bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Workplace violence against cardiovascular nurses during Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Bagnasco A , Catania G , Pagnucci N , Alvaro R , Cicolini G , Dal Molin A , Lancia L , Lusignani M , Mecugni D , Motta P C , Watson R , Hayter M , Napolitano F , Zanini M , Sasso L
Published: July 2023

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): The National Federation of Orders for Nursing Professions (FNOPI - Italia)

Background

Workplace violence (WPV) impacts negatively both healthcare workers and healthcare organizations. Nurses are the most exposed healthcare workers to vertical WPV, also during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Purpose

Describing the WPV against nurses and its predictive factors in cardiovascular settings during COVID-19 pandemic in Italy.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis conducted in cardiovascular hospital settings from a larger national study between January and April 2021. Data were collected through the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index (PES-NWI; Likert scale 1 to 4) and the adapted version of the Violence in Emergency Nursing and Triage (VENT) Questionnaire. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were conducted.

Results

The analysis was conducted on 360 cardiovascular nurses (76.7% female; mean age 42.6 years, SD 10.8). Thirty per cent (n=108) of them reported WPV in last year and/or last week and 14.2% (n=51) only in last week. The number of patients was higher for nurses with WPV (mean difference [MD] +1.9; p = .030). The work environment was significantly worse for nurses with WPV: mean PES-NWI composite score (MD -0.2; p<.001); PES-NWI subscales: staffing and resource adequacy (MD -0.3; p<.001); nursing foundations for quality of care (MD -0.2; p = .005); nurse participation in hospital affairs (MD -0.3; p<.001); physician-nurse relationship (MD -0.2; p = .004). Multiple linear regression demonstrated that the risk of WPV increases when a clear nursing philosophy was not completely implemented in cardiovascular setting (odds ratio [OR] 5.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07-26.05; p = .040) and the nurses restrain patients (OR 2.49; 95% CI, 1.04-5.97, p = .041). The risk of WPV decreases when protectives glasses were present (OR 0.36; 95% CI 0.19-0.70, p = .003).

Conclusion

Public healthcare services should reduce WPV by investing in improving the nurse work environment. Integrated and multimodal programs of prevention and management of WPV are useful to address it.
Evaluation of an educational intervention into an emergency department to improve diagnosis and early treatment in STEMI
Authors: Berga Congost G , Martinez Momblan M A , Garcimartin Cerezo P , Valverde Bernal J , Castello Fosch N , Garcia Picart J , Puig Campmany M , Alvarez Albarran M T , Lazzari R , Mesa Rico R , Marques Sule E , Brugaletta S
Published: July 2023

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): The Government of Catalonia (Spain) provided funding for this research, with a grant issued in 2019 within the framework of the Strategic Health Research and Innovation Plan (PERIS) 2016-2020 to Gemma Berga Congost

Background

Clinical guidelines recommend some quality indicators to measure the effectiveness of ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) treatment. Adherence to these indicators is complex in atypical presentations, due to delayed diagnosis. Ongoing training is a useful tool in improving STEMI diagnosis.

Our aim was to evaluate the impact of a training intervention incorporating clinical simulation tools for emergency triage nurses and doctors on STEMI diagnosis.

Methods

a prospective observational study was carry out in a STEMI hub hospital. All emergency professionals gave their consent and were included into the training. A theoretical-practical training activity with clinical simulation was designed and implemented in June 2021. Pre and post knowledge were assessed using a questionnaire validates by a group of experts and a validated satisfaction survey was performed.

Results

20 professionals were included, 16 nurses and 4 physicians. 95% viewed all the online content and participated into the face-to-face training. All fulfilled the questionnaire pre-training and 70% the post-training. A 50% increase in the knowledge, evaluated by questionnaire, was observed. 80% of the participants evaluated as satisfactory the intervention with an excellent rating was obtained.

Conclusion

There was a high degree of participation into the training. The knowledge of the participants increased by more than 50% and their satisfaction with the educational intervention was excellent. Future studies are required to assess the impact of training on STEMI response time, clinical outcomes and mortality.
Fasting before coronary angiography: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Monteiro Teixeira C A , Rodrigues D
Published: July 2023

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background/Introduction

Nowadays, coronary heart disease is one of the major threats to a long and healthy life. The widespread demand for a tool to assess coronary artery anatomy has made coronary angiography a mainstream procedure. As with many other procedures, a fasting period before and after it is required. Despite this, the current practice does not rely on any study and therefore, if the procedure is to be delayed, which, unfortunately, often occurs, this might have major implications on the patient’s well-being and safety.

Purpose

To map the literature on fasting before coronary angiography.

Methods

This review follows the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology of scoping reviews, thus two reviewers independently will perform the study selection regarding their eligibility. Data synthesis will be presented in tabular form and a narrative summary that align with the review's objective. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension to scoping reviews guidelines will be used to report the results. An initial limited search of MEDLINE (PubMed) and CINAHL (EBSCO) will be undertaken, followed by a search on the following databases: the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Scopus. Additionally, to further increase the evidence available, unpublished studies will be included, and a search on: OpenGrey (OpenGrey.eu), DART-Europe and publications of interventional cardiology reference sites will be conducted.

Results

Mapping the evidence will contribute to identifying the focus of the study.

Conclusion

It is expected that this review serves as a gateway for the development of future studies and guidelines which could improve daily clinical practice.
Metaphor—A workflow for streamlined assembly and binning of metagenomes
Authors: Salazar Vinícius W , Shaban Babak , Quiroga Maria del Mar , Turnbull Robert , Tescari Edoardo , Rossetto Marcelino Vanessa , Verbruggen Heroen , Lê Cao Kim-Anh
Published: July 2023

Recent advances in bioinformatics and high-throughput sequencing have enabled the large-scale recovery of genomes from metagenomes. This has the potential to bring important insights as researchers can bypass cultivation and analyze genomes sourced directly from environmental samples. There are, however, technical challenges associated with this process, most notably the complexity of computational workflows required to process metagenomic data, which include dozens of bioinformatics software tools, each with their own set of customizable parameters that affect the final output of the workflow. At the core of these workflows are the processes of assembly—combining the short-input reads into longer, contiguous fragments (contigs)—and binning, clustering these contigs into individual genome bins. The limitations of assembly and binning algorithms also pose different challenges depending on the selected strategy to execute them. Both of these processes can be done for each sample separately or by pooling together multiple samples to leverage information from a combination of samples. Here we present Metaphor, a fully automated workflow for genome-resolved metagenomics (GRM). Metaphor differs from existing GRM workflows by offering flexible approaches for the assembly and binning of the input data and by combining multiple binning algorithms with a bin refinement step to achieve high-quality genome bins. Moreover, Metaphor generates reports to evaluate the performance of the workflow. We showcase the functionality of Metaphor on different synthetic datasets and the impact of available assembly and binning strategies on the final results.
Thermal structure beneath Changbaishan Volcano, northeastern Asia: new insights from temperature logging and numerical modelling
Authors: Jiang Guangzheng , Hu Shengbiao , Cui Tianri , Qian Cheng , Liu Feng , Zhang Chao , Wang Zhuting , Wang Yibo , Hou Tong , Tian Yuntao
Published: July 2023

Changbaishan Volcano is considered one of the most hazardous active volcanic fields in northeastern Asia, and it has been the subject of increasing concern due to its unrest from 2002 to 2006. The physical conditions of magma chambers in the crust, particularly temperature and pressure, are crucial factors that determine the tempo and magnitude of volcanic eruptions, which are closely linked to potential hazards. However, the lithospheric thermal structure, which strongly influences rheological behaviour and melting, has been poorly studied. We conducted direct geothermal measurements and numerical forward modelling to address this issue to confirm whether a crustal magma chamber lies beneath the caldera as in earlier geophysical interpretations. We first reported four heat-flow data sets in Changbaishan Volcano. The research findings indicate that the heat flow value near the Tianchi caldera is remarkably high, at 270±16 mW m−2. As the distance from the caldera increases, the heat flow gradually decreases to a normal continental heat flow value of 75 mW m−2. 3-D transient heat simulations with a magma cooling model and a continuous magma supply model demonstrate the thermal effect of the magma chamber. The best-fitting model for the Tianchi magma system is an ellipsoidal magma chamber with a depth of 8–14 km, a 20 km east–west axis and a 70 km north–south axis, supplied with magma from the asthenosphere for 2 Myr. The high surface heat flow and crustal temperatures suggest that magma is active beneath Changbaishan Volcano within the middle-upper crust, and volcanic reactivation could occur. Thus, further research on the lithospheric thermal structure is necessary to understand the potential volcanic hazards associated with Changbaishan Volcano.
Sourcing and Bias in the Study of Coups: Lessons from the Middle East
Authors: Ben Hammou Salah , Powell Jonathan , Sellers Bailey
Published: July 2023

The last two decades have seen an increased focus on reporting bias in large-N datasets. Research on coups d’etat has similarly increased given the availability of coup datasets. This essay argues that while the availability of such data has pushed scholarship forward, the data collection process behind these efforts remains plagued with limitations common to event datasets. Rather than building on what previous projects have accomplished, researchers have invariably developed “new” datasets that suffer from the same problems as earlier efforts. Specifically, we point to reliance on international news sources such as The New York Time and Keesing’s Record of World Events - without the adequate consultation of regional sources and expertise - as a source of concern. We explore this issue by assessing the coverage of coup events from three country cases from the post-colonial Middle East: Syria, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. Our findings show that while existing data on successful and failed coups are largely adequate, scholars interested in coup plots and rumors will require a wider breadth of source material to identify such cases.
Weizmannia coagulans JA845 improves atherosclerosis induced by vitamin D3 and high-fat diet in rats through modulating lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and endothelial vascular injury
Authors: Ma Liying , Zhao Zijian , Zhao Yujuan , Gao Yansong , Zhao Lei , Li Shengyu
Published: July 2023

Aims

Probiotics have been proved to be strongly linked to the occurrence and progression of atherosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate the improved effects and mechanisms underlying a potential probiotic, Weizmannia coagulans JA845, on atherosclerosis.

Methods and Results

Male Sprague–Dawley rats supported on a high-fat diet with vitamin D3 supplementation were subjected to W. coagulans JA845 treatment. W. coagulans JA845 obviously alleviated histological abnormalities of the abdominal aorta. After 6 weeks of W. coagulans JA845 administration, levels of TG, TC, LDL, ox-LDL, ROS, and MDA in the JA845 group decreased significantly, and those of HDL, GSH-Px, and SOD were markedly elevated. Treatment with W. coagulans JA845 also inhibited the secretion of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 and regulated the plasma NO and eNOS content. In brief, administration of W. coagulans JA845 promoted the expression of the SIRT3/SOD2/FOXO3A pathway, inhibited the lipid metabolism pathway, SREBP-1c/FAS/DGAT2, and suppressed the JNK2/P38 MAPK/VEGF pathway implicated in endothelial injury.

Conclusions

These results indicated W. coagulans JA845 improved atherosclerosis by regulating lipid metabolism, antioxidative stress, and protecting against endothelial injury.
Are the NPS commonly used? An extensive investigation in Northern Italy based on hair analysis
Authors: Calvetti Cristina , Salomone Alberto , Verzeletti Andrea , Di Nardo Fabio , Begni Paola Maria Giulia , Vezzoli Sara
Published: July 2023

New psychoactive substances (NPS) are present on the Italian illicit markets, but data from the analysis of biological samples to evaluate their real consumption are rare. For this reason, an epidemiological study was carried out by means of a ultra performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS-MS) method for the determination of 115 NPS on the keratin matrix. A total of 847 hair samples were collected in 2020 and 2021 and analyzed. The sample donors were in the age range of 18–40 years, from both genders, and were tested either for driving relicensing or for drug withdrawal monitoring. The UPLC–MS-MS system consisted of a Waters ACQUITY UPLC® I-Class, coupled with a Waters XEVO TQ-XS triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. The method was developed and fully validated according to international guidelines. Limits of detection were set as the minimum criterion to identify positive samples. Overall, 56 samples resulted positive for ketamine, 35 for norketamine, 6 for fentanyl, 3 for norfentanyl, 3 for 4-ANPP, 3 for MDMB-4en-PINACA, 2 for N,N-DMT, 2 for 5-chloro AB-PINACA, 1 for α-PHP and 1 for methcathinone. NPS were detected in a small part of samples (8.4%), which seems in contrast with their apparent wide diffusion in Italy, yet it is congruent with similar investigations based on hair analysis. Future studies will be performed to expand the investigated population, especially in terms of age and origin.
Unveiling Venice’s hotels competition networks from dynamic pricing digital market
Authors: Armillotta Mirko , Fokianos Konstantinos , Guizzardi Andrea
Published: July 2023

We study the dynamic price competition of hotels in Venice using publicly available data scraped from an online travel agency. This study poses two main challenges. First, the time series of prices recorded for each hotel encompasses a twofold time frame. For every single asking price for an overnight stay on a specific day, there is a corresponding time series of asking prices along the booking window on the online platforms. Second, the competition relations between different hoteliers is clearly unknown and needs to be discovered using a suitable methodology. We address these problems by proposing a novel Network Autoregressive model which is able to handle the peculiar threefold data structure of the data set with time-varying coefficients over the booking window. This approach allows us to uncover the competition network of the market players by employing a quick data-driven algorithm. Independent, mixed, and leader–follower relationships are detected, revealing the competitive dynamics of the destination, useful to managers and stakeholders.
The Experiences of LGBTQ Healthcare Professionals within Military Medical Culture
Authors: Aldahondo Ricardo , Cole Rebekah
Published: July 2023

Background

Creating a positive workplace culture affects patient outcomes and force readiness. An inclusive workplace culture is especially important for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) military healthcare professionals, who have historically faced discrimination within the United States military. While research has examined LGBTQ service members’ experiences in the military as a whole, there is a gap in the professional literature regarding LGBTQ healthcare workers’ experiences within military medicine.

Methods

This qualitative phenomenological study explored the experiences of ten LGBTQ military healthcare professionals. We interviewed each participant for one hour. Our research team then coded each interview and came to a consensus on how to organize these codes into emerging themes. We used reflexivity and member checking to increase the credibility of our results.

Results

Four themes emerged from our data analysis: (1) implicit bias; (2) explicit bias; (3) response to discrimination; and (4) recommendations for improving workplace culture. The participants described both the underlying and outright discrimination they faced at work. They made recommendations for reducing this discrimination through education, training, and increased leadership representation.

Conclusions

Our results revealed that LGBTQ healthcare professionals continue to face discrimination in the workplace. This discrimination must be addressed to create an inclusive workplace environment within military medicine, which will enhance force readiness.
Wartime Endovascular Therapy: A Historical View
Authors: Taheri Branson
Published: July 2023

Endovascular techniques for managing vascular trauma have become increasingly more common. However, these techniques have had limited application in recent conflicts. Using lessons from 20th century conflicts, the present study aims to highlight how advances made in the past may provide a roadmap to improving surgical capabilities in the future.
Depthwise convolutional neural network for multiband automatic quasars classification in ATLAS
Authors: San-Martín-Jiménez Astrid E , Pichara Karim , Barrientos Luis Felipe , Rojas Felipe , Moya-Sierralta Cristobal
Published: July 2023

In recent years, the astronomical scientific community has made significant efforts to automate quasars’ detection. Automatic classification of these objects is challenging since they are very distant and appear as point sources, outnumbered by other sources. Thus, performing automatic morphological classification is not straightforward; colour dimension seems better as a key concept. Previous work using machine learning tools has proposed classifiers that use features such as magnitude and colour, working only for quasar representation, which requires high-quality observational data that is not always available. Those features are computationally costly in extensive image surveys like VST ATLAS (Shanks et al. 2015). With the continuous developments in deep-learning architectures, we find a powerful tool to perform automatic classification from images, where capturing information from different bands takes relevance in this kind of approach. In this work, we developed a new quasar selection method that we hope to apply to the complete ATLAS survey in subsequent papers, where the completeness and efficiency of depthwise architecture will be compared to more standard methods such as selection on the colour–colour diagrams and machine-learning feature-based methods. This automatic quasar classification tool uses images in u, g, i, z bands available in ATLAS, heading towards new survey requirements facing the big data era. We propose a deep-learning architecture based on depthwise convolutional units that work directly with ATLAS images, reduced by the VST pipeline. Our model reaches an accuracy of 96.53 per cent with a quasar classification f1-score of 96.49 per cent, a very competitive benchmark compared to previous unscalable approaches.
Is there an excess of black holes around 20 M⊙? Optimizing the complexity of population models with the use of reversible jump MCMC.
Authors: Toubiana A , Katz Michael L , Gair Jonathan R
Published: July 2023

Some analyses of the third gravitational wave catalogue released by the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA collaboration (LVK) suggest an excess of black holes around $15\!-\!20 \, {\rm M}_{\odot }$. In order to investigate this feature, we introduce two flexible population models, a semiparametric one and a non-parametric one. Both make use of reversible jump Markov chain Monte-Carlo to optimise their complexity. We also illustrate how the latter can be used to efficiently perform model selection. Our parametric model broadly agrees with the fiducial analysis of the LVK, but finds a peak of events at slightly larger masses. Our non-parametric model shows this same displacement. Moreover, it also suggests the existence of an excess of black holes around $20 \, {\rm M}_{\odot }$. We assess the robustness of this prediction by performing mock injections and running simplified hierarchical analyses on those (i.e. without selection effects and observational uncertainties). We estimate that such a feature might be due to statistical fluctuations, given the small number of events observed so far, with a 5 per cent probability. We estimate that with a few hundreds of observations, as expected for O4, our non-parametric model will be able to robustly determine the presence of this excess. It will then allow for an efficient agnostic inference of the properties of black holes.
Pushing the limits of detectability: mixed dark matter from strong gravitational lenses
Authors: Keeley Ryan E , Nierenberg Anna M , Gilman Daniel , Birrer Simon , Benson Andrew , Treu Tommaso
Published: July 2023

One of the frontiers for advancing what is known about dark matter lies in using strong gravitational lenses to characterize the population of the smallest dark matter haloes. There is a large volume of information in strong gravitational lens images – the question we seek to answer is to what extent we can refine this information. To this end, we forecast the detectability of a mixed warm and cold dark matter scenario using the anomalous flux ratio method from strong gravitational lensed images. The halo mass function of the mixed dark matter scenario is suppressed relative to cold dark matter but still predicts numerous low-mass dark matter haloes relative to warm dark matter. Since the strong lensing signal receives a contribution from a range of dark matter halo masses and since the signal is sensitive to the specific configuration of dark matter haloes, not just the halo mass function, degeneracies between different forms of suppression in the halo mass function, relative to cold dark matter, can arise. We find that, with a set of lenses with different configurations of the main deflector and hence different sensitivities to different mass ranges of the halo mass function, the different forms of suppression of the halo mass function between the warm dark matter model and the mixed dark matter model can be distinguished with 40 lenses with Bayesian odds of 30:1.
Shallow-water modelling of the atmospheric circulation regimes of brown dwarfs and their observable features
Authors: Hammond Mark , Mayne Nathan J , Seviour William J M , Lewis Neil T , Tan Xianyu , Mitchell Dann
Published: July 2023

Observations of time-varying thermal emission from brown dwarfs suggest that they have large-scale atmospheric circulation. The magnitude of this variability ranges from a few per cent to tens of per cent, implying a range of sizes of atmospheric perturbations. Periodograms of phase curves of the thermal emission reveal a range of peaks with different periods and widths, suggesting different atmospheric flow speeds and directions. This implies a variety of atmospheric circulations in the different brown dwarfs observed to date, but there is no general theoretical understanding of the circulation regimes these objects can support, and the resulting sizes and velocities of their atmospheric features. We therefore use an idealized 2D shallow-water model of a brown dwarf atmosphere to understand their potential large-scale circulation regimes. We non-dimensionalize the model to reduce the number of input parameters to two non-dimensional numbers: the thermal Rossby number and the non-dimensional radiative time-scale. This allows us to define a parameter space that bounds the entire range of brown dwarf behaviour possible in our model. We analyse the resulting height, velocity, and potential vorticity fields in this parameter space, and simulate observed phase curve and periodograms for comparison with real observations. We use our results to qualitatively define four circulation regimes, which we hope will be useful for interpreting observations and for guiding simulations with more detailed physical models.
Predictions of the 21 cm global signal in the JWST and ALMA era
Authors: Chatterjee Atrideb , Dayal Pratika , Mauerhofer Valentin
Published: July 2023

We calculate the redshift evolution of the global 21 cm signal in the first billion years using an advanced semi-analytical galaxy formation model delphi. Employing only two redshift- and mass-independent free parameters, our model predicts galaxy populations in accord with data from both the JWST and the Atacama Large Millimetre Array (ALMA) at z ∼ 5–12. In addition to this ‘fiducial’ model, which fully incorporates the impact of dust attenuation, we also explore an unphysical ‘maximal’ model wherein galaxies can convert a 100 per cent of their gas into stars instantaneously (and supernova feedback is ignored) required to explain JWST data at z > =13. We also explore a wide range of values for our 21 cm parameters that include the impact of X-ray heating (fX,h = 0.02–2.0) and the escape fraction of Lyman Alpha photons (fα = 0.01–1.0). Our key findings are (i) the fiducial model predicts a global 21 cm signal, which reaches a minimum brightness temperature of Tb, min ∼ −215 mK at a redshift zmin ∼ 14; (ii) since the impact of dust on galaxy properties only becomes relevant at z < = 8, dust does not have a sensible impact on the global 21 cm signal; (iii) the ‘maximal’ model predicts Tb, min = −210 mK as early as zmin ∼ 18; and (iv) galaxy formation and 21 cm parameters have a degenerate impact on the global 21 cm signal. A combination of the minimum temperature and its redshift will therefore be crucial in constraining galaxy formation parameters and their coupling to the 21 cm signal at these early epochs.
Impact of Rapid Identification and Stewardship Intervention on Coagulase-Negative Staphylococcus Bloodstream Infection
Authors: Goshorn Eli S , Viehman J Alex , Bariola J Ryan , Khadem Tina , Potoski Brian A , Shields Ryan K
Published: July 2023

We investigated the impact of rapid diagnostic testing with and without algorithm-based stewardship recommendations on antibiotic use for bloodstream infection with coagulase-negative staphylococci. A significant reduction in antibiotic days of therapy was achieved in the stewardship intervention group that was not seen with rapid diagnostic testing alone.
On 10-dimensional Exceptional Drinfeld algebras
Authors: Kumar Sameer , Musaev Edvard T
Published: July 2023

Based on Mubarakzyanov’s classification of four-dimensional real Lie algebras, we classify ten-dimensional Exceptional Drinfeld algebras (EDAs). The classification is restricted to EDAs whose maximal isotropic (geometric) subalgebras cannot be represented as a product of a 3D Lie algebra and a 1D abelian factor. We collect the obtained algebras into families depending on the dualities found between them. Despite algebras related by a generalized Yang–Baxter deformation we find two algebras related by a different Nambu–Lie U-duality transformation. We show that this duality relates two Type IIA backgrounds.
A note on quaternionic kÄhler manifolds with ends of finite volume
Authors: CortÉs V
Published: July 2023

We prove that complete non-aspherical quaternionic Kähler manifolds with an end of finite volume exist in all dimensions $4m\ge 4$. These manifolds are not locally homogeneous and, in particular, not locally symmetric.
Institutional Design of Pension Systems Versus Labor Market Structure: What Matters Most?
Authors: Herrerias Renata , Zamarripa Guillermo
Published: July 2023

Since the 1980s, policy makers have favored Defined Contribution (DC) pension systems as the alternative to address the unsustainability of Defined Benefit systems. While DC schemes offer benefits and economic advantages, they also present challenges and limitations. We evaluate the mandatory DC pension system for workers in the private formal sector in Mexico, introduced in 1997. We intend to determine for which workers the design of the system is effective and for which workers it is not. The Mexican labor market has high levels of informality and workers constantly flow in and out of the formal sector. Our findings support the view that workers’ personal characteristics place them in the structure of the labor market that in turn determines pension benefits. We analyze involvement with the formal sector and the pension system and identify 3 groups of pension participants that reflect the structure of the local labor market: occasional workers, frequent interruptions, and workers with high participation rates. We conclude that frictions in the labor market prevail over the good intentions of the pension design, like reducing informality and encouraging saving for retirement. Our results show that the system properly serves only 36% of affiliated workers. We explain why very few workers report behaviors consistent with high participation, and why most affiliates have insufficient participation to receive pension benefits. We shed light on the relationship between the structure of the labor market and the design of the pension system and their impact on workers’ future pension benefits.
Mycobiome Shifts in Ulmus minor Stems After Infection with Beneficial and Pathogenic Fungi
Authors: Martínez-Arias C. , Sobrino-Plata J. , Rodríguez-Calcerrada J. , Martín J. A.
Published: July 2023

The assembly of plant microbial communities is a complex process orchestrated by plant physiology and microbial interactions under changing environmental conditions. In this work we aim to disentangle how an aggressive vascular pathogen, Ophiostoma novo-ulmi, affects the composition of the resident mycobiome of field elm ( Ulmus minor). We also aim to determine the extent to which the inoculation of beneficial endophytes buffers the changes induced by the pathogen in the resident mycobiome composition. Three U. minor genotypes, two resistant and one susceptible to O. novo-ulmi, were inoculated with (i) the pathogen, (ii) a consortium of three beneficial endophytes, or (iii) the endophyte consortium, followed by pathogen inoculation. Endophyte composition of stem samples was profiled by high-throughput sequencing of the first internal transcribed spacer region of the ribosomal DNA. A total of 365 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were obtained, 61 of which were core members. Pathogen colonization reduced the ASV richness while endophyte inoculation increased the Shannon diversity. In most cases, the endophyte consortium inoculation prevented most of the changes in the mycobiome composition induced by the pathogen. At the genotype level, both alpha and beta diversity varied strongly, with latent pathogens being more abundant in the susceptible genotype. Overall, the results are evidence that inoculation of plant beneficial endophytes buffers the changes produced in the mycobiome by aggressive pathogens.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Wound Care Adherence in Mohs Micrographic Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Chen Ryan , Krueger Steven , Flahive Julie , Mahmoud Bassel H.
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

Patients undergoing Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) are given detailed wound care instructions to prevent postoperative complications. Previous studies have revealed low treatment adherence in general dermatology, but adherence to postoperative wound care and its potential association with poor surgical outcomes remain largely unstudied.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the frequency and causes of wound care nonadherence in patients who underwent MMS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A questionnaire containing a modified Eight-Item Morisky Medication Adherence Measure Scale was administered to Mohs patients at their 1 to 2 weeks postoperative visit.

RESULTS

Sixty-three patients were solicited and consented to completing the questionnaire. The average modified Eight-Item Morisky Medication Adherence Measure Scale score was 7.4 of 8, indicating high adherence. Old age and wound care assistance were associated with increased adherence. Factors contributing to nonadherence included feeling well, being too busy, wound care causing discomfort, and being with friends or family. One patient (1.6%) with high adherence developed an epidermal inclusion cyst within the scar. No other complications were observed.

CONCLUSION

Most MMS patients demonstrated high adherence to wound care instructions, and nonadherence was not associated with postoperative complications.
A Narrative Review of Plastic Surgery and Climate Change: Context and Considerations
Authors: Hyland Colby J. , Yates Elizabeth F. , Broyles Justin M.
Published: July 2023

Climate change poses significant threats to human health and society. Although healthcare will bear a large burden of the downstream effects of climate change, the healthcare industry is simultaneously a major contributor to climate change. Within hospitals, surgery is one of the most energy-intensive practices. There is a growing body of literature describing ways to mitigate and adapt to climate change in surgery. However, there is a need to better understand the unique implications for each surgical subspecialty. This review contextualizes plastic and reconstructive surgery within the climate change discussion. In particular, this review highlights the specific ways in which plastic surgery may affect climate change and how climate change may affect plastic surgery. In light of growing public demand for change and greater alignment between industries and nations with regard to climate change solutions, we also offer a conceptual framework to guide further work in this burgeoning field of research.
Effects on the Human Tear Film of Applying Skin Lipids to the Ocular Surface
Authors: Kokkinakis Jim , Schuett Burkhardt S. , Millar Thomas J.
Published: July 2023

Purpose:

The effect of skin lipids on the formation and stability of the human tear film was investigated.

Methods:

Skin swab substances (SSSs) were applied to the eyes of volunteers and studied using fluorescein or with TearView, which records infrared emissivity showing tear film integrity in real time. Results were compared with similar experiments using castor oil, freshly collected meibum, or acetic acid, which simulated the low pH of the skin.

Results:

Fluorescein and TearView results were comparable. TearView showed the natural unaltered tear film over the whole eye, instant changes to the tear film, and meibomian gland activity. Minimal amounts of SSS destroyed the integrity of the film and caused pain. Corneal epithelial damage could be detected. TearView showed that SSS stimulated meibomian gland secretion if applied directly to the posterior eyelid margin. Excess meibum had no effect on the tear film spread or integrity. Castor oil formed floating lenses on the tear film which were spread by a blink but then condensed back toward themselves. There was no pain or surface damage with these oils.

Conclusions:

SSS contamination of the ocular surface disrupts the tear film, causes stinging, and fluorescein staining of the corneal epithelial cells after a blink. SSS stimulates meibomian gland activity. It is possible that various ocular conditions associated with dry eye, such as blepharitis and ocular rosacea, may compromise a meibomian lipid barrier of the eye lid margin. Skin lipids would then have access to the ocular surface and cause dry eye symptoms.
Three-Dimensional Assessment of Descemet Membrane Reflectivity by Optical Coherence Tomography in Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy
Authors: Suzuki Takanori , Yamaguchi Takefumi , Yagi-Yaguchi Yukari , Kasamatsu Hirotsugu , Tomida Daisuke , Fukui Masaki , Shimazaki Jun
Published: July 2023

Purpose:

This study aimed to evaluate Descemet membrane reflectivity using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) in eyes with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD).

Methods:

We retrospectively assessed 144 eyes of 88 consecutive participants (41 FECD, 15 pseudophakic bullous keratopathies [BKs], and 32 healthy controls, 63.5 ± 16.5 years). FECD was graded 0 to 3 based on the guttae areas using specular microscopy. The sum of AS-OCT reflectivity of the 3-dimensional volume from 10 μm thickness from the endothelial surface of the cornea and residual stromal area was calculated as Dsum(endo) and Dsum(stroma) in the central area of 3- and 6-mm diameters, respectively. The DES ratio was defined as the ratio of Dsum(endo) to Dsum(stroma). The percentage of the guttae area in the specular images was calculated using MATLAB. Dsum(endo) and DES ratio were compared among FECD, BK, and healthy controls.

Results:

Dsum(endo) in FECD grade 3 was significantly higher than that in healthy control eyes, FECD patients with mild and moderate guttae, and BK (all P ≤ 0.040). The DES ratio in FECD patients with mild to severe guttae (grade 1–3) was significantly higher than that in healthy control eyes and BK (all P ≤ 0.035). The percentage of the guttae area was significantly correlated with Dsum(endo) (R = 0.488, P < 0.001 for 3 mm, R = 0.512, P < 0.001 for 6 mm) and DES ratio (R = 0.450, P < 0.001 for 3 mm, R = 0.588, P < 0.001 for 6 mm).

Conclusions:

Descemet membrane reflectivity in AS-OCT can be objective biomarkers for assessing guttae and FECD severity from early to end-stage FECD.
Congenital Echovirus 11 Infection in a Neonate
Authors: Hirade Tomohiro , Abe Yasuhiro , Ito Satoko , Suzuki Tadaki , Katano Harutaka , Takahashi Naoto , Koike Daisuke , Nariai Akiyoshi , Kato Fumihide
Published: July 2023

Neonates infected with enterovirus in utero would be fulminant at birth or develop symptoms within a few days. Echovirus 11 causes life-threatening hepatic necrosis with coagulopathy and adrenal hemorrhagic necrosis. The prognosis depends on the enterovirus serotype and the absence of serotype-specific maternal antibodies at the time of delivery. We describe a fatal neonatal case of congenital echovirus 11 infection.
Estimate of the Prevalence of Vascular Malformations
Authors: Penington Anthony , Phillips Roderic J , Sleebs Nerida , Halliday Jane
Published: July 2023

Objectives:

To estimate the prevalence of vascular malformations using retrospective data collected from 1999 to 2020 in a specialty vascular anomalies service.

Methods:

The vascular anomalies service associated with the Royal Children’s Hospital provides a reference service to both adults and children, covering the entire state of Victoria, Australia, which has a population of 6.7 million and around 70,000 births per year. A database of patients was interrogated to identify those treated by the service over the study period with a diagnosis of vascular malformation, excluding capillary malformations. A total of 1501 patients were identified, including 1233 with slow-flow malformations and 147 with arteriovenous malformations. Prevalence was calculated as the number of cases born per year who attended the service plus those estimated as yet to attend for assessment, divided by the average number of live births each year. This was calculated for a selected period comprising the years when the numbers were expected to be most stable.

Results:

The prevalence of slow-flow malformations is estimated to be 1 case per thousand livebirths. Approximate estimates of cases per 100,000 births for individual lesions are: venous malformation 45, lymphatic malformation 35, intramuscular slow-flow malformation 10, complex malformations (Klippel-Trenaunay and CLOVES) 4, glomuvenous malformation 5, and verrucous venous malformation 2. The prevalence of extracranial arteriovenous malformation is estimated to be around one case per 10,000 population.

Conclusions:

An updated estimate, more accurate than those previously published, of the prevalence of vascular malformations has been obtained.
Efficacy of implementing a BRCA screening protocol in primary care
Authors: Rivera-Nunez Yasmin , Smith Diane L.
Published: July 2023

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for women, whereas ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecological cancer. Breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2) mutations can increase the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Screening can assist in prevention and early detection. This study aimed to increase provider knowledge of BRCA mutations, the use of BRCA screening tools, and genetic referrals. An Institutional Review Board–approved study was implemented for providers for training on BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations and the importance of screening and referral for those at risk. Measures included provider confidence and knowledge after training as well as number of patient referrals. A standardized webinar was required with further education provided in multiple modalities. The number of BRCA screenings and referrals for genetic screening was monitored through the electronic health record (EHR). Eight providers including five nurse practitioners and three medical doctors participated in the complete project. As a result, 56 patients were BRCA screened, and four referrals were made to receive genetic counseling. Education enhanced knowledge, increased screening tool use, and resulted in improvement in genetic referrals through the EHR.
Re-endothelialization of Decellularized Scaffolds With Endothelial Progenitor Cell Capturing Aptamer: A New Strategy for Tissue-Engineered Heart Valve
Authors: Chen Xue , Dong Nianguo , Xu Xu , Zhou Ying , Shi Jiawei , Qiao Weihua , Hong Hao
Published: July 2023

Tissue-engineered heart valve (TEHV) is a promising alternative to current heart valve substitute. Decellularized porcine aortic heart valves (DAVs) are the most common scaffolds of TEHV. Hard to endothelialization is one of the disadvantages of DAVs. Therefore, we aimed to immobilize endothelial progenitor cell (EPC)-aptamer onto DAVs for accelerating endothelialization. In this study, three groups of scaffolds were constructed: DAVs, aptamer-immobilized DAVs (aptamer-DAVs), and glutaraldehyde crosslinked DAVs (GA-DAVs). The results of flow cytometry revealed that EPC-aptamer was specific to EPCs and was immobilized onto DAVs. Cells adhesion experiments demonstrated that EPCs adhered more tightly onto aptamer-DAVs group than other two groups of scaffolds. And cell proliferation assay indicated that EPCs seeded onto aptamer-DAVs group grew faster than DAVs group and GA-DAVs group. Moreover, dynamic capture experiment in flow conditions revealed that the number of EPCs captured by aptamer-DAVs group was more than other two groups. In conclusion, aptamer-DAVs could specifically promote adhesion and proliferation of EPCs and had ability to capture EPCs in simulated flow condition. This could promote re-endothelialization of scaffolds.
Comparison of parathyroid scintigraphy findings in pediatric and adult patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Aktaş Ayşe , Baskin Esra , Gençoğlu Esra Arzu , Çolak Turan
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT) is a compensatory complication of chronic kidney disease. The aim of this study was to compare PS findings in pediatric and adult patients with sHPT.

Methods

This study included 50 pediatric and 50 adult patients with sHPT. Parathyroid scintigraphy was performed with Tc-99m sestamibi. After radiopharmaceutical injection, early-phase (15 min) and late-phase (60–90 min) images were acquired. Planar images were interpreted visually for the presence / number of active foci compatible with a parathyroid lesion, the presence and degree of uptake in skeletal structures, and the degree of thyroid sestamibi uptake. Parathyroid surgery was performed in 21 pediatric and 28 adult patients.

Results

Serum PTH and ALP values were significantly higher in pediatric than in adult patients (P < 0.05 for each). In operated patients, on a lesion-based analysis, the sensitivity of PS in pediatric and adult patients were 40% and 71%, respectively. A nonlocalizing scan was observed in 24% of pediatric patients. Pediatric patients had a higher incidence of reduced thyroid sestamibi uptake (42% versus 2%). Skeletal sestamibi uptake was detected in 40% of pediatric and 30% of adult patients and the degree of uptake was higher in pediatric patients.

Conclusions

The results revealed more significant changes in the biochemical profile of pediatric compared with adult patients with sHPT. The sensitivity of PS was lower, and the likelihood of a nonlocalizing scan was higher in pediatric patients. The results may also suggest more severe skeletal findings in pediatric patients. Reduced thyroid sestamibi uptake in children needs further evaluation.
A review of deep learning and radiomics approaches for pancreatic cancer diagnosis from medical imaging
Authors: Yao Lanhong , Zhang Zheyuan , Keles Elif , Yazici Cemal , Tirkes Temel , Bagci Ulas
Published: July 2023

Purpose of review

Early and accurate diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is crucial for improving patient outcomes, and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms have the potential to play a vital role in computer-aided diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. In this review, we aim to provide the latest and relevant advances in AI, specifically deep learning (DL) and radiomics approaches, for pancreatic cancer diagnosis using cross-sectional imaging examinations such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Recent findings

This review highlights the recent developments in DL techniques applied to medical imaging, including convolutional neural networks (CNNs), transformer-based models, and novel deep learning architectures that focus on multitype pancreatic lesions, multiorgan and multitumor segmentation, as well as incorporating auxiliary information. We also discuss advancements in radiomics, such as improved imaging feature extraction, optimized machine learning classifiers and integration with clinical data. Furthermore, we explore implementing AI-based clinical decision support systems for pancreatic cancer diagnosis using medical imaging in practical settings.

Deep learning and radiomics with medical imaging have demonstrated strong potential to improve diagnostic accuracy of pancreatic cancer, facilitate personalized treatment planning, and identify prognostic and predictive biomarkers. However, challenges remain in translating research findings into clinical practice. More studies are required focusing on refining these methods, addressing significant limitations, and developing integrative approaches for data analysis to further advance the field of pancreatic cancer diagnosis.