affected teeth with aesthetics being the most common factor affecting the selection of restorative material. Almost all students expressed their needs for further clinical training on MIH, especially on treatment aspects.

Conclusions

Most students are familiar with MIH theoretically. However, there is an urgent need to include clinical training on MIH diagnosis in the practical sessions of pediatric dentistry courses.
Domestic violence experienced by women with multiple sclerosis: a study from the North-East of Iran
Authors: Manouchehri Elham , Ghavami Vahid , Larki Mona , Saeidi Morteza , Latifnejad Roudsari Robab
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Violence against women is a significant health and legal problem and has been declared as a health priority by the World Health Organization. The most common type of violence against women is domestic violence, more prevalent against women with disabilities than other women. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating neurological disease and has experienced sudden growth in Iran. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of domestic violence and its various types (psychological, economic, physical, and sexual) experienced by women with MS.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 275 married women with MS were selected using convenience sampling. After obtaining informed consent and reviewing the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the Domestic Violence against Women Questionnaire developed by Mohseni Tabrizi et al. was completed by the participants on a self-report basis. The results were analyzed using SPSS software version 16. To analyze data, statistical tests including chi-square and Fisher exact tests for univariate analysis and logistic regression, were employed.

Results

The mean age of participants was 37.12 ± 8.48 years. Domestic violence in different forms of psychological, economic, physical, and sexual violence was present in 53.1%, 63%, 33.6%, and 20.4% of participants, respectively. Economic violence (33.8%) was the highest, and sexual violence (5.1%) was the lowest rate of severe violence among participants. There was a significant relationship between the overall rate of domestic violence and the variables including income (P = 0.013), spouse’s income (P = 0.001), participant’s job (P = 0.036) and participant’s education (P = 0.001). In logistic regression, the overall rate of domestic violence was higher in participants with education less than a diploma than in participants with a diploma (P = 0.014) and participants with a university education (P = 0.016).

Conclusion

According to the results, providing opportunities such as promoting the social status of women, fulfilling the rights of women with disabilities and debilitating diseases such as MS in society is recommended. Additionally, educating men about the negative impact of domestic violence on the current and future status of the family seems necessary. Providing counseling facilities on various forms of violence, especially domestic violence, for women with MS, is also recommended.