bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on mechanical fault diagnosis based on MADS evidence fusion theory
Authors: Zou Fengqian , Jiang Ming , Li Xiaoming , Sang Shengtian , Chen Weiren , Kang Zhijie , Zhang Haifeng
Published: April 2023

In machine intelligence fault diagnostic and health status decision-making systems, rich, complex, and fuzzy feature information cannot facilitate fault decision-making merely on a single data source. This requires utilizing the heterogeneity of information gathered from multiple sources to diminish the system’s uncertainty and improve the accuracy of decision-making. In this work, a novel neural network-based multi-source fusion classification model is proposed to diagnose the pump mechanical faults. The multi-head attention Dempster–Shafer (D–S) evidence fusion (MADS) system extends the model’s ability to focus on rich features. Furthermore, the uncertain values throwing mechanism can effectively eliminate samples from uncertain categories and increase the model’s ability to distinguish diagnostic results with low confidence. Compared with a single sensor, our multi-sensor joint decision based on seven sensors considerably improved the fault diagnostic accuracy of MADS system, which has increased by at least 12.34%. Experimental validation demonstrates that utilizing the improved combination rules provided for multi-source evidence fusion fault diagnosis can significantly improve the efficacy of conventional D–S fusion and reduce the probability of misjudgment; combining the multi-head attention mechanism can dramatically increase the precision of model fault diagnosis. The proposed method has the potential to substantially accelerate research in the field of multi-source sensor joint fault diagnosis.
Design of a simple side-incident TE11 mode microwave probe for nondestructive pipe inspection
Authors: Guo Yijun , Yoshikawa Ryo , Yusa Noritaka , Hashizume Hidetoshi
Published: April 2023

This study proposed a simple side-incident TE11 mode microwave probe for the rapid and long-range inspection of cracks in metallic pipes. The probe feeds the microwaves to a metallic pipe, which works as a waveguide; the reflection signal provoked by a defect is measured for detection and localization. The probe enables the detection of both circumferentially and axially oriented cracks, unlike those reported in earlier studies. To achieve better performance, numerical simulations were conducted to evaluate the conversion efficiency and optimize the insertion length of the coaxial cable and the exposed length of the cable core wire. The simulation results suggest that the optimized probe configuration is feasible for pipes with various diameters by proportionally changing the current probe configuration. Although injected microwaves propagated in two directions, the ratio of microwaves to one direction could be controlled by adjusting the inclination angle and the exposed length of the cable core wire. Subsequently, three TE11 probes fabricated according to the simulation results were used to detect circumferential and axial slits in a brass pipe. The results showed that circumferential slits in the vertical positions (parallel to the nontilted coaxial cable) and axial slits in the horizontal positions (perpendicular to the nontilted coaxial cable) caused large reflections, consistent with the electromagnetic field distribution of the TE11 mode microwaves in a circular waveguide. Further experiments verified the feasibility of the designed probe for pipes with different diameters and for directional pipe inspection.
The porous hollow cobalt-based oxides encapsulated with bimetallic PdAu Nanoparticles of electrochemical biosensor for highly sensitive pesticides detection
Authors: Zhao Yaxu , Liang Lijun , Guo Wei , Lu Xiong , Zhao Congyi , Gao Faming
Published: April 2023

Efficient and portable electrochemical biosensors are received to evaluation of pesticides in the environment, which can make great significance for food safety. In this study, the Co-based oxides with a kind of hierarchical porous hollow and nanocages were constructed, in which the materials (Co3O4-NC) were encapsulated with PdAu nanoparticles (NPs). Due to the unique porous structure, the changeable valence state of cobalt and the synergistic effect of bimetallic PdAuNPs, PdAu@Co3O4-NC possessed excellent electron pathways, and showed more exposed active sites. Accordingly, the porous Co-based oxides have been applied to construct an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) electrochemical biosensor, which showed good performance for organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) detection. The optimum biosensing platform based on nanocomposites was applied to exhibit highly sensitive determination of omethoate and chlorpyrifos, with the relative low detection limit of 6.125 × 10−15 M and 5.10 × 10−13 M, respectively. And a wide detection range of 6.125 × 10−15 ∼ 6.125 × 10−6 M and 5.10 × 10−13 ∼ 5.10 × 10−6 M for these two pesticides were achieved. Therefore, the PdAu@Co3O4-NC may represent a powerful tool for ultrasensitive sensing of OPs, and have great potential application.
Feasibility of CycleGAN enhanced low dose CBCT imaging for prostate radiotherapy dose calculation
Authors: Chan Y , Li M , Parodi K , Belka C , Landry G , Kurz C
Published: April 2023

Daily cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging during the course of fractionated radiotherapy treatment can enable online adaptive radiotherapy but also expose patients to a non-negligible amount of radiation dose. This work investigates the feasibility of low dose CBCT imaging capable of enabling accurate prostate radiotherapy dose calculation with only 25% projections by overcoming under-sampling artifacts and correcting CT numbers by employing cycle-consistent generative adversarial networks (cycleGAN). Uncorrected CBCTs of 41 prostate cancer patients, acquired with ∼350 projections (CBCTorg), were retrospectively under-sampled to 25% dose images (CBCTLD) with only ∼90 projections and reconstructed using Feldkamp–Davis–Kress. We adapted a cycleGAN including shape loss to translate CBCTLD into planning CT (pCT) equivalent images (CBCTLD_GAN). An alternative cycleGAN with a generator residual connection was implemented to improve anatomical fidelity (CBCTLD_ResGAN). Unpaired 4-fold cross-validation (33 patients) was performed to allow using the median of 4 models as output. Deformable image registration was used to generate virtual CTs (vCT) for Hounsfield units (HU) accuracy evaluation on 8 additional test patients. Volumetric modulated arc therapy plans were optimized on vCT, and recalculated on CBCTLD_GAN and CBCTLD_ResGAN to determine dose calculation accuracy. CBCTLD_GAN, CBCTLD_ResGAN and CBCTorg were registered to pCT and residual shifts were analyzed. Bladder and rectum were manually contoured on CBCTLD_GAN, CBCTLD_ResGAN and CBCTorg and compared in terms of Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), average and 95th percentile Hausdorff distance (HDavg, HD95). The mean absolute error decreased from 126 HU for CBCTLD to 55 HU for CBCTLD_GAN and 44 HU for CBCTLD_ResGAN. For PTV, the median differences of D
98%, D
50% and D
2% comparing both CBCTLD_GAN to vCT were 0.3%, 0.3%, 0.3%, and comparing CBCTLD_ResGAN to vCT were 0.4%, 0.3% and 0.4%. Dose accuracy was high with both 2% dose difference pass rates of 99% (10% dose threshold). Compared to the CBCTorg-to-pCT registration, the majority of mean absolute differences of rigid transformation parameters were less than 0.20 mm/0.20°. For bladder and rectum, the DSC were 0.88 and 0.77 for CBCTLD_GAN and 0.92 and 0.87 for CBCTLD_ResGAN compared to CBCTorg, and HDavg were 1.34 mm and 1.93 mm for CBCTLD_GAN, and 0.90 mm and 1.05 mm for CBCTLD_ResGAN. The computational time was ∼2 s per patient. This study investigated the feasibility of adapting two cycleGAN models to simultaneously remove under-sampling artifacts and correct image intensities of 25% dose CBCT images. High accuracy on dose calculation, HU and patient alignment were achieved. CBCTLD_ResGAN achieved better anatomical fidelity.
Ab initio calculation of thermoelectric properties in 3d ferromagnets based on spin-dependent electron–phonon coupling
Authors: Ma Xue , Di Gennaro Marco , Giantomassi Matteo , Verstraete Matthieu J , Xu Bin
Published: April 2023

Crossed magneto-thermo-electric coefficients are central to novel sensors and spin(calori)tronic devices. Within the framework of Boltzmann’s transport theory, we calculate the resistivity and Seebeck coefficients of the most common 3d ferromagnetic metals: Fe, Co, and Ni. We use a fully first-principles variational approach, explicitly taking electron-phonon scattering into account. The electronic band structures, phonon dispersion curves, phonon linewidths, and transport spectral functions are reported, comparing with experimental data. Successive levels of approximation are discussed: constant relaxation time approximation, scattering for a non-magnetic configuration, then spin polarized calculations with and without spin–orbit coupling (enabling spin-flips). Spin polarization and explicit electron–phonon coupling are found to be necessary to reach a correct qualitative picture: the effect of spin flipping is substantial for resistivity and very delicate for the Seebeck coefficient. The spin-dependent Seebeck effect is also predicted.
Nonlinear non-Hermitian Landau–Zener–Stückelberg–Majorana interferometry
Authors: Wang Xin , Liu H D , Fu L B
Published: April 2023

In this work, we have studied the non-Hermitian nonlinear Landau–Zener–Stückelberg–Majorana (LZSM) interferometry in a non-Hermitian N-body interacting boson system in which the non-Hermiticity is from the nonreciprocal tunnelings between the bosons. By using the mean-field approximation and projective Hilbert space, the effect of nonreciprocity and nonlinearity on the energy spectrum, the dynamics, and the formation of the interference fringes have been studied. The different symmetries and the impact of the two different types of reciprocity, i.e. the in-phase tunneling and anti-phase tunneling, on the energy spectrum and the phase transition between the Josephson oscillations and the self-trapping have been investigated. For the LZSM interferometry, the strength of the nonreciprocity is found to take an essential role in the population of the projective state and the strengths of the interference patterns in the projective space. While the conditions of destructive and constructive interference under the weak-coupling approximation still only depend on the strength of nonlinearity. Our result provides an application of the nonlinear non-Hermitian LZSM interferometry in studying the parameters of a two-level system which related to the nonlinearity and the non-Hermiticity.
On the

RPN−1

and

CPN−1

universality classes
Authors: Diouane Youness , Lamsen Noel , Delfino Gesualdo
Published: April 2023

We recently determined the exact fixed point equations and the spaces of solutions of the two-dimensional

R

P

N
−
1

and

C

P

N
−
1

models using scale invariant scattering theory. Here, we discuss subtleties hidden in some solutions and related to the difference between ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interaction.
Global reconstruction of initial conditions of nonlinear parabolic equations via the Carleman-contraction method
Authors: Le Thuy
Published: April 2023

We propose a global convergent numerical method to reconstruct the initial condition of a nonlinear parabolic equation from the measurement of both Dirichlet and Neumann data on the boundary of a bounded domain. The first step in our method is to derive, from the nonlinear governing parabolic equation, a nonlinear system of elliptic partial differential equations (PDEs) whose solution yields directly the solution of the inverse source problem. We then establish a contraction mapping-like iterative scheme to solve this system. The convergence of this iterative scheme is rigorously proved by employing a Carleman estimate and the argument in the proof of the traditional contraction mapping principle. This convergence is fast in both theoretical and numerical senses. Moreover, our method, unlike the methods based on optimization, does not require a good initial guess of the true solution. Numerical examples are presented to verify these results.
Quantum Borcherds-Bozec algebras via semi-derived Ringel-Hall algebras
Authors: Lu Ming
Published: April 2023

We use semi-derived Ringel-Hall algebras of quivers with loops to realize the whole quantum Borcherds-Bozec algebras and quantum generalized Kac-Moody algebras.
Investigating the Efficacy of Modified Lipoaspirate Grafting to Improve the Appearance of Atrophic Acne Scars: A Pilot Study
Authors: Vingan Nicole R , Wamsley Christine E , Panton Jasmine A , Mangalagiri Deepti , Turer David , Akgul Yucel , Barillas Jennifer , Culver Abby , Kenkel Jeffrey M
Published: April 2023

Background

Processed lipoaspirate grafting describes several techniques theorized to leverage the inflammatory and regenerative capacities of mechanically processed adipocytes to rejuvenate and correct skin pathology. Although lipoaspirate grafting is typically leveraged to fill visible defects such as depressed scars and dermal lines, additional fat processing allows grafts to stimulate mechanisms of wound healing, including the promotion of fibroblast activation, neovascularization, and neocollagenesis.

Objectives

This study intends to assess the efficacy and tolerability of processed lipoaspirate grafting monotherapy to improve the clinical appearance of atrophic acne scars.

Methods

Patients underwent a single autologous processed lipoaspirate grafting procedure at the site of atrophic acne scars. Objective and subjective scar analysis was performed at 3 and 6 months posttreatment. Scars were assessed with standard photography, topographic analysis, and noninvasive skin measurements. In addition, microbiopsies were obtained before and after treatment to assess histological or genetic changes. Clinical improvement was assessed with patient and clinician Global Aesthetic Improvement Scales (GAIS) and blinded photographic evaluation.

Results

Ten patients between ages 18 and 60 completed the study. Clinical evaluation demonstrated that fat grafting improved the appearance of atrophic acne scars. Clinician GAIS and patient GAIS scores showed clinical improvement at both 3- and 6-month follow-up compared with baseline (P < .05). Blinded clinician GAIS scores also showed statistically significant improvement when clinicians compared clinical photographs taken at 6-month follow-up to baseline (P < .0001). The attenuation coefficient increased at 6-month follow-up, suggesting collagen remodeling and reorganization over the study period. Patients experienced anticipated posttreatment symptoms including transient erythema and edema; however, no unexpected adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

Micronized lipoaspirate injection is a viable and effective option to improve the appearance of facial acne scarring. Favorable improvements in atrophic acne scarring were captured by objective analysis of skin ultrastructure as well as improvement in subjective assessments of scarring.

Level of Evidence: 4
Novel, Validated, 5-Point Photonumeric Scales for Assessment of the Perioral Region
Authors: Hayano Windie , Kerscher Martina , Day Doris , Ogilvie Alexandra , Pavicic Tatjana , Lim Tingsong , Lorenc Paul Z , Hernandez Claudia , Frank Konstantin , Moellhoff Nicholas , Prinz Valentina , Mia Cajkovsky , Pooth Rainer , Green Jeremy
Published: April 2023

Background

The use of validated scales is still considered the gold standard for evaluating the severity of an aesthetic facial condition.

Objectives

The aim of this investigation was to create and validate 5-point photonumeric scales for the assessment of perioral lines and marionette lines.

Methods

A medical team created 2 different novel 5-point photonumeric scales for the assessment of perioral lines and marionette lines. Eleven international raters were involved in the digital validation, and 4 raters performed a live validation.

Results

For the Croma Static Perioral Lines–Assessment Scale, the digital interrater intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were 0.88 (95% CI, 0.85-0.91) in the first rating and 0.87 (95% CI, 0.83-0.90) in the second rating. The digital intrarater ICCs were 0.90 (95% CI, 0.87-0.92). In the live rating, the interrater ICCs were 0.89 (95% CI, 0.85-0.93) in the first rating and 0.91 (95% CI, 0.87-0.93) in the second rating with an intrarater ICC of 0.91 (95% CI, 0.88-0.95). For the Croma Marionette Lines–Assessment Scale, the digital rating interrater ICCs were 0.85 (95% CI, 0.81-0.89) in the first rating and 0.87 (95% CI, 0.84-0.90) in the second rating with an intrarater ICC of 0.89 (95% CI, 0.88-0.91). In the live rating, the interrater ICCs were 0.73 (95% CI, 0.54-0.83) in the first rating and 0.79 (95% CI, 0.65-0.87) in the second rating with an intrarater ICC of 0.88 (95% CI, 0.83-0.94).

Conclusions

The Croma Static Perioral Lines–Assessment Scale and the Croma Marionette Lines–Assessment Scale have exceptional inter- and intrarater agreements that justify their use in clinical and study settings for all ethnic groups.

Level of Evidence: 5
Perioperative cerebral perfusion in aortic arch surgery: a potential link with neurological outcome
Authors: Weijs Ralf W J , Tromp Selma C , Heijmen Robin H , Seeber Antje A , van Belle-van Haaren Nicole J C W , Claassen Jurgen A H R , Thijssen Dick H J
Published: April 2023

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to examine whether perioperative changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF) relate to postoperative neurological deficits in patients undergoing aortic arch surgery involving antegrade selective cerebral perfusion (ASCP).

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed data from patients who underwent aortic arch surgery involving ASCP and perioperative transcranial Doppler assessments. Linear mixed-model analyses were performed to examine perioperative changes in mean bilateral blood velocity in the middle cerebral arteries, reflecting changes in CBF, and their relation with neurological deficits, i.e. ischaemic stroke and/or delirium. Logistic regression analyses were performed to explore possible risk factors for postoperative neurological deficits.

RESULTS

In our study population (N = 102), intraoperative blood velocities were lower compared to preoperative levels, and lowest during ASCP. Thirty-six (35%) patients with postoperative neurological deficits (ischaemic stroke, n = 9; delirium, n = 25; both, n = 2) had lower blood velocity during ASCP compared to patients without (25.4 vs 37.0 cm/s; P = 0.002). Logistic regression analyses revealed lower blood velocity during ASCP as an independent risk factor for postoperative neurological deficits (odds ratio = 0.959; 95% confidence interval: 0.923, 0.997; P = 0.037).

CONCLUSIONS

Lower intraoperative CBF during ASCP seems independently related to postoperative neurological deficits in patients undergoing aortic arch surgery. Because CBF is a modifiable factor during ASCP, our observation has significant potential to improve clinical management and prevent neurological deficits.
Methods for retrospectively improving race/ethnicity data quality: a scoping review
Authors: Chin Matthew K , Đoàn Lan N , Russo Rienna G , Roberts Timothy , Persaud Sonia , Huang Emily , Fu Lauren , Kui Kiran Y , Kwon Simona C , Yi Stella S
Published: April 2023

Improving race and ethnicity (hereafter, race/ethnicity) data quality is imperative to ensure underserved populations are represented in data sets used to identify health disparities and inform health care policy. We performed a scoping review of methods that retrospectively improve race/ethnicity classification in secondary data sets. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, searches were conducted in the MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science Core Collection databases in July 2022. A total of 2 441 abstracts were dually screened, 453 full-text articles were reviewed, and 120 articles were included. Study characteristics were extracted and described in a narrative analysis. Six main method types for improving race/ethnicity data were identified: expert review (n = 9; 8%), name lists (n = 27, 23%), name algorithms (n = 55, 46%), machine learning (n = 14, 12%), data linkage (n = 9, 8%), and other (n = 6, 5%). The main racial/ethnic groups targeted for classification were Asian (n = 56, 47%) and White (n = 51, 43%). Some form of validation evaluation was included in 86 articles (72%). We discuss the strengths and limitations of different method types and potential harms of identified methods. Innovative methods are needed to better identify racial/ethnic subgroups and further validation studies. Accurately collecting and reporting disaggregated data by race/ethnicity are critical to address the systematic missingness of relevant demographic data that can erroneously guide policymaking and hinder the effectiveness of health care practices and intervention.
Continuity of care after attempted suicide: the primary care physicians’ role
Authors: Brill Jonathan , Zacay Galia , Raviv Gil , Tsamir Judith , Heymann Anthony D
Published: April 2023

Background

Suicide prevention is an important public health concern, and primary care physicians (PCPs) often serve as the first point of contact for individuals at risk. Few interventions in the primary care setting have been linked to reduced suicide attempt (SA) rates. The Continuity of Care (COC) protocol was developed to improve the primary care treatment of high-risk suicidal patients.

Objectives

This study examined PCPs’ awareness of the COC protocol, its perceived effectiveness, and PCPs’ attitudes towards post-SA-discharge visits.

Methods

A survey was administered to 64 PCPs who had a recent office visit with a patient who had attempted suicide. Data were collected between May and July 2021 and analyzed anonymously.

Results

Thirty of the 64 PCPs answered the questionnaires, giving a response rate of 47%. Most were unaware of the COC protocol. Seventeen physicians (57%) felt that the visit strengthened their physician–patient relationship, and while nearly half of the physicians (47%, n = 14) agreed they had the knowledge and tools to manage a post-SA-discharge visit, 43% of them (n = 13) preferred that the visit would have been handled by a mental health professional rather than a PCP. Analysis of open-ended questions uncovered three themes: knowledge gap, system limitation, and the PCP’s role in maintaining the COC.

Conclusion

The findings of this study highlighted the important role PCPs can play to prevent future SAs, as well as exposed gaps in the knowledge and system constraints that impede them from carrying out this role as effectively as possible.
Three recent sex chromosome-to-autosome fusions in a Drosophila virilis strain with high satellite DNA content
Authors: Flynn Jullien M , Hu Kevin B , Clark Andrew G
Published: April 2023

The karyotype, or number and arrangement of chromosomes, has varying levels of stability across both evolution and disease. Karyotype changes often originate from DNA breaks near the centromeres of chromosomes, which generally contain long arrays of tandem repeats or satellite DNA. Drosophila virilis possesses among the highest relative satellite abundances of studied species, with almost half its genome composed of three related 7 bp satellites. We discovered a strain of D. virilis that we infer recently underwent three independent chromosome fusion events involving the X and Y chromosomes, in addition to one subsequent fission event. Here, we isolate and characterize the four different karyotypes we discovered in this strain which we believe demonstrates remarkable genome instability. We discovered that one of the substrains with an X-autosome fusion has an X-to-Y chromosome nondisjunction rate 20 × higher than the D. virilis reference strain (21% vs 1%). Finally, we found an overall higher rate of DNA breakage in the substrain with higher satellite DNA compared to a genetically similar substrain with less satellite DNA. This suggests that satellite DNA abundance may play a role in the risk of genome instability. Overall, we introduce a novel system consisting of a single strain with four different karyotypes, which we believe will be useful for future studies of genome instability, centromere function, and sex chromosome evolution.
Determining hydraulic diffusivity from ambient noise in subsurface flow rate and temperature data
Authors: Fulton Patrick M , Brodsky Emily E
Published: April 2023

Determining the properties that control fluid flow and pressure migration through rocks is essential for understanding groundwater, energy reservoirs and fault zones. However, direct measurements of these properties underground generally require expensive and invasive processes such as pumping large volumes of water in or out of the ground. These conventional methods may change the structure that they are trying to measure and do not resolve variations in space without complex, multiple experiments. Here, we capitalize on the existing, natural fluctuations of pore pressure, flow and temperature that are always present underground, likely driven by tides, seismic waves and other noise in the Earth. We develop the theoretical framework to utilize these noises to determine hydrogeologic structure. We begin with prior work demonstrating a connection between cross-correlation and Green's functions for diffusive processes and illustrate how the existing theory could be used specifically for the case of inferring hydraulic diffusivity from closely spaced observations of pore pressure. We extend the current theory to include a capability for inferring Green's functions from closely spaced flow rate measurements, rather than pore pressure data. We then note that closely spaced temperature measurements are much more practical as an observational system, however, diffusive transport is likely not the dominant cause of high-frequency fluctuations of temperature in the Earth. Advective transport is a more plausible controlling factor and thus we need to incorporate advection into the theory and model the corresponding response functions. We therefore develop a semi-analytical method that includes advection and numerically compute the corresponding response function. We use these synthetics to illustrate how cross-correlation of ambient noise in subsurface temperature measurements carries information about hydraulic structure and show that it is possible to constrain hydraulic diffusivity values from cross-correlation of closely spaced continuous temperature measurements. This new method opens up the possibility of passive determination of reservoir properties with high spatial resolution from closely spaced, continuous temperature data, which is a realistic deployment strategy that could be used in a wide variety of settings.
GrapevineXL reliably predicts multi-annual dynamics of vine water status, berry growth, and sugar accumulation in vineyards
Authors: Yang Weiwei , Zhu Junqi , van Leeuwen Cornelis , Dai Zhanwu , Gambetta Gregory A
Published: April 2023

Climate and water availability greatly affect each season’s grape yield and quality. Using models to accurately predict environment impacts on fruit productivity and quality is a huge challenge. We calibrated and validated the functional-structural model, GrapevineXL, with a data set including grapevine seasonal midday stem water potential (Ψxylem), berry dry weight (DW), fresh weight (FW), and sugar concentration per volume ([Sugar]) for a wine grape cultivar (Vitis vinifera cv. Cabernet Franc) in field conditions over 13 years in Bordeaux, France. Our results showed that the model could make a fair prediction of seasonal Ψxylem and good-to-excellent predictions of berry DW, FW, [Sugar] and leaf gas exchange responses to predawn and midday leaf water potentials under diverse environmental conditions with 14 key parameters. By running virtual experiments to mimic climate change, an advanced veraison (i.e. the onset of ripening) of 14 and 28 days led to significant decreases of berry FW by 2.70% and 3.22%, clear increases of berry [Sugar] by 2.90% and 4.29%, and shortened ripening duration in 8 out of 13 simulated years, respectively. Moreover, the impact of the advanced veraison varied with seasonal patterns of climate and soil water availability. Overall, the results showed that the GrapevineXL model can predict plant water use and berry growth in field conditions and could serve as a valuable tool for designing sustainable vineyard management strategies to cope with climate change.
460 Integrating pharmacist independent prescribing in community pharmacy: investigating NHS Pharmacy First Plus using Normalization Process Theory
Authors: Karim L , McIntosh T , Pfleger D , Osprey A , Cunningham S
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Limited evidence exists for independent prescribing in community pharmacy (CP) (1). In 2020 NHS Scotland launched NHS Pharmacy First Plus (PFP), aiming to facilitate access to pharmacist independent prescribers (PIPs) in CP, focusing on common clinical conditions.

Aim

To investigate, using Normalization Process Theory (NPT), the integration of PIPs in CP in the context of NHS PFP.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey of all 120 community pharmacists offering PFP in 13 Scottish NHS Health Boards. A ‘Think Aloud’ tested, pre-piloted questionnaire was developed using the NPT derived NoMAD tool (2) and including demographic and practice characteristic questions for contextualisation. This was disseminated via email with 3 reminders. Data exported from Online Surveys (JISC) to SPSS was analysed descriptively. Scale score statistics for each of the four NPT constructs (Table 1) were calculated through summation of item scores (5 = Strongly agree to 1 = Strongly disagree) for each respondent with scale item reliability testing using Cronbach’s alpha.

Results

A 73% (88/120) response rate showed the majority were female (63%, 55/88), <40 years old (51%, 45/88), had worked in CP for >15 years (56%, 49/88) and qualified as a PIP <5 years ago (59%, 52/88). 76% (67/88) indicated on average they consulted with patients under PFP >6 times a week. 38% (33/88) indicated they had <3 staff when offering PFP and 47% (41/88) indicated that they provided the service while working as the only pharmacist; 35% (25/71) had one other pharmacist. Generally, there were high levels of NoMAD item agreement with >90% ‘strongly agreeing’ or ‘agreeing’ in items relating to ‘coherence’, ‘cognitive participation’ and ‘reflexive monitoring’. Responses to ‘collective action’ items showed diversity with more answering ‘neither agree nor disagree’ or ‘disagree’.

Conclusion

This theory-based work with an excellent response rate offers a robust and unique perspective on PIP integration within CP. The positivity could perhaps be expected from trailblazer respondents but it also highlights challenges within the ‘collective action’ construct and a need to focus on training, staff resource, working relationships and management. More work is planned on scale score inferential analysis and qualitative exploration of key findings.

References

1. Weeks G, George J, Maclure K et al. Non-medical prescribing versus medical prescribing for acute and chronic disease management in primary and secondary care. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016; 11: CD011227

2. Finch, T.L., Girling, M., May, C.R. et al. Improving the normalization of complex interventions: part 2 - validation of the NoMAD instrument for assessing implementation work based on normalization process theory (NPT). BMC Med Res Methodol 18, 135 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12874-018-0591-x]
492 Anticholinergic burden in older people: descriptive analysis of the Community Ageing Research 75+ Study (CARE75+) cohort population
Authors: Ali E A , Todd O M , Clegg A
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Anticholinergic burden is the cumulative effect on an individual of using one or multiple drugs with anticholinergic activity . Anticholinergic activity is associated with several serious adverse events (AE), and it is often the result of Polypharmacy which is the prescribing of multiple medications. Reported AE include dry mouth, urinary retention, blurred vision, cognitive impairment, and falls leading to increased mortality and poor patient outcomes.

Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden Scale (ACB) provide an estimation of total anticholinergic burden. Anticholinergic burden quantified by the ACB scale provides a prediction of impairment in physical and cognitive functioning on older people (1).

Aim

To descriptively analyse the CARE 75+ cohort population. To estimate the frequency of ACB scores according to demographic characteristics of CARE75+ cohort population.

Methods

A cohort consisting of 1277 participants was analysed. Anticholinergic burden was calculated using an online ACB tool. The ACB tool lists 88 medicines likely to have none, possible, or definite anticholinergic properties with a score ranging from 0 to 3. High scores predict cognitive and functional impairment in older people.

Descriptive statistics were used to present the demographics of the cohort.

Results

The CARE75+ is a longitudinal cohort study collecting an extensive range of health, social and economic data in older people since 2014 with a focus on frailty, independence and quality of life in older age (2).

The participants had similar total number of medicines prescribed. Higher ACB scores were more commonly observed in younger female participants.

Conclusion

Based on these findings younger female patients are more likely to be at risk of anticholinergic AE. A greater understanding of the frequency of high ACB scores has the potential to improve awareness and indicate high risk patient groups, which can lead to more individualised optimisation of prescribing.

References

1. Lertxundi, U., Domingo-Echaburu, S., Hernandez, R., Peral, J. And Medrano, J. (2013), Expert-based drug lists to measure anticholinergic burden: similar names, different results. Psychogeriatrics 13: 17-24.

2. Heaven A, Brown L, Young J, et al Community ageing research 75+ study (CARE75+): an experimental ageing and frailty research cohort. BMJ Open 2019;9.
Synthetic seismocardiogram generation using a transformer-based neural network
Authors: Nikbakht Mohammad , Gazi Asim H , Zia Jonathan , An Sungtae , Lin David J , Inan Omer T , Kamaleswaran Rishikesan
Published: April 2023

Objective

To design and validate a novel deep generative model for seismocardiogram (SCG) dataset augmentation. SCG is a noninvasively acquired cardiomechanical signal used in a wide range of cardivascular monitoring tasks; however, these approaches are limited due to the scarcity of SCG data.

Methods

A deep generative model based on transformer neural networks is proposed to enable SCG dataset augmentation with control over features such as aortic opening (AO), aortic closing (AC), and participant-specific morphology. We compared the generated SCG beats to real human beats using various distribution distance metrics, notably Sliced-Wasserstein Distance (SWD). The benefits of dataset augmentation using the proposed model for other machine learning tasks were also explored.

Results

Experimental results showed smaller distribution distances for all metrics between the synthetically generated set of SCG and a test set of human SCG, compared to distances from an animal dataset (1.14× SWD), Gaussian noise (2.5× SWD), or other comparison sets of data. The input and output features also showed minimal error (95% limits of agreement for pre-ejection period [PEP] and left ventricular ejection time [LVET] timings are 0.03 ± 3.81 ms and −0.28 ± 6.08 ms, respectively). Experimental results for data augmentation for a PEP estimation task showed 3.3% accuracy improvement on an average for every 10% augmentation (ratio of synthetic data to real data).

Conclusion

The model is thus able to generate physiologically diverse, realistic SCG signals with precise control over AO and AC features. This will uniquely enable dataset augmentation for SCG processing and machine learning to overcome data scarcity.
Biology and management of Systena frontalis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in ornamental plant nurseries
Authors: Arshad Rehan , Horng Chong Juang , Lauderdale Danny , Kunkel Brian , Joseph Shimat V
Published: April 2023

Systena frontalis (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a serious insect pest species of container ornamental plant nurseries, widespread in the central and eastern United States. Adults feeding causes shotholes and skeletonization to the foliage of affected plants, which can reduce aesthetic value, and marketability of the ornamental plants. This paper reviews the biology and current management approaches used against S. frontalis in ornamental plant nurseries in the United States. Information gathered from the cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) production system is included where they are appropriate and supplementary to the discussion. The paper also discusses the research, extension, and economic questions prioritized by the stakeholders dealing with S. frontalis problems in the container nurseries.
Knowledge and attitude towards antibiotic use and resistance among Arab population: a questionnaire-based study of 11 countries from the Middle East and North Africa
Authors: Hassan Bassam Abdul Rasool , Mohammed Ali Haider , AL-Jewari Watheq Mohammed , Blebil Ali , Dujaili Juman , Wayyes Abdulrasool M , Malaeb Diana , Dabbous Mariam , Othman Gamil , Mustafa Madani Abdelhaleem , Talib Al-Zaabi Ahmed , Zerrouki Amira , Darwish Rula M , Abu Alhija Sara , Drira Chema , Ikram Fazaa , Jaber Ammar Ali Saleh , Alsahi Al-Zaabi Amna Mohamed Mohamed , Kohaf Neveen A , Omran Safa , Abdelaziz Mohamed Enas , Hassan Nasr Muhammed , Fathelrahman Ahmed Ibrahim , Alshahrani Ali M , Alsammarraie Ahmed Zuhair Abdulhameed , Kadhim Alabboodi Musaab , Al-Tukmagi Haydar F , Abdulwahid Al-Ani Omar
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Antibiotic usage has evolved over the years among the Arab population, and it has also gone under misuse resulting in the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Therefore, the current study aimed to address this issue by evaluating the level of knowledge and attitude of Arab population towards antibiotic usage and AMR to develop a pathway to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out among Arab population, including 11 countries from the Middle East and North Africa. A validated and translated questionnaire, consisting of 34 questions, was adopted to achieve the study objectives. Two phases of data collection (online and offline) were performed, and SPSS was used for data analysis.

Key findings

Three thousand three hundred and nineteen participants were successfully recruited, and the mean age was 37.6 ± 11.73. Approximately 63% of participants wrongly answered they should stop antibiotics when they feel better, and 73.3% of them thought antibiotics could treat cold and flu. Nearly half of the respondents indicated that they were uncertain of how antibiotic resistance affects the body (48.1%), and they were unaware if it could affect them or their families (63.1%). While the majority of the respondents were prescribed antibiotics by a doctor, over half of them were not given any advice on how to take them. Our data showed a significant relationship between respondents’ demographic data (e.g. country, age and education) and their knowledge and attitude.

Conclusions

Participants had poor knowledge of antibiotics and AMR; thus, efforts are needed to conduct health campaigns in public places and create and implement programmes aiming to raise knowledge and awareness of people in the Arab regions. These could aid to curb the risk of antibiotic resistance and increase the chance of successful treatment for infectious diseases.
Brazilian red propolis extract free and encapsulated into polymeric nanoparticles against ovarian cancer: formulation, characterisation and biological assays in 2D and 3D models
Authors: Justino Isabela A , Marincek Andréia , Ferreira Iasmin R S , Amaral Robson L F , Fontanezi Bianca B , Aldana-Mejía Jennyfer A , Bastos Jairo K , Marcato Priscyla D
Published: April 2023

Cancer incidence worldwide is alarming and among the cancers that affect women ovarian cancer is the most fatal. Many side effects are associated with conventional therapies and none of them are completely effective, so the development of new treatments is necessary. Brazilian red propolis extract is a natural product with complex composition and great potential for cancer treatment. However, its clinical application is harmed due to unfavourable physicochemical characteristics. To enable its application encapsulation in nanoparticles can be used.

Objectives: The aims of this work were to develop polymeric nanoparticles with Brazilian red propolis extract and compare their action with the free extract against ovarian cancer cells.

Methods: Box Behnken design was used and nanoparticles were characterised using the techniques dynamic light scattering, nanoparticle tracking analysis, transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and encapsulation efficiency. Activity against OVCAR-3 was also tested on 2D and 3D models.

Key findings: Nanoparticles’ sizes were ~200 nm with monomodal size distribution, negative zeta potential, spherical shape and with extract molecularly dispersed. Encapsulation efficiency was above 97% for the biomarkers chosen. Nanoparticles had greater efficacy in comparison with free propolis in OVCAR-3.

Conclusions: So far, the nanoparticles here described have the potential to be a chemotherapy treatment in the future.
A Japanese registry study and systematic review of particle therapy for renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Ishikawa Hitoshi , Arimura Takeshi , Maruo Kazushi , Kawamura Hidemasa , Toyama Shingo , Ogino Takashi , Okimoto Tomoaki , Murakami Masao , Sato Yoshitaka , Nishioka Kentaro , Araya Masayuki , Ohba Hisateru , Umehara Kensuke , Aoyama Hidefumi , Obara Wataru , Azuma Haruhito , Tsuji Hiroshi , Sakurai Hideyuki
Published: April 2023

The feasibility and efficacy of particle beam therapy (PBT) using protons or carbon ions were compared with those of photon-based stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for primary renal cell carcinoma (RCC) via a systematic review and nationwide registry for PBT (Japanese Society for Radiation Oncology [JASTRO] particle therapy committee). Between July 2016 and May 2019, 20 patients with non-metastatic RCC who were treated at six Japanese institutes (using protons at three, using carbon ions at the other three) were registered in the nationwide database and followed up prospectively. The 20 patients comprised 15 men and had a median age of 67 (range: 57–88) years. The total radiation dose was 66–79.6 Gy (relative biological effectiveness [RBE]). Over a median follow up of 31 months, the 3-year rates of overall survival (OS) and local control (LC) were 100% and 94.4%, respectively. No grade ≥ 3 toxicities were observed. Based on a random effects model, a meta-analysis including the present results revealed 3-year OS rates after SBRT and PBT of 75.3% (95% CI: 57.3–86.6) and 94.3% (95% CI: 86.8–97.6), respectively (P = 0.005), but the difference in LC rates between the two methods was not observed (P = 0.63). PBT is expected to have similar if not better treatment results compared with SBRT for primary renal cancer. In particular, PBT was shown to be effective even for large RCC and could provide a therapeutic option when SBRT is not indicated.
Hematochezia due to arteriovenous malformation of the mesoappendix: a rare case report
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Anh , Van Pham Hiep , Tran Thang Manh
Published: April 2023

An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) of the mesoappendix is a very rare clinical entity. The clinical features, diagnosis and management of an AVM of the mesoappendix have yet to be sufficiently explained since reports about it are scarce. We report a 57-year-old man presented with hematochezia for 2 weeks. Upper and lower endoscopic could not find the source of bleeding. Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed an AVM of the mesoappendix. A laparoscopic appendectomy was performed, and he had a resolution of his symptoms. Intraoperative findings and pathological results confirmed the diagnosis of AVM of the mesoappendix.
A rare case of severely elevated septic parameters caused by intercurrent juvenile rheumatoid arthritis despite dual trauma surgery
Authors: Wurm Lennard M , Andresen Julian R , Reinke Justyna , Poddubnyy Denis , Ertel Wolfgang , Jagielski Michal W
Published: April 2023

Procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are considered markers used in clinical practice to differentiate bacterial infections from autoimmune origin. Here we evaluate a rare case of a male patient diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The patient presented repeatedly to our department with atraumatic femoral head necrosis, traumatic medial femoral neck fracture and peri-implant femoral fracture. While undergoing repeated surgical interventions including a removal of osteosynthesis material and total endoprosthesis of his right hip including double subtrochanteric osteotomy, the patient developed drastically increasing infection parameters of PCT and CRP. After a completely inconspicuous revision we revealed the untypical genesis of a rheumatic cause. Consequently, we emphasize this etiology to be considered in further decision making for trauma surgery.
Right-sided ALPPS after preoperative emergency embolization of the right hepatic artery: case report with a favorable anatomy
Authors: Laurinavicius Petras , Müller Philip C , Ghafoor Soleen , Jonas Jan Philipp , Oberkofler Christian E , Clavien Pierre-Alain , Petrowsky Henrik
Published: April 2023

In patients with extensive colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) and insufficient future liver remnant (FLR) a faster and more effective FLR augmentation than portal vein embolization is the associating liver partition and portal vein ligation in staged hepatectomy (ALPPS). Before ALPPS, the presence of arterial blood supply to the subsequently resected hemiliver must be ensured. We present a case with neoadjuvant-treated CRLM and insufficient FLR who developed a large intrahepatic hematoma after liver biopsy. For continuous bleeding, the right hepatic artery was embolized. Fortunately, an accessory right hepatic artery arising from the superior mesenteric artery was present, which enabled the ALPPS procedure to be performed. After ALPPS, the patient did not experience liver failure. The case exemplifies that preoperative evaluation of the vascular supply of the liver is of paramount importance in advanced hepatic surgery such as ALPPS.
Opacification of a scleral-sutured Akreos AO60 intraocular lens in the absence of concurrent or subsequent surgery: a case series
Authors: Ahmed Harris , Subramanian Sam , Chalam K V
Published: April 2023

Scleral-fixated intraocular lenses (SCIOLs) are an increasingly used option to place intraocular lenses in patients with compromised capsules. Akreos A060 is an acrylic hydrophilic lens that is commonly used for patients in need of SCIOL. As with other hydrophilic lenses, the Akreos A060 lens is associated with a risk of developing postoperative opacifications. To date, multiple case reports and case series have documented the development of opacifications in the Akreos A060 lens in the setting of subsequent intraocular surgery, most commonly after surgery involving gas or air, as commonly used in many routine retinal and corneal surgeries. Many theories have been proposed to explain this phenomenon, but none has been confirmed. This short case series presents two patients with Akreos A060 lenses who incidentally developed lens opacification in the absence of concurrent or subsequent intraocular surgery.