bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the connectivity between rhizosphere microbiomes and the plant genes: A way forward for sustainable increase in primary productivity
Authors: Fadiji Ayomide E. , Barmukh Rutwik , Varshney Rajeev K. , Singh Brajesh K.
Published: November 2023

The plant genome and its microbiome act together to enhance survival and promote host growth under various stresses. Plant microbiome plays an important role in plant productivity via a multitude of mechanisms including provision of nutrients and resistance against different biotic and abiotic factors. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for plant microbiome interactions remain largely unknown. Nevertheless, gaining a deeper understanding of the plant genetic traits driving microbiome recruitments and assembly holds the potential to greatly enhance our capacity to utilize the microbiome effectively, leading to sustainable improvements in agricultural productivity and produce quality. This article explores the mutual influence of specific plant genes in modulating the rhizosphere (area around plant roots) microbiome, and how this rhizosphere microbiome impacts the plant genes, ultimately enhancing plant health and productivity. It further examines the effects of various rhizosphere microbiota, including Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Azospirillum, Trichoderma spp., on plant development, immunology and the expression of host functional genes. We conclude that the adoption of a hologenomics approach (i.e., considering both the plant genome and the genomes of all microorganisms colonizing the plant) can significantly advance our understanding of plant resistance and resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses. This approach can offer improved solutions for agronomic challenges in the future. Furthermore, within this context, we identify key knowledge gaps within the discipline and propose frameworks that may be employed in the future to harness plant–microbial interactions effectively, leading to a sustainable increase in farm productivity.
The role of embodied scaffolding in revealing “enactive potentialities” in intergenerational science exploration
Authors: Nygren Minna O. , Price Sara , Thomas Jha Rhiannon
Published: November 2023

Although adults are known to play an important role in young children's development, little work has focused on the enactive features of scaffolding in informal learning settings, and the embodied dynamics of intergenerational interaction. To address this gap, this paper undertakes a microinteractional analysis to examine intergenerational collaborative interaction in a science museum setting. The paper presents a fine‐grained moment‐by‐moment analysis of video‐recorded interaction of children and their adult carers around science‐themed objects. Taking an enactive cognition perspective, the analysis enables access to subtle shifts in interactants’ perception, action, gesture, and movement to examine how young children engage with exhibits, and the role adult action plays in supporting young children's engagement with exhibits and developing ideas about science. Our findings demonstrate that intergenerational “embodied scaffolding” is instrumental in making “enactive potentialities” in the environment more accessible for children, thus deepening and enriching children's engagement with science. Adult action is central to revealing scientific dimensions of objects’ interaction and relationships in ways that expose novel types of perception and action opportunities in shaping science experiences and meaning making. This has implications for science education practices since it foregrounds not only “doing” science, through active hands‐on activities, but also speaks to the interconnectedness between senses and the role of the body in thinking. Drawing on the findings, this paper also offers design implications for informal science learning environments.
A legitimacy‐based view of the impact of government venture capital on startup innovation: Evidence from a transition economy
Authors: Devarakonda Ramakrishna , Liu Aqi
Published: November 2023

Research Summary

This study examines the role of government venture capital (GVC) on startup innovation in a transition economy context. Drawing on institutional theory, we advance a contextual view of GVC by proposing that GVC positively impacts the innovation of startups in transition economies by serving as a sociocognitive legitimating endorsement. Furthermore, our study offers a contingent framework by showing that GVC endorsement will be more meaningful for startups deficient in organizational sources of legitimacy, such as political ties and social prestige. Regression analyses using a longitudinal data of Chinese venture‐backed biopharma and medical device startups founded during 2002–2017 offer broad support for our theory about the sociocognitive legitimating role of GVC in transition economy contexts.

Managerial Summary

We explore the role of government venture capital (GVC) in promoting startup innovation within transition economies. In such contexts, where startups often face skepticism and legitimacy issues, our research reveals that GVC can play a crucial role by providing socio‐cognitive legitimacy. Our study suggests that this “state backing” enables transition economy startups to gain the trust of external knowledge resource holders, enhancing their innovation prospects. Our findings emphasize the significance of GVC as a means of active government intervention for fostering startup innovation, especially for startups deficient in other avenues of legitimacy. This insight is valuable for entrepreneurs and policymakers in transition economy contexts.
Flexible Ti3C2Tx MXene Bonded Bio‐Derived Carbon Fibers Support Tin Disulfide for Fast and Stable Sodium Storage
Authors: Wang Mingrui , Li Dongdong , Xu Hao , Wang Lili , Li Yilin , Li Guangshe , Li Junzhi , Han Wei
Published: November 2023

High energy density and flexible electrodes, which have high mechanical properties and electrochemical stability, are critical to the development of wearable electronics. In this work, a free‐standing MXene bonded SnS2 composited nitrogen‐doped carbon fibers (MXene/SnS2@NCFs) film is reported as a flexible anode for sodium‐ion batteries. SnS2 nanoparticles with high‐capacity properties are covalently decorated in bio‐derived nitrogen‐doped 1D carbon fibers (SnS2@NCFs) and further assembled with highly conductive MXene sheets. The addition of bacterial cellulose (BC) can further improve the flexibility of the film. The unique 3D structure of points, lines, and planes can not only offset the disadvantage of low conductivity of SnS2 nanoparticles but also expand the distance between MXene sheets, which is conducive to the penetration of electrolytes. More importantly, the MXene sheets and N‐doped 1D carbon fibers (NCFs) can accommodate the large volume expansion of SnS2 nanoparticles and trap polysulfide during the cycle. The MXene/SnS2@NCFs film exhibits better sodium storage and excellent rate performance compared to the SnS2@NCFs. The in situ XRD and ex situ (XRD, XPS, and HRTEM) techniques are used to analyze the sodiation process and to deeply study the reaction mechanism of the films. Finally, the quasi‐solid‐state full cells with MXene/SnS2@NCFs and Na3V2(PO4)3@carbon cloth (NVP@CC) fully demonstrate the application potential of the flexible electrodes.
Fused Cycloalkyl Unit‐Functionalized Tetradentate Pt(II) Complexes for Efficient and Narrow‐Emitting Deep Blue Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Cheong Kiun , Jo Unhyeok , Hong Wan Pyo , Lee Jun Yeob
Published: November 2023

A blue tetradentate Pt(II) complex named Pt‐tmCyCz is developed by introducing a cycloalkyl unit fused to carbazole to improve the rigidity and bulkiness of the complex. The introduction of the tetramethylcyclohexyl (tmCy) group results in a narrow full width at half maximum (FWHM), a high horizontal emitting dipole orientation, doping concentration resistant stable spectrum, and extremely small efficiency roll‐off, and little concentration quenching effect. Phosphorescent organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) doped with Pt‐tmCyCz achieve a high external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 21.5%, with a small EQE roll‐off of 3.8% up to 1000 cd m−2, a small FWHM of 24 nm, and a color coordinate of (0.132, 0.138). Moreover, Pt‐tmCyCz is investigated as a sensitizer in phosphor‐sensitized OLEDs using N7,N7,N13,N13,5,9,11,15‐octaphenyl‐5,9,11,15‐tetrahydro‐5,9,11,15‐tetraaza‐19b,20b‐diboradinaphtho[3,2,1‐de:1′,2′,3′‐jk]pentacene‐7,13‐diamine (νDABNA) as a terminal emitter. The Pt‐tmCyCz:νDABNA device achieves a high EQE of 33.9%, with a small EQE roll‐off of only 8.0% up to 1 000 cd m−2. The results demonstrate that fused tmCy group in carbazole can be an effective building block for the development of high‐performance Pt(II) complexes, which can be utilized as efficient phosphors or sensitizers in OLEDs.
Underlying Substrate Effect on Electrochemical Activity for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction with Low‐Platinum‐Loaded Catalysts
Authors: Muchharla Baleeswaraiah , Sushko Peter V. , Sadasivuni Kishor K. , Cao Wei , Tomar Akash , Elsayed–Ali Hani , Adedeji Adetayo , Karoui Abdennaceur , Spurgeon Joshua M. , Kumar Bijandra
Published: November 2023

Platinum is known as the best catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) but the scarcity and high cost of Pt limit its widespread applicability. Herein, the role of the underlying substrate on the HER activity of dispersed Pt atoms is uncovered. A direct current magnetron sputtering technique is utilized to deposit transition metal (TM) thin films of W, Ti, and Ta as underlying substrates for extremely low loading of Pt (<1.5 at%). The electrocatalytic performance of as‐synthesized samples for the HER is examined in both alkali and acidic media. The results show that despite the low loading of Pt, the Pt/TM catalysts produce hydrogen at a rate comparable to that of pristine bulk Pt. Pt/TM catalysts also display good stability with less than 5% decay in performance after 10 h of continuous HER operation. Based on the computational study, the excellent performance is attributed to the modified electronic properties of the Pt atoms, offering ideal binding energy for HER due to interaction with the underlying substrates. This work provides a robust and industry‐friendly route toward designing efficient catalytic systems for important electrochemical reactions such as HER and others.
Engineering systems analysis of mobility in Odawara city: New transportation services impacts on community engagement
Authors: Kimura Keiji , Moser Bryan R.
Published: November 2023

Local cities in Japan are struggling with aging and decreasing populations. Elderly people and parents with young children are uniquely challenged when accessing public transportation, a key to increasing their community engagement and improving local cities' sustainability. This research investigates the introduction of new transportation modes and fares on community engagement of both elderly people and parents of young children. An urban systems model which integrates mobility and civic functions is evaluated by agent‐based simulation to analyze various policies’ impacts on community engagement and financial performance. The model is applied to Odawara City, a typical local city of nearly 200,000 people in Japan. For this case study, two policies which strongly subsidize a community bus and partially subsidize a door‐to‐door van were predicted to generate 10% or greater engagement for the elderly without a financial loss compared to the current baseline case. More specifically, community engagement of elderly people and parents with young children are predicted to increase by 11% with positive (0.25 M yen) net present value per person when the fare of community buses is 100 yen and that of door‐to‐door vans is 300 yen. However, no synergistic effect driven by policies favoring elderly people and those favoring parents is found. Still, the measures to support elderly people's transportation accessibility do not harm the parents’ behavior but rather support their daily activities. The method is demonstrated to be useful for designing new mobility policy in light of a specific population with demographic residential distribution and existing transportation network.
Copper‐associated chronic hepatitis in Cavalier King Charles spaniels
Authors: Nivy Ran , Kuzi Sharon , Swinburne June , Constantino‐Casas Fernando , Gajanayake Isuru , Bruchim Yaron , Berkowitz Asaf , Watson Penny
Published: November 2023

Background

Copper‐associated chronic hepatitis (CuCH) is poorly characterised in Cavalier King Charles spaniels (CKCS).

Methods

Hepatic copper accumulation was qualitatively and quantitatively assessed, and blood samples were used for genetic testing to screen for known CuCH‐associated genetic variants.

Results

The study included 13 CKCS with CuCH and eight unaffected controls. Increased transaminase activities, elevated biliary enzyme concentrations and portal hypertension were documented in 100%, 73% and 38% of dogs with CuCH, respectively. Five dogs had three or more abnormalities in measures of liver function. All 11 dogs with CuCh that underwent genetic testing were homozygous negative for the COMMD1 deletion and ATP7A variant but homozygous positive (n = 7) or heterozygous (n = 4) for the ATP7B variant. Liver histology often demonstrated marked architectural distortion by severe, bridging fibrosis and regenerative nodules with lymphoplasmacytic inflammation. Centrilobular copper accumulation characterised early cases with minimal fibrosis. When fibrosis was significant, copper was often differentially concentrated within regenerative nodules. Chelation therapy resolved laboratory derangements and portal hypertension in five of seven dogs. Of the 7 non‐surviving dogs with CuCH, 6 had not received chelation therapy.

Limitations

Limitations include a small cohort size and the lack of pedigree analyses to corroborate heritability.

Conclusions

CuCH should be considered in CKCS with suspected liver disease. Long‐term prognosis seems favourable in dogs receiving chelation therapy, notwithstanding the presence of previously reported negative prognostic markers.
Seaweed as climate mitigation solution: Categorizing and reflecting on four climate mitigation pathways
Authors: van den Burg Sander W. K. , Koch Sophie J. I. , Poelman Marnix , Veraart Jeroen , Selnes Trond , Foekema Edwin M. , Lansbergen Romy
Published: November 2023

Global concerns about climate change were once again expressed at the COP27 in Sharm El‐Sheikh. Seaweed is frequently presented as a solution for climate mitigation. For a proper appraisal of its contribution to mitigating climate change, it is necessary to distinguish between, and critically scrutinize, the various pathways seaweed‐based climate mitigations can take. This article identifies four different climate mitigation pathways and critically reflects on each. First, carbon sequestration, occurring when grown seaweed is left in the seas or, second, purposefully sunk. Third, carbon emission reduction, resulting when seaweed‐based products replace products with a higher carbon footprint, either fossil based products or other organic material. Fourth, carbon emission avoidance, taking place when seaweed products are used to avoid greenhouse gas emissions in other production processes. Each of these pathways requires specific methods to quantify their magnitude and comes with critical questions to ask. The sequestration pathway requires monitoring of net carbon production and the amount of carbon that is eventually exported to the deep sea. Pathways 3 and 4 require Life Cycle Assessment and/or Carbon Footprint with system boundaries set to include the production system itself and installation thereof. We propose an unequivocal categorization in a belief that confusion on the benefits of seaweed will eventually impede development of seaweed‐based solutions.

This article is categorized under:

The Carbon Economy and Climate Mitigation > Benefits of Mitigation
Receptor for advanced glycation end‐products: Biological significance and imaging applications
Authors: Dobrucki Iwona T. , Miskalis Angelo , Nelappana Michael , Applegate Catherine , Wozniak Marcin , Czerwinski Andrzej , Kalinowski Leszek , Dobrucki Lawrence W.
Published: November 2023

The receptor for advanced glycation end‐products (RAGE or AGER) is a transmembrane, immunoglobulin‐like receptor that, due to its multiple isoform structures, binds to a diverse range of endo‐ and exogenous ligands. RAGE activation caused by the ligand binding initiates a cascade of complex pathways associated with producing free radicals, such as reactive nitric oxide and oxygen species, cell proliferation, and immunoinflammatory processes. The involvement of RAGE in the pathogenesis of disorders such as diabetes, inflammation, tumor progression, and endothelial dysfunction is dictated by the accumulation of advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs) at pathologic states leading to sustained RAGE upregulation. The involvement of RAGE and its ligands in numerous pathologies and diseases makes RAGE an interesting target for therapy focused on the modulation of both RAGE expression or activation and the production or exogenous administration of AGEs. Despite the known role that the RAGE/AGE axis plays in multiple disease states, there remains an urgent need to develop noninvasive, molecular imaging approaches that can accurately quantify RAGE levels in vivo that will aid in the validation of RAGE and its ligands as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging

Diagnostic Tools > Biosensing
Near complete quadriceps tendon healing 2 years following harvest in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Inoue Jumpei , Dadoo Sahil , Nukuto Koji , Özbek Emre Anil , Lesniak Bryson P. , Sprague Andrew L. , Irrgang James J. , Musahl Volker
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Despite the recent increase in the use of quadriceps tendon (QT) autograft in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR); however, there remains a paucity of literature evaluating the postoperative morphology of the QT. The present study aimed to determine the postoperative morphologic change of the QT at a minimum of 2 years following harvesting during ACLR.

Methods

Patients who underwent ACLR with QT autograft and underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at a minimum of 2 years following harvesting were retrospectively included in the study. The anterior‐to‐posterior (A–P) thickness, medial‐to‐lateral (M–L) width, cross‐sectional area (CSA), and signal/noise quotient (SNQ) of the QT were assessed at 5 mm, 15 mm, and 30 mm proximal to the superior pole of the patella on MRI. The CSA was adjusted by the angle between the QT and the plane of the axial cut based on a cosine function (adjusted CSA). The A–P thickness, M–L width, adjusted CSA, and SNQ were compared pre‐ and postoperatively. In addition, defects or scar tissue formation in the harvest site were investigated on postoperative MRI.

Results

Thirty patients were recruited for the study. The mean duration between postoperative MRI and surgery was 2.8 ± 1.1 years. The mean A–P thickness was 10.3% and 11.9% larger postoperatively at 5 mm and 15 mm, respectively. The mean M–L width was 7.3% and 6.5% smaller postoperatively at 5 mm and 15 mm, respectively. There were no significant differences in the adjusted CSA between pre‐ and post‐operative states (275.7 ± 71.6 mm2 vs. 286.7 ± 91.8 mm2, n.s.). There was no significant difference in the postoperative change in the SNQ of the QT at all assessment locations. Defect or scar tissue formation at the harvest site was observed in 4 cases (13.3%), and 5 cases (16.6%), respectively.

Conclusion

At a minimum of 2 years following QT harvest during ACLR, the QT became slightly thicker and narrower (approximately 11% and 7%, respectively). While the current study demonstrates that QT re‐harvesting can be considered due to nearly normalized tendon morphology, future histological and biomechanical studies are required to determine the re‐harvesting potential of the QT.

Level of evidence

IV.
The accessory heads of the quadriceps femoris muscle may affect the layering of the quadriceps tendon and potential graft harvest lengths
Authors: Olewnik Łukasz , Zielinska Nicol , Aragones Paloma , Ruzik Kacper , Paulsen Friedrich , Borowski Andrzej , LaPrade Robert F.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The aim of the study was to assess the quadriceps femoris system for the presence of additional layers.

Methods

One hundred and twenty‐eight lower limbs fixed in 10% formalin were examined.

Results

Five types of quadriceps tendon layering were found based on the accessory heads of the quadriceps muscle. Type I (55%)—represented by four heads and four layers, and it was something new because standard orthopaedic textbooks described quadriceps tendon as a structure composed of only three layers. Type II (27.4%)—the first four layers were the same as in Type 1, but the accessory tendon of the fifth head of the quadriceps femoris muscle had the deepest attachments. Type III (10.9%)—this type included 6 heads of quadriceps femoris. It consisted of five layers. Type IV (3.1%)—this type included 7 quadriceps femoris heads. This type consisted of only four layers. Type V (3.1%)—this type included 8 heads of the quadriceps femoris heads. This type consist of 5 layers.

Conclusion

The findings of this study provide a detailed anatomy of the quadriceps tendon including the accessory tendons of the accessory heads of the quadriceps tendon. The accessory heads of the quadriceps femoris muscle contribute to the layering of the quadriceps tendon. The second conclusion of this study is the development of safe distances depending on the types. Not all types are perfect for harvesting—Type IV seems to be the safest type, in turn Type V the most dangerous.
Bochner Laplacian and Bergman kernel expansion of semipositive line bundles on a Riemann surface
Authors: Marinescu George , Savale Nikhil
Published: November 2023

We generalize the results of Montgomery (Commun Math Phys 168:651–675, 1995) for the Bochner Laplacian on high tensor powers of a line bundle. When specialized to Riemann surfaces, this leads to the Bergman kernel expansion for semipositive line bundles whose curvature vanishes at finite order. The proof exploits the relation of the Bochner Laplacian on tensor powers with the sub-Riemannian (sR) Laplacian.
CD23-positive, BCL2-Rearrangement-negative Keimzentrumslymphome
Authors: Menter Thomas , Quintanilla-Martinez Leticia
Published: November 2023

Im Rahmen der Erkenntnis, dass die Gruppe der follikulären Lymphome als sehr heterogen anzusehen ist, wurde in den letzten Jahren eine Gruppe follikulärer Lymphome abgegrenzt, die sich durch ein oft diffuses Wachstum (ohne Ausbildung follikulärer Strukturen) sowie Expression von CD23 in den Lymphomzellen und das Fehlen der klassischen BCL2-Translokation auszeichnete. Weitere Merkmale sind eine bevorzugte inguinale Lokalisation der Lymphome sowie ein lokalisiertes Stadium mit einer guten Prognose. Genetisch zeichnet sich diese Lymphomgruppe durch eine hohe Rate an STAT6- beziehungsweise SOCS1-Mutationen aus.

Die ICC-Klassifikation trug dieser Entwicklung durch die Einführung der provisorischen Entität „CD23-positives, BCL2-Rearrangement-negatives Keimzentrumslymphom“ Rechnung. Weitere Studien müssen nun zeigen, wie genau sich diese Entität definieren lässt (Kombination aus Morphologie, immunhistochemischem Phänotyp, Fokus auf genetische Alterationen), um so den Weg hin zu einer einheitlichen Klassifikation und auch einer besseren klinischen Charakterisierung dieser Fälle – insbesondere auch im Hinblick auf die möglichen therapeutischen Optionen – zu ermöglichen.
Influence of water layer thickness on crater volume for nanosecond pulsed laser ablation of stainless steel
Authors: van der Linden S. , Hagmeijer R. , Römer G. R. B. E.
Published: November 2023

Under water laser ablation is a surface texturization method used to form micrometer-sized surface structures. Plasma confinement and cavitation bubble evolution play a critical role during the ablation process and their influence on material removal is strongly tied to liquid layer thickness. To influence the effects of these processes, such that material removal is at its maximum, an optimal layer thickness was found for various laser parameters. Specifically, for nanosecond pulsed laser ablation of stainless steel, however, the relation between layer thickness and volume removal is still unknown. Here, we show the relation between water layer thickness and removed material volume for a nanosecond pulsed laser. Results reveal that volume removal is at its maximum for a 1 mm water layer and drops by a factor of 2 when the layer thickness is increased to 2 mm. A further increase of layer thickness to 3 up to 10 mm shows a negligible effect on volume removal and removed volume amounts are shown to be similar to those obtained in ambient air in this water layer thickness range. This trend echo’s results obtained for nanosecond pulsed silicon ablation. The obtained results identify processing conditions which allow for faster and therefore more cost efficient texturization of stainless steel surfaces in the future.
Pleural drainage vs video-assisted thoracoscopic debridement in children affected by pleural empyema
Authors: Ratta Alberto , Nascimben Francesca , Angotti Rossella , Todesco Camilla , Carlini Veronica , Fusi Giulia , De Biagi Lorenzo , Straziuso Simona , Italiano Francesco , Domenichelli Vincenzo , Messina Mario , Molinaro Francesco
Published: November 2023

Background

Both thoracic drainage and video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) are available treatment for pleural empyema in pediatric patients.

Materials and methods

This retrospective multicenter study includes pediatric patients affected by pleural empyema treated from 2004 to 2021 at two Italian centers. Patients were divided in G1 (traditional approach) and G2 (VATS). Demographic and recovery data, laboratory tests, imaging, surgical findings, post-operative management and follow-up were analyzed.

Results

70 patients with a mean age of 4.8 years were included; 12 (17.1%) in G1 and 58 (82.9%) in G2. Median surgical time was 45 min in G1, 90 in G2 (p < 0.05). Mean duration of thoracic drainage was 7.3 days in G1, 6.2 in G2 (p > 0.05). Patients became afebrile after a mean of 6.4 days G1, 3.9 in G2 (p < 0.05). Mean duration of antibiotic therapy was 27.8 days in G1, 25 in G2 (p < 0.05). Mean duration of postoperative hospital stay was 16 days in G1, 12.1 in G2 (p < 0.05). There were 4 cases (33.3%) of postoperative complications in G1, 17 (29.3%) in G2 (p > 0.05). 2 (16.7%) patients of G1 needed a redosurgery with VATS, 1 (1.7%) in G2.

Conclusions

VATS is an effective and safe procedure in treatment of Pleural Empyema in children: it is associated to reduction of chest tube drainage, duration of fever, hospital stay, time of antibiotic therapy and recurrence rate.
Different techniques of adenoidectomy and its impact on middle ear pressure: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Seleim Ahmed Mohamed , Elsamnody Ahmed Nabil , Amer Ahmed Fawzy
Published: November 2023

Objectives

The aim of this work is to compare between different techniques of adenoidectomy: endoscopic microdebrider-assisted, coblation and conventional adenoidectomy and its effect on middle ear pressure.

Background

Adenoidectomy, either alone or with tonsillectomy, is considered among the most performed procedures in pediatric otorhinolaryngology. This procedure usually related to the Eustachian tube function and middle ear status. Eustachian tube dysfunction is mainly caused by mechanical obstruction of the tubal orifice, insufficient swallowing and inflammation in the nasopharyngeal mucosa.

Methods

This prospective randomized study was conducted on 90 patients with symptomatic adenoid hypertrophy confirmed by nasopharyngeal X-ray and endoscopic grading preoperatively. Patients were admitted at Otorhinolaryngology department of our institute during the period from January 2022 to January 2023. They were divided into three groups that were operated either by conventional (Group I), endoscopic microdebrider (Group II), or coblation technique (Group III). Each group was assessed through the audiometric parameters plus postoperative bleeding, and VAS results for pain score and postoperative endoscopic grading for adenoid recurrence.

Results

Mean age in group A was 9.03 years and in group B was 8.99 years and was 8.99 years in group C with insignificant differences between three groups. There is significant improvement of tympanographic results comparing all groups of the patients at 6 months postoperatively. There is significant relation between the mean VAS comparing preoperative and postoperative results.

Conclusion

There are better results in tympanographic data at conventional adenoidectomy versus other techniques. However, there are also better postoperative results after either coblation or endoscopic microdebrider adenoidectomy over the conventional technique.
Outcomes of cochlear implantation in Usher syndrome: a systematic review
Authors: Cornwall Hannah Louisa , Lam Chon Meng , Chaudhry Daoud , Muzaffar Jameel , Monksfield Peter , Bance Manohar L.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study is a systematic review of the literature which seeks to evaluate auditory and quality of life (QOL) outcomes of cochlear implantation in patients with Usher syndrome.

Methods

Systematic review of studies indexed in Medline via PubMed, Ovid EMBASE, Web of Science, CENTRAL and clinicaltrials.gov was performed up to March 9th 2022, conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement. Patient demographics, comorbidity, details of cochlear implantation, auditory, and QOL outcomes were extracted and summarized.

Results

33 studies reported over 217 cochlear implants in 187 patients with Usher syndrome, comprising subtypes 1 (56 patients), 2 (9 patients), 3 (23 patients), and not specified (99 patients). Auditory outcomes included improved sound detection, speech perception, and speech intelligibility. QOL outcomes were reported for 75 patients, with benefit reported in the majority.

Conclusions

Many patients with Usher syndrome develop improved auditory outcomes after cochlear implantation with early implantation being an important factor.
Cutting-edge technology and automation in the pathology laboratory
Authors: Munari Enrico , Scarpa Aldo , Cima Luca , Pozzi Matteo , Pagni Fabio , Vasuri Francesco , Marletta Stefano , Dei Tos Angelo Paolo , Eccher Albino
Published: November 2023

One of the goals of pathology is to standardize laboratory practices to increase the precision and effectiveness of diagnostic testing, which will ultimately enhance patient care and results. Standardization is crucial in the domains of tissue processing, analysis, and reporting. To enhance diagnostic testing, innovative technologies are also being created and put into use. Furthermore, although problems like algorithm training and data privacy issues still need to be resolved, digital pathology and artificial intelligence are emerging in a structured manner. Overall, for the field of pathology to advance and for patient care to be improved, standard laboratory practices and innovative technologies must be adopted. In this paper, we describe the state-of-the-art of automation in pathology laboratories in order to lead technological progress and evolution. By anticipating laboratory needs and demands, the aim is to inspire innovation tools and processes as positively transformative support for operators, organizations, and patients.
Thermodynamically consistent effective stress formulation for unsaturated soils across a wide range of soil saturation
Authors: Ghorbani Javad , Kodikara Jayantha
Published: November 2023

We outline an extension of Biot’s theory of dynamic wave propagation in fluid-saturated media, which can be used to model dynamic soil-structure interaction in frictionless conditions across a wide range of soil saturation levels. In this regard, we present a comprehensive analysis of experimental evidence, the thermodynamic, and the theoretical basis of using the degree of saturation as Bishop’s parameter in unsaturated soils. The analysis highlights the limitations of using this parameter to accurately model unsaturated soil behaviour, particularly as the soil approaches dryness. Based on the analysis, a new definition of effective stress is proposed, and the associated work-conjugate pairs are identified. Recommendations are made for constitutive modelling using the new definition of effective stress. Finally, we introduce a fully coupled finite element contact model that utilises the new effective stress definition. Through numerical examples, we demonstrate the model’s capability to control the vanishing capillary effect on soil-structure interaction as the soil dries.
Programs and processes for advancing pediatric acute kidney support therapy in hospitalized and critically ill children: a report from the 26th Acute Disease Quality Initiative (ADQI) consensus conference
Authors: Neumayr Tara M. , Bayrakci Benan , Chanchlani Rahul , Deep Akash , Morgan Jolyn , Arikan Ayse Akcan , Basu Rajit K. , Goldstein Stuart L. , Askenazi David J. ,   The ADQI 26 workgroup, Alobaidi Rashid , Bagshaw Sean M. , Barhight Matthew , Barreto Erin , Ray O. N. Bignall , Bjornstad Erica , Brophy Patrick , Charlton Jennifer , Conroy Andrea L. , Devarajan Prasad , Dolan Kristin , Fuhrman Dana , Gist Katja M. , Gorga Stephen M. , Greenberg Jason H. , Hasson Denise , Heydari Emma , Iyengar Arpana , Jetton Jennifer , Krawczeski Catherine , Meigs Leslie , Menon Shina , Morgan Catherine , Mottes Theresa , Ricci Zaccaria , Selewski David T. , Soranno Danielle , Stanski Natalja , Starr Michelle , Sutherland Scott M. , Symons Jordan , Tavares Marcelo , Vega Molly , Zappitelli Michael , Ronco Claudio , Mehta Ravindra L. , Kellum John , Ostermann Marlies
Published: November 2023

Pediatric acute kidney support therapy (paKST) programs aim to reliably provide safe, effective, and timely extracorporeal supportive care for acutely and critically ill pediatric patients with acute kidney injury (AKI), fluid and electrolyte derangements, and/or toxin accumulation with a goal of improving both hospital-based and lifelong outcomes. Little is known about optimal ways to configure paKST teams and programs, pediatric-specific aspects of delivering high-quality paKST, strategies for transitioning from acute continuous modes of paKST to facilitate rehabilitation, or providing effective short- and long-term follow-up. As part of the 26th Acute Disease Quality Initiative Conference, the first to focus on a pediatric population, we summarize here the current state of knowledge in paKST programs and technology, identify key knowledge gaps in the field, and propose a framework for current best practices and future research in paKST.
Necessary Codimension One Components of the Projection of the Jacobian Blow-Up
Authors: Massey David B.
Published: November 2023

For a complex analytic function, the exceptional divisor of the jacobian blow-up is of great importance. In this short paper, we show what a lemma from the thesis of Lazarsfeld tells one about the structure of the projections of this exceptional divisor into the base space.
Scans per day as predictors of optimal glycemic control in people with type 1 diabetes mellitus using flash glucose monitoring: what number of scans per day should raise a red flag?
Authors: Sebastian-Valles Fernando , Martínez-Alfonso Julia , Arranz Martin Jose Alfonso , Jiménez-Díaz Jessica , Hernando Alday Iñigo , Navas-Moreno Victor , Armenta Joya Teresa , Fandiño García Maria del Mar , Román Gómez Gisela Liz , Lander Lobariñas Luis Eduardo , Martinez de Icaya Purificación , Sampedro-Nuñez Miguel Antonio , Martínez-Vizacaíno Vicente , Marazuela Mónica
Published: November 2023

Aims

This study aimed to determine the minimum frequency of flash glucose monitoring (FGM) scans necessary for optimal glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Methods

Data were collected from 692 patients (47.5% female, with a median age of 47.4 years) who used FGM systems daily and recorded their clinical variables and device data.

Results

Logistic regression models showed that performing more than 12 scans per day was associated with improved T1D control (OR = 4.22, p < 0.001) and a reduction in HbA1c (7.6 vs 7.0%, 60–53 mmol/mol p < 0.001). However, those performing less than 6 scans showed no improvement in HbA1c (7.9 vs 7.8%, 63–61 mmol/mol p = 0.514). Thirteen daily scans were determined as the optimal cutoff point for predicting optimal glycemic control using a maximally selected rank algorithm. Significant reductions were observed in mean glucose (< 0.001), coefficient of variation (< 0.001), HbA1c (< 0.001), and an increase in TIR (< 0.001) in patients who performed more than 12 daily scans.

Conclusions

The results suggest that a higher frequency of daily scans by T1D patients using FGM systems leads to improved chronic glycemic control. The minimum recommended frequency for optimal control is 13 scans per day, and more than 6 daily scans are needed to improve HbA1c.
Cardiovascular risk knowledge and related behaviors among youths: a cross-sectional study in a sample of Italian undergraduates
Authors: Cammalleri Vittoria , Zanni Stefano , Gallè Francesca , Marotta Daniela , Valeriani Federica , Liguori Giorgio , Romano Spica Vincenzo , Vitali Matteo , Protano Carmela
Published: November 2023

Aim

A great number of individual and environmental risk factors have been identified for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). In the perspective of CVD prevention, people’s awareness and risk perception about these factors is fundamental. This cross-sectional study was performed to analyse the undergraduates’ knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors and to highlight possible associations between knowledge and adoption of health-related behaviors.

Subject and methods

During the years 2021 and 2022, a web-based questionnaire was administered to students from three Italian universities in order to collect their socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics and assess knowledge about a set of factors related with CVDs.

Results

A total of 744 students (mean age 23.9±5.4, 62.5% F) participated in the survey. Nearly 90% of the sample identified correctly the most common factors associated with CVDs, while lower proportions identified the association with the remaining proposed factors, especially the environmental ones. Better knowledge was mainly associated with greater age and attendance of a healthcare-related degree course. No correlations were found between knowledge and healthy behaviors.

Conclusion

Information programs about CVD risk and how it can be controlled should be offered to this target population.
Equilibria in an accelerated three-body problem
Authors: McInnes Colin R.
Published: November 2023

The general three-body problem is investigated with the addition of a fixed external force applied to one of the masses. It is firstly demonstrated that the centre-of-mass of the three-body system accelerates. Then, it is demonstrated that only a single, unstable, collinear equilibrium solution exits in the accelerating frame. While unstable, it is also demonstrated that this single equilibrium configuration is in principle controllable using additional control accelerations distributed between the masses. Potential applications of such an accelerated collinear equilibrium configuration are discussed for the active manoeuvring of chains of small asteroids for space resource utilisation.
How Far does Prison Punishment Extend? Re-entry Processes in the Digitalised Society
Authors: Brottveit Gudrun , Fransson Elisabeth
Published: November 2023

This article questions how far punishment extends in a digitalised society, focusing on the complexities in relation to prison release and re-entry processes for people who have served a long prison sentence. Drawing on Gilles Deleuze’s concept of “societies of control” and Nils Christie’s concepts of “dense and loose societies,” the article discusses re-entry within the context of the Norwegian digitalised society. Through person-centred, multi-site fieldwork, the analysis identifies three types of complexities regarding re-entry processes. The first is how small and unforeseen events can reset the time of release from prison. The second is how digital gatekeepers in public welfare services create obstacles in the re-entry process. The third is how the possibility of online tracking and monitoring provides new forms of social control and pain after release, which creates an environment where a person’s criminal past affects his or her everyday life. This article challenges binary scientific understandings between the inside and the outside of prison and provides insights into the processes of how digital punishment and new forms of control occur in digitalised society. In this way, the article analytically contributes to the discussion of how the normative demand of being a free person after completing sentences in Norwegian criminal policy has been further complicated in a digitalised society.
Opaque Grounding and Grounding Reductionism
Authors: Rydéhn Henrik
Published: November 2023

This article aims to contribute to the largely neglected issue of whether metaphysical grounding – the relation of one fact’s obtaining in virtue of the obtaining of some other (or others) – can be given a reductive account. I introduce the notion of metaphysically opaque grounding, a form of grounding which constitutes a less metaphysically intimate connection than in standard cases. I then argue that certain important and interesting views in metaphysics are committed to there being cases of opaque grounding and demonstrate that four representative accounts of grounding available in the literature are unable to accommodate such cases. This is argued to constitute a problem for those accounts that is likely to extend to other possible reductive accounts of grounding that employ the popular strategy of explaining grounding in terms of other hyperintensional phenomena. Unless the reductionist is willing to opt for some sophisticated modalist account, the possibility of opaque grounding cases thus provides indirect support for primitivism about grounding, a view that has previously been widely embraced but rarely supported by argument.
Activity Budget and Sociality of the Northern Lesser Galago, Galago senegalensis
Authors: Ellison Grace , Jones Martin , Cain Bradley , Bettridge Caroline M.
Published: November 2023

Complex sociality in primates often is argued to have evolved after the appearance of diurnal activity. Studying the behaviour of nocturnal primates is fundamental to understanding the evolutionary origins of primate behaviour and ecology, yet much less is known about the nature of sociality in nocturnal primate species than their diurnal counterparts. We investigated group size, communication, and social interactions in free-ranging, Northern lesser galagos (Galago senegalensis) and present an activity budget and assessment of temporal variation in their behaviour. We collected continuous behavioural data using focal follows at three different stages of the night from individuals at Kwakuchinja, Northern Tanzania. We also collected group size data from Northern lesser galagos at Fongoli, Southeastern Senegal, and Lolldaiga Hills Ranch, Central Kenya. We categorised behaviours and, where sample sizes permitted, used Kruskal–Wallis tests to compare the durations of observed behaviours between the morning (pre-dawn), evening (from dusk), and later in the night. We analysed 140 focal follows (31.4 h of continuous behavioural data) and found that the proportion of time spent foraging, inactive, in locomotion, in self-maintenance, and vigilant, varied across the three stages of the night; galagos spent a great deal of their time inactive in the morning and foraging was more prevalent in the evening. Group size at Kwakuchinja was significantly larger than at Fongoli or LHR. Galagos were in groups of two or more in the majority of encounters at Kwakuchinja (55%; N = 76), rather than alone, but spent most of their nighttime activity alone at Fongoli (79%; N = 185) and LHR (80%; N = 142). Overall vocalisation rates were higher in the morning than other times throughout the night, although contact calls were relatively more frequent in the evening than other times. We recorded both affiliative and agonistic social interactions, but these contributed almost nothing to the overall activity budget. Our preliminary investigation into the social structure of Northern lesser galagos suggests that there are population differences in sociality and that overall, they connect more through vocalisations than through direct social interactions, thereby avoiding some of the potential costs associated with group-living. This variation in social organization suggests that we have more to learn about the drivers of sociality in nocturnal primates and the nature of their social structure.
Parental Mental Illness in the Family Courts: A Scoping Review
Authors: Holford Taegan A. , Reupert Andrea E. , Tchernegovski Phillip , Rhoades Helen
Published: November 2023

Separations that occur in the family courts are often characterised by high conflict and lengthy proceedings. For parents with a mental illness, the court can offer additional barriers which may lead to less time with their children and mental distress. This study aimed to (a) identify and critique research relating to parental mental illness in the family courts and (b) understand the experiences of parents with a mental illness who engage with the family courts in parenting matters. This scoping review was conducted on five databases (CINAHL, HeinOnline, ProQuest, PsycInfo and Scopus) following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The search yielded 5392 unique articles, 12 of which met criteria and were included in this review. These articles included qualitative, quantitative and mixed method studies from family courts located in several countries. Through thematic analysis, four themes were constructed, (1) Actual and perceived influence of parental mental illness on outcomes, (2) Family violence and the courts, (3) The impact of the legal process on parents who have a mental illness, and (4) Supports for parents with a mental illness. The results indicate that parents with a mental illness face many obstacles that impact their ability to engage in the court processes and the outcomes of parenting cases. There were, however, many gaps within the current research. Limitations of the current research and directions for future research in parental mental illness in the family courts are offered.