bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatio‐Temporal Variations of Habitat Quality Under 8 SSP‐RCP Scenarios in China
Authors: Feng Yuke , Zhai Shiyan , Song Genxin , Song Hongquan , Dong Guanpeng , Jiang Xintong , Dong Changchang , Jayathilaka H. B. T. P.
Published: June 2024

Habitat quality is a key expression of ecosystem ability and the basis for effective species conservation and regional ecological environment improvement. However, most studies have focused on assessing habitat quality over historical periods, ignoring the influence of coupled future development paths and climate change. The present study addresses this issue by developing a spatial‐temporal variation analysis framework for assessing habitat quality in China, which integrates the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade‐offs (InVEST) model with eight Earth system coupled scenarios (SSP‐RCP). The results showed that from 2020 to 2100, and under five scenarios (SSP2‐4.5, SSP3‐7.0, SSP4‐6.0, SSP5‐3.4, and SSP5‐8.5), habitat quality was generally stable and high, while under three scenarios (SSP1‐1.9, SSP1‐2.6, and SSP4‐3.4), it decreased. The SSP2‐4.5 scenario was significantly better than the SSP4‐3.4 scenario. In all scenarios, the influences of different development patterns on China's ecologically fragile areas were obvious and serious. In 2030 and 2060, the spatial distribution patterns of habitat degradation and habitat quality had similar characteristics. High habitat degradation values were mostly distributed east of the Heihe‐Tengchong Line, while low values were mainly distributed in the arid zone. The mean habitat degradation ranged between 0.0226 and 0.0302, and the degradation degree was relatively light. The habitat quality index mean was 0.5120–0.5376, indicating that the overall habitat quality was at the medium level. This study provides a potential ecological protection baseline for China based on habitat protection and provides an important reference for China's sustainable development.
Mountainous Floodplain Connectivity in Response to Hydrological Transitions
Authors: Babey Tristan , Perzan Zach , Pierce Sam , Rogers Brian , Wang Lijing , Carroll Rosemary W. H. , Bargar John R. , Boye Kristin , Maher Kate
Published: June 2024

In mountainous watersheds, floodplain sediments are typically characterized by gravel bed layers capped by an overlying soil unit that serves as a hotspot for biogeochemical reactivity. However, the influence of soil biogeochemistry on gravel bed underflow composition remains unclear, especially during hydrological transitions that alter the vertical connectivity between overlaying soils and the underlying gravel bed. This study investigates these dynamics by measuring hydraulic gradients and water compositions over three hydrological years in a typical mountainous, low‐order stream floodplain in the Upper Colorado River Basin. Results indicate that the timing of hydrological conditions strongly influences the vertical exchanges that control water quality. Specifically, during flooding events such as beaver ponding, that induce downward flushing of the soil, anoxic conditions prevalent in the biogeochemically active soil are transferred downstream via gravel bed underflow. Conversely, snowmelt and drought conditions increase oxic conditions in the gravel bed due to diminished hydrological connectivity with the overlying soil. To compare water quality response to hydrological transitions across similar floodplain environments, we propose a conceptual model that quantifies the inundation‐induced flushing of soil porewater to measure solute exchange efficiency with the gravel bed solute convergence efficiency (SCE). This model provides a framework for quantifying biogeochemical processes in hydrological underflow systems, which is critical for water and elemental budgets in these globally important mountainous ecosystems.
Biomarkers of mortality in adults and adolescents with advanced HIV in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Riitho Victor , Connon Roisin , Gwela Agnes , Namusanje Josephine , Nhema Ruth , Siika Abraham , Bwakura-Dangarembizi Mutsa , Musiime Victor , Berkley James A. , Szubert Alex J. , Gibb Diana M. , Walker A. Sarah , Klein Nigel , Prendergast Andrew J.
Published: June 2024

One-third of people with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa start antiretroviral therapy (ART) with advanced disease. We investigated associations between immune biomarkers and mortality in participants with advanced HIV randomised to cotrimoxazole or enhanced antimicrobial prophylaxis in the Reduction of Early Mortality in HIV-Infected Adults and Children Starting Antiretroviral Therapy (REALITY) trial (ISRCTN43622374). Biomarkers were assayed using ELISA and Luminex. Associations between baseline values and all-cause 24-week mortality were analysed using Cox models, and for cause-specific mortality used Fine & Gray models, including prophylaxis randomisation, viral load, CD4, WHO stage, age, BMI, and site as covariates; and weighted according to inverse probability of selection into the substudy. Higher baseline CRP, IFN-γ, IL-6 and IP-10 were associated with higher all-cause mortality; and higher IL-23, IL-2 and RANTES with lower all-cause mortality. Associations varied by cause of death: tuberculosis-associated mortality was most strongly associated with higher CRP and sST2, and cryptococcosis-associated mortality with higher IL-4 and lower IL-8. Changes in I-FABP (p = 0.002), faecal alpha-1 antitrypsin (p = 0.01) and faecal myeloperoxidase (p = 0.005) between baseline and 4 weeks post-ART were greater in those receiving enhanced versus cotrimoxazole prophylaxis. Our findings highlight how the immune milieu shapes outcomes following ART initiation, and how adjunctive antimicrobials can modulate the gut environment in advanced HIV.
COVID-19 vaccination and major cardiovascular and haematological adverse events in Abu Dhabi: retrospective cohort study
Authors: Pimentel Marco A. F. , Shaikh Maaz , Al Safi Muna , Naqvi Yousuf , Khan Shadab
Published: June 2024

The widespread administration of COVID-19 vaccines has prompted a need to understand their safety profile. This investigation focuses on the safety of inactivated and mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines, particularly concerning potential cardiovascular and haematological adverse events. A retrospective cohort study was conducted for 1.3 million individuals residing in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, who received 1.8 million doses of the inactivated BBIBP CorV (by SinoPharm) and mRNA-based BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) vaccines between June 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022. The study’s primary outcome was to assess the occurrence of selected cardiovascular and haematological events leading to hospitalization or emergency room visits within 21 days post-vaccination. Results showed no significant increase in the incidence rates of these events compared to the subsequent 22 to 42 days following vaccination. Analysis revealed no elevated risk for adverse outcomes following first (IRR 1·03; 95% CI 0·82-1·31), second (IRR 0·92; 95% CI 0·72-1·16) and third (IRR 0·82; 95% CI 0·66-1·00) doses of either vaccine. This study found no substantial link between receiving either mRNA and inactivated COVID-19 vaccines and a higher likelihood of cardiovascular or haematological events within 21 days after vaccination.
VirBR, a transcription regulator, promotes IncX3 plasmid transmission, and persistence of blaNDM-5 in zoonotic bacteria
Authors: Ma Tengfei , Xie Ning , Gao Yuan , Fu Jiani , Tan Chun E. , Yang Qiu E. , Wang Shaolin , Shen Zhangqi , Ji Quanjiang , Parkhill Julian , Wu Congming , Wang Yang , Walsh Timothy R. , Shen Jianzhong
Published: June 2024

IncX3 plasmids carrying the New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-encoding gene, blaNDM-5, are rapidly spreading globally in both humans and animals. Given that carbapenems are listed on the WHO AWaRe watch group and are prohibited for use in animals, the drivers for the successful dissemination of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) carrying blaNDM-5-IncX3 plasmids still remain unknown. We observe that E. coli carrying blaNDM-5-IncX3 can persist in chicken intestines either under the administration of amoxicillin, one of the largest veterinary β-lactams used in livestock, or without any antibiotic pressure. We therefore characterise the blaNDM-5-IncX3 plasmid and identify a transcription regulator, VirBR, that binds to the promoter of the regulator gene actX enhancing the transcription of Type IV secretion systems (T4SS); thereby, promoting conjugation of IncX3 plasmids, increasing pili adhesion capacity and enhancing the colonisation of blaNDM-5-IncX3 transconjugants in animal digestive tracts. Our mechanistic and in-vivo studies identify VirBR as a major factor in the successful spread of blaNDM-5-IncX3 across one-health AMR sectors. Furthermore, VirBR enhances the plasmid conjugation and T4SS expression by the presence of copper and zinc ions, thereby having profound ramifications on the use of universal animal feeds.
CD4+ T cells display a spectrum of recall dynamics during re-infection with malaria parasites
Authors: Lee Hyun Jae , Moreira Marcela L. , Li Shihan , Asatsuma Takahiro , Williams Cameron G. , Skinner Oliver P. , Asad Saba , Bramhall Michael , Jiang Zhe , Liu Zihan , Kerr Ashlyn S. , Engel Jessica A. , Soon Megan S. F. , Straube Jasmin , Barrera Irving , Murray Evan , Chen Fei , Nideffer Jason , Jagannathan Prasanna , Haque Ashraful
Published: June 2024

Children in malaria-endemic regions can experience repeated Plasmodium infections over short periods of time. Effects of re-infection on multiple co-existing CD4+ T cell subsets remain unresolved. Here, we examine antigen-experienced CD4+ T cells during re-infection in mice, using scRNA-seq/TCR-seq and spatial transcriptomics. TCR transgenic TEM cells initiate rapid Th1/Tr1 recall responses prior to proliferating, while GC Tfh counterparts are refractory, with TCM/Tfh-like cells exhibiting modest non-proliferative responses. Th1-recall is a partial facsimile of primary Th1-responses, with no upregulated effector-associated genes being unique to recall. Polyclonal, TCR-diverse, CD4+ T cells exhibit similar recall dynamics, with individual clones giving rise to multiple effectors including highly proliferative Th1/Tr1 cells, as well as GC Tfh and Tfh-like cells lacking proliferative capacity. Thus, we show substantial diversity in recall responses mounted by multiple co-existing CD4+ T cell subsets in the spleen, and present graphical user interfaces for studying gene expression dynamics and clonal relationships during re-infection.
Cation etching-induced deep self-reconstruction to form a polycrystalline structure for efficient electrochemical water oxidation
Authors: Zhang Jing , Guo Jing , Li Hugang , Luo Hao , Niu Shuai
Published: June 2024

In this work, we report a straightforward in situ leaching strategy to achieve rapid structure self-reconstruction of NiRu–OH/NF.
Metal–organic framework based self-powered devices for human body energy harvesting
Authors: Lu Xin , Chen Zhi , Chen Guangming , Liu Zhuoxin
Published: June 2024

This article highlights the recent advancements in MOF-based materials for thermal or mechanical energy harvesting from the human body.
Multi-responsive Pickering emulsifiers: a comprehensive study on the emulsification–demulsification behavior of modified chitosan-coated Fe3O4 nanocomposites
Authors: Hu Jianwen , Chi Mingshuo , He Runna , Fan Junjie , Gao Haotian , Xie Wenqing , Dai Kunxiu , Sun Shuangqing , Hu Songqing
Published: June 2024

Three novel magnetic responsive composite emulsifiers (Fe3O4@SiO2@CS-DMAEMA, Fe3O4@SiO2@CS-DMMA and Fe3O4@SiO2@CS-DMAAE.) were designed, which can achieve different stabilizing abilities for Pickering emulsions by altering the pH value.
Theoretical investigation of the OH-initiated atmospheric degradation mechanism of CX2CHX (X = H, F, Cl) by advanced quantum chemical and transition state theory methods
Authors: Rais Nadjib , Salta Zoi , Tasinato Nicola
Published: June 2024

The OH atmospheric reactivity of CH2CH2(ETH), CF2CHF (TFE) and CCl2CHCl (TCE) was investigated with the use of high-level quantum-chemical methods. Mechanistic and kinetic details confirmed and explained existing experimental results.
Prediction of pair interactions in mixtures by matrix completion
Authors: Hoffmann Marco , Hayer Nicolas , Kohns Maximilian , Jirasek Fabian , Hasse Hans
Published: June 2024

In this work, we present the first method for predicting the unlike binary interaction parameters in molecular simulations for unstudied mixtures based on a matrix completion method from machine learning.
Theoretical insights into the interplay between metal–organic and covalent bonding in single-layer molecular networks formed by halogen dissociation
Authors: Ibenskas Andrius , Šimėnas Mantas , Tornau Evaldas E.
Published: June 2024

Coarse-grained Monte Carlo simulations of dehalogenative assembly of metal–organic and covalent polymer networks.
Electron–phonon coupling effect on the optical absorption of gated β12-borophene
Authors: Phong Tran Cong , Phuc Huynh V. , Phuong Le T. T.
Published: June 2024

This study addresses the effect of electron–phonon coupling (EPC) on the electro-optical properties of gated β12-borophene.
Polyoxometalate-HKUST-1 composite derived nanostructured Na–Cu–Mo2C catalyst for efficient reverse water gas shift reaction
Authors: Singh Gaje , Panda Satyajit , Sapan Siddharth , Singh Jogender , Chandewar Pranay Rajendra , Biradar Ankush V. , Shee Debaprasad , Bordoloi Ankur
Published: June 2024

Transforming CO2 to CO via reverse water–gas shift (RWGS) reaction is widely regarded as a promising technique for improving the efficiency and economics of CO2 utilization processes.
Sculpting liquid metal stabilized interfaces: a gateway to liquid electronics
Authors: Mahapatra Reek , Das Subhabrata , Gill Arshdeep Kaur , Singh Devender , Sangwan Anvi , Ghosh Kaushik , Patra Debabrata
Published: June 2024

Sculpting of Ga NPs stabilized droplet is achieved here by interfacial jamming of metal–phenolate network at oil–water interface for low-voltage electronic applications.
Why do we assess students? investigating general chemistry instructors’ conceptions of assessment purposes and their relationships to assessment practices
Authors: Shi Lu , Wang Ying , Mitchell-Jones Jherian K. , Stains Marilyne
Published: June 2024

Assessment plays a critical role in instruction and curriculum. Existing literature on instructors’ assessment practices and related factors has been intensively focused on primary and secondary education. This study extended the contexts of previous literature to post-secondary chemistry education by exploring general chemistry instructors’ conceptions of assessment purposes and their assessment practices. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 general chemistry instructors from 14 institutions across the East Coast region of the United States of America. The results demonstrate that instructors predominately perceive the purpose of Assessment of Learning (i.e., evaluation of student performance) with only few of them mentioning purposes of Assessment for Learning (i.e., assessment provides actionable feedback for both the instructors and the students) and Assessment as Learning (i.e., assessment promotes self-regulation). The use of various assessment practices is related to the number of assessment purposes instructors recognize. In addition, the study demonstrates that instructors perceive their assessment practices to be influenced by academic culture and departmental norms. This nuanced understanding can guide practical and research efforts to improve chemistry instructors’ engagement in assessment reforms.
Electronic structure modulation to enhance the internal electric field and artificial photosynthesis by Br introduction in layered BixOyBrz
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Wang Ruonan , Zhong Qin
Published: June 2024

BixOyBrz, as a new class of promising layered materials for photocatalysis, have been extensively applied in CO2 reduction.
Electron beam irradiation cross-linked PP/LDPE blends with triple-shape memory capabilities
Authors: Shi Xiang , Fu Chao
Published: June 2024

Irradiation crosslinked triple-SMPs of PP/LDPE blends with co-continuous structures.
Direct writing of flexible two-dimensional MXene arrays for SERS sensing
Authors: Lan Leilei , Yang Sen , Li Guoqun , Zhao Caiye , Liu Jin , Tang Xiao , Zhao Xing , Qu Zhongwei , Gao Juan , Fan Xingce , Qiu Teng
Published: June 2024

A simple direct writing method to on-demand design flexible 2D M2C (M = Ti, V, Mo, Nb) MXene SERS substrates is developed.
Employing Computed Tomography to Assess Clavicle Symmetry in Healthy Adults in the Indian Population of Dakshina Karnataka
Authors: Barde Mustapha Alhaji , Sharma Dolly A. , Yadav Sushil
Published: June 2024

Background The S-shaped collar bone lies horizontally at the root of the neck and is one of the most common bones to fracture. The symmetry of the clavicle bone differs between males and females, so the present study was conducted to assess the symmetry of the clavicle in healthy adults of the Indian population in the Dakshina Karnataka region.

Methods The data for this cross-sectional study were retrospectively collected from 138 adult patients who all underwent chest computed tomography (CT) for clinical reasons. Patients younger than 18 years and those with bony fractures, trauma, or other deformities were excluded. Axial chest CT images were used to trace the anatomy of the clavicle. The curved planar reconstruction technique was used to trace the maximum length of the bilateral clavicle.

Results There were 138 patients of both sexes. Patients ranged in age from 20 to 80 years. The chi-square test was used to investigate whether sex and clavicle symmetry were related. In women, bilateral symmetry and asymmetry were 42.5 and 41.2%, respectively, while in men, they were 57.5 and 58.8%, respectively; hence, there was no significant correlation (p-value = 0.877) between clavicle symmetry and sex. A linear-by-linear association test was performed to ascertain the relationship between the variance in clavicle symmetry and age. It was noted that 51 individuals had asymmetry and 87 had symmetry. The patients were further divided into three age groups. There were 34, 67, and 37 individuals in the 20 to 40, 41 to 60, and 61 to 80 years age groups, respectively. Clavicle symmetry was 27.6% in the 20 to 40 and 61 to 80 age groups and 44.8% in the 41 to 60 age group. The percentages of asymmetry were 19.6, 54.9, and 25.5% in the 20 to 40, 41 to 60, and 61 to 80 years age groups, respectively, with no correlation between age and clavicle length symmetry (p-value = 0.643).

Conclusion Regardless of age or sex, the population under study had symmetric clavicles. As a result, the assumption of symmetry may be accepted in some clinical scenarios, such as simple fractures, but caution should be exercised when designing fixatives and surgical cases.
News media in crisis: a sentiment and emotion analysis of US news articles on unemployment in the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Yu Lingli , Yang Ling
Published: June 2024

News media play an indispensable role in disseminating information and shaping public perception during times of crisis. This study, integrating sentiment, emotion, discourse, and timeline analyses together, conducts a corpus-based sentiment analysis of the news articles on unemployment from the New York Times in 2020 to capture the emotional dynamics conveyed by the newspaper as the pandemic-induced unemployment developed in the US. The results reveal that positive sentiment in the news articles on unemployment is significantly higher than negative sentiment. In emotion analysis, “trust” and “anticipation” rank the first and second among the eight emotions, while “fear” and “sadness” top the negative emotions. Complemented with a discourse analysis approach, the study reveals that the change of the sentiments and emotions over time is linked with the evolution of the pandemic and unemployment, the policy response as well as the protests against ethnic inequalities. This study highlights the important role mainstream news media play in information dissemination and solution-focused reportage at the time of severe crisis.
Impact of automated alerts on discharge opioid overprescribing after general surgery
Authors: Rizk Elsie , Kaur Navjot , Duong Phuong Y , Fink Ezekiel , Wanat Matthew A , Douglas Thornton J , Kim Min P
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The objectives of this study were to identify the most performed surgical procedures associated with the highest rates of discharge opioid overprescribing and to implement an electronic health record (EHR) alert to reduce discharge opioid overprescribing.

Methods

This quality improvement, before-and-after study included patients undergoing one of the identified target procedures—laparoscopic cholecystectomy, unilateral open inguinal hernia repair, and laparoscopic appendectomy—at an academic medical center. The alert notified providers when the prescribed opioid quantity exceeded guideline recommendations. The preimplementation cohort included surgical encounters from January 2020 to December 2021. The EHR alert was implemented in May 2022 following provider education via email and in-person presentations. The postimplementation cohort included surgical encounters from May to August 2022. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with a discharge opioid supply exceeding guideline recommendations (overprescribing).

Results

A total of 1,478 patients were included in the preimplementation cohort, and 141 patients were included in the postimplementation cohort. The proportion of patients with discharge opioid overprescribing decreased from 48% in the preimplementation cohort to 3% in the postimplementation cohort, with an unadjusted absolute reduction of 45% (95% confidence interval, 41% to 49%; P < 0.001) and an adjusted odds ratio of 0.03 (95% confidence interval, 0.01 to 0.08; P < 0.001). Among patients who received opioids, the mean (SD) opioid supply at discharge decreased from 92 (43) oral morphine milligram equivalents (MME) (before implementation) to 57 (20) MME (after implementation) (P < 0.001). The proportion of patients who received additional opioid prescriptions within 1 to 14 days following hospital discharge did not change (P = 0.76).

Conclusion

Implementation of an EHR alert along with provider education can reduce discharge opioid overprescribing following general surgery.
Slit1 inhibits ovarian follicle development and female fertility in mice
Authors: Grudet Florine , Martinot Emmanuelle , Godin Philippe , Bérubé Michael , Chédotal Alain , Boerboom Derek
Published: June 2024

Previous in vitro studies have suggested that SLIT ligands could play roles in regulating ovarian granulosa cell proliferation and gene expression, as well as luteolysis. However, no in vivo study of Slit gene function has been conducted to date. Here, we investigated the potential role of Slit1 in ovarian biology using a Slit1-null mouse model. Female Slit1-null mice were found to produce larger litters than their wild-type counterparts due to increased ovulation rates. Increased ovarian weights in Slit1-null animals were found to be due to the presence of greater numbers of healthy antral follicles with similar numbers of atretic ones, suggesting both an increased rate of follicle recruitment and a decreased rate of atresia. Consistent with this, treatment of cultured granulosa cells with exogenous SLIT1 induced apoptosis in presence or absence of follicle-stimulating hormone, but had no effect on cell proliferation. Although few alterations in the messenger RNA levels of follicle-stimulating hormone-responsive genes were noted in granulosa cells of Slit1-null mice, luteinizing hormone target gene mRNA levels were greatly increased. Finally, increased phospho-AKT levels were found in granulosa cells isolated from Slit1-null mice, and SLIT1 pretreatment of cultured granulosa cells inhibited the ability of both follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone to increase AKT phosphorylation, suggesting a mechanism whereby SLIT1 could antagonize gonadotropin signaling. These findings therefore represent the first evidence for a physiological role of a SLIT ligand in the ovary, and define Slit1 as a novel autocrine/paracrine regulator of follicle development.
‘Relocating Adolescents’: The Costs of Out-of-Area Placements as a Response to Extra-Familial Risk/Harm
Authors: Holmes Lisa , Pinto Vânia S , Wroe Lauren Elizabeth , Peace Delphine , Firmin Carlene
Published: June 2024

In the UK, there has been increased awareness of the harm adolescents face beyond their families. There is no national strategy for safeguarding adolescents. One intervention that comes with particularly high costs is relocation placements by children’s social care that move adolescents some distance from their communities. This research aims to contribute to the evidence about the relocation of adolescents exposed to, or at risk of extra-familial risk/harm. The research reported here sought to explore the costs associated with relocation placements. Data were gathered about the time taken to carry out the social work processes associated with relocation placements and about the costs associated with the placements. Two interviews and six focus groups were conducted with twenty-four participants. The findings highlight that each adolescent had a unique context, which was influenced by the type of extra-familial risk/harm. The service response therefore needed to be tailored, and unit costs are presented as a range from £22,000 to £170,000 for six months. There is substantial variability in the use and costs of relocation placements. The findings offer evidence for earlier intervention to avoid extra-familial risk/harm. The financial costs of relocation placements need to be considered within the context of the well-being of adolescents.
Inhumation as Theophanic Encounter: The Eastern Orthodox Rejection of Cremation
Authors: Earl Alexander
Published: June 2024

This essay aims to articulate why the Orthodox have historically, and to the present, opposed cremation. Its primary line of argument is that inhumation is a site of “theophanic encounter”: a manifestation of the Glory of God. This theophanic quality is borne out in the scriptures and the Church’s liturgical experience. In particular, the connections between the funeral service and the entombed Christ on Holy Friday and Saturday properly situate the meaning of the post-mortem body. This intimate connection between the deceased and their body is clear in Orthodoxy’s “hylomorphism,” the soul-body unity, which champions the eschatology of resurrection. Finally, all of the above is concretely experienced in the cult of the saints and their relics, which become vehicles for the divine energies: a theophany of Christ’s ongoing conquest of sin and death. Thus, cremation can only be viewed as a tragic misunderstanding of the dual meaning of “doxa” in Orthodoxy: right-belief and right-glory.
Case report: pseudoaneurysm of left ventricle secondary to infective endocarditis complicated by cardiac rupture—a multimodality imaging approach
Authors: Ruggerini Sara , Venturelli Andrea , Tripodi Alberto Giovanni , Brega Carlotta
Published: June 2024

Background

Pseudoaneurysm (PSA) of the left ventricle (LV) is a rare peri-annular complication of infective endocarditis (IE), and it is associated with high risk of free wall rupture. The diagnosis is challenging because the exact incidence and the pathogenesis are still unclear.

Case summary

A 69-year-old lady underwent prosthetic mitral valve replacement for IE secondary to Staphylococcus aureus sepsis complicated by multiple embolizations. In the post-operative period, the patient developed persistent low-grade fever with negative blood culture. Transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) revealed complete posterior valve detachment and a PSA sac arising from the antero-lateral commissure; the colour flow Doppler showed massive mitral regurgitation. Thoracic computed tomography (CT) scan confirmed the echo data and the exact localization of the cardiac rupture. The patient underwent reoperation, a pericardial patch was sutured to exclude the PSA sac, and a mechanical prosthesis valve was finally implanted. A follow-up TOE revealed the exclusion of the PSA; two leakages with mild peri-valvular mitral regurgitation were found, with no haemodynamic impact.

Discussion

In our case, the patient developed a PSA of the LV as a consequence of peri-annular extension of IE on the mitral valve. Pseudoaneurysm is a potentially lethal complication, if not promptly treated. Multimodality imaging including echocardiography and CT scan is recommended, in order to plan surgery ad hoc.
Use of decision tree ensembles for crustal structure imaging from receiver functions
Authors: Wang Yitan , Russo R M , Lin Yuanhang
Published: June 2024

Mode conversion of P waves at the boundary between Earth's crust and upper mantle, when analysed using receiver functions (RFs), allows characterization of Earth structure where seismic station density is high and earthquake sources are favourably distributed. We applied two ensemble decision tree algorithms—Random Forest (RanFor) and eXtreme Gradient Boost (XGBoost)—to synthetic and real RF data to assess these machine learning techniques' potential for crustal imaging when available data are sparse. The synthetic RFs, entailing both sharp increases in seismic velocity across the Moho and gradational Moho structures, calculated with and without added random noise, correspond to idealized crustal structures: a dipping Moho, Moho offset by crustal-scale faults, anti- and synform Moho structures and combinations of these. The RanFor/XGBoost algorithm recovers input structures well regardless of event-station distributions. Useful crustal and upper mantle seismic velocities can also be determined using RanFor and XGBoost, making it possible to image crustal thickness and P- and S-wave velocities simultaneously from RFs alone. We applied the trained RanFor/XGBoost to RFs determined from real seismic data recorded in the contiguous United States, producing a map of the Moho and P- and S-wave velocities of the lowermost crust and uppermost mantle. Use of XGBoost, which evaluates residuals between input RFs and ground-truth to update the decision tree using the gradient of a penalty function, improves the crustal thickness estimates.
Seafloor topography refinement from multisource data using genetic algorithm—backpropagation neural network
Authors: Wu Chunhong , Su Xinwen , Xu Chuang , Jian Guangyu , Li Jinbo
Published: June 2024

During the inversion of seafloor topography (ST) using the backpropagation neural network (BPNN), the random selection of parameters may decrease the accuracy. To address this issue and achieve a more efficient global search, this paper introduces a genetic algorithm-backpropagation (GA-BP) neural network. Benefiting from the global search and parallel computing capabilities of the GA, this study refines the ST of the South China Sea using multisource gravity data. The results indicate that the GA-BP model, with a root mean square (RMS) value of 126.0 m concerning ship-measured water depths. It is noteworthy that when dealing with regions characterized by sparse survey line distributions, the GA-BP neural network stronger robustness compared to BPNN, showing less sensitivity to the distribution of survey data. Furthermore, the paper explores the influence of different data pre-processing methods on the neural network inversion of sea depths. This research introduces an optimization algorithm that reduces instability during BPNN initialization, resulting in a more accurate prediction of ST.
Spatial variation in stress orientation in and around Türkiye: rupture propagation across the stress regime transition in the 2023 Mw 7.8 Kahramanmaraş earthquake
Authors: Yoshida Keisuke
Published: June 2024

On 6 February 2023, the Mw 7.8 Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye, earthquake occurred on the East Anatolian Fault Zone (EAFZ). This study examined the spatial variation of the stress field in and around Türkiye, particularly along the EAFZ, better to understand the rupture process of this event. We first combined focal mechanisms around Türkiye, created a data set consisting of 2984 focal mechanisms, and conducted stress tensor inversion. The results showed that the maximum compressional axis near the EAFZ was oriented north–south and slightly varied along the strike. Moreover, the relative magnitude of north–south compressional stress gradually increased from south to north, and the stress regime changes from a normal fault regime to a strike-slip fault regime. The static stress change caused by the 2023 Mw 7.8 and 7.7 events does not explain this lateral pattern, implying that this stress regime transition existed before the main shock. This suggests that shear stress on the EAFZ was low in this southern segment because it was unfavourably oriented to the regional stress field. Dynamic stress changes due to rupture propagation and dynamic weakening may have triggered the slip at the southern segment under low background shear stress. Previous studies have reported that the Mw 7.8 main shock rupture started at a splay fault, first propagated through the central and northern segments and then backpropagated with a time delay towards the southern segment, where it caused a significant but relatively small slip. The pre-existing along-strike shear stress variation on the fault may have contributed to the smaller and delayed coseismic slip in the southern segment than in the central and northern segments. The main shock rupture possibly caused stress rotation locally near the central segment where the magnitudes of the vertical and north–south compressional stresses were almost equal.
Farming, finance and family: factors associated with anxiety, depression and stress among Western Australian farmers
Authors: Riethmuller Micaela L , Newnham Elizabeth A , Dzidic Peta L , McEvoy Peter M
Published: June 2024

Farming is a challenging, stressful and rewarding occupation involving many factors that are beyond farmers’ control. The aim of this study was to investigate correlates associated with the anxiety, depression and stress of farmers in Western Australia. Farmers and farm residents (N = 124) completed an online survey assessing anxiety, depression, stress, farming stressors, social supports, coping strategies and sense of belonging. Higher financial/external trade and societal pressures, family/relationship tension, use of coping strategies such as self-blame, venting, disengagement and planning, lack of succession planning and considering selling the farm, and lower social support and sense of belonging, were associated with higher anxiety, depression and/or stress. The findings highlight the specific impacts of financial and family pressures on poorer mental health status among farmers. Clinical and community interventions that build on naturally occurring strengths, such as family support and community connectedness, are needed.
Giving meaning to quality of healthcare in Malaysia
Authors: Nair Narayanan Divya , Awang Samsiah , Agins Bruce , Mohd Ujang Izzatur Rahmi , Zulkifli Nur Wahida , Hamidi Normaizira , Ahmad Shukri Saidatul Sheeda
Published: June 2024

Ensuring quality in healthcare calls for a coordinated, systematic, congruous, and sustained approach. Nevertheless, it demands defining what the quality of healthcare means in the local context. Presently, the Malaysian healthcare system utilizes various definitions of quality of healthcare across the different initiatives and levels of healthcare, which can lead to fragmented or ineffective quality improvement. The study aims to describe the process undertaken in developing an explicit definition of the quality of healthcare tailored to the Malaysian context, which is currently lacking. A pluralistic method was used to explore the different perspectives. Three distinct approaches were used to understand how quality is defined among the different stakeholder groups: (i) interactive policy-makers engagement sessions, (ii) a review of local quality-related documents, and (iii) an online survey engaging the public. The domains depicting quality of healthcare that emerged through these three approaches were mapped against a framework and synthesized to form the local definition of quality. A national quality-related technical working group convened on several sessions to achieve consensus and finalize the definition of quality of healthcare. Quality healthcare in Malaysia is defined as providing high-quality healthcare that is safe, timely, effective, equitable, efficient, people-centred, and accessible [STEEEPA] which is innovative and responsive to the needs of the people, and is delivered as a team, in a caring and professional manner in order to improve health outcomes and client experience. The consensus-driven local definition of healthcare quality will guide policies and ensure standardization in measuring quality, thereby steering efforts to improve the quality of healthcare services delivered in Malaysia.
A comparison of the MPN and pour plate methods for estimating shellfish contamination by Escherichia coli
Authors: Cooper David M , Mannion Finn , Jones Laurence , Pinn Eunice , Sorby Rees , Malham Shelagh K , Le Vay Lewis
Published: June 2024

Aims

Shellfish production areas are classified for suitability for human consumption using counts of Escherichia coli in shellfish samples. Two alternative laboratory methods are approved in the European Union and UK for measuring E. coli in shellfish samples; the most probable number (MPN) and pour plate methods. These methods have inherently different statistical uncertainty and may give different counts for the same sample. Using two approaches: simulated data and spiking experiments, we investigate the theoretical properties of the two methods to determine their reliability for shellfish waters classification.

Methods and results

Assuming a Poisson distribution of E. coli in shellfish samples, we simulate concentrations in 10 000 samples using the MPN and pour plate methods. We show that for higher concentrations of E. coli the pour plate method becomes increasingly more reliable than the MPN method. The MPN method has higher probabilities than pour plate of generating results exceeding shellfish classification thresholds, while conversely having higher probabilities of failing to detect counts that exceed regulatory thresholds. The theoretical analysis also demonstrates that the MPN method can produce genuine extreme outliers, even when E. coli are randomly distributed within the sampled material. A laboratory spiking experiment showed results consistent with the theoretical analysis, suggesting the Poisson assumption used in the theoretical analysis is reasonable.

Conclusion

The large differences in statistical properties between the pour plate and MPN methods should be taken into consideration in classifying shellfish beds, with the pour plate method being more reliable over the crucial range of E. coli concentrations used to determine class boundaries.
Fractional CO2 Laser for Burn Scars: A Comparison of Patient-Reported Outcomes Between Those With and Without Laser Treatment
Authors: Abouzeid Cailin , Friedstat Jonathan , Goldstein Richard , Chacon Kaitlyn L , Mehta Anupama , Sheridan Robert L , Schulz John T , Kazis Lewis , Goverman Jeremy , Ryan Colleen M , Schneider Jeffrey C
Published: June 2024

Burn reconstruction outcomes are an area of growing investigation. Although there is evidence of measured physical improvements in scar characteristics after laser treatment, there is little information on patient-reported outcomes. The purpose of this study is to compare patient-reported outcomes between burn survivors with and without laser treatment. The study included participants in the Burn Model System National Database at a single center; participants that received outpatient laser treatment for burn scars were compared to a matched group of burn survivors that did not receive laser. The following outcomes were examined: Satisfaction With Life Scale, Mental and Physical Component Summary of the Veterans Rand Survey, and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pain Intensity Scale. Regression analyses examined the associations between laser treatment and each outcome at 12 and 24 months. The study population included 287 adult burn survivors (65 laser group and 222 control group). The significant differences found between the 2 groups included: burn size (laser: 14.9, 13.5 SD, control: 8.9, 11.1 SD; P < .001), insurance type (P = .036), inhalation injury (laser: 17.2%, control: 2.7%; P < .001), and ventilator requirement (laser: 27.7%, control: 13.5%; P = .013). Laser treatment was not associated with any of the outcomes at both follow-up time points. Further research is needed to develop patient-reported outcome measures that are more sensitive to the clinical changes experienced by burn survivors receiving laser treatment.
Cultured Skin in the Modern Era and the Impact of Infrastructure Volatility on Learning Curves: A 33-Year Institutional Review
Authors: Lagziel Tomer , Kawaji Qingwen , Ku Ying , Rostami Sohayla , Martinez Stephanie L , Cox Carrie A , Werthman Emily , Caffrey Julie , Hultman Charles S
Published: June 2024

Finding a perfect epidermal transplant remains a holy grail of burn surgery. The epidermis is a site of stem cells that allows for epithelial regeneration. The use of cultured epithelial autografts (CEA) for the treatment of major burns was first reported in 1981. CEA requires specialized skills; thus, reports from different burn centers have shown mixed results. Comparing our modern data with past data shows how this field has advanced while maintaining institutional control. We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients admitted between January 1, 1988 and December 31, 2021 for massive burns that were managed with CEA. Patients were divided into pre-defined groups: G1 (early-era) = 1988–1999, G2 (pre-modern-era) = 2000–2010, and G3 (modern-era) = 2011–2021. We compared demographics, %TBSA, presence of inhalation-injury, length of hospital stay (LOS), complications, and mortality.

We treated 52 patients with CEA during the study period. In the modern-era, we found 11 patients; in the pre-modern-era, 10; and in the early-era, 31. Injury characteristics, including %TBSA and the presence of inhalation-injury, were not significantly different between the groups. We observed lower mortality rates in G1 and G3 (G1:20% vs. G2:42% vs. G3:27%, P < 0.05), although the predicted mortality was not significantly different between the groups (G1:50% vs. G2:47% vs. G3:49%, NS). Patients in G1 also had a shorter hospital LOS, in days, (G1:90 vs. G2:127 vs. G3:205, P < 0.05). Finally, the surface-area grafted per patient was the highest in G2 (G1:2,000cm2 vs. G2:4,187cm2 vs. G3:4,090cm2, P < 0.01). CEA has not gained popularity despite proven positive outcomes. Our retrospective analysis showed that CEA should be considered as a treatment option for patients with large burns, given proper training and infrastructure.
Women in Radiology: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Seely Jean M
Published: June 2024

Improving the status of women in radiology is crucial to better work environments. There is strong evidence in the business world that women leaders improve the workplace by making it more financially viable and by increasing collaboration, job satisfaction, and engagement. Diverse leadership fosters innovation, and women approach problem-solving with unique insights and collaborative styles. Gender diversity in leadership correlates with improved patient outcomes because women leaders prioritize patient-centered care and communication. Women create sustainable, productive work and improve radiology. Women serve as powerful role models, inspiring the next generation of women in radiology and addressing gender disparities. Increasing women leaders in radiology is essential to increase the number of women in radiology. This article summarizes many challenges women face when taking leadership roles: organizational biases prioritizing male viewpoints and marginalizing women’s voices and contributions, a lack of role models, a lack of time (“second shift”), a lack of confidence, a lack of interest or perceived benefit, a lack of support, burnout, and previous poor experiences. While systemic issues are difficult to overcome, this article assists in the training and development of women radiologists by offering strategies to enhance job satisfaction and bring new and valuable perspectives to leadership.
Magnetic fields in star-forming environments: how does field strength affect gas on spiral arm and cloud scales?
Authors: Herrington Nicholas P , Dobbs Clare L , Bending Thomas J R
Published: June 2024

We investigate star formation from subpc to kpc scales with magnetohydrodynamic models of a cloud structure and a section of galactic spiral arm. We aim to understand how magnetic fields affect star formation and cloud formation, and how feedback couples with magnetic fields on scales of clouds and clumps. We find that magnetic fields overall suppress star formation by ${\sim}$10 per cent with a weak field (5 $\mu$G) and ${\sim} 50$ per cent with a stronger field (50 $\mu$G). Cluster masses are reduced by about 40 per cent with a strong field but show little change with a weak field. We find that clouds tend to be aligned parallel to the field with a weak field and become perpendicularly aligned with a stronger field, whereas on clump scales the alignment is more random. The magnetic fields and densities of clouds and clumps in our models agree with the Zeeman measurements of the Crutcher relation $B\!-\!\rho$ in the weaker field models, while the strongest field models show a relation that is too flat compared to the observations. In all our models, we find that both subcritical and supercritical clouds and clumps are present. We also find that if using a line-of-sight (1D) measure of the magnetic field to determine the critical parameter, the magnetic field, and thereby also criticality, can vary by a factor of 3–4 depending on whether the direction the field is measured along corresponds to the direction of the ordered component of the magnetic field.
A population of mid-infrared large-amplitude variable young stellar objects from unTimely
Authors: Li Jiaxun , Wang Tinggui
Published: June 2024

Utilizing a decade-long unTimely data set, supplemented by multiband data from archives, we search for young stellar objects (YSOs) with variations larger than one magnitude in W1 band within a region of 110 square degrees in the Galactic plane, covered by VISTA Variables in the Via Lactea. A total of 641 candidate YSOs have been identified. We classified them into bursts, dips, faders, seculars, and irregulars. Within the burst category, 18 sources were identified as FUor candidates and 1 as an EXor candidate. Irregulars are the most prevalent in the sample. In both bursts and faders, the redder sources tend to show a pattern of bluer when brighter, whereas the bluer sources display the opposite trend, possibly related to the accretion structure of YSOs at different stages. Finally, we obtained the recurrence time-scale for FUor eruptions at various stages of YSO evolution. Our findings indicate that younger YSOs generally experience more frequent eruptions compared to older ones.