bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Body Appreciation is Associated with Emotional Eating in Turkish
Female Athletes
Authors: Kenger Emre Batuhan , Karahan Tugce Ozlu
Published: June 2024

It is known that female athletes are at risk for eating disorders. It is thought
that factors such as pressure and stress experienced by professional athletes
may affect emotional eating and body appreciation. In this context, the aim of
this study was to evaluate the emotional eating and body appreciation of
professional Turkish female athletes. A total of 265 professional female
athletes were categorized according to their sport types and nationality.
Emotional eating was found to be higher and body appreciation to be lower in
athletes competing at the national level. The results of the hierarchical
regression analysis, which included variables such as age, body mass index,
professional sports background, national level, and sport type show that the
most effective factor in explaining emotional eating in professional female
athletes is body appreciation. The present study findings support that
professional female athletes are at risk in terms of emotional eating and body
appreciation. In addition, emotional eating scores were found to be higher and
body appreciation scores were lower in national athletes. Psychological factors
such as intense stress and pressure have an impact on the eating behavior and
body appreciation of national athletes. These results suggest that athletes
should be evaluated by nutritionists, doctors, and psychologists from a
multidisciplinary perspective.
Perceived social support, self-esteem, and depression among Indian trans men with and without sex reassignment surgery
Authors: Patki Sairaj M. , Gandhi Poonam , Walawalkar Aditya P. , Goyal Anukriti A.
Published: June 2024

The psychological challenges associated with gender identity in developing countries like India are only recently receiving research attention. The study aimed to understand self-esteem, perceived social support, and depression among trans men in India. A comparative analysis was also undertaken between those who have and have not undergone sex reassignment surgery. The sample comprised 30 trans men, out of which 15 had undergone sex reassignment surgery and 15 had not. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, and Beck’s Depression Inventory-II were used. Perceived social support from family and friends was found to be a significant predictor of self-esteem. Support from all three sources—family, friends, and significant others significantly predicted depression among the total sample. Trans men who had undergone sex reassignment surgery, reported higher self-esteem and lower depression levels, as compared to those who were yet to undergo surgery. The findings highlighted the contribution of social support in fostering the mental health of trans men. The consequent psychological benefits of surgery were also demonstrated. The study has implications for planning and designing mental health interventions for this community.
High-efficiency sound source localization using data-driven sparse sampling with validation using monopole laser sound source
Authors: Kaneko S. , Ozawa Y. , Nakai K. , Saito Y. , Asai K. , Nonomura T. , Ura H.
Published: June 2024

This study proposes a framework that reduces the calculation cost of sound source localization with the Amiet model, using a data-driven sparse sampling method. This method accelerates the calculation of the steering vector used in conventional beamforming. An aeroacoustic wind tunnel test was conducted in a 2 × 2 m2 low-speed wind tunnel, and the proposed method was verified. During the test, a monopole laser sound source, which does not interfere with the flow, was used, and its acoustic signals were measured using a microphone array. Next, steering vectors were reconstructed by discovering dominant modes and optimized sampling points from the training data based on the Amiet model and the modified data-driven sparse sampling method. Finally, the sound-source positions when the steering vector of the proposed model was used were compared with the positions observed when the steering vector of which all the grid points were calculated was used. The error was less than 2 mm when 16 modes were used, and the calculation time was reduced to ∼1/33 of that of the previous Amiet model.
Fermentation profile and chemical composition of Mombasa grass silage treated with chitosan and microbial inoculant
Authors: Campana Mariana , de Morais Jozivaldo Prudêncio Gomes , Garcia Thainá Moreira , Capucho Estefani , Nunes Marjorye , Osório Jesus Alberto Cardoso , Facco Francine Basso , Del Valle Tiago Antonio
Published: June 2024

Context The ensiling process presents losses that are associated with the fermentative profile, resulting in lower nutritional value, and lower aerobic stability of silages. Aims This study aimed to evaluate the effects of chitosan and microbial inoculants addition in Mombasa grass (Megathyrsus maximus) silage (MGS) fermentation profile and losses, chemical composition, in situ degradation, and aerobic stability. Methods Forty experimental silos (PVC tubing with 28-cm inner diameter and 25-cm height) were used in a randomised block (n = 5) design to evaluate the following treatments: (1) MGS without additives (control, CON); (2) MGS treated with 5.0 × 104 colony-forming units (CFU) of Lactobacillus buchneri (NCIM 40788) per gram of fresh matter (LBB); (3) MGS treated with 1.6 × 105 CFU of L. plantarum and 1.6 × 105 CFU of Pediococcus acidilactici per gram of fresh matter (LPP); and (4) MGS treated with 6 g/kg DM of chitosan (CHI). Key results The treatments did not alter the pH, ammonia-N, butyric, and lactic acid concentrations in the silage. The use of LPP reduced the ethanol content, while CHI increased propionic and branched-chain fatty acids compared with other treatments. Fermentation losses and dry-matter recovery were not affected by treatments. Chitosan reduced the organic matter of the MGS in relation to the other treatments, without having an impact on the other variables of chemical composition. The treatments did not influence the in vitro degradation, nor the pH and temperature after aerobic exposure of the silage. Conclusions Chitosan increases ethanol compared with homofermentative lactic acid bacteria inoculation and does not affect ammonia-N of Mombasa grass silage. In addition, chitosan and microbial inoculants have limited effects on Mombasa grass silage fermentation losses, nutritional value, and aerobic stability. Implications Chitosan does not reduce fermentation losses or improve the nutritional value of grass silage.
A global map of species at risk of extinction due to natural hazards
Authors: Gonçalves Fernando , Farooq Harith , Harfoot Mike , Pires Mathias M. , Villar Nacho , Sales Lilian , Carvalho Carolina , Bello Carolina , Emer Carine , Bovendorp Ricardo S. , Mendes Calebe , Beca Gabrielle , Lautenschlager Laís , Souza Yuri , Pedrosa Felipe , Paz Claudia , Zipparro Valesca B. , Akkawi Paula , Bercê William , Farah Fabiano , Freitas André V. L. , Silveira Luís Fábio , Olmos Fábio , Geldmann Jonas , Dalsgaard Bo , Galetti Mauro
Published: June 2024

An often-overlooked question of the biodiversity crisis is how natural hazards contribute to species extinction risk. To address this issue, we explored how four natural hazards, earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, and volcanoes, overlapped with the distribution ranges of amphibians, birds, mammals, and reptiles that have either narrow distributions or populations with few mature individuals. To assess which species are at risk from these natural hazards, we combined the frequency and magnitude of each natural hazard to estimate their impact. We considered species at risk if they overlapped with regions where any of the four natural hazards historically occurred (n = 3,722). Those species with at least a quarter of their range subjected to a high relative impact were considered at high risk (n = 2,001) of extinction due to natural hazards. In total, 834 reptiles, 617 amphibians, 302 birds, and 248 mammals were at high risk and they were mainly distributed on islands and in the tropics. Hurricanes (n = 983) and earthquakes (n = 868) affected most species, while tsunamis (n = 272), and volcanoes (n = 171) affected considerably fewer. The region with the highest number of species at high risk was the Pacific Ring of Fire, especially due to volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis, while hurricane-related high-risk species were concentrated in the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and northwestern Pacific Ocean. Our study provides important information regarding the species at risk due to natural hazards and can help guide conservation attention and efforts to safeguard their survival.
Two distinct networks for encoding goals and forms of action: An effective connectivity study
Authors: Di Cesare Giuseppe , Lombardi Giada , Zeidman Peter , Urgen Burcu A. , Sciutti Alessandra , Friston Karl J. , Rizzolatti Giacomo
Published: June 2024

Goal-directed actions are characterized by two main features: the content (i.e., the action goal) and the form, called vitality forms (VF) (i.e., how actions are executed). It is well established that both the action content and the capacity to understand the content of another’s action are mediated by a network formed by a set of parietal and frontal brain areas. In contrast, the neural bases of action forms (e.g., gentle or rude actions) have not been characterized. However, there are now studies showing that the observation and execution of actions endowed with VF activate, in addition to the parieto-frontal network, the dorso-central insula (DCI). In the present study, we established—using dynamic causal modeling (DCM)—the direction of information flow during observation and execution of actions endowed with gentle and rude VF in the human brain. Based on previous fMRI studies, the selected nodes for the DCM comprised the posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS), the inferior parietal lobule (IPL), the premotor cortex (PM), and the DCI. Bayesian model comparison showed that, during action observation, two streams arose from pSTS: one toward IPL, concerning the action goal, and one toward DCI, concerning the action vitality forms. During action execution, two streams arose from PM: one toward IPL, concerning the action goal and one toward DCI concerning action vitality forms. This last finding opens an interesting question concerning the possibility to elicit VF in two distinct ways: cognitively (from PM to DCI) and affectively (from DCI to PM).
Restoration of coherent reach-grasp-pull movement via sequential intraneural peripheral nerve stimulation in rats
Authors: Chen Weihuang , Wang Suhao , Bao Jieting , Yu Chaonan , Jiang Qianqian , Song Jizhou , Zheng Yongte , Hao Yaoyao , Xu Kedi
Published: June 2024

Objective. Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) has been demonstrated as an effective way to selectively activate muscles and to produce fine hand movements. However, sequential multi-joint upper limb movements, which are critical for paralysis rehabilitation, has not been tested with PNS. Here, we aimed to restore multiple upper limb joint movements through an intraneural interface with a single electrode, achieving coherent reach-grasp-pull movement tasks through sequential stimulation. Approach. A transverse intrafascicular multichannel electrode was implanted under the axilla of the rat’s upper limb, traversing the musculocutaneous, radial, median, and ulnar nerves. Intramuscular electrodes were implanted into the biceps brachii (BB), triceps brachii (TB), flexor carpi radialis (FCR), and extensor carpi radialis (ECR) muscles to record electromyographic (EMG) activity and video recordings were used to capture the kinematics of elbow, wrist, and digit joints. Charge-balanced biphasic pulses were applied to different channels to recruit distinct upper limb muscles, with concurrent recording of EMG signals and joint kinematics to assess the efficacy of the stimulation. Finally, a sequential stimulation protocol was employed by generating coordinated pulses in different channels. Main results. BB, TB, FCR and ECR muscles were selectively activated and various upper limb movements, including elbow flexion, elbow extension, wrist flexion, wrist extension, digit flexion, and digit extension, were reliably generated. The modulation effects of stimulation parameters, including pulse width, amplitude, and frequency, on induced joint movements were investigated and reach-grasp-pull movement was elicited by sequential stimulation. Significance. Our results demonstrated the feasibility of sequential intraneural stimulation for functional multi-joint movement restoration, providing a new approach for clinical rehabilitation in paralyzed patients.
Impact of cyclic thermal shocks on the electrochemical and tribological properties of Fe-based amorphous coating
Authors: Yasir Muhammad , Hafeez Muhammad Arslan , Ur Rehman Muhammad Atiq , Zhang Cheng
Published: June 2024

Fe-based amorphous coatings hold immense potential for marine industries due to their remarkable properties, including high hardness, exceptional corrosion resistance, and outstanding wear resistance. However, their performance under thermal shock conditions, particularly in high-temperature applications, remains a topic requiring further investigation. In this work, a Fe-based amorphous coating with a composition of Fe48Mo14Cr15Y2C15B6 was successfully developed using High-velocity oxygen fuel thermal spraying. To assess the thermal shock resistance of the amorphous coating, we subjected them to thermal cycles at 300 °C for 150 times, followed by cooling in two different mediums: saltwater quenching and air cooling. The results revealed that the coating maintained excellent contact with the substrate and preserved mainly amorphous structure both in the as-sprayed condition and after thermal shocks. Interestingly, the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results indicated that the air-cooled samples exhibited greater structural relaxation and crystallization compared to the brine-quenched samples. This microstructure changes in the air-cooled samples resulted in inferior mechanical properties, such as wear resistance and hardness, compared to the brine-quenched and as-sprayed samples.
Exploring Ho substituted Y-Fe-B nanocrystalline alloys and hot worked magnets
Authors: Fan Wenbing , Zhou Bang , Yu Hongya , Wei Jiangxiong , Liu Zhongwu
Published: June 2024

Aiming to balance the utilization of rare earth (RE) resources and develop Y-Fe-B based permanent magnets, Ho is employed as strategic substitution for enhancing the magnetic properties and thermal stability of nanocrystalline Y-Fe-B alloys. Ho substituting Y can enhance the coercivity of Y-Fe-B alloys while maintaining their excellent thermal stability. 30 at.% Ho substitution leads to an abnormal increase of remanence J
r and (Y0.7Ho0.3)2Fe14B alloy exhibits good magnetic properties with remanence J
r = 0.73 T, intrinsic coercivity H
cj = 303 kA m−1, and maximum energy product (BH)max = 66 kJ m−3. High thermal stability with temperature coefficient of remanence α = −0.124%/K and temperature coefficient of coercivity β = −0.245%/K were obtained between 300–400 K. The results for RE-rich (Y1−xHox)2.5Fe14B alloys also show that the magnetic properties change with Ho content are similar to those of (Y1−xHox)2Fe14B alloys, but the coercivity is higher. In addition, nanocrystalline (Y0.5Ho0.5)2.5Fe14B magnets were prepared by hot-pressing and hot deformation process. Due to the lack of low melting point RE-rich phase, this alloy is difficult to be densified and deformed. The formation of high temperature RE2O3 and RE6Fe23 phases and the lack of continuously distributed RE-rich grain boundary phase are responsible for the poor texture of hot deformed magnet. The hot deformed magnet has the magnetic properties of J
r = 0.50 T, H
cj = 739 kA m−1, and (BH)max = 40 kJ m−3 together with high thermal stability. The micro-analysis demonstrated the chemical segregation of Y and Ho elements. Higher proportion of Ho than Y existed in main phase and grain boundary phase indicate excess Y were precipitated as Y-rich oxides.
Using Oyster shell for production of greener building mortars: exploring mechanical and microscale characteristics
Authors: Awoyera Paul O , Romero Lenin Miguel Bendezu , Olalusi Oladimeji B , Samuel Abodunrin Olasile , David Abayomi B , Madrid Saldaña Cesar Karlo , Sor Nadhim Hamah
Published: June 2024

In the pursuit of greener and sustainable materials for developimg cementitious composites, several agricultural and undustrial wastes are continually explored for use in the process. The current study focused on the use of 20%, 25% and 30% Oyster shell powder (OSP) as a partial substitute for Ordinary Portland cement, and 100% Oyster shell aggregate (OSA) and 100% recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) (OPC) as total replacement for fine aggregate in mortar production. The mechanical properties of the mortars such as compressive strength, flexural stremntgh and water abosprion were determined. Also, microscale analysis using SEM-EDX was conducted on selected mortars. The results showed that the control mortar demonstrated the maximum compressive strength, however, OSP is adequate as binder at upto 25% replacement level, producing strength somewhat close to that of the control mortar. Results obviously showed that the replacement amounts of OSP, RCA and OSA greatly influence the hydration process of the mortar matrix, and the overall performance.
Systematic review of optimization techniques for laser beam machining
Authors: Kharche Prashant P , Patil Vijay H
Published: June 2024

Laser Beam Machining (LBM) has several applications in the aerospace, medical, and automobile domains. Optimization techniques are essential for LBM to increase resource-efficiency and sustainability of the system. The present paper aims to provide a systematic review of the research in the domain of optimization techniques for LBM. A total of 228 research papers published during the last 20 years, from 2003 to 2023, are reviewed. The literature review is classified into three major sections- (i) optimization techniques, (ii) applications of optimization techniques, and (iii) challenges and future directions. The novelty of the present systematic review paper is to provide a direction for future research in the domain of optimization techniques of LBM. As a result of the suggested research, an efficient and sustainable LBM with the required performance will be developed in the shortest possible time.
Opportunities and constraints of hydrogen energy storage systems
Authors: Dowling Jacqueline A , Ruggles Tyler H , Virgüez Edgar A , Reich Natasha D , Ifkovits Zachary P , Davis Steven J , Li Anna X , Kennedy Kathleen M , Rinaldi Katherine Z , Duan Lei , Caldeira Ken , Lewis Nathan S
Published: June 2024

In contrast to battery storage systems, power-to-hydrogen-to-power (P-H2-P) storage systems provide opportunities to separately optimize the costs and efficiency of the system’s charging, storage, and discharging components. The value of capital cost reduction relative to round-trip efficiency improvements of P-H2-P systems is not well understood in electricity systems with abundant curtailed power. Here, we used a macro-energy model to evaluate the sensitivity of system costs to techno-economic characteristics of P-H2-P systems in stylized wind-solar-battery electricity systems with restricted natural gas generation. Assuming current costs and current round-trip P-H2-P efficiencies, least-cost wind and solar electricity systems had large amounts of excess variable renewable generation capacity. These systems included P-H2-P in the least-cost solution, despite its low round-trip efficiency and relatively high P-H2-P power discharge costs. These electricity system costs were not highly sensitive to the efficient use of otherwise-curtailed power, but were sensitive to the capital cost of the P-H2-P power discharge component. If the capital costs of the charging and discharging components were decreased relative to generation costs, curtailment would decrease, and electricity system costs would become increasingly sensitive to improvements in the P-H2-P round-trip efficiency. These results suggest that capital cost reductions, especially in the discharge component, provide a key opportunity for innovation in P-H2-P systems for applications in electricity systems dominated by wind and solar generation. Analysis of underground salt cavern storage constraints in U.S.-based wind and solar scenarios suggests that ample hydrogen storage capacity could be obtained by repurposing the depleted natural gas reservoirs that are currently used for seasonal natural gas storage.
Temporal Experience
Authors: Torrengo Giuliano
Published: June 2024

Many physical theories suggest that time does not pass, yet temporality deeply permeates our experience. We perceive change and movement, we are aware of living in the present, of the constant flux of our sensations and thoughts, and of time itself flowing. In this book, the author considers the core facts of temporal experience and their interconnections, ultimately defending the atomist dynamic model of temporal experience. The model is atomist because according to it we experience our own temporal position as undivided, and it is dynamic because it emphasizes the central role of the feeling of renewed experience as time progresses. The book critically examines prevalent theories of experience of change, presentness, succession, and passage of time both in philosophy and psychology. Each chapter contributes to the construction of the atomist dynamic model. Experience of change and movement are explained through mental events that present virtually instantaneous movement and change. The author challenges the common belief in the perception of ‘presentness’ and proposes an error theory based on narrative cognition. The experience of succession is elucidated through the concept of an overarching phenomenology, arguing against the tendency to overstate the phenomenal continuity of experience. Finally, the experience of the passage of time is approached through the non-representationalist theory of the phenomenal modifier. The author concludes by discussing the surprising consequences of applying the experiential model defended in the book to the scientific image of our existence in time as a sequence of physical events.
The passage of time
Authors: Torrengo Giuliano
Published: June 2024

In this chapter the author focuses on the pivotal aspect of temporal phenomenology: the experience of time passing. Various perspectives on the purported phenomenology of time passing are discussed. Accounts grounded in the notion that our belief in time’s passage stems from perceptual experiences encounter challenges in explaining how perceptual systems track this passage. Alternatively, perspectives positing that the experience of passage is not perceptual but intrinsic and structural show greater promise. The chapter examines and supports the phenomenal modifier view, according to which there is a sensational element in our experience suggesting that our experiences are in flux, yet not explicitly presenting a world where time passes.
Specialized Police Units
Authors: Gaub Janne E. , Muñoz Gillian
Published: June 2024

Specialized police units have become a fixture of modern policing. Despite their importance to the professionalization of policing, little is generally known about them, including their formation/creation, implementation, culture, and effectiveness. Specialized units, also known as specialty units, are created to fulfill organizational needs by addressing specific problems. These units may focus on enduring problems to alleviate overburdened patrol units, or more contingent problems that require immediate, decisive action. They often utilize alternative patrol methods, focus on particular crime or offender types, or rely on specialized tactics or skills, or some combination of the above. While some specialized units predate the early 20th century, most were created or expanded during the bureaucratization of policing, particularly in the United States. Organizational theories such as diffusion of innovations, bureaucracy, contingency, and social threat theories can all explain their expansion across policing.

The application of the police subculture within specialized units is clearly present. In particular, specialized units tend to heavily emphasize the solidarity, “us versus them” mentality, competition, and hypermasculinity embedded in the police subculture. The bulk of the scholarly literature on specialized units emphasize paramilitary units (e.g., Special Weapons and Tactics teams), canine (K9) units, and gang units. This is primarily due to their popularity among police departments and association with the coercive role of police. Other specialized tasks that are often considered specialized assignments (but perhaps not a fully formed unit) include mental health crisis response, school security and safety, search and rescue, and investigative units (including Internal Affairs). These units and tasks have received varying levels of scholarly study and are met with mixed results. Finally, some specialized units have received very limited attention in the literature , including traffic enforcement, bike patrol, cybercrime, and crime reduction units.
Routes to Emancipation in West Africa
Authors: Bellagamba Alice
Published: June 2024

West African slave emancipation has been a process patterned and experienced in multiple ways depending on the histories, geographies, and uncertainties of individual, family, and communal lives and trajectories. Regionally and culturally diversified conceptions of slavery and the condition of slaves, the interrelation of slavery with other kinds of personal dependence, the local arrangements between masters and slaves, and gender and age, together with the socio-political and economic dynamics of entire areas and regions factored into this plurality of outcomes. To some extent, this process is unfinished, as the late 20th century closed with reports of child and female exploitation akin to slavery, the political mobilization of slave descendants in Mauritania and other West African contexts, and the interlacement of the legacies of slavery with civil strife and insurgency in still others. Three aspects characterize West African routes to emancipation: the centuries-old connections with the Sahara and the Mediterranean and—since the 15th century—with the Atlantic world, early exposure to Atlantic abolitionism and West Africans’ participation in the struggle against slavery and the slave trade, the political relevance of histories of enslavement, life in slavery, and emancipation. Through case studies and historical examples, the abolition of the West African slave trade and internal slavery in the aftermath of the colonial conquest, the gendered experience of emancipation, the controversial relationships between spatial and social mobility, and post-slavery politics can be considered.
Relationship between alcohol intake based on daily smartphone-reported consumption and PEth concentrations in healthy volunteers
Authors: Finanger Trine , Melby Katrine , Spigset Olav , Andreassen Trine N , Lydersen Stian , Skråstad Ragnhild Bergene
Published: June 2024

Aims

To investigate the association between alcohol consumption registered daily with a digital smartphone-based diary and concentration of phosphatidylethanol (PEth) 16:0/18:1 in a population without a known alcohol use disorder (AUD), and evaluate whether prospective registration of alcohol consumption is better than retrospective registration and if the association between alcohol intake and PEth was affected by sex or body mass index (BMI).

Methods

A total of 41 women and 21 men without AUD-diagnosis registered their alcohol consumption prospectively with a digital diary for 14 days, and retrospectively with the Timeline Followback method in the same time interval. PEth was measured before and after the registration period.

Results

The correlation between alcohol consumption and PEth varied from 0.65 to 0.87. It did not depend significantly on the reporting method, and was not influenced by sex or BMI. Based on the regression coefficient, a reduction of alcohol consumption by two alcohol units (26 g of pure ethanol) per day would lead to a reduction of the PEth concentration of about 0.1 μmol/l, and vice versa.

Conclusions

There was a good correlation between PEth concentration and alcohol consumption, both when alcohol consumption was reported prospectively and retrospectively. The preferred cut-off for PEth should be adjusted to the level of alcohol consumption considered harmful and a purposeful trade-off between sensitivity and specificity. In order to identify persons with a daily alcohol consumption of more than two or three units of alcohol with a sensitivity of 80% or 90%, we suggest a cut-off of around 0.1 μmol/l.
snpAIMeR: R package for evaluating ancestry informative marker contributions in non-model population diagnostics
Authors: Vertacnik Kim L , Vernygora Oksana V , Dupuis Julian R
Published: June 2024

Motivation

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers are increasingly popular for population genomics and inferring ancestry for individuals of unknown origin. Because large SNP datasets are impractical for rapid and routine analysis, diagnostics rely on panels of highly informative markers. Strategies exist for selecting these markers, however, resources for efficiently evaluating their performance are limited for non-model systems.

Results

snpAIMeR is a user-friendly R package that evaluates the efficacy of genomic markers for the cluster assignment of unknown individuals. It is intended to help minimize panel size and genotyping effort by determining the informativeness of candidate diagnostic markers. Provided genotype data from individuals of known origin, it uses leave-one-out cross-validation to determine population assignment rates for individual markers and marker combinations.

Availability and implementation

snpAIMeR is available on CRAN (https://CRAN.R-project.org/package=snpAIMeR).
Why is the West so rotten at strategy?
Authors: Smith M L R
Published: June 2024

Why has western foreign policy exhibited a record of sustained strategic failure, from Afghanistan to Ukraine? Why is it that despite the intellectual attention devoted to identifying the foundations of good strategy, outcomes remain so poor? This study seeks to bring a process of academic rigour to these questions. It pinpoints an inability to relate to problems proportionately as the major factor that accounts for bad strategic results and the growth of an anti-strategic predilection in policy-making. This lack of proportionality arises largely from a liberal-elite commitment to moral missions that undermine exit plans and bounded objectives. This sets in train an escalatory dynamic that inexorably spirals towards failure. Furthermore, rarely is there any accountability for predictive ineptitude or reckless advocacy, which merely entrenches the propensity towards poor strategic performance. The argument contends that these factors can all be captured within an enduring paradigm of total war, which exerts an overdetermining influence on western policy-making, pushing the formulation of strategy towards abstract goals and the unrestrained application of resources. While there are no easy answers to overcome these deep-seated problems in western strategic formulation, this article suggests that an attempt to move the idea of strategy away from ‘problem-solving’ to ‘problem-framing’ can offer the prospect of more considered policy reflection and facilitate a process of learning from mistakes rather than repeating them.
Ceftaroline in CNS and ocular infections: a case series
Authors: Siegrist Emily A , Sassine Joseph
Published: June 2024

Background

There are limited data describing outcomes of patients treated with ceftaroline for infections with CNS or ocular involvement.

Objectives

To describe outcomes of patients treated with ceftaroline for methicillin-resistant staphylococcal infections involving the CNS or eye.

Patients and methods

This was a retrospective review of 10 patients at an academic medical centre who received ceftaroline for CNS or ocular infections.

Results

All patients were treated with ceftaroline as part of a combination for salvage therapy. Four patients died, whereas six patients experienced clinical cure. Only one experienced microbiological recurrence.

Conclusions

These preliminary data suggest that ceftaroline may be an option for salvage therapy of severe staphylococcal infections when used in combination.
Evaluation of Virtual Reality in the Reduction of Pain During Dressing Changes in Patients With Burn Wounds: A Pilot Study
Authors: Shafran-Tikva Sigal , Zelker Revital , Cohen Pnina , Weissberger Omer , Gealdor Hava , Tzur Tomer , Wegman Yonathan
Published: June 2024

Burn injuries are among the most common life-threatening injuries for which medical attention is sought, and are accompanied by intense, severe pain, particularly during treatment. Burn therapy pain management with opioid and nonopioid analgesics is often insufficient when administered alone. Virtual reality (VR) interfaces provide an immersive experience that has demonstrable therapeutic benefits, including distraction from, and reduction of, pain. In this interventional pilot study, we assessed the correlation between VR and passive distraction and pain tolerance during burn wound treatment. This pilot study assessed patients undergoing burn wound dressing changes while receiving both pharmacological and VR intervention. Questionnaires and evaluation forms were subjectively completed by both patients and medical staff before and after treatment, and clinical metrics were recorded throughout the treatment. Forty-one patients ≥18 years old and 76.9% male that had primarily undergone ≥4 dressing changes before the study were included. Correlations were found between VR engagement during treatment and a decrease in subjective levels of nausea, anxiety, and pain sensation. Furthermore, high levels of VR engagement were correlated with high levels of VR enjoyment. These results suggest that highly engaging and enjoyable VR interfaces may reduce sensations of anxiety and pain in burn patients during dressing changes. Furthermore, these data suggest that VR technology may be applied as an adjunct therapy to pharmacological treatment in the standardization of burn wound care management. Further studies with control groups and larger sample populations are needed for better quantification of these benefits.
The Pandemic Arc: Expanded Narratives in the History of Global Health
Authors: Green Monica H
Published: June 2024

Using the examples of plague, smallpox, and HIV/AIDS, the present essay argues for the benefits of incorporating the evolutionary histories of pathogens, beyond visible epidemic spikes within human populations, into our understanding of what pandemics actually are as epidemiological phenomena. The pandemic arc — which takes the pathogen as the defining “actor” in a pandemic, from emergence to local proliferation to globalization — offers a framework capable of bringing together disparate aspects not only of the manifestations of disease but also of human involvement in the pandemic process. Pathogens may differ, but there are common patterns in disease emergence and proliferation that distinguish those diseases that become pandemic, dispersed through human communities regionally or globally. The same methods of genomic analysis that allow tracking the evolutionary development of a modern pathogen such as SARS-CoV-2 also allow us to trace pandemics into the past. Reconstruction of these pandemic arcs brings new elements of these stories into view, recovering the experiences of regions and populations hitherto overlooked by Eurocentric narratives. This expanded global history of infectious diseases, in turn, lays a groundwork for reconceiving what ambitions a truly global health might aim for.
Diagnostic Yield of Urine Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra in Adults With Suspected Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Ndege Robert , Rohacek Martin , Bani Farida , Ngome Omary , Okuma James , Sasamalo Mohamed , Mnzava Dorcas , Reither Klaus , Vanobberghen Fiona , Hella Jerry , Paris Daniel H , Weisser Maja
Published: June 2024

We assessed the diagnostic yield of urine GeneXpert MTB/RIF Ultra and factors associated with a positive test among adult patients suspected to have extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Urine Ultra was positive in 14% of participants with definite or probable tuberculosis. Hospitalization, disseminated tuberculosis, and human immunodeficiency virus infection were associated with a positive result.
Association of sarcopenia with severe chemotherapy toxicities and survival in patients with advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Chan Wing-Lok , Yun Ho-Kwan Bryan , Cheung Emina Edith , Liu Michelle , Hou Li-Yu , Lam Ka-On , Wong Ian Yu-Hong , Chiu Wan-Hang Keith , Law Simon , Kwong Dora
Published: June 2024

Background

Sarcopenia or skeletal muscle depletion is a poor prognostic factor for gastric cancer (GC). However, existing cutoff values of skeletal muscle index (SMI) for defining sarcopenia have been found to have limitations when clinically applied. This study aimed to determine the optimal cutoff for SMI to predict severe toxicities of chemotherapy and overall survival (OS) in patients with advanced GC.

Methods

Patients with metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma who received first-line palliative chemotherapy between January 2014 and December 2021 at Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, were included in this study. The SMI was determined via a pre-chemotherapy computed tomography scan. Optimal cutoff points of SMI were identified by recursive partitioning analysis. Univariate and multivariate analyses evaluating risk factors of severe chemotherapy toxicities and OS were also performed.

Results

A total of 158 patients (male: 108 (68.4%), median age: 65.3) were included. The SMI cutoff to define low SMI was ≤33 cm2/m2 for males and ≤28 cm2/m2 for females; 30 patients (19.0%) had low SMI. Patients with low SMI had a higher incidence of hematological toxicities (63.3% vs 32.0%, P = .001) and non-hematological toxicities (66.7% vs 36.7%, P = .003). Multivariable analysis indicated that low SMI and low serum albumin (≤28 g/L) were independent predictive factors of hematological toxicity, while low SMI and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio ≥5 were predictive factors of non-hematological toxicity. Moreover, patients with low SMI had a significantly shorter OS (P = .011), lower response rate to chemotherapy (P = .045), and lower utilization of subsequent lines of treatment (P < .001).

Conclusions

Using pre-chemotherapy SMI cutoff (≤33 cm2/m2 for males and 28 cm2/m2 for females) one can identify individuals with a higher risk of severe chemotherapy toxicities and worse prognosis.
Multifunctional surface of the nano-morphic PEEK implant with enhanced angiogenic, osteogenic and antibacterial properties
Authors: Zhang Jiajia , Ma Tongtong , Liu Xueye , Zhang Xiaoran , Meng Wenqing , Wu Junling
Published: June 2024

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a high-performance polymer suitable for use in biomedical coatings. The implants based on PEEK have been extensively studied in dental and orthopedic fields. However, their inherent inert surfaces and poor osteogenic properties limit their broader clinical applications. Thus, there is a pressing need to produce a multifunctional PEEK implant to address this issue. In response, we developed sulfonated PEEK (sPEEK)-Cobalt-parathyroid hormone (PTH) materials featuring multifunctional nanostructures. This involved loading cobalt (Co) ions and PTH (1-34) protein onto the PEEK implant to tackle this challenge. The findings revealed that the controlled release of Co2+ notably enhanced the vascular formation and the expression of angiogenic-related genes, and offered antimicrobial capabilities for sPEEK-Co-PTH materials. Additionally, the sPEEK-Co-PTH group exhibited improved cell compatibility and bone regeneration capacity in terms of cell activity, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, matrix mineralization and osteogenic gene expression. It surpassed solely sulfonated and other functionalized sPEEK groups, demonstrating comparable efficacy even when compared to the titanium (Ti) group. Crucially, animal experiments also corroborated the significant enhancement of osteogenesis due to the dual loading of cobalt ions and PTH (1-34). This study demonstrated the potential of bioactive Co2+ and PTH (1-34) for bone replacement, optimizing the bone integration of PEEK implants in clinical applications.
Ecological momentary assessment of sleep, pain, and opioid use among adolescents following surgery
Authors: Rogers Andrew H , Rabbitts Jennifer A , Saper Michael G , Schmale Gregory A , Palermo Tonya M , Groenewald Cornelius B
Published: June 2024

Background

Opioids are effective for acute pain management following surgery among adolescents, yet are associated with significant negative consequences, including respiratory depression and opioid misuse. Sleep deficiency is common following surgery and extant research indicates strong cross-sectional associations between sleep deficiency and increased problematic opioid use.

Objective

This study examined longitudinal associations between postsurgical sleep deficiency and opioid use among adolescents undergoing outpatient surgery. We also examined daily pain and mood as mechanisms linking previous night’s sleep deficiency and next day prescription opioid use.

Methods

This prospective, observational study enrolled 106 adolescents (11–19 years) who underwent orthopedic outpatient surgery and collected pre-surgery and longitudinal measurements. Participants were 52% female, African-American (7%), American Indian/Alaska Native (7%), Hispanic (9%), Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (4%), or white, non-Hispanic (66%). Using ecological momentary assessment methods, participants reported sleep, pain, and mood in real time over the first 14 days following surgery. Postsurgical opioid use was measured using an electronic medication cap monitoring device, eCAPTM. Associations between variables were measured using multilevel structural equation modeling.

Results

Using multi-level mediation models, pain, but not mood-mediated associations between postsurgical sleep deficiency (sleep quality, total sleep time, sleep onset latency, and wake after sleep onset) and opioid use, at both the within-person and between-person levels. Results highlight that greater previous night’s sleep deficiency (both generally and greater than a person’s mean level) was associated with higher next day pain (both generally and greater than a person’s mean level), which, in turn, was associated with higher opioid use. Furthermore, between-person total effect models provide support for sleep deficiency predicting higher opioid use.

Conclusions

Our findings should be considered preliminary yet underscore the need for a comprehensive and personalized approach to postsurgical pain management and opioid use, potentially implementing interventions targeting sleep quality and quantity to reduce pain and opioid use.
Arf6 GTPase deficiency leads to porcine oocyte quality decline during aging
Authors: Zhang Kun‐Huan , Jiao Le , Wang Yue , Sun Shao‐Chen
Published: June 2024

Arf6 is a member of ADP‐ribosylation factor (Arf) family, which is widely implicated in the regulation of multiple physiological processes including endocytic recycling, cytoskeletal organization, and membrane trafficking during mitosis. In this study, we investigated the potential relationship between Arf6 and aging‐related oocyte quality, and its roles on organelle rearrangement and cytoskeleton dynamics in porcine oocytes. Arf6 expressed in porcine oocytes throughout meiotic maturation, and it decreased in aged oocytes. Disruption of Arf6 led to the failure of cumulus expansion and polar body extrusion. Further analysis indicated that Arf6 modulated ac‐tubulin for meiotic spindle organization and microtubule stability. Besides, Arf6 regulated cofilin phosphorylation and fascin for actin assembly, which further affected spindle migration, indicating the roles of Arf6 on cytoskeleton dynamics. Moreover, the lack of Arf6 activity caused the dysfunction of Golgi and ER for protein synthesis and signal transduction. Mitochondrial dysfunction was also observed in Arf6‐deficient porcine oocytes, which was supported by the increased ROS level and abnormal membrane potential. In conclusion, our results reported that insufficient Arf6 was related to aging‐induced oocyte quality decline through spindle organization, actin assembly, and organelle rearrangement in porcine oocytes.
Acute Effects of Breaking up Sitting Time With Isometric Wall Squat Exercise on Vascular Function and Blood Pressure in Sedentary Adults
Authors: Silva Jéssika K.T.N.F. , Menêses Annelise L. , Silva Gustavo O. , O’Driscoll Jamie M. , Ritti-Dias Raphael M. , Correia Marilia A. , Farah Breno Q.
Published: June 2024

Purpose:

The World Health Organization has recommended breaking up sitting time to improve cardiovascular health. However, whether isometric exercise can be effectively used as a strategy to break up sitting time remains unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the acute effects of breaking up prolonged sitting with isometric wall squat exercise (IWSE) on vascular function and blood pressure (BP) in sedentary adults.

Methods:

This randomized crossover trial included 17 adults (53% male, 26 ± 6 yr, 22.4 ± 3.6 kg/m2) with high sedentary behavior (≥ 6 hr/d). The participants completed 2 experimental sessions in a randomized order, both sharing a common sitting period of 180 min: Breaks (2-min breaks were incorporated into the IWSE, with participants maintaining their knees at the angle determined by the incremental test, which occurred every 30 min) and Control (sitting for 180 min continuously). Popliteal artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and brachial BP were measured before and at 10 and 30 min after the experimental sessions.

Results:

The results did not indicate significant session vs time interaction effects on popliteal FMD and brachial BP (P > .05). A subanalysis including only participants with popliteal FMD reduction after the Control session (n = 11) revealed that Breaks enhanced popliteal FMD after 10 min (1.38 ± 6.45% vs −4.87 ± 2.95%, P = .002) and 30 min (−0.43 ± 2.48% vs −2.11 ± 5.22%, P = .047).

Conclusion:

Breaking up prolonged sitting with IWSE mitigates impaired vascular function resulting from prolonged sitting but has no effect on BP in sedentary adults.