bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Taxonomy and bioacoustics of little-known Grylloidea crickets (Orthoptera, Ensifera) from Mindanao, Philippines
Authors: TAN MING KAI , SALVADOR JEWEL ANNE G. , SABANG AIRA MAE M. , BAHOY DAPHNE CAYLE M. , NUÑEZA OLGA MACAS , ROBILLARD TONY
Published: August 2023

Orthopteran surveys were conducted recently on Mindanao Island of the Philippines. Four species new to science are described here: Mistshenkoana lunotan sp. nov., Mistshenkoana higaonon sp. nov. and Ectatoderus dubius sp. nov. from Misamis Oriental; and Phaloria (Phaloria) rotundata sp. nov. from Agusan del Sur. Based on new collected material, Madasumma fuscoirrorata Chopard, 1925, first described based on a single female from Mindanao, is transferred to Varitrella (Cantotrella) fuscoirrorata (Chopard, 1925) comb. nov. We also describe the male of this species for the first time. Madasumma zamboanga Otte, 2007, first described from Zamboanga del Norte (Mindanao), is also transferred to Mnesibulus (Amnesibulus) and redescribed: Mnesibulus (Amnesibulus) zamboanga (Otte, 2007) comb. nov. We also describe previously unknown calling songs of seven species: Falcerminthus parvus (Baroga-Barbecho & Robillard, 2020), Ajorama balatukanis Otte, 1988, Varitrella (Cantotrella) bakeri (Chopard, 1925), Varitrella (Cantotrella) fuscoirrorata (Chopard, 1925) comb. nov., Phaloria (Phaloria) rotundata sp. nov., Ornebius bioculatus Tan et al., 2019 and Ectatoderus dubius sp. nov.
A new species and new record of the genus Pexicopia (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) feeding on Abutilon indicum from India
Authors: VARNITHA H. N. , HANCHINAL S. G. , SHASHANK P. R. , PRABHURAJ A. , BHEEMANNA M. , NIDAGUNDI J. M.
Published: August 2023

A new species, Pexicopia tungabhadrai sp. nov. (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), feeding on Abutilon indicum is described from Karnataka, India. Also, this is the first report of the genus Pexicopia Common, 1958 from India. Images of adult moths, male and female genitalia and immature stages are provided.
A new species of Griseothosea (Lepidoptera, Limacodidae) from Wuyishan National Park, China
Authors: ZHANG QUANHONG , SOLOVYEV ALEXEY V. , LIANG JIAMIN , WANG MIN , WANG HOUSHUAI
Published: August 2023

A new species of Griseothosea nigrifasciata sp. nov. is described and illustrated from Wuyishan National Park, Fujian province, China. It differs from other members of Griseothosea by the male genitalia: uncus with strongly curved lateral margin, juxta with two finger-shaped protrusion apically, and aedeagus shorter and slenderer. The new species is supported molecularly by the analysis of a 658 bp fragment of the COI gene. A key to Griseothosea is provided.
The Coupled Ice Sheet–Earth System Model Bern3D v3.0
Authors: Pöppelmeier Frerk , Joos Fortunat , Stocker Thomas F.
Published: August 2023

Understanding climate variability from millennial to glacial–interglacial time scales remains challenging due to the complex and nonlinear feedbacks between ice, ocean, sediments, biosphere, and atmosphere. Complex climate models generally struggle to dynamically and comprehensively simulate such long time periods as a result of the large computational costs. Here, we therefore coupled a dynamical ice sheet model to the Bern3D Earth system model of intermediate complexity, which allows for simulating multiple glacial–interglacial cycles. The performance of the model is first validated against modern observations and its response to abrupt perturbations, such as atmospheric CO2 changes and North Atlantic freshwater hosing, is investigated. To further test the fully coupled model, the climate evolution over the entire last glacial cycle is explored in a transient simulation forced by variations in the orbital configuration and greenhouse gases and aerosols. The model simulates global mean surface temperature in fair agreement with reconstructions, exhibiting a gradual cooling trend since the last interglacial that is interrupted by two more rapid cooling events during the early Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 4 and Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Simulated Northern Hemispheric ice sheets show pronounced variability on orbital time scales, and ice volume more than doubles from MIS3 to the LGM in good agreement with recent sea level reconstructions. At the LGM, the Atlantic overturning has a strength of about 14 Sv (1 Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1), which is a reduction by about one-quarter compared to the preindustrial. We thus demonstrate that the new coupled model is able to simulate large-scale aspects of glacial–interglacial cycles.
Spatial Correlations of Regional Tropical Cyclone– and Nontropical Cyclone–Induced Severe Rainstorms during 2000–19
Authors: Zhou Yuanyuan , Du Haoxuan , Gao Liang
Published: August 2023

Severe rainstorms are one of the most devastating disasters in southeast China (SEC). A deep and comprehensive understanding of the spatial correlations of severe rainstorms is important for preventing rainstorm-induced hazards. In this study, tropical cyclone– and nontropical cyclone–induced severe rainstorms (TCSRs and NTCSRs, respectively) over SEC during 2000–19 are discussed. Co-occurrence probability and range values calculated using the semivariogram method are used to measure the spatial correlations of severe rainstorms. The extent to which potential factors [El Niño/La Niña, Indian Ocean dipole (IOD), latitudes, longitudes, temperature, elevation, and radius of maximum wind] affect the spatial structure of severe rainstorms is discussed. The spatial correlation distances for TCSRs (300–700 km) in typhoon season (July, August, and September) are longer than most of those for NTCSRs (150–300 km) in mei-yu season (June and July). The range values of TCSRs at each percentile (except for the minimum range values) tend to be omnidirectional. While NTCSRs tend to have a major direction of northeast–southwest. El Niño tends to increase the average spatial correlation distance of TCSRs in the northeast–southwest and NTCSRs in the north–northeast. La Niña tends to decrease the spatial correlation distance of TCSRs in the northeast–southwest. The occurrence of positive IOD (+IOD) and negative IOD (−IOD) events may increase the spatial correlation distance of TCSRs in the northwest–southeast, and −IOD events may decrease the distance in the northeast–southwest. IOD events, especially −IOD, may change the spatial correlation distance of NTCSRs in the east–northeast. Latitudes, longitudes, temperature, elevation, and radius of maximum wind significantly affect the spatial correlation distance of TCSRs in various directions.

Significance Statement

Spatial correlation distances of rainfall events, especially severe rainstorms induced by different weather systems such as tropical and nontropical cyclones (TCSR and NTCSR), can provide important information for rain-induced hazard risk mitigation. Moreover, factors that affect the variability of the spatial correlation distance of TCSRs and NTCSRs are also of interest. To this end, co-occurrence probability and semivariogram methods are used to obtain the spatial correlation distances. The spatial correlation distance of TCSRs varies between 300 and 700 km in typhoon season (July, August, and September) while it ranges between 150 and 300 km in mei-yu season (June and July) for NTCSRs over southeast China (SEC). El Niño/La Niña, Indian Ocean dipole (IOD), latitudes, longitudes, temperature, elevation, and radius of maximum wind have significant impacts on the spatial correlation distances of TCSRs. These findings can provide useful information for forecasting the spatial correlation distance of severe rainstorms over SEC.
Impact of Gaussian Transformation on Cloud Cover Data Assimilation for Historical Weather Reconstruction
Authors: Wang Xiaoxing , Toride Kinya , Yoshimura Kei
Published: August 2023

Old descriptive diaries are important sources of daily weather conditions before modern instrumental measurements were available. A previous study demonstrated the potential of reconstructing historical weather at a high temporal resolution by assimilating cloud cover converted from descriptive diaries. However, cloud cover often exhibits a non-Gaussian distribution, which violates the basic assumptions of most data assimilation schemes. In this study, we applied a Gaussian transformation (GT) approach to cloud cover data assimilation and conducted observing system simulation experiments (OSSEs) using 20 observation points over Japan. We performed experiments to assimilate cloud cover with large observational errors using the Global Spectral Model (GSM) and a local ensemble transform Kalman filter (LETKF). Without GT, meridional wind and temperature exhibited deteriorations in the lower troposphere compared with the experiment with no observations. In contrast, GT reduced the 2-month root-mean-square errors (RMSEs) by 5%–15% throughout the troposphere for wind, temperature, and specific humidity fields. Significant improvements include zonal wind at 500 hPa and temperature at 850 hPa with 6.4% and 7.3% improvements by GT, respectively, compared with the experiment without GT. We further demonstrate that the additional GT application to the precipitation background field improves precipitation estimation by 12.2%, with pronounced improvements over regions with monthly precipitation of less than 150 mm. We also explored the impact of cloud cover GT on a global scale and confirmed improvements extending from around the observation sites. Our results demonstrate the potential of GT in high-resolution historical weather reconstruction using old descriptive diaries.

Significance Statement

To reconstruct the historical weather, cloud cover information from old diaries can be used by incorporating high-resolution model simulations. However, cloud cover is not normally distributed and violates an important assumption when combining cloud cover observations with model simulations. Our results demonstrate that transforming the cloud cover distribution into a normal distribution could improve wind speed, temperature, and humidity fields in the model. We demonstrate the critical role of the transformation in a nonnormally distributed variable when combined with models and show the potential of diary-based weather information to reconstruct historical weather.
Test of Power Transformation Function to Hydrometeor and Water Vapor Mixing Ratios for Direct Variational Assimilation of Radar Reflectivity Data
Authors: Hu Jiafen , Gao Jidong , Liu Chengsi , Zhang Guifu , Heinselman Pamela , Carlin Jacob T.
Published: August 2023

Assimilating radar reflectivity into convective-scale NWP models remains a challenging topic in radar data assimilation. A primary reason is that the reflectivity forward observation operator is highly nonlinear. To address this challenge, a power transformation function is applied to the WRF Model’s hydrometeor and water vapor mixing ratio variables in this study. Three 3D variational data assimilation experiments are performed and compared for five high-impact weather events that occurred in 2019: (i) a control experiment that assimilates reflectivity using the original hydrometeor mixing ratios as control variables, (ii) an experiment that assimilates reflectivity using power-transformed hydrometeor mixing ratios as control variables, and (iii) an experiment that assimilates reflectivity and retrieved pseudo–water vapor observations using power-transformed hydrometeor and water vapor mixing ratios (qυ) as control variables. Both qualitative and quantitative evaluations are performed for 0–3-h forecasts from the five cases. The analysis and forecast performance in the two experiments with power-transformed mixing ratios is better than the control experiment. Notably, the assimilation of pseudo–water vapor with power-transformed qυ as an additional control variable is found to improve the performance of the analysis and short-term forecasts for all cases. In addition, the convergence rate of the cost function minimization for the two experiments that use the power transformation is faster than that of the control experiments.

Significance Statement

The effective use of radar reflectivity observations in any data assimilation scheme remains an important research topic because reflectivity observations explicitly include information about hydrometeors and also implicitly include information about the distribution of moisture within storms. However, it is difficult to assimilate reflectivity because the reflectivity forward observation operator is highly nonlinear. This study seeks to identify a more effective way to assimilate reflectivity into a convective-scale NWP model to improve the accuracy of predictions of high-impact weather events.
Investigating the impact of age on auditory short-term, long-term, and working memory
Authors: Fernández-Rubio Gemma , Olsen Emma Risgaard , Klarlund Mathias , Mallon Orla , Carlomagno Francesco , Vuust Peter , Kringelbach Morten L , Brattico Elvira , Bonetti Leonardo
Published: August 2023

Cognitive aging is characterized by the gradual decline of a number of abilities, such as attention, executive functioning, and memory. Research on memory aging has reported age-related deficits in short-term (STM), long-term (LTM), and working memory (WM) and linked these to structural and functional changes in the brain that occur with aging. However, only a few studies have drawn direct comparisons between these memory subsystems in the auditory domain. In this study, we assessed auditory STM, LTM, and WM abilities of young (under 25 years of age) and older (over 60 years of age) adults using musical and numerical tasks. In addition, we measured musical training history and tested its modulating effects on auditory memory performance. Overall, we found that older adults underperformed in specific memory tasks, such as STM related to discrimination of rhythmic sequences, LTM associated with identification of novel musical sequences, and numerical WM. Furthermore, we observed a positive influence of musical training on certain memory tasks involving music. In conclusion, aging differentially affects several types of auditory memory, and in the case of specific musical memory tasks, a higher level of musical training provides significant advantages.
Experimental investigation of micro-machining on borosilicate glass using mist flow aided WECDM
Authors: Singh Sitanshu , Singh Sarbjit , Chaudhary Neeru , Grover Sahil , Yadav Vikas
Published: August 2023

Wire electro-chemical discharge machining (WECDM) process is a variant of electro-chemical discharge machining process and is a novel method to machine electrically non-conductive materials. In the present research investigation, an in-house developed WECDM setup with mist flow was used to generate micro channels on borosilicate glass. The electrolyte was provided in the form of mist, formed with the combination of electrolyte and compressed air. The mist flow system was used to control the machining process that improved the stability of the spark, and flushing in the machining zone resulted in a smooth surface of machined channels. Electrolyte concentration, duty factor, wire feed rate, and mist flow rate were chosen as input process parameters, and their effect on output quality characteristics such as material removal rate and width of cut was evaluated. the performance of were during. The addition of the mist flow technique in the process resulted in an improvement in surface finish, heat affected zone (HAZ) and discharge characteristics. ANOVA analyses were carried out to obtain the significant process parameters that affected the output characteristics. Scanning electron micrograph images were captured in order to analyze the surface morphology of the machined channel and revealed thermal cracks, HAZ, irregular surface and recast layer in the samples machined with low mist flow rate as compared to samples machined using high Mist flow rates.
Constructing the ‘Public Interest’: (De)legitimizing the Acquisition of Aer Lingus by IAG
Authors: Fitzgerald Joseph K.
Published: August 2023

This article assesses how the ‘Public Interest’ was used to (de)legitimize the acquisition of a national airline. It does this by adopting a case study approach that analyses the acquisition of Aer Lingus by International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG). This acquisition is part of a broader trend of international consolidation that the aviation industry has experienced in recent years. The article also critiques whether the ‘Public Interest’ was constructed on valid grounds. Its analysis found that the public interest was constructed as the continuance of routes between Irish airports and London Heathrow as a means for Ireland to maintain international connectivity. However, this article questions the validity of how the ‘Public Interest’ was constructed, suggesting that although the Public Interest does appear to be served by maintaining international connectivity, it is less clear whether connectivity with London Heathrow serves the interests of the public. Notwithstanding this critique, IAG was able to successfully use the maintenance of the Public Interest to successfully execute its acquisition of Aer Lingus.
‘Sovereign Democracy’: Russian Response to Western Democracy Promotion in the Post-Soviet Space
Authors: Chatterjee Anirban
Published: August 2023

Russia became apprehensive after the outbreak of Colour Revolutions in three former Soviet republics. Post-revolution, Russia’s foreign policy in general and its outlook toward the West in particular transformed significantly. Russian response to Western democracy promotion became more pronounced. Against this backdrop, the concept of Sovereign Democracy has to be understood. It aims to not only defend the Russian regime from Western meddling but also undertake a vigorous international campaign to assert its great power status. This article deals with the meaning and rationale of Sovereign Democracy as a response to Western democracy promotion in a nuanced way. The study attempts to deal with the following research questions: How does Russia perceive and react to Colour Revolutions? How Sovereign Democracy enables Russia to restructure its foreign policy to challenge the Western democracy-promotion agenda in the post-Soviet space? How do the political institutions and historical narratives of anti-Westernism allow Russia to respond to Colour Revolutions? Lastly, whether Putin is able to reshape public opinion in Russia not only in favor of having an alternative model of democracy against the dominant Western one but also a favorable public opinion to justify Russian actions in Georgia, Ukraine, and Syria.
Outcomes of a Court-Based Substance Use Disorder Diversion Pilot Program: A Cost Analysis
Authors: Roddy Ariel L. , Nighswander Tristan , Roddy Juliette , Ray Bradley
Published: August 2023

This research presents the outcomes of a substance use diversion program in a Midwestern county. Specifically, this work assesses the efficacy (operationalized through re-arrest) and cost-efficacy (operationalized through cost per 1% reduction in re-arrest likelihood) of the program across varying levels of American Society of Addiction Medicine levels of care (ASAM LOC). Using a sample of 430 program participants, findings illustrate that the program overall reduced the likelihood of re-arrest over both a 6- and 12-month horizon across program completers. However, more granular analyses revealed differences across ASAM LOC; the most statistically robust form of treatment was the most intensive 3.5 ASAM LOC, which led to an 82% reduction in 6-month re-arrest and an 80% reduction in 12-month re-arrest for those who completed the program relative to those who did not. The 3.5 ASAM LOC was also the most cost-effective among those explored, costing $66.04 per 1% reduction in recidivism. The outcomes of this work emphasize (a) the relevance of the ASAM LOC in determining program efficacy and (b) the need for varying levels of treatment intensity to better accommodate the needs of substance use disorder diversion participants.
What is ‘medical necessity’?
Authors: Wilkinson Dominic JC
Published: August 2023

Imagine that we are considering whether our healthcare system (or insurer) should fund treatment or procedure X. One factor that may be cited is that of so-called ‘medical necessity’. The claim would be that treatment X should be eligible for funding if it is medically necessary, but ineligible if this does not apply. Similarly, (and relevant to the debates in this special issue), if considering whether a particular treatment should be ethically and/or legally permitted, we may wish to distinguish between cases where the treatment is medically necessary, and those were it is not. But what do we mean by this concept? Here I will propose and briefly defend one plausible and practical definition.
Virtual injection software for endovascular management of spinal dural arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Zhu François , Bracard Serge , Trousset Yves , Anxionnat René
Published: August 2023

Endovascular management of spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) is arduous because of complex angioarchitecture and motion artifacts and is limited by the two-dimensional (2D) view. However, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) acquisitions with selective injections allow 3D multiplanar reconstructions contributing to high diagnostic, anatomical and safety value. In this study, we described the use of virtual injection software (VIS) computed from CBCT acquisition and already used for prostatic and cerebral embolization, for the endovascular management of spinal DAVFs (EmboAssist, GE HealthCare, Chicago, USA). The VIS has been designed to facilitate the analysis of the patient's vasculature during the planning of embolization procedures to define the afferent pedicles to the shunt and the incidence of oblique projection, allowing for a better anatomical understanding and helping for the selection of 2D incidence. Combined with 3D roadmapping, VIS allows vessel tracking for selective catheterism and embolization. The VIS is a useful tool for planification and navigation during endovascular treatment of spinal DAVF with a safety value.
Impact of Social Preferences, Trust and Behavioural Norms on Cooperation: Experimental Evidence from Prisoner’s Dilemma Game
Authors: Suneja Vivek , Das Debashree
Published: August 2023

The main objective of the study is to evaluate the impact of social preferences, trust and behavioural norms on strategic choices made by economic agents using the framework of a one-shot Prisoner’s Dilemma (PD) game. The standard neoclassical economics model predicts that all players will choose a strategy of non-cooperation, establishing it as the Nash equilibrium. We examine how social preferences and behavioural norms influence the player’s expectations from others and their own choices, by experimentally testing for the same using a 2 × 2 factorial design with the following three levels of partner selection arrangements: (i) game playing with stranger, (ii) face-to-face game playing with peer, and (iii) game playing with friend. The experimental results reveal significant deviations from the standard predictions of the one-shot PD game. The experimental data revealed that (i) players while interacting with a peer cooperated significantly more than playing with a stranger and (ii) players playing with a friend cooperated significantly more than playing with a peer. These changes in the social preferences of the players were further investigated in terms of trust/distrust and four behavioural norms—positive reciprocity, negative reciprocity, exploitation and altruism, and how these factors interact in influencing decision-making with respect to cooperation.

JEL Classifications: C72, C91, D01, D91
“Why Do We Always Have to Focus on the Bad”: A Strengths-Based Approach to Identify the Positive Aspects of Care From the Perspective of Older Adults Using a Secondary Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Kokorelias Kristina M , Singh Hardeep , Nelson Michelle LA , Hitzig Sander L
Published: August 2023

Hospitalization is often viewed as a burdensome and stressful period for older adults and their family caregivers; however, little attention has been given to the positive aspects of the care continuum journey. The purpose of this article is to highlight the positive aspects of healthcare from the perspective of Canadian older adults with complex needs and their family caregivers. This study utilized a strengths-based theoretical perspective to conduct a secondary qualitative analysis of interviews with 12 older adults and seven family caregivers. Four themes relating to positive aspects of care were identified, including: (1) looking beyond illness, (2) emotional support from healthcare providers, (3) timely discharge, and (4) upholding independence. Focusing on the positive aspects can help determine areas of care practice that currently work well. These insights will be valuable for current and future initiatives seeking to restructure and optimize healthcare services for older adults.
Cooperative cell–cell actin network remodeling to perform Gap junction endocytosis
Authors: Segretain Dominique , Di Marco Mathilde , Dufeu Chloé , Carette Diane , Trubuil Alain , Pointis Georges
Published: August 2023

Background

The endocytosis of Gap junction plaques (GJP) requires cytoskeletal forces to internalize such large membranous structures. Actin, which partners the connexin proteins constituting Gap junctions and is located close to Annular Gap Junctions (AGJ), could be actively involved in this physiological process.

Results

Electron Microscopy and Light Microscopy images, associated with time-lapse analysis and 3D reconstruction, used at high resolution and enhanced using ImageJ based software analysis, revealed that: i) actin cables, originating from Donor cells, insert on the edge of GJP and contribute to their invagination, giving rise to AGJ, whereas actin cables on the Acceptor cell side of the plaque are not modified; ii) actin cables from the Donor cell are continuous with the actin network present over the entire GJP surface. These actin cables fuse at a single point distant from the plaque, which then detaches itself from the membrane, condensing to form an actin mass during the final internalization process; iii) the Acceptor cell participates in the last step of the endocytic invagination process by forming an annular actin structure known as an actin ring.

Conclusions

Together, these data suggest that the endocytosis of GJP is an example of a unique cooperative mechanism between the Donor (the traction of its actin cables) and the Acceptor cells (forming the actin ring).
Role of soil nutrient elements transport on Camellia oleifera yield under different soil types
Authors: Chen Yu , Zheng Jinjia , Yang Zhijian , Xu Chenhao , Liao Penghui , Pu Shaosheng , El-Kassaby Yousry A. , Feng Jinling
Published: August 2023

Background

Most of Camellia oleifera forests have low fruit yield and poor oil quality that are largely associated with soil fertility. Soil physical and chemical properties interact with each other affecting soil fertility and C. oleifera growing under different soil conditions produced different yield and oil composition. Three main soil types were studied, and redundancy, correlation, and double-screening stepwise regression analysis were used for exploring the relationships between C. oleifera nutrients uptake and soil physical and chemical properties, shedding light on the transport law of nutrient elements from root, leaves, and kernel, and affecting the regulation of fruit yield and oil composition.

Results

In the present study, available soil elements content of C. oleifera forest were mainly regulated by water content, pH value, and total N, P and Fe contents. Seven elements (N, P, K, Mg, Cu, Mn and C) were key for kernel’s growth and development, with N, P, K, Cu and Mn contents determining 74.0% the yield traits. The transport characteristics of these nutrients from root, leaves to the kernel had synergistic and antagonistic effects. Increasing oil production and unsaturated fatty acid content can be accomplished in two ways: one through increasing N, P, Mg, and Zn contents of leaves by applying corresponding N, P, Mg, Zn foliar fertilizers, while the other through maintaining proper soil moisture content by applying Zn fertilizer in the surface layer and Mg and Ca fertilizer in deep gully.

Conclusion

Soil type controlled nutrient absorption by soil pH, water content and total N, P and Fe content. There were synergistic and antagonistic effects on the inter-organ transport of nutrient elements, ultimately affecting N, P, K, Cu and Mn contents in kernel, which determined the yield and oil composition of C. oleifera.
External application of mirabilite before surgery can reduce the inflammatory response and accelerate recovery in mild acute biliary pancreatitis
Authors: Cai Hao , Du Jian , Luo Cheng , Li Shengwei
Published: August 2023

Objective

Mild acute biliary pancreatitis (MABP) is one of the most common diseases that require surgical treatment. Previous studies have focused on the timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for MABP. However, the impact of its inflammatory response process on the clinical outcome has been rarely reported. This study aimed to investigate the effect of preoperative external application of mirabilite on the inflammatory response and clinical efficacy in MABP.

Methods

Medical records of patients undergoing LC due to MABP from November 2017 to June 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Prior to surgery, the control group received the same baseline treatment measures as the study group. The difference was the addition of external application of mirabilite in the study group.

Results

A total of 75 patients were included in the final analysis: 38 patients in the mirabilite group and 37 patients in the control group. Repeated-measures ANOVA (P < 0.01) showed that the white blood cell count (WBC) on the 3rd day of admission and the WBC and C-reactive protein (CRP) level on the 5th day of admission decreased rapidly and significantly in the mirabilite group, compared with the control group. The mirabilite group had earlier anal exhaust time. The number of patients in the mirabilite group and control group with gallbladder wall ≥ 3 mm before the operation was 16 (42.11%) vs. 24 (64.86%),p = 0.048, respectively; and the number of cases with surgical drain placement was 2 (5.26%) vs. 9 (24.32%),p = 0.020, respectively. The intraoperative modified American Fertility Society (mAFS) score of adhesions was lower in the mirabilite group (1.08 ± 0.59 points) than in the control group (1.92 ± 0.60 points),p = 0.000. The mirabilite group, compared to the control group,p = 0.000, had a short waiting time for surgery (5.68 ± 0.70 days vs. 6.54 ± 0.59 days), short operation time (38.03 ± 5.90 min vs. 48.51 ± 8.37 min), and reduced hospitalization time (8.95 ± 0.96 days vs. 9.84 ± 1.07 days).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that preoperative external application of mirabilite can reduce the inflammatory response, decrease the edema and peribiliary adhesions at the surgical site, and accelerate recovery in MABP.
Potentially inappropriate medication use as predictors of hospitalization for residents in nursing home
Authors: Chae Hyun-Woo , Zhao Jing , Ah Young-Mi , Choi Kyung Hee , Lee Ju-Yeun
Published: August 2023

Background

Hospitalization of nursing home (NH) residents impose a significant healthcare burden. However, there is still a lack of information regarding the risk of hospitalization from inappropriate prescribing in NH residents. We aimed to estimate the nationwide prevalence of potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use among NH residents using the Korean tool and 2019 Beers criteria and to assess their associations with hospitalization or emergency department (ED) visits.

Methods

We included older adults aged 65 years or above who were admitted to NHs between July 2008 and December 2018 using national senior cohort database. The prevalence of PIM use based on the Korean medication review tool and Beers criteria on the date of admission to NH was estimated. And the adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) of polypharmacy, numbers of PIM, each PIM category for hospitalization/ED visits within 30 days of admission to NH was calculated using Cox proportional hazard model to show the association.

Results

Among 20,306 NH residents, the average number of medications per person was 7.5 ± 4.7. A total of 89.3% and 67.9% of the NH residents had at least one PIM based on the Korean tool and 2019 Beers criteria, respectively. The risk of ED visits or hospitalization significantly increased with the number of PIMs based on the Korean tool (1–3: aHR = 1.24, CI 1.03–1.49; ≥4: aHR = 1.46, CI 1.20–1.79). Having four or more PIMs based on the Beers criteria increased the risk significantly (aHR = 1.30, CI 1.06–1.53) while using 1–3 PIMs was not significantly associated (aHR = 1.07, CI 0.97–1.19). Residents with any potential medication omission according to the Korean criteria, were at 23% higher risk of hospitalization or ED visits (aHR = 1.23, CI 1.07–1.40).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that PIMs, based on the Korean tool and Beers criteria, were prevalent among older adults living in NHs and the use of PIMs were associated with hospitalization or ED visits. The number of PIMs based on the Korean tool showed dose-response increase in the risk of hospitalization or ED visits.
Ophthalmic complications during the dengue epidemic in Reunion Island in 2020: a case series and review of the literature
Authors: Mbu-Nyamsi Digé , Vincent Muriel , Perez-Fontana Mariane , Best Anne-Laurence , Mesnard Charles , Villeroy Fréderic , Foucher Aurélie , Raffray Loic , Terrier Cécile Saint-Pastou , Bertolotti Antoine
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Dengue is an arboviral disease transmitted by the dengue virus, whose vectors are Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. The acute phase with its cohort of well-known symptoms is usually spontaneously favorable. Since 2020 in Reunion Island, a new symptom has appeared: the ocular damage of dengue fever, which has already been described in South Asia and South-East Asia. We therefore decided to describe the clinical, biological, ophthalmological, therapeutic, and outcomes of patients with ocular manifestations during dengue fever in Reunion Island in 2020.

Patients and methods

This was a retrospective observational study. Patients were included from January 2020 to August 2020 and then reassessed by teleconsultation 1 year later. The patients were identified from the French public health surveillance network by all ophthalmologists on the island. Medical data were collected directly from medical records.

Results

Twenty-eight patients were included. The mean age was 41.9 years. Ocular involvement occurred approximately 9.2 days after the onset of dengue symptoms. The main symptoms were scotoma (71.4%) and sudden decrease of visual acuity (39.2%). Eighteen patients (64.2%) had macular involvement. Fourteen patients were treated with oral or intravenous corticosteroids. Twenty-two (78.5%) patients were evaluated by telephone one year later. Scotoma and decreased visual acuity persisted in 15 patients. Thirteen patients (59%) were bothered by night driving, 32% of patients had reading difficulties and 27% of patients became sensitive to prolonged exposure to screens.

Conclusion

Ocular complications of dengue require early and collegial management to limit the risk of long-term sequelae. Further studies on the characteristics and complications of dengue fever are needed to better understand this disease.
Fetal weight estimation based on deep neural network: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Wang Yifei , Shi Yi , Zhang Chenjie , Su Kaizhen , Hu Yixiao , Chen Lei , Wu Yanting , Huang Hefeng
Published: August 2023

Background

Improving the accuracy of estimated fetal weight (EFW) calculation can contribute to decision-making for obstetricians and decrease perinatal complications. This study aimed to develop a deep neural network (DNN) model for EFW based on obstetric electronic health records.

Methods

This study retrospectively analyzed the electronic health records of pregnant women with live births delivery at the obstetrics department of International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital between January 2016 and December 2018. The DNN model was evaluated using Hadlock’s formula and multiple linear regression.

Results

A total of 34824 live births (23922 primiparas) from 49896 pregnant women were analyzed. The root-mean-square error of DNN model was 189.64 g (95% CI 187.95 g—191.16 g), and the mean absolute percentage error was 5.79% (95%CI: 5.70%—5.81%), significantly lower compared to Hadlock’s formula (240.36 g and 6.46%, respectively). By combining with previously unreported factors, such as birth weight of prior pregnancies, a concise and effective DNN model was built based on only 10 parameters. Accuracy rate of a new model increased from 76.08% to 83.87%, with root-mean-square error of only 243.80 g.

Conclusions

Proposed DNN model for EFW calculation is more accurate than previous approaches in this area and be adopted for better decision making related to fetal monitoring.
Associations between the size and duration of asymptomatic subchorionic hematoma and pregnancy outcomes in women with singleton pregnancies
Authors: Pan Shuangjia , Lan Yehui , Zhou Yujia , Chen Baoyi , Zhou Feifei , Dai Dongru , Hua Ying
Published: August 2023

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the size and duration of asymptomatic subchorionic hematoma and pregnancy outcomes in women with singleton pregnancies.

Methods

This was a retrospective study that enrolled 701 singleton pregnant women who were diagnosed with asymptomatic subchorionic hematoma by ultrasound at 5–10 gestational weeks. The control group recruited 640 normal pregnant women without subchorionic hematoma who were matched with subchorionic hematoma group on baseline characteristics. The pregnancy outcomes were compared between the two groups, and the associations of the size and duration of subchorionic hematoma with pregnancy outcomes were analyzed by logistic regression model.

Results

Compared with the normal pregnancy group, the incidence of, gestational diabetes mellitus, gestational thrombocytopenia, placenta adhesion, fetal growth restriction, macrosomia in subchorionic hematoma group were higher (all P < 0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors, the hematoma size was positively associated with the occurrence of gestational hypothyroidism (adjusted OR[95%CI]: 1.029[1.004–1.054]), intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (adjusted OR[95%CI]: 1.095[1.047–1.146]), term premature rupture of membranes (adjusted OR[95%CI]: 1.044[1.005–1.085]), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (adjusted OR[95%CI]: 1.030[1.0004-1.060]), gestational thrombocytopenia (adjusted OR[95%CI]: 1.078 [1.045–1.113]), placenta adhesion (adjusted OR[95%CI]: 1.054 [1.027–1.082]), and the duration of hematoma was positively associated with the incidence of term premature rupture of membranes (adjusted OR[95%CI]: 1.070[1.027–1.115]), gestational diabetes mellitus (adjusted OR[95%CI]: 1.938 [1.886–1.993]) and fetal growth restriction (adjusted OR[95%CI]: 1.194 [1.124–1.268]).

Conclusions

The presence, size and duration of a first-trimester asymptomatic subchorionic hematoma may be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes at later gestations such as term premature rupture of membranes and fetal growth restriction.
Commentary: Predicting adverse outcomes in pregnant patients positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a machine learning approach
Authors: Salmeri Noemi , Candiani Massimo , Cavoretto Paolo Ivo
Published: August 2023

SARS-CoV-2 infection poses a significant risk increase for adverse pregnancy outcomes both from maternal and fetal sides. A recent publication in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth presented a machine learning algorithm to predict this risk. This commentary will discuss potential implications and applications of this study for future global health policies.
Predictors of neonatal mortality in Ghana: evidence from 2017 Ghana maternal health survey
Authors: Adongo Emmanuel Ayire , Ganle John Kuumuori
Published: August 2023

Background

Neonatal mortality contributes about 47% of child mortality globally and over 50% of under-5 deaths in Ghana. There is limited population level analysis done in Ghana on predictors of neonatal mortality.

Objectives

The objective of the study was to examine the predictors of neonatal mortality in Ghana.

Method

This study utilizes secondary data from the 2017 Ghana Maternal Health Survey (GMHS). The GMHS survey focuses on population and household characteristics, health, nutrition, and lifestyle with particular emphasis on topics that affect the lives of newborns and women, including mortality levels, fertility preferences and family planning methods. A total of 10,624 respondents were included in the study after data cleaning. Descriptive statistical techniques were used to describe important background characteristics of the women and Pearson’s Chi-squares (χ2) test used to assess association between the outcome (neonatal death) and independent variables. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was done to estimate odd ratios and potential confounders controlled. Confidence level was held at 95%, and a p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Data analysis was done using STATA 15.

Results

The prevalence of neonatal mortality was 18 per 1000 live births. ANC attendance, sex of baby, and skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth were predictors of neonatal mortality. Women with at least one ANC visit were less likely to experience neonatal mortality as compared to women with no ANC visit prior to delivery (AOR = 0.11; CI = 0.02–0.56, p = 0.01). Girls were less likely (AOR = 0.68; CI = 0.47–0.98; p = 0.03) to die during the neonatal period as compared to boys. Neonates who were not put skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth were 2.6 times more likely to die within the neonatal period than those who were put skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth (AOR = 2.59; CI = 1.75–3.83, p = 0.00).

Conclusion

Neonatal mortality remains a public health concern in Ghana, with an estimated rate of 18 deaths per 1,000 live births. Maternal and neonatal factors such as the sex of the newborn, the number of antenatal care visits, and skin-to-skin contact between the newborn and mother immediately after birth are the predictors of neonatal mortality in Ghana.
Fine-grained mathematical modeling for cost-effectiveness evaluation of public health policies for cervical cancer, with application to a Colombian case study
Authors: Angulo Daniela , Cortes Maria Fernanda , Mura Ivan , Akhavan-Tabatabaei Raha
Published: August 2023

Background

Cervical cancer (CC) is globally ranked fourth in terms of incidence and mortality among women. Vaccination against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and screening programs can significantly reduce CC mortality rates. Hence, executing cost-effective public health policies for prevention and surveillance is crucial. However, defining policies that make the best use of the available resources is not easy, as it requires predicting the long-term costs and results of interventions on a changing population. Since the simpler task of predicting the results of public health policies is difficult, devising those that make the best usage of available resources is an arduous challenge for decision-makers.

Methods

This paper proposes a fine-grained epidemiological simulation model based on differential equations, to effectively predict the costs and effectiveness of CC public health policies that include vaccination and screening. The model represents population dynamics, HPV transmission within the population, likelihood of infection clearance, virus-induced appearance of precancerous lesions and eventually CC, as well as immunity gained with vaccination and early detection with screening.

Results

We offer a compartmentalized modeling approach that separates population, epidemics, and intervention concerns. We instantiate models with actual data from a Colombian case study and analyze their results to show how our modeling approach can support CEA studies. Moreover, we implement models in an open-source software tool to simultaneously define and evaluate multiple policies. With the support of the tool, we analyze 54 policies within a 30-year time horizon and use as a comparator the CC policy that has been used until recently. We identify 8 dominant policies, the best one with an ICER of 6.3 million COP (Colombian Pesos) per averted DALY. We also validate the modeling approach against the available population and HPV epidemic data. The effects of uncertainty in the values of key parameters (discount rate, sensitivity of screening tests) is evaluated through one-way sensitivity analysis.

Conclusions

Our modeling approach can provide valuable support for healthcare decision-makers. The implementation into an automated tool allows customizing the analysis with country-specific data, flexibly defining public health policies to be evaluated, and conducting disaggregate analyses of their cost and effectiveness.
Lymphohematopoietic cancer mortality among Korean semiconductor manufacturing workers
Authors: Lee Dong-Wook , Cho Sooyoung , Shin Aesun
Published: August 2023

Background

We aimed to examine the lymphohematopoietic cancer mortality in a cohort of workers at a semiconductor manufacturing company in South Korea according to their jobs.

Methods

A retrospective cohort was constructed using the personnel records of semiconductor manufacturing workers who were employed in a semiconductor company in South Korea in 1998–2012. Data on their vital status and causes of death were obtained from the National Statistical Office of South Korea. The standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) of lymphohematopoietic cancer were calculated.

Results

A total of 288 deaths were reported, of which 22 were caused by lymphohematopoietic cancer, among 65,782 workers in 878,325 person-years. The SMRs for lymphohematopoietic cancer were 0.78 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.39–1.40; the number of observed cases [Obs] = 11) among male workers and 1.71 (95% CI = 0.85–3.06; Obs = 11) among female workers. Among female operators, excess deaths due to lymphohematopoietic cancer (SMR = 2.59, 95% CI = 1.24–4.76) and leukemia (SMR = 2.92, 95% CI = 1.26–5.76) were observed. However, they were not observed among office workers, facility managers, utility managers, or process managers.

Conclusion

Female operators involved in the semiconductor wafer fabrication process had higher risk of mortality from lymphohematopoietic cancer.