bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetic resonance neurography and diffusion tensor imaging of the sciatic nerve in hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis polyneuropathy
Authors: Gasparotti Roberto , Salvalaggio Alessandro , Corbo Daniele , Agazzi Giorgio , Cacciavillani Mario , Lozza Alessandro , Fenu Silvia , De Vigili Grazia , Tagliapietra Matteo , Fabrizi Gian Maria , Pareyson Davide , Obici Laura , Briani Chiara
Published: June 2023

The therapeutic advance in hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv amyloidosis) requires quantitative biomarkers of nerve involvement in order to foster early diagnosis and monitor therapy response. We aimed at quantitatively assessing Magnetic Resonance Neurography (MRN) and Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) properties of the sciatic nerve in subjects with ATTRv-amyloidosis-polyneuropathy (ATTRv-PN) and pre-symptomatic carriers (ATTRv-C). Twenty subjects with pathogenic variants of the TTR gene (mean age 62.20 ± 12.04 years), 13 ATTRv-PN, and 7 ATTRv-C were evaluated and compared with 20 healthy subjects (mean age 60.1 ± 8.27 years). MRN and DTI sequences were performed at the right thigh from the gluteal region to the popliteal fossa. Cross-sectional-area (CSA), normalized signal intensity (NSI), and DTI metrics, including fractional anisotropy (FA), mean (MD), axial (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) of the right sciatic nerve were measured. Increased CSA, NSI, RD, and reduced FA of sciatic nerve differentiated ATTRv-PN from ATTRv-C and healthy subjects at all levels (p < 0.01). NSI differentiated ATTRv-C from controls at all levels (p < 0.05), RD at proximal and mid-thigh (1.04 ± 0.1 vs 0.86 ± 0.11 p < 0.01), FA at mid-thigh (0.51 ± 0.02 vs 0.58 ± 0.04 p < 0.01). According to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, cutoff values differentiating ATTRv-C from controls (and therefore identifying subclinical sciatic involvement) were defined for FA, RD, and NSI. Significant correlations between MRI measures, clinical involvement and neurophysiology were found. In conclusion, the combination of quantitative MRN and DTI of the sciatic nerve can reliably differentiate ATTRv-PN, ATTRv-C, and healthy controls. More important, MRN and DTI were able to non-invasively identify early subclinical microstructural changes in pre-symptomatic carriers, thus representing a potential tool for early diagnosis and disease monitoring.
Therapeutic communication improves patient comfort during venipuncture in children: a single-blinded intervention study
Authors: Aarts Lonneke A. M. , van Geffen Geert-Jan , Smedema Eva A. L. , Smits Rosanne M.
Published: June 2023

The aim of this study was to examine whether therapeutic communication improves children’s comfort during venipuncture compared to standard communication. This study was registered in the Dutch trial register (NL8221), December 10, 2019. This single-blinded interventional study was carried out in an outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital. Inclusion criteria were age between 5 and 18 years, use of topical anesthesia (EMLA) and sufficient understanding of the Dutch language. 105 children were included, 51 assigned to the standard communication group (SC group) and 54 patients to the therapeutic communication group (TC group). The primary outcome measure was self-reported pain based on the Faces Pain Scale Revised (FPS-R). Secondary outcome measures were observed pain (numeric rating scale (NRS)), self-reported/observed anxiety in child and parent (NRS), self-reported satisfaction in child, parent and medical personnel (NRS), and procedural time. No difference was found for self-reported pain. Self-reported and observed anxiety (by parents and medical personnel) was lower in the TC group (p-values ranged from p = 0.005 to p = 0.048). Procedural time was lower in the TC group (p = 0.011). Satisfaction level of medical personnel was higher in the TC group (p = 0.014).

   Conclusion: TC during venipuncture did not result in lower self-reported pain. However, secondary outcomes (observed pain, anxiety and procedural time) were significantly improved in the TC group.

What is Known:• Medical procedures, especially needle related procedures, cause anxiety and fear in children and adults.• In adults communication techniques based on hypnosis are effective in reducing pain and anxiety during medical procedures.

What is New:• Our study found that with a small change in communication technique (called therapeutic communication or TC), the comfort of children during venipuncture improves.• This improved comfort was mainly reflected by reduced anxiety scores and shorter procedural time. This makes TC suitable for the outpatient setting.
Derivation of third order Runge–Kutta methods (ELDIRK) by embedding of lower order implicit time integration schemes for local and global error estimation
Authors: Mahnken Rolf
Published: June 2023

Three prominent low order implicit time integration schemes are the first order implicit Euler-method, the second order trapezoidal rule and the second order Ellsiepen method. Its advantages are stability and comparatively low computational cost, however, they require the solution of a nonlinear system of equations. This paper presents a general approach for the construction of third order Runge–Kutta methods by embedding the above mentioned implicit schemes into the class of ELDIRK-methods. These will be defined to have an Explicit Last stage in the general Butcher array of Diagonal Implicit Runge–Kutta (DIRK) methods, with the consequence, that no additional system of equations must be solved. The main results—valid also for non-linear ordinary differential equations—are as follows: Two extra function calculations are required in order to embed the implicit Euler-method and one extra function calculation is required for the trapezoidal-rule and the Ellsiepen method, in order to obtain the third order properties, respectively. Two numerical examples are concerned with a parachute with viscous damping and a two-dimensional laser beam simulation. Here, we verify the higher order convergence behaviours of the proposed new ELDIRK-methods, and its successful performances for asymptotically exact global error estimation of so-called reversed embedded RK-method are shown.
Multidimensional rank-one convexification of incremental damage models at finite strains
Authors: Balzani D. , Köhler M. , Neumeier T. , Peter M. A. , Peterseim D.
Published: June 2023

This paper presents computationally feasible rank-one relaxation algorithms for the efficient simulation of a time-incremental damage model with nonconvex incremental stress potentials in multiple spatial dimensions. While the standard model suffers from numerical issues due to the lack of convexity, our experiments showed that the relaxation by rank-one convexification delivering an approximation to the quasiconvex envelope prevents mesh dependence of the solutions of finite element discretizations. By the combination, modification and parallelization of the underlying convexification algorithms, the novel approach becomes computationally feasible. A descent method and a Newton scheme enhanced by step-size control prevent stability issues related to local minima in the energy landscape and the computation of derivatives. Numerical techniques for the construction of continuous derivatives of the approximated rank-one convex envelope are discussed. A series of numerical experiments demonstrates the ability of the computationally relaxed model to capture softening effects and the mesh independence of the computed approximations. An interpretation in terms of microstructural damage evolution is given, based on the rank-one lamination process.
Long-term social and professional outcomes in adults after pediatric kidney failure
Authors: Laube Guido F. , Heinzelmann Marc-Andrea , Roser Katharina , Kuehni Claudia E. , Mader Luzius ,   on behalf of the Swiss Pediatric Renal Registry (SPRR) group
Published: June 2023

Background

Little is known about the long-term social and professional outcomes in adults after pediatric kidney replacement therapy (KRT). In this study, we described social and professional outcomes of adults after kidney failure during childhood and compared these outcomes with the general population.

Methods

We sent a questionnaire to 143 individuals registered in the Swiss Pediatric Renal Registry (SPRR) with KRT starting before the age of 18 years. In the questionnaire, we assessed social (partner relationship, living situation, having children) and professional (education, employment) outcomes. Logistic regression models adjusted for age at study and sex were used to compare outcomes with a representative sample of the Swiss general population and to identify socio-demographic and clinical characteristics associated with adverse outcomes.

Results

Our study included 80 patients (response rate 56%) with a mean age of 39 years (range 19–63). Compared to the general population, study participants were more likely to not have a partner (OR = 3.7, 95%CI 2.3–5.9), live alone (OR = 2.5, 95%CI 1.5–4.1), not have children (OR = 6.8, 95%CI 3.3–14.0), and be unemployed (OR = 3.9, 95%CI 1.8–8.6). No differences were found for educational achievement (p = 0.876). Participants on dialysis at time of study were more often unemployed compared to transplanted participants (OR = 5.0, 95%CI 1.2–21.4) and participants with > 1 kidney transplantation more often had a lower education (OR = 3.2, 95%CI 1.0–10.2).

Conclusions

Adults after pediatric kidney failure are at risk to experience adverse social and professional outcomes. Increased awareness among healthcare professionals and additional psycho-social support could contribute to mitigate those risks.

Graphical abstract
Massive open online course recommendation system based on a reinforcement learning algorithm
Authors: Tzeng Jian-Wei , Huang Nen-Fu , Chuang An-Chi , Huang Ting-Wei , Chang Hong-Yi
Published: June 2023

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) are open online courses designed on the basis of the teaching progress. Videos and learning exercises are used as learning materials in these courses, which are open to numerous users. However, determining the prerequisite knowledge and learning progress of learners is difficult. On the basis of learners’ online learning trajectory, we designed a set of practice questions for a recommendation system for MOOCs, provided suitable practice questions to students through the LINE chatbot (a type of social media software), and used mobile devices to encourage participation in MOOCs. Reinforcement learning, which involves reward function design and iterative solution improvement, was used to set task goals, including those related to course learning and practice question difficulty. The proposed system encouraged certain learning behaviors among students. Students who used the system exhibited an exercise completion rate of 89.97%, which was higher than that of students who did not use the system (47.23%). The system also increased the students’ overall learning effectiveness. Students who used and did not use the proposed system exhibited average midterm scores of 64.73 and 58.21, respectively. We also collected 227 online questionnaires from students. The results of the questionnaires indicated that 90% of the students were satisfied with the system and hoped to continue using it.
Improved Arabic image captioning model using feature concatenation with pre-trained word embedding
Authors: Elbedwehy Samar , Medhat T.
Published: June 2023

Automatic captioning of images contributes to identifying features of multimedia content and helps in the detection of interesting patterns, trends, and occurrences. English image captioning has recently made incredible progress; however, Arabic image captioning is still lagging. In the field of machine learning, Arabic image-caption generation is generally a very difficult problem. This paper presents a more accurate model for Arabic image captioning by using transformer models in both the encoder and decoder phases as feature extractors from images in the encoder phase and a pre-trained word embedding model in the decoder phase. The models are demonstrated, and all of them are implemented, trained, and tested on Arabic Flickr8k datasets. For the image feature extraction subsystem, we compared using three different individual vision models (SWIN, XCIT, and ConvNexT) with concatenation to get among them the most expressive extracted feature vector of the image, and for the caption generation lingual subsystem, which is tested by four different pre-trained language embedding models: (ARABERT, ARAELECTRA, MARBERTv2, and CamelBERT), to select from them the most accurate pre-trained language embedding model. Our experiments showed that building an Arabic image captioning system that uses a concatenation of the three transformer-based models ConvNexT combined with SWIN and XCIT as an image feature extractor, combined with the CamelBERT language embedding model produces the best results among the other combinations, having scores of 0.5980 with BLEU-1 and with ConvNexT combined with SWIN the araelectra language embedding model having a score of 0.1664 with BLEU-4 which are higher than the previously reported values of 0.443 and 0.157.
Standard versus delayed initiation of S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery for pancreatic cancer: a secondary analysis of a nationwide cohort by the Japan Pancreas Society
Authors: Tomimaru Yoshito , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Shimomura Yoshimitsu , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Inoue Yosuke , Nagakawa Yuichi , Ohba Akihiro , Onoe Shunsuke , Unno Michiaki , Hashimoto Daisuke , Kawakatsu Shoji , Hayashi Tsuyoshi , Higuchi Ryota , Kitagawa Hirohisa , Uemura Kenichiro , Kimura Yasutoshi , Satoi Sohei , Takeyama Yoshifumi ,   the Committee of Clinical Research, Japan Pancreas Society
Published: June 2023

Background

Based on the Japan Adjuvant Study Group of Pancreatic Cancer-01 results, S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy has been the standard in resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients in Japan and elsewhere, initiated within 10 weeks after surgery. To assess the clinical impact of this timing, we conducted a secondary analysis of a nationwide survey by the Japan Pancreas Society.

Methods

A total of 3361 patients were divided into two groups: 2681 (79.8%) initiating the therapy within 10 weeks after surgery (standard) and 680 (20.2%) after 10 weeks (delayed). We compared recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) using the log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards model with conditional landmark analysis between the groups. Results were verified by adjustment with inverse-probability-of-treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis.

Results

The median timing of S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy initiation was 50 days (interquartile range: 38–66). In the standard group, 5-year RFS and OS rates were 32.3–48.7%, respectively, compared with 25.0–38.7% in the delayed group. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals were 0.84 (0.76–0.93) for RFS (p < 0.001) and 0.77 (0.69–0.87) for OS (p < 0.001). The IPTW analysis yielded 5-year RFS rates of 32.1% and 25.3% in the standard versus delayed group, respectively [HR = 0.86 (0.77–0.96), p < 0.001] and 5-year OS rates of 48.3% and 39.8%, respectively [HR = 0.81 (0.71–0.92), p < 0.001].

Conclusions

Initiation of S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy in resected PDAC patients within 10 weeks after surgery may offer survival benefit over later initiation.
Characterization of cannabis strain-plant-derived extracellular vesicles as potential biomarkers
Authors: Ipinmoroti Ayodeji O. , Turner Ja’kayla , Bellenger Elizabeth J. , Crenshaw Brennetta J. , Xu Junhuan , Reeves Caitlin , Ajayi Olufemi , Li Ting , Matthews Qiana L.
Published: June 2023

The scientific interest in cannabis plants’ beneficial properties has recently sparked certain interest in the possible functional characterization of plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs). Establishing the most appropriate and efficient isolation procedure for PDEVs remains a challenge due to vast differences in the physio-structural characteristics of different plants within the same genera and species. In this study, we employed a crude but standard isolation procedure for the extraction of apoplastic wash fluid (AWF) which is known to contain the PDEVs. This method includes a detailed stepwise process of PDEV extraction from five (5) cultivars of cannabis plants, namely: Citrus (C), Henola (HA), Bialobrezenski (BZ), Southern-Sunset (SS), and Cat-Daddy (CAD). Approximately, 150 leaves were collected from each plant strain. In order to collect PDEV pellets, apoplastic wash fluid (AWF) was extracted from plants via negative pressure permeabilization and infiltration followed by high-speed differential ultracentrifugation. Particle tracking analysis of PDEVs revealed particle size distribution in the range of 20 to 200 nm from all plant strains, while PDEV total protein concentration from HA was higher than that of SS. Although HA-PDEVs’ total protein was higher than SS-PDEVs, SS-PDEVs’ RNA yield was higher than that of HA-PDEVs. Our result suggests that the cannabis plant strains contain EVs, and PDEV concentration from the cannabis plant could be age or strain dependent. Overall, the results provide a guide for the selection and optimization of PDEV isolation methods for future studies.
Early vascular ageing phenotypes and urinary targeted metabolomics in children and young adults: the ExAMIN Youth SA and African-PREDICT studies
Authors: Craig Ashleigh , Kruger Ruan , Gafane-Matemane Lebo F. , Louw Roan , Mels Carina M. C.
Published: June 2023

Some individuals are susceptible to accelerated biological ageing, resulting in premature alterations in arterial structure and function. Identifying early-onset vascular ageing characterised by arterial stiffening is vital for intervention and preventive strategies. We stratified and phenotyped healthy children (5–9 yrs) and young adults (20–30 yrs) into their vascular ageing extremes established by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) percentiles (i.e., healthy vascular ageing (HVA) and early vascular ageing (EVA)). We compared anthropometric, cardiovascular, and metabolomic profiles and explored associations between cfPWV and urinary metabolites. Children and adults in the EVA groups displayed higher levels of adiposity, cardiovascular, and lifestyle risk factors (adults only) (all p ≤ 0.018). In adults, several urinary metabolites were lower in the EVA group (all q ≤ 0.039) when compared to the HVA group, with no differences observed in children. In multiple regression analysis (adults only), we found inverse associations between cfPWV with histidine (adj. R2 = 0.038; β = –0.192; p = 0.013) and beta-alanine (adj. R2 = 0.034; β = –0.181; p = 0.019) in the EVA group, but with arginine (adj. R2 = 0.021; β = –0.160; p = 0.024) in the HVA group. The inverse associations of beta-alanine and histidine with cfPWV in the EVA group is suggestive that asymptomatic young adults who present with an altered metabolomic and less desired cardiovascular profile in combination with unfavourable lifestyle behaviours may be predisposed to early-onset vascular ageing. Taken together, screening on both a phenotypic and metabolic level may prove important in the early detection, prevention, and intervention of advanced biological ageing.
Cytotoxic effects of different mouthwash solutions on primary human articular chondrocytes and normal human articular cartilage – an in vitro study
Authors: Cai Xiaoyu , Venkatesan Jagadeesh K. , Schmitt Gertrud , Reda Bashar , Cucchiarini Magali , Hannig Matthias , Madry Henning
Published: June 2023

Objectives

To compare the cytotoxicity of octenidine dihydrochloride and chlorhexidine gluconate at different concentrations on primary human articular chondrocytes and cartilage.

Materials and methods

Primary cultures of human normal adult articular chondrocytes were exposed to octenidine dihydrochloride (0.001562%, 0.003125%, 0.00625%, 0.0125%, 0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1%), chlorhexidine gluconate (0.003125%, 0.00625%, 0.0125%, 0.025%, 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.2%), and control (Dulbecco’s modified Eagle medium or phosphate-buffered saline) for 30 s. Normal human articular cartilage explants were exposed to octenidine dihydrochloride (0.1% versus control) and chlorhexidine gluconate (0.1% versus control) for 30 s. The viability of human articular chondrocytes was measured by Trypan blue staining, Cell Proliferation Reagent WST-1, and Live/Dead staining. The proliferation of human chondrocytes was measured using the Cell Proliferation Reagent WST-1. The viability of human articular cartilage explants was measured by using Live/Dead staining.

Results

Octenidine dihydrochloride and chlorhexidine gluconate exposure decreased cell viability and proliferation in a dose-dependent manner in primary human articular chondrocytes. Octenidine dihydrochloride and chlorhexidine gluconate exposure decreased cell viability in human articular cartilage explant cultures.

Conclusion

The degree of toxicity varied between octenidine dihydrochloride and chlorhexidine gluconate, with chlorhexidine gluconate being less toxic than octenidine dihydrochloride at the same concentration. Additionally, both octenidine dihydrochloride and chlorhexidine gluconate evaluation had cytotoxic effects on human articular cartilage. Therefore, dosing for the antimicrobial mouthwash ingredients administration would ideally be determined to remain below IC50.

Clinical relevance

These data support the in vitro safety of antimicrobial mouthwashes on primary adult human articular chondrocytes.
Hemodynamic study of blood flow in the aorta during the interventional robot treatment using fluid–structure interaction
Authors: Zhu Zongming , Ji Suqiang , Liang Liang , Wang Hao , Xia Haoyu , Tang Puhua
Published: June 2023

An interventional robot is a means for vascular diagnosis and treatment, and it can perform dredging, releasing drug and operating. Normal hemodynamic indicators are a prerequisite for the application of interventional robots. The current hemodynamic research is limited to the absence of interventional devices or interventional devices in fixed positions. Considering the coupling effect of blood, vessels and robots, based on the bi-directional fluid–structure interaction, using the computational fluid dynamics and particle image velocimetry methods, combined with the sliding and moving mesh technologies, we theoretically and experimentally study the hemodynamic indicators such as blood flow lines, blood pressure, equivalent stress, deformation and wall shear stress of blood vessels when the robot precesses, rotates or does not intervene in the pulsating blood flow. The results show that the intervention of the robot increase the blood flow rate, blood pressure, equivalent stress and deformation of the vessels by 76.4%, 55.4%, 76.5%, and 346%, respectively. The operating mode of the robot during low-speed operation has little impact on the hemodynamic indicators. Using the methyl silicone oil as the experimental fluid, the elastic silicone pipe as the experimental pipe, and the intervention robot having a bioplastic outer shell, the velocity of the fluid around the robot is measured on the developed experimental device for fluid flow field in a pulsating flow when the robot runs. The experimental results are similar to the numerical results. Our work provides an important reference for the hemodynamic study and optimization of the mobile interventional devices.
Arterial occlusion duration affects the cuff-induced hyperemic response in skeletal muscle BOLD perfusion imaging as shown in young healthy subjects
Authors: Arvidsson Jonathan , Eriksson Stefanie , Johansson Edvin , Lagerstrand Kerstin
Published: June 2023

Objective

Dynamic BOLD MRI with cuff compression, inducing ischemia and post-occlusive hyperemia in skeletal muscle, has been pointed out as a potential diagnostic tool to assess peripheral limb perfusion. The objective was to explore the robustness of this technique and its sensitivity to the occlusion duration.

Materials and methods

BOLD images were acquired at 3 T in 14 healthy volunteers. $${\mathrm{T}}_{2}^{*}$$

T

2

∗

-imaging with 5- and 1.5-min occlusions were acquired and several semi-quantitative BOLD parameters were derived from ROI-based $${\mathrm{T}}_{2}^{*}$$

T

2

∗

-time curves. Differences in parameters from the two different occlusion durations were evaluated in the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles using non-parametrical tests. Intra- and inter-scan repeatability were evaluated with coefficient of variation.

Results

Longer occlusion duration resulted in an increased hyperemic signal effect yielding significantly different values (p < 0.05) in gastrocnemius for all parameters describing the hyperemic response, and in soleus for two of these parameters. Specifically, 5-min occlusion yielded steeper hyperemic upslope in gastrocnemius (41.0%; p < 0.05) and soleus (59.7%; p = 0.03), shorter time to half peak in gastrocnemius (46.9%; p = 0.00008) and soleus (33.5%; p = 0.0003), and shorter time to peak in gastrocnemius (13.5%; p = 0.02). Coefficients of variation were lower than percentage differences that were found significant.

Discussion

Findings show that the occlusion duration indeed influences the hyperemic response and thus should play a part in future methodological developments.
The Importance of Social Engagement in the Development of an HIV Cure: A Systematic Review of Stakeholder Perspectives
Authors: Noorman Maaike A. J. , de Wit John B. F. , Marcos Tamika A. , Stutterheim Sarah E. , Jonas Kai J. , den Daas Chantal
Published: June 2023

As research into the development of an HIV cure gains prominence, assessing the perspectives of stakeholders becomes imperative. It empowers stakeholders to determine priorities and influence research processes. We conducted a systematic review of the empirical literature on stakeholder perspectives. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched for empirical, peer-reviewed articles, published before September 2022. Our analysis of 78 papers showed that stakeholders could be divided into three categories: people with HIV, key populations, and professionals. Following thematic synthesis, two main themes were distinguished: stakeholders’ perspectives on HIV cure research and stakeholders’ perspectives on HIV cure. Research on perspectives on HIV cure research showed that stakeholders’ hypothetical willingness to participate (WTP) in HIV cure research was relatively high, while actual WTP was found to be lower. Studies also identified associated (individual) characteristics of hypothetical WTP, as well as facilitators and barriers to hypothetical participation. Additionally, we reported research on experiences of actual HIV cure research participation. Our analysis of stakeholder perceptions of HIV cure showed that most stakeholders preferred a cure that could eliminate HIV and outlined positive associated impacts. Furthermore, we observed that most included studies were conducted among PWHIV, and in the Global North. To empower stakeholders, we recommend that future research include an even greater diversity of stakeholders and incorporate theories of behavior to further explore how stakeholders decide to meaningfully engage in every stage of HIV cure research.
The human-elephant conflict in Sri Lanka: history and present status
Authors: Gunawansa Thakshila D. , Perera Kithsiri , Apan Armando , Hettiarachchi Nandita K.
Published: June 2023

Human-elephant conflict (HEC) is a severe conservation, socio-economic and environmental issue of forests and ecosystems in elephant inhabiting countries, including Sri Lanka. Due to the rapid growth of human and elephant populations, both struggles to share limited land resources. The major causes and contexts of HEC in Sri Lanka include land use change, habitat loss due to human population growth, crop raiding behavior, problem elephants, and changes in agriculture practices. Since 2019, 125 people and 370 elephants have killed annually on average due to the conflict. Also, Sri Lanka has recorded the highest annual elephant deaths and second-highest human deaths due to HEC. The human death rate has increased by approximately 42% over previous three decades. The Sri Lankan government provides compensation for death and disability of the human caused by elephants and for elephant-damaged houses or properties. The Sri Lankan elephant (Elephas maximus maximus) is an endangered subspecies. It’s home range is restricted to 50–150 km2and depends on the availability of food, water, and shelter of the habitat in which they live. Various management strategies have been developed by the government and villagers to prevent and mitigate HEC. Today, Sri Lankan elephants are protected under Sri Lankan law, with punishment by fines and jail terms. This article reviews the history, present status, and traditional conflict management of HEC in Sri Lanka. We suggest a satellite data fusion approach with GIS modeling to identify risk zones of HEC to develop further protective measures for humans and elephants.
The effect of general practice contact on cancer stage at diagnosis in Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal residents of New South Wales
Authors: Banham David , Roder David , Thompson Sandra , Williamson Anna , Bray Freddie , Currow David
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Older age, risks from pre-existing health conditions and socio-economic disadvantage are negatively related to the prospects of an early-stage cancer diagnosis. With older Aboriginal Australians having an elevated prevalence of these underlying factors, this study examines the potential for the mitigating effects of more frequent contact with general practitioners (GPs) in ensuring local-stage at diagnosis.

Methods

We compared the odds of local vs. more advanced stage at diagnosis of solid tumours according to GP contact, using linked registry and administrative data. Results were compared between Aboriginal (n = 4,084) and non-Aboriginal (n = 249,037) people aged 50 + years in New South Wales with a first diagnosis of cancer in 2003–2016.

Results

Younger age, male sex, having less area-based socio-economic disadvantage, and fewer comorbid conditions in the 12 months before diagnosis (0–2 vs. 3 +), were associated with local-stage in fully-adjusted structural models. The odds of local-stage with more frequent GP contact (14 + contacts per annum) also differed by Aboriginal status, with a higher adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of local-stage for frequent GP contact among Aboriginal people (aOR = 1.29; 95% CI 1.11–1.49) but not among non-Aboriginal people (aOR = 0.97; 95% CI 0.95–0.99).

Conclusion

Older Aboriginal Australians diagnosed with cancer experience more comorbid conditions and more socioeconomic disadvantage than other Australians, which are negatively related to diagnosis at a local-cancer stage. More frequent GP contact may act to partly offset this among the Aboriginal population of NSW.
A technique to measure tidal volume during noninvasive respiratory support by continuous-flow helmet CPAP
Authors: Coppadoro Andrea , Bellani Giacomo , Foti Giuseppe
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has promoted the use of helmet continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for noninvasive respiratory support in hypoxic respiratory failure patients, despite the lack of tidal volume monitoring. We evaluated a novel technique designed to measure tidal volume during noninvasive continuous-flow helmet CPAP.

Methods

A bench model of spontaneously breathing patients undergoing helmet CPAP therapy (three positive end-expiratory pressure [PEEP] levels) at different levels of respiratory distress was used to compare measured and reference tidal volumes. Tidal volume measurement by the novel technique was based on helmet outflow-trace analysis. Helmet inflow was increased from 60 to 75 and 90 L/min to match the patient’s peak inspiratory flow; an additional subset of tests was conducted under the condition of purposely insufficient inflow (i.e., high respiratory distress and 60 L/min inflow).

Results

The tidal volumes examined herein ranged from 250 to 910 mL. The Bland‒Altman analysis showed a bias of -3.2 ± 29.3 mL for measured tidal volumes compared to the reference, corresponding to an average relative error of -1 ± 4.4%. Tidal volume underestimation correlated with respiratory rate (rho = .411, p = .004) but not with peak inspiratory flow, distress, or PEEP. When the helmet inflow was maintained purposely low, tidal volume underestimation occurred (bias − 93.3 ± 83.9 mL), corresponding to an error of -14.8 ± 6.3%.

Conclusion

Tidal volume measurement is feasible and accurate during bench continuous-flow helmet CPAP therapy by the analysis of the outflow signal, provided that helmet inflow is adequate to match the patient’s inspiratory efforts. Insufficient inflow resulted in tidal volume underestimation. In vivo data are needed to confirm these findings.
Enormous Variation in Homogeneity and Other Anomalous Features of Room Temperature Superconductor Samples: A Comment on Nature 615, 244 (2023)
Authors: Hirsch J. E.
Published: June 2023

The resistive transition width of a recently discovered room temperature near-ambient-pressure hydride superconductor [1] changes by more than three orders of magnitude between different samples, with the transition temperature nearly unchanged. For the narrowest transitions, the transition width relative to$$T_c$$Tcis only$$0.014 \%$$0.014%. The voltage-current characteristics indicate vanishing critical current, and the normal state resistance is unusually small. These anomalous behaviors and other issues indicate that this system is not a superconductor. Implications for other hydrides are discussed.
Effect of nanoclay (NC) on mechanical and thermal properties of cellulose nanoparticles (CNPs) filled cornstarch bioplastic film
Authors: Olusanya J. O. , Mohan T. P. , Kanny K.
Published: June 2023

This paper explores the effect of nanoclay for improving the interfacial properties of starch bioplastic material filled with cellulose-nanoparticles (CNPs). The CNPs were prepared through acid-hydrolysis process by using acid concentration to break the amorphous region of chopped fiber to produce nano-cellulose. Various CNPs concentration (0.5 – 2.5 wt.%) were dispersed in cornstarch biopolymer matrix to form bioplastic films through solution casting method and listed for thermal and mechanical properties. Cornstarch bioplastic filled with 1.5 wt.% of CNPs showed optimum improvement in thermal and mechanical properties. Furthermore, nanoclay (NC) of varying weight percentage (0.1 – 0.5 wt. %) were added to the optimum improved 1.5 wt.% CNPs filled cornstarch bioplastic material. Hence, the hybrid cellulose-nanoparticles/nanoclay (CNPs/NC) filled cornstarch was improved both thermally and mechanically. The stiffness parameter ($${\beta }_{f}$$βf) and confinement region ($$C$$C) of the bioplastic during relaxation stage were 0.70 and 1.03 respectively for hybrid fillers at 1.5/0.3_CNPs/NC, which is an indication that nanoclay had a very good reinforcing effect on the starch polymer system. Improved tensile modulus and tensile strength of the CNPs/NC by 639% and 97% respectively were found when compared to CNPs filled cornstarch bioplastic material. Furthermore, the addition of nanoclay slow down the effect of water absorption rate. Hence, the water uptake of the bioplastic film was normalized.
Epistemic norms on evidence-gathering
Authors: Flores Carolina , Woodard Elise
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we argue that there are epistemic norms on evidence-gathering and consider consequences for how to understand epistemic normativity. Though the view that there are such norms seems intuitive, it has found surprisingly little defense. Rather, many philosophers have argued that norms on evidence-gathering can only be practical or moral. On a prominent evidentialist version of this position, epistemic norms only apply to responding to the evidence one already has. Here we challenge the orthodoxy. First, we argue that there is no significant normative difference between responding to evidence you have and gathering more evidence. Second, we argue that our practices of epistemically criticizing agents for their poor evidence-gathering indicate the existence of epistemic norms on evidence-gathering. Finally, we show that our thesis has important implications for recent debates about the relationship between epistemic norms and inquiry.
The problem of collective impact: why helping doesn’t do the trick
Authors: Asker Andrea S.
Published: June 2023

Collective impact cases are situations where people collectively bring about a morally significant outcome by each acting in a certain way, and yet each individual action seems to make no, or almost no difference to the outcome. Intuitively, the beneficial or harmful outcomes give individuals moral reason to act (or refrain from acting) in collective impact situations. However, if the individual action does not make a difference to the outcome, it is not clear what those moral reasons are. The problem of collective impact is the challenge of identifying such moral reasons. Julia Nefsky has presented an account of how an individual action can help without making a difference – call it the Helping Account – that claims to provide a general solution to the problem of collective impact while avoiding problems faced by previously suggested solutions. I present an internal critique of Nefsky’s work. First, I argue that, based on the problems that Nefsky has raised against previously suggested solutions, three success conditions for a general solution to the problem of collective impact can be formulated: The Weightiness condition, the Generalizability condition, and the Connectedness condition. Second, I argue that the Helping Account fails to satisfy the three success conditions, thereby failing, by Nefsky’s own standards, to provide a general solution to the problem.
Discriminatory Experiences Among Black Youth: How Encounters and Expectations Explain Emotional Well-Being
Authors: Summers-Gabr Nicole M. , Sato Mikiko , Chilenski Sarah M. , Villarruel Francisco , Smith Paula , Henderson Charles , Newell Jeremiah , Wilson Hilder , Craig Astrid
Published: June 2023

Research suggests that encounters with racism are related to depression in Black youth. However, less is known about how experienced racial discrimination can influence other aspects of well-being among Black youth including their socio-emotional development and behavior. In addition, emerging literature highlights the critical ways anticipated racial discrimination may impact the emotional well-being of Black youth. To address these gaps, the current study assessed whether experienced discrimination was associated with higher levels of internalizing problems (anxiety/depression, suicidal thoughts) and lower levels of socio-emotional development (emotion regulation, prosocial behavior). We then tested whether expected discrimination contributed to similar patterns. Lastly, this study examined how age and gender moderated this relationship. Across eight schools in three communities, 1435 Black youth (56.57% female; 56.40% 10th grade) in 10th and 12th grades responded to the Youth Experience Survey. Using a series of hierarchical linear and hierarchical binary logistic regressions, results found that those who experienced racial discrimination and expected discrimination demonstrated higher internalizing problems and lower socio-emotional development; however, expected discrimination often accounted for more variance than experienced. These findings suggest the multifaceted influence both experienced and expected racial discrimination have on the well-being of Black youth and can provide important insights to community prevention systems.
Improving the quality of life of parents of patients with congenital abnormalities using psychoeducational interventions: a systematic review
Authors: Rodrigues Marisa Garcia , Rodrigues José Daniel , Soares Matilde Monteiro , Azevedo Luís Filipe , Rodrigues Pedro Pereira , Areias José Carlos , Areias Maria Emília
Published: June 2023

Purpose

To identify psychoeducational interventions that target parents of children with congenital abnormalities (CA) and evaluate their impact on quality of life (QoL).

Methods

The search was conducted in six electronic databases,complemented by references of the studies found, studies of evidence synthesis, a manual search of relevant scientific meetings’ abstracts and contact with experts. We included primary studies on parents of children with CA that studied psychoeducational interventionsversusstandard care. We assessed the risk of bias usingCochrane Collaboration’s tool.

Results

We included six studies focusing on congenital heart defects (CHD). They described four different psychoeducational strategies. In four studies, statistically significant differences were found. For clinical practice, we considered three interventions as more feasible: theEducational program for mothers, with a group format of four sessions weekly;CHIP-Family intervention,which includes a parental group workshop followed by an individual follow-up booster session; andWeChat educational health programwith an online format.

Conclusions

This review is the first that assesses the impact of psychoeducational interventions targeted at parents of children with CA on their QoL. The best approach to intervention is multiple group sessions. Two essential strategies were to give support material, enabling parents to review, and the possibility of an online program application, increasing accessibility. However, because all included studies focus on CHD, generalizations should be made carefully. These findings are crucial to guide future research to promote and improve comprehensive and structured support for families and integrate them into daily practice.
The anthropometric profile and body composition of youth soccer goalkeepers after the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the maturity offset
Authors: Serafini Sofia , Di Credico Andrea , Gaggi Giulia , Pippi Roberto , Mascherini Gabriele , Izzicupo Pascal
Published: June 2023

Purpose

To investigate the anthropometric profile of youth soccer goalkeepers in relation to the maturity offset after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Forty-two young male goalkeepers took part in the study. The anthropometric profile and body composition were assessed through the anthropometric method and the peak height velocity (PHV) was estimated. Participants were classified as pre-PHV (n = 16, age = 11.31 ± 0.94), circa-PHV (n = 7, age = 13.27 ± 1.02) and post-PHV (n = 19, age = 16.86 ± 2.00).

Results

The adiposity was significantly higher in pre-PHV goalkeepers than circa- and post-PHV and in circa-PHV than in post-PHV, according to BMI (p = 0.017), the percentage of fat mass (p < 0.001) and the fat mass index (p = 0.023). Compared with similar sample in literature assessed before the COVID-19 pandemic, the pre-PHV subgroup showed a higher prevalence of children at abdominal obesity risk (62.5 vs. 33.3%).

Conclusion

The current study shows a relationship between the maturity offset and goalkeepers’ anthropometric profile. The COVID-19 pandemic seemed to affect the abdominal obesity risk of pre-PHV children.
The Concept of the Police
Authors: Miller Eric J.
Published: June 2023

The organization of the modern police is a contingent social choice about how to engage in the process of governance when regulating public order on the street. The police are the agency authorized to act upon the state’s duty to govern in response to public emergencies. The duty to govern exists when there is some urgent social need that could be resolved by acting, and some person or institution has the resources and ability to do that act. The duty is impersonal: anybody with the relevant skill set is obligated to act to address the relevant need. Problems can arise, however, when too few individuals respond or too many compete to resolve the need. A core feature of governance, then, is to create publicly recognized institutions with special authority, resources, and abilities to address the demand for public services when someone needs to step in and do something to the exclusion of ordinary members of the public. Police agencies are further characterized by various powers and duties. These powers are normative powers to change the legal status of the people with whom the police interact, rather than physical powers to use some amount of violence to coerce individuals to comply with police demands. The core powers of the police include the powers to make authoritative determinations about how to respond to an emergency, to detain individuals, and to trespass upon their person or property, along with conjoined duties to govern, to protect, and to intervene at risk to themselves. The dominant approach attempts to distinguish the police from other institutions using the police ability to use violent to respond to public emergencies. On the governance based model of the police, however, the ability to use force is simply one of the resources available to the police, and does not mark them off as different from other public governance agencies.
Delirium and IL-6 added to clinical scores improves their performance: a prospective analysis of CALL, PREDI-CO, MRS score applied to a population of patients admitted to internal medicine ward
Authors: Vannucchi Vieri , Pelagatti Lorenzo , Barone Fabio , Bertini Laura , Celli Tommaso , Boccia Nunzia , Veneziani Francesca , Cimolato Barbara , Landini Giancarlo
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of various scoring systems in predicting in-hospital mortality for COVID-19 patients admitted to the internal medicine ward. We conducted a prospective collection of clinical data from patients admitted to the Internal Medicine Unit at Santa Maria Nuova Hospital in Florence, Italy, with confirmed pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2. We calculated three scoring systems: the CALL score, the PREDI-CO score, and the COVID-19 in-hospital Mortality Risk Score (COVID-19 MRS). The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality. : A total of 681 patients were enrolled in the study, with a mean age of 68.8 ± 16.1 years, and 54.8% of them were male. Non-survivors had significantly higher scores in all prognostic systems compared to survivors (MRS: 13 [12- 15] vs. 10 [8-12]; CALL: 12 [10-12] vs. 9 [7-11]; PREDI-CO: 4 [3-6] vs. 2 [1-4]; all p<0.001). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis yielded the following area under the curve (AUC) values: MRS 0.85, CALL 0.78, PREDI-CO 0.77. The addition of Delirium and IL6 to the scoring systems improved their discriminative ability, resulting in AUC values of 0.92 for MRS, 0.87 for CALL, and 0.84 for PREDI-CO. The mortality rate increased significantly across increasing quartiles (p<0.001). In conclusion the COVID-19 in-hospital Mortality Risk Score (MRS) demonstrated reasonable prognostic stratification for patients admitted to the internal medicine ward with SARS-CoV-2-induced pneumonia. The inclusion of Delirium and IL6 as additional prognostic indicators in the scoring systems enhanced their predictive performance, specifically in determining in-hospital mortality among COVID-19 patients.