bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revision of the Griburius scutellaris (Fabricius, 1801) species group (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cryptocephalinae)
Authors: SASSI DAVIDE
Published: July 2023

Ten species of Griburius Haldeman, 1849, morphologically similar to each other, and some of their synonyms are revised, figured and discussed. Among them is G. scutellaris (Fabricius, 1801), the type species of Griburius. Seven of the studied species are already described: Griburius albilabris (Suffrian, 1852), Griburius boucardi (Jacoby, 1880), Griburius errans (Suffrian, 1852), Griburius larvatus Newman, 1840, Griburius lecontii Crotch, 1873, Griburius montezuma (Suffrian, 1852) and Griburius scutellaris (Fabricius, 1801). In addition, Griburius biverrucatus (Suffrian, 1852) stat. restored and Griburius decoratus (Suffrian, 1852) stat. restored, formerly considered conspecific of G. albilabris and G. larvatus, respectively, are here resurrected to full species status. Griburius spadiceus (Suffrian, 1852) syn. nov. is transferred from the synonymy with G. larvatus to the synonymy with G. decoratus. In addition, the following new or restored synonymies are proposed: G. albilabris (= G. suturalis (Suffrian, 1852) syn. restored; = G. zonatus (Suffrian, 1852) syn. restored); G. montezuma (Suffrian, 1852) (= G. cazicus (Suffrian, 1852) syn. nov.; = G. suffriani (Jacoby, 1880) syn. restored). Lastly, Griburius rileyi sp. nov. is described as new to science. The lectotypes of all previously described valid species and the confirmed synonyms are designated. The new synonymies, the name-bearing type fixations and designations and the nomenclatural acts are critically discussed. An identification key for the species-group is also provided.
Clinical frailty scale is useful in predicting return-to-home in patients admitted due to coronavirus disease
Authors: Kawamura Koki , Osawa Aiko , Tanimoto Masanori , Kagaya Hitoshi , Matsuura Toshihiro , Arai Hidenori
Published: July 2023

Background

The spread of the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection has been prolonged, with the highly contagious Omicron variant becoming the predominant variant by 2022. Many patients admitted to dedicated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) wards (COVID-19 treatment units) develop disuse syndrome while being treated in the hospital, and their ability to perform activities of daily living declines, making it difficult for hospitals to discharge them. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the degree of frailty and home discharge of patients admitted to a COVID-19 treatment units.

Methods

This study retrospectively examined the in-patient medical records of 138 patients (82.7 ± 7.6 years old) admitted to a COVID-19 treatment unit from January to December 2022. The end-point was to determine the patients’ ability to be discharged from the unit directly to home; such patients were classified into the ‘Home discharge’ group and compared with those in the ‘Difficulty in discharge’ group. The degree of frailty was determined based on the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), and the relationship with the endpoint was analysed. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was created and the cut-off value was calculated with the possibility of home discharge as the state variable and CFS as the test variable. Logistic regression analysis was conducted with the possibility of home discharge as the dependent variable and CFS as the independent variable.

Results

There were 75 patients in the Home discharge group and 63 in the Difficulty in discharge group. ROC analysis showed a CFS cut-off value of 6 or more, with a sensitivity of 70.7% and a specificity of 84.1%. The results of the logistic regression analysis showed a significant correlation between possibility of home discharge and CFS even after adjusting for covariates, with an odds ratio of 13.44.

Conclusions

Based on the evaluation of the degree of frailty conducted in the COVID-19 treatment unit, it was possible to accurately predict whether a patient could be discharged directly to home after treatment CFS could be an effective screening tool to easily detect patients requiring ongoing hospitalisation even after the acute phase of treatment.
Is sexual attraction and place of origin a moderator of sex in pornography consumption? Cross-sectional study on a representative sample of young adults
Authors: Sanz-Barbero Belén , Pérez-Martínez Vanesa , Estévez-García J. Francisco , Vives-Cases Carmen
Published: July 2023

Background

Pornography consumption is higher in men, but we do not know if this association can be modified by different variables, such as sexual attraction and place of origin. Given the impact pornography has on minors, there are limited studies that analyze the use of pornography in representative samples of the adult population. The aim was analyze the prevalence and factors associated with using pornography in young adult men and women, living in Spain, with different sexual attractions and different places of birth.

Methods

Cross-sectional study with an online survey conducted with 2515 men and women aged between 18 and 35 years of age. The prevalence of pornography consumption is described and analyzed in the total sample and stratified by sex, according to socio-demographic and sexual attraction variables. The association between covariates and pornography consumption at some point in life was estimated with prevalence ratios (PR) obtained with the Poisson models of robust variance. Dependent variable: voluntarily using pornography at some point in life. Socio-demographic variables were included in the analysis: age, sex, level of education, place of birth. Sexual attraction was also analyzed.

Results

In Spain, 94.7% of men between 18 and 34 years and 74.6% of women have voluntarily used pornography at some point in their life. The mean age to start using it is earlier in men [Mean:14.2; Standard Deviation (SD):2.3]. Bisexual/homosexual attraction (reference: heterosexual) increases the probability of using pornography in women [(PR (95%CI): 1.30 (1.22; 1.38)]. Yet this is not observed in men. In both sexes, the probability of using pornography increases with age [(PR (95%CI): 1.01(1.00; 1.01)] and coming from abroad (reference: native), being the effect of country of birth significantly higher in women [(PR (95%CI): 1.17 (1.09; 1.26)] than in men [(PR (95%CI): 1.04 (1.01; 1.07).

Conclusions

Public health programmes aimed at improving affective-sexual health should consider the high use of pornography among young adults in Spain, as well as those variables that increase its use.
Negative association between triglyceride glucose index and BMI-adjusted skeletal muscle mass index in hypertensive adults
Authors: Zhu Qingqing , Zhang Ting , Cheang Iokfai , Lu Xinyi , Shi Mengsha , Zhu Xu , Liao Shengen , Gao Rongrong , Li Xinli , Yao Wenming
Published: July 2023

Background

The triglyceride glucose (TyG) index, an indicator of insulin resistance, is often associated with adverse outcomes in various cardiovascular diseases, while hypertension is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. As the loss of muscle mass in people with hypertension is poorly understood, the current study aimed to explore the relationship between TyG index and muscle mass in hypertensive population.

Methods

We analyzed data from hypertensive adult participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to 2018. The TyG index and body mass index (BMI)-adjusted skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) were calculated and the relationship between the two was evaluated using multivariable linear regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression models.

Results

A total of 1633 participants in the dataset were included for the final analysis. In the multivariable regression analysis, the adjusted β of SMI with a 95% confidence interval (CI) for the highest TyG index quartile was − 5.27 (− 9.79 to − 0.75), compared with the lowest quartile. A negative linear relationship between TyG index and SMI was plotted by RCS regression (nonlinear P = 0.128). Stratified models of non-smoking women of different ages also demonstrated that SMI decreased as TyG index increased (all P for trend < 0.05).

Conclusion

This linear and negative correlation between TyG index and SMI in hypertensive patients suggests that insulin resistance adversely affects muscle mass.
Predictors of unplanned hospital readmission after non-cardiac surgery in Singapore: a 2-year retrospective review
Authors: Low Zhao Kai , Liew Lydia , Chua Vanessa , Chew Sophia , Ti Lian Kah
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Unplanned hospital readmissions after surgery contribute significantly to healthcare costs and potential complications. Identifying predictors of readmission is inherently complex and involves an intricate interplay between medical factors, healthcare system factors and sociocultural factors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to elucidate the predictors of readmissions in an Asian surgical patient population.

Methods

A two-year single-institution retrospective cohort study of 2744 patients was performed in a university-affiliated tertiary hospital in Singapore, including patients aged 45 and above undergoing intermediate or high-risk non-cardiac surgery. Unadjusted analysis was first performed, followed by multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Two hundred forty-nine patients (9.1%) had unplanned 30-day readmissions. Significant predictors identified from multivariable analysis include: American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) Classification grades 3 to 5 (adjusted OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.10–2.08, p = 0.01), obesity (adjusted OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.18–2.34, p = 0.04), asthma (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.03–2.81, p = 0.04), renal disease (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.41–2.92, p < 0.001), malignancy (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.29–2.37, p < 0.001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.19–5.11, p = 0.02), cerebrovascular disease (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.17–2.58, p < 0.001) and anaemia (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.07–1.96, p = 0.02).

Conclusion

Several significant predictors of unplanned readmissions identified in this Asian surgical population corroborate well with findings from Western studies. Further research will require future prospective studies and development of predictive risk modelling to further address and mitigate this phenomenon.
Rape survivors’ experience in Tigray: a qualitative study
Authors: Gebremichael Mengistu Welday , Gebremariam Birhane , Mitiku Mengistu , Hadush Znabu , Tesfay Bisrat , Gerezgiher Alemseged , Alemu Muauz Gidey
Published: July 2023

Introduction

As consequences of war, women and girls are the most likely segment of society to be impacted by violence. War also affects the critical facilities and makes the situation worse as victims cannot get the vital basic services. According to media and unpublished reports, Tigrayan women have been victimized by gang rape and sexual violence. Furthermore, there is substantive evidence of intentional destruction and vandalization of health facilities due to the one-year-old-armed conflict. This study aimed to explore experiences of rape survivors in areas hit by armed conflict in the Tigray region of Ethiopia.

Methods

In this qualitative study, a phenomenological study design was employed among Tigrayan sexual assault survivors in a war-ravaged of Tigray. Survivors were selected purposively and included in the study for an in-depth interview. An interview guide was used to collect the data. Audio records from the in-depth interviews in Tigrigna were transcribed verbatim and then translated into English for analysis. Atlas-ti 7 software was used to code the interview transcripts of the qualitative data, and categorizations and thematizing of the codes were done. Direct quotes were used to describe categories or themes.

Results

Ten women who were survivors of sexual violence and rape related to the war in Tigray participated in the interview. The age of the women ranged between 16 and 30 years with a mean age of 21.7. Among the participants, five were teenagers, six were single and/or economically dependent on their family or husband, and two did not attend any school and were not able to read and write. This study has generated five major thematic areas: (1) infliction of long-lasting trauma on children (2) effects of the rape (3) means of escaping from rape and killings (4) home remedies as means of life saving in war affected areas, and (5) beyond rape.

Conclusions

Rape in war-stricken Tigray has been widespread which includes teenagers and it caused immense psychological and physical damage to the survivors and their families. Damage of critical facilities such as the absence of safe houses for survivors and health services was an added complexity to the victims of rape. Hence, a coordinated effort by the government of Tigray and international partners is required to heal, support and rehabilitate the victims and rebuild the damaged health institutions and reequip the health facilities.
Diagnosis of PTEN mosaicism: the relevance of additional tumor DNA sequencing. A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Cavaillé Mathias , Crampon Delphine , Achim Viorel , Bubien Virginie , Uhrhammer Nancy , Privat Maud , Ponelle-Chachuat Flora , Gay-Bellile Mathilde , Lepage Mathis , Ouedraogo Zangbéwendé Guy , Jones Natalie , Bidet Yannick , Sevenet Nicolas , Bignon Yves-Jean
Published: July 2023

Background

PTEN hamartoma syndrome (PHTS) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by pathogenic variants in the tumor suppressor gene phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). It is associated with an increased risk of muco-cutaneous features, hamartomatous tumors, and cancers. Mosaicism has been found in a few cases of patients with de novo PHTS, identified from blood samples. We report a PHTS patient with no variant identified from blood sample. Constitutional PTEN mosaicism was detected through sequencing of DNA from different tumoral and non-tumoral samples.

Case presentation

Our patient presented clinical Cowden syndrome at 56 years of age, with three major criteria (macrocephaly, Lhermitte Duclos disease, oral papillomatosis), and two minor criteria (structural thyroid lesions, esophageal glycogenic acanthosis). Deep sequencing ofPTENof blood leukocytes did not reveal any pathogenic variants. Exploration of tumoral (colonic ganglioneuroma, esophageal papilloma, diapneusia fibroids) and non-tumoral stomach tissues found the samePTENpathogenic variant (NM_000314.4 c.389G > A; p.(Arg130Gln)), with an allelic frequency of 12 to 59%, confirming genomic mosaicism for Cowden syndrome.

Conclusions

This case report, and review of the literature, suggests that systematic tumor analysis is essential for patients presentingPTENhamartoma syndrome in the absence of any causal variant identified in blood leukocytes, despite deep sequencing. In 65 to 70% of cases of clinical Cowden syndrome, no pathogenic variant in thePTENis observed in blood samples: mosaicism may explain a significant number of these patients. Tumor analysis would improve our knowledge of the frequency of de novo variations in this syndrome. Finally, patients with mosaicism forPTENmay not have a mild phenotype; medical care identical to that of heterozygous carriers should be offered.
Percutaneous treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm and aortic valve stenosis with ‘staged’ EVAR and TAVR: a case series
Authors: Medda Massimo , Casilli Francesco , Bande Marta , Glauber Mattia , Tespili Maurizio , Cirri Silvia , Donatelli Francesco
Published: July 2023

Symptomatic aortic valve stenosis (AS) and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) are critical clinical conditions, increasingly more prevalent with aging of the population. Calcific aortic stenosis is the most common structural cardiac disease in the elderly population, and medical management of severe aortic stenosis of the elderly population is associated with poor outcomes as compared to surgical treatment. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a treatment of choice in inoperable, often elderly, patients with symptomatic severe AS and in intermediate-to-high surgical risk patients. It is not yet clarified the incidence of AAA and its impact on procedural and clinical outcomes among patients undergoing TAVR. It is known that after AS resolution with aortic valve replacement or TAVR there is an increase in blood pressure that increases the risk of dissection or abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture if AAA repair is delayed. The purpose of this report is to describe the anatomical details and technical and procedural considerations when proposing totally endovascular strategies dedicated to the treatment of patients with AS and AAA.
Factors affecting the acceptance of tele-psychiatry: a scoping study
Authors: Izadi Reyhane , Bahrami Mohammad Amin , Khosravi Mohsen , Delavari Sajad
Published: July 2023

Background

In today’s digital world, providing services through telemedicine has become an essential issue in health systems, and the Covid-19 pandemic has made this necessity even more apparent. On the other hand, mental health services are needed more than ever, and their nature makes their delivery via telemedicine more feasible than other specialized services. This study aimed to determine the factors affecting the acceptance of telemedicine among users of this technology in the field of mental health.

Methods

This article is a scoping review based on the PRISMA guidelines and without any time limit until June 20, 2022. The search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO databases using keywords related to the three fields of telemedicine, acceptance, and mental disorders. Two authors independently selected the studies based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Then the data were collected using a data extraction form, and finally, the results were determined using the content analysis method.

Results

Five main factors affect the acceptance of telemedicine among users of this technology in the field of mental health: perceived effectiveness, users’ understanding of the effects of telemedicine on the quality and outcomes of care delivery, technological aspects, organizational change capacity, the nature of the disease and psychological and psychosocial factors. These main factors are associated with 21 related sub-factors.

Conclusions

Revealing the factors affecting the acceptance of telemedicine among recipients and providers of services, as key actors in health systems, can help managers and policymakers to successfully implement telemedicine in the less-regarded field of mental health, especially in the early stages.
Developing behavioural activation for people with acquired brain injury: a qualitative interpretive description study of barriers and facilitators to activity engagement
Authors: Kusec Andrea , Methley Abigail , Murphy Fionnuala C. , Peers Polly V. , Carmona Estela , Manly Tom
Published: July 2023

Background

Acquired brain injuries (ABI) from stroke, head injury, or resected brain tumours are associated with poor emotional wellbeing and heightened risk of mood disorder. Common sequalae of ABI, such as poor attention and memory, can create barriers to the efficacy of cognitively demanding mood interventions, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Behavioural Activation (BA), where individuals plan and engage in reinforcing activities, is a promising alternative due to lower cognitive demands. However, BA was initially developed in clinical populations without ABI where the primary barriers to activity engagement were low mood and anxious avoidance. Additionally, BA can incorporate a range of techniques (e.g., mood monitoring, activity scheduling, targeting avoidance, contingency management) and psychoeducational topics (e.g., mindfulness, managing uncertainty; social/communication skills). Exploring barriers and facilitators to adopting specific BA components in ABI is an important aim.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with purposively selected ABI survivors (N = 16) with both low and high depressive symptoms, and family members (N = 7). Questions focused on routine and enjoyable activities, and feedback on 10 different BA techniques and associated psychoeducational topics. Transcripts were analysed using an interpretive description framework. Analysis was informed by field notes, reflexivity diaries, and peer debriefing.

Results

The final constructed framework, Creating Sustainable Engagement, comprises a two-tier hierarchy. Higher-level themes concerned core perspectives of BA, regardless of BA component discussed. This included identifying optimal time windows for different BA components (Right Tool at the Right Time), that BA components should, at least initially, not be burdensome or fatiguing (Perceived Effort), that emotional readiness to confront activity-mood relationships should be addressed (Emotional Impact), and that planned BA activities be consistent with individual values (Relation to Values). Lower-level themes concerned specific BA components: Of these, activity scheduling, procedures targeting avoidance, managing uncertainty and social/communication skills were generally well-received, while mood monitoring, contingency management, and mindfulness had mixed feedback.

Conclusions

BA is a widely scalable intervention that can be adapted for ABI. This study provides a novel framework on implementing a range of BA components in ABI and adds to the limited evidence on which components may be particularly suitable.
Application of Moyer’s mixed dentition analysis and establishing probability tables in a sample of Pakistani population
Authors: Rehan Syeda Areeba , Imtiaz Roofia , Mustafa Sabeen , Saleh Aimal
Published: July 2023

Objective: To assess the congruity of Moyers’ dental analysis in Pakistani individuals and to make tables foreseeing the size of non-erupted permanent premolars and canines in children.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Orthodontics Department of Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry (AFID) Rawalpindi, Pakistan. This was conducted from January 2020 to December 2021 and included mixed dentition subjects’ casts. Mesiodistal widths (MDW) of the permanent dentition were estimated and contrasted with the anticipated values that emerged from the Moyer’s mixed dentition examination. Students t-test, simple linear regression and Pearson correlation coefficient examination were utilized for statistical correlation. All data was gathered utilizing an electronic digital caliper and further investigated through IBM SPSS Statistics 24.

Results: Dental casts of the 258 subjects, 106 (41%) males and 152 (58.9%) females with the ages ranging 15.825±2.95 years were analyzed. Tooth size contrasts were significant (p <0.05) which was noticed in comparison to Moyer’s predictive table. This demonstrates a bigger tooth size in young men than in young ladies. New probability tables were created through linear regression equations for our population.

Conclusion: Moyer’s prediction cannot be applied to the Pakistani population. Mandibular incisors in addition to maxillary first molars are superior in prediction for the size assessment of canines and premolars (cp) that are unerupted in males and upper arch only in females. Another noteworthy conclusion is that in our study sample, in lower arch of females, the width of mandibular molars with mandibular incisors predicts better.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.5.6380

How to cite this: Rehan SA, Imtiaz R, Mustafa S, Saleh A. Application of Moyer’s mixed dentition analysis and establishing probability tables in a sample of Pakistani population. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(5):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.5.6380

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Opioids and prescribing
Authors: Robertson Deborah
Published: July 2023

Deborah Robertson provides an overview of recently published articles that may be of interest to non-medical prescribers. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided
Techno-Economic and Environmental Based Approach for Planning of SDG and DSTATCOM with Impact of Network Reconfiguration using APSO and TLBO
Authors: Saw Bikash Kumar , Bohre Aashish Kumar , Thakkar Jalpa , Kolhe Mohan Lal
Published: July 2023

A Multi Objective based Fitness Function (MOFF) is proposed for the optimum planning of multiple Solar Distributed Generation (SDG) and DSTATCOM with radial distribution network (RDN) reconfiguration impact for techno-economic and environmental benefit improvement. The Adaptive-Particle Swarm Optimization (APSO) and Teaching-Learning Based Optimization techniques (TLBO) are employed to accomplish this work. In the proposed MOFF, the Active Power Loss (APLoss), Reactive Power Loss (RPLoss), System Voltage Deviation (SVD), Fault-Current Level-of-Line (FCLLine), and System Service Reliability (SSR) are considered. The economic-benefit measures along with Environmental Emissions Components (EEC) impact have also been considered in light of various system costs such as Fixed Capital Recovery Cost (FCRCost), Energy Loss Cost (ELCost) and Energy Not Supplied Cost (ENSCost). The novelty in the MOFF is the simultaneous consideration of FCLLine with APLoss, RPLoss, SVD, and SSR along with EEC impact calculation. The IEEE 69 and 118 bus RDN is considered with three case studies to demonstrate the proposed methodology's usefulness. The result analysis reveals that better performances can be obtained based on the considered MOFF in terms of environment-friendly techno-economic perspective, consistency, convergence, and computation time using TLBO rather than APSO.
Dynamic Analysis of VSC-HVDC System with Disturbances in the Adjacent AC Networks
Authors: Tiwari Ravi Shankar , Kumar Rahul , Gupta Om Hari , Sood Vijay K.
Published: July 2023

VSC-HVDC systems are widely used to integrate wind farms, asynchronous generations and networks operating at different frequencies. The Multi-terminal (MT) and multi-fed (MF) HVDC’s are the system mainly constituted of VSC’s, to integrate renewable sources and transmitting bulk power to conventional AC grids. A sudden change in the steady state even in adjacent networks may create severe disturbances in the operation of such HVDC systems. The disturbances in AC or DC networks directly influence the performance of systems, particularly in MT-HVDC and MF-HVDC systems. However, the HVDC systems are known for their intelligent control in modulating operational states as and when required. This paper presents the dynamic analysis of MF-HVDC system due to load changes, faults and other disturbances in the adjacent AC networks. The result indicates that VSC-HVDC provides decoupled control of active and reactive power with capability in adjusting operational mode during various minor and major disturbances. Based on the results obtained, the paper proposed a novel sensitivity factor indicating percentage coupling among various line parameters during disturbances. Furthermore, the VSC’s injects harmonic signals on both AC and DC sides of HVDC system. These harmonics voltage or currents signals may get amplified to a dangerously high magnitude at resonance frequencies. Thus, the frequency characteristics of different subsystems are also analyzed using FFT. A ±100 kV, 200 MW bipolar MF VSC-HVDC test systems is used to simulated the results in MATLAB/Simulink software.
Parametric Analysis of the Solar-assisted Intercooled Gas Turbine and Organic Rankine Cycle for Waste Heat Recovery and Power Production
Authors: Sharma Achintya , Shukla Anoop Kumar , Singh Onkar , Sharma Meeta
Published: July 2023

The energy consumption has gradually increased in the current context. Fossil fuels are the primary source of energy for the world’s population. Furthermore, energy derived from fossil fuels has significant disadvantages, including increased pollution and global warming. Solar energy is the fastest-growing alternative to fossil fuels among the various energy options. As a result, the focus of the present work is on the thermo-economic analysis of a hybrid solar-assisted intercooled gas turbine (GT) and organic Rankine cycle (ORC) for waste heat recovery and power production at near-zero-emissions. The work outcome and maximum efficiency of the hybrid arrangement are 1342.12 kW and 71.12% respectively at the cycle pressure ratio of 8, and 443 K entry point turbine temperature. The economic model of the integrated system depicts that the unit power production cost for the combined system has been evaluated as 1932 e per kW.
Grid-Connected Solar PV Fed BLDC Motor Drive for Water Pumping System
Authors: Kar Biranchi Narayan , Samuel Paulson , Mallick Amit , Pradhan Jatin Kumar
Published: July 2023

This article proposes a unidirectional power flow of a grid-connected brushless DC motor powered water pumping system fed by a photovoltaic array using a bridgeless power factor corrected (PFC) boost converter. The system consists of a bridgeless PFC converter, a boost converter, and a voltage source inverter to drive a brushless DC motor coupled with a pump. As a backup source, the grid is used. This system allows the water pump to run at maximum capacity regardless of the weather conditions. The grid will provide power if the photovoltaic array is unable to fulfil the required power demand. The unidirectional power flow through a conventional power factor corrected (PFC) boost converter causes conduction loss in the input bridge rectifier, thereby hurting efficiency, power factor, and THD. This paper presents a bridgeless PFC boost converter topology to reduce the conduction losses, thereby increasing the efficiency and obtaining a nearly unity power factor as well as lower total harmonic distortion (THD) of input current. The system is simulated using MATLAB /Simulink. The proposed system’s real-time validation is realized through the OPAL-RT simulator OP5700. The THD results obtained are well within the specified standard of IEC 61000-3-2 and IEEE 519-1992.
Optimal Power Dispatch of Multiple DGs Using a Hybrid Algorithm for Mitigating Voltage Deviations and Losses in a Radial Distribution System with Economic Benefits
Authors: Sunil Ankeshwarapu , Venkaiah Chintham , Kumar D. M. Vinod
Published: July 2023

In this research, a meta-heuristic-based hybrid algorithm was used to optimize the power dispatch of numerous Distributed Generators (DGs) in a Radial Distribution System (RDS) for hourly fluctuating seasonal loads in order to reduce losses and voltage variations while also saving money. With hourly seasonal load changes, renewable DGs like PV, Wind, and Hybrid (PV+Wind) were used. The HA is proposed in this paper as a way to achieve successful outcomes by merging two meta-heuristic algorithms. The findings of the HA are compared with Genetic Algorithm (GA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Shuffled Frog Leap Algorithm (SFLA), and Jaya Algorithm (JA) when they are applied to a standard IEEE 33 bus RDS and PG&E 69 bus RDS. According to the test findings simulated in the MATLAB environment, Hybrid Algorithm (HA) beat GA, PSO, SFLA, and JA in terms of optimal power dispatch of numerous DGs to minimise losses and voltage variations, as well as the cost-benefit analysis of renewable DGs energy generation.
Diversity of social media use: Self-selection explains associations between using many platforms and well-being
Authors: Lohmann Sophie , Zagheni Emilio
Published: July 2023

Many people engage with a diverse array of social media platforms, raising concerns that this diversity of platforms may be linked to negative affect, hypothesized to arise from multitasking or identify diffusion. Using a large representative sample (N = 1,372) of US adults from the authoritative General Social Survey, we examine associations between social media diversity and well-being and propose a self-selection explanation for these associations. Even without accounting for selection bias, we find few and only small associations. Importantly, after using a rigorous propensity-score weighting technique to adjust for selection bias, these associations disappear. Further, we also document few negative associations between the use of specific social media platforms and well-being. Our findings suggest that (i) diverse social media use is not a major risk factor to adult well-being; (ii) negative correlations reported in the literature may be spurious; (iii) technology use research needs to take self-selection biases seriously.
Generalization of contextual fear is sex-specifically affected by high salt intake
Authors: Beaver Jasmin N. , Weber Brady L. , Ford Matthew T. , Anello Anna E. , Ruffin Kaden M. , Kassis Sarah K. , Gilman T. Lee
Published: July 2023

A hallmark symptom of many anxiety disorders, and multiple neuropsychiatric disorders more broadly, is generalization of fearful responses to non-fearful stimuli. Anxiety disorders are often comorbid with cardiovascular diseases. One established, and modifiable, risk factor for cardiovascular diseases is salt intake. Yet, investigations into how excess salt consumption affects anxiety-relevant behaviors remains little explored. Moreover, no studies have yet assessed how high salt intake influences generalization of fear. Here, we used adult C57BL/6J mice of both sexes to evaluate the influence of two or six weeks of high salt consumption (4.0% NaCl), compared to controls (0.4% NaCl), on contextual fear acquisition, expression, and generalization. Further, we measured osmotic and physiological stress by quantifying serum osmolality and corticosterone levels, respectively. Consuming excess salt did not influence contextual fear acquisition nor discrimination between the context used for training and a novel, neutral context when training occurred 48 prior to testing. However, when a four week delay between training and testing was employed to induce natural fear generalization processes, we found that high salt intake selectively increases contextual fear generalization in females, but the same diet reduces contextual fear generalization in males. These sex-specific effects were independent of any changes in serum osmolality nor corticosterone levels, suggesting the behavioral shifts are a consequence of more subtle, neurophysiologic changes. This is the first evidence of salt consumption influencing contextual fear generalization, and adds information about sex-specific effects of salt that are largely missing from current literature.
Emodin alleviates chronic constriction injury-induced neuropathic pain and inflammation via modulating PPAR-gamma pathway
Authors: Badshah Ismail , Qazi Neelum Gul , Ali Fawad , Minhas Amber Mahmood , Alvi Arooj Mohsin , Kandeel Mahmoud , Imran Muhammad , Hassan Syed Shams ul , Bungau Simona
Published: July 2023

Neuropathic pain has been characterized as chronic pain resulting from pathological damage to the sensorimotor system. Because of its complex nature, it remains refractory to most of the therapeutic interventions, and surgical intervention and physiotherapy alongside steroidal treatments remain the only treatment protocols with limited success, hence solidifying the need to find efficacious therapeutic alternatives. Emodin was used as a post-treatment for its potential to be neuroprotective in the treatment of chronic constriction injury-induced NP. The first day following surgery, Emodin treatment began, and it lasted until the 21st day. On days 3, 7, 14 and 21, all behavioral investigations were conducted. The sciatic nerve and spinal cord were extracted for further molecular examination. Emodin elevated response latency, was able to delay the onset of mechanical hyperalgesia in rats on days 7, 14, and 21 and reduced the CCI-induced paw deformation. Emodin treatment significantly reduced lipid peroxidation and NO levels while restoring the GST, GSH and catalase. It significantly improved the disorientation of the sciatic nerve and spinal cord confirmed by H & E staining and reduced inflammatory markers as observed by the quantification of COX-2, TNF-α, p-NFκb and up-regulated PPAR-γ levels by ELISA and PCR. According to the findings, Emodin has antinociceptive and anti-hyperalgesic properties, which reduced pain perception and inflammation. We also suggested the involvement of PPAR-γ pathway in the therapeutic potential of emodin in chronic nerve injury.
Exposure to the non-phthalate plasticizer di-heptyl succinate is less disruptive to C57bl/6N mouse recovery from a myocardial infarction than DEHP, TOTM or related di-octyl succinate
Authors: Schwendt Adam , Chammas Joey-Bahige , Maric Milan , Nicell Jim A. , Leask Richard , Chalifour Lorraine E.
Published: July 2023

Phthalate plasticizers are incorporated into plastics to make them soft and malleable, but are known to leach out of the final product into their surroundings with potential detrimental effects to human and ecological health. The replacement of widely-used phthalate plasticizers, such as di-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), that are of known toxicity, by the commercially-available alternative Tris(2-ethylhexyl) tri-mellitate (TOTM) is increasing. Additionally, several newly designed “green” plasticizers, including di-heptyl succinate (DHPS) and di-octyl succinate (DOS) have been identified as potential replacements. However, the impact of plasticizer exposure from medical devices on patient recovery is unknown and, moreover, the safety of TOTM, DHPS, and DOS is not well established in the context of patient recovery. To study the direct effect of clinically based chemical exposures, we exposed C57bl/6 N male and female mice to DEHP, TOTM, DOS, and DHPS during recovery from cardiac surgery and assessed survival, cardiac structure and function, immune cell infiltration into the cardiac wound and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Male, but not female, mice treated in vivo with DEHP and TOTM had greater cardiac dilation, reduced cardiac function, increased infiltration of neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages and increased expression of inflammasome receptors and effectors, thereby suggesting impaired recovery in exposed mice. In contrast, no impact was detected in female mice and male mice exposed to DOS and DHPS. To examine the direct effects in cells involved in wound healing, we treated human THP-1 macrophages with the plasticizers in vitro and found DEHP induced greater NLRP3 expression and activation. These results suggest that replacing current plasticizers with non-phthalate-based plasticizers may improve patient recovery, especially in the male population. In our assessment, DHPS is a promising possibility for a non-toxic biocompatible plasticizer.
Methionine metabolism and endocrine function of the pituitary gland in patients with suprasellar germinoma
Authors: Lee Hwanhee , Lee Ji Won , Cho Hee Won , Choe Yearn Seong , Lee Kyung-Han , Choi Joon Young , Sung Ki Woong , Moon Seung Hwan
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between methionine (MET) metabolism and endocrine function of the pituitary gland in patients with suprasellar region tumor.

Materials and methods

Twenty patients with intracranial germinoma were included in this study. Initial staging and all surveillance MET PET/CT scans and comparable serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups according to tumor location, with tumors in the suprasellar region (condition) or not (control). MET uptake of the pituitary gland (i.e., SUVR [standardized uptake value ratio]) and levels of FSH, LH, TSH were compared in the condition and control groups and in the before and after treatment phases of each group.

Results

The SUVR in the control group was like that found in normal pituitary glands in previous studies, whereas the SUVR of the untreated condition group was high and that of treated condition group was low with significance compared to the control group. Serum levels of pituitary hormones in before and after treatment condition groups were significantly lower than those in the control group. The FSH and LH levels of curatively treated patients in the control group were positively correlated with SUVR with respective ß values of 3.71 and 0.98 (p < .001). The TSH level of the treated condition group was negatively correlated with SUVR (ß = -1.02, p < .001).

Conclusion

This study is the first known investigation to examine the association between MET metabolism and endocrine function of the pituitary gland, and it confirmed that MET metabolism reflects endocrine function. A future study validating the result of correlation analysis is warranted.
The co-management of HIV and chronic non-communicable diseases in the Dominican Republic: A qualitative study
Authors: Wallace Deshira D. , Then-Paulino Amarilis , Jiménez Paulino Gipsy , Tejada Castro Flabia , Castro Stephanie Daniela , Palar Kartika , Derose Kathryn P.
Published: July 2023

People living with HIV and a non-communicable disease (NCD) experience multi-level barriers when co-managing multiple conditions. We explored the factors affecting living with multiple chronic conditions in the Dominican Republic. We conducted 21 in-depth interviews from October 2019-February 2020 with Dominican adults who participated in a food security intervention and managed HIV and at least one chronic NCD. Using thematic analysis, we explored participant lived experiences co-managing multiple chronic conditions. All participants (mean age = 45.5 years) were linked to HIV care, but only three were linked to NCD-specific care. Individual-level barriers to managing NCDs included limited education and limited self-efficacy for self-management. Interpersonally, barriers included limited rapport building with an NCD-specific specialist. Structural barriers to managing NCDs were no health insurance, poor referral systems, and limited financial assistance. Health system adaptation requires equitably considering the needs of individuals managing multiple chronic conditions. Key factors to address include patient-provider relationships, improved referral systems, accessibility and availability of specialists, and financial assistance.
Online classified adverts reflect the broader United Kingdom trade in turtles and tortoises rather than drive it
Authors: Bielby Jon , Ferguson Andy , Rendle Matthew , McMillan Kirsten M.
Published: July 2023

Online sales are increasingly a route by which exotic animals are sold in the global pet trade. There are numerous types of online platforms and transaction types, and dedicated classified advertisement sites are a popular means of buying and selling animals. Despite their large and increasing use, we have a relatively poor understanding of the number of, and taxonomic variation in, the animals sold online. This information may be key in efforts to optimise the welfare of the animals being sold, and the ethics and sustainability of the trade via that platform. To fill this knowledge gap, we monitored and analysed the advertisements of chelonians (turtles and tortoises) placed on one of the United Kingdom’s largest dedicated classified ads sites,www.pets4homes.co.uk, over the course of a year, from July 2020 until June 2021. We analysed temporal, taxonomic, and advertiser related trends in the volumes of advertisements placed and compared the prices and the sentiment of language within adverts for different species. We found that the species advertised, the prices requested, and infrequent use of the site by most advertisers is consistent with most adverts being for animals being resold by casual users. Further, we found that turtles were consistently advertised for lower prices and in multiples than tortoises, and that the language with which they were advertised was less positive. We conclude that on this website the online trade reflects the broader trade, rather than drives the sales of chelonians in the UK, and that any interventions aiming to improve welfare and sustainability would be better placed earlier in the supply chain.
A prospective cohort study of the impact of chronic disease on fall injuries in middle-aged and older adults
Authors: Yang Xue , Li Longxin , Xie Fang , Wang Zhang
Published: July 2023

This cohort study investigated the impact of chronic diseases on fall risk in middle-aged and older individuals, offering insights for fall prevention strategies. Analysing data from 4,670 participants aged 40+ years, we used a Cox proportional risk model to assess chronic disease types, numbers, and interactions with other factors on fall injury risk across age groups. Results showed that middle-aged adults with respiratory diseases had a 26% increased fall risk (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.26, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05–1.48), and a linear dose–response relationship was observed between chronic disease number and fall risk (p < 0.001). The study also examined interaction effects of chronic diseases with gender, disability, and fall injury history. Female middle-aged and older adults with chronic diseases had a 67% higher fall risk than their male counterparts without chronic diseases (HR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.36–1.88). In conclusion, chronically ill middle-aged and older adults have a higher fall risk, with high-risk groups including women, those with chronic diseases, and individuals with fall injury history. Fall prevention efforts should target middle-aged adults as well.
Improvement in neck ultrasound report quality following the implementation of European Thyroid Association guidelines for postoperative cervical ultrasound for thyroid cancer follow-up, a prospective population study
Authors: Wu Jiahui , Hu Xunyang , Seal Paula , Amin Parthiv , Diederichs Brendan , Paschke Ralf
Published: July 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the quality of postoperative neck ultrasound (POU) for thyroid cancer patients after implementing European Thyroid Association (ETA) guideline-based POU assessment.

Methods

Our analysis involved 672 differentiated thyroid cancer patients. POU report quality was compared between the implementation radiology group (IRG), which implemented ETA guideline-based assessment in 2018, and all non-implementation radiology groups (NIRG). Differences in POU quality were evaluated before and after the implementation of guideline-based assessment. Additionally, we evaluated the ability of serum thyroglobulin (Tg) level <0.2 ng/mL or between 0.21 and 0.99 ng/mL and normal POU lesion status at 1-year follow-up to predict the absence of persistent disease or relapse at 3-year follow-up.

Results

IRG had significantly higher mean utility scores for POU reports of abnormal thyroid bed nodules compared to NIRG (P < 0.001). IRG's POU reports for suspicious nodules and lymph nodes were considered sufficient in 94% and 85% of cases, respectively, compared to 45% and 68% for NIRG. For patients with normal US lesion status and Tg <0.2 ng/mL or Tg 0.21–0.99 ng/mL at 1-year follow-up, the negative predictive values were 96% for both.

Conclusions

Implementation of 2013 ETA POU-reporting guidelines allowed for the provision of high-quality POU reports, which may lead to increased accuracy in assessing the response to treatment and in estimating the risk of recurrence of thyroid cancer and likely reduce unnecessary repeat POU or FNA.