bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microstructural changes of peripheral nerves in early multiple sclerosis: A prospective magnetic resonance neurography study
Authors: Foesleitner Olivia , Sturm Volker , Hayes Jennifer , Weiler Markus , Sam Georges , Wildemann Brigitte , Wick Wolfgang , Bendszus Martin , Heiland Sabine , Jäger Laura Bettina
Published: November 2023

Background and purpose

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system (CNS). However, there is increasing evidence of peripheral nerve involvement. This study aims to characterize the pattern of peripheral nerve changes in patients with newly diagnosed MS using quantitative magnetic resonance (MR) neurography.

Methods

In this prospective study, 25 patients first diagnosed with MS according to the revised McDonald criteria (16 female, mean age = 32.8 ± 10.6 years) and 14 healthy controls were examined with high‐resolution 3‐T MR neurography of the sciatic nerve using diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI; 20 diffusional directions, b = 0, 700, 1200 s/mm2) and magnetization transfer imaging (MTI). In total, 15 quantitative MR biomarkers were analyzed and correlated with clinical symptoms, intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis, electrophysiology, and lesion load on brain and spine MR imaging.

Results

Patients showed decreased fractional anisotropy (mean = 0.51 ± 0.04 vs. 0.56 ± 0.03, p < 0.001), extra‐axonal tortuosity (mean = 2.32 ± 0.17 vs. 2.49 ± 0.17, p = 0.008), and radial kurtosis (mean = 1.40 ± 0.23 vs. 1.62 ± 0.23, p = 0.014) and higher radial diffusivity (mean = 1.09 ∙ 10−3 mm2/s ± 0.16 vs. 0.98 ± 0.11 ∙ 10−3 mm2/s, p = 0.036) than controls. Groups did not differ in MTI. No significant association was found between MR neurography markers and clinical/laboratory parameters or CNS lesion load.

Conclusions

This study provides further evidence of peripheral nerve involvement in MS already at initial diagnosis. The characteristic pattern of DKI parameters indicates predominant demyelination and suggests a primary coaffection of the peripheral nervous system in MS. This first human study using DKI for peripheral nerves shows its potential and clinical feasibility in providing novel biomarkers.
The public interest dimension of the single market for data: Public undertakings as a model for regulating private data sharing
Authors: Richter Heiko
Published: November 2023

Data plays a crucial role for society. Accordingly, building a ‘single market for data’ by increasing the availability of public and private data ranks high on the EU policy agenda. But when advancing legal data sharing regimes, there is an inevitable need to balance public and private interests. While the European Commission continues to push for more binding rules on data sharing between private businesses, public undertakings are already covered by mandatory rules. Exploring how the law addresses their data offers valuable lessons on the reconciliation of market reasoning with the public interest. In particular, this article inquires into the recast Open Data and Public Sector Information Directive, the Data Governance Act, and different national rules which regulate access to and re‐use of public undertakings' data. It identifies five striking characteristics and discusses their potential and limitations for regulating data sharing by private undertakings. The implications serve as a guidepost for advancing the wider debate on building a single market for data in the EU. Some of them are already reflected in the upcoming EU Data Act.
The combination of locomotive syndrome and poor sleep quality is a risk factor of falls among community‐dwelling middle‐aged and older women: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Takagi Daisuke , Kato Michitaka , Ozaki Etsuko , Kurita Yasunari , Nakano Wataru , Matsui Daisuke , Koyama Teruhide
Published: November 2023

Aim

The combination of locomotive syndrome (LS) and poor sleep quality (PQ) has not yet been shown to result in falls or to affect bone conditions in old age and middle age. [Correction added on 1 December 2023, after first online publication: The preceding sentence has been updated for clarity.]

Methods

This cross‐sectional study enrolled 2233 community‐dwelling middle‐aged to older Japanese women. LS and PSQ were assessed by the stand‐up test, two‐step test, the 25‐question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Participants with both LS 1–3 (any) and a PSQI score ≥6 were classified as belonging to the LS(+)/PSQ(+) group. The incidence of falls in the previous month was collected using a self‐administered questionnaire. Bone conditions were evaluated using an ultrasonic bone densitometer.

Results

The LS(+)/PSQ(+) group independently had a higher risk of falls after adjusting for confounding factors than the LS(−)/PSQ(−) group using multiple logistic regression analysis (odds ratio 1.92, 95% confidence interval 1.01–3.65, P < 0.05). No relationships between LS(−)/PSQ(+) and LS(+)/PSQ(−) groups and the incidences of fall were observed (P > 0.05). [Correction added on 1 December 2023, after first online publication: The two preceding sentences have been corrected to provide greater clarity.] The LS(+)/PSQ(+) group had lower trabecular bone density and cortical bone thickness than the LS(−)/PSQ(−) group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The combination of LS and PSQ is an independent risk factor of falls, indicating that assessing both LS and PSQ could be useful in detecting middle‐aged and older women with low bone density and thickness who fall easily at an early stage. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 912–918.
Are the cut‐offs of the rheumatoid factor and anti‐cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody different to distinguish rheumatoid arthritis from their primary differential diagnoses?
Authors: Pineda‐Sic Rita Angélica , Vega‐Morales David , Santoyo‐Fexas Leticia , Garza‐Elizondo Mario Alberto , Mendiola‐Jiménez Andrés , González Marquez Karina Itzel , Carrillo‐Haro Berenice
Published: November 2023

Objective: Rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti‐cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti‐CCP) are commonly used for diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), although other rheumatic diseases with arthritis can test positive. This study aimed to determine the cutoff values for RF and anti‐CCP with the best diagnostic performance in a sample of patients with RA, compared with other rheumatic diseases.

Methods: This was a descriptive, prospective study. EUROINMMUN enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays for RF isotypes immunoglobulin (Ig) A (IgA), IgG and IgM and third‐generation assay IgG for anti‐CCP were used in serum samples of patients with RA, other rheumatic diseases and healthy subjects. The cutoff with the best diagnostic performance was determined by the Youden Index and receiver operating characteristic analysis

Results: Three hundred and thirty‐two serum samples were analysed. The cutoffs proposed in our population were for RF in RA patients versus other rheumatic diseases, and healthy subjects IgM 135 IU/mL, for each disease, compared with RA, were psoriatic arthritis (Psa) IgA 47.2 IU/mL, clinically suspicious arthralgia (CSA) IgA 39.5 IU/mL, primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) IgM 180.6 IU/mL, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) IgA 42.6 IU/mL, primary fibromyalgia (pFM) IgM 68.6 IU/mL, osteoarthritis (OA) IgM 48 IU/mL, gout IgM 117 IU/mL and healthy IgM 16.3 IU/mL. For anti‐CCP, in RA patients versus other rheumatic diseases, and healthy subjects 6.95 IU/mL, for each disease, compared with RA, were Psa 6.8 IU/mL, CSA 9.95 IU/mL, pSS 20.7 IU/mL, SLE 6 IU /mL, pFM 11.8 IU/mL, OA 11.9 IU/mL, gout 5 IU/mL and healthy 5 IU/mL.

Conclusion: Irrespective of the manufacturer's suggested cutoff, the RA versus differential diagnosis cutoffs must be considered.
Tuning the two phases ratio by nonmetal ion doping in dual‐phase mixed‐conductive ceramic membranes
Authors: Ouyang Kun , Weng Guowei , Lei Song , Zhou Yisa , Dong Jiale , Xue Jian
Published: November 2023

The mixed protonic–electronic conductor of BaCe0.5Fe0.5O3−δ can be automatically decomposed into a dual‐phase material of the cerium‐rich oxide BaCe0.85Fe0.15O3−δ (BCFe8515) and the iron‐rich oxide BaCe0.15Fe0.85O3−δ (BCFe1585). The BaCe0.5Fe0.5O3−δ membrane possessed an extremely high hydrogen (H2) permeation flux, but poor stability. Therefore, in this work, for the first time, the nonmetal P is doped to increase the proportion of the BaCe0.85Fe0.15O3−δ (P‐doped Ce‐rich) phase to improve the stability of the dual‐phase membrane. The developed dual‐phasic ceramic membranes of BaCe0.5Fe0.5−xPxO3−δ (BCFePx) (x = 0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1) exhibit enhanced stability compared to their parent oxides. Under the condition of 950°C, feed gas with dry 50% H2‐50% He and sweep gas with wet Ar, the H2 permeation flux of BCFeP0.05 membrane stabilized at 1.56 mL min−1 cm−2 after the long‐term stability test for 480 h. The enhanced stability resulted from the increase of the P‐doped Ce‐rich phase content and the inhibition of Fe2O3 phase precipitation from the BaCe0.15Fe0.85O3−δ (P‐doped Fe‐rich) phase in the reducing atmosphere by doping non‐metal P element.
Comparing three‐dimensional endorectal ultrasound and magnification chromoendoscopy for early rectal neoplasia invasion depth assessment
Authors: Pinto Rodrigo Ambar , Kawaguti Fábio Shiguehissa , Kimura Cintia Mayumi Sakurai , Corrêa Neto Isaac José Felippe , Nahas Caio Sérgio Rizkallah , Marques Carlos Frederico Sparapan , Bustamante‐Lopez Leonardo Alfonso , Ribeiro‐Jr Ulysses , Maluf‐Filho Fauze , Nahas Sérgio Carlos
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Accurate assessment of invasion depth of early rectal neoplasms is essential for optimal therapy. We aimed to compare three‐dimensional endorectal ultrasound (3D‐ERUS) with magnification chromoendoscopy (MCE) regarding their accuracy in assessing parietal invasion depth (T).

Methods

Patients with middle and distal rectum neoplasms were prospectively included. Two providers blinded to each other's assessment performed 3D‐ERUS and MCE, respectively. The T stage assessed through ERUS was compared to the MCE evaluation. The results were compared to the surgical specimen anatomopathological report. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive (PPV), and negative (NPV) predictive values were calculated for the T stage and for the final therapy (local excision or radical surgery).

Results

In 8 years, 70 patients were enrolled, and all underwent both exams. MCE and ERUS showed an accuracy of 94.3% and 85.7%, sensitivity of 83.7 and 93.3%, specificity of 96.4 and 83.6%, PPV of 86.7 and 60.9%, and NPV of 96.4 and 97.9%, respectively. Kappa for T stage assessed through ERUS was 0.64 and 0.83 for MCE.

Conclusion

MCE and 3D‐ERUS had good diagnostic performance, but the endoscopic method had higher accuracy. Both methods reliably assessed lesion extension, circumferential involvement, and distance from the anal verge.
Corporate risk disclosures in turbulent times: An international analysis in the global financial crisis
Authors: Lajili Kaouthar , Li Tie Mei , Chourou Lamia , Dobler Michael , Zéghal Daniel
Published: November 2023

Focusing on the global financial crisis period, this paper examines risk disclosure patterns and outcomes in a cross‐country setting. We build on prior risk disclosure literature and draw upon institutional and agency‐based theoretical lenses to investigate the nature, comprehensiveness, evolution, and quality of disclosed risk information for matched samples of manufacturing firms in the United States, Canada, Germany, and China (Chinese Hong Kong‐listed firms). The results show a high degree of heterogeneity in risk disclosure behavior and volume among the sample firms attributed to both institutional differences and corporate reporting incentives in the study period. Furthermore, we document significant associations between risk proxies, risk disclosures, and firm market performance suggesting that corporate risk disclosures are potentially informative and useful to investors and other stakeholders. The paper highlights the important joint role of corporate incentives and legal institutions in interpreting and implementing accounting standards and stock exchange listing regulations around the world and during turbulent times.
On‐field physical activity of Special Olympics athletes and Unified Partners during the 2022 Special Olympics World Unified Cup
Authors: Ketcheson L. R. , Pitchford E. A. , Hauck J. , Loetzner F.
Published: November 2023

Background

Special Olympics is a sport organisation spearheading efforts to increase physical activity accessibility through inclusive sport. The Unified Sports® initiative brings together Special Olympics athletes (with intellectual disabilities) and Unified partners (without a disability) in sport training and competition on the same team. The study aims to objectively evaluate differences in on‐field physical activity levels between athletes and partners during the 2022 Special Olympics World Unified Cup, an international soccer (i.e., football) competition. Participants were Special Olympics athletes (n = 96; 44 females, 52 males) and Unified partners (n = 70; 34 females and 36 males) competing in the women's and men's tournaments.

Methods

On‐field actigraph accelerometry measured physical activity from 166 players, over 29 matches, and totalling 493 player‐matches.

Results

In the women's tournament, nearly identical estimates of moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity levels (MVPA) were observed between athletes and partners (P = .409). However, a significant group difference was observed within a specific physical activity intensity category as partners accrued more minutes of very vigorous physical activity than athletes (P < .001). In the men's tournament, no significant differences were also observed between athletes and partners for minutes of MVPA (P = .341), but athletes engaged in significantly more vigorous physical activity (P < .001), and partners had more minutes of very vigorous physical activity (P < .001).

Conclusions

The results suggest that on‐field physical activity levels were similar between players with and without intellectual disabilities during Unified Sports competition.
An update of oncologic and obstetric outcomes of radical trachelectomy for early‐stage cervical cancer: The need for further minimally invasive treatment
Authors: Tamauchi Satoshi , Iyoshi Shohei , Yoshihara Masato , Yoshida Kosuke , Ikeda Yoshiki , Shimizu Yusuke , Yokoi Akira , Niimi Kaoru , Yoshikawa Nobuhisa , Kajiyama Hiroaki
Published: November 2023

Aims

To investigate the oncologic and obstetric outcomes of radical trachelectomy (RT) in patients with early‐stage cervical cancer and to evaluate the potential role of fertility‐preserving treatments in improving pregnancy outcomes while oncologic status is stable.

Methods

In this single‐institution study, we analyzed the oncologic and obstetric outcomes of 67 patients with early‐stage cervical cancer who underwent RT at Nagoya University Hospital.

Results

The cancer recurrence rate (6.0%) and the mortality rate (1.5%) were comparable with those of previous studies. Of the 46 patients who attempted to conceive after RT, 19 (41.3%) became pregnant, and 16 gave birth. Of these 37.5% delivered at term, and delivery at less than 28 weeks of gestation occurred in 31.3% of pregnancies.

Conclusions

RT is a viable treatment option for selected patients with early‐stage cervical cancer. However, the use of less invasive techniques, such as conization/simple trachelectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection, may improve pregnancy outcomes while oncologic status is stable.
Transgressive women in punk: Politics, sexuality, and creative aggression in the 1970s
Authors: Valone David A.
Published: November 2023

Prior analyses have examined various elements of punk rock as an aggressive anti‐establishment cultural and social movement that arose in post‐WWII America and flourished in the 1970s. The unique gender dynamic of punk, however, has been less of a focus of historical investigation. This essay examines the lives and music of three women involved in the early years of the emergence of punk, an era overwhelmingly dominated by men. By focusing on the creative expression and Penelope Houston of Avengers, Debbie Harry of Blondie, and Wendy O. Williams of Plasmatics, this paper seeks to analyze how certain women in the punk movement explicitly sought to challenge the conventional narratives of women's social, political, and sexual roles in the late 1970s and in so doing helped to carve out new paths for women's expression and ways of being in American society.
Slowing taxon cycle can explain biodiversity patterns on islands: Insights into the biogeography of the tropical South Pacific from molecular data
Authors: Keppel Gunnar , Nge Francis J. , Ibanez Thomas
Published: November 2023

Islands in the tropical Pacific Ocean are renowned for high biodiversity and endemism despite having relatively small landmasses. However, our knowledge of how this biodiversity is formed remains limited. The taxon cycle, where well‐dispersed, earlier colonizers become displaced from coastal to inland habitats by new waves of colonizers, producing isolated, range‐restricted species, has been proposed to explain current biodiversity patterns. Here, we integrate the outcomes of phylogenetic studies in the region to investigate the sources, age, number of colonizations, and diversification of 16 archipelagos in the tropical and subtropical South Pacific. We then evaluate whether the results support the taxon cycle as a plausible mechanism for these observations. We find that most species in the Pacific arrived less than 5 Mya from geographically close sources, suggesting that colonization by new taxa is a frequent and ongoing process. Therefore, our findings are broadly consistent with the theory of the Taxon Cycle, which posits that ongoing colonization results in the gradual displacement of established lineages. Only the oldest archipelagos, New Caledonia and Fiji, do not conform to this trend, having proportionally less recent colonization events, suggesting that the taxon cycle may slow on older islands. This conclusion is further validated by New Caledonia having lower diversification rate estimates than younger islands. We found that diversification rates across archipelagos are negatively correlated with area and age. Therefore, a taxon cycle that slows with island age appears to be a suitable concept for understanding the dynamic nature and biodiversity patterns of the Pacific Islands.
Daytime symptom trajectories among adults with stable heart failure and insomnia: evidence from a randomised controlled trial of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia
Authors: Conley Samantha , Jeon Sangchoon , Wang Zequan , Tocchi Christine , Linsky Sarah , O'Connell Meghan , Redeker Nancy S.
Published: November 2023

People with heart failure (HF) experience a high symptom burden and prevalent insomnia. However, little is known about daytime symptom trajectories after cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT‐I). In this study we describe: (1) daytime symptom trajectories among adults with insomnia and stable HF over 1 year, (2) how symptom trajectories differ between CBT‐I versus HF self‐management interventions, and (3) associations between demographic, clinical, and sleep characteristics, perceived stress, health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), functional performance and daytime symptoms trajectories. We retrospectively analysed data from a randomised controlled trial of CBT‐I versus HF self‐management (NCT0266038). We measured sleep, perceived stress, HRQoL, and functional performance at baseline and symptoms at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. We conducted group‐based trajectory modelling, analysis of variance, chi‐square, and proportional odds models. Among 175 participants (mean [standard deviation] age 63.0 [12.9] years, 57.1% male, 76% White), we found four daytime symptom trajectories: (A) low improving symptoms (38.3%); (B) low psychological symptoms and high improving physical symptoms (22.8%); (C) high improving symptoms (24.0%); and (D) high not improving symptoms (14.9%). The CBT‐I versus the HF self‐management group had higher odds of belonging to Group A compared to other trajectories after controlling for baseline fatigue (odds ratio = 3.27, 95% confidence interval 1.39–7.68). The difference between the CBT‐I and the HF self‐management group was not statistically significant after controlling for baseline characteristics. Group D had the highest body mass index, perceived stress, and insomnia severity and the lowest cognitive ability, HRQoL, and functional performance. Research is needed to further evaluate factors contributing to symptom trajectories.
The effects of ketogenic dietary therapies on sleep: A scoping review
Authors: Pasca Ludovica , Quaranta Carlo Alberto , Grumi Serena , Zanaboni Martina Paola , Tagliabue Anna , Guglielmetti Monica , Vitali Helene , Capriglia Elena , Varesio Costanza , Toni Federico , Nobili Lino , Terzaghi Michele , De Giorgis Valentina
Published: November 2023

Sleep problems are common in neurological conditions for which ketogenic dietary therapies (KDTs) are recognised as an effective intervention (drug‐resistant epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder, and migraine). Given the composite framework of action of ketogenic dietary therapies, the prevalence of sleep disturbance, and the importance of sleep regulation, the present scoping review aimed at identifying and mapping available evidence of the effects of ketogenic dietary therapies on sleep. A comprehensive web‐based literature search was performed retrieving publications published to June 2023 using PubMed and Scopus, yielding to 277 records. Twenty papers were finally selected and included in the review. Data were abstracted by independent coders. High variability was identified in study design and sleep outcome evaluation among the selected studies. Several changes in sleep quality and sleep structure under ketogenic dietary therapies were found, namely an improvement of overall sleep quality, improvement in the difficulty falling asleep and nighttime awakenings, improvement in daytime sleepiness and an increase of REM sleep. The relevance and possible physiological explanations of these changes, clinical recommendations, and future directions in the field are discussed.
The effects of Capsicum annuum oleoresin, as a dietary carotenoid, on growth, gut microbiome, intestinal histomorphometry, and sensory characteristics of Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: Yilmaz Sevdan , Çelik Ekrem Şanver , Ergün Sebahattin , Gürkan Mert , Kesbic Fevziye Işıl , Abdel‐Latif Hany M. R.
Published: November 2023

This study was designed to explore the dietary effects of Capsicum annuum oleoresin (CAO) on growth, body composition, sensory characteristics, gut microbiome, and intestinal histomorphometry of rainbow trout. Fish (195.13 ± 1.55 g) were fed diets with various CAO levels (0.0‐Control, 7.0‐ g kg −1 C7, 14.0 g kg −1 ‐C14, 21.0 g kg −1‐C21, and 28.0 g kg −1‐C28) for a 30‐day period. Results revealed that the maximum growth was achieved in C7 and C14 groups. Nevertheless, the growth parameters were similar in other groups compared to the control. Moreover, there were significant increases in dry matter and crude lipid contents in all CAO groups compared with the controls. The mean abundances (%) of the prevalent bacteria at the genus level in the intestinal trout samples presented no significant changes among the test groups. Dietary CAO significantly changed the intestinal histological structure, and was manifested by an increased number of goblet cells in the CAO‐supplied groups. However, there were intestinal villus epithelial deformations associated with increasing dietary CAO, and were most prominent in the C28 group. The sensory attributes of cooked trout fillets showed that capsicum's pungent odor and taste was evident in the C14 group and subsequently increased with increasing dietary CAO levels. Accordingly, the results showed, for the first time, that dietary CAO at levels (7–14 g kg−1) can enhance the growth of rainbow trout without negative effects on the sensory characters and gut health.
Self‐Repair in Hearing L2 Learners’ Spontaneous Signing: A Developmental Study
Authors: Mesch Johanna , Schönström Krister
Published: November 2023

This study presents a corpus‐based investigation of self‐repairs in hearing adult L2 (M2L2, second modality and second language) learners of Swedish Sign Language (Svenskt teckenspråk, STS). This study analyses M2L2 learners’ STS conversations with a deaf signer and examines the learners’ self‐repair practices and whether there are differences among learners of different proficiency levels. This provides a description of characteristics of self‐repair made by M2L2 learners as well as the frequency and distribution of self‐repair categories. The results show that the frequency of self‐repair decreases with increased proficiency, at least after the initial stage. Furthermore, the self‐initiated repair categories of the beginners are often phonological repairs, while intermediate learners tend to carry out self‐repairs at the lexical and syntactic level. The results also reveal a specific type of STS repair linked to fingerspelling repairs. We discuss the effects of second modality learning as well as the relationship between monitoring and language proficiency.
Using MCQ response certainty to determine how aspects of self‐monitoring develop through a medical course
Authors: Tweed Mike , Willink Robin , Wilkinson Tim J.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Self‐monitoring of clinical‐decision‐making is essential for health care professional practice. Using certainty in responses to assessment items could allow self‐monitoring of clinical‐decision‐making by medical students to be tracked over time. This research introduces how aspects of insightfulness, safety and efficiency could be based on certainty in, and correctness of, multiple‐choice question (MCQ) responses. We also show how these measures change over time.

Methods

With each answer on twice yearly MCQ progress tests, medical students provided their certainty of correctness. An insightful student would be more likely to be correct for those answers given with increasing certainty. A safe student would be expected to have a high probability of being correct for answers given with a high certainty. An efficient student would be expected to have a sufficiently low probability of being correct when they have no certainty. The system was developed using first principles and data from one cohort of students. A dataset from a second cohort was then used as an independent validation sample.

Results

The patterns of aspects of self‐monitoring were similar for both cohorts. Almost all the students met the criteria for insightfulness on all tests. Most students had an undetermined outcome for the safety aspect. When a definitive result for safety was obtained, absence of safety was most prevalent in the middle of the course, while the presence of safety increased later. Most of the students met the criteria for efficiency, with the highest prevalence mid‐course, but efficiency was more likely to be absent later.

Discussion

Throughout the course, students showed reassuring levels of insightfulness. The results suggest that students may balance safety with efficiency. This may be explained by students learning the positive implications of decisions before the negative implications, making them initially more efficient, but later being more cautious and safer.
Age at first reproduction and senescence in a short‐lived wild mammal
Authors: Allain Jimmy , Tissier Mathilde , Bergeron Patrick , Garant Dany , Réale Denis
Published: November 2023

Senescence is the degradation of biological functions with increasing age. Its existence and relationship with life‐history strategies remains poorly studied in short‐lived wild vertebrate species. We investigated the relationships between age at first reproduction (AFR), reproductive senescence and longevity in an eastern chipmunk Tamias striatus population, where the first opportunity to breed is conditioned by pulses of seed production by trees (i.e. masts). We used 11 years of data from a longitudinal study, in which females breed for the first time at seven, 15 or 22 months of age and males at seven or 15 months of age. We first assessed the effect of age on three traits associated with breeding performance, namely the number of offspring produced, and the probability of producing an offspring. We then tested whether an earlier AFR accelerated reproductive senescence and reduced survival of both males and females. We found sex‐specific relationships between AFR and senescence. Females reproducing at 15 or 22 months of age showed reproductive senescence, but early‐breeding females did not show any decline in reproductive performance at an older age. Also, although we observed reproductive senescence in males, it was not affected by AFR. Our results are consistent with studies highlighting the existence of reproductive senescence in small, wild mammals. Importantly, we provide the first evidence that AFR can strongly influence the patterns of senescence in small short‐lived species, and does it in a sex‐specific way. Our results highlight the importance of studying life‐history strategies in both males and females when studying senescence in the wild.
Challenging coronary sinus lead placement for CRT: A modified “Anchoring balloon” technique
Authors: Chokesuwattanaskul Ronpichai , Tokavanich Nithi , Srimahachota Suphot
Published: November 2023

An 80‐year‐old man with a history of complete heart block underwent dual chamber pacemaker implantation about a year ago. He returned to the hospital due to de novo heart failure caused by pacing‐induced cardiomyopathy; hence, we planned to upgrade his pacemaker to a biventricular device. The initial strategy was to perform left bundle branch area pacing‐optimized cardiac resynchronization therapy (LOT‐CRT) with left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) combined with a coronary sinus (CS) lead. In this challenging case, the successful placement of a CS lead was hindered by a complicated combination of a large CS body linked to the left superior vena cava and a winding CS branch. However, utilizing readily available tools, such as the coronary balloon and Guide Plus II ST catheter, proved instrumental in overcoming these obstacles. As a result, LOT‐CRT provided the patient with a safe alternative to surgical LV lead placement.
Nexus of Strong Presidentialism and Philippine Foreign Policy: The Case of the Duterte Presidency's Hedging toward China*
Authors: Velasco Joseph Ching , Song Weiqing
Published: November 2023

During the Duterte presidency from June 2016 to June 2022, the government of the Philippines limited its affinity with the United States and pursued an ostensibly pro‐China policy. This bold move took place amid the ongoing US–China rivalry. This paper carries out a retrospective examination of Duterte's China policy from the perspective of Philippine domestic politics. Specifically, we assess the international relations literature on hedging as a foreign policy strategy and argue that domestic factors play a major role in filtering systemic influences and leaving state leaders with sufficient room for strategic discretion and maneuvering. This is particularly the case with the Philippines, where strong presidentialism gives clout to the president in foreign policy development. We argue that much of the “audacious” behavior in the foreign policy of the Duterte government can simultaneously be understood as pragmatic, as it was believed to better serve the regime's short‐term goals. While the alliance with the United States remained largely intact, the Duterte government emphasized its success in stabilizing Sino–Philippine relations.
Self‐defense, claim‐rights, and guns
Authors: Cetty Chetan
Published: November 2023

The right to self‐defense has played a major role in objections to gun regulation. Many contend that gun regulations threaten this right. While much philosophical discussion has focused on the relation between guns and this right, less attention has been paid to the argument for the right of self‐defense itself. In this article, I examine this argument. Gunrights defenders contend that the right of self‐defense is needed to explain why interferences in self‐defense are wrong. I propose an alternative explanation for such wrongs, one which does not posit the existence of a self‐defense right, and then show how it undermines their claim that there exists a strong presumption against gun regulation. I conclude by articulating the implications of this alternative explanatory account for other rights.
The persistent impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on pediatric emergency department visits for suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Authors: Junewicz Alexandra , Wachtel Jonathan M. , Okparaeke Eugene , Guo Fei , Farahmand Pantea , Lois Rebecca , Li Annie , Stein Cheryl R. , Baroni Argelinda
Published: November 2023

Introduction

We examined data from a large, high acuity, pediatric psychiatric emergency department (ED) to assess both the immediate and longer‐term impact of the pandemic on ED visits for suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) among youth.

Methods

Youth ages 5–17 years presenting at a pediatric psychiatric ED in New York, NY from March 2019–November 2021 were included in this study. Visits were categorized as pre‐pandemic, pandemic year 1, or pandemic year 2. We examined changes in demographic and clinical characteristics among patients presenting across the three time periods, as well as multivariable associations between these characteristics and STBs.

Results

Over 32 months, 2728 patients presented at 4161 visits. The prevalence of a discharge diagnosis of STBs increased from 21.2% pre‐pandemic to 26.3% (p < 0.001) during pandemic year 1, and further increased to 30.1% (p = 0.049) during pandemic year 2. Youth were 21% more likely to receive a discharge diagnosis of STBs in pandemic year 1 (RR 1.21, 95% CI 1.07, 1.36) and 35% more likely in pandemic year 2 (RR 1.35, 95% CI 1.19, 1.52) compared to pre‐pandemic baseline.

Conclusions

In a large, high‐acuity ED, STBs continued to increase 20 months after the initial COVID‐19 lockdown. These findings highlight the persistent detrimental impact of the pandemic on youth mental health.
Children's interpretations of parental responses to children's negative emotions in Chinese urban and rural communities
Authors: Ding Ruyi , He Wei , Liu Tuo , Pan Junhao , Wang Qian
Published: November 2023

Children's interpretations of parenting behaviors offer valuable insights into cultural meanings of parenting. This study examined how Chinese urban and rural children interpreted six different types of parental responses to children's negative emotions (PRCNE), which have traditionally been identified as supportive (e.g., emotion‐focused responses, problem‐focused responses, and expressive encouragement) versus nonsupportive ones (e.g., minimization, parental distress, punitive responses) in Western cultures. Based on surveyed samples of 976 children, demographically matched samples of 102 urban (Mage = 14.23 years) and 100 rural (Mage = 14.38 years) children were generated for analysis, using propensity score matching (PSM). Results revealed that compared with rural children, urban children rated problem‐focused responses as more normative, whereas parental distress and punitive responses as less normative. Additionally, urban children evaluated emotion‐focused responses, problem‐focused responses, expressive encouragement, and minimization as less negative, and parental distress as less positive than rural children. In urban communities, emotion‐focused responses, problem‐focused responses, and encouragement were evaluated most positively and least negatively, followed by minimization, and lastly parental distress and punitive responses. In rural communities, emotion‐focused responses and problem‐focused responses were evaluated most positively and least negatively, followed by encouragement and minimization, and lastly parental distress and punitive responses. The findings highlight the diverse interpretations children have towards PRCNE across different cultural contexts.
Detection of the novel HLA‐C*03:04:89, a variant of HLA‐C*03:04:01:01, in a Taiwanese individual
Authors: Yang Kuo‐Liang , Lin Py‐Yu
Published: November 2023

One nucleotide substitution in codon 131 of HLA‐C*03:04:01:01 results in a novel allele, HLA‐C*03:04:89.
The micro‐seismicity of Co. Donegal (Ireland): Defining baseline seismicity in a region of slow lithospheric deformation
Authors: Riva Federica , Agostinetti Nicola Piana , Marzorati Simone , Horan Clare
Published: November 2023

A catalogue of precisely located micro‐seismicity is fundamental for investigating seismicity and rock physical properties in active tectonic and volcanic regions and for the definition of a ‘baseline’ seismicity, required for a safe future exploitation of georesource areas. In this study, we produce the first manually revised catalogue of micro‐seismicity for Co. Donegal region (Ireland), an area of about 50K M2 of on‐going deformation, aimed at localizing natural micro‐seismic events occurred between 2012 and 2015. We develop a stochastic method based on a Markov chain Monte Carlo (McMC) sampling approach to compute earthquake hypocentral location parameters. Our results indicates that micro‐seismicity is present with magnitudes lower than 2 (the highest magnitude is 2.8).The recorded seismicity is almost clustered along previously mapped NE‐SW trending, steeply dipping faults and confined within the upper crust (focal depth less than 10 km). We also recorded anthropogenic seismicity mostly related to quarries' activity in the study area.
Progressive ulcerative keratitis in dogs in the United Kingdom: Microbial isolates, antimicrobial sensitivity, and resistance patterns
Authors: Goss Robert , Adams Vicki J. , Heinrich Christine , Grundon Rachael , Linn‐Pearl Rose , Scurrell Emma , Hamzianpour Negar
Published: November 2023

Objectives

The objective of the study was to identify bacterial pathogens and their antimicrobial sensitivity profile associated with cases of canine progressive ulcerative keratitis.

Materials and Methods

Analysis of microbial culture and sensitivity results from dogs with progressive ulcerative keratitis presenting to a UK referral practice between December 2018 and August 2020.

Results

Positive bacterial cultures were obtained from 80/148 (54%) of the canine ulcers sampled with 99 bacterial isolates cultured. Streptococcus canis (n = 29), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 19), and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (n = 16) were the most common isolates. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was more likely to be isolated whether the ulcer was clinically malacic at the time of sampling (OR = 10.1, p < .001). Ulcers treated prior to culture with fusidic acid were 7.6 times more likely to be positive than those treated with any other antimicrobial(s). Bacterial isolates demonstrated resistance against neomycin (85%), fusidic acid (78%), and tetracycline (68%). Conversely, isolates were most likely to be sensitive to gentamicin (88%), ofloxacin (77%), ciprofloxacin (73%), and chloramphenicol (64%). Antimicrobial combinations of chloramphenicol or gentamicin with a fluoroquinolone (ofloxacin or ciprofloxacin) or chloramphenicol combined with gentamicin were the most effective on in vitro analysis (over 90% susceptibility of all isolates).

Conclusion

The most common bacterial species associated with canine progressive ulcerative keratitis in a UK referral population were S. canis, P. aeruginosa, and S. pseudintermedius. Combination antimicrobial therapy is recommended pending culture and sensitivity results given the varied antimicrobial susceptibility profiles and significant bacterial in vitro resistance to antimicrobial monotherapy.
Comparison of the diagnostic yield of 3 and 5 mm laparoscopic liver biopsy forceps in cats
Authors: Dobberstein Rachel E. A. , Brisson Brigitte A. , Foster Robert A. , Monteith Gabrielle , Larose Philippe Chagnon , Rankovic Alexandra , Verbrugghe Adronie , Shoveller Anna Kate
Published: November 2023

Objective

To determine whether 3 and 5 mm laparoscopic cup biopsy forceps provide samples of equivalent diagnostic quality in cats.

Study design

Experimental study.

Animals

Twelve colony cats undergoing a concurrent nutrition study.

Methods

Two biopsy forceps (3 and 5 mm) and three biopsy techniques (twist, pull, and twist + pull) were used to collect 68 laparoscopic liver samples. Biopsies were performed consecutively with the 3 and 5 mm biopsy sites adjacent to each other. Data analyzed included the number of portal triads and hepatic lobules, tissue crush and fragmentation, overall sample area (mm2), sample weight, and agreement regarding morphologic diagnosis.

Results

The 5 mm forceps provided more hepatic lobules, portal triads, and a larger tissue weight and histologic area (mm2) (p < .01). The twist and pull techniques provide more hepatic lobules and portal triads compared to the twist + pull technique while the twist + pull technique resulted in greater tissue crush compared to the twist technique (p = .0097). There was good agreement for morphological diagnosis between the 3 and 5 mm samples using the twist + pull technique but not for the twist or pull techniques.

Conclusion

Liver samples can be safely collected with 3 or 5 mm laparoscopic biopsy forceps and provide sufficient tissue for histopathology analysis in cats, with minimal artifact. The diagnostic accuracy of 3 mm samples remains unknown.

Clinical significance

Although 3 mm laparoscopic cup biopsy forceps provided samples of sufficient diagnostic quality for histopathologic interpretation in cats, further studies are required to assess their diagnostic accuracy.
Submanifolds with ample normal bundle
Authors: Falla Luza Maycol , Loray Frank , Pereira Jorge Vitório
Published: November 2023

We construct germs of complex manifolds of dimension along projective submanifolds of dimension with ample normal bundle and without nonconstant meromorphic functions whenever . We also show that our methods do not allow the construction of similar examples when by establishing an algebraicity criterion for foliations on projective spaces that generalizes a classical result by Van den Ven characterizing linear subspaces of projective spaces as the only submanifolds with split tangent sequence.
Event-Triggered Model-Free Adaptive Control for Wheeled Mobile Robot With Time Delay and External Disturbance Based on Discrete-Time Extended State Observer
Authors: Huang Jiahui , Chen Hua , Shen Chao
Published: November 2023

In this paper, an improved model-free adaptive control strategy is proposed for the trajectory tracking problem of the wheeled mobile robot (WMR) with time-delay and bounded disturbance. Firstly, the original nonlinear time delay system is transformed into a data model by applying the full-form dynamic linearization method (FFDL). Secondly, the discrete-time extended state observer (DESO) is applied to estimate the unknown residual nonlinear time-varying term. A full-form dynamic linearization model-free adaptive control scheme based on discrete-time extended state observer (DESO-based FFDL MFAC) is proposed. In addition, a full-form dynamic linearization event-triggered model-free adaptive control based on discrete-time extended state observer (DESO-based FFDL ET-MFAC) is established by designing an event-triggering condition to assure Lyapunov stability. The control input signal is updated only if the system indicator meets the provided event-triggering condition; otherwise, the control input remains unchanged which can address limited communication bandwidth effectively. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by simulation.
Effect of Build Geometry and Porosity in Additively Manufactured CuCrZr
Authors: Kulkarni Anup , Peddiraju Vivek C. , Chatterjee Subhradeep , Srinivasan Dheepa
Published: November 2023

The current work presents an understanding of microstructure and mechanical properties as a function of build geometry and build orientation in Cu-Cr-Zr via the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technique. Porosity, microstructure, and mechanical properties have been compared in as-printed (AP) and heat-treated (HT) LPBF Cu-Cr-Zr, between cylindrical and cube geometries, along the longitudinal (L) and transverse (T) build orientations. Varying porosity levels were observed that yielded parts with 96–97% relative density in the AP condition. The AP microstructure demonstrated a hierarchical microstructure, comprising grains (2.5–100 μm) with a cellular substructure (400–850 nm) and intracellular nanoscale (20–60 nm) precipitates. Unlike most materials in the AP condition, crystallographic texture was found to be absent; however, very distinct river-like patterns highlighted a novel feature of the LPBF Cu-Cr-Zr. Upon solutionizing and aging, Cr precipitates were seen heterogeneously nucleating along cell boundaries (0.5–1.3 μm), causing up to 45% enhancement in the strength and a 4–5% lower ductility. The yield strength along the transverse orientation was 10–16% higher than that of longitudinal orientation, in both the AP and HT conditions. Fracture surface of the tensile samples exhibited micro-voids, cleavage facets, and unmelted particles. Despite the porosity, overall mechanical properties matched well with those obtained in nearly dense (>99%) samples and the mechanical property debit was less than 10%.
A Method to Determine Bubble Distribution in Liquid Using Data of Inverse Acoustical Scattering
Authors: Amromin Eduard
Published: November 2023

Information on bubble distributions in liquids is required for various applications. Employment of inverse acoustic scattering is the usual path to determine these distributions. This path is based on solving a Fredholm first kind integral equation leading to an ill-posed mathematical problem. The usual regularization methods for such a problem are quite complex and require introduction of some tuning parameters. Meanwhile, as shown in this paper, another method works well for media, where acoustic waves propagate with the small losses. This method is based on extraction of a singular Cauchy integral in the above-mentioned equation and of the further inversion of this integral. Such a regularization via inversion is a simple operation that gives numerically stable solutions. Here, this regularization is described, verified using the method of manufactured solutions, and validated with the well-known already published experimental data.
Orifice Jet Curvature and Its Interaction With a Row of Short Pin-Fins
Authors: Schekman Sjouke , Kim Tongbuem
Published: November 2023

The fluidic behaviors and interactions present in a setup utilizing perforated blockages and downstream pin-fin are elucidated: specifically, the role of jet curvature in flow interactions and the interaction of end-wall flows around the pin-fins subjected to impinging jet. To this end, a combination of particle image velocimetry-based measurements and oil-dye surface flow visualization technique is utilized. Two different configurations of jet flows, with or without flanking jets, and three different distances between the pin-fins and blockages were considered. Jet curvature can result in flow inclinations of as much as 45 deg–60 deg interacting with the pin-fins and the majority of the jet flow is skewed toward the inner side of the pin-fin. At the end-wall, the interaction with nearby structures, being blockages or pin-fins, alters the shape and profile of the flows. This alteration is in contrast to those around conventional pin-fin arrays which remain largely unaltered in the presence of nearby pin-fins.