bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of Vertebral Mass and Diagnosis of Spinal Cord Compression in Computed Tomography With Deep Learning Reconstruction: Comparison With Hybrid Iterative Reconstruction
Authors: Fujita Nana , Yasaka Koichiro , Watanabe Yusuke , Okimoto Naomasa , Konishiike Mao , Abe Osamu
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To compare the impact of deep learning reconstruction (DLR) and hybrid-iterative reconstruction (hybrid-IR) on vertebral mass depiction, detection, and diagnosis of spinal cord compression on computed tomography (CT).

Methods

This retrospective study included 29 and 20 patients with and without vertebral masses. CT images were reconstructed using DLR and hybrid-IR. Three readers performed vertebral mass detection tests and evaluated the presence of spinal cord compression, the depiction of vertebral masses, and image noise. Quantitative image noise was measured by placing regions of interest on the aorta and spinal cord.

Results

Deep learning reconstruction tended to improve the performance of readers with less diagnostic imaging experience in detecting vertebral masses (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.892-0.966) compared with hybrid-IR (AUC = 0.839-0.917). Diagnostic performance in evaluating spinal cord compression in DLR (AUC = 0.887-0.995) also improved compared with that in hybrid-IR (AUC = 0.866-0.942) for some readers. The depiction of vertebral masses and subjective image noise in DLR were significantly improved compared with those in hybrid-IR ( P < .041). Quantitative image noise in DLR was also significantly reduced compared with that in hybrid-IR ( P < .001).

Conclusion

Deep learning reconstruction improved the depiction of vertebral masses, which resulted in a tendency to improve the performance of CT compared to hybrid-IR in detecting vertebral masses and diagnosing spinal cord compression for some readers.
Systemic and local complement activation in peritoneal dialysis patients via conceivably distinct pathways
Authors: Faria Bernardo , Gaya da Costa Mariana , Meter-Arkema Anita H , Berger Stefan P , Lima Carla , Pêgo Catia , van den Born Jacob , Franssen Casper FM , Daha Mohamed R , Pestana Manuel , Seelen Marc A , Poppelaars Felix
Published: October 2023

Background:

Despite several advantages compared to haemodialysis (HD), peritoneal dialysis (PD) remains an underused dialysis technique due to its high technique failure rate related to membrane fibrosis and peritonitis events. Previous work has suggested a harmful role for the complement system in these processes, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive examination in PD.

Methods:

Plasma levels of C1q, mannose-binding lectin (MBL), Properdin, Factor D, C3d/C3-ratio and soluble membrane attack complex (sC5b-9) were determined in PD patients ( n = 55), HD patients ( n = 41), non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients ( n = 15) and healthy controls ( n = 14). Additionally, C1q, MBL, Properdin, Factor D and sC5b-9 levels were assessed in the peritoneal dialysis fluid (PDF). In a subgroup, interleukin-6, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and elastase were measured in the PDF.

Results:

PD patients had significantly higher systemic levels of sC5b-9 compared to healthy controls, CKD and HD patients ( p < 0.001). Plasma levels of C1q and C3d/C3-ratios were significantly associated with systemic sC5b-9 levels ( p < 0.001). Locally, sC5b-9 was detected in the PDF of all PD patients, and levels were approximately 33% of those in matched plasma, but they did not correlate. In the PDF, only Properdin levels remained significantly associated with PDF sC5b-9 levels in multivariate analysis ( p < 0.001). Additionally, PDF levels of sC5b-9 positively correlated with elastase, MPO and MMP-2 levels in the PDF ( p < 0.01).

Conclusions:

Our data reveal both systemic and local complement activation in PD patients. Furthermore, these two processes seem independent considering the involvement of different pathways and the lack of correlation.
A hybrid methodology for knowledge organization and application of Chinese civil aviation regulations from mission safety support perspective
Authors: Niu Haotian , Ma Cunbao , She Zhiyu , Han Pei , Yuan Jiuxing
Published: October 2023

Safety is one of the most important issues in aviation. Aviation regulations provide significant information pertinent to the safety design and operation of aircraft; however, this information has not been effectively used. It is difficult to precisely identify and obtain the necessary information due to massive and unstructured provisions. In this study, a hybrid methodology is proposed to realize knowledge system construction using Chinese Civil Aviation Regulations as the object of study. To realize structured knowledge organization and intelligent knowledge application for aviation regulations, the hybrid methodology integrates a semantic cohesion model, a knowledge recognition model, a knowledge organization model, and a knowledge application model. A knowledge system of aviation regulations is built using the hybrid methodology comprising all knowledge necessary for aviation safety. The system provides intelligent knowledge support for the safety analysis of aircraft from the perspective of control system, including the accurate positioning of control elements and thorough acquisition of control conditions. Experiments were conducted to confirm the accuracy of the proposed method, and the 56,853 knowledge triples contained in the knowledge system supported its reliability. A few examples of knowledge retrieval are provided, focusing on the interaction processes of socio-technical elements during aircraft missions. It takes only a few seconds to acquire the knowledge required for safety analysis. The examples show how the hybrid methodology and knowledge system can be utilized to increase the efficiency of safety analysis for socio-technical systems while advancing intelligent knowledge applications in the aviation domain.
Gaze-Triggered Communicative Intention Compresses Perceived Temporal Duration
Authors: Yu Yiwen , Wang Li , Jiang Yi
Published: October 2023

Eye gaze communicates a person’s attentional state and intentions toward objects. Here we demonstrate that this important social signal has the potential to distort time perception of gazed-at objects ( N = 70 adults). By using a novel gaze-associated learning paradigm combined with the time-discrimination task, we showed that objects previously associated with others’ eye gaze were perceived as significantly shorter in duration than the nonassociated counterparts. The time-compression effect cannot be attributed to general attention allocation because it disappeared when objects were associated with nonsocial attention cues (i.e., arrows). Critically, this effect correlated with observers’ autistic traits and vanished when the gazing agent’s line of sight was blocked by barriers, reflecting the key role of intention processing triggered by gaze in modulating time perception. Our findings support the existence of a special mechanism tuned to social cues, which can shape our perception of the outer world in time domains.
Dr Graham Steell and monaural stethoscopes: Cardiology before the ECG
Authors: Mohr Peter Dean
Published: October 2023

Dr Graham Steell, MB CM MD FRCP (1851–1942), an Edinburgh graduate, was a physician at the Manchester Royal Infirmary (1878–1911) and professor of medicine at the Victoria Manchester University (1907–1911). He is mainly remembered for describing the ‘Graham Steel murmur’, however his name is also associated with the ‘Graham Steell monaural stethoscope’, which he designed. His clinical examination of the cardiovascular system at the bedside was meticulous, using only his stethoscope, percussion hammer, and a sphygmograph to record the radial pulse. His work is described in his monograph, Diseases of the Heart (1906) and other numerous papers. The University of Manchester Museum of Medicine and Health has a collection of monaural stethoscopes, percussors and sphygmographs. This article explores Dr Steell's clinical techniques and contribution to cardiology in an era before chest X-rays and electrocardiography, and also discusses the use of monaural stethoscopes and percussion hammers by the wider medical profession during the Victorian and Edwardian period.
Breeding ‘unicorns’: Tracing the rise of the European investor state in the European venture capital market
Authors: Mocanu Dan , Thiemann Matthias
Published: October 2023

This paper takes the recent public policy innovations of the European Commission to foster the growth of ‘unicorns’ through direct interventions as an entry point to inquire into the changing role of the EU in the European Venture Capital Market. Based on a reconstruction of EU public policy interventions from the 1990s onwards, we show the constitutive, yet changing role of EU public actors in that market. The latest engagement of EU public policy, aiming to select and nurture start-ups with the potential to become unicorns, we argue, must be understood as a new layer in this trajectory of foundational market investment. Moving from an initial ‘market crafting’ approach (1990–2000) to ‘market fixing’ (2001–2013), this new mode of intervention represents a qualitatively new level, which seeks to shape innovation outcomes along a European investment chain. We identify this modality of intervention as a new form of economic statecraft, driven by the goal of securing technological sovereignty, which together with the two other layers forms the basis of the European Investor State.
Effect of a Home-Based Simplified Tai Chi Exercise Program on Sleep Quality, Daytime Sleepiness, Quality of Life, and Psychological Well-Being in Egyptian Older Adults: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Ibrahim Fatma M. , Fadila Doaa E. , Elshatarat Rami A. , Ibrahim Ateya M. , Abd Elmawla Doaa A.
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Sleep disturbances are common among older adults and can have detrimental effects on their overall well-being. Tai Chi exercise has shown promise in improving sleep quality, quality of life (QoL), and psychological well-being in various populations. Objective: To investigate the effect of a home-based simplified Tai Chi exercise program on sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, QoL, and psychological well-being in Egyptian older adults. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was employed, with 152 participants aged 60 years and above assigned to either an experimental group ( n = 87) or a control group ( n = 65). Thecontrol group received a health education program to improve their sleeping quality and life-style, while the experimental group received a similar health education program and Tai Chi exercise training program. The participants in the experimental group were instructed to perform 3 months Tai Chi exercise. Data on sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, QoL, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and depression symptoms were collected at baseline, and one month, and 3 months post-intervention using validated questionnaires. Repeated measures ANOVA was done to investigate the effectiveness of the intervention programsover 3 time periods. Results: The results showed significant improvements in sleep quality ( p < .001), QoL ( p < .005), GAD ( p < .005), and depression symptoms ( p < .005) post-interventions. Also, there were significant difference in the effectiveness of the intervention programs between both the experimental and control groups. The experimental group exhibited greater improvements compared to the control group. Conclusion: The findings support the beneficial effects of a home-based simplified Tai Chi exercise program on sleep quality, QoL, and psychological well-being in Egyptian older adults. These results have important implications for promoting healthy aging and improving overall well-being in this population. Further research is recommended to validate these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms of Tai Chi exercise on the outcomes of interest.
Ride-hailing while female: Negotiating China’s digital public sphere
Authors: Cai Yanjun , Xu JieLan , Drinkall Scott
Published: October 2023

This research reveals how social media advances gender responsiveness in the context of China’s digital transformation by exploring ride-hailing services, a fast-growing though often under-regulated sector. Specifically, the rise of ride-hailing has been accompanied by incidents of sexual harassment and gender-based violence, leading to social media outrage. Building on Habermas’s concept of the public sphere, this study – perhaps the first to explore the gender dynamics of ride-hailing policymaking in China – centers on the notion of digital public sphere. This study investigates how citizens, corporations, and government agencies have markedly differed in their discourses on gender and safety. Results exhibit that as corporations and government agencies seek technological and legislative solutions to improve safety, Chinese citizen-based activism efforts have amplified gendered perspectives, addressing gender-responsive policymaking. These actors generate discourses that echo various strands of feminism and further cultivate the policy trajectory, including pressuring government agencies to enforce the social accountability of private corporations. This research addresses a pragmatic perspective to demonstrate how liberal, socialist, and cultural feminisms coexist and negotiate in China’s digital public sphere. It aims to enhance one’s understanding of online civic engagement and resulting policy change in contemporary China, enriching the public sphere theory with emerging technology under a contentious political context.
Autistic adults’ experiences of financial wellbeing: Part II
Authors: Pellicano Elizabeth , Hall Gabrielle , Ying Cai Ru
Published: October 2023

Financial wellbeing is an important component of people’s overall wellbeing, reflecting the capacity to live a comfortable and fulfilling life. Yet virtually nothing is known about this topic for autistic people. This study addressed this gap using a two-phase sequential mixed-methods design. Here, we report on findings from the Phase 2 qualitative study. In this study, 21 autistic participants were purposively selected based on the status of their financial wellbeing, including 12 people with high, and 9 with low, financial wellbeing, and interviewed by an autistic researcher. We identified four themes through reflective thematic analysis. Having access to a stable income made an enormous difference to people’s financial wellbeing. Participants emphasised how their broader social supports, especially family support, shaped their financial wellbeing. Yet, planning financially was often challenging, especially for people who had insufficient money to meet their basic needs. Nevertheless, our participants reported a strong drive to stay in control and avoid unnecessary risk. Our findings revealed how much money matters in autistic people’s lives. Future research should investigate the ways in which autistic people could secure more reliable incomes and identify the most effective ways to support them to achieve financial resilience.

Lay abstract

Money matters in people’s lives. It helps to meet people’s basic needs (food, clothes, shelter) and live the lives they want to. When people talk about ‘financial wellbeing’, they mean how much you feel in control over day-to-day finances and how much freedom you have to make choices to enjoy life. We don’t know what autistic people think about these things. That’s why we did our study. We spoke to 21 autistic adults (24–69 years) about how they felt about their financial situation. We deliberately spoke to people who had told us previously they felt ‘financially well’ or ‘financially unwell’ so we could hear a range of opinions. Autistic people told us financial wellbeing meant having enough money to pay for their basics needs, to have a safety net for unexpected bills and not having to worry about money now or in the future. But many felt that good financial wellbeing was not possible for them. They often did not have a stable income to cover day-to-day expenses. This limited the choices they could make. Despite these challenges, autistic people told us they worked hard to budget and save money when they could – because feeling financial insecure was just too stressful, especially when they could not rely on family or friends for support. It made them feel mentally unwell. Our study shows there are many factors that influence autistic people’s financial wellbeing. We need more research to help us understand how autistic people can be supported to achieve financial security.
Narcotic offences and drug use disorders among young refugees in Norway
Authors: Europa Ryan T. , Eide Ketil , Hjern Anders , Manhica Helio , Dunlavy Andrea
Published: October 2023

Aims:

We examined the patterns of healthcare utilisation for drug use disorders (DUDs) and charges related to narcotics among young refugees in Norway considering the role of sex, country of origin and condition of arrival (accompanied versus unaccompanied minors).

Methods:

Based on national registers, sex-stratified Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios to assess the risk of being charged with a narcotics offence and the use of healthcare services related to DUDs. The sample consisted of 15,068 young refugees and 573,241 young Norwegians born in Norway to two Norwegian-born parents. All of the young people in the sample were born between 1983 and 1994. The follow-up period was from January 2008 to December 2015.

Results:

Compared with their Norwegian peers, both male and female refugees showed either a similar or lower risk of receiving healthcare for DUDs. However, male refugees showed an increased risk of being charged with a narcotic offence, except those from Afghanistan and the former Yugoslavia. Accompanied male refugees were at a higher risk of being charged, while unaccompanied male refugees showed a lower risk.

Conclusions:

Young male refugees generally had a higher risk of being charged for narcotic offences while showing a similar risk of receiving healthcare for DUDs compared to Norwegian-born young people. However, young men from Afghanistan and the former Yugoslavia deviated from this pattern. This may be partially explained by the length of time spent in Norway. The results add support to previous qualitative studies suggesting that punitive drug policies may disproportionately affect men from minority groups. Further research controlling for parental household-level factors is warranted.
Will the SDGs and the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing Leave Older People Behind?
Authors: Vera-Sanso Penny
Published: October 2023

Since the 1950s, multinational institutions have taken a number of positions towards population ageing and later life. In 1994, the World Bank (WB) saw population ageing as a crisis that needed ‘averting’. The United Nations (UN) approach evolved from the individualized, compassionate ageism of 1981 to a developmental, ‘society for all ages’, perspective in 2002. Yet the UN made comparatively little headway. In 2021 the UN launched its Decade of Healthy Ageing to support the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda’s ‘leave no one behind’ goal. The UN rightly sees ageing as a lifelong, societal and developmental process and strongly supported the evidence that unequal resource distribution is the main contributor to health inequalities across the lifespan. Despite this evidence, the focus is now on a biomedical framing of impaired health and on a multi-stakeholder approach that emphasizes the Silver Economy’s economic potential. The first two years of the decade saw significant efforts to generate private-sector support. While the Decade of Healthy Ageing is still young, there is much good, harm and missed opportunity that can happen in a decade, justifying early consideration of what the Silver Economy’s biomedical approach will do for older people in low and middle income countries (LMICs).
Analysis of vortex structures evolution and aeroacoustic characteristics in the ultra-high-speed elevator ring-gap flow field
Authors: Zhang Qing , Li Chaoyue , Zhang Ruijun , Wang Yulei
Published: October 2023

The continuous improvement of elevator speed has made the issue of aerodynamic noise in the hoistway more prominent. Previous research has usually focused on the characteristics of aerodynamic loads and related safety issues, and little attention has been paid to the problem of flow-induced noise. This paper established a three-dimensional geometric configuration of the ultra-high-speed elevator to study the flow behavior and aerodynamic acoustic characteristics in the hoistway using well-validated large eddy simulations. Firstly, we analyzed the unsteady flow behavior in the ring-gap flow field using large eddy simulations and captured the transient vortex structure in the flow field using the Q-criterion. We then predicted the far-field aerodynamic noise of the elevator car using the Lighthill-Curle aerodynamic acoustic equations. The results showed that the factors affecting the sound source intensity of the elevator car include the shedding position and intensity of the vortex structures. By adjusting the shedding position and reducing the intensity of the vortex structure, the sound source intensity of the elevator car wall could be effectively controlled. The change of the blocking ratio could not affect the attenuation of aerodynamic noise in the hoistway, but the increase of the blocking ratio could lead to an increase in the turbulent kinetic energy intensity and peak SPL in the hoistway. Therefore, the blocking ratio should be kept within 0.65 when designing the hoistway structure dimensions.
Association of diabetes with coronary artery calcium in South Asian adults and other race/ethnic groups: The multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis and the mediators of atherosclerosis in South Asians living in America study
Authors: Premyodhin Ned , Fan Wenjun , Arora Millie , Budoff Matthew J , Kanaya Alka M , Kandula Namratha , Palaniappan Latha , Rana Jamal S , Younus Masood , Wong Nathan D
Published: October 2023

Purpose

South Asian (SA) persons have increased risks for diabetes mellitus (DM) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). We examined whether the association of DM with subclinical atherosclerosis assessed by coronary artery calcium (CAC) differs in SA versus other ethnic groups.

Methods

We studied adults from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis and the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America studies without ASCVD. CAC was examined among those normoglycemic, pre-DM and DM. Logistic regression examined pre-DM and DM with the odds of any CAC > 0 and CAC ≥ 100.

Results

Among 7562 participants, CAC > 0 and CAC ≥ 100 in those with DM was highest in non-Hispanic White (NHW) (80% and 48%) and SA (72% and 41%) persons. Adjusted Ln (CAC + 1) was highest in NHW (3.68 ± 0.21) and SA (3.60 ± 0.23) ( p < .01) DM patients. SA and NHW adults with DM (vs normoglycemic) had highest odds of CAC > 0 (2.13 and 2.27, respectively, p < .01). For CAC ≥ 100, SA and Chinese adults had the highest odds (2.28 and 2.27, respectively, p < .01). Fasting glucose and glycated hemoglobin were most strongly associated with CAC among SA.

Conclusions

Diabetes mellitus most strongly relates to any CAC in SA and NHW adults and CAC ≥ 100 in SA and Chinese adults, helping to explain the relation of DM with ASCVD in these populations.
Less Invasive Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation Is Safe and Feasible in Patients With Smaller Body Surface Area
Authors: Hack Madelaine , Wood Katherine L. , Bjelic Milica , Paic Frane , Vidula Himabindu , Cheyne Christina , Chase Karin , Tallman Mark , Bernstein Wendy , Wyrobek Julie A. , Alexis Jeffrey D. , Gosev Igor
Published: October 2023

Objective:

Smaller body surface area (BSA) frequently precludes patients from left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy. We sought to investigate the clinical outcomes in patients with small BSA undergoing less invasive LVAD implantation.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective review of 216 patients implanted with HeartMate 3 LVAD (Abbott, Chicago, IL) via less invasive surgery at our institution. Patients were dichotomized based on their preimplant BSA for comparison between small BSA (≤1.8 m2) and normal/large BSA (>1.8 m2). We analyzed patient perioperative characteristics and outcomes.

Results:

In our study, small BSA was found in 32 patients (14.8%), while 184 patients (85.2%) had normal/large BSA. Women were more prevalent in the small BSA group (50.0% vs 13.0%, P < 0.001). Preoperative and intraoperative data showed comparable results. Major complications and hospital length of stay did not differ by BSA group. Patients with smaller BSA had significantly decreased pump parameters at discharge, including LVAD flow (4.11 ± 0.49 vs 4.60 ± 0.54 L/min, P < 0.001) and pump speed (5,200 vs 5,400 rpm, P < 0.001). Survival to discharge and within 6 months after implantation were similar between the groups.

Conclusions:

Our study results suggest that less invasive HeartMate 3 implantation can be safely performed and demonstrates equivalent outcomes in patients with smaller body habitus. Randomized trials are required to confirm our data.
A randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of the abridged illness management and recovery program for people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders
Authors: Wong Raymond Hung Kei , Wing Cheong Au Raymond , Wai Lan Chan , Pi Fan Chiu , Chiu Frank Pi Fan , Chu Mann Man Keung , Chung Lung Kong Thomas , Lo Ada Wai Yu , Mak Donald Chi Shing , Wong Justina KP , Yam Sharifa YP
Published: October 2023

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of an abridged version of the Illness Management and Recovery Programme (AIMR) that was modified and developed in Hong Kong through a mult-centre randomized controlled trial for patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

Methods

This study was implemented in 10 occupational therapy departments, psychiatric day hospitals of 7 Hospital Authority clusters in Hong Kong. A total of 211 patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder was recruited and randomized into either the experimental or the control condition. In the control group, the subjects went through conventional occupational therapy programmes. In the experimental group, the subjects went through an additional 10-session programme of AIMR.

Participants

were measured at baseline, completion of the AIMR, and 3-month after the AIMR programme. Measures include the expanded version of the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS-E), the client version of the Illness Management and Recovery Scale (IMRS), the Snyder Hope Scale, the Social and Occupational and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS), the WHO Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL-BREF), and the Chinese Version of the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (C-SWEMWBS).

Results

Both the experimental and control cohorts had comparable clinical and socio-demographic characteristics except years of education and duration of illness. These two variables were entered as covariates in the linear mixed model which showed that the experimental group had significantly higher improvement than the control group in terms of illness management (F = 4.82; p = .03; Cohen’s d = .45), functional (F = 10.65; p = .001; Cohen’s d = .58), and hope (F = 5.52; p = .02; Cohen’s d = .08) measures after the completion of treatment.

Conclusion

The results supported the effectiveness of the AIMR programm which would be important in the recovery oriented practices in psychiatry.
Long-term impact of add-on sequential triple combination therapy in pulmonary arterial hypertension: real world experience
Authors: Deshwal Himanshu , Weinstein Tatiana , Salyer Rachel , Thompson Jesse , Cefali Frank , Fenton Rebecca , Bondarsky Eric , Sulica Roxana
Published: October 2023

Background:

Sequential triple combination therapy is recommended for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients who are not at therapeutic goal on dual therapy, but long-term data on efficacy and safety is scarce.

Objective:

To assess the long-term impact of sequential triple combination therapy in patients with PAH who are not at goal on dual combination therapy.

Study Design and Methods:

We performed a retrospective observational study in a racially/ethnically diverse cohort of consecutive PAH patients on a stable dual therapy regimen who remained in intermediate- or high-risk category and were subsequently initiated on sequential triple combination therapy. We studied interval change in functional, echocardiographic, and hemodynamic parameters, REVEAL 2.0 risk category and ERS/ESC 2022 simplified four-strata risk category. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of successful risk reduction (achievement or maintenance of REVEAL 2.0 low-risk category). Kaplan–Meier survival curves were created to assess the effect of risk reduction on survival.

Results:

Out of 414 PAH patients seen in our program, 55 patients received add-on sequential triple combination regimen and had follow-up hemodynamic data. The mean age was 57 years, with 85% women. The most common etiology of PAH was idiopathic/heritable (41.8%). Most patients were WHO functional class III (76.4%), and 34.5% of patients were in high-risk category (REVEAL 2.0). On a median follow-up of 68 weeks, there was a significant improvement in WHO Functional Class ( p < 0.001), six-minute walk distance (35 m) with 61.8% of patients achieving low-risk status by REVEAL 2.0, and a 28% of patients’ improvement in pulmonary vascular resistance. Female gender was identified as a strong predictor of successful risk reduction, whereas Hispanic ethnicity estimated right atrial pressure on echocardiogram and pericardial effusion predicted lower probability of risk reduction. Patients who achieved or maintained low-risk status had significantly improved survival.

Conclusion:

Add-on sequential triple combination therapy significantly increased functional, echocardiographic, and hemodynamic parameters with improvement in risk category and survival.
Enhanced Bioactivity of Botanical Acaricidal Compound-Scopoletin Encapsulated by Polydopamine and Cellulose Nanocrystals Against Carmine Spider Mite
Authors: Wang Keke , Zhang Shuai , Liu Jiawei , Huang Jin , Zhang Yongqiang
Published: October 2023

Background

Scopoletin (Sco) is a botanical acaricidal compound isolated and purified from Artemisia annua. Self-assembled nanostructured materials with tailored properties could aid efficient acaricide delivery.

Methods

The botanical natural product Sco was coated on the surface of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and polydopamine (PDA) to enhance its acaricidal bioactivity. Sco@PDA-CNCs, a new biological base acaricidal agent, were prepared through hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces.

Result

Sco@PDA-CNCs exhibited a stronger acaricidal effect than pure Sco. At 48 h after treatment, the median lethal concentration of Sco@PDA-CNCs against carmine spider mites was 24.36 mg/L and that of pure Sco was 92.21 mg/L. The toxicity value of Sco@PDA-CNCs had increased by 3.8-fold relative to that of pure Sco. Sco@PDA-CNCs exhibited sustained release characteristics and continued to release Sco even at 7 days after application.

Conclusion

Results revealed that Sco@PDA-CNCs not only have good slow-release properties, but they can also improve acaricidal efficiency well.
Public Willingness to Pay for an Entrance Fee to National Elephant Conservation Center (NECC), Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Saleha Nordin Juita , Matthew Nitanan Koshy , Puan Chong Leong
Published: October 2023

Wildlife especially large mammals such as elephants are an important part of an ecosystem providing various ecological functions and services, although they are often involved in human-wildlife conflict. The National Elephant Conservation Center (NECC) in the Pahang state of Peninsular Malaysia was established to ensure that the survival of the Asian Elephant ( Elephas maximus) in Peninsular Malaysia through direct management, as well as educational and public awareness activities. However, no entrance fee has been imposed since the establishment of the center in 1989 (32 years). This study aimed to determine public willingness to pay for an entrance fee in the NECC. By using the open-ended contingent valuation method (CVM), the mean public willingness to pay for an entrance fee in the NECC during the non-peak season amounted to RM4.65/person/visit whereas it was RM7.09/person/visit during the peak season. The study would serve as a reference for entrance fee implementation for a conservation center as a form of financial aid to sustain the center as well as highlight the importance of public engagement in elephant conservation.
Survey of Challenges, Goals, and Interventions for Patients With Lymphoma During Aftercare Consultation: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Friesen-Storms Jolanda HHM , Quadvlieg-Delnoy Danny JL , van Kampen Roel JW , van der Weijden Trudy , Beekman Emmylou , Bours Gerrie JJW , Jie Kon-Siong G
Published: October 2023

This study described the challenges, personal goals, and interventions of patients with lymphoma in various domains of life that emerged from an aftercare consultation based on shared decision-making principles with a nurse practitioner. A cross-sectional exploratory design was used with a sample of 49 patients. Challenges, goals, and interventions were measured based on 4 domains of life: “my health,” “my activities,” “my environment” and “my own way.” Most challenges were experienced in the domain of “my health,” which included a loss of physical condition, reduced muscle strength, and fatigue. Patients set personal goals related to the experienced challenges, such as restoring physical condition to prediagnosis levels. Accordingly, 45 patients (84%) chose an intervention to improve physical condition and muscle strength and 33 patients (67%) chose to be referred to specialized care.
Can a visual values-affirmation intervention improve test scores of students in areas affected by crisis?
Authors: Shephard Daniel D. , Osseiran Ali , Makki Fadi
Published: October 2023

Values-affirmation (VA) exercises, which direct people’s attention to aspects of their lives that they value and broaden their sense of self, have been shown to improve performance in many populations, particularly those who worry that doing poorly will feed into negative stereotypes of the ethnic or other social groups they belong to. Most studies of VA have examined its benefits in highly literate, economically stable, English-speaking populations and have used written exercises. We conducted a randomized controlled trial of a visual VA exercise in an understudied population: marginalized Arabic-speaking students (mostly Syrians) living in a context (Lebanon) affected by conflict. Before taking final exams for a program to improve basic Arabic and English literacy skills and math proficiency, the participants, ages 14-24 years, made a drawing that represented a value important to them. This visual VA exercise improved performance on the Arabic test, particularly among the Syrians, suggesting that, at least for the Arabic test, it reduced anxiety related to stereotyping, allowing students to relax enough to demonstrate their true ability. If replicated, our findings would suggest that schools could use such exercises to improve the value of test scores for guiding decisions about next steps in the education of marginalized students in a context affected by conflict.
Encouraging self-blinding in hiring
Authors: Fath Sean , Larrick Richard P. , Soll Jack B.
Published: October 2023

One strategy for minimizing bias in hiring is blinding—purposefully limiting the information used when screening applicants to that which is directly relevant to the job and does not elicit bias based on race, gender, age, or other irrelevant characteristics. Blinding policies remain rare, however. An alternative to blinding policies is self-blinding, in which people performing hiring-related evaluations blind themselves to biasing information about applicants. Using a mock-hiring task, we tested ways to encourage self-blinding that take into consideration three variables likely to affect whether people self-blind: default effects on choices, people’s inability to assess their susceptibility to bias, and people’s tendency not to recognize the full range of information that can elicit that bias. Participants with hiring experience chose to receive or be blind to various pieces of information about applicants, some of which were potentially biasing. They selected potentially biasing information less often when asked to specify the applicant information they wanted to receive than when asked to specify the information they did not want to receive, when prescribing selections for other people than when making the selections for themselves, and when the information was obviously biasing than when it was less obviously so. On the basis of these findings, we propose a multipronged strategy that human resources leaders could use to enable and encourage hiring managers to self-blind when screening job applicants.
A New Algorithm to Treat Chronic Combined ACL/MCL Injuries: Let's Come Back to the “Rotatory Instability Test”
Authors: Bouguennec Nicolas , Marty-Diloy Thibault , Colombet Philippe , Graveleau Nicolas , Robinson James
Published: October 2023

Background:

Chronic combined medial collateral ligament (MCL) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are frequent. Medial residual laxity is a risk factor for ACL rerupture. It should be treated at the same time as the ACL reconstruction (ACLR) if necessary, but there are still questions surrounding the indications for abstention or surgery of the medial plan, especially for grade 2 MCL injuries of the Fetto and Marshall classification.

Indications:

The purpose is to come back to a simple test, the “Rotatory Instability Test” as described by Slocum and Larson in 1968 for systematic clinical examination of the knee to improve the sensitivity and accuracy of the deep MCL (dMCL) and superficial MCL (sMCL) examination and to propose a decision-making algorithm for the treatment of the chronic combined ACL/MCL injuries based on the assessment of anteromedial rotatory instability (AMRI).

Technique Description:

Examination of the ACL with Lachman test, anterior drawer in neutral rotation, and pivot shift test confirm the ACL injury. Valgus laxity is tested in extension and at 20° of flexion. Then, an anterior drawer test at 90° of flexion with external rotation is done (the anterior drawer in external rotation [ADER] test) allowing to identify isolated dMCL, dMCL + sMCL, or MCL + posterior oblique ligament (POL) injuries.

Discussion:

As persistent medial laxity is a risk factor for ACL graft failure and there is no reliable method of instrumented laxity assessment, careful clinical examination remains essential. Systematic examination of the medial side with valgus laxity testing at 0° and 20° flexion combined with the ADER test assessment of AMRI can guide treatment of the MCL injury component. Where there is no valgus laxity and the ADER test is negative, isolated ACLR is indicated. If there is significant medial laxity at 0°, this suggests combining sMCL and POL reconstruction with ACLR. Where the knee is stable at 0° but there is valgus laxity at 20° and a positive ADER test, the dMCL can be reconstructed using a gracilis graft or a combined sMCL and dMCL reconstruction can be added to the ACLR depending on the degree of laxity.

Patient Consent Disclosure Statement:

The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.
Microstructural observations of clay-hosted pores in black shales: implications for porosity preservation and petrophysical variability
Authors: Zhu Hongjian , Li Shuangjian , Hu Zongquan , Ju Yiwen , Pan Yanyan , Yang Manping , Lu Yanjun , Wei Mingbo , Qian Weidong
Published: October 2023

Typical unconventional gas/liquid plays of China were studied using field-emission/focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for clay mineralogy and microstructural development. The SEM microstructural investigations of clay-rich shale and mudstone reservoirs provided significant information about clay mineral type, size, distribution and aggregates, which allows for interpretations regarding porosity preservation and petrophysical variability. The major clay-hosted porosity types are interparticle clay pores, intraparticle clay pores and aggregate pores. Interparticle clay pores occur in open spaces of the clay aggregates and include four subtypes: (1) elongated pores, (2) packed pores, (3) jagged pores and (4) card-house pores. Intraparticle clay pores are present within clay particles and have mostly secondary origin. These pores are diagenesis dependent and are restricted to secondary illite particles during the transformation of clay minerals from smectite to illite. Intraparticle clay pores constitute only isolated porosity and could not contribute to hydrocarbon molecule storage and migration. Aggregate pores were predominantly encountered in association with organic–clay and pyrite–clay aggregates. In places, organic–pyrite–clay aggregates can also display polymerization, but they do not contribute significantly to overall porosity and permeability. Combining SEM morphological analyses with the software ImageJ is critical in clay microstructure and porosity analyses via semi-quantitative characterization of the 3D pore surface, 2D pore profile, pore quantity, pore size, areal porosity, etc. These visual and semi-quantitative results highlight the significance of jagged pores and pyrite–clay aggregate pores in shale gas/liquid reservoirs because they may be important facilitators of gas storage and transmission.
Increased MRI-based Brain Age in chronic migraine patients
Authors: Navarro-González Rafael , García-Azorín David , Guerrero-Peral Ángel L. , Planchuelo-Gómez Álvaro , Aja-Fernández Santiago , de Luis-García Rodrigo
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Neuroimaging has revealed that migraine is linked to alterations in both the structure and function of the brain. However, the relationship of these changes with aging has not been studied in detail. Here we employ the Brain Age framework to analyze migraine, by building a machine-learning model that predicts age from neuroimaging data. We hypothesize that migraine patients will exhibit an increased Brain Age Gap (the difference between the predicted age and the chronological age) compared to healthy participants.

Methods

We trained a machine learning model to predict Brain Age from 2,771 T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging scans of healthy subjects. The processing pipeline included the automatic segmentation of the images, the extraction of 1,479 imaging features (both morphological and intensity-based), harmonization, feature selection and training inside a 10-fold cross-validation scheme. Separate models based only on morphological and intensity features were also trained, and all the Brain Age models were later applied to a discovery cohort composed of 247 subjects, divided into healthy controls (HC, n=82), episodic migraine (EM, n=91), and chronic migraine patients (CM, n=74).

Results

CM patients showed an increased Brain Age Gap compared to HC (4.16 vs -0.56 years, P=0.01). A smaller Brain Age Gap was found for EM patients, not reaching statistical significance (1.21 vs -0.56 years, P=0.19). No associations were found between the Brain Age Gap and headache or migraine frequency, or duration of the disease. Brain imaging features that have previously been associated with migraine were among the main drivers of the differences in the predicted age. Also, the separate analysis using only morphological or intensity-based features revealed different patterns in the Brain Age biomarker in patients with migraine.

Conclusion

The brain-predicted age has shown to be a sensitive biomarker of CM patients and can help reveal distinct aging patterns in migraine.
The ribosomal protein P0A is required for embryo development in rice
Authors: Chang Zhenyi , Wang Xia , Pan Xiaoying , Yan Wei , Wu Wenshi , zhuang Yi , Li Zhiai , Wang Dan , Yuan Shuting , Xu Chunjue , Chen Zhufeng , Liu Dongfeng , Chen Zi Sheng , Tang Xiaoyan , Wu Jianxin
Published: October 2023

Background

The P-stalk is a conserved and vital structural element of ribosome. The eukaryotic P-stalk exists as a P0-(P1-P2)2 pentameric complex, in which P0 function as a base structure for incorporating the stalk onto 60S pre-ribosome. Prior studies have suggested that P0 genes are indispensable for survival in yeast and animals. However, the functions of P0 genes in plants remain elusive.

Results

In the present study, we show that rice has three P0 genes predicted to encode highly conserved proteins OsP0A, OsP0B and OsP0C. All of these P0 proteins were localized both in cytoplasm and nucleus, and all interacted with OsP1. Intriguingly, the transcripts of OsP0A presented more than 90% of the total P0 transcripts. Moreover, knockout of OsP0A led to embryo lethality, while single or double knockout of OsP0B and OsP0C did not show any visible defects in rice. The genomic DNA of OsP0A could well complement the lethal phenotypes of osp0a mutant. Finally, sequence and syntenic analyses revealed that OsP0C evolved from OsP0A, and that duplication of genomic fragment harboring OsP0C further gave birth to OsP0B, and both of these duplication events might happen prior to the differentiation of indica and japonica subspecies in rice ancestor.

Conclusion

These data suggested that OsP0A functions as the predominant P0 gene, playing an essential role in embryo development in rice. Our findings highlighted the importance of P0 genes in plant development.
Effect of superior laryngeal nerve block in alleviating sore throat after application of i-gel supraglottic airway: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lv Zhu , Huang Xinyi , Cai Jinxia , Zhou Zijun , Gao Linglin , Wang Weijian , Sun Jiehao , Pan Yizhao
Published: October 2023

Background

Postoperative sore throat (POST) is a common complaint after supraglottic airway device (SAD) application. Internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (iSLN) block has the potential to alleviate POST. The aim of this trial was to explore the effect of iSLN block in alleviating sore throat, as well as to identify the potential risk factors for POST after SAD insertion.

Methods

One hundred thirty-four patients scheduled for elective gynecological surgery were randomized to either group T: tetracaine syrup (1%) for local lubrication on i-gel supraglottic device (n = 67) or group B: i-gel insertion with water based lubricant on it and followed by bilateral iSLN block (ropivacaine, 0.375%, 2 ml for each side) (n = 67). Under ultrasound guidance, iSLN was exposed below thyrohyoid membrane. The primary outcome was the intensity of sore throat at 6 h after surgery. In addition, POST score at 0.5 h and 24 h, the severity of postoperative swallowing discomfort, acoustic analysis and complications were measured.

Results

Compared with tetracaine syrup for local lubrication, iSLN block resulted in a reduced intensity of POST at 0.5 h (P = 0.044, OR = 1.99, 95%CI 1.02 to 3.88) and 6 h (P < 0.001, OR = 5.07, 95%CI 2.53 to 10.14) after surgery, as well as less severity of swallowing discomfort (P < 0.001, OR = 2.21, 95%CI 1.63 to 2.99) and cough (P = 0.039, OR = 1.97, 95%CI 1.04 to 3.73). The patients after iSLN block presented lower jitter and shimmer value in acoustic analysis at 6 h after surgery (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

iSLN block was effective in alleviating POST, improving voice function, as well as reducing postoperative swallowing discomfort and coughing.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2000037974) on 8th Sept 2020.