bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Actinomycetoma in a patient with pre-existing sensorineural hearing loss: a linezolid-based treatment paradigm
Authors: Deo Kirti , Garg Priya , Masare Anuja , Deokar Shubham Vijay
Published: June 2024

Mycetoma is a chronic granulomatous infectious disease with a triad of subcutaneous swelling, discharging sinuses and the presence of granules. The infection may occur following minor trauma or penetrating thorn injury. We report a case of a man in his 40s with a history of thorn prick 9 years ago, followed by the formation of painless discharging sinuses on the right foot for the past 2 years. Clinical, local epidemiological, histopathological examination and Gram stain confirmed the diagnosis of actinomycetoma. Prior to initiating the Welsh regimen, a pretreatment assessment of the patient’s auditory function was conducted through pure tone audiometry, indicating the existence of pre-existing high-frequency bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. The patient was treated with linezolid as an alternative to amikacin, at a dosage of 600 mg two times per day, leading to complete resolution within 3 weeks. This underscores linezolid’s efficacy as a safe and cost-effective alternative for actinomycetoma, without causing ototoxic side effects.
Age–period–cohort analysis of the global burden of visual impairment according to major causes: an analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Authors: Chen Jianqi , Zhu Yingting , Li Zhidong , Zhuo Xiaohua , Zhang Shaochong , Zhuo Yehong
Published: June 2024

Background

Cataract, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are major causes of visual impairment. As these are age-related conditions, the prevalence of associated visual impairment is anticipated to increase as the population ages. However, age–period–cohort effects on the disease burden have not been investigated.

Methods

This was a population-based study using aggregated data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Age–period–cohort analysis was conducted using age-standardised prevalence rates (ASPRs) of visual impairment caused by cataract, glaucoma and AMD as disease burden indicator.

Results

In 2019, the estimated global ASPRs of visual impairment due to cataract, glaucoma and AMD were 1207.9, 94.7 and 96.8 per 100 000 people, respectively. Between 1990 and 2019, the global visual impairment ASPRs for glaucoma and AMD declined by 15.4% and 2.0%, respectively, whereas that for cataract increased by 5.0%. Wide heterogeneity was observed in age–period–cohort effects on ASPRs across different Sociodemographic Index (SDI) regions. Low-middle SDI regions had the largest ASPR reductions for all three eye diseases and showed improvement in both period and cohort effects. In contrast, in high-middle SDI regions, visual impairment ASPRs significantly increased during the study period with unfavourable patterns.

Conclusions

The wide heterogeneity in age–period–cohort effects reflects different stages of societal transition and vision health. The unfavourable trends in age–period–cohort effects on disease prevalence identified in specific groups provide key information that may be used to identify priority groups in need of treatment and prevention.
Best Evidence Topic report: Is a CT head required for patients who present to the emergency department with a first seizure?
Authors: Williams Callum , Yates Gregory
Published: June 2024

A short systematic review was undertaken to assess whether adult patients presenting to the ED with a first seizure require a CT head scan to rule out emergent intracranial pathology. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane and Google Scholar databases were searched. Seven relevant papers were identified. Study information, patient characteristics, key results and methodological weaknesses were tabulated. Our results indicate that adults presenting with a first seizure are a high-yield group for CT with a number needed to scan (NNS) between 10 and 19 for findings that would change management in ED, such as haemorrhage, infarction and tumours. We believe that this NNS is sufficiently low to justify the routine use of neuroimaging for these patients in emergency care.
Exome sequencing of 1190 non-syndromic clubfoot cases reveals
HOXD12
as a novel disease gene
Authors: Charng Wu-Lin , Nikolov Momchil , Shrestha Isabel , Seeley Mark A , Josyula Navya Shilpa , Justice Anne E , Dobbs Matthew B , Gurnett Christina A
Published: June 2024

Background

Clubfoot, presenting as a rigid inward and downward turning of the foot, is one of the most common congenital musculoskeletal anomalies. The aetiology of clubfoot is poorly understood and variants in known clubfoot disease genes account for only a small portion of the heritability.

Methods

Exome sequence data were generated from 1190 non-syndromic clubfoot cases and their family members from multiple ethnicities. Ultra-rare variant burden analysis was performed comparing 857 unrelated clubfoot cases with European ancestry with two independent ethnicity-matched control groups (1043 in-house and 56 885 gnomAD controls). Additional variants in prioritised genes were identified in a larger cohort, including probands with non-European ancestry. Segregation analysis was performed in multiplex families when available.

Results

Rare variants in 29 genes were enriched in clubfoot cases, including
PITX1
(a known clubfoot disease gene),
HOXD12
,
COL12A1
,
COL9A3
and
LMX1B
. In addition, rare variants in posterior
HOX
genes (
HOX9–13
) were enriched overall in clubfoot cases. In total, variants in these genes were present in 8.4% (100/1190) of clubfoot cases with both European and non-European ancestry. Among these, 3 are
de novo
and 22 show variable penetrance, including 4
HOXD12
variants that segregate with clubfoot.

Conclusion

We report
HOXD12
as a novel clubfoot disease gene and demonstrate a phenotypic expansion of known disease genes (myopathy gene
COL12A1
, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome gene
COL9A3
and nail-patella syndrome gene
LMX1B
) to include isolated clubfoot.
Three-dimensional tunnel face stability using a new heterogeneous dynamic filter cake
Authors: Pan Qiujing , Hou Chuantan , Xiong Hao , Yang Zihan
Published: June 2024

In slurry-shield tunneling, a heterogeneous dynamic filter cake occurs due to the interaction between slurry infiltrating and tool cutting, whose influence on tunnel face stability is not fully plumbed. Thus, a numerically based-limit analysis framework is proposed to assess the tunnel face stability considering a heterogeneous dynamic filter cake. The numerical model with a heterogeneous dynamic filter cake, which has spatio-temporally variable permeability coefficients according to cutter layouts, is built for solving a transient seepage flow. Numerically obtained seepage flow results are further incorporated into the three-dimensional (3D) rotational failure mechanism, so as to give an upper-bound estimation on the tunnel face safety factor and the slurry pressure transfer efficiency. The proposed method is validated by comparing with previous studies regarding the slurry pressure drop, slurry pressure transfer efficiency, and tunnel face safety factors. Parametric analyses are performed to examine the excess pore pressure distributions at the filter cake–soil interface, and discuss the influences of cutterhead rotation and excess slurry pressures on the tunnel face stability. The results show that the defined 3D pressure transfer efficiency is between the one-dimensional and the two-dimensional solutions published previously; the tunnel face stability reduces as cutterhead rotating and finally reaches a dynamic equilibrium state.
Two-loop contributions of axion-like particles to electromagnetic and chromomagnetic form factors
Authors: Neubert Matthias , Schnubel Marvin
Published: June 2024

Axions and axion-like particles emerge in many models for physics beyond the Standard Model. Thus, they have gained increasing research interest in both experimental and theoretical physics apart from their original proposition as a solution to the strong CP-problem. Among other aspects it has recently been shown that ALPs can potentially provide a solution to the long-lasting discrepancy between theory and experiment of the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon. Provided that the ALP has flavor-violating couplings to leptons, they can also mediate flavor-violating decays like $$\mu \rightarrow e\gamma $$

μ
→
e
γ

. Both processes are mediated through related form factors that we compute to two-loop order. We further show numerical implications of our calculations and how they might affect constraints on ALP couplings derived from experiments.
Possible existence of Rastall–Rainbow wormholes in dark matter galactic halos
Authors: Errehymy Abdelghani , Banerjee Ayan , Hansraj Sudan , Donmez Orhan , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Abdel-Aty Abdel-Haleem
Published: June 2024

The Rastall–Rainbow gravity theory has recently been proposed as a combination of the Rastall and rainbow theories. This theory can be thought as a generalization of the Rastall gravity to an energy dependent Rastall theory, and leads to an additional degrees of freedom. In this paper, we construct models that admit the wormhole geometries within this theory. We analyze the properties of static wormholes based on the profiles of dark matter halos, which was demonstrated earlier in Rahaman et al. (Eur Phys J C 74:2750, 2014) that galactic halo possesses the necessary properties in favour of the existence of wormholes. The main properties are being analyzed by considering three different kinds of halo density profiles. Our results indicate that such wormholes could potentially exist but the NEC is violated in the vicinity of the wormhole throat. We have further examined the stability of the configuration through the adiabatic sound velocity.
The regularity properties and blow-up of the solutions for nonlocal Schrödinger equations
Authors: Shakhmurov Veli B. , Shahmurov Rishad
Published: June 2024

In this paper, the Cauchy problem for convolution-type nonlocal linear and nonlinear Schrödinger equations (NSEs) is studied. The equations include the general differential operators. The existence, uniqueness, [Formula: see text]-regularity properties of linear problem and the existence, uniqueness, and blow-up at finite time of the nonlinear problem are obtained. By choosing differential operators including in equations, the regularity properties of a different type of nonlocal Schrödinger equation are studied.
Design of Online English Teaching Resource Recommendation Method Based on Light GCN-CSCM Model
Authors: Xiaoru Gou
Published: June 2024

Based on the Light GCN-CSCM model, this study for recommending online English. With the popularity of the Internet, online English teaching platforms are booming, but learners still face challenges in choosing the right content from numerous resources. This study aims using social network information, combined with the Light GCN-CSCM model, to achieve accurate and personalized English teaching resource recommendations. This paper introduces the principle of the Light GCN-CSCM model and applies it to online English teaching resource recommendations. Methods such as data preprocessing, model realization, integration and optimization of the recommendation system are designed, and appropriate evaluation indexes are selected for evaluation. The effectiveness and performance advantages of the proposed method are verified by experiments on real data sets. The Light GCN-CSCM model-based online English teaching resource recommendation method has achieved significant improvement in the accuracy of personalized recommendations and user satisfaction. This study constructed an efficient recommendation system by in-depth analyzing the characteristics of online English teaching resources and the needs of users. This system can provide customized teaching resources for users based on their learning habits, levels, and interests, greatly improving the pertinence and efficiency of learning.
Majorana neutrinos in double inverse seesaw and Δ(54) flavor models
Authors: Bora Hrishi , Ng K. Francis , Barman Animesh , Thapa Bikash
Published: June 2024

This work involves augmenting the [Formula: see text] flavor symmetry model by incorporating two Standard Model Higgs particles into the Inverse Seesaw mechanism. The mass matrices are discussed numerically in the framework of [Formula: see text] flavor for Majorana neutrinos. We introduced Vector-like fermions and Weyl fermions, which are gauge singlets in the Standard Model and produces Majorana mass terms. We restrict the undesirable terms in our Lagrangian by using additional symmetry. Due to these additional terms, the mass matrices deviate from the tribimaximal neutrino mixing pattern, resulting in the production of a nonzero reactor angle [Formula: see text]. We found that the atmospheric oscillation parameter ([Formula: see text]) occupies the upper octant under the normal hierarchy situation. We also study the CP violation ([Formula: see text]), Jarlskog invariant parameter (J) and Neutrinoless double-beta decay parameter ([Formula: see text]) in the parameter space of the normal hierarchy model to see whether they concur with the most recent neutrino observations.
Cosmology of the interacting Tsallis holographic dark energy in f(R,T) gravity framework
Authors: Sultana Sanjeeda , Ranjit Chayan , Chattopadhyay Surajit , Güdekli Ertan
Published: June 2024

In this work, we have analyzed the cosmology of the Tsallis holographic dark energy (THDE), a particular case of Nojiri–Odintsov HDE proposed in [S. Nojiri and S. D. Odintsov, Gen. Relativ. Gravit. 38 (2006) 1285; Eur. Phys. J. C 77 (2017) 528], using Hubble’s horizon cutoff in [Formula: see text] model considering pressureless dark matter. We have examined the equation of state (EoS) parameters in this scenario. The deceleration parameter has been evaluated for this interacting model to justify the late-time acceleration of the expanding universe. We have also studied the cosmological consequences of Statefinder pair, [Formula: see text] diagnostics, r–q plane and [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] pair for interacting THDE in [Formula: see text] model. We have also illustrated the cosmology of the interacting THDE using Hubble’s horizon cutoff in [Formula: see text] model. The EoS parameter, deceleration parameter and Statefinder pair are studied in this interacting scenario. Attainment of [Formula: see text]CDM fixed point has been observed for both models. We have also constrained model parameters based on observational data sets through the formalism of [Formula: see text] minimum test.
Evaluation of Boundary Stiffnesses for Beams with Generally Restrained Edges: Theory and Vibration Experiments
Authors: Zheng Longkai , Wen Shurui , Wu Zhijing , Li Fengming
Published: June 2024

An effective methodology is proposed to evaluate the boundary stiffnesses of beams with generally restrained edges. The boundary conditions at the ends of the beams are implemented by the penalty method. The unified Jacobi polynomials are introduced to represent the assumed mode shape functions of the beam. Hamilton’s principle with the assumed mode method is employed to derive the equation of motion of the beam with generally restrained boundaries. Subsequently, a novel approach is proposed to evaluate the boundary stiffnesses of the beam using the measured natural frequencies of the beam by vibration experiments. The accuracy of this method is verified by comparing the results with the previously published literature, the finite element method (FEM), and the vibration experiments. The effects of the types and values of the boundary spring stiffnesses on the vibration properties of the beam are also discussed. The calculation method in this research can provide an effective prediction technique for the boundary stiffnesses of engineering structures with generally restrained edges.
Remarks on rings with u − 1 quasi-nilpotent for each unit u
Authors: Tien Nguyen Quoc , Tamer Koşan M. , Quynh Truong Cong
Published: June 2024

This paper is concerned with the investigation of those rings [Formula: see text] whose invertible elements are sums [Formula: see text] for an element [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] is invertible for all invertible [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text]. UJ-rings and UQ-rings (and hence UU-rings) are examples of such rings. We prove that such rings are Dedekind finite, and for semisimple rings [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] In case [Formula: see text] is also a semipotent ring, it is shown that [Formula: see text] is a Boolean ring.
Privacy-Preserving and Diversity-Aware Trust-based Team Formation in Online Social Networks
Authors: Mahajan Yash , Cho Jin-Hee , Chen Ing-Ray
Published: June 2024

As online social networks (OSNs) become more prevalent, a new paradigm for problem-solving through crowd-sourcing has emerged. By leveraging the OSN platforms, users can post a problem to be solved and then form a team to collaborate and solve the problem. A common concern in OSNs is how to form effective collaborative teams, as various tasks are completed through online collaborative networks. A team’s diversity in expertise has received high attention to producing high team performance in developing team formation (TF) algorithms. However, the effect of team diversity on performance under different types of tasks has not been extensively studied. Another important issue is how to balance the need to preserve individuals’ privacy with the need to maximize performance through active collaboration, as these two goals may conflict with each other. This research has not been actively studied in the literature. In this work, we develop a TF algorithm in the context of OSNs that can maximize team performance and preserve team members’ privacy under different types of tasks. Our proposed PRivAcy-Diversity-Aware TF framework, called
PRADA-TF
, is based on trust relationships between users in OSNs where trust is measured based on a user’s expertise and privacy preference levels. The PRADA-TF algorithm considers the team members’ domain expertise, privacy preferences, and the team’s expertise diversity in the process of TF. Our approach employs game-theoretic principles
Mechanism Design
to motivate self-interested individuals within a TF context, positioning the mechanism designer as the pivotal team leader responsible for assembling the team. We use two real-world datasets (i.e., Netscience and IMDb) to generate different semi-synthetic datasets for constructing trust networks using a belief model (i.e., Subjective Logic) and identifying trustworthy users as candidate team members. We evaluate the effectiveness of our proposed
PRADA-TF
scheme in four variants against three baseline methods in the literature. Our analysis focuses on three performance metrics for studying OSNs: social welfare, privacy loss, and team diversity.
Normalization of impaired glucose tolerance after kidney transplantation is associated with improved β-cell function
Authors: Miyamoto Maiko , Nakamura Akinobu , Miya Aika , Nomoto Hiroshi , Kameda Hiraku , Cho Kyu Yong , Iwahara Naoya , Hotta Kiyohiko , Shinohara Nobuo , Atsumi Tatsuya
Published: June 2024

In recipients with pretransplant impaired glucose tolerance, improvements in glucose tolerance after kidney transplantation were associated with improvements in β-cell function. The higher the pretransplant 60-min OGTT plasma glucose level, the greater the improvement in posttransplant β-cell function. Although glucose tolerance is known to be impaired after transplantation, the present study focused on the reason for the improvement in glucose tolerance rather than the development of posttransplantation diabetes mellitus.
FIGURE 6 from Evaluation of Copanlisib in Combination with Eribulin in Triple-negative Breast Cancer Patient-derived Xenograft Models
Authors: Guo Zhanfang , Luo Jingqin , Mashl R. Jay , Hoog Jeremy , Maiti Piyush , Fettig Nikki , Davies Sherri R. , Aft Rebecca , Held Jason M. , Govindan Ramaswamy , Ding Li , Li Shunqiang , von Morze Cornelius , Wulf Gerburg M. , Shoghi Kooresh I. , Ma Cynthia X.
Published: June 2024

Treatment induced changes in FDG uptake by PET imaging and in the levels of pAKT by IHC in WHIM29 and WHIM34. Representative images of FDG PET scan of tumor-bearing mice performed pretreatment and posttreatment (on day 2, 4 hours following drug dosing) with either vehicle, copanlisib (10 mg/kg i.v., on day 1, and on day 2), eribulin (0.2 or 0.3 mg/kg i.p., on day 1), or the combination of eribulin and copanlisib for WHIM29 (A) and WHIM34 (B). Quantification of average SUV by FDG PET scan of tumor-bearing mice performed pretreatment and posttreatment with either copanlisib, eribulin, or the combination of copanlisib and eribulin in WHIM29 (n = 5; C) and WHIM34 (n = 5; D). ***, P < 0.001; ****, P < 0.0001. Representative IHC images for pAKT473 and cleaved PARP on tumor tissue sections harvested on day 3, following treatment with either vehicle, copanlisib (10 mg/kg i.v., on day 1, and on day 2), eribulin (0.2 or 0.3 mg/kg i.p., on day 1), or the combination of eribulin and copanlisib for WHIM29 (E) and WHIM34 (F).
FIGURE 1 from Evaluation of Copanlisib in Combination with Eribulin in Triple-negative Breast Cancer Patient-derived Xenograft Models
Authors: Guo Zhanfang , Luo Jingqin , Mashl R. Jay , Hoog Jeremy , Maiti Piyush , Fettig Nikki , Davies Sherri R. , Aft Rebecca , Held Jason M. , Govindan Ramaswamy , Ding Li , Li Shunqiang , von Morze Cornelius , Wulf Gerburg M. , Shoghi Kooresh I. , Ma Cynthia X.
Published: June 2024

PI3K pathway alterations of selected TNBC PDX models. A, Molecular characteristics of the eight TNBC PDX models included in this study, including mutation status of candidate genes based on whole exome sequencing, breast cancer intrinsic subtype and TNBC subtype derived from gene expression profiling, and PI3K pathway signaling activity indicated by levels of AKT phosphorylation and PTEN by RPPA analysis for each model. B, Representative pictures of PTEN IHC, demonstrating loss of PTEN expression in four of the eight PDX models. The number at the right lower corner of each IHC picture refers to the WHIM ID of the PDX model analyzed. Note the positive PTEN staining of the stromal cells, which serves as an internal control.
Road-Map to Epicardial Approach for Catheter Ablation of Ventricular Tachycardia in Structural Heart Disease: Results From a 10-Year Tertiary-Center Experience
Authors: Bisceglia Caterina , Limite Luca R. , Baratto Francesca , D’Angelo Giuseppe , Cireddu Manuela , Della Bella Paolo
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND:

Epicardial approach in ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation is still regarded as a second-step strategy, due to the risk of complications. We evaluated the frequency that epicardial ablation targets were identified and ablation performed following pericardial access compared with unnecessary pericardial access for different VT causes and potential markers of epicardial VT.

METHODS:

All VT ablation procedures including epicardial approach over a 10-year period were included. First-line epicardial approach was indicated in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) and postmyocarditis VT; in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM) and postmyocardial infarction, indications resulted from available imaging techniques or 12-lead VT morphology. The epicardial approach was considered useful if epicardial ablation was performed after epicardial mapping. Feasibility, complications, and long-term outcome were reported.

RESULTS:

Four hundred and eighty-eight subjects with a median age of 60 years (interquartile range, 47–65) and of left ventricle ejection fraction 41% (interquartile range, 30–55) underwent 626 epicardial VT ablations. Percutaneous access had a success rate of 92.2% and a complication rate of 3.6%. Overall, epicardial approach was, respectively, indicated to 11.8% of postmyocardial infarction patients, 49.5% in IDCM, 94% in myocarditis, and 90.7% in ARVC. Epicardial ablation at the first ablation attempt was performed in 9.3% of postmyocardial infarction patients, 28.8% in IDCM, 86.5% in myocarditis, and 81.3% in patients with ARVC. In first-line epicardial group, ARVC and myocarditis showed the highest odds for epicardial ablation (OR, 4.057 [95% CI, 1.299–8.937];
P
=0.007; OR, 3.971 [95% CI, 1.376–11.465];
P
=0.005, respectively). IDCM independently predicted unnecessary epicardial approach (OR, 2.7 [95% CI, 1.7–4.3];
P
<0.001). After a follow-up of 41 months (interquartile range, 19–64), patients with IDCM experienced higher rate of recurrences and mortality compared with other causes.

CONCLUSIONS:

Epicardial approach is integral part of ablation armamentarium regardless of the VT cause, with high feasibility and low complication rate in experienced centers. Our data support its use at first ablation attempt in VTs related to ARVC and myocarditis.
Centaurs and the Sacred Tree
Authors: Shareth Omri
Published: June 2024

Zechariah 4:12 has been perplexing exegetes and scholars throughout the ages, hampering efforts to explain the message of the lampstand vision in Zech 4 as a whole. The current paper will suggest a path towards a solution by showing that the hapax legomenon צנתרות in this verse means “centaurs.” This claim, which found little support in research so far, reaches its full persuasive power by a deep linguistic, exegetical, and cultural-comparative analysis. Namely, it will be argued that phonetically *צנתר fully accords with κένταυρος if the palatalization /k/ > [t͡s] is assumed, and when Jerome’s overlooked reading sinthoroth is considered. This interpretation is further supported by iconographic data which has so far escaped the scholarly discussion of this verse. As it demonstrates, Zech 4 is based on the Sacred Tree motif iconography, in which hybrid entities are only expected.
Evaluation of oviposition substrates for laboratory rearing of pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)
Authors: Naik V. Chinna Babu , Supreeth G. Sham , Tenguri Prabhulinga , Prasad Y.G.
Published: June 2024

Cotton (Gossypium sp.) is the one of the major commercial fibre crops cultivated across the country. The yield is severely affected by insect pests and diseases. Pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders, 1844) is one of the major insect pests threatening the cultivation of cotton. The major constraint limiting cotton production is resistance, which prevails to date due to the indiscriminate use of the insecticides and noncompliance of the refugia. Hence the status of the pest needs to be ascertained periodically to initiate timely and dynamic management tactics. For conducting laboratory screening, a higher number of individuals is the prime requirement, which is facilitated through mass-rearing techniques. We have evaluated different oviposition substrates like paper and muslin cloth for enhancing the recovery of eggs. Our results are quite promising and the use of black muslin cloth has shown a recovery of eggs on par with natural substrate (cotton twig). Adoption of the artificial substrate has huge potential in rearing techniques and avoids drawbacks like tissue drying, carry-over of diseases and reusability.
Outcomes of Combined Opioids and Benzodiazepines Consumption in Elderly Trauma: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Alser Osaid , Dorken Gallastegi Ander , El Moheb Mohamad , Raybould Toby , DePesa Christopher , Gervasini Alice , Flaherty Michael , Masiakos Peter T. , Velmahos George C. , Kaafarani Haytham , Parks Jonathan
Published: June 2024

Background

Acute substance intoxication is associated with traumatic injury and worse hospital outcomes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between simultaneous opioids and benzodiazepines (OB) use and hospital outcomes in elderly trauma patients.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis using the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program (ACS-TQIP) 2017 database. We included trauma patients (age ≥ 65 years) examined by urine toxicology within 24 hours of presentation. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included hospital and ICU lengths of stay (HLOS AND ICULOS), in-hospital complications (eg, ventilator-associated pneumonia), unplanned intubation, and duration of mechanical ventilation. Patients were stratified being both positive for opioids and benzodiazepines (OB+) or not (OB−) based on having positive or negative drug screen for both drugs, respectively. A 1:1 propensity score matching was performed controlling for demographics (eg, age and sex), comorbidities (eg, alcoholism), and injury characteristics.

Results

Of 77,311 tested patients, 849 OB+ were matched to OB− patients. Compared to OB− group, OB+ patients were more likely to have unplanned intubation (26 [3.1%] vs 8 [0.9%], P = 0.002) and had prolonged HLOS (≥2 days: 683 [84.0%] vs 625 [77.8%], P = 0.002). There were no differences in all other outcomes ( P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The OB intake is associated with higher incidence of unplanned intubation and longer HLOS in elderly trauma patients. Early identification of elderly trauma patient with OB+ can help provide necessary pharmacologic and behavioral interventions to treat their substance use and potentially improve outcomes.
In their own words: Police officers’ insights on identifying and overcoming contemporary policing challenges
Authors: Kassem Rasha , Erken Engin
Published: June 2024

This study uses semi-structured interviews to investigate 26 police officers’ insights on identifying and overcoming contemporary policing challenges in the UK. The findings reveal that the primary challenges include (a) public trust in the police, (b) police officers’ recruitment and retention, (c) resourcing and funding, (d) a lack of adequate training, (e) the undefined police role and (f) the prevention of complex crimes, mainly fraud and cybercrime. The study highlighted the reasons for these challenges and how they can be addressed, as seen through police officers’ eyes. The findings have implications for policing research, governance, leadership and legitimacy, which are later discussed.

Points for practitioners

Public management and administration practitioners must prioritise public trust, recruitment, training, resource allocation and addressing complex crime. Collaboration with police officers and their perspectives are vital in decision-making, policy development and police legitimacy. Strengthening accountability, integrity and officer training rebuilds public trust. Learning from attractive employers, broadening police roles to include intellectual abilities and improving pay and community trust address recruitment challenges.
Bearing and deformation characteristics of monopile foundation under monotonic and cyclic horizontal loads
Authors: Ma Jian , Xu Junyue , Fan Zhenkai , Li Hui , Xu Gang
Published: June 2024

The bearing and deformation characteristics of monopile foundation under the monotonic and cyclic loads are key factors to consider in the design of the transmission tower structure or offshore wind energy converters. The model tests and numerical simulations of monopile foundation under monotonic and cyclic horizontal loads were performed in sand to explore the bearing characteristics and the deformation characteristics of pile. The potentially affected factors including loading height, relative density of soil, displacement amplitude were analyzed. The results show that with the loading height varies from 1 D to 4 D, the horizontal static bearing capacity of the pile under different the soil relative density decreased by 1.63–1.9 times, and the peak bending moment increased by 22.9%–36.8%. Under the cyclic loads, the peak load on the pile top increased by 31.7%–56.1% for each 1 mm increase in displacement amplitude. The stiffness of soil around pile varies as the number of cycles increases with the development trend of decreases first and then increases gradually. As the horizontal load and cycle number increase, the range of the displacement of soil extends towards the bottom of pile, until it covers the entire lower part of the model.
Restorative Justice Behind Bars: People in Custody’s Facilitators and Barriers to Participating in Restorative Justice
Authors: Peleg-Koriat Inbal , Weimann-Saks Dana
Published: June 2024

Restorative justice (RJ) is a way of doing justice following an offense that is oriented toward repairing individual, relational, and social harm. Despite indications of their contribution to rehabilitation, RJ is still used infrequently, especially in serious offenses. We believe implementing them in prison is likely to provide access to RJ to a wider population. Twenty-three adult correctional clients were interviewed about their attitudes toward participation in RJ while in custody. Specifically, the study examined facilitators and barriers affecting their willingness to participate. The facilitators found included the following: (1) Desire to seek forgiveness; (2) Expressing respect for the victim; (3) Reciprocity—the correctional client as a victim; and (4) Desire to renew relationships. The barriers identified were as follows: (1) Fear of the victims’ reactions; (2) Disbelief in the victim’s ability to forgive; and (3) Unwillingness to include their supporters. These facilitators and barriers are discussed with a view to implementing RJ in prisons.
Research on grain refinement and tensile properties strengthening of screw rolled MgO/Mg-Zn-Ca composites
Authors: Zheng Haoran , Zhang Zhixuan , Chen Minfang
Published: June 2024

Herein, a gradient microstructure with an average grain size of 1.27 μm was obtained for 0.5MgO/Mg-3Zn-0.2Ca (wt.%) composites through screw rolling. Results show that screw rolling improved the comprehensive tensile properties of the composites, with the yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and elongation increasing from 167.3 MPa, 247.7 MPa and 27.4% to 256.6 MPa, 284.1 MPa and 40.6%, respectively, after eight deformation passes. The strength increments are primarily attributed to fine-grain strengthening. Further, the plasticity of the composites increased with increasing number of deformation passes because of the texture weakening and strain hardening decrement resulting from continuous dynamic recrystallisation. Overall, this study lays a foundation for research on magnesium matrix composites and their application in the field of biomedical materials.
Bispectral Index monitoring of palliative sedation for home withdrawal of tracheostomy ventilation: A case report
Authors: Barclay Greg , Barbato Michael , Yerbury Rachel , Harnish Laura , Miranda Nilda
Published: June 2024

Background:

Tracheostomy ventilation in motor neurone disease is an uncommon life-sustaining treatment. Best practice is having a plan for ventilation withdrawal, but the literature to guide practice is limited. Case reports have documented standard doses of opioids and benzodiazepines used for sedation in such cases.

Case:

A 49-year-old man was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2016. He commenced tracheostomy ventilation in 2018. In 2022 and 2023, planning was undertaken, at the patient’s request, for withdrawal of tracheostomy ventilation at home, when he was no longer able to communicate with technology.

Case planning:

Planning included Bispectral Index monitoring prior to cessation of ventilation, ensuring this only occurred when deep sedation was achieved. After ventilation withdrawal in 2023, a retrospective review of medications given and his level of sedation on monitoring was undertaken, with family consent.

Outcome:

Ventilation withdrawal was initiated after deep sedation was achieved, 6 h after commencing subcutaneous infusions of morphine, midazolam, clonazepam and phenobarbital.

Lessons:

Doses required to achieve acceptable sedation exceeded literature reports. Achieving deep sedation was a longer than expected process.

Conclusion:

More research using an objective measure of sedation is required, as clinical assessment of sedation in this context is compromised.
Unusual case of Niemeier type II gallbladder perforation: case report and literature review
Authors: Liu Jiang , Song Linquan , Guan Kailin , Zhao Xiangwen , Liang Zhihong
Published: June 2024

Niemeier type II gallbladder perforation (GBP) is caused by inflammation and necrosis of the gallbladder wall followed by bile spilling into the abdominal cavity after perforation. The gallbladder then becomes adhered to the surrounding inflammatory tissue to form a purulent envelope, which communicates with the gallbladder. At present, the clinical characteristics and treatment of type II GBP are not well understood and management of GBP remains controversial. Type II GBP with gastric outlet obstruction is rare and prone to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. Recent systematic reviews report that percutaneous drainage does not influence outcomes. In this current case, due to the high risk of bleeding and accidental injury, as well as a lack of access to safely visualize the Calot’s triangle, the patient could not undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which would have been the ideal option. This current case report presents the use of percutaneous laparoscopic drainage combined with percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage in a patient with type II GBP associated with gastric outlet obstruction. A review of the relevant literature has been provided in addition to a summary of the clinical manifestations and treatments for type II GBP.
‘Risk on steroids’: Investing in the hydrogen economy
Authors: Hunt Oliver Bugge , Tilsted Joachim Peter
Published: June 2024

A global energy transition requires alternatives to fossil fuels in energy-intensive industries and transport sectors, which are particularly reliant on the unique material properties of fossil fuels as fuel and as feedstock. Renewable energy transitions, therefore, demand large-scale investments in green hydrogen to produce substitutes as a means of indirect electrification. In the context of European climate governance, a political consensus has emerged to support the establishment of such production networks to lower emissions and create renewable-based fuels and feedstock. Yet, despite seemingly strong momentum, investment decisions are far behind global net zero scenarios. Through interviews with key actors, participant observation and document analysis, we explore investments in this type of production capacity, focusing on the challenges associated with financing such investments. We argue that risk expectations and uncertainties around profitability are holding back energy companies and institutional investors from investing in hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives. While investors and creditors await public derisking, fossil fuel incumbents maintain favourable financing conditions vis-à-vis renewable energy developers. These findings suggest clear limits to derisking and highlight the relevance of disciplinary measures to compel incumbents to scale up alternatives to fossil fuels.
The Waiting
Authors: Bunkers Sandra Schmidt
Published: June 2024

The following article uses storytelling, poetry, and findings from a humanbecoming inquiry on waiting to describe the arduous universal humanuniverse living experience of waiting.
Feeling Pulled in Different Directions: A Parsesciencing Inquiry
Authors: Tschanz Coby L. , Thoun Deborah S.
Published: June 2024

The Parsesciencing mode of inquiry was used to advance understanding of a universal humanuniverse living experience of feeling pulled in different directions. Ten people engaged in dialogue to address the question, “What is your experience of feeling pulled in different directions?” The discerning extant moment of this inquiry was that feeling pulled in different directions is constrained vigor surfacing in wavering with cherished potentials.
More Thoughts About Culture as a Metaparadigm Concept: Rejection of the Reality of Subcultures
Authors: O’Rourke Maria W. , Fawcett Jacqueline
Published: June 2024

This essay is an extension of a previous essay in which culture was identified as a distinct concept of our disciplinary metaparadigm. Here, we define subculture and discuss our rationale for rejection of the reality of subcultures.
Connecting to Theory and Science: Avoiding Rule of Thumb Shortcuts
Authors: Carroll Karen
Published: June 2024

This article centers on the topic of decision-making and the importance of connections to a theory and science that honors the dignity of persons by focusing on decisions that are person-centered.
Laughing about race in “colorblind” France: Racial stereotypes in French television comedy
Authors: Ekobo Isaac , MacLeod George S.
Published: June 2024

This article examines the portrayal of race in two iconic French television series, H and Platane, exploring how they negotiate racial stereotypes within the context of France's purportedly colorblind society. Through a comparative analysis, we analyze the comedic strategies employed by these shows, drawing on humor theory to elucidate the dynamics of superiority and relief in laughter. While H often reinforces racial stereotypes under the guise of criticizing racist speech, Platane adopts a more nuanced approach, inviting viewers to engage with the complexities of racial discourse. By contextualizing these representations within France's sociopolitical landscape, we demonstrate the evolving nature of race talk in French television and its implications for broader societal attitudes. This study underscores the significance of television comedy as a space for both reflecting and potentially challenging cultural norms surrounding race and identity.
Enhanced Copper(II) bioremediation using Sargassum duplicatum derived biochar from various water sources
Authors: Kumar Prashant , Patel Anil Kumar , Singhania Reeta Rani , Sumathi Yamini , Chen Chiu-Wen , Dong Cheng-Di
Published: June 2024

This study presents Sargassum duplicatum-derived biochar as an efficient solution for removing heavy metals from various water sources, addressing a critical sustainability need. Achieving a remarkable adsorption efficiency of 617 mg/g within 4 h at pH 5 and 150 rpm, surpassing previous findings, the biochar demonstrates exceptional efficacy. Impressively, it achieves removal efficiencies of 97.56% in tap water and 99.05% in seawater. Investigating various heavy metals, the study reveals differential adsorption and removal efficiencies across different water sources. Utilizing scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analyses, the study elucidates the biochar's porous structure and significant surface area, enhancing its effectiveness. Notable attributes include low-temperature sensitivity, pH 5 optimization, and excellent fits to Langmuir and Pseudo-second-order kinetics models. This research underscores Sargassum duplicatum-derived biochar as a chemically active material, offering a promising solution to water contamination challenges with innovation and remarkable efficiency.
The Punitive State: The Making of Juvenile Delinquents in Portugal
Authors: Zoettl Peter Anton
Published: June 2024

In what appears to be the staging of a Foucauldian drama on crime and punishment, the police, judiciary and penal system in Portugal work, albeit unintentionally, hand in hand in the production of juvenile delinquents. Young sub-citizens from the socioeconomic periphery are penalized as much for their state of marginality as for their deeds, transforming petty crooks into habitual offenders, doomed to spend their youth behind bars. Based on ethnographic fieldwork in criminal courts and prisons in the Lisbon metropolitan area, the article discusses the role of law enforcement, the judiciary and prisons in the forging of criminal identities. It is argued that Portugal's punitive approach to criminal justice, despite its low crime rates, is rooted primarily in the history of its institutions and the criminologies of their agents, preserving class boundaries in a persistently unequal society.
Influence of graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) hybrid fillers on the mechanical, thermal, and morphological performance of polypropylene (PP) based hybrid composites
Authors: Kumar Ranjan , Mishra Sujeet Kumar , Raj Umang , Sengupta Swaraj , Chatterjee Rajeshwari , Pandey Shatrudhan , Hasnain S.M. Mozammil , Ragab Adham E. , Deifalla Ahmed Farouk , Jayapalan Sudeepan
Published: June 2024

The main objective of the present study was to investigate the influence of graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs), Titanium dioxide (TiO2), and its hybrid filler on the mechanical, thermal, and morphological characteristics of polypropylene (PP) based hybrid composites for structural applications. The PP-based hybrid composites were prepared using a twin-screw extruder for different filler compositions and then molded into tensile specimens with a mini-jet injection molding setup. Tensile, thermal, and morphological analyses were performed to determine the hybrid capability of the PP-based composites. The results showed that the values of tensile modulus and tensile yield strength show significant improvement at about ∼24% and ∼17%, while the values of elongation at break show a slightly decreasing trend for the hybrid composites compared to PP composites. The thermal stability analysis shows that the higher the hybrid filler content, the higher the temperature. Further, the SEM micrographs for the hybrid fillers show good dispersion onto the PP matrix, which may increase the interfacial adhesion between PP and fillers, thus enhancing the mechanical and thermal properties of PP-based hybrid composites.
Effects of Different Administration Cycles of Rhubarb on Fecal Metabolism in Healthy Rats Based on Metabolomics
Authors: Chen Rui , Su Hongmei , Bai Jing , Duan Xueqing , Feng Guo , Tian Weiyi
Published: June 2024

Background

Rhubarb is a common cold-property drug that is commonly used as an effective laxative. It was first recorded in Shen Nong’s Herbal Classic.

Purpose

The LC-MS/MS metabolomics technology was used in this study to investigate the possible mechanism by which Rhubarb, a common cold property in Traditional Chinese Medicine, acts on healthy rats during different administration cycles. Discussing the effect of bitter-cold Traditional Chinese Medicine on the intestinal tract, not only guides clinical medicine better but also provides a new way to evaluate the efficacy of bitter-cold Chinese medicine objectively.

Materials and Methods

Six groups of rats ( n = 6) were randomly divided into the following: the control group was fed a basal diet and given pure water; the Rhubarb group was fed a basal diet and was gavaged with Rhubarb (7.5 g/kg per day). The principal component analysis and the orthogonal partial least squares–discriminant analysis method was used to analyse the endogenous differential metabolites, the metabolite differences between rhubarb and the control group were screened, and the metabolic pathways were analysed by MetaboAnalyst.

Results

Compared with the blank control group, 20, 17, and 8 metabolites were identified in the feces of the Rhubarb group on the 7th, 14th, and 21st days, respectively, which involved linoleic acid metabolism, purine metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, and arachidonic acid metabolism.

Conclusion

Rhubarb’s pharmacological effects on gastrointestinal regulation, and antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties are closely related to its bitter and cold properties and may be generated through porphyrin, purine, tryptophan, and arachidonic acid metabolism pathways.