bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NAPS: Integrating pose estimation and tag‐based tracking
Authors: Wolf Scott W. , Ruttenberg Dee M. , Knapp Daniel Y. , Webb Andrew E. , Traniello Ian M. , McKenzie‐Smith Grace C. , Leheny Sophie A. , Shaevitz Joshua W. , Kocher Sarah D.
Published: August 2023

Significant advances in computational ethology have allowed the quantification of behaviour in unprecedented detail. Tracking animals in social groups, however, remains challenging as most existing methods can either capture pose or robustly retain individual identity over time but not both.

To capture finely resolved behaviours while maintaining individual identity, we built NAPS (NAPS is ArUco Plus SLEAP), a hybrid tracking framework that combines state‐of‐the‐art, deep learning‐based methods for pose estimation (SLEAP) with unique markers for identity persistence (ArUco). We show that this framework allows the exploration of the social dynamics of the common eastern bumblebee (Bombus impatiens).

We provide a stand‐alone Python package for implementing this framework along with detailed documentation to allow for easy utilization and expansion. We show that NAPS can scale to long timescale experiments at a high frame rate and that it enables the investigation of detailed behavioural variation within individuals in a group.

Expanding the toolkit for capturing the constituent behaviours of social groups is essential for understanding the structure and dynamics of social networks. NAPS provides a key tool for capturing these behaviours and can provide critical data for understanding how individual variation influences collective dynamics.
Spiritual distress and religious involvement among cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: A longitudinal study
Authors: Martins Helga , Domingues Tiago D. , Caldeira Sílvia
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To determine the trajectories of spiritual distress and religious involvement among cancer patients during chemotherapy.

Methods

A prospective longitudinal study was conducted over 15 months with quarterly data collection, in a total of with five cut points. Data collection was applied a questionnaire that embraced sociodemographic characteristics, clinical profile, Spiritual Distress Scale, and Belief into Action Scale. Regarding, data analysis was performed univariate, bivariate, and multivariate statistics, and the study was approved by the Ethics Committee.

Findings

From the 322 cancer patients at the beginning, the attrition rate was 17.5% in the last time point. Most of participants were women (56.6%), with an average age of 60.3 years, and had a religious affiliation (93.7%). Statistically significant values were found of spiritual distress and religious involvement across the five cuts. At the end of 3 months after starting chemotherapy, the highest value of spiritual distress and the lowest value of religious involvement were reached.

Conclusions

Cancer patients who are submitted to chemotherapy, after 3 months of treatment experience the peak of spiritual distress and the lowest value of religious involvement. This critical period for nurses’ is required a massive approach regarding spiritual and religious needs.

Implications for nursing practice

Therefore, knowing the trajectories of spiritual distress and religious involvement during a certain period allows for the anticipating of planning of nursing therapeutic interventions in order to promote spiritual health and spiritual well‐being outcomes in cancer patients.
The multivariate component zero‐inflated Poisson model for correlated count data analysis
Authors: Wu Qin , Tian Guo‐Liang , Li Tao , Tang Man‐Lai , Zhang Chi
Published: August 2023

Multivariate zero‐inflated Poisson (ZIP) distributions are important tools for modelling and analysing correlated count data with extra zeros. Unfortunately, existing multivariate ZIP distributions consider only the overall zero‐inflation while the component zero‐inflation is not well addressed. This paper proposes a flexible multivariate ZIP distribution, called the multivariate component ZIP distribution, in which both the overall and component zero‐inflations are taken into account. Likelihood‐based inference procedures including the calculation of maximum likelihood estimates of parameters in the model without and with covariates are provided. Simulation studies indicate that the performance of the proposed methods on the multivariate component ZIP model is satisfactory. The Australia health care utilisation data set is analysed to demonstrate that the new distribution is more appropriate than the existing multivariate ZIP distributions.
The NASA artificial heart driver: A pneumatic power source developed for Willem Kolff's artificial heart program
Authors: Kothari Purab D. , Ahmad Danial , Topaz Stephen R.
Published: August 2023

The sprint to create a viable, implantable heart replacement device started in the 1950s, with current technologies still lacking a permanent solution. Early development of artificial hearts was littered with obstacles related to the power source. A pneumatic driver suggested and developed by NASA aimed to discover a more suitable pressure curve through offering highly manipulable parameters, but also enable automatic regulation of hemodynamics. While improved electric function waveforms were identified, the driver was ultimately abandoned due to minimal clinical applicability and an incomplete understanding of cardiovascular physiology. The opportunity for further waveform studies was simultaneously lost.
“I just want the best for him.” Pregnancy in the context of substance use disorders: Perspectives of postpartum women
Authors: Herriott Anna L.
Published: August 2023

Background

In the United States, the incidence of substance misuse among pregnant women has been steadily increasing. While pregnant women with substance use disorder (SUD) are in critical need of support during the prenatal period, they enter prenatal care stigmatized and facing the possibility of punitive responses. Little research has been done about how women with SUDs themselves experience pregnancy and the transition to motherhood. The aim of this study was to examine women's internal experiences of pregnancy in the context of SUD.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with n = 19 postpartum women with SUD. Data were analyzed using a semantic, thematic approach.

Results

Participants expressed their thoughts and experiences about their pregnancies in four main themes: (1) fear of harming the baby; (2) fear about child welfare involvement; (3) guilt informed by recovery stage; and (4) mixed feelings about pregnancy amidst complicated circumstances. The women expressed fear about their children's well‐being, coupled with motivation to protect their child and the need for clear medical information. Their expressions of guilt depended on the severity of their SUD and their stage in recovery during their pregnancy. Women entered prenatal care with mixed emotions about their pregnancy, such as guilt and excitement, in the midst of complicated life circumstances.

Conclusions

These findings suggest a complexity of internal experiences for pregnant women with SUDs. Participants' feelings and experiences during pregnancy can inform practitioners' approaches to prenatal care in the context of SUDs.
Comment on Loreto et al., 2021: “Extensional tectonics during the Tyrrhenian back‐arc basin formation and a new morpho‐tectonic map”
Authors: Torrente Maurizio M. , Milia Alfonsa , Tesauro Magdala
Published: August 2023

The recent article of Loreto et al. (2021) reported new stratigraphic and structural data of the Tyrrhenian backarc basin and used them to propose a new model of crustal architecture of the basin including oceanic sectors. However, we want to open a discussion on the inconsistencies between the interpreted tectonic structures, as well as the age of faults and the data observations. In particular, data analyses and interpretations of the authors do not fully support the structural and isopach maps and models presented. Furthermore, the authors have not discussed previous published data/interpretations on timing and structural style of the rifting of the region.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in immunocompromised patients with acute respiratory failure: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Tian Ye , Gu Sichao , Huang Xu , Li Changlong , Zhang Yi , Xia Jingen , Feng Yingying , Yu Xin , Cai Ying , Wu Xiaojing , Li Min , Zhan Qingyuan
Published: August 2023

Background

The clinical indications of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in immunosuppressed patients are not clear. This study aimed to analyse the effectiveness of ECMO and to identify the risk factors for the mortality of ECMO in immunocompromised patients with acute respiratory failure.

Methods

This retrospective, cohort study included 46 confirmed immunocompromised patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure treated with ECMO between July 2014 and August 2020. The clinical features and outcomes of the survival group and the non‐survival group were statistically analysed.

Results

The mean age of the enrolled patients was 60.0 (50.0, 66.0) years; male patients accounted for 60.9% of patients, and the mean CD4 level was 213 cells/μL (150.3, 325.3). The hospital mortality rate of the cohort was 67.4% (31/46 patients). Patients in the survival group showed a higher rate of receiving awake ECMO (11/15 vs. 4/31; p = 0.006), a lower rate of acute kidney injury (AKI) receiving continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) (1/15 vs. 12/31; p = 0.035), fewer platelet transfusion units (0/15 vs. 2/31 units; p = 0.039) and a lower rate of ventilator‐associated pneumonia (2/15 vs. 19/31; p = 0.006). In a multivariate Cox regression analysis model, intubated ECMO (hazard ratio = 1.77, 95% confidence interval: 1.34–2.32, p < 0.001) and AKI requiring CRRT (1.37, 95% confidence interval: 1.14–1.61, p = 0.003) were identified as independent risk factors for mortality.

Conclusions

In‐hospital mortality has remained high in ECMO‐treated immunocompromised patients with acute respiratory failure. Intubated ECMO and AKI receiving CRRT during ECMO treatment may predict ECMO failure in immunocompromised patients with ARF. A primarily awake ECMO strategy seems feasible in some selected immunocompromised patients.
Depression in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and all‐cause/cause‐specific mortality
Authors: Kim Donghee , Manikat Richie , Shaikh Anjiya , Cholankeril George , Ahmed Aijaz
Published: August 2023

Background

Depression has been associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Data addressing the impact of depression on NAFLD‐related mortality are evolving. We aim to study the association of depression in NAFLD and all‐cause/cause‐specific mortality in the United States.

Methods

A total of 11,877 individuals with NAFLD in the 2007–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey with the availability of linked mortality through 2019 were analysed. NAFLD was defined by utilizing the hepatic steatosis index in the absence of known causes of chronic liver disease. Depression and functional impairment due to depression were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire.

Results

During the median follow‐up of 7.6 years, individuals with depression among individuals with NAFLD had a 35% higher all‐cause mortality than those without depression (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–1.75) after adjusting for demographic, lifestyle and clinical risk factors. NAFLD with functional impairment due to depression had a 62% higher all‐cause mortality than NAFLD without functional impairment (HR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.10–2.39). Depression in NAFLD was associated with an approximately 50% increase in the risk for cardiovascular mortality, with a 2‐fold higher cardiovascular mortality in those with functional impairment compared to those without (HR: 2.07, 95% CI: 1.30–3.30). However, there was no significant difference in cancer‐ and accident‐related mortalities in NAFLD with or without depression.

Conclusions

Depression among individuals with NAFLD was associated with a higher risk for all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality in the United States.
Climate regulation costs and firms’ distress risk
Authors: Lambertides Neophytos , Tsouknidis Dimitris
Published: August 2023

In 2013, the European Union's Emission Trading Scheme (EU‐ETS) entered Phase III. The majority of emission permits in Phase III are auctioned instead of being allocated for free as in Phases I and II. Using a difference‐in‐differences method, we show that this change has led to an increase in the financial distress risk of the EU‐ETS‐regulated firms when compared to unregulated firms, suggesting that the EU‐ETS imposes a significant financial burden on regulated firms. This result is robust to an array of validation tests, alleviating concerns that it is driven by unobserved factors. In additional analyses we show that the increase in distress risk of regulated firms during Phase III can be explained by, (i) an additional climate regulation cost to purchase pollution permits and (ii) a low average environmental score that possibly (via high sustainability risk) lowers investors expectations regarding firms’ performance. Our findings also show that the distress risk increase is higher for regulated firms operating within countries with lower control of corruption, government effectiveness, political stability, regulatory quality, rule of law, and voice accountability before the EU‐ETS implementation.
Finishing the “unfinished revolution”?: College‐educated mothers' resistance to intensive mothering
Authors: Lui Lake , Cheung Adam Ka‐lok
Published: August 2023

Intensive mothering, a classed and gendered practice optimally performed by stay‐at‐home mothers, is a dominant parenting ideology, particularly in developed societies with wide disparities in wealth. Ironically, in these societies, women tend to be well educated and have good employment prospects that are expected to free them from domestic obligations. Facing competing expectations shaped by the institutions of work and the family, how do college‐educated mothers consider ending or limiting their participation in the workforce or holding jobs while resolving the moral dilemma of being both a worker and a mother? We compared 33 college‐educated Hong Kong mothers engaged in different professions and constructed typologies that describe how intersecting ideologies of mothering and work shape work‐family arrangements. We paid special attention to mothers with strong commitment to their work, but with different ideologies about mothering. Some espouse the ideology of intensive mothering. Their belief in gender essentialism proved exhausting for them, both at work and at home. While away from home, these mothers supervised domestic helpers from their workplaces. Other women value their professions as emblematic of their identity as the perfect mother—an integrated form of mothering, thus feeling no guilt for delegating childcare responsibilities. We argue that given the entrenched gender inequality in workplaces and men's slow progress in doing their share of domestic work, the emergence of integrated mothering both rhetorically and in practice reflects women's striving to bring the “unfinished revolution” closer to the finish line.
Benefits and Cautions in Data Assimilation Strategies: An Example of Modeling Groundwater Recharge
Authors: Shapiro Allen M. , Day‐Lewis Frederick D.
Published: August 2023

Assimilating recent observations improves model outcomes for real‐time assessments of groundwater processes. This is demonstrated in estimating time‐varying recharge to a shallow fractured‐rock aquifer in response to precipitation. Results from estimating the time‐varying water‐table altitude (h) and recharge, and their error covariances, are compared for forecasting, filtering, and fixed‐lag smoothing (FLS), which are implemented using the Kalman Filter as applied to a data‐driven, mechanistic model of recharge. Forecasting uses past observations to predict future states and is the current paradigm in most groundwater modeling investigations; filtering assimilates observations up to the current time to estimate current states; and FLS estimates states following a time lag over which additional observations are collected. Results for forecasting yield a large error covariance relative to the magnitude of the expected recharge. With assimilating recent observations of h, filtering and FLS produce estimates of recharge that better represent time‐varying observations of h and reduce uncertainty in comparison to forecasting. Although model outcomes from applying data assimilation through filtering or FLS reduce model uncertainty, they are not necessarily mass conservative, whereas forecasting outcomes are mass conservative. Mass conservative outcomes from forecasting are not necessarily more accurate, because process errors are inherent in any model. Improvements in estimating real‐time groundwater conditions that better represent observations need to be weighed for the model application against outcomes with inherent process deficiencies. Results from data assimilation strategies discussed in this investigation are anticipated to be relevant to other groundwater processes models where system states are sensitive to system inputs.
Seroprevalence and incidence of hepatitis E virus infection in the general population of Iwate prefecture, Japan: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yoshida Yuichi , Ito Asami , Eto Hisashi , Suzuki Akiko , Abe Tamami , Endo Kei , Kakisaka Keisuke , Oikawa Takayoshi , Kuroda Hidekatsu , Miyasaka Akio , Matsumoto Takayuki , Takahashi Masaharu , Okamoto Hiroaki
Published: August 2023

Aim

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes subclinical or acute self‐limiting hepatitis. We surveyed the current seroprevalence and incidence of HEV infection among the general population in Iwate Prefecture, Japan, where the endemic infection is presumed to be low.

Methods

Between 2014 and 2016, we recruited individuals from Iwate Prefecture, Japan, who visited a general medical work‐up program. Serum anti‐HEV antibody and HEV RNA were measured twice, with an interval of 2 years. Anti‐HEV antibody was measured with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and HEV RNA with reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Study participants comprised 1284 Japanese (650 men and 634 women) with age ranging 20–89 years. A total of 90 participants were found to be positive for anti‐HEV immunoglobulin G on the first visit, with a prevalence of 7.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.6%–8.4%). Seroprevalence was higher in men than in women (10.1% vs. 3.7%, p < 0.001), and in those aged in their 50s–80s than in those aged in their 20s–40s (p = 0.006). Positive seroconversion indicating new HEV infection was found in seven of 1194 seronegative participants (0.59%; 95% CI 0.15%–1.0%), indicating the incidence of HEV infection to be 272 per 100 000 person‐years (95% CI 109–561).

Conclusions

Our observations suggest that the incidence of HEV infection is high and that it is a leading cause of hepatitis virus infection in Iwate Prefecture, Japan.
A codesigned integrated kidney and diabetes model of care improves patient activation among patients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Authors: Zimbudzi Edward , Lo Clement , Ranasinha Sanjeeva , Usherwood Tim , Polkinghorne Kevan R. , Fulcher Gregory , Gallagher Martin , Jan Stephen , Cass Alan , Walker Rowan , Russell Grant , Johnson Greg , Kerr Peter G. , Zoungas Sophia
Published: August 2023

Background

Little is known about the relationship between patients' cultural and linguistic backgrounds and patient activation, especially in people with diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD). We examined the association between culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) background and patient activation and evaluated the impact of a codesigned integrated kidney and diabetes model of care on patient activation by CALD status in people with diabetes and CKD.

Methods

This longitudinal study recruited adults with diabetes and CKD (Stage 3a or worse) who attended a new diabetes and kidney disease service at a tertiary hospital. All completed the patient activation measure at baseline and after 12 months and had demographic and clinical data collected. Patients from CALD backgrounds included individuals who spoke a language other than English at home, while those from non‐CALD backgrounds spoke English only as their primary language. Paired t‐tests compared baseline and 12‐month patient activation scores by CALD status.

Results

Patients from CALD backgrounds had lower activation scores (52.1 ± 17.6) compared to those from non‐CALD backgrounds (58.5 ± 14.6) at baseline. Within‐group comparisons showed that patient activation scores for patients from CALD backgrounds significantly improved by 7 points from baseline to 12 months follow‐up (52.1 ± 17.6–59.4 ± 14.7), and no significant change was observed for those from non‐CALD backgrounds (58.5 ± 14.6–58.8 ± 13.6).

Conclusions

Among patients with diabetes and CKD, those from CALD backgrounds report worse activation scores. Interventions that support people from CALD backgrounds with comorbid diabetes and CKD, such as the integrated kidney and diabetes model of care, may address racial and ethnic disparities that exist in patient activation and thus improve clinical outcomes.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients, caregivers and national consumer advocacy organisations (Diabetes Australia and Kidney Health Australia) codesigned a new model of care in partnership with healthcare professionals and researchers. The development of the model of care was informed by focus groups of patients and healthcare professionals and semi‐structured interviews of caregivers and healthcare professionals. Patients and caregivers also provided a rigorous evaluation of the new model of care, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses.
Youth carceral deinstitutionalisation and transinstitutionalisation in Ontario: Recent developments and questions
Authors: Mussell Linda , Evans Jessica
Published: August 2023

In early 2021, half of the youth detention centres in Ontario, Canada, were abruptly closed. We ask how this development can be understood in relation to broader explanations of youth detention closures in Canada, which cite the success of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) and the best interests of youth, and the broader international context. Using a process tracing methodology to analyse existing data, we demonstrate that these closures had less to do with the interests of youth, and were primarily a cost‐effective calculation. We demonstrate this by pointing to three key developments: (i) the transference of institutionalised carceral logics onto community service providers; (ii) an undermining of the principle of ‘relationship custody’; and (iii) a focus on high‐capacity and high‐security detention centres, over smaller, locally situated open detention centres.
Experiences of self‐reflection as identity reconstruction and adaptation to prison life
Authors: Khan Zarek
Published: August 2023

The role of identity construction has been a central theme in empirical analyses of desistance from crime. Despite the novelty of these studies, their findings are predominantly situated in the post‐imprisonment context. There has been limited attention on the drivers of identity change for prisoners who are incarcerated. Based on 16 interviews conducted in an open prison for men, this article demonstrates how experiences of self‐reflection shape identity reconstruction for prisoners nearing release and serve as important modes of adaptation to prison life. The article ends with a discussion on the key implications of the study's findings.
Photoaging's portrait: The road map towards its photoprotection
Authors: Flament Frederic , Saint‐Leger Didier
Published: August 2023

Objective

To summarize key research published by the author's group, dealing with skin photoaging and its photoprotection.

Materials and Methods

Two methodologies (standard photographs and selfies imaging) resulting from referential skin ageing atlases were applied on 2487 subjects of different ancestries, ages and gender. These aimed at first to best assess and grade the variable severities of some facial signs (texture/wrinkles, pigmentary spots, sagging and vascular disorders) that occur progressively during the photoaging process. Second, such methodologies were used to record the benefits brought by a photoprotective regimen (671 women and men).

Results

In all studied ancestries, each facial sign show an increase severity along decades, at its own pace, some showing a linear like progression, whereas some plateau at early ages. These changes differed according to skin innate colour (phototype) and with individual behaviours vis‐à‐vis sun exposures, more so among European women than North‐East Asian women. An effect of gender (less severe alterations) was observed on Chinese men, as compared to Chinese women. Pigmentary disorders were found hallmarks of photo‐aged North‐East Asian women. Globally, photoaging impact the apparent age of the different subjects.

The counteracting effects of strong topical Photoprotective regimens were evidenced along a 6‐month seasonality in Chinese and French women or 1‐year period in Brazilian women with phototypes II to VI. Photoprotection led to a more even skin complexion among Indian subjects with pigment irregularities.

Conclusion

Two factors clearly hamper a better assessment of the efficiency of photoprotection of the sun‐induced cutaneous ageing: short durations (months) of the studies with regard to the global fate of photoaging by decades and the number of studied subjects, limited to hundreds for practical reasons. The methodology based on the automatic analysis of facial signs through selfies images could theoretically bypass both factors, allowing thousands of subjects to be studied along years.
Status quo on identified transformation products of organic ultraviolet filters and their persistence
Authors: Jentzsch Franziska , Kümmerer Klaus , Olsson Oliver
Published: August 2023

Organic micropollutants of concern—including organic UV filters (UVF)—are getting increasing attention. Personal care products such as sunscreens or cosmetic articles often contain large quantities of UVF. These substances enter the environment either directly (during outdoor activities) or indirectly (via sewages from households). Therefore, the removal or degradation of UVF by natural or technical treatment processes is important to understand. UVF are often incompletely removed and transformed to side products of incomplete mineralization by abiotic and biotic processes. An extensive overview on transformation products (TPs) is essential to systematically identify knowledge gaps and to derive research needs. While there are many reviews on the UVF themselves, the number of reviews which focus on their TPs is limited. Consequently, this review gives an overview on the latest findings regarding TPs of UVF. In this publication, known TPs of UVF, which were formed during abiotic and biotic processes, are reviewed. Target substances were defined and a literature database was reviewed for studies on TPs of the target substances. The first list of studies was shortened stepwise, thus generating a final list of studies which contained only the relevant studies. Since biodegradation is one of the most important pathways for removal of organic compounds from the environment, this review presents an overview on known TPs of organic UVF and their biodegradability, which determines their environmental fate. In this way, all identified TPs of UVF were listed and checked for information on their biodegradability. A total of 2731 records of studies were assessed. Forty‐two studies, which assessed 46 processes that lead to the formation of identified TPs, were included in this review. One hundred and seventyseven different TPs resulting from 11 different UVF were identified. Little to no data on the biodegradability was found for TPs. This indicates a severe lack of data on the biodegradability of TPs of organic UVF substances. Since most TPs lack information on biodegradability, further research should provide information on both—identity and biodegradability—of formed TPs to be able to assess their hazardousness for the environment.
TUTORING EFFICACY, HOUSEHOLD SUBSTITUTION, AND STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT: EXPERIMENTAL EVIDENCE FROM AN AFTER‐SCHOOL TUTORING PROGRAM IN RURAL CHINA
Authors: Behrman Jere R. , Fan C. Simon , Guo Naijia , Wei Xiangdong , Zhang Hongliang , Zhang Junsen
Published: August 2023

After‐school tutoring has risen globally despite limited evidence of effectiveness. We implement a randomized after‐school tutoring program in rural China where many children are left‐behind by parents in care of grandparents. Compared to tutees cared for by parents, those in care of grandparents reported much smaller home‐tutoring reductions but larger test‐score gains. We interpret our data analysis with a model with tutoring efficacy and substitution between private and public inputs both differing by family background: Increased public tutoring generates larger test‐score gains for children who experience greater tutoring efficacy and lesser substitution with household inputs, consistent with our estimates.
Dermatological manifestations associated with COVID‐19 and COVID‐19 vaccination: results from the Lebanese COVID registry
Authors: Chrabieh Remie , Haddad Isabelle , Salameh Pascale , Kurban Mazen , Kechichian Elio , Habre Maya , Ayoub Nakhle , Torbey Gretta , El Sayed Fouad , Maamari Micheline , Tannous Zeina , Farra Anna ,   the Lebanese COVID Rash Consortium, El Khoury Jinane
Published: August 2023

Background

A number of cutaneous manifestations and adverse cutaneous reactions have been associated with COVID‐19 infection and vaccine.

Objectives

A Lebanese national registry was established to characterize the dermatologic manifestations and adverse cutaneous reactions associated with COVID‐19 infection and vaccination in a sample of the Lebanese population.

Methods

An observational cross‐sectional study was conducted via a web‐based clinical form distributed to physicians wishing to report their cases from May 2021 till May 2022.

Results

In total, 142 patients were entered in the registry, of which 133 were adults and nine were pediatric patients. The main dermatological manifestations reported with COVID‐19 infection in the adult group were urticaria (32.9%), telogen effluvium (21.4%), morbilliform (10%), and papulosquamous (8.6%) eruptions. Urticaria was the most common adverse cutaneous reaction to the vaccine (33%). Interestingly, herpes zoster was triggered in 12 patients post vaccination in our series with this finding more frequently seen in patients above the age of 41 (P = 0.013). In the pediatric group, the most reported dermatological findings associated with COVID‐19 infection were malar erythema (25%) and telogen effluvium (25%). One 16‐year‐old patient developed lichen planus after one dose of a COVID‐19 vaccine. No deaths were reported in both age groups.

Conclusion

This Lebanese registry adds more robust evidence that clinical manifestations of the COVID‐19 virus and vaccine are diverse. More studies are necessary to establish the pathophysiology of these dermatological findings in the context of COVID‐19 infection and vaccination.
Examining the assumption of measurement invariance in job performance ratings across time: The role of rater experience
Authors: Borba Diogo , Spence Jeffrey R.
Published: August 2023

Performance appraisals are widely used in organizations and most typically involve raters evaluating groups of subordinates along a set of items designed to represent job performance over a predetermined period (e.g., annually). A defining but often overlooked characteristic of performance appraisals is that they are cyclical. Since raters conduct appraisals over many cycles, it may be that measures of job performance are not equivalent across time. This is important because changes or differences in aggregated performance ratings can only be meaningfully interpreted if raters' definitions of job performance, interpretation of what the items mean, and their view of what constitutes the different levels of performance remain unchanged over time, unaffected by their experience with appraisals. Although critical to the interpretation of job performance scores, measurement invariance concerns are generally absent from the literature. The current research investigated the extent to which rater experience affected the conceptualization and measurement of performance using performance data from a major South American company which comprised information from raters and ratees through several appraisal cycles. In the between‐rater design, measurement invariance was analyzed using ratings of one performance appraisal cycle from 514 raters divided into groups according to their level of experience. The within‐rater design analyzed ratings from the same 80 raters in their first three appraisal cycles. In the between‐rater analysis, data supported measurement invariance across raters with different levels of experience. Results from the within‐rater analysis suggested that the job performance factor structure was not the same across cycles. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Perspectives on achievements and challenges of oxygen transport dual‐functional membrane reactors
Authors: Chen Guoxing , Widenmeyer Marc , Yu Xiao , Han Ning , Tan Xiaoyao , Homm Gert , Liu Shaomin , Weidenkaff Anke
Published: August 2023

The integration of membrane separation processes with chemical reactions through oxygen transport dual‐functional membrane reactors has attracted significant attention due to the potential for process intensification, which also can create a synergy between the two units. This approach holds promise for promoting green chemistry principles by reducing energy consumption and environmental pollution. Despite its potential, a comprehensive review of recent advancements exploring the full potential of oxygen transport dual‐functional membrane reactors (coupling two distinct reactions) in enhancing membrane performance is currently lacking. To address this gap, this perspective article presents various concepts and principles of oxygen transport dual‐functional membrane reactors and provides an overview of recent advances and applications. Additionally, the challenges and opportunities for future research to enhance the efficiency of the process toward industrialization are discussed and highlighted. These include developing novel oxygen transport membrane materials, optimizing membrane engineering, innovating membrane reactor design, and exploring new applications and reaction mechanisms.
Interaction and infiltration behavior between calcium–ferrum–alumina–silicate and Yb4Hf3O12 ceramics at various temperatures
Authors: He Ling , Pan Ling , Zhou Wei , Chen Maolin , Zhang Qinzhao , Pan Wenqian , Xiao Peng , Li Yang
Published: August 2023

The interaction and infiltration behavior between typical calcium–ferrum–alumina–silicate (CFAS) and Yb4Hf3O12 ceramics at 1300, 1400, and 1500°C for different duration times were investigated. At 1300°C, the CFAS melt first crystallized and then generated massive anorthite with high‐melting point, reducing the wettability of CFAS melt and physically blocking CFAS penetration paths. As the temperature increased to 1400°C and 1500°C, the wettability of the molten CFAS correspondingly increases. A continuous reaction layer, composed of apatite, fluorite, and garnet, was formed over Yb4Hf3O12 ceramic due to the penetration of CFAS melt. Furthermore, the infiltration rate of CFAS decreases with increasing corrosion time because of the barrier effect primarily derived from the as‐mentioned continuous reaction layer.
Synthesis of spherical Si3N4 powders by liquid‐phase modified carbothermal reduction and nitridation
Authors: Zhao Shuo , Du Songmo , Sun Siyuan , Li Fei , Chen Zhanglin , Zhang Shijia , Ning Xiaoshan , Cao Wenbin , Chen Kexin , Smirnov Konstantin , Zhang Jie , Liu Guanghua
Published: August 2023

β‐Si3N4 powder with well‐dispersed spherical particles was synthesized by liquid‐phase modified carbothermal reduction and nitridation. The influence of the type and content of additives on the particle morphology was investigated. The liquid phase formed at the reaction temperature modifies the morphology of the Si3N4 powder. The Si3N4 products precipitated along the liquid‐solid interface, thus forming a spherical morphology and promoting the transformation from α‐Si3N4 to β‐Si3N4. The type of additives has a strong influence on the formation temperature and viscosity of the liquid phase and hence affects the product morphology. In the samples with CaF2 and CaO additives, sufficient liquid phase occurred and spherical particles were obtained. In the sample with Y2O3, however, the liquid phase was insufficient due to the higher formation temperature, thus resulting in an irregular particle morphology.
Assessing the predictability of racing performance of Thoroughbreds using mixed‐effects model
Authors: Oda Daiki , Onogi Akio
Published: August 2023

The inheritance of racing performance in Thoroughbreds is of interest to breeders and geneticists. Therefore, the genetic parameters of racing performance have been investigated in various populations of Thoroughbreds. However, the predictability of the racing performance of a racehorse has not been assessed well. In this study, we built mixed‐effects models for Japanese Thoroughbreds and assessed their predictability of racing performance. We used the average velocity as an index of racing performance and treated each category of racecourse and distance as different traits. Model selection using the deviance information criterion showed that explanatory variables, such as race, age and jockey effects are important for racing performance. Using the selected models, the phenotypic values of horses born after 2009, adjusted using the entire dataset, were predicted with the breeding values estimated from a partial dataset until 2010. The correlation coefficients ranged from 0.000 to 0.235 (average of 0.084 ± 0.066) and were higher for longer distances. When predicting the graded race winners born after 2009 from the partial dataset until 2010, the area under the curve values ranged from 0.516 to 0.776 (average of 0.613 ± 0.073) and were also higher for longer distances. Although these results indicate the predictability of racing performance, further efforts, including exploring more suitable racing performance indices and refining statistical modelling, are required for improvement.
Phylogenetic analysis of spring viraemia of carp virus isolated in Serbia
Authors: Radosavljevic Vladimir , Cuenca Argelia , Wood Gareth , Glisic Dimitrije , Maksimovic‐Zoric Jelena , Stone David
Published: August 2023

Spring viraemia of carp (SVC) is an infectious disease responsible for severe economic losses for various cyprinid species, particularly common carp (Cyprinus carpio carpio). The causative agent is the Rhabdovirus carpio or SVC virus (SVCV), a member of the Sprivivirus genus, within the Rhabdoviridae family. Phylogenetically, SVCV is divided into four genogroups (SVCV a, SVCV b, SVCV c and SVCV d), which have a reasonable correlation with the geographical distribution of the virus. In the late twentieth century, the disease was widespread in Serbian aquaculture and caused massive deaths in common carp. This study aimed to molecularly characterize the circulating SVCV isolates in Serbia over a 17‐year period. The genetic relationships between 21 SVCV isolates from common carp and rainbow trout in Serbia between 1992 and 2009 were determined based on the partial nucleotide sequence of the glycoprotein gene (G gene). The phylogenetic analysis showed that the dominant SVCV isolates in Serbia belong to the SVCV d genogroup, with only one isolate belonging to genogroup SVCV b. The SVCV strains circulating in Serbia exhibited high homogeneity, as several isolates shared 100% similarity within these genogroups. Most Serbian isolates belonged to SVCV d1 and d2 subgroups, with one isolate notably different and included in a new subgroup SVCV d5. Understanding the SVCV genetic variants circulating in Serbia would be helpful in future epizootic investigations.
Managing rising residual flood risk: A national survey of Aotearoa‐New Zealand
Authors: Fu Xinyu , Bell Rob , Reu Junqueira Juliana , White Iain , Serrao‐Neumann Silvia
Published: August 2023

Flooding is one of the most frequent and costliest natural hazards around the world. Traditionally, flood risk management has relied on building protective structures such as levees and dams to protect assets based on historical data (e.g., 1% AEP flood), which encourages development on floodplains, provides a potentially false sense of security to communities, particularly in the context of climate change, and increases residual flood risk (the risk remaining after implementing risk reduction measures). This article aims to contribute to the management of residual risk by drawing on empirical findings from a survey carried out with flood risk practitioners from the public and private sector in Aotearoa New Zealand. Findings indicate fundamental concerns relating to how to best manage residual flood risk, despite its long profile and integration in current policy and practice. Other issues revolve around the use of outdated information to guide decisions and the lack of regulatory power to restrict developments in flood‐prone areas protected by hard defense structures. Identified barriers to improving current practice include the lack of national guidance and support, financial resources, public awareness, and some technical constraints such as uncertainties in flood modeling, staff expertise, and data availability.
Minoxidil sulfotransferase enzymatical activity in plants: A novel paradigm in increasing minoxidil response in androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Mehta Nina , Huang Sam , Dhura Rachita , Wambier Carlos , do Nascimento Fonesca Daniel , Little Sabrina , Goren Andy
Published: August 2023

Background

Minoxidil is the only US FDA approved topical drug for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Minoxidil is effective in hair re‐growth in 30%–40% of patients and 50% of males. To exert its hair growing effect, minoxidil must be sulfonated in the scalp by the minoxidil sulfotransferase enzyme (SULT1A1). Low scalp SULT1A1 correlates with lack of minoxidil response; thus, supplementing the scalp SULT1A1 with naturally occurring minoxidil sulfotransferase enzymes could potentially improve treatment outcomes in AGA patients.

Methods

In this study, we set to characterize SULT1A1 activity in various plants.

Results

From the 10 common botanical extracts we have studied, seven exhibited significant activity toward minoxidil as a substrate; thus, providing a potential novel paradigm to increase minoxidil response with natural supplements.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to characterize naturally occurring minoxidil sulfotransferase enzymes in plants.
Robotic single‐port hysterectomy versus robotic multisite hysterectomy in benign gynecologic diseases: A retrospective comparison of clinical and surgical outcomes
Authors: Park So Yun , Cho Eun Hye , Jeong Kyungah , Yoo Hae Kyung , Lee Jung Hun , Moon Hye‐Sung
Published: August 2023

Background

This study aimed to compare clinical and surgical outcomes of robotic single‐port hysterectomy (RSPH) using the da Vinci® SP surgical system and robotic multisite hysterectomy (RMSH) with the da Vinci Xi system in benign gynecologic disease.

Methods

The retrospective study included 134 patients who underwent RSPH or RMSH between November 2019 and December 2020. Total operation time, amount of blood loss, and the change in hemoglobin (Hb) after surgery and the weight of the removed uteri were also measured. Data on complications such as post‐operative fever and length of hospitalization were also compared and analyzed.

Results

There was no significant difference in the total operation time between the two groups, although the operation time was slightly longer in the RSPH group. Results in the RSPH group were superior to the RMSH group in docking time and wound incision time (1.67 ± 0.79 vs. 5.46 ± 2.25 min, p‐value <0.01; 6.48 ± 4.29 vs. 9.10 ± 4.64 min, p‐value <0.01, respectively). On the other hand, wound suture time took longer in the RSPH group (18.12 ± 5.66 vs. 10.69 ± 3.18 min, p‐value <0.01). The weights of the removed specimens were higher in the RMSH group (302.64 ± 190.56 vs. 369.24 ± 181.70 g, p‐value <0.04). The amount of blood loss during surgery and the difference in hemoglobin (Hb) before and after surgery were less in the RSPH group (97.39 ± 113.79 vs. 224.93 ± 152.29 mL, p‐value <0.01, 1.51 ± 1.08 vs. 2.54 ± 1.08 g/dL, p‐value <0.01). When considering the weight difference as a correction between the two surgical groups (because there were many heavier samples in the RMSH group), the blood loss of the RSPH group was also less than that of the RMSH group by 115.95 ± 23.78 mL (p‐value <0.01).

Conclusions

On the basis of our data, the robotic hysterectomy using the da Vinci SP surgical system might be feasible and safe, even if the hysterectomy is complex, and comparable to robotic multisite surgery by the da Vinci Xi system.
Fact‐finding survey on assisted reproductive technology in Japan
Authors: Harada Sayaka , Yamada Mitsutoshi , Shirasawa Hiromitsu , Jwa Seung Chik , Kuroda Keiji , Harada Miyuki , Osuga Yutaka
Published: August 2023

Aims

In anticipation of the future development of assisted reproductive technology (ART) and to smoothly introduce new technology, it is necessary to understand the current staffing status of the medical system and the current state of treatment, as well as the status of in vitro fertilization add‐ons, where the need for insurance coverage is currently a matter of debate.

Methods

ART facilities in Japan were surveyed (437 valid responses, response rate: 71%). Current staffing status of the medical system, implementation rates of ART, add‐on treatments, and medical supplies were investigated.

Results

Despite the abundance of embryologists, nurses, and obstetricians and gynecologists in facilities, the majority of facilities lacked counselors, anesthesiologists, and other essential medical professionals. Conventional ovarian stimulation was widely adopted (median 120 [interquartile range 60–300] cycles), followed by mild ovarian simulation (60 [30–200]). Additionally, freeze–thaw embryo transfer cycles (300 [120–750]) were performed more frequently than fresh embryo transfer cycles (30 [30–60]). Among the add‐ons, assisted hatching (85.1%), chronic endometritis examination (77.2%) and treatment (76.9%), artificial oocyte activation (67.3%), endometrial receptivity analysis (64.2%), and endometrial microbiome analysis (58.9%) were relatively widely employed.

Conclusions

The implementation of frozen–thawed embryo transfer cycles, freeze‐all strategies, and add‐on treatments have become popular and widely accepted despite the lack of robust evidence regarding their safety and efficacy.