bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of separable direct and indirect effects in a continuous-time illness-death model
Authors: Breum Marie Skov , Munch Anders , Gerds Thomas A. , Martinussen Torben
Published: June 2023

In this article we study the effect of a baseline exposure on a terminal time-to-event outcome either directly or mediated by the illness state of a continuous-time illness-death process with baseline covariates. We propose a definition of the corresponding direct and indirect effects using the concept of separable (interventionist) effects (Robins and Richardson in Causality and psychopathology: finding the determinants of disorders and their cures, Oxford University Press, 2011; Robins et al. in arXiv:2008.06019, 2021; Stensrud et al. in J Am Stat Assoc 117:175–183, 2022). Our proposal generalizes Martinussen and Stensrud (Biometrics 79:127–139, 2023) who consider similar causal estimands for disentangling the causal treatment effects on the event of interest and competing events in the standard continuous-time competing risk model. Unlike natural direct and indirect effects (Robins and Greenland in Epidemiology 3:143–155, 1992; Pearl in Proceedings of the seventeenth conference on uncertainty in artificial intelligence, Morgan Kaufmann, 2001) which are usually defined through manipulations of the mediator independently of the exposure (so-called cross-world interventions), separable direct and indirect effects are defined through interventions on different components of the exposure that exert their effects through distinct causal mechanisms. This approach allows us to define meaningful mediation targets even though the mediating event is truncated by the terminal event. We present the conditions for identifiability, which include some arguably restrictive structural assumptions on the treatment mechanism, and discuss when such assumptions are valid. The identifying functionals are used to construct plug-in estimators for the separable direct and indirect effects. We also present multiply robust and asymptotically efficient estimators based on the efficient influence functions. We verify the theoretical properties of the estimators in a simulation study, and we demonstrate the use of the estimators using data from a Danish registry study.
Modelling compound flooding: a case study from Jakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Bennett William G. , Karunarathna Harshinie , Xuan Yunqing , Kusuma Muhammad S. B. , Farid Mohammad , Kuntoro Arno A. , Rahayu Harkunti P. , Kombaitan Benedictus , Septiadi Deni , Kesuma Tri N. A. , Haigh Richard , Amaratunga Dilanthi
Published: June 2023

The paper investigates compound flooding from waves, sea surge and river flow in northern Jakarta, Indonesia, which is a global hotspot of flooding, by combining process-based coastal and river models. The coastal hydrodynamic modelling of Jakarta Bay in Indonesia shows that coastal storms can lead to a substantial increase in sea water level due to wind and wave setup in the nearshore areas, including Muara Angke river inlet. The compound flood hazard from a range of flood scenarios was simulated and analysed. The results reveal that low-lying areas around the river inlet are prone to flooding even during regular, low-intensity storm events, while rarer storms caused extensive floods. Floods were not caused by direct overwashing of sea defences but by overspill of the banks of the river inlet due to high sea water level caused by wind set up, wave setup, and sea surge obstructing the drainage of the river and elevating its water level during storms. We also found that the sea level rise combined with rapid land subsidence will inundate the existing coastal flood defences during storms in future. The majority of the city will be below mean sea level by 2100. The overflow of existing coastal defences will lead to extensive flooding in northern, western, and eastern Jakarta unless the defences are upgraded to keep up with future sea level rise.
Leadership and international collaboration on COVID-19 research: reducing the North–South divide?
Authors: Carvalho Danilo Silva , Felipe Lucas Lopes , Albuquerque Priscila Costa , Zicker Fabio , Fonseca Bruna de Paula
Published: June 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered unprecedented scientific efforts worldwide and launched several initiatives to promote international cooperation. Because international scientific collaborations between high-income countries (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are not always balanced, analyzing research leadership helps to understand the global dynamics of knowledge production during COVID-19. In this study, we focused on HIC–LMIC collaborations on COVID-19 research in 469,937 scientific publications during the first 2 years of the pandemic (2020–2021). Co-authorship and authors’ affiliation were used to identify international collaborations, according to country income level. The leadership analysis considered the countries of the first and last authors of publications. The results show that (i) most publications with international collaborations (49.3%) involved researchers from HICs and LMICs; (ii) collaborative research between HICs and LMICs addressed relevant public health needs; (iii) HIC–LMIC collaborations were primarily led by researchers from the United States, China, the United Kingdom, and India; (iv) most HIC–LMIC publications (44%) had shared leadership, with research interests linked to national expertise and global interests. This study contributes to the analysis of research collaborations on COVID-19 and sheds light on North–South relations in the production and dissemination of scientific knowledge.
Co-interaction of nitrofuran antibiotics and the saponin-rich extract on gram-negative bacteria and colon epithelial cells
Authors: Grzywaczyk Adam , Smułek Wojciech , Olejnik Anna , Guzik Urszula , Nowak Agnieszka , Kaczorek Ewa
Published: June 2023

Large-scale use of nitrofurans is associated with a number of risks related to a growing resistance to these compounds and the toxic effects following from their increasing presence in wastewater and the environment. The aim of the study was to investigate an impact of natural surfactant, saponins from Sapindus mukorossi, on antimicrobial properties of nitrofuran antibiotics. Measurements of bacterial metabolic activity indicated a synergistic bactericidal effect in samples with nitrofurantoin or furazolidone, to which saponins were added. Their addition led to more than 50% greater reduction in viable cells than in the samples without saponins. On the other hand, no toxic effect against human colon epithelial cell was observed. It was found that exposure to antibiotics and surfactants caused the cell membranes to be dominated by branched fatty acids. Moreover, the presence of saponins reduced the hydrophobicity of the cell surface making them almost completely hydrophilic. The results have confirmed a high affinity of saponins to the cells of Pseudomonas strains. Their beneficial synergistic effect on the action of antibiotics from the nitrofuran group was also demonstrated. This result opens promising prospects for the use of saponins from S. mukorossi as an adjuvant to reduce the emission of antibiotics into the environment.
A multimodal domestic service robot interaction system for people with declined abilities to express themselves
Authors: Qin Chaolong , Song Aiguo , Wei Linhu , Zhao Yu
Published: June 2023

Driven by the shortage of qualified nurses and the increasing average age of the population, the ambient assisted living style using intelligent service robots and smart home systems has become an excellent choice to free up caregiver time and energy and provide users with a sense of independence. However, users’ unique environments and differences in abilities to express themselves through different interaction modalities make intention recognition and interaction between user and service system very difficult, limiting the use of these new nursing technologies. This paper presents a multimodal domestic service robot interaction system and proposes a multimodal fusion algorithm for intention recognition to deal with these problems. The impacts of short-term and long-term changes were taken into account. Implemented interaction modalities include touch, voice, myoelectricity gesture, visual gesture, and haptics. Users could freely choose one or more modalities through which to express themselves. Virtual games and virtual activities of independent living were designed for pre-training and evaluating users’ abilities to use different interaction modalities in their unique environments. A domestic service robot interaction system was built, on which a set of experiments were carried out to test the system’s stability and intention recognition ability in different scenarios. The experiment results show that the system is stable and effective and can adapt to different scenarios. In addition, the intention recognition rate in the experiments was 93.62%. Older adults could master the system quickly and use it to provide some assistance for their independent living.
Gesundheitsförderung und Prävention durch Gesundheitscoaches in der Routineversorgung – eine qualitative Interviewstudie mit Ärztinnen und Ärzten
Authors: Waibl Paula J. , Rothenhäusler Lena , Nöfer Eberhard , Meissner Karin
Published: June 2023

Hintergrund

Gesundheitsförderung und Prävention leisten wichtige Beiträge zur Vorbeugung von Krankheiten und Linderung von Krankheitsverläufen. Die Beratung von Patientinnen und Patienten zur Lebensführung erfordert Zeit, die in der medizinischen Routineversorgung häufig nicht ausreichend zur Verfügung steht. Einen möglichen Ansatzpunkt, um Maßnahmen der Prävention und Gesundheitsförderung stärker in die Routineversorgung zu integrieren, stellt die Einbindung eines Gesundheitscoaches dar. Die vorliegende qualitative Studie hatte zum Ziel, das Anforderungsprofil, den Bedarf und die Potenziale dieses noch nicht etablierten Berufsbilds aus ärztlicher Sicht zu untersuchen.

Methode

Mithilfe von halbstrukturierten, leitfadengestützten Interviews wurden 19 Ärztinnen und Ärzte aus dem stationären und ambulanten Setting zum möglichen Berufsbild des Gesundheitscoachs befragt. Die Interviews wurden aufgenommen, transkribiert und mittels qualitativer Inhaltsanalyse nach Mayring ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

Die befragten Ärztinnen und Ärzte sprachen sich deutlich für den Einbezug von Gesundheitscoaches in die Routineversorgung von Patientinnen und Patienten aus. An das Berufsbild wurden verschiedene fachliche, persönliche, soziale, methodische und formale Anforderungen gestellt, die in einer akademisch fundierten Ausbildung vermittelt werden sollten. Die Potenziale eines Gesundheitscoachs wurden auf der Ebene der Patientinnen und Patienten, des Gesundheitssystems, der Kliniken und Praxen, der Ärztinnen und Ärzte und der zukünftigen Gesundheitscoaches selbst gesehen und reichten von besserer Gesundheitsförderung und verminderten Kosten bis hin zur Entlastung des ärztlichen Personals.

Schlussfolgerung

Der aus Sicht der Befragten vorhandene Bedarf an Gesundheitscoaches und die ermittelten Potenziale unterstreichen die Bedeutung der Integration dieses neuen Berufsbilds in die ärztliche Versorgung. Vor der Umsetzung sind weitere Studien notwendig, z. B. hinsichtlich der Finanzierbarkeit und des tatsächlichen Nutzens eines Gesundheitscoaches für Patientinnen und Patienten und für das Gesundheitssystem.
Retrospective analysis of operative time and time to discharge for laparoscopic vs robotic approaches to appendectomy and cholecystectomy
Authors: Rifai Ahmad Oussama , Rembetski Emily M. , Stutts Larry Collins , Mazurek Zachary D. , Yeh Jenifer L. , Rifai Kareem , Bear Ryan A. , Maquiera Alexander J. , Rydell David J.
Published: June 2023

Robotic-assisted appendectomies and cholecystectomies are believed to increase cost compared to the gold standard laparoscopic approach. Two equally qualified surgeons performed both approaches over 2 years to evaluate intraoperative duration, time to discharge, conversion to open procedure, and readmission within 30 days. 110 laparoscopic, 81 robotic-assisted appendectomies; and 105 laparoscopic and 165 robotic-assisted cholecystectomies were performed. Intraoperative time; laparoscopic appendectomy was 1.402 vs 1.3615 h for robotic-assisted (P value = 0.304); laparoscopic cholecystectomy was 1.692 vs 1.634 h for robotic-assisted (P value = 0.196). Time to discharge, was 38.26 for laparoscopic vs 28.349 h for robotic-assisted appendectomy (P value = 0.010), and 35.95 for laparoscopic vs 28.46 h for robotic-assisted cholecystectomy (P value = 0.002). Intraoperative conversion to open; only laparoscopic procedures were converted, one appendectomy and nine cholecystectomies. None in the robotic-assisted procedures. Readmissions, none in the appendectomy group and three in the cholecystectomy group. One laparoscopic and two robotic-assisted cholecystectomy patients were readmitted. Intraoperative times for robotic appendectomy and cholecystectomy were not longer than laparoscopic approach. Robotic approach shortened the time to discharge and the likelihood for conversion to open procedure.
Assessment of Right Ventricular Function—a State of the Art
Authors: Hameed Abdul , Condliffe Robin , Swift Andrew J. , Alabed Samer , Kiely David G. , Charalampopoulos Athanasios
Published: June 2023

Purpose of Review

The right ventricle (RV) has a complex geometry and physiology which is distinct from the left. RV dysfunction and failure can be the aftermath of volume- and/or pressure-loading conditions, as well as myocardial and pericardial diseases.

Recent Findings

Echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging and right heart catheterisation can assess RV function by using several qualitative and quantitative parameters. In pulmonary hypertension (PH) in particular, RV function can be impaired and is related to survival.

An accurate assessment of RV function is crucial for the early diagnosis and management of these patients. This review focuses on the different modalities and indices used for the evaluation of RV function with an emphasis on PH.
Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Dopaminergic Neurons for Studying Developmental Neurotoxicity
Authors: Kreutz Anna , Hu Guang , Tokar Erik
Published: June 2023

With the vast number of chemicals in commerce, higher throughput strategies are needed to inform risk assessment. The field of toxicology is therefore moving away from traditional in vivo guideline studies towards in vitro new approach methodologies. There has been a great push for such a shift in the field of developmental neurotoxicity, where there is a particular lack of data. A battery of in vitro new approach methodologies has thus been developed to help fill this gap. Included in this battery are assays for numerous processes critical to neurodevelopment, such as proliferation, migration, and synaptogenesis. The current battery of developmental neurotoxicity new approach methodologies still lacks recapitulation of several critical neurodevelopmental processes, including development of neuronal subtypes. With their pluripotency, alongside other advantages, pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) are uniquely suited to address questions of developmental neurotoxicity, as they can recapitulate the different stages of human in vivo neurodevelopment. Among the various neuronal subtypes, development of dopaminergic neurons (DA) is perhaps the best understood and several approaches exist to differentiate PSCs into DA. Herein we review these approaches and propose utilizing PSCs for screening of the impact of environmental chemicals on development of DA. Related techniques and gaps in knowledge are also addressed.

Graphical Abstract
Socio-economic status moderates the relationship between values and subjective well-being among Chinese college students
Authors: Lan Lili , Wang Xiaofeng
Published: June 2023

Personal values and socioeconomic status (SES) both influence adolescents’ subjective well-being, yet there is still a need to explore whether differences in values and SES have different impacts on one’s subjective well-being (SWB). This study examined the moderation effect of SES in the relationship between two values (self-improvement and collective responsibility) and SBW. A sample comprising 600 Chinese college students (23.40% boys, mean age = 21.21, SD = 1.56) were measured twice over the course of one year using the Chinese Adolescent Values Questionnaire and the Subjective Well-Being Questionnaire. Results showed that self-improvement value may promote SWB of students with a low SES, but this result was not seen in the students with a high SES. Meanwhile, collective responsibility value may promote SWB in students with a low SES, while it may reduce SWB in students with a high SES. Our findings suggested that self-improvement and collective responsibility values can help low SES students access resources and support, helping them overcome unfavorable situations. However, a different picture was shown for students with a high SES. In contrast to the low-SES students, these two values seemed to restrict the growth of students with a high SES, hampering their pursuit of their own goals and interests, which may ultimately diminish their SWB.
Wer leidet in der Sozialen Arbeit an Erschöpfung?
Authors: Hollederer Alfons
Published: June 2023

Nach der internationalen Studienlage weisen Sozialarbeitende ein hohes berufsspezifisches Risiko für die Entwicklung von Disstress, Erschöpfung und Burnout auf. Gemäß dem Modell der Arbeitsanforderungen und -ressourcen (JD-R) führen hohe oder schlechte Arbeitsanforderungen zu Erschöpfung. In Deutschland besteht ein Forschungsdefizit zur Gesundheit von Sozialarbeitenden. Ziel der Untersuchung ist es, innerhalb der Sozialen Arbeit gefährdete Personengruppen unter Berücksichtigung von berufsspezifischen Einflussfaktoren zu identifizieren. Datenbasis der Sekundäranalyse ist die repräsentative BIBB/BAuA-Erwerbstätigenbefragung 2018, die als eine randomisierte Stichprobe der Erwerbsbevölkerung in Deutschland gezogen wurde. 341 der 20.012 Befragten übten zum Erhebungszeitpunkt eine berufliche Tätigkeit als Sozialarbeitende aus. Von den Sozialarbeitenden berichteten 25 % ein häufiges Auftreten sowohl einer emotionalen Erschöpfung als auch einer körperlichen Erschöpfung in den letzten 12 Monaten während der Arbeit. Der Anteil übertrifft signifikant den Durchschnittswert von 17 % bei den anderen Berufen. Logistische Regressionsanalysen zielten innerhalb der Sozialarbeitenden auf das Auftreten von emotionaler und körperlicher Erschöpfung in den letzten 12 Monaten. In die multivariate Betrachtung wurden soziodemografische Merkmale sowie Arbeitsanforderungen und -ressourcen als Prädiktoren einbezogen. Als stärkste Prädiktorvariable stellte sich die häufige emotionale Arbeitsanforderung heraus. Bei Sozialarbeitenden, die sich berufsbedingt gehäuft in emotional belastenden Situationen befanden, ist die Wahrscheinlichkeit emotionaler und körperlicher Erschöpfung um mehr als das Dreifache gesteigert (OR = 3,19). Als sehr wichtiger Protektivfaktor wird die häufige Vereinbarkeit von Arbeitszeitplanung und Familie identifiziert (OR = 0,34). Dagegen steigerte eine höhere Arbeitsintensität die Wahrscheinlichkeit des Vorkommens emotionaler und körperlicher Erschöpfung signifikant (OR = 1,39). Die Sekundäranalyse der BIBB/BAuA-Erwerbstätigenbefragung 2018 ergibt bei den Sozialarbeitenden ambivalente Resultate zu Arbeitsressourcen sowie berufsspezifischen Risiken und zeigt Präventionspotenzial auf.
Anal lymphoma: a tumor with insufficient attention
Authors: Liu Xibo , Chen Hongliang
Published: June 2023

Background

Anal lymphomas are extremely rare. There are no relevant descriptions in professional books, and there are only a few case reports in the literature. Here, we report a new case and review the literature to summarize the clinical and pathological features of anal lymphoma.

Methods

We described a case of anal lymphoma confirmed by pathological diagnosis, then searched the PubMed database, and finally selected 12 reported cases to be included in the study. We described the clinical and pathological characteristics of the patients.

Results

Thirteen patients with anal lymphoma were confirmed. Seven men and six women with a median age of 50. There were four cases of HIV- and EBV-infected patients. The size of the tumor was 1–13 cm, all of which were diagnosed as B-cell lymphoma, and 61.5% were diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. Among the 13 patients, eight received chemotherapy or immunochemotherapy, two received radiotherapy, one received chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy, one received surgery, and one gave up treatment. Three patients died, and only 2 of 10 surviving patients had complete remission.

Conclusion

Anal lymphoma is extremely rare. Patients with persistent abscess complicated with HIV or EBV infection should undergo pathological biopsy to exclude anal lymphoma.
Brain targeting of zolmitriptan via transdermal terpesomes: statistical optimization and in vivo biodistribution study by 99mTc radiolabeling technique
Authors: Tawfik Mai Ahmed , Eltaweel Mai M. , Fatouh Ahmed M. , Shamsel-Din Hesham A. , Ibrahim Ahmed B.
Published: June 2023

Zolmitriptan (ZT) is a potent second generation triptan, commonly administered to alleviate migraine attacks. ZT suffers various limitations; massive hepatic first pass metabolism, P-gp efflux transporters susceptibility, and limited (≈40%) oral bioavailability. Transdermal route of administration could be explored to enhance its bioavailability. A 23.31 full factorial design was constructed to developed twenty-four ZT loaded terpesomes via thin film hydration technique. The influence of drug: phosphatidylcholine ratio, terpene type, terpene concentration and sodium deoxycholate concentration on the characterization of the developed ZT-loaded terpesomes was assessed. Particle size (PS), zeta potential (ZP), ZT entrapment efficiency (EE%), drug loading (DL%) and drug released percentages after 6 h (Q6h) were the selected dependent variables. Further morphological, crystallinity, and in-vivo histopathological studies were conducted for the optimum terpesomes (T6). 99mTc-ZT and 99mTc-ZT-T6 gel were radio-formulated for in-vivo biodistribution studies in mice following transdermal application of 99mTc-ZT-T6 gel, relative to 99mTc-ZT oral solution. T6 terpesomes [comprising ZT and phosphatidylcholine (1:15), cineole (1% w/v) and sodium deoxycholate (0.1% w/v)] were optimum with respect to spherical PS (290.2 nm), ZP (-48.9 mV), EE% (83%), DL% (3.9%) and Q6h (92.2%) with desirability value of 0.85. The safety of the developed T6 terpesomes was verified by the in-vivo histopathological studies. 99mTc-ZT-T6 gel showed maximum brain concentration (5 ± 0.1%ID/ g) with highest brain to blood ratio of 1.92 ± 0.1 at 4 h post transdermal application. Significant improvement of ZT brain relative bioavailability (529%) and high brain targeting efficiency (315%) were revealed with 99mTc-ZT-T6 gel, which confirmed successful ZT delivery to the brain. Terpesomes could be safe, successful systems capable of improving ZT bioavailability with high brain targeting efficiency.

Graphical Abstract
Iron metabolism in colorectal cancer: a balancing act
Authors: Estêvão Diogo , da Cruz-Ribeiro Miguel , Cardoso Ana P. , Costa Ângela M. , Oliveira Maria J. , Duarte Tiago L. , da Cruz Tânia B.
Published: June 2023

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second deadliest malignancy worldwide. Current dietary habits are associated with increased levels of iron and heme, both of which increase the risk of developing CRC. The harmful effects of iron overload are related to the induction of iron-mediated pro-tumorigenic pathways, including carcinogenesis and hyperproliferation. On the other hand, iron deficiency may also promote CRC development and progression by contributing to genome instability, therapy resistance, and diminished immune responses. In addition to the relevance of systemic iron levels, iron-regulatory mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment are also believed to play a significant role in CRC and to influence disease outcome. Furthermore, CRC cells are more prone to escape iron-dependent cell death (ferroptosis) than non-malignant cells due to the constitutive activation of antioxidant genes expression. There is wide evidence that inhibition of ferroptosis may contribute to the resistance of CRC to established chemotherapeutic regimens. As such, ferroptosis inducers represent promising therapeutic drugs for CRC.

Conclusions and perspectives

This review addresses the complex role of iron in CRC, particularly in what concerns the consequences of iron excess or deprivation in tumor development and progression. We also dissect the regulation of cellular iron metabolism in the CRC microenvironment and emphasize the role of hypoxia and of oxidative stress (e.g. ferroptosis) in CRC. Finally, we underline some iron-related players as potential therapeutic targets against CRC malignancy.
The determinants of poverty exits and entries and the role of social benefits: the Italian case
Authors: Bonanno G. , Chies L. , Podrecca E.
Published: June 2023

This paper uses a novel micro econometric approach to analyze the impact of social benefits on the individual probabilities of poverty exit and entry in Italy, and their relative importance with respect to other socio-economic determinants of poverty transitions. Year to year transitions are defined as dichotomous variables capturing the changes of the individual poverty status, and are analyzed using random effects probit models estimated on pooled Italian data from 9 longitudinal components of IT-SILC covering the period 2004–2015. Our results show that social benefits strongly counteract the adverse effects of individual characteristics like unemployment, work intensity, inactivity, household size (and composition) and past poverty experience on the individual probabilities of poverty exit and entry. Despite their important effects on the individual probabilities of transitions, however, social benefits have a limited coverage among the vulnerable groups of the population, which strongly limits their aggregate impact on transition rates and poverty rates.
Do Patient-reported Allergies Lead to Poor Outcomes Following Shoulder Arthroplasty? A Systematic Review
Authors: Karimi Amir H. , Langberg Joshua , Stone Michael A.
Published: June 2023

Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is growing more widespread, with over 100,000 TSA cases each year in the USA. Previous research shows increasing number of patient-reported allergies is associated with worse surgical outcomes following orthopedic procedures. This study systematically reviewed the association of patient-reported allergies to outcomes following TSA. A comprehensive review of the PubMed, EBSCO host, Medline, and Google Scholar electronic databases was conducted identifying all studies reporting on the association of patient-reported allergies to TSA outcomes between January 1, 2000 and June 1, 2022. The following keywords and MeSH terms were utilized in combination with “AND” or “OR” Boolean operators: “shoulder arthroplasty,” “shoulder replacement,” “allergy,” “allergies,” and “hypersensitivity.” The final analysis included 8 studies with a total of 166,303 patients. Four studies looked at all types of allergies, 2 studies looked at drug allergies, and 2 studies looked at antibiotic allergies. Of the 8 articles included in the study, 6 reported having more reported allergies is associated with worse outcomes. Patients in the better outcome group reported an average of 1.6 allergies, while those in the worse outcome group reported an average of 3.3 allergies. Patients with more reported antibiotic allergies are at a higher risk of PJIs. Furthermore, patients with more reported allergies were at an increased risk of pain intensity, length of stay (LOS), and worse patient-reported outcomes. In conclusion, a higher number of patient reported allergies is associated with worse outcomes following TSA. Although patient-reported allergies may not always be accurate, they could still serve as a preliminary screening tool to identify patients who require further diagnostic testing to confirm the presence of allergies.
From stressor to protector, UV-induced abiotic stress resistance
Authors: Crestani Gaia , Cunningham Natalie , Csepregi Kristóf , Badmus Uthman O. , Jansen Marcel A. K.
Published: June 2023

Plants are continuously exposed to combinations of abiotic and biotic stressors. While much is known about responses to individual stressors, understanding of plant responses to combinations of stressors is limited. The effects of combined exposure to drought and UV radiation are particularly relevant in the context of climate change. In this study it was explored whether UV-exposure can be used as a tool to prime stress-resistance in plants grown under highly protected culture conditions. It was hypothesised that priming mint plantlets (Mentha spicata L.) with a low-dose of UV irradiance can alleviate the drought effect caused by a change in humidity upon transplanting. Plants were grown for 30 days on agar in sealed tissue culture containers. During this period, plants were exposed to ~ 0.22 W m−2 UV-B for 8 days, using either UV-blocking or UV- transmitting filters. Plants were then transplanted to soil and monitored for a further 7 days. It was found that non-UV exposed mint plants developed necrotic spots on leaves, following transfer to soil, but this was not the case for plants primed with UV. Results showed that UV induced stress resistance is associated with an increase in antioxidant capacity, as well as a decrease in leaf area. UV-induced stress resistance can be beneficial in a horticultural setting, where priming plants with UV-B can be used as a tool in the production of commercial crops.
Evaluation of the immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and histopathological effects of Cymbopogon schoenanthus essential oil extract on kidney and spleen in BALB/C Mice
Authors: El-Bassossy Taha A. I. , Abdelgawad Ahmed A. M. , Abo-Zaid Mabrouk A. , Amin Ali H. , El-Agamy Sherif A. , Elazab Khalid M. , Ismail Ahmed H.
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the impact ofC. schoenanthusessential oil (CSEO) on the immune system, antioxidant balance, and histological changes in the kidney and spleen of female BALB/C mice. The chemical composition of CSEO was analyzed using GC-MS. Twenty-nine compounds were identified, representing 99.04% of the total detected. The main components were Piperitone (47.93%), Elemol (11.91%), 2-Carene (10.69%), β-eudesmol (7.67%), α-eudesmol (5.12%), and γ-eudesmol (4.24%). For bioassay, the mice were divided into three groups: control, 0.5% CSEO (G1), and 1% CSEO (G2). The effects of CSEO on various markers, including malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), urea, creatinine, and cytokines (IL-4, TNF-α, and TGF-β1), were evaluated. Additionally, kidney and spleen histopathological examinations were conducted. The treatment groups showed a significant increase in IL-4, TNF-α, and TGF-β1 levels compared to the control group, except for G1, which showed a non-significant decrease in TGF-β1 levels. Group 2 exhibited a significant increase in MDA levels compared to the control group, while group 1 had a nonsignificant increase. Both treatments showed a significant increase in GSH levels, while SOD and CAT levels showed a non-significant increase in G2 and a non-significant decrease in G1. Urea levels showed a non-significant increase, while creatinine levels were significantly decreased in G2 and non-significantly decreased in G1 compared to the control group. The histopathological examinations revealed congested red pulp with activated hematopoiesis and focal fibrosis in spleen sections of both G1 and G2. The study suggests that medicinal herbs such as CSEO need to be used with caution, and their effects should be evaluated carefully, especially in terms of dose-dependent effects. The results indicate that high doses of CSEO may increase the levels of some cytokines and antioxidants and have harmful effects on kidney architecture, congested red pulp, and fibrosis with increased hematopoiesis. Therefore, the random use of medicinal herbs may have harmful effects and needs to be carefully controlled to ensure safe use.
Self-induced flow over a cylinder in a stratified fluid
Authors: Thomas Jim , Camassa Roberto
Published: June 2023

In this paper we study the self-induced low-Reynolds-number flow generated by a cylinder immersed in a stratified fluid. In the low Péclet limit, where the Péclet number is the ratio of the radius of the cylinder and the Phillips length scale, the flow is captured by a set of linear equations obtained by linearising the governing equations with respect to the prescribed far field conditions. We specifically focus on the low Péclet regime and develop a Green's function approach to solve the linearised equations governing the flow over the cylinder. We cross check our analytical solution against numerical solution of the nonlinear equations to obtain the range of the Péclet numbers for which the linear solution is valid. We then take advantage of the analytical solution to find explicit far-field decay rates of the flow. Our detailed analysis points out that the streamfunction and the velocity field decays algebraically in the far field. Intriguingly, this algebraic decay of the flow is much slower when compared with the exponential decay of the flow generated by a slow moving cylinder in the homogeneous Stokes regime, in the absence of stratification. Consequently, the flow generated by a cylinder in the stratified Stokes regime will have a larger domain of influence when compared with the flow generated by a cylinder in the homogeneous Stokes regime.
Longitudinal associations between stroke and psychosis: a population-based study
Authors: Richards-Belle Alvin , Poole Norman , Osborn David P.J. , Bell Vaughan
Published: June 2023

Background

The co-occurrence of stroke and psychosis is a serious neuropsychiatric condition but little is known about the course of this comorbidity. We aimed to estimate longitudinal associations between stroke and psychosis over 10 years.

Methods

A 10-year population-based study using data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. A structured health assessment recorded (i) first-occurrence stroke and (ii) psychosis, at each wave. Each were considered exposures and outcomes in separate analyses. Logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression and Kaplan–Meier methods were used. Models were adjusted for demographic and health behaviour covariates, with missing covariates imputed using random forest multiple imputation.

Results

Of 19 808 participants, 24 reported both stroke and psychosis (median Wave 1 age 63, 71% female, 50% lowest quintile of net financial wealth) at any point during follow-up. By 10 years, the probability of an incident first stroke in participants with psychosis was 21.4% [95% confidence interval (CI) 12.1–29.6] compared to 8.3% (95% CI 7.8–8.8) in those without psychosis (absolute difference: 13.1%; 95% CI 20.8–4.3, log rank p < 0.001; fully-adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 3.57; 95% CI 2.18–5.84). The probability of reporting incident psychosis in participants with stroke was 2.3% (95% CI 1.4–3.2) compared to 0.9% (95% CI 0.7–1.1) in those without (absolute difference: 1.4%; 95% CI 0.7–2.1, log rank p < 0.001; fully-adjusted HR: 4.98; 95% CI 2.55–9.72).

Conclusions

Stroke is an independent predictor of psychosis (and vice versa), after adjustment for potential confounders.
Altered reward network responses to social touch in major depression
Authors: Mielacher Clemens , Scheele Dirk , Kiebs Maximilian , Schmitt Laura , Dellert Torge , Philipsen Alexandra , Lamm Claus , Hurlemann René
Published: June 2023

Background

Social touch is an integral part of social relationships and has been associated with reward. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterized by severe impairments in reward processing, but the neural effects of social touch in MDD are still elusive. In this study, we aimed to determine whether the neural processing of social touch is altered in MDD and to assess the impact of antidepressant therapy.

Methods

Before and after antidepressant treatment, 53 MDD patients and 41 healthy controls underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while receiving social touch. We compared neural responses to social touch in the reward network, behavioral ratings of touch comfort and general aversion to interpersonal touch in patients to controls. Additionally, we examined the effect of treatment response on those measures.

Results

Clinical symptoms decreased after treatment and 43.4% of patients were classified as responders. Patients reported higher aversion to interpersonal touch and lower comfort ratings during the fMRI paradigm than controls. Patients showed reduced responses to social touch in the nucleus accumbens, caudate nucleus and putamen than controls, both before and after treatment. Contrary to our hypotheses, these effects were independent of touch velocity. Non-responders exhibited blunted response in the caudate nucleus and the insula compared to responders, again irrespective of time.

Conclusions

These findings suggest altered striatal processing of social touch in MDD. Persistent dysfunctional processing of social touch despite clinical improvements may constitute a latent risk factor for social withdrawal and isolation.
‘Gangpu is too funny!’: The mediatization of Hong Kong Mandarin as a jocular register
Authors: Wong Andrew D.
Published: June 2023

This article demonstrates how mediatization facilitates the (re)production of mock language. Through an examination of Chinese netizens’ reactions to a series of viral internet commercials that feature three Hong Kong actors speaking nonstandard Mandarin, it uncovers the processes whereby Gangpu (Hong Kong Mandarin) has become increasingly perceived in China as funny. The vast scale of uptake formulations enabled by mediatization has made it possible for Chinese netizens to engage in a collaborative effort not only in highlighting certain features of Gangpu and certain elements of the commercials but also in presenting them in ways that evoke specific meanings and interpretations. Ultimately, it is through the parodic revoicing of Hong Kong celebrities speaking nonstandard Mandarin that this non-native variety has come to be keyed as humorous. This study shows that we gain a better understanding of how mock practices reinforce and build on each other by tracing their uptake and circulation. (Mediatization, mock language, parody, listening subject, Mandarin Chinese, Hong Kong, China)*
Cut-Off Value of Capillary Refill Time for Peripheral Circulatory Failure Diagnosis
Authors: Shinozaki Masayoshi , Nakada Taka-aki , Saito Daiki , Tomita Keisuke , Nomura Yukihiro , Nakaguchi Toshiya
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

Capillary refill time (CRT) is an indicator of peripheral circulation and is recommended in the 2021 guidelines for treating and managing sepsis.

Study Objective:

This study developed a portable device to realize objective CRT measurement. Assuming that peripheral blood flow obstruction by the artery occlusion test (AOT) or venous occlusion test (VOT) increases the CRT, the cut-off value for peripheral circulatory failure was studied by performing a comparative analysis with CRT with no occlusion test (No OT).

Methods:

Fourteen (14) healthy adults (age: 20–26 years) participated in the study. For the vascular occlusion test, a sphygmomanometer was placed on the left upper arm of the participant in the supine position, and a pressure of 30mmHg higher than the systolic pressure was applied for AOT, a pressure of 60mmHg was applied for VOT, respectively, and no pressure was applied for No OT. The CRT was measured from the index finger of the participant’s left hand.

Results:

Experimental results revealed that CRT was significantly longer in the AOT and did not differ significantly in the VOT. The cut-off value for peripheral circulatory failure was found to be 2.88 seconds based on Youden’s index by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis with AOT as positive and No OT as negative.

Conclusion:

Significant results were obtained in a previous study on the evaluation of septic shock patients when CRT > three seconds was considered abnormal, and the cut-off value for peripheral circulatory failure in the current study validated this.
Psychological Help-Seeking Among Undergraduate Medical Students
Authors: Panicker Anuja S. , Samskani Mohamed S. , Vimala Shanmugavelu , Poornima Gobi
Published: June 2023

Abstract. Background: Stress among medical students requires careful attention and support to help them overcome it and avoid untoward consequences. Identifying the students’ attitudes and limitations in approaching professional counseling services would help provide targeted solutions and formulate personalized counseling plans. Objective: To compare the perceived needs, benefits, and barriers experienced by medical undergraduate students for availing professional counseling services based on prior counseling exposure, year of medical education, and gender. Methodology: This cross-sectional research included 239 students, aged 17–23 years, studying in the first and final years of undergraduate medical training. Their attitudes, perceived benefits, and barriers to approaching counseling were assessed using the Counseling Need Assessment Questionnaire (CNAQ). Differences in these parameters were compared among the students based on their gender, prior counseling exposure, and year of medical education. Statistical analysis was done using χ2 test and Goodman–Kruskal analysis, and p value < .05 indicated statistical significance. Results: Fifty-one percentage of the students accepted the need for counseling, but 44% expressed hesitation in approaching a professional counselor. No significant gender differences were noted in counseling-related attitudes, barriers, or perceived benefits ( p > .05). However, students with prior exposure to counseling and those in their first year of study were significantly more oriented to seek counseling ( p < .01), but more reluctant too in availing professional help ( p < .05). Conclusion: Students with prior exposure and first-year students were more open to expressing the need for counseling; however, first-year students were more hesitant for availing the same.
Impact of a Brief Training on Mental Health Stakeholders’ Implementation of Evidence-Based Strategies for Trauma in the Caribbean Within the Context of COVID-19
Authors: Asnaani Anu , Chavez Manuel Gutierrez , Samuel Rosalia , Pham Angela , White Robyn Charlery
Published: June 2023

Abstract: Objective: Lack of governmental funding/infrastructure for mental health has created urgent need for effective training in evidence-based treatments for trauma in the Caribbean for under-resourced providers. Furthermore, impacts of the COVID-19 health crisis on providers’ implementation of skills in this region are currently unknown. Method: We examined impacts of a one-day training workshop for stakeholders in the Caribbean providing psychoeducation on trauma and PTSD and training in short-term interventions. Participants ( n = 46) were surveyed at preworkshop and postworkshop and at 3-month and 6-month follow-up (which coincided with the first 6 months of the COVID-19 pandemic) to assess retention of any changes in perceived knowledge about trauma/effective treatments and subsequent skill implementation. Results: Participants reported significant pre–post workshop increases in perceived knowledge (pre M = 31.61, post M = 44.63) about trauma and its effective treatments ( t[45] = −6.17, p < .001). This perceived knowledge was significantly maintained over time (3M M = 42.66, 6M M = 40.75). Furthermore, participants reported significant use of several of the strategies taught at the workshop at follow-up. Higher reported emotional distress related to the pandemic was associated with lower implementation at 6M, despite significant retention in perceived knowledge from the workshop ( B = −0.02, β = −1.55, p < .05). Conclusions: Brief trauma-focused trainings can be helpful for providers in under-resourced global settings with observable impact on implementation practices over time, but providers’ emotional distress stemming from public health crises can influence practice behaviors. Subsequent impacts on policy/budget allocations are discussed.
Directional terahertz holography with thermally active Janus metasurface
Authors: Chen Benwen , Yang Shengxin , Chen Jian , Wu Jingbo , Chen Ke , Li Weili , Tan Yihui , Wang Zhaosong , Qiu Hongsong , Fan Kebin , Zhang Caihong , Wang Huabing , Feng Yijun , He Yunbin , Jin Biaobing , Wu Xinglong , Chen Jian , Wu Peiheng
Published: June 2023

Dynamic manipulation of electromagnetic (EM) waves with multiple degrees of freedom plays an essential role in enhancing information processing. Currently, an enormous challenge is to realize directional terahertz (THz) holography. Recently, it was demonstrated that Janus metasurfaces could produce distinct responses to EM waves from two opposite incident directions, making multiplexed dynamic manipulation of THz waves possible. Herein, we show that thermally activated THz Janus metasurfaces integrating with phase change materials on the meta-atoms can produce asymmetric transmission with the designed phase delays. Such reconfigurable Janus metasurfaces can achieve asymmetric focusing of THz wave and directional THz holography with free-space image projections, and particularly the information can be manipulated via temperature and incident THz wave direction. This work not only offers a common strategy for realizing the reconfigurability of Janus metasurfaces, but also shows possible applications in THz optical information encryption, data storage, and smart windows.
Far-field super-resolution chemical microscopy
Authors: Tang Mingwei , Han Yubing , Jia Danchen , Yang Qing , Cheng Ji-Xin
Published: June 2023

Far-field chemical microscopy providing molecular electronic or vibrational fingerprint information opens a new window for the study of three-dimensional biological, material, and chemical systems. Chemical microscopy provides a nondestructive way of chemical identification without exterior labels. However, the diffraction limit of optics hindered it from discovering more details under the resolution limit. Recent development of super-resolution techniques gives enlightenment to open this door behind far-field chemical microscopy. Here, we review recent advances that have pushed the boundary of far-field chemical microscopy in terms of spatial resolution. We further highlight applications in biomedical research, material characterization, environmental study, cultural heritage conservation, and integrated chip inspection.