bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical and Optical Properties of N,S-Codoped Carbon Quantum Dots Derived from Cigarette Butts for Mercury Ions Detection
Authors: Bahtiar Ayi , Saputra Rezki Nugraha , Setianto
Published: October 2022

The accumulation of mercury metal ion (Hg2+) in polluted river water is a problem in the emergence of various diseases in humans, because it is accumulated in drinks and food eaten every day. Therefore, the development of an accurate, sensitive, efficient and convenient method is very important to detect the content of metal mercury ions in polluted water. In this study, Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs) was made simultaneously doped with Nitrogen (N) and Sulphur (S) atoms, so called N,-S codoped CQDs for the application of mercury metal ion sensors in polluted water. CQDs were prepared from wasted cigarette butts, which contain cellulose acetate as a source of carbon and nicotine as N-atoms source. The preparation of carbon solutions precursors were made by two ways of treatments namely put wasted cigarette filters/butts with water for 6-12 months (precursor I) and atomic S doping was done by adding sulfuric acid (H2SO4) with a volume-percentage of 0, 10% and 20% in water. The second treatment was carried out through the washing of wasted cigarette filter with sulfuric acid solution with a volume percentage of 20% sulfuric acid in water (precursor II). CQDs were prepared by use of hydrothermal method at 180°C for 6 hours. The synthesized solution was neutralized with sodium carbonate (Na2CO3). The solution was then centrifuged at 10,000 rpm for 15 minutes and filtered with a 0.22 µm microsyringe filter. The result of solution is a transparent and turns into blue when irradiated by a 365 nm UV laser, which indicates that CQDs has been formed. The FTIR results of the CQDs solution without S doping showed the presence of groups containing N atoms, namely at wave numbers 1417 cm-1 (C–N), 1540 cm-1 (CON–H), 1650 cm-1 (C=N/C=O). This means that N-doped CQDs have been formed. The C–S functional group was identified at a wave number of 1361 cm-1 in the S atom-doped CQDs. The HR-TEM images showed that the CQDs had a size less than 10 nm, and the distance between graphene crystals plane is in the range of 0.22-0.28 nm. The absorption spectra of the CQDs are ranging from 200 nm to 350 nm. S atom doping does not affect the absorbance spectrum significantly. The CQDs without S-atom doping has a PL spectrum from 300 nm to 800 nm with an emission peak of 417 nm. While, the N,-S codoped CQDs have a PL emission peak at 404 nm. The addition of doping from 10% to 20% did not change the peak emission wavelength. The CQDs sizes, optical properties and FTIR spectra of N, S-codoped CQDs show no significant difference when were prepared from precursor I and precursor II. This shows that the preparation of N, S co-doped CQDs can be produced much faster by washing cigarette butts directly with sulfuric acid prior to hydrothermal process as compared to precursor I which needs 6-12 months.
The Effects of Surfactant on the Stability of SiO2 nanofluid Prepared by Bead-milling Method
Authors: Raihanah Nadhifa , Solihudin  , Rukiah
Published: October 2022

Typical nanofluid containing metal or non-metallic nanoparticles dispersed in water with high surface energy. This condition causes aggregation and leads to the instability of the nanofluid dispersion in media. The inclusion of surfactants during the bead-milling process can increase the amount of dispersion stability of nanofluids with bigger particle sizes. The aim of this study was to determine the optimum surfactant in stabilizing SiO2 nanofluid and investigate the effect of surfactant addition during the bead-milling process since the effect of different types of surfactant in the bead mill remains unclear and varied. The sol-gel method was used to synthesize SiO2 particles from waterglass. The preparation of SiO2 nanofluid began with screening surfactants to determine the optimum surfactant concentration. Then, the SiO2 nanofluid was prepared by using a bead mill with the addition of the surfactant. The Zeta potential analysis and particle size analyzer (PSA) were used to visualize the dispersion stability of all the prepared nanofluid samples. The results showed that adding 0.1 weight percent of PEG 6000 as a nonionic surfactant increased the stability of the dispersion, producing an average particle distribution of 502.7 nm and a zeta potential of -48.9 mV. The average value of particle size can be reduced using bead mill down to 241.7 nm (aggregate size) with 39.8 nm primary particle resulting in -45 mV zeta potential.
Nonlinear polarization effect of functionalized graphene quantum dots
Authors: Setianto  , Joni I Made
Published: October 2022

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are nanoscale structures of graphene with quantum properties and edge effects that give photoluminescence properties. The effect of quantum confinement and differences in the nature of GQD structure makes its optical characteristics highly dependent on the size of the structure. This study explains a few exploratory semi-empirical calculations of nonlinear polarization properties of functionalized GQD (fGQD) three-dimensionally. Based on this, the calculation of the linear polarization and first hyperpolarization was performed by the finite field method, which is based on the expansion of the energy and dipole moment. As a result, the fGQD molecule dominantly has high optical nonlinear properties as indicated by the high β values (71 to 4488 a.u.). In general, the first hyperpolarizabilities have a linear relationship with the dipole moments. It was potentially used for the second harmonic imaging microscopy (SHIM) application.
Effect of SiO2 Content on Photocatalytic Activities of ZnO/Ag/SiO2 Nanocomposites Prepared by Spray Pyrolysis
Authors: Riwayati I. , Winardi S. , Madhania S. , Machmudah S. , Shimada M. , Kusdianto K.
Published: October 2022

Spray pyrolysis is a method for preparing nanocomposite materials in the gas phase. Due to the ease with which the temperature in the furnace can be controlled, this method can produce more uniform nanoparticle sizes. This method can be used to synthesize ZnO nanoparticles. Additionally, due to the photocatalytic properties of the synthesized particles, they are used to decompose synthetic dye waste. Due to electron-hole recombination, ZnO’s photocatalytic properties are limited. A doping process with various metals was used to enhance the photocatalytic properties of ZnO nanoparticles. Ag is one of these metals. The addition of Ag metal to ZnO nanoparticles results in the formation of nanocomposites with preferable photocatalytic properties. However, the addition of Ag results in the aggregation of the obtained particles. As a result, the ZnO particles must be trapped in a matrix (for example, SiO2) to inhibit particle growth. This research aims to determine the effect of the SiO2 composition on the characteristics and photocatalytic properties of ZnO/Ag/SiO2 nanocomposite synthesized via spray pyrolysis. SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) analysis was used to determine the morphology of the nanocomposites, XRD (X-ray Diffraction) analysis was used to determine the purity and degree of crystallization, FTIR (Fourier-transform Infrared) analysis was used to determine the functional groups, and UV-Vis Spectrophotometer analysis was used to determine the photocatalytic characteristics. According to the analysis results, the optimal photocatalytic activity was obtained at 1% SiO2, with a degradation rate of up to 47% of methylene blue and a rate constant (k) of 0.0086 L/min under UV light irradiation.
Sales Expense Strategies for Competitive Pricing of Industrial Building System (IBS) Components
Authors: Aziz N. D. , Ishak M.F. , Omardin M. A. , Zulkiple A. , Mohamed Y.
Published: October 2022

The pandemic situation demand the construction player need to consider to re-evaluate architecture design. The issue of shortage of skilled workers due pandemic and method of traditional construction involving longer period and close contact among labours questioned in many countries. Therefore, industrial building system (IBS) or modular construction involves using pre-made modules created in a factory and brought to construction sites for assembly is one of method is recommended to overcome the issue during pandemic period. Nevertheless, The Malaysian IBS manufacturing player faced the difficult to achieve economies of scale due to higher capital cost and this problem caused by high operational cost in manufacturing. In marketing a product, sales expense is crucial to ensuring that a product can be sold in large quantities. In this study, sales expense variables among the established the cost control parameter required by IBS manufacturer that seeking for lower and stable market prices will be discuss in detail. To achieve the study objective. Thus, in this study, six (6) case studies from reliable data in the theme competitive pricing will be selected in this quantitative study. In a nutshell, this study explores China’s perception in term of competitive pricing of IBS components as per recommendation by many scholars. Using semi structure measurement instrument, the recorded data gained in this study later, transcribed using Atlas. Ti software. Also, the study is expected might help the Malaysian IBS manufacturer to realise the sales-related expenses strategies that need to be invested that might boost IBS demand in their enterprises.
In vitro reconstitution of the hormone-responsive testicular organoids from murine primary testicular cells
Authors: Yang Yan , Huang Rufei , Cao Zhen , Ma Siying , Chen Derong , Wang Zhaoyang , Feng Yuqing , Lei Yaling , Zhang Qihao , Huang Yadong
Published: October 2022

Increasing rates of male infertility require more experimental models to understand the mechanisms underlying male infertility. In vitro organoids hold unprecedented promise for this purpose; however, the development of organoids with tissue architecture similar to that of the testis in vivo remains a challenge. Here, we generated testicular organoids derived from testicular cells by combining a hanging drop culture and a rotation culture system. Our results indicated that testicular cells could self-assemble into spheroid organoids with tubule-like structures in hanging drop culture. The organoids can subsequently be cultured and maintained in a rotation culture system. These established organoids have gene expression profiles similar to those of adult testis tissue, produce testosterone with preserved gonadotropin responsiveness, and exhibit sensitivity to reproductive toxicants. More importantly, each testicular organoid can be generated from only 2000 cells, and they maintain their proliferative ability after freezing and thawing. These features make it possible to obtain fresh primary testis cells from testicular biopsies taken from patients or endangered wild species, and to build individual-specific biobanks. These findings will help enable the exploration of self-organization process of testicular cells and provide an experimental model for reproductive biology research, pharmacotoxicology testing, and regenerative medicine.
Best possibility of the Fatou-Shishikura inequality for transcendental entire functions in the Speiser class
Authors: Kisaka Masashi , Naba Hiroto
Published: October 2022

The Speiser class

S
S

is the set of all entire functions with finitely many singular values. Let

S
q

⊂
S

S_q\subset S

be the set of all transcendental entire functions with exactly

q
q

distinct singular values. The Fatou-Shishikura inequality for

f
∈

S
q

f\in S_q

gives an upper bound

q
q

of the sum of the numbers of its Cremer cycles and its cycles of immediate attractive basins, parabolic basins, and Siegel disks. In this paper, we show that the inequality for

f
∈

S
q

f\in S_q

is best possible in the following sense: For any combination of the numbers of these cycles which satisfies the inequality, some

T
∈

S
q

T\in S_q

realizes it. In our construction,

T
T

is a structurally finite transcendental entire function.
Deep Neural Networks for Fine-Grained Surveillance of Overdose Mortality
Authors: Ward Patrick J , Young April M , Slavova Svetla , Liford Madison , Daniels Lara , Lucas Ripley , Kavuluru Ramakanth
Published: October 2022

Surveillance of drug overdose deaths relies on death certificates for identification of the substances that caused death. Drugs and drug classes can be identified through the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10), codes present on death certificates. However, ICD-10 codes do not always provide high levels of specificity in drug identification. To achieve more fine-grained identification of substances on death certificate, the free-text cause-of-death section, completed by the medical certifier, must be analyzed. Current methods for analyzing free-text death certificates rely solely on lookup tables for identifying specific substances, which must be frequently updated and maintained. To improve identification of drugs on death certificates, a deep-learning named-entity recognition model was developed, utilizing data from the Kentucky Drug Overdose Fatality Surveillance System (2014–2019), which achieved an F1-score of 99.13%. This model can identify new drug misspellings and novel substances that are not present on current surveillance lookup tables, enhancing the surveillance of drug overdose deaths.
Heart rate control and haemodynamic improvement with ivabradine in cardiogenic shock patient on mechanical circulatory support
Authors: Colombo Costanza N J , Dammassa Valentino , Klersy Catherine , Camporotondo Rita , Pellegrini Carlo , Mojoli Francesco , Tavazzi Guido
Published: October 2022

Aims

Cardiogenic shock (CS) is a life-threatening condition due to primary cardiac dysfunction. First-line therapy involves drug administration (including inotropes and/or vasopressors) up to mechanical circulatory support. Tachycardia is a frequent compensatory mechanism in response to hypotension and low cardiac output or a side effect related to inotropic drugs. Ivabradine selectively acts on the IKf channel in the sinoatrial node to reduce sinus heart rate without affecting inotropism. Its use, in small non-randomized series of patients with CS without mechanical circulatory support, was safe and well tolerated.

Methods and results

We present the use of ivabradine in six patients with CS undertaking veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) and a matched cohort of selected patients with similar features who did not receive ivabradine. Data regarding haemodynamic and echocardiographic monitoring, oxygenation, renal function, mechanical circulatory support, inotropes, and vasopressors doses were collected before (t0), at 12 (t1), 24 (t2), and 48 (t3) h after ivabradine administration. Ivabradine administration led to a significant heart rate reduction of 20.83 [95% confidence interval (CI) −27.2 to −14.4] b.p.m. (<0.01). Echo-derived left ventricular native stroke volume (SV) significantly increased by +7.83 (95% CI 4.74–10.93) mL (P < 0.001) with a parallel reduction of VA-ECMO support [−170 (95% CI −225.05 to −114.95)]. Noradrenaline was down-titrated over the observation period in all patients (P = 0.016).

Conclusion

A significant reduction in heart rate was observed after ivabradine administration. This was associated with a native ventricular SV improvement allowing the reduction of extracorporeal flow support and vasopressors administration.
Alternate Growth Forms Can Protect Climate-Threatened Trees from Freezing Stressors
Authors: Buma Brian
Published: October 2022

Climate change creates a variety of novel stressors for species, such as a decline in snowpack. Loss of snow has many impacts, including the loss of thermal insulation of soils. Winter/spring freezing of soils has been tied to forest mass mortality in multiple locations around the world. Many species, however, can take alternative growth forms, such as tall tree forms and short shrub-like forms. Shrub-forms may provide a unique protection from the snow loss phenomenon by providing a similar thermal insulation as snowpack. That hypothesis is tested here using yellow-cedar, a species undergoing mass mortality due to snow loss. Temperature loggers were placed under both tree- and shrub-form cedars, including areas where the species was experimentally removed. The number of soil freezing days was high in open areas, areas of tree mortality, and where the shrub-form was removed, but was almost zero in areas where the shrub-form was left intact. This suggests that growth-form temperature moderation is possible and may provide an important resistance to the mortality mechanism. In other areas around the world where snow loss is resulting in soil freezing and mortality, growth forms should be investigated as a potential moderating mechanism for this particular climate change stress.
Accelerometer-Measured Latent Physical Activity Profiles and Neurocognition Among Middle-Aged and Older Hispanic/Latino Adults in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)
Authors: Vásquez Priscilla M , Tarraf Wassim , Chai Albert , Doza Adit , Sotres-Alvarez Daniela , Diaz Keith M , Zlatar Zvinka Z , Durazo-Arvizu Ramon A , Gallo Linda C , Estrella Mayra L , Vásquez Elizabeth , Evenson Kelly R , Khambaty Tasneem , Thyagarajan Bharat , Singer Richard H , Schneiderman Neil , Daviglus Martha L , González Hector M
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Derive latent profiles of accelerometry-measured moderate–vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for Hispanic/Latino adults, examine associations between latent MVPA profiles and neurocognition, and describe profiles via self-reported MVPA.

Methods

Complex survey design methods were applied to cross-sectional data from 7,672 adults ages 45–74 years in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL; 2008–2011). MVPA was measured via hip-worn accelerometers. Latent profile analysis was applied to derive latent MVPA profiles (minutes/day of week). Neurocognition was assessed with the Brief-Spanish English Verbal Learning Test (B-SEVLT) Sum, B-SEVLT Recall, Controlled Oral Word Association Test (word fluency), and Digit Symbol Substitution (DSS) test. All tests were z-scored, and a global neurocognition score was generated by averaging across scores. Survey linear regression models were used to examine associations between latent MVPA profiles and neurocognitive measures. Self-reported MVPA domains were estimated (occupational, transportation, and recreational) for each latent profile.

Results

Four latent MVPA profiles from the overall adult target population (18–74 years) were derived and putatively labeled: No MVPA, low, moderate, and high. Only the high MVPA profile (compared to moderate) was associated with lower global neurocognition. Sensitivity analyses using latent MVPA profiles with only participants aged 45–74 years showed similar profiles, but no associations between latent MVPA profiles and neurocognition. The occupational MVPA domain led in all latent MVPA profiles.

Discussion

We found no consistent evidence to link accelerometry-measured MVPA profiles to neurocognitive function. Research to better characterize the role of high occupational MVPA in relation to neurocognition among Hispanic/Latino adults are needed.
Persistent differences in recruitment variability among co-occurring North Atlantic groundfish species
Authors: Johannesen Edda , Keith Dave , Fogarty Michael J , Shackell Nancy , Frank Kenneth T
Published: October 2022

Knowledge of recruitment and its variability in marine fish populations contributes to sustainable fisheries but a full understanding remains elusive. An earlier study showed that haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) stocks exhibited consistently higher variability and lower reproductive rates compared to cod (Gadus morhua) stocks in the geographic regions where they co-occurred. Thus, cod may have a higher resilience to overexploitation, whereas haddock stocks may be more likely to be rescued by chance strong recruitments events. Since that initial study, the ecosystems and stocks have experienced large structural and functional changes, as well as changes in management practice and ocean warming. Here, we updated the previous earlier analysis with new data and found that despite large changes in the ecosystems explored, the patterns of recruitment variability have persisted. Recruitment variability remains higher in haddock than in cod, and the maximum annual reproduction rate at low spawning stock biomass (SSB) remains higher in cod than in haddock, although the latter difference is now less pronounced. Despite the economic and ecological importance of cod and haddock, and their long history of scientific scrutiny, the persistent difference in their reproductive biology remains unexplained.
Sequence Divergence and Retrotransposon Insertion Underlie Interspecific Epigenetic Differences in Primates
Authors: Hirata Mayu , Ichiyanagi Tomoko , Katoh Hirokazu , Hashimoto Takuma , Suzuki Hikaru , Nitta Hirohisa , Kawase Masaki , Nakai Risako , Imamura Masanori , Ichiyanagi Kenji
Published: October 2022

Changes in the epigenome can affect the phenotype without the presence of changes in the genomic sequence. Given the high identity of the human and chimpanzee genome sequences, a substantial portion of their phenotypic divergence likely arises from epigenomic differences between the two species. In this study, the transcriptome and epigenome were determined for induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) generated from human and chimpanzee individuals. The transcriptome and epigenomes for trimethylated histone H3 at lysine-4 (H3K4me3) and at lysine-27 (H3K27me3) showed high levels of similarity between the two species. However, there were some differences in histone modifications. Although such regions, in general, did not show significant enrichment of interspecies nucleotide variations, gains in binding motifs for pluripotency-related transcription factors, especially POU5F1 and SOX2, were frequently found in species-specific H3K4me3 regions. We also revealed that species-specific insertions of retrotransposons, including the LTR5_Hs subfamily in human and a newly identified LTR5_Pt subfamily in chimpanzee, created species-specific H3K4me3 regions associated with increased expression of nearby genes. Human iPSCs have more species-specific H3K27me3 regions, resulting in more abundant bivalent domains. Only a limited number of these species-specific H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 regions overlap with species-biased enhancers in cranial neural crest cells, suggesting that differences in the epigenetic state of developmental enhancers appear late in development. Therefore, iPSCs serve as a suitable starting material for studying evolutionary changes in epigenome dynamics during development.
An Analysis of the Group Bases of British Politics: 1983–2019
Authors: Farrer By Benjamin D , Zingher Joshua N
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we address two questions: (i) what were the group bases of the British electoral coalitions? And (ii) how have these group bases of support changed in the past decades? We determine which social group memberships significantly influence vote choice by using British Election Study data. We then incorporate demographic data to measure how many votes each social group contributed at each general election from 1983 to 2019. We find that the Labour Party has been obtaining fewer votes from union members and manual labourers, primarily due to shrinking group size and declining turnout. Yet, it is attracting more support from university graduates and ethnic minorities—groups growing in relative size. The Conservatives attract more votes from whites, homeowners and Anglicans. These groups are shrinking as a share of the population, but turn out at rates higher than the national average. Overall, our analysis reveals the changing cleavage structures in British politics.
Marketization, Regulation, and Equality: Towards an Analytical Framework for Understanding the Equality Impact of Public Procurement
Authors: Sarter E K
Published: October 2022

With the rise of the regulatory welfare state, public procurement gained increasing importance as a tool for the regulation of wages and working conditions and a lever for promoting equality. Yet, despite growing attention to and understanding of public procurement’s relation to equality, existing knowledge remains fragmented. An analytical framework that captures and systematizes the multifaceted interaction between public procurement and equality is still missing. Focusing on conditions of purchasing and obligations set as part of the procurement processes, this article explores the way in which public procurement processes generate equality impacts first through stipulations and practices which are not explicitly linked to equality but generate equality impacts, and second through proactive measures designed to foster equality. It argues that a holistic understanding of public procurement’s equality impact needs to take account of the individual combination of features.
A rubric for assessing mathematical modelling problems in a scientific-engineering context
Authors: Kohen Zehavit , Gharra-Badran Yasmin
Published: October 2022

Mathematics modelling is a vital competency for students of all ages. In this study, we aim to fill the research gap about valid and reliable tools for assessing and grading mathematical modeling problems, particularly those reflecting multiple steps of the modelling cycle. We present in this paper the design of a reliable and valid assessment tool aimed at gauging the level of mathematical modelling associated with real-world modeling problems in a scientific-engineering context. The study defines and bases the central modelling processes on the proficiency levels identified in PISA Mathematics. A two-dimensional rubric was developed, reflecting the combined assessment of the type and level of a modelling process. We identified criteria that enable a clear comparison and differentiation among the different levels across each of the modelling processes. These criteria allow for concrete theoretical definitions for the various modelling processes, introducing a well-defined mathematical modelling framework from a didactical viewpoint, which can potentially contribute to promoting modelling competencies or the understanding of modelling by teachers and students. Theoretical, methodological and practical implications are discussed.
Visceral leishmaniasis and HIV coinfection in Brazil: epidemiological profile and spatial patterns
Authors: Graepp-Fontoura Iolanda , Barbosa David Soeiro , Fontoura Volmar Morais , Guerra Rosane Nassar Meireles , Melo Solange de Araújo , Fernandes Maria Neyrian de Fátima , Costa Perpetua do Socorro Silva , Maciel Sergiane Maia , Goiabeira Yara Andrade , Santos Floriacy Stabnow , Santos-Neto Marcelino , Hunaldo dos Santos Leonardo , Serra Maria Aparecida Alves de Oliveira , Abreu-Silva Ana Lúcia
Published: October 2022

Background

Geographical overlap of human visceral leishmaniasis (HVL) and HIV infection favors occurrences of HVL/HIV coinfection. The increasing numbers of cases of HVL/HIV coinfection are a worldwide concern and knowledge of the factors involved can help in developing preventive measures.

Methods

We aimed to identify spatial patterns and describe the epidemiological profile of HVL/HIV coinfection in Brazil from 2007 to 2015. This was an ecological study, in which thematic maps were created through geoprocessing tools, based on secondary data obtained from open-access platforms, to identify priority areas for interventions for controlling HLV/HIV coinfection, using the TerraView 4.2.2 software.

Results

We found spatial autocorrelations between the HVL/HIV rates of neighboring municipalities according to the global Moran index (0.10; p<0.01). The highest HVL/HIV rate was in the central-western region. Among the epidemiological characteristics according to the regions, an increasing trend in the annual variation rate was observed, with positive values over the years and statistical significance (p<0.05) in the North with 1.62 (95% CI 0.57 to 2.69; p=0.02) and Northeast with 6.41 (95% CI 2.60 to 10.37; p=0.006). Similarly, increasing trends were observed in the states of Maranhão with 21.34 (95% CI 13.99 to 9.16; p<0.001) and Sergipe with 5.44 (95% CI 0.61 to 10.50; p=0.04).

Conclusions

Our results showed spatial overlap between occurrences of HVL and HIV with spatial patterns of HVL/HIV coinfection, thus revealing that the numbers of cases reported are increasing. Identifying areas with higher coinfection indices contributes to applying interventions and control measures among targeted populations, to prevent new cases.
Radiographic Study Evaluating Perforator Vessels in the Ischiorectal Fossa for Safe Elevation of Island Flaps
Authors: Nagasaka Shinji , Abe Yoshiro , Yamashita Yutaro , Yamasaki Hiroyuki , Mineda Kazuhide , Shimada Mitsuo , Hashimoto Ichiro
Published: October 2022

Background:

Perforator flaps based on the ischiorectal fossa (IRF) (ie, internal pudendal artery perforator flaps) are useful for perineal reconstruction. The three-dimensional characterization of perforator arteries in the IRF remains unclear, as the IRF contains thick adipose tissue as well as organs, such as the rectum, vagina, and urethra. This study aimed to evaluate perforators in the IRF to guide the safe elevation of skin flaps designed based on the IRF.

Methods:

IRF vessels were examined in 200 bilateral computed tomography angiography scans performed in 100 patients. We examined branching patterns arising from the internal iliac artery and the origins of the skin perforators in the IRF.

Results:

The branching patterns of the internal iliac artery were divided into three groups: perforators derived exclusively from the internal pudendal artery (78%), perforators derived from the internal pudendal artery and the inferior gluteal artery (18%), and perforators derived exclusively from the inferior gluteal artery (4%). The average number of perforators in the IRF was 1.5 ± 0.7. The number of perforators was significantly higher in women than in men. The perforator arteries were found exclusively around the medial and dorsal sides of the ischial tuberosity.

Conclusions:

We found that perforators in the IRF were stable. All cases had more than one skin perforator, which was mainly derived from the internal pudendal artery. Although perforators cannot be identified during flap elevation because the fatty tissue in the IRF is very thick, physicians must focus on preserving the perforator-containing fatty tissue around the ischial tuberosity.
Telehealth Services: Implications for Enhancing Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention
Authors: Valentine Jo A. , Mena Leandro , Millett Gregorio
Published: October 2022

In the United States, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are among the most persistent threats to health equity. Increasing access to STI prevention and control services through the provision of Remote Health and Telehealth can improve sexual health outcomes. Telehealth has been shown to increase access to care and even improve health outcomes. The increased flexibility offered by Telehealth services accommodates both patient and provider. Although both Telehealth and Remote Health strategies are important for STI prevention, share common attributes, and, in some circumstances, overlap, this article will focus more specifically on considerations for Telehealth and how it can contribute to increasing health equity by offering an important complement to and, in some cases, substitute for in-person STI services for some populations. Telehealth assists a variety of different populations, including those experiencing STI disparities; however, although the Internet offers a promising resource for many American households and increasing percentages of Americans are using its many resources, not all persons have equal access to the Internet. In addition to tailoring STI programs to accommodate unique patient populations, these programs will likely be faced with adapting services to fit reimbursement and licensing regulations.
Pediatric Reference Change Value Optimized for Acute Kidney Injury: Multicenter Retrospective Study in China
Authors: Zeng Jingxia , Miao Hongjun , Jiang Zhen , Zhang Yong , Guo Xiaoli , Chen Qing , Wan Yu , Ji Peng , Xie Guojin , Li Han , Mei Xuejian , Zhou Jinsu , Xu Haisheng , Gu Jie , Cheng Jun , Chen Jianli , Zhang Aihua , Ge Xuhua
Published: October 2022

OBJECTIVES:

The standard definition of pediatric acute kidney injury (AKI) is evolving, especially for critically ill in the PICU. We sought to validate the application of the Pediatric Reference Change Value Optimized for Acute Kidney Injury in Children (pROCK) criteria in critically ill children.

DESIGN:

Multicenter retrospective study.

SETTING:

Six PICUs in mainland China.

PATIENTS:

One thousand six hundred seventy-eight hospitalized children admitted to the PICU with at least two creatinine values within 7 days.

INTERVENTIONS:

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

AKI was diagnosed and staged according to the Pediatric Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss, End-Stage Renal Disease (pRIFLE), the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO), and the pROCK criteria. Multiple clinical parameters were assessed and analyzed along with 90-day follow-up outcomes. According to the definitions of pRIFLE, KDIGO, and pROCK, the prevalence of AKI in our cohort of 1,678 cases was 52.8% (886), 39.0% (655), and 19.0% (318), respectively. The presence of AKI, as defined by pROCK, was associated with increased number of injured organs, occurrence of sepsis, use of mechanical ventilation, use of continuous renal replace therapy (p < 0.05), higher Pediatric Risk of Mortality III score, and higher Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction-2 score (p < 0.001). The survival curve of 90-day outcomes showed that pROCK was associated with shorter survival time (LogRank p < 0.001), and pROCK definition was associated with better separation of the different stages of AKI from non-AKI (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

In this retrospective analysis of AKI criteria in PICU admissions in China, pROCK is better correlated with severity and outcome of AKI. Hence, the pROCK criteria for AKI may have better utility in critically ill children.
“Targeted Muscle Reinnervation for treatment of post-resection Interdigital Neuroma: A Cadaveric Feasibility Study”
Authors: Titanji Bosung N. , Shubinets Valeriy , Giladi Aviram M. , Melamed Eitan
Published: October 2022

Background:

Symptomatic, post-resection interdigital neuroma is a frustrating problem that causes debilitating foot pain. Implementing the concepts of targeted muscle innervation (TMR), this study offers a novel nerve transfer involving the resected third common plantar digital nerve (CPDN) to the motor nerve branch of the third dorsal interosseous muscle (DIMB) to improve post-resection pain.

Methods:

Ten fresh feet from seven cadaveric donors were used for this study. CPDN and DIMB lengths and diameters were measured, along with nerve overlap after the transfer with ankle in neutral position and in maximal dorsiflexion. Motor entry point (MEP) to the calcaneal tuberosity and to the fifth metatarsal tuberosity were measured and used to evaluate the ratio relative to foot length. Means, standard deviations, and p-values were calculated for each parameter and between gender (male and female) and feet (right and left).

Results:

In all specimens, the nerve transfer was technically feasible, without notable size mismatch between the donor and recipient nerves. CPDN, DIMB, and important anatomical reference points were identifiable in all specimens. Average CPDN length was 30.1±8.2 mm. The average DIMB length was 14.4±3.9 mm. The overlap between the donor and recipient in neutral ankle position at the transfer site was 6.4±1.8mm.

Conclusion:

Given their anatomical locations, a nerve transfer between the third CPDN and third DIMB is surgically feasible. This novel technique is a viable option which can be used instead of the conventional technique of muscle implantation or more proximal re-resection for symptomatic post-resection interdigital neuroma.
Facial Angles in Arabian Women Seeking Rhinoplasty
Authors: Mulafikh Dhaifallah , Assiri Hassan , Alfallaj Rayan , Alqabbani Almaha A. , Bafaqeeh Sameer
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this study is to determine the average values of the angular nasal anthropometric variables in Arabian women seeking rhinoplasty and compare them with the normal values. A total of 150 female patients, who underwent rhinoplasty between January 2018 and November 2021, were enrolled in this study. The exclusion criteria were a history of nasal trauma, previous rhinoplasty, and a cleft nose. Data were obtained from standardized digital photographic images. Lateral and basal views were analyzed using landmarks defined by a single observer and measurements were performed using Adobe Photoshop Software SC6. All data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 software (IBM) and compared with the normal values obtained from a previous study. All facial angles, except for the nasofrontal angles, were significantly different between the surgical and nonsurgical normal groups. The values (means±SDs) in the surgical group were as follows: nasofacial angle, 29.7±3.4 degrees; nasofrontal angle, 146.2±2.8 degrees; glabella-nasal angle, 169.8±5.8 degrees; nasolabial angle, 113.5±11 degrees; nasomental angle, 130.6±6 degrees; nasal tip angle, 102.3±8 degrees; ala-slope angle, 95.4±13.6 degrees. The nose characteristics of Arabian women seeking rhinoplasty were as follows: (1) shallow radix, (2) under the projected tip, and (3) normal tip rotation. Surgical planning is important upon consideration of any procedure or modification of the nose among Arabian women.
“Proportional Condylectomy” for Vertical Condylar Hyperplasia Without Intermaxillary Elastics: Clinical Results and Patient Satisfaction
Authors: Cohen Adir , Zar Keidar , Rushinek Heli , Talisman Shahar , Alterman Michael , Casap Nardy
Published: October 2022

Objectives:

First, to investigate the clinical outcome of ‘proportional condylectomy’ for patients with active unilateral condylar hyperplasia without complementary treatment by intermaxillary elastics and, second, to examine their level of satisfaction regarding function and esthetics.

Study Design:

A retrospective observational descriptive study was conducted. All patients included in the study suffered from active unilateral condylar hyperplasia with a vertical component. The length of the condylar-ramus unit was measured on both sides by an multidetector computed tomography scan. The difference was calculated and resected from the hyperplastic condyle during the operation. Facial, occlusal, and skeletal changes were evaluated using photographic and radiologic records, and a satisfaction questionnaire regarding function and esthetics was completed. P<0.05 was considered significant.

Results:

Fifteen patients were included in the study. The mean participants’ age was 27.93±13.06 years, and the mean follow-up duration was 12.40±6.55 months. The mean chin deviation improved by 58.47% (P=0.001). Mean lip commissure plane tilt was improved by 61.31% (P=0.001). Six months postoperatively, all patients exhibited centered dental midlines (P=0.001). Occlusal plane tilt was significantly improved by 70.02% (P=0.001), and high patient satisfaction was recorded. Twenty-six percent (4/15) of patients did not require the complementary orthodontic treatment, and none of them required complementary orthognathic surgery.

Conclusions:

‘Proportional condylectomy’ for patients with active unilateral vertical condylar hyperplasia without complementary treatment by intermaxillary elastics is a predictable procedure in terms of function and esthetics.
The influence of social capital in the utilisation of sexual reproductive health services among the youth in Ghana. A community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Ananga Mark Kwame , Agbefu Rosemary Kafui , Doku Paul Narh , Manu Adom , Alangea Deda Ogum , Ganle John Kumuori
Published: October 2022

Background

Social capital, often seen as the resources accessed through social connections, is currently gaining much attention in public health. However, limited studies have focused on the relationship between social capital and reproductive health services. Besides, while the factors associated with the use of reproductive health services among the youth are well documented in the literature, most studies have focused on aspects at the individual level. Yet, it is known that these behaviours can be influenced by social factors, which may be beyond the individual’s control partly because the youth are embedded in social organisations. Therefore, this study examined the relationship between social capital and the youth’s utilisation of reproductive health services.

Method

The study population comprised adolescents and young adults aged 15 – 24 years who were both in and out of school at the time of the survey. The study used a cross-sectional quantitative design involving a community-based household survey method to sample 792 respondents through multi-stage cluster sampling. The chi-square test examined the relationship between sociodemographic, social capital variables and reproductive health services. To account for potential confounding factors, a multivariable logistic regression model included variables from the binary logistic regression analysis with a p-value less than 0.05.

Results

In general, access to higher social capital was observed among 493 (62.2%). Almost half, 385 (48.6%) of the respondents have ever used at least one of the reproductive services examined in this study. After controlling for sex, marital status, age and access to valid National Health Insurance Card, the following social capital variables remained associated with increased utilisation of SRH services: higher trust in neighbourhood (AOR = 1.8; CI = 1.22 – 2.66), higher trust in people/institutions (AOR = 2.66; CI = 1.82 – 3.99), higher social cohesion (AOR = 3.35; CI = 2.21 – 5.08), stronger network (AOR = 7.55; CI = 4.43 - 12.87).

Conclusion

Access to some social capital dimensions led to increased use of reproductive health services. However, any intervention meant to address social capital needs in sexual and reproductive health should consider the efficacy of each social capital dimension and the intervention’s environment.
Reporting of Retrospective Registration in Clinical Trial Publications: a Cross-Sectional Study of German Trials
Authors: Haslberger Martin , Gestrich Stefanie , Strech Daniel
Published: October 2022

Objective: Prospective registration has been widely implemented and accepted as a best practice in clinical research, but retrospective registration is still commonly found. We assessed to what extent retrospective registration is reported transparently in journal publications, and investigated factors associated with transparent reporting. Design: We used a dataset of trials registered in ClinicalTrials.gov or Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien, with a German University Medical Center as the lead center, completed 2009-2017, and with a corresponding peer-reviewed results publication. We extracted all registration statements from results publications of retrospectively registered trials and assessed whether they mention or justify the retrospective registration. We analyzed associations of retrospective registration and reporting thereof with registration number reporting, International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) membership/-following and industry sponsorship using chi-squared or Fisher exact test. Results: In the dataset of 1927 trials with a corresponding results publication, 956 (53.7%) were retrospectively registered. Of those, 2.2% (21) explicitly report the retrospective registration in the abstract and 3.5% (33) in the full text. In 2.1% (20) of publications, authors provide an explanation for the retrospective registration in the full text. Registration numbers were significantly underreported in abstracts of retrospectively registered trials compared to prospectively registered trials. Publications in ICMJE member journals did not have statistically significantly higher rates of both prospective registration and disclosure of retrospective registration, and publications in journals claiming to follow ICMJE recommendations showed statistically significantly lower rates compared to non-ICMJE-following journals. Industry sponsorship of trials was significantly associated with higher rates of prospective registration, but not with transparent registration reporting. Conclusions: Contrary to ICMJE guidance, retrospective registration is disclosed and explained only in a small number of retrospectively registered studies. Disclosure of the retrospective nature of the registration would require a brief statement in the manuscript and could be easily implemented by journals.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on exercise habits and overweight in Japan: a nation-wide panel survey
Authors: Ochi Sae , Mirai So , Hashimoto Sora , Hashimoto Yuki , Sekizawa Yoichi
Published: October 2022

Introduction

A catastrophic disaster may cause distant health impacts like immobility and obesity. This research aims at analysing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on exercise habit and overweight in the Japanese population.

Methods

Nation-wide online questionnaires were conducted five times from October 2020 to October 2021. The change in exercise habit, body mass index (BMI) and status of overweight (BMI>25kg/m2) were compared between the first questionnaire and later ones. Risk factors of losing exercise habit or developing overweight were analysed using multiple regression.

Results

Data was obtained from 16,642 participants. In the early phase of the pandemic, people with high income and elderly females showed higher risk of decreased exercise days. Proportion of overweight was increased from 22.2% to 26.6% in males and from 9.3% to 10.8% in females. Middle aged males, elderly females, males who experienced SARS-CoV-2 infection were at higher risks of developing overweight.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that risks of immobility and overweight are homogeneous. Continuous intervention for elderly females and long-term intervention for males who were infected might be especially needed. As most disasters can cause similar social transformation, research and evaluation of immobility and obesity should be addressed in future disaster preparation/ mitigation plans.