bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flattening of Earth by Rotation: From Historical Experiment to Modern Toy
Authors: Hernández Irene Tovar , Vaquero José Manuel
Published: January 2023

Old physics textbooks give us a great opportunity to learn about the history of science and rediscover different methods to teach physics to our students. There are many disused and forgotten experiments in them, but these can still be very useful to affirm and understand physics. This is the case of an instrument used in the 19th century to demonstrate that the flattened shape of Earth is caused by its rotational motion. Today, this instrument does not appear in textbooks and is not used in secondary school classes. However, there is a modern toy that is identical to it.
Poking Your Finger into a Cup of Water on a Scale: Simple Adhesion Force Experiments
Authors: Hull Michael M. , Nakayama Shizuka , Tosa Sachiko
Published: January 2023

Newton’s laws are a ubiquitous topic in introductory physics instruction. One common problem involves asking what will happen if you stick your finger into a cup of water sitting on a scale (Fig. 1). A way to solve the problem would be to first recognize that the water exerts a buoyant force upward on the finger, which students can recognize as being the reason why they feel lighter when they are in a swimming pool. By Newton’s third law, the finger must hence exert a downward-pointing force on the water (labeled FB in Fig. 2). Since the water is not accelerating, the normal force from the beaker acting upward on the water (FN2) must increase to equal the sum of the weight of the water (FW) and FB (Newton’s second law). By Newton’s third law, the water must exert a force equal to FN2 down on the beaker. However, since the beaker is not accelerating, Newton’s second law tells us that the normal force from the scale is equal to this increased FN2. Via these chains of Newton’s second and third laws, we can see that the reading on the scale will increase.
Superhydrophobic Sand Repels Water
Authors: Williams Hollis
Published: January 2023

A key concept in current fluid dynamics and its applications to biology and technology is a phenomenon known as wetting. Wetting is familiar from everyday life and is simply the ability of a liquid to stay in contact with a solid surface. The wettability depends on the properties of the liquid and the solid and can be characterized by the static equilibrium contact angle θ (the angle at which the liquid–gas interface meets the liquid–solid interface). A contact angle below 90° indicates favorable wetting such that a drop of the liquid would spread over a large amount of the flat solid surface, whereas a high contact angle indicates that very little of the solid is wetted (this can be seen in Fig. 1, which shows various stages of surface wetting in terms of the equilibrium contact angle). Nevertheless, this theory generally sounds quite dry or difficult to visualize when explained to students for the first time. The theory of the contact angle also contains some controversies and has undergone some recent developments. We propose a simple classroom demonstration with superhydrophobic sand that gives a concrete visualization of “superhydrophobicity” and outline how the phenomenon can be explained macroscopically with wetting theory. There are several interesting physical effects that are due to superhydrophobicity: experimental studies have found, for example, that superhydrophobic spheres always splash when they impact a body of liquid. In terms of applications, there are various possibilities for water storage with superhydrophobic sand outlined in the chemistry literature.
Writing Virtual Reality Teaching Resources
Authors: Kortemeyer Gerd
Published: January 2023

Simulations can provide opportunities for engaged exploration in physics teaching and learning. Beyond the two-dimensional world of screen-based simulations, abstract concepts like vectors (for example, of electric fields) can frequently be visualized better in a three-dimensional virtual reality (VR) environment. These visualizations can be immersive, where the user is able to walk around, look around, and intuitively interact with objects in virtual space. Finally, it has been shown that this bodily acting out of physics scenarios (“embodiment”) can lead to even better learning results of particularly basic mechanics concepts.
Science on a stick: An experimental and demonstration platform for learning several physical principles
Authors: Gadre Dhananjay V. , Sharma Harsh , Gadre Sangeeta D. , Srivastava Smriti
Published: January 2023

We share the design for a simple apparatus that, when paired with an Arduino processor and a computer, can be used in a wide range of laboratory measurements: observing linear kinematics, confirming Faraday's and Lenz's laws, measuring magnetic moments, and observing the effects of eddy currents. The setup is simple, inexpensive, easy to replicate, and can even be fabricated and used by students working at home.
A wave packet approach to resonant scattering
Authors: Michalik A. M. , Marsiglio F.
Published: January 2023

Resonant transmission occurs when constructive interference results in the complete passage of an incoming wave through an array of barriers. In this paper, we explore such a scenario with one-dimensional models. We adopt wave packets with finite width to illustrate the deterioration of resonance with decreasing wave packet width and suggest an approximate wave function for the transmitted and reflected components, derived from aspects of both the wave packet and plane wave approaches. A comparison with exact numerical calculations shows excellent agreement and provides insight into the scattering process.
Physics and ableism: One disabled physicist’s perspective
Authors: Robertson Amy D.
Published: January 2023

In this article, I argue that mainstream physics epistemologies and physics teaching and learning practices reify ableism, augmenting the marginalization of disabled and chronically ill people in physics. I make this claim from my standpoint as a physicist who became disabled and chronically ill when I was 2 years old.
An unknown nocturnal call type in the Mariana Archipelago
Authors: Szesciorka Angela R. , McCullough Jennifer L. K. , Oleson Erin M.
Published: January 2023

In spring/summer of 2018 and 2021, the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center Cetacean Research Program deployed drifting acoustic recorders in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zones surrounding the Mariana Archipelago. Manual assessments revealed a low-frequency (median 473–554 Hz), short-duration (median 0.596 s), stereotypic tonal nocturnal call throughout the Mariana Archipelago. Based on time of year, spatiotemporal patterns, clear division among calls (i.e., no chorusing), comparisons with known vocalizations of whales, turtles, and fish, and presence of Bryde's whale calls, and because the call has not been detected elsewhere, we hypothesize this 500-Hz pulsed call is produced by Bryde's whales (Balaenoptera brydei).
Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Return to Sport After Injury Scale: Reliability and Validity of the Persian Version
Authors: Pirayeh Nahid , Razavi Farshid , Behdarvandan Amin , Mostafaee Neda
Published: January 2023

Background: The Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Return to Sport after Injury scale (ACL-RSI) is used to measure athletes’ psychological readiness in terms of their emotions, confidence in performance, and risk appraisal with respect to return to sport after ACL reconstruction. Objective: To translate and cross-culturally adapt the ACL-RSI to the Persian version and evaluate the reliability and validity of this scale in patients with ACL reconstruction. Study Design: Clinical measurement study (psychometric analysis). Methods: To assess test–retest reliability, 100 participants were asked to complete the Persian version of the ACL-RSI 2 times with a 7- to 10-day interval. In the first assessment, the patients also filled the Injury-Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport Questionnaire, Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form, and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. Internal consistency (Cronbach alpha, α), test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients), measurement error (standard error of measurement and minimum detectable change), and construct validity (Pearson r) were determined. Results: Our results showed good internal consistency (Cronbach alpha = .94) and excellent test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients = .90 (.85−.93)]. Standard error of measurement and minimum detectable change were 4.64 and 12.85, respectively. No significant bias was observed between test and retest. In addition, based on the results of correlation analysis, all hypotheses of this study were confirmed. The Persian version of the ACL-RSI had a strong correlation with Injury-Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport (I-PPR) (P < .001, r = .76) and Tampa scale of Kinesiophobia (TKS) (P < .001, r = −.68). Furthermore, a moderate correlation was observed between the Persian version of the ACL-RSI and the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form (P < .001, r = .44) and between this version of the ACL-RSI and the subscales of Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (P < .001, r = .30–.55). Conclusion: Given its acceptable reliability and validity, the Persian version of the ACL-RSI seems to be a suitable tool for evaluating psychological readiness to return to sport after ACL reconstruction.
The Effects of COVID-19 School Closures on Physical Fitness in Adolescents
Authors: Wolfe Alex M. , Pessman Maria A. , Laurson Kelly R. , Brown Dale D. , Brown Ryan A.
Published: January 2023

Purpose: This study examined differences in measures of health-related physical fitness in adolescents before and after extended school closures due to COVID-19. Method: The sample consisted of 298 students (135 males and 163 females) from a laboratory high school. Data were collected through FITNESSGRAM assessments. A repeated-measures multivariate analysis of covariance was calculated to analyze differences in fitness before and after COVID-19 closures, including McNemar–Bowker and McNemar tests. Results: Statistically significant differences were identified for Progressive Aerobic Capacity Endurance Run (−4.2%; 1.8 ml·kg−1·min−1) and curl-up (−12.5%; 7.9 repetitions). In addition, 18.8% fewer students were classified within the Healthy Fitness Zone for Progressive Aerobic Capacity Endurance Run, 4% for curl-up, 10.8% for push-up, and 6.4% for sit and reach. Conclusion: Results of this study demonstrate that there was a significant decline in physical fitness for secondary students during extended school closures and social isolation as a result of COVID-19.
“Building Back Better”: Seeking an Equitable Return to Sport for Development in the Wake of COVID-19
Authors: Norman Richard , Sailofsky Daniel , Darnell Simon , Warner Marika , Heal Bryan
Published: January 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic affected sport programming by restricting in-person activities. Concurrently, global outcry for racial justice for Black and racialized communities promoted calls to action to assess equitable practices in sport, including sport for development (SFD). This study critically examined SFD “return to play” programming to include perspectives from racialized persons’ lived experiences. We present findings based on data collected from Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Foundation’s Change the Game campaign, which explored questions of sport inequity to “build back better.” Outcomes further SFD discourses challenging (potentially) harmful structures affecting participants, including underreported effects of racialization. The study used both quantitative and qualitative analyses of survey data on youth experiences, enablers, and barriers in sport and analyzed these results within an antiracist, antioppressive, and decolonial conceptual framework.
From Imaginative Experiments to Inventive Performances: On the Role of Creativity in the Developmental Experiences of Professional Ice Hockey Players
Authors: Rasmussen Ludvig Johan Torp , Dalsgaard Simon Hovesen
Published: January 2023

Despite an increasing interest in studying creativity in sport, previous research has primarily focused on in-game creative performance and employed research designs neglecting sport participants’ perspectives. Hence, this study explored professional athletes’ developmental experiences involving creativity. Semistructured retrospective interviews were conducted with eight ice hockey players performing in or retired from the National Hockey League, Kontinental Hockey League, or Swedish Hockey League. Players described 15 modalities of creative actions emerging when playing, practicing, and performing. Based on the players’ experiences, creativity led to augmented levels of enjoyment (i.e., elicited passion), development (i.e., enhanced potential), achievement (i.e., enriched in-game qualification), and fulfillment (i.e., extended career progression). Findings contribute to a more nuanced understanding of creativity in sport and provide novel insights on the role of creativity in the development and maintenance of expertise in sport and the nature and role of deliberate play and deliberate practice in developing creativity.
Superaerophilic/superaerophobic cooperative electrode for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction via enhanced mass transfer
Authors: Zhang Chunhui , Xu Zhe , Han Nana , Tian Ye , Kallio Tanja , Yu Cunming , Jiang Lei
Published: January 2023

Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), as an effective method to produce green hydrogen, is greatly impeded by inefficient mass transfer, i.e., bubble adhesion on electrode, bubble dispersion in the vicinity of electrode, and poor dissolved H
2
diffusion, which results in blocked electrocatalytic area and large H
2
concentration overpotential. Here, we report a superaerophilic/superaerophobic (SAL/SAB) cooperative electrode to efficiently promote bubble transfer by asymmetric Laplace pressure and accelerate dissolved H
2
diffusion through reducing diffusion distance. Benefiting from the enhanced mass transfer, the overpotential for the SAL/SAB cooperative electrode at −10 mA cm
−2
is only −19 mV, compared to −61 mV on the flat Pt electrode. By optimizing H
2
SO
4
concentration, the SAL/SAB cooperative electrode can achieve ultrahigh current density (−1867 mA cm
−2
) at an overpotential of −500 mV. We can envision that the SAL/SAB cooperative strategy is an effective method to improve HER efficiency and stimulate the understanding of various gas-involved processes.
Serine/Threonine Phosphatase Calcineurin Orchestrates the Intrinsic Resistance to Micafungin in the Human-Pathogenic Fungus Mucor circinelloides
Authors: Garcia Alexis , Huh Eun Young , Lee Soo Chan
Published: January 2023

Procedures such as solid-organ transplants and cancer treatments can leave many patients in an immunocompromised state. This leads to their increased susceptibility to opportunistic diseases such as fungal infections.
The 4-Aminomethylphenoxy-Benzoxaborole AN3057 as a Potential Treatment Option for Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis
Authors: Ženíšková Kateřina , Mach Jan , Arbon Dominik , Štursa Jan , Werner Lukáš , Zoltner Martin , Sutak Robert
Published: January 2023

Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis is a rare but fatal central nervous system (CNS) disease caused by the “brain-eating amoeba”
Naegleria fowleri
. A major obstacle is the requirement for drugs with the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, which are used in extremely high doses, cause severe side effects, and are usually ineffective.
Discussion of Annotated Research Articles Results in Increases in Scientific Literacy within a Cell Biology Course
Authors: Washburn Mary E. , Shanks Ryan A. , McCartney Melissa , Robertson Chuck L. , Segura-Totten Miriam
Published: January 2023

As the amount and complexity of scientific knowledge continues to grow, it is essential to educate scientifically literate citizens who can comprehend the process of science and the implications of technological advances. This is especially important when educating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) college students, since they may play a central role in the future of scientific research and its communication.
Redox Regulation and Metabolic Dependency of Zika Virus Replication: Inhibition by Nrf2-Antioxidant Response and NAD(H) Antimetabolites
Authors: Sahoo Bikash R. , Crook Alexandra A. , Pattnaik Aryamav , Torres-Gerena Alondra D. , Khalimonchuk Oleh , Powers Robert , Franco Rodrigo , Pattnaik Asit K.
Published: January 2023

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a major public health concern of international proportions. While the incidence of ZIKV infections has declined substantially in recent years, the potential for the reemergence or reintroduction remains high.
A SARS-CoV-2-Related Virus from Malayan Pangolin Causes Lung Infection without Severe Disease in Human ACE2-Transgenic Mice
Authors: Liu Mei-Qin , Lin Hao-Feng , Li Jing , Chen Ying , Luo Yun , Zhang Wei , Hu Ben , Tian Feng-Juan , Hu Yun-Jia , Liu Yu-Jie , Jiang Ren-Di , Gong Qian-Chun , Li Ang , Guo Zi-Shuo , Li Bei , Yang Xing-Lou , Tong Yi-Gang , Shi Zheng-Li
Published: January 2023

SARS-CoV-2, which likely spilled over from wildlife, is the third highly pathogenic human coronavirus. Being highly transmissible, it is perpetuating a pandemic and continuously posing a severe threat to global public health.
Navigating a Path to Rifampicin Resistance in Tuberculosis
Authors: Agarwal Sakshi , Javid Babak
Published: January 2023

For model bacteria, genetic drug resistance usually arises from antibiotic-tolerant subpopulations, but whether this is true for the globally important pathogen
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
—the cause of tuberculosis—is not known. Here, we discuss a recent article by Sebastian et al. (J. Sebastian, A. Thomas, C. Levine, R. Shrestha, et al., mBio 14:e0279522, 2023,
10.1128/mbio.02795-22
) which leverages a robotic transwell microtiter experimental system coupled with deep sequencing of a barcoded library of
M. tuberculosis
to answer this question for rifampicin resistance.
Complete Genome Sequence of Ralstonia solanacearum Strain Bs715, a Member of Biovar 4 and a Strong Pathogen of Bacterial Wilt on Solanum lycopersicum
Authors: Jeong HwangWeon , Ahn Hong-Il , Kim Sung-Mi , Seol Young-Joo , Yoon Hye-Jin , Lee Jinjeong , Ra Su Jung , Kim Eunhee , Kang Myeong Jin , Ahn Il-Pyung
Published: January 2023

Ralstonia solanacearum
is a notorious pathogen of bacterial wilt on
Solanum lycopersicum
. Most isolates from diseased tomato tissues are biovar 3, and their genomes are publicly available; however, information on biovar 4 strains is limited. Here, the complete genome sequence of
R. solanacearum
Bs715, a biovar 4 strain, is presented.
Complete Genome Sequence of Glutamicibacter sp. Strain M10, Isolated from an Arctic Permafrost Sample
Authors: Guro Polina , Karaevskaya Ekaterina , Kuznetsova Irina , Karlov Denis , Sazanova Anna , Safronova Vera
Published: January 2023

Permafrost is an extremely cold ecosystem that is inhabited by microorganisms with unique biochemical properties for potential biotechnological applications. Here, we present the complete genome sequence of
Glutamicibacter
sp. strain M10, which was isolated from a permafrost sample that had been collected at a depth of 2 m in West Spitsbergen, Norway.
Dynamics of Different Classes and Subclasses of Antibody Responses to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Variants after Coronavirus Disease 2019 and CoronaVac Vaccination in Thailand
Authors: Poolchanuan Prapassorn , Matsee Wasin , Sengyee Sineenart , Siripoon Tanaya , Dulsuk Adul , Phunpang Rungnapa , Pisutsan Phimphan , Piyaphanee Watcharapong , Luvira Viravarn , Chantratita Narisara
Published: January 2023

The antibody responses to new SARS-CoV-2 variants that occur in different populations remain unclear. In this study, we recruited 60 participants, including COVID-19 patients and CoronaVac-vaccinated individuals, in Thailand and determined the dynamic levels of the IgG, IgA, IgM, and IgG subclasses of antibodies against the spike protein (S) of four SARS-CoV-2 strains.
Inhibition of Enveloped Virus Surrogate Phi6 Infection Using Yeast-Derived Vacuoles
Authors: Choi Wooil , Kim Yang-Hoon , Min Jiho
Published: January 2023

The study assesses the vacuoles isolated from the yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
as green antiviral agents to decrease the concerns about massive use of chemical antiviral agents and its side effects. To prevent the spreading of infectious diseases, personal or public use of antiviral agents is encouraged.
Development of an Amplicon Nanopore Sequencing Strategy for Detection of Mutations Conferring Intermediate Resistance to Vancomycin in Staphylococcus aureus Strains
Authors: Moller Abraham G. , Petit Robert A. , Davis Michelle H. , Read Timothy D.
Published: January 2023

Bacteremia mortality is known to increase rapidly with time after infection, making rapid diagnostics and treatment necessary. Successful treatment depends on correct administration of antibiotics based on knowledge of strain antibiotic susceptibility.
Staphylococcus aureus
is a major causative agent of bacteremia that is also commonly antibiotic resistant.
Discovery of Novel Transketolase Epitopes and the Development of IgG-Based Tuberculosis Serodiagnostics
Authors: Talreja Jaya , Peng Changya , Nguyen Tuan-Minh , Draghici Sorin , Samavati Lobelia
Published: January 2023

There is an unmet need for a point-of-care, nonsputum-based TB test. Through the immunoscreening of a novel T7 phage library, we identified classifiers that specifically bind to IgGs in active TB sera.
Pulmonary hydatic disease presenting as solid mass with haemoptysis in a child
Authors: Rhode Delano , Goussard Pierre , Andronikou Savvas , Schubert Pawel , Janson Jacques
Published: January 2023

A middle childhood HIV-negative female patient presented with three episodes of haemoptysis. The chest X-ray demonstrated an oval-shaped, well-circumscribed left upper lobe homogenous opacification. She did not respond to tuberculosis treatment. A left upper lobectomy was performed for a solid mass in the lung, and hydatic disease was histologically confirmed. Calcification was found in the pulmonary lesion. Pulmonary hydatic cyst rarely presents as a solid lesion with calcifications and haemoptysis.
Is daytime napping an effective strategy to improve sport-related cognitive and physical performance and reduce fatigue? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Mesas Arthur Eumann , Núñez de Arenas-Arroyo Sergio , Martinez-Vizcaino Vicente , Garrido-Miguel Miriam , Fernández-Rodríguez Ruben , Bizzozero-Peroni Bruno , Torres-Costoso Ana I
Published: January 2023

Objective

To estimate the association between daytime napping and cognitive and physical sport performance and fatigue after normal sleep and partial sleep deprivation (less sleep duration than necessary).

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

The PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, SportDiscus and PsycINFO databases.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Randomised controlled trials on the effect of daytime napping on sport performance and fatigue available from inception to 2 December 2022. Standardised mean differences (SMD) and their 95% compatibility intervals (CI) were estimated with the DerSimonian-Laird method through random effect models.

Results

In the 22 included trials, 291 male participants (164 trained athletes and 127 physically active adults) aged between 18 and 35 years were studied. When performed after a normal night of sleep, napping from 12:30 hours to 16:50 hours (with 14:00 hours being the most frequent time) improved cognitive (SMD=0.69, 95% CI: 0.37 to 1.00; I2=71.5%) and physical performance (SMD=0.99, 95% CI: 0.67 to 1.31; I2=89.1%) and reduced the perception of fatigue (SMD=−0.76, 95% CI: −1.24 to –0.28; I2=89.5%). The positive effects of napping were also confirmed after partial sleep deprivation. Overall, the benefits were higher with a nap duration between 30 and <60 min and when the time from nap awakening to test was greater than 1 hour.

Conclusions

After a night of normal sleep or partial sleep deprivation, a daytime nap between 30 and <60 min has a moderate-to-high effect on the improvement of cognitive performance and physical performance and on the reduction of perceived fatigue.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020212272.
Perioperative systemic blood pressure parameters and clinical outcomes following 27g vitrectomy for diabetic tractional detachment repair
Authors: Ambati Naveen R , Chernyavskiy Pavel , Cai Xiaoyu , Duong Ryan T , Shildkrot Eugene Y
Published: January 2023

Background

Extremes in perioperative blood pressures are known risk factors for adverse outcomes after surgical interventions. There is scarce literature studying these parameters as predictors of outcomes after ocular surgery.

Methods

This was a retrospective single-centre interventional cohort analysis to evaluate the relationship between perioperative (preoperative and intraoperative) blood pressure value and variability and postoperative visual and anatomic outcomes. Included were patients who underwent primary 27-gauge (27g) vitrectomy for repair of diabetic tractional retinal detachment (DM-TRD) with at least 6 months of follow-up. Univariate analyses were conducted via independent two-sided t-tests and Pearson’s χ2tests. Multivariate analyses were conducted via generalised estimating equations.

Results

71 eyes of 57 patients were included in the study. Higher preprocedure mean arterial pressure (MAP) was associated with fewer Snellen lines of improvement at postoperative month 6 (POM6) (p<0.01). Higher mean intraoperative systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure and MAP were associated with visual acuity 20/200 or worse at POM6 (p<0.05). Patients with sustained intraoperative hypertension had 1.77 times the risk of visual acuity 20/200 or worse at POM6 compared with those without sustained intraoperative hypertension (p=0.006). Higher SBP variability was associated with worse visual outcomes at POM6 (p<0.05). Blood pressure was not associated with macular detachment at POM6 (p>0.10).

Conclusions

Higher average perioperative blood pressure and blood pressure variability are associated with worse visual outcomes in patients undergoing 27g vitrectomy for DM-TRD repair. Patients with sustained intraoperative hypertension were approximately twice as likely to have visual acuity 20/200 or worse at POM6 compared to those without sustained intraoperative hypertension.
From Castleman disease histopathological features to idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease: a multiparametric approach to exclude potential iMCD histopathological mimickers
Authors: Rodriguez Merino Laura , Pomares Aitana Avendaño , Arce Jose Revert , Montes-Moreno Santiago
Published: January 2023

Aims

International consensus diagnostic criteria for idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD) includes lymph node Castleman disease (CD) histopathological features as major criteria. Our aim was to apply those criteria in a series of 42 cases with CD to find differences among unicentric CD, iMCD, HHV-8+multicentric CD (HHV-8+MCD) and POEMS/plasma cell neoplasia (PCN)-associated CD.

Methods

Available clinical and laboratory criteria were collected. Histopathological features (germinal centre hyperplasia/regression, plasmacytosis, hypervascularity and follicular dendritic cell (FDC) prominence) were graded and immunohistochemistry with antibodies against CD20, CD3, CD138, HHV-8, Ig isotype (IgG, IgG4, IgA, IgM, IgD), kappa, lambda was performed in all cases.

Results

Fourteen cases had hyaline-vascular type unicentric CD, 15 were HHV-8+MCD, 7 cases PCN/POEMS-associated CD and 5 cases were iMCD. One case was consistent with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) lymphadenopathy. Differences in grading of the CD-associated histopathological features showed that FDC proliferation was prominent in unicentric CD, hypervascularity was increased in HHV-8 positive MCD and germinal centre hyperplasia was restricted to iMCD cases and SLE. Monotypic plasma cells were readily identifiable in the lymph node biopsies in 43% of PCN/POEMS-associated CD. All three cases had lambda light chain restriction with IgA (two cases) and IgG (one case) isotypes.

Conclusions

HHV-8+ MCD and PCN/POEMS-related CD are the major mimickers of iMCD in lymph node biopsies. Grading of the five histopathological features for CD might be useful to, in conjunction with complete ancillary testing, suggest for specific disease entities.
Transvenous embolization of cerebrospinal fluid-venous fistulas: Independent validation and feasibility of upper-extremity approach and using dual-microcatheter and balloon pressure cooker technique
Authors: Parizadeh Donna , Fermo Olga , Vibhute Prasanna , Gupta Vivek , Arturo Larco Jorge L , Grewal Sanjeet S , Quinones-Hinojosa Alfredo , Erben Young M , Clendenen Steven , Rozen Todd D , Huynh Thien J
Published: January 2023

Background

Transvenous embolization is emerging as a promising treatment for cerebrospinal fluid-venous fistulas (CVF) associated with spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH).

Objective

To perform an independent validation of the efficacy and safety of the procedure and describe the procedural techniques used at our institution.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed including consecutive patients with SIH who had undergone CVF embolization with 3-month clinical and imaging follow-up. Clinical evaluation included the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) Scale and six-item Headache Impact Test (HIT-6). Bern SIH score was used for imaging evaluation on brain MRI. Post-treatment changes in scores were assessed by Wilcoxon signed rank test. Procedural technical details, including use of upper-extremity access and dual-microcatheter pressure cooker technique, were recorded.

Results

18 patients (13 female, median age 60 years) were included. 17 (94%) procedures were performed with upper-extremity access and 12 (67%) using dual-microcatheter pressure cooker technique. After embolization, 16 (89%) patients reported much or very much improved at follow-up PGIC; median (IQR) HIT-6 score improved from 68 (62–72) to 36 (36–38) and Bern SIH score improved from 8 (6–8) to 3 (1.5–3.5),pvalues <0.001. Side effects were transient embolization site back pain in 15 (83%) and rebound intracranial hypertension requiring medical management in 9 (50%) patients. HIT-6 and Bern SIH score changes were similar between conventional and pressure cooker techniques (pvalues >0.05).

Conclusion

Transvenous embolization is independently validated as a highly effective and safe treatment for CVF and is feasible using upper-extremity venous access. Dual-microcatheter and balloon/coil pressure cooker techniques may be used to optimize distribution of embolic material and potentially, treatment efficacy.
Palliative care integration in the intensive care unit: healthcare professionals’ perspectives – a qualitative study
Authors: Poi Choo Hwee , Khoo Hwee Sing , Ang Shih-Ling , Koh Mervyn Yong Hwang , Hum Allyn Yin Mei
Published: January 2023

Objectives

The complex care needs and high mortality of critically ill patients in intensive care unit (ICU) warrants a team approach. While studies have affirmed the integral role of palliative care teams in ICU, little is known about the ICU healthcare professional’s perception on how this integration affects the care of the critically ill.

This study examines their perception of how integration of palliative care into ICU practice affects interprofessional collaborative practices and relationships in the delivery of care.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted in 13 focus group discussions with 54 ICU healthcare professionals recruited through purposive sampling. Data were analysed using a qualitative descriptive approach reflecting uninterpreted participants’ description of their experiences in its most unbiased manner.

Results

ICU clinicians perceived that palliative care integration into the ICU enhanced care of patients and team dynamics in three areas: (1) bridging care, (2) cultural shift and (3) empowering, advocating and enhancing job satisfaction. Enhanced collaborative efforts between disciplines led to improved mutual understanding, shared-decision making and alignment of care goals. There was a shift in perception of dying as a passive process, to an active process of care where various healthcare professionals could work together to optimise symptom control and support grieving families. Team members felt empowered to advocate for patients, improving their sense of job fulfilment.

Conclusions

Palliative care integration enhanced perception of collaborative practices in caring for the dying. Future studies could use empirical methods to measure collaboration and patient outcomes to further understand team dynamics.
Redefining trauma deserts: novel technique to accurately map prehospital transport time
Authors: Tatebe Leah C , Ho Vanessa P , Santry Heena P , Tatebe Ken
Published: January 2023

Background

Prehospital transport time has been directly related to mortality for hemorrhaging trauma patients. ‘Trauma deserts’ were previously defined as being outside of a 5-mile radial distance of an urban trauma center. We postulated that the true ‘desert’ should be based on transport time rather than transport distance.

Methods

Using the Chicagoland area that was used to describe ‘trauma deserts,’ a sequential process to query a commercial travel optimization product to map transport times over coordinates that covered the entire urban area at a particular time of day. This produces a heat map representing prehospital transport times. Travel times were then limited to 15 minutes to represent a temporally based map of transport capabilities. This was repeated during high and low traffic times and for centers across the city.

Results

We demonstrated that the temporally based map for transport to a trauma center in an urban center differs significantly from the radial distance to the trauma center. Primary effects were proximity to highways and the downtown area. Transportation to centers were significantly different when time was considered instead of distance (p<0.001). We were further able to map variations in traffic patterns and thus transport times by time of day. The truly ‘closest’ trauma center by time changed based on time of day and was not always the closest hospital by distance.

Discussion

As the crow flies is not how the ambulance drives. This novel technique of dynamically mapping transport times can be used to create accurate trauma deserts in an urban setting with multiple trauma centers. Further, this technique can be used to quantify the potential benefit or detriment of adding or removing firehouses or trauma centers.
Exploring road safety of pedestrians in proximity to public transit access points (bus stops and metro stations), a case study of Montreal, Canada
Authors: Samani Reza Riahi , Amador-Jimenez Luis
Published: January 2023

Public transit plays a significant role in the sustainability of an urban region which requires high pedestrian safety at the interchange points. This research studies the magnitude of pedestrian collisions in the proximity of Public Transit Access Points (PTAPs) and address how Traffic Calming strategies and road elements improve pedestrian safety at PTAPs. Getis-Ord Hotspot Analysis and the Negative Binomial models are applied to address research questions. Pedestrian collisions occur more frequently at intersections with the presence of a PTAP and with a higher volume and number of bus routes. Traffic calming strategies such as road width reduction, sidewalk width increase, median refugees, pedestrian crossing phase, and vehicle stop signs could improve pedestrian safety of PTAP. Besides, pedestrians are at more risk in PTAP at locations where high road gradients and in proximity to intersections with a higher number of directions of vehicle traffic flow.
Geomorphic diversity of the Newfoundland and Labrador Shelves Bioregion
Authors: Shaw John , Li M.Z. , Kostylev V.E.
Published: January 2023

The Newfoundland and Labrador Shelves Bioregion, located on the glaciated continental shelf and adjacent continental slope of eastern Canada, is classified into units that reflect its great physiographic diversity. There are ten shelf units: bedrock zone, fjord systems, major inlet, shelf-crossing troughs, four types of offshore banks, basin, and disturbed (glaciotectonic) terrain. There are three units on the continental slope: channelized areas, trough-mouth areas, and large sedimentary drifts. A series of vignettes illustrates both the distinguishing characteristics of the principal geomorphic units and the morphologic diversity within them. A sediment mobility analysis reveals that wave- and current-generated disturbances are dominant and largely depth-controlled within the shelf units, while the south-flowing Labrador Current impacts sediment transport and mobility along the continental slope.
New models and big bang nucleosynthesis constraints in f(Q) gravity
Authors: Anagnostopoulos Fotios K. , Gakis Viktor , Saridakis Emmanuel N. , Basilakos Spyros
Published: January 2023

The f(Q) theories of modified gravity arise from the consideration of non-metricity as the basic geometric quantity, and have been proven to be very efficient in describing the late-time Universe. We use the Big Bang Nucleosynthesis (BBN) formalism and observations in order to extract constraints on various classes of f(Q) models. In particular, we calculate the deviations that f(Q) terms bring on the freeze-out temperature $$T_f$$

T
f

in comparison to that of the standard $$\Lambda $$
Λ
CDM evolution, and then we impose the observational bound on $$ \left| \frac{\delta {T}_f}{{T}_f}\right| $$

δ

T
f

T
f

to extract constraints on the involved parameters of the considered models. Concerning the polynomial model, we show that the exponent parameter should be negative, while for the power-exponential model and the new hyperbolic tangent-power model we find that they pass the BBN constraints trivially. Finally, we examine two DGP-like f(Q) models, and we extract the bounds on their model parameters. Since many gravitational modifications, although able to describe the late-time evolution of the Universe, produce too-much modification at early times and thus fall to pass the BBN confrontation, the fact that f(Q) gravity can safely pass the BBN constraints is an important advantage of this modified gravity class.
QCD improved top-quark decay at next-to-next-to-leading order
Authors: Meng Rui-Qing , Wang Sheng-Quan , Sun Ting , Luo Chao-Qin , Shen Jian-Ming , Wu Xing-Gang
Published: January 2023

We analyse the top-quark decay at the next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO) in QCD by using the Principle of Maximum Conformality (PMC) which provides a systematic way to eliminate renormalization scheme and scale ambiguities in perturbative QCD predictions. The PMC renormalization scales of the coupling constant $$\alpha _s$$

α
s

are determined by absorbing the non-conformal $$\beta $$
β
terms that govern the behavior of the running coupling by using the Renormalization Group Equation (RGE). We obtain the PMC scale $$Q_\star =15.5$$

Q
⋆

=
15.5

GeV for the top-quark decay, which is an order of magnitude smaller than the conventional choice $$\mu _r=m_t$$

μ
r

=

m
t

, reflecting the small virtuality of the QCD dynamics of the top-quark decay process. Moreover, due to the non-conformal $$\beta $$
β
terms disappear in the pQCD series, there is no renormalon divergence and the NLO QCD correction term is greatly increased while the NNLO QCD correction term is suppressed compared to the conventional results obtained at $$\mu _r=m_t$$

μ
r

=

m
t

. By further including the next-to-leading (NLO) electroweak corrections, the finite W boson width and the finite bottom quark mass, we obtain the top-quark total decay width $$\Gamma ^{\textrm{tot}}_t=1.3112^{+0.0190}_{-0.0189}$$

Γ
t
tot

=
1
.

3112

-
0.0189

+
0.0190

GeV, where the error is the squared averages of the top-quark mass $$\Delta m_t=\pm 0.7$$

Δ

m
t

=
±
0.7

GeV, the coupling constant $$\Delta \alpha _s(M_Z)=\pm 0.0009$$

Δ

α
s

(

M
Z

)

=
±
0.0009

and the estimation of unknown higher-order terms using the PAA method with [N/M]=[1/1]. The PMC improved predictions for the top-quark decay are complementary to the previous PMC calculations for top-quark pair production and helpful for detailed studies of properties of the top-quark.
Search for Lorentz invariance violation using Bayesian model comparison applied to Xiao et al. GRB spectral lag catalog
Authors: Desai Shantanu , Agrawal Rajdeep , Singirikonda Haveesh
Published: January 2023

We use the spectral lag catalog of 46 short GRBs aggregated by Xiao et al. (Astrophys J Lett 924:L29, 2022), to carry out an independent search for Lorentz invariance violation (LIV). For this purpose, we use a power-law model as a function of energy for the intrinsic astrophysical induced spectral lags. The expansion history of the universe needed for constraining LIV was obtained in a non-parametric method using cosmic chronometers. We use Bayesian model comparison to determine if the aforementioned spectral lags show evidence for LIV as compared to only astrophysically induced lags. We do not find any evidence for LIV, and obtain 95% CL lower limits on the corresponding energy scale to be $$4 \times 10^{15}$$

4
×

10
15

 GeV and $$6.8 \times 10^{9}$$

6.8
×

10
9

 GeV for the linear and quadratic LIV models respectively. Our results obtained by using the flat $$\Lambda $$
Λ
CDM model for characterizing the cosmic expansion history are consistent with those obtained using chronometers.
Evaluation of Arterial Stiffness and Its Relation to Innovative Anthropometric Indices in Persian Adults
Authors: Ataee Zahra , Aghaee Atena , Sobhani Seyyed Reza , Ebrahimi Miandehi Elaheh , Pirzadeh Parisa , Alinezhad-Namaghi Maryam , Eslami Saeid , Sobhani Sahar
Published: January 2023

Background. BMI has been evaluated as an old criterion to evaluate obesity in individuals, but it does not assess abdominal obesity and lean mass. We aimed to evaluate the possible relationship of new anthropometric indices (namely, a body shape index (ABSI), the body roundness index (BRI), the visceral adiposity index (VAI), the visceral fat area (VFA), and waist-hip ratio (WHR)), with one of the known critical factors of atherosclerosis, arterial stiffness. Methods. Overall 5921 individuals were enrolled and were divided into four groups according to BMI. Novel anthropometric parameters including, ABSI, BRI, VAI, VFA, and WHR were calculated. The carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) was used to evaluate arterial stiffness. Multiple regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between cf-PWV and innovative Anthropometric indices. Results. This study population consisted of 3109 women and 2812 males. In men with overweight, cf-PWV was significantly related to BMI, ABSI, BRI, WC, VAI, VFA, and WHR. However, among men with obesity, cf-PWV was associated with BRI, VAI, and VFA. Among women with overweight, cf-PWV was also related to all mentioned indices except ABSI; although, cf-PWV was only associated with VFA and WHR in women with obesity. Conclusion. Our results showed that VFA in women and VAI in men are strongly related to arterial stiffness and can be used to identify predictors of vascular disease or organic vascular dysfunction.
Comparative Analysis of the Content of Sum of Hydroxycinnamic Acids from Leaves of Actinidia arguta Lindl. Collected in Ukraine and China
Authors: Kovalska Nadiia , Karpiuk Uliana , Minarchenko Valentyna , Cholak Iryna , Zaimenko Natalia , Skrypchenko Nadiia , Liu Dejiang
Published: January 2023

Leaves of Actinidia arguta Lindl. (A. arguta) are a promising raw material for pharmaceutical production. Actinidia is cultivated in Ukraine, and its homeland is China, so raw materials may have different origins. Hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs) are one of the important biologically active substances of A. arguta leaves, which provide the pharmacological action of this raw material. The aim of the study was to identify and compare the quantitative content of HCAs in the leaves of A. arguta harvested in Ukraine and China in different phases of the growing season. Microscopic and phytochemical studies of the leaves of A. arguta are conducted. After histochemical reaction with the nitrite-molybdenum reagent, idioblast cells with НСАs in A. arguta leaves are stained on brick-red color. The amount of the sum of HCAs was determined by absorption UV-spectrophotometry in terms of rosmarinic acid at wavelength 505 nm after reaction with a nitrite-molybdenum reagent. It was found that the A. arguta leaves contain high levels of HCAs (to 2.69%). The highest HCAs level was recorded in July, which was decreased somewhat in August. Histochemical reactions for the detection of HCAs in fresh A. arguta leaves can be used to identify plants of the genus Actinidia Lindl., which are potential sources of HCAs. The content of HCAs is independent of the region of plant growth, but its quantity varies during the growing season. So, during July, the leaves can be collected from male plants, and during the end of August and start of September, leaves can be collected from both male and female plants. This indicates the prospect of using the leaves of A. arguta as a source of raw materials for pharmacy and medicine.
Efficacy of Probiotics Compared to Chlorhexidine Mouthwash in Improving Periodontal Status: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Henrique Soares Kaio , Firoozi Parsa , Maria de Souza Glaciele , Beatriz Lopes Martins Olga , Gabriel Moreira Falci Saulo , Rocha dos Santos Cassio Roberto
Published: January 2023

Purpose. To critically evaluate the available literature and conduct a systematic review of recent randomized controlled trials to assess the effectiveness of probiotics compared to chlorhexidine mouthwash in enhancing periodontal health. Methods. Five databases were searched electronically, as well as the gray literature. Using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized clinical trials, the risk of bias was examined. The weighted mean difference (WMD) method was used to calculate the effect sizes. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 and τ2 statistics. The GRADE approach was adopted to assess the certainty of the evidence. To assess the robustness of the findings, sensitivity analysis and publication bias assessment were undertaken. Results. A total of 1850 studies were initially identified. Sixteen clinical trials were eligible for qualitative synthesis, and ten were included in the meta-analysis. In terms of the gingival index, in total, no statistically significant difference was observed between chlorhexidine and probiotics within 4 weeks (WMD −0.03, 95% CI: −0.09∼0.04,P = 0.3885). Similar to GI, no statistically significant difference was observed between chlorhexidine and probiotics regarding the plaque index within 4 weeks (WMD 0.11, 95% CI: −0.05∼0.28,P = 0.1726). No statistically significant difference was observed between chlorhexidine and probiotics in all time intervals regarding oral hygiene index-simplified (WMD −0.01, 95% CI: −0.05∼0.04,P = 0.7508). The robustness of these findings was confirmed by sensitivity analysis and publication bias assessments. Conclusions. Based on the findings, probiotics were an acceptable alternative to conventional chlorhexidine in improving periodontal health. High-quality studies with rigorous methodology should be conducted to assess the optimum doses of probiotics for clinical implications.