bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social domains of poor mental health: A qualitative pilot study of community stakeholders’ understanding and demarcation of mental illness and its interpretations in rural Nigeria
Authors: Lawal Saheed A. , Adedeji Isaac A. , Ogunniyi Adesola , Henderson David
Published: February 2024

Background and Aims

Although previous studies on mental health/illness in Nigeria have explored knowledge and attitude of community members using quantitative approaches, few studies have engaged stakeholders within rural communities on the issue of mental illness using qualitative approaches. Community stakeholders play a critical role in influencing health behaviors. The objective of this pilot study was to explore community stakeholders’ understanding and demarcation of mental illness, and its interpretations in a rural Nigerian town. This is with the aim of shaping stakeholders understanding of people when they experience mental distress within the community.

Methods

The study was conducted in Ijebu‐Igbo town of Ogun State in south‐west Nigeria. In‐depth interviews were conducted among two religious’ leaders: a Pastor and an Imam, a traditional healer, a medical doctor, and a registered nurse, and a focus group discussion was held in a church with members of its advisory committee.

Results

The findings showed that community stakeholders gave multiple interpretations of mental illness and many attribute mental illness to spiritual attack, ancestral curse, anger of the gods, and personal affliction (Ogun‐Afowofa). This has been categorized as familial and individual attributes in this study which is part of the main themes derived. The study findings also show that the understanding of community members regarding the root causes of mental illness is somewhat vague based on their poor knowledge of mental illness. This is because of the various interpretations they gave to explain mental health is based on their cultural orientation, socialization, and belief system, and not based on any medical knowledge.

Conclusion

This pilot study was conducted to justify the main study. There is therefore a need for health education interventions to enlighten and educate community stakeholders with requisite knowledge for better understanding and interpretation of mental illness. Also, through mental health education interventions, community members will gain clarity on what mental health is and what it is not.
Comparison of the efficacy and safety of TAF, TDF, and LdT to prevent the transmission of hepatitis B in pregnant women: A retrospective study
Authors: Pan Shufang , Zhang Ying , Zeng Yingfu , Lin Chaoshuang
Published: February 2024

Objective

To compare the efficacy and safety of telbivudine (LdT), tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF), and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) for preventing hepatitis B transmission in immune‐tolerant pregnant women with HBV infection.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving women who had hepatitis B virus deoxyribonucleic acid (HBV DNA) ≥ 2 × 105 IU/mL and initiated LdT, TDF, or TAF to prevent mother‐to‐child transmission (MTCT). The primary endpoint was the safety of mothers and infants. The secondary endpoints were maternal HBV DNA reduction at delivery and MTCT rate.

Results

A total of 96 patients were enrolled in the study (LdT group, n = 36; TDF group, n = 35; TAF group, n = 25). All infants received hepatitis B virus immunoprophylaxis. The MTCT rate was 0%([0 of 25] vs. [0 of 35] vs. [0 of 36], p > .05). No severe liver function damage occurred in any of the mothers. Babies delivered in all groups had prenatal ultrasound screening abnormalities, but abnormality rates were not statistically significant between groups.

Conclusion

The application of TDF, TAF, or LdT to immune‐tolerant HBV‐infected pregnant women in middle–late pregnancy can successfully interrupt MTCT of the HBV virus. However, for all three groups of pregnant women who delivered babies with abnormal prenatal ultrasound screening, an expanded sample size may be needed for further observation.
Prevented perinatal HIV infections in the era of antiretroviral prophylaxis and treatment, United States, 1994–2020
Authors: Lampe Margaret A. , Nesheim Steven R. , Mendoza Maria C. B. , Borkowf Craig B. , Henderson Alexis C. , Ewing Alexander C. , Kourtis Athena P.
Published: February 2024

Objective

The primary aim of this serial cross‐sectional analysis is to estimate the total number of prevented perinatal HIV transmissions from the time of the initial recommendation for perinatal zidovudine (ZDV) prophylaxis in 1994 through 2020 in the US.

Methods

The estimated number of prevented transmissions was calculated as annual differences between expected and observed numbers of perinatal HIV transmissions. Annual expected number of transmissions was estimated by multiplying the annual number of births to women with HIV by 0.2255 (22.55%), i.e., the transmission rate of the control group in the ACTG Protocol 076 trial. We used published point estimates or, if only ranges were given, the midpoints of those ranges as the best estimates of the annual numbers of births to women with HIV and infants with perinatal HIV. When data were not available, we linearly interpolated or extrapolated the available data to obtain estimated numbers for each year.

Results

Between 1978 and 2020, the approximate number of live births to women with HIV was 191 267 (95% confidence interval [CI] 190 392–192 110) and for infants with diagnosed perinatal HIV, it was 21 379 (95% CI 21 088–21 695). Since 1994, the annual number of infants born with HIV decreased from 1263 (95% CI 1194–1333) to 33 in 2019 (95% CI 22–45) and 36 in 2020 (95% CI 25–48), corresponding to a 97% reduction. Cumulatively, an estimated total of 22 732 (95% CI 21 340–24 462) perinatal HIV infections were prevented from 1994 through to 2020.

Conclusion

The elimination of perinatal HIV transmission—accompanied by the cumulative number of prevented cases exceeding that of perinatal HIV infections—is a major public health achievement in the US.
Pupil versus 1st Purkinje capsulotomy centration with femtosecond laser: Long term outcomes with a sinusoidal trifocal lens
Authors: Salgado Ramiro M. P. C. , Torres Paulo F. A. A. S. , Marinho António A. P.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To assess the role of femtosecond laser‐assisted capsulotomy centration in the long‐term intraocular positioning of a multifocal intraocular lens.

Design

Prospective comparative study.

Methods

A total of 60 eyes of 30 patients underwent femtosecond laser‐assisted Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE). For every patient, capsulotomy centration was randomly performed according to pupil centre (PC) in one eye and first Purkinje reflex (FPR) in the other. The intraocular lens (IOL) positioning, visual acuities, spherical equivalent, internal aberrometry and quality of vision were assessed and compared at 3 years' follow‐up between groups (PC and FPR).

Results

Intraocular lens positioning showed a statistically significant difference between groups, with a closer centration to the visual axis in the FPR patients (p < 0.001). Internal aberrometry showed higher values in the PC capsulotomy centration group (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

FPR centered capsulotomy is associated to a closer centration of the IOL to the visual axis.
Ultrasound‐switchable fluorescence thermometry with dual detection channels using temperature‐sensitive liposomes
Authors: Yao Tingfeng , Ren Liqin , Yuan Baohong
Published: February 2024

Temperature measurements in biological tissues play a crucial role in studying metabolic activities. In this study, we introduce a noninvasive thermometry technique based on two‐color ultrasound‐switchable fluorescence (USF). This innovative method allows for a local temperature mapping within a microtube filled with temperature‐sensitive liposomes as nano imaging agents. By measuring the temperature‐dependent fluorescence emission of the liposomes using a spectrometer, we identify four characteristic temperatures. The local background temperature can be estimated by analyzing the corresponding appearance time of these four characteristic temperatures in the dynamic USF signals captured by a camera‐based USF system with two detection channels. Simultaneous measurements with an infrared (IR) camera showed a 0.38°C ± 0.27°C difference between USF thermometry and IR thermography in a physiological temperature range of 36.48°C–40.14°C. This shows that the two‐color USF thermometry technique is a reliable, noninvasive tool with excellent spatial and thermal resolution.
Thermal isomerization rates in retinal analogues using Ab‐Initio molecular dynamics
Authors: Ghysbrecht Simon , Keller Bettina G.
Published: February 2024

For a detailed understanding of chemical processes in nature and industry, we need accurate models of chemical reactions in complex environments. While Eyring transition state theory is commonly used for modeling chemical reactions, it is most accurate for small molecules in the gas phase. A wide range of alternative rate theories exist that can better capture reactions involving complex molecules and environmental effects. However, they require that the chemical reaction is sampled by molecular dynamics simulations. This is a formidable challenge since the accessible simulation timescales are many orders of magnitude smaller than typical timescales of chemical reactions. To overcome these limitations, rare event methods involving enhanced molecular dynamics sampling are employed. In this work, thermal isomerization of retinal is studied using tight‐binding density functional theory. Results from transition state theory are compared to those obtained from enhanced sampling. Rates obtained from dynamical reweighting using infrequent metadynamics simulations were in close agreement with those from transition state theory. Meanwhile, rates obtained from application of Kramers' rate equation to a sampled free energy profile along a torsional dihedral reaction coordinate were found to be up to three orders of magnitude higher. This discrepancy raises concerns about applying rate methods to one‐dimensional reaction coordinates in chemical reactions.
Antiurolithiatic effects of Cassia fistula Lin. fruit extracts on ethylene glycol‐induced nephrolithiasis in rats
Authors: Partovi Nasrin , Fatemi S. Jamilaldin , Ebadzadeh Mohammad Reza
Published: February 2024

Urinary stones are a growing disease that results from pathological biomineralization. Cassia fistula Lin. is traditionally used to treat urinary stones. However, no scientific evidence is available to prove its antilithiatic effect. This study evaluates the antilithiatic potential of aqueous and ethanolic extract of Cassia fistula Lin. fruit (Cff) against calcium oxalate kidney stones. Forty‐two male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups (n = 6/group): Group I (control), Group II (rats treated with ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride developed nephrolithiasis after 28 days), Group III (lithiatic rats receiving distilled water for 30 days), Group IV and V (lithiatic rats receiving aqueous extract of Cff at doses of 1 and 100 mg/kg body weight for 30 days, respectively) and Group VI and VII (lithiatic rats receiving ethanolic extract of Cff at doses of 1 and 100 mg/kg body weight for 30 days, respectively). Some parameters of urine and serum, and also renal oxidative stress and histopathology were used to determine the antilithiatic effect of aqueous and ethanolic extract of Cff. Therefore, the types of extracts of Cff improved abnormal levels of urine, serum, and renal oxidative stress and histopathology parameters. This antilithiatic effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Cff, can be attributed to the anti‐crystallization and antioxidant properties of the extracts and the ability to improve urine and serum biochemistry.

Research Highlights

Ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride‐induced urolithiasis, aggregation of calcium oxalate deposits, increase of some urinary and serum parameters, relative kidney weight, kidney size and MDA activity, decrease of some urinary parameters, relative body weight and SOD activity.

Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Cassia fistula Lin. lead to the treatment of urolithic rats by decreasing levels of urinary oxalate, phosphate, urea, serum urea, uric acid, creatinine, calcium, phosphate, MDA, kidney weight and kidney size, increasing levels of urinary calcium, creatinine, magnesium, citrate, body weight and SOD activity in the kidney, eliminating CaOx deposition (esp. ethanolic extract).
Repair of chronic and large rotator cuff tears using extra‐synovial autografts: An experimental study in rabbits
Authors: Pinto Iosafat , Kostretzis Lazaros , Katakalos Konstantinos , Kazakos George , Cheva Angeliki , Chatzisotiriou Athanasios , Papadopoulos Pericles , Ditsios Konstantinos
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To investigate whether and how extra‐synovial autografts can enhance the reconstruction of chronic and large rotator cuff tears in a rabbit subscapularis model.

Methods

Twenty rabbits were used to create a large subscapularis tear bilaterally. Six weeks later, the right shoulder of each rabbit was operated to repair the tear with an extra‐synovial autograft, whereas the left shoulder did not undergo any surgery. At 6 and 12 weeks after the second procedure, the specimens underwent biomechanical and histological evaluation. Six more rabbits were used only as a normal reference.

Results

Biomechanical evaluation demonstrated that the ultimate load to failure of the Graft group (184.1 ± 35.7 N) was significantly higher (p = 0.04) than that of the Defect group (144.5 ± 32.2 N) at 12 weeks after repair, rising to 76% of the normal subscapularis tendon tensile strength. Histological analysis revealed an enhanced healing environment with neoangiogenesis and decreased inflammatory response at the repair site. Moreover, the tendon maturing score of the Graft group increased substantially from 6 (15.8 ± 0.9) to 12 (23.1 ± 0.6) weeks after repair (p = 0.01).

Conclusion

In vivo data support the efficacy of extra‐synovial autograft interposition in repairing chronic and large rotator cuff tears in a rabbit subscapularis model. The autografts were capable of enhancing the biomechanical properties of the repaired tendons, as evidenced by increased tensile strength, and forming new connective tissue simulating a fibrocartilage zone, as revealed by histological evaluation.

Level of Evidence

N/A.
Inclusion near and far: A qualitative investigation of inclusive organizational behavior across work modalities and social identities
Authors: Dhanani Lindsay Y. , Sultan Mohsin , Pham Carolyn T. , Mikami Keisuke , Charles Daniel Ryan , Crandell Hannah A.
Published: February 2024

Though there are clear benefits of being included at work, important questions about employees' views and experiences of workplace inclusion remain unanswered. First, scholars have tended to adopt a one‐size‐fits‐all approach that assumes that inclusion is viewed and experienced similarly by all employees, regardless of their social identities. Moreover, there have been rapid shifts in work modalities over the last few years, and it is currently unclear how modality impacts inclusion and if that impact is similar across all employees. To address these questions, we leveraged qualitative data from a demographically diverse sample to examine how employees define workplace inclusion, what practices and behaviors employees associate with feeling included, how social identities shape definitions and experiences of inclusion, and the modalities in which employees feel the most included. Results indicated that employees primarily define workplace inclusion as being accepted and treated equally regardless of their identities, being integrated into decision‐making, and expressing themselves authentically. Though employees defined inclusion similarly regardless of their social identities, the importance of specific inclusion practices differed across subgroups. Finally, employees felt more included when working in person, though minoritized employees were more likely to prefer remote work. Theoretical and practical implications regarding inclusion are discussed.
Anti‐allergic effect of vitamin C through inhibiting degranulation and regulating TH1/TH2 cell polarization
Authors: Li Qian , Tang Xinlei , Huang Lu , Wang Tao , Huang Yutong , Jiang Songsong
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Food allergy has become a global public health problem. This study aimed to explore the possible anti‐allergic effect of vitamin C (VC). A rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)‐2H3 cell degranulation model was used to assess the effect of VC on degranulation in vitro, and an ovalbumin (OVA)‐induced BALB/c mouse allergy model was used to assess the anti‐allergy effect of VC in vivo.

RESULTS

In vitro, VC significantly attenuated the release of β‐hexosaminidase, tryptase and histamine, and also reduced cytokine production (interleukins 4 and 6, tumor necrosis factor α) significantly (P < 0.05), with the inhibitory effect demonstrating a positive correlation with VC dose. In vivo, compared with the OVA group, the levels of serum immunoglobulins E and G1 of the VC low‐dose (VCL) group (50 mg kg−1) and high‐dose (VCH) group (200 mg·kg−1) were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the plasma histamine level was also significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Moreover, TH2 cell polarization in mice of the VCL and VCH groups was significantly inhibited (P < 0.05), promoting the TH1/TH2 cell polarization balance. Additionally, VC treatment enhanced the expression of CD80 (P < 0.05) in spleen and small intestine tissues, while significantly inhibiting the expression of CD86 (P < 0.05); notably, high‐dose VC treatment was more effective.

CONCLUSION

VC exerted an anti‐allergic effect through inhibiting degranulation and regulating TH1/TH2 cell polarization balance. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Risk of tibial baseplate loosening is low in patients following unrestricted kinematic alignment total knee arthroplasty using a cruciate‐retaining medial conforming insert: A study using radiostereometric analysis at 2 years
Authors: Niesen Abigail E. , Tirumalai Pranav A. , Howell Stephen M. , Hull Maury L.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Assessing the risk of tibial baseplate loosening in patients after unrestricted kinematically aligned (unKA) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using a medially conforming insert is important because baseplates generally are aligned in varus which has been linked to an increased incidence of aseptic loosening following mechanically aligned TKA. Two limits that indicate long‐term stability in patients are a change in maximum total point motion between 1 and 2 years (ΔMTPM) < 0.2 mm and anterior tilt at 2 years < 0.8°. The purposes were to determine: (1) the number of patients with ΔMTPM > 0.2 mm, (2) the number of patients with anterior tilt > 0.8° and (3) whether increased varus baseplate and limb alignment were associated with increased migration.

Methods

Thirty‐five patients underwent cemented, caliper‐verified, unKA TKA using a medially conforming tibial insert with posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) retention. Biplanar radiographs acquired on the day of surgery and at 1.5, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months were processed with model‐based radiostereometric analysis (RSA) software to determine migration and the number of patients with migration above the two stability limits. Medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), hip‐knee‐ankle angle (HKAA) and posterior slope angle (PSA) were analyzed for an association with migration in six degrees of freedom and in MTPM.

Results

Thirty‐two of 35 patients were available for analysis at 2 years. One patient exhibited ΔMTPM > 0.2 mm. The same patient exhibited anterior tilt > 0.8°. Varus rotation (p = 0.048, r ≤ 0.34) and medial translation (p = 0.0273, r ≤ 0.29) increased with increased varus baseplate alignment.

Conclusion

The results indicate low risk of long‐term baseplate loosening in patients. Although varus rotation and medial translation increased with increased varus baseplate alignment, the magnitudes of the migrations were minimal and did not increase ΔMTPM and anterior tilt.

Level of Evidence

Level II, therapeutic prospective cohort study.
Long‐term conservation practice in litchi (Litchi chinensis L.) cultivation improves the crop productivity and soil health of degraded lands
Authors: Rathore Avinash Chandra , Singh Charan , Islam Sadikul , Gupta Anand Kumar , Patra Sridhar , Singhal Vibha , Jinger Dinesh , Sharma Gulshan Kumar , Kadam Darshan , Kar Saswat Kumar , Chavan S. B. , Madhu M.
Published: February 2024

A long‐term experiment (1995–2021) was conducted on litchi (Litchi chinensis L.) with and without conservation practices, that is, litchi under clean cultivation (LCC) (recommended doses of fertilizers without intercrops and mulch) and litchi with conservation practice (LCP) (micro‐site improvement, intercrops, and organic mulching) on degraded lands. The study aimed to evaluate the long‐term impact of litchi‐based land uses on vegetative growth (plant height, canopy volume, fruit yield, and litter production), soil moisture, biomass production, carbon stocks (CS), and soil qualities (enzyme activities, microbial counts, and soil fertility). The results revealed that LCP improved vegetative growth, yields, and soil moisture over LCC. The total dry biomass was observed 91.6–103.9, stored CS; 43.6–49.4, emitted CS; 7.04–9.40, mitigated CS; 30.1–30.5, soil CS; 35.7–39.9, total CS (soil + vegetation); 65.9–70.5 Mg ha−1 and carbon dioxide mitigation; 88.3–112.1 Mg ha−1 in LCC and LCP land uses, respectively. Further, in LCP, beta‐glucosidase, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and dehydrogenase activities increased by 17.2%, 20.4%, 19.8%, and 24.8%, respectively, in surface soil compared with LCC in 2021. Likewise, the microbial density of bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes was also observed to be 20.2%, 41.4%, and 19.5% higher, respectively, in LCP land use in 2021 over 2015. Similarly, available N, P, and K increased by 19.9%, 75.3%, and 36.8% under LCP from 1997 to 2021. Hence, litchi‐based land use with conservation practices can be advocated to rehabilitate and improve the soil health of degraded lands and enhance ecosystem services in similar edaphoclimatic conditions.
On the zero set of the holomorphic sectional curvature
Authors: Chen Yongchang , Heier Gordon
Published: February 2024

A notable example due to Heier, Lu, Wong, and Zheng shows that there exist compact complex Kähler manifolds with ample canonical line bundle such that the holomorphic sectional curvature is negative semi‐definite and vanishes along high‐dimensional linear subspaces in every tangent space. The main result of this note is an upper bound for the dimensions of these subspaces. Due to the holomorphic sectional curvature being a real‐valued bihomogeneous polynomial of bidegree (2,2) on every tangent space, the proof is based on making a connection with the work of D'Angelo on complex subvarieties of real algebraic varieties and the decomposition of polynomials into differences of squares. Our bound involves an invariant that we call the holomorphic sectional curvature square decomposition length, and our arguments work as long as the holomorphic sectional curvature is semi‐definite, be it negative or positive.
Metabolomic analysis of plasma biomarkers in children with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Liu Jun , Tan Yuhua , Zhang Fan , Wang Yan , Chen Shu , Zhang Na , Dai Wenjie , Zhou Liqing , Li Ji‐Cheng
Published: February 2024

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents a significant risk to human well‐being and has emerged as a worldwide public health concern. Twenty‐eight children with ASD and 33 healthy children (HC) were selected for the quantitative determination of their plasma metabolites using an ultraperformance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS) platform. A total of 1997 metabolites were detected in the study cohort, from which 116 metabolites were found to be differentially expressed between the ASD and HC groups. Through analytical algorithms such as least absolute shrinkage selection operator (LASSO), support vector machine (SVM), and random forest (RF), three potential metabolic markers were identified as FAHFA (18:1(9Z)/9‐O‐18:0), DL‐2‐hydroxystearic acid, and 7(S),17(S)‐dihydroxy‐8(E),10(Z),13(Z),15(E),19(Z)‐docosapentaenoic acid. These metabolites demonstrated superior performance in distinguishing the ASD group from the HC group, as indicated by the area under curves (AUCs) of 0.935, 0.897, and 0.963 for the three candidate biomarkers, respectively. The samples were divided into training and validation sets according to 7:3. Diagnostic models were constructed using logistic regression (LR), SVM, and RF. The constructed three‐biomarker diagnostic model also exhibited strong discriminatory efficacy. These findings contribute to advancing our understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved in the occurrence of ASD and provide a valuable reference for clinical diagnosis.
Contract manufacturer encroachment via the customer‐to‐manufacturer strategy under different platform selling modes
Authors: Qiu Huaqing , Ren Xuejie , Zhao Lindu
Published: February 2024

This paper considers an outsourced supply chain comprising a contract manufacturer (CM), an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and an online platform. In addition to providing contract manufacturing services to the OEM, the CM enters the market using the customer‐to‐manufacturer (C2M) strategy. Two baseline models and four encroachment models with different selling modes are modeled to explore the interaction among CM encroachment, selling modes and the C2M strategy. We find that the CM will always encroach if brand substitution is sufficiently high. However, the CM will still encroach despite brand substitution being low if the platform charges the OEM a high commission rate in Scenario PR. The results also show that the CM may increase or decrease the wholesale price charged to the OEM according to his dependence on the OEM channel and direct channel. Finally, we find that after CM encroachment, the OEM is worse off, while the platform may be better or worse off. The profits of the CM, OEM, and platform decrease if customers are more concerned about production flexibility. Our work provides guidance for CM encroachment from the perspective of channel choice and product strategy and offers managerial insights into C2M practice.
Persistence of Basal Ganglia Oscillatory Activity During Tremor Attenuation by Movement in Parkinson's Disease Patients
Authors: Wilken Miguel , Andres Daniela S. , Bianchi Gianfranco , Hallett Mark , Merello Marcelo
Published: February 2024

Background

One of the characteristics of parkinsonian tremor is that its amplitude decreases with movement. Current models suggest an interaction between basal ganglia (BG) and cerebello‐thalamo‐cortical circuits in parkinsonian tremor pathophysiology.

Objective

We aimed to correlate central oscillation in the BG with electromyographic activity during re‐emergent tremor in order to detect changes in BG oscillatory activity when tremor is attenuated by movement.

Methods

We performed a prospective, observational study on consecutive parkinsonian patients who underwent deep brain stimulation surgery and presented re‐emergent tremor. Coherence analysis between subthalamic nucleus/globus pallidus internus (STN/GPi) tremorous activity measured by microrecording (MER) and electromyogram (EMG) from flexor and extensor wrist muscles during rest, posture, and re‐emergent tremor pause was performed during surgery. The statistical significance level of the MER‐EMG coherence was determined using surrogate data analysis, and the directionality of information transfer between BG and muscle was performed using entropy transfer analysis.

Results

We analyzed 148 MERs with tremor‐like activity from 6 patients which were evaluated against the simultaneous EMGs, resulting in 296 correlations. Of these, 26 presented a significant level of coherence at tremor frequency, throughout rest and posture, with a complete EMG stop in between. During the pause, all recordings showed sustained MER peaks at tremor frequency (±1.5 Hz). Information flows preferentially from BG to muscle during rest and posture, with a loss of directionality during the pause.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that oscillatory activity in STN/GPi functionally linked to tremor sustains firing frequency during re‐emergent tremor pause, thus suggesting no direct role of the BG circuit on tremor attenuation due to voluntary movements. © 2024 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Comparison of a coupling system and the suture method in end‐to‐side microvascular anastomosis in head and neck reconstruction
Authors: Kim Seong Ae , Kim Junnyeon , Lee Chae Rim , Oh Deuk Young , Jun Young‐joon , Moon Suk‐Ho
Published: February 2024

Background

Use of coupling devices in microvascular anastomosis continues to increase, but it is not yet actively used in end‐to‐side (ETS) anastomosis because there is no standard method. Therefore, we propose an easy and time‐saving ETS micro‐anastomosis method using coupling devices in head and neck reconstruction and compare it with the conventional suture method.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 30 consecutive cases (43 anastomoses) of ETS anastomosis in head and neck reconstruction from 2018 to 2022. Patient characteristics, operative details, and anastomosis time were evaluated. When using the coupling device, a cross incision was created in the recipient vessel to form vascular flaps. By pulling the flaps out of the ring, the intact vessel lining was fixed. Other procedures were the same as for a traditional anastomosis.

Results

The mean anastomosis time was 12.81 min (range, 6.7–24.87) for the suture and 4.96 min (range, 2.02–9.4) for the coupling device, a statistically significant difference (p‐value <.00005). There was no venous insufficiency or flap failure with either method.

Conclusions

ETS venous anastomosis using the coupling device is an easy‐to‐use, safe, and timesaving procedure for head and neck reconstruction.
Non‐auto Darboux transformation for N‐soliton solutions of the non‐isospectral Korteweg–de Vries hierarchy
Authors: Liu Xing‐yu , Lu Bin‐he , Zhang Da‐jun
Published: February 2024

The usual non‐isospectral Korteweg–de Vries (KdV) hierarchy (see Equation 4) does not have auto Darboux transformations. In this paper, we present a non‐auto Darboux transformation for this hierarchy, from which we are able to construct its
‐soliton solutions. An explicit formula of the solutions with zero background is given, and solutions are illustrated.
Congenital Cytomegalovirus Testing Outcomes From the ValEAR Trial
Authors: Orb Quinn T. , Pesch Megan , Allen Chelsea M. , Wilkes Ashlea , Ahmad Iram , Alfonso Kristan , Antonio Stephanie Moody , Mithal Leena Bhattacharya , Brinkmeier Jennifer V. , Carvalho Daniela , Chan Dylan , Cheng Alan G. , Chi David , Cohen Michael , Discolo Christopher Michael , Duran Carlos , Germiller John , Gibson Laura , Grunstein Eli , Harrison Gail , Lee Kenneth , Hawley Karen , Kohlhoff Stephan , Melvin Ann , MacArthur Carol , Nassar Michel , Neff Laura , Pecha Phayvanh , Salvatore Christine , Schoem Scott , Virgin Frank , Saunders James , Schleiss Mark , Smith Richard J. H. , Sood Sunil , Park Albert H.
Published: February 2024

Objective

To determine the positivity rate of congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) testing among universal, hearing‐targeted CMV testing (HT‐cCMV) and delayed targeted dried blood spot (DBS) testing newborn screening programs, and to examine the characteristics of successful HT‐cCMV testing programs.

Study Design

Prospective survey of birth hospitals performing early CMV testing.

Setting

Multiple institutions.

Methods

Birth hospitals participating in the National Institutes of Health ValEAR clinical trial were surveyed to determine the rates of cCMV positivity associated with 3 different testing approaches: universal testing, HT‐cCMV, and DBS testing. A mixed methods model was created to determine associations between successful HT‐cCMV screening and specific screening protocols.

Results

Eighty‐two birth hospitals were surveyed from February 2019 to December 2021. Seven thousand six hundred seventy infants underwent universal screening, 9017 infants HT‐cCMV and 535 infants delayed DBS testing. The rates of cCMV positivity were 0.5%, 1.5%, and 7.3%, respectively. The positivity rate for universal CMV screening was less during the COVID‐19 pandemic than that reported prior to the pandemic. There were no statistically significant drops in positivity for any approach during the pandemic. For HT‐cCMV testing, unique order sets and rigorous posttesting protocols were associated with successful screening programs.

Conclusion

Rates of cCMV positivity differed among the 3 approaches. The rates are comparable to cohort studies reported in the literature. Universal CMV prevalence decreased during the pandemic but not significantly. Institutions with specific order set for CMV testing where the primary care physician orders the test and the nurse facilitates the testing process exhibited higher rates of HT‐cCMV testing.
PHQ‐9 and GAD‐7 Score Response After Parathyroidectomy for Primary Hyperparathyroidism: a Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Caraway John , Ryan Matthew , Yang Alex , Watson Nora , Allard Rhonda , Orestes Michael
Published: February 2024

Objective

Currently, the relationship between parathyroidectomy and objective neuropsychiatric outcomes are not clearly defined. The purpose of this study is to perform the first ever Meta‐analysis of preoperative and postoperative PHQ‐9 and GAD‐7 scores in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism undergoing parathyroidectomy with the goal of identifying a specific psychometric score that could be used as an indication for surgical intervention.

Data Sources

A comprehensive search of the literature was performed using PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Ovid All EBM Reviews.

Review Methods

Studies met inclusion criteria if they evaluated preoperative and postoperative PHQ‐9 and/or GAD‐7 scores in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism undergoing parathyroidectomy. Random effects Meta‐analyses were used to analyze the compiled data.

Results

The literature search returned 1433 articles for initial review of which 6 (1105 participants) met criteria for inclusion and Meta‐analysis. Meta‐analysis revealed that primary hyperparathyroidism patients had significantly higher presurgical PHQ‐9 scores when compared to control groups. Additionally, patients experienced a statistically significant and sustained decrease in PHQ‐9 scores following parathyroidectomy. Notably, there was a dramatic decrease in the percentage of patients with PHQ‐9 scores ≥10 (considered clinically significant for depression) following parathyroidectomy.

Conclusion

Patients with primary hyperparathyroidism experience a statistically significant and sustained improvement in PHQ‐9 scores following parathyroidectomy. Additionally, symptoms of anxiety and suicidal ideation appear to decrease after parathyroidectomy. We propose that a PHQ‐9 score ≥10 could potentially be used as an indication for parathyroidectomy in patients with asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism.
Numerical modeling of magnetohydrodynamic non‐Newtonian flow in a cross‐slot
Authors: Periyadurai K. , Pascoa J. C. , Abdollahzadehsangroudi M. , Oliveira P. J.
Published: February 2024

This study numerically investigates the characteristics of a non‐Newtonian magnetohydrodynamic flow in a cross‐slot. Numerical simulations are performed using power law, Bird–Carreau and Casson non‐Newtonian fluid models. The flow characteristics and shear viscosity behavior in the flow region are analyzed for different values of magnetic field. Additionally, the dynamic behavior of the bifurcated flow in the cross‐slot is studied in detail, and the computational results are compared with existing models. It is shown that the fluid velocity is reduced in both the inlet and outlet channels of the cross‐slot due to the magnetic field, regardless of the viscosity model. Moreover, it is found that the fluid viscosity increases along the centerline of the inlet channels and decreases in the outlet channels of the cross‐slot for all non‐Newtonian fluid models tested here. Furthermore, this study shows that the flow properties of the non‐Newtonian fluids can be controlled by changing the magnetic field strength. The results of this study will be useful for analyzing the flow behavior of blood in a microfluidic cross‐slot and other rheological fluids used in biochemical engineering and industrial processes, where higher mass transfer and mixing efficiency can be achieved by imposing an external magnetic field.

Highlights

Simulation of non‐Newtonian magnetohydrodynamic flow in a cross‐slot is conducted.

Analysis of the flow and shear viscosity behavior for different Hartman number is performed.

Flow properties were successfully controlled with the imposed external magnetic field.
Lung clearance index (LCI2.5) changes after initiation of Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor in children with cystic fibrosis aged between 6 and 11 years: The “real‐world” differs from trial data
Authors: Urquhart Don S. , Dowle Heather , Moffat Kellie , Forster Jody , Cunningham Steve , Macleod Kenneth A.
Published: February 2024

Background

Elexacaftor in combination with Tezacaftor and Ivacaftor (ETI) became licensed in the United Kingdom in early 2022 for children aged 6–11 years with cystic fibrosis (CF) and an eligible mutation. Many in this age group have excellent prior lung health making quantitative measurement of benefit challenging. Clinical trials purport that lung clearance index (LCI2.5) measurement is most suitable for this purpose.

Objectives

This study aimed to understand the clinical utility of LCI2.5 in detecting change after commencing ETI in the real world.

Patient Selection/Methods

Baseline anthropometric data were collected along with spirometry (forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV1], forced vital capacityFV and LCI2.5 measures in children aged 6–11 years with CF before starting ETI. Measures were repeated after a mean (range) of 8.2 (7–14) months of ETI treatment. The primary endpoint was a change in LCI2.5, with secondary endpoints including change in FEV1 and change in body mass index (BMI) also reported.

Results

Twelve children were studied (seven male, mean age 9.5 years at baseline). Our study population had a mean (SD) LCI2.5 of 7.01 (1.14) and FEV1 of 96 (13) %predicted at baseline. Mean (95% confidence interval) changes in LCI2.5 [−0.7 (−1.4, 0), p = .06] and BMI [+0.7 (+0.1, +1.3), p = .03] were observed, along with changes in FEV1 of +3.1 (−1.9, +8.1) %predicted.

Conclusions

Real‐world changes in LCI2.5 (−0.7) are different to those reported in clinical trials (−2.29). Lower baseline LCI2.5 as a result of prior modulator exposure, high baseline lung health, and new LCI2.5 software analyses all contribute to lower LCI2.5 values being recorded in the real world of children with CF.
Advancements in Uncooled Bolometer Technology: Shortwave Infrared Detection via CuFeSe2 Nanocrystal Colloidal Thin Films
Authors: Vishwakarma Ashutosh , Gharpure Chinmay Shailendra , Sugathan Anumol , Pandey Anshu , Avasthi Sushobhan
Published: February 2024

Microbolometers have emerged as a cost‐effective alternative to cooled infrared photon detectors, albeit with certain trade‐offs in terms of responsivity (), detectivity (), and response time (). The research in this field is driven by the potential applications in night vision devices, military surveillance, and autonomous vehicles, leading to a growing interest in exploring new materials to bridge the performance gap between cooled photon detectors and uncooled bolometers. This study focuses on the optoelectronic and bolometric characteristics of nanocrystals (NCs) in a colloidal solution. These NCs exhibit a significant change in resistivity (ρ) when subjected to temperature variations ranging from 170 to 400 K. Specifically, the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR), α, is 1.9% per Kelvin for a room temperature resistivity of 505 Ω cm. Furthermore, the responsivity of NCs is reported to be 0.101 A W−1, and the Hall mobility of the colloidal solution is determined as . Finally, a comprehensive comparison is conducted between the performance metrics of established bolometer materials, such as VOx and a‐Si, and those of colloidal NCs. Based on the results, colloidal NCs are a promising option for future bolometer technology.
What they forgot to tell you about machine learning with an application to pharmaceutical manufacturing
Authors: Johnson Kjell , Kuhn Max
Published: February 2024

Predictive models (a.k.a. machine learning models) are ubiquitous in all stages of drug research, safety, development, manufacturing, and marketing. The results of these models are used inside and outside of pharmaceutical companies for the purpose of understanding scientific processes and for predicting characteristics of new samples or patients. While there are many resources that describe such models, there are few that explain how to develop a robust model that extracts the highest possible performance from the available data, especially in support of pharmaceutical applications. This tutorial will describe pitfalls and best practices for developing and validating predictive models with a specific application to a monitoring a pharmaceutical manufacturing process. The pitfalls and best practices will be highlighted to call attention to specific points that are not generally discussed in other resources.
A novel method for weighting decision makers for failure mode and effect analysis under intuitionistic fuzzy environment
Authors: Akkus Dilara , Testik Ozlem Muge
Published: February 2024

This study introduces an innovative method to implement Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) in an Intuitionistic Fuzzy (IF) environment and targets inherent limitations of traditional FMEA, particularly its reliance on precise numerical values that can lead to human subjectivity and compromise accuracy of analysis. The primary aim is to increase the objectivity in evaluating Failure Modes (FMs) in industrial settings, thus enhancing safety and quality assessments. The novel approach integrates the Measurement Alternatives and Ranking according to the Compromise Solution (MARCOS) method within an IF framework. An implementation at a defense industry company is performed for evaluation of the FMs by four Decision Makers (DMs), each possessing different levels of experience and system knowledge. A key innovation of this study is the unique weighting methodology applied to DMs, based on predefined rules, which acknowledges and quantifies their varied expertise and insights. Our methodology significantly contributes to the study's practicality and significance in ranking FMs, emphasizing its effectiveness, robustness, and accuracy. The findings reveal that this method greatly reduces the subjectivity found in traditional FMEA, also providing a more detailed and reliable assessment. This is achieved by adapting the analysis to the specific knowledge levels of the DMs, leading to more dependable and objective quality evaluations in industrial processes. The application of this method in the real‐world setting demonstrates its practical relevance and potential for wider adoption.
Synthesis of bis‐Naphthol based Organoselenium Antioxidants as Efficient Inhibitors against Biofilms
Authors: Chhillar Babli , Sharma Akanksha , Rani Shital , Singh Gurpal , Pratap Barnwal Ravi , Singh Vijay P.
Published: February 2024

In the present study, synthesis of bis‐naphthol based organoselenium compounds has been described. The synthetic strategy involves electrophilic aromatic addition of alkyl/aryl selenium species at the electron rich center of 2,7‐dihydroxynaphthalene. The reaction with electrophilic selenylating reagents in situ generated by potassium persulphate and diselenides produced desired selenides. Synthesized compounds were studied for their glutathione peroxidase (GPx)‐like antioxidant activities using thiophenol assay. It was observed that all compounds exhibited greater GPx‐like antioxidant activity than diphenyl diselenide used as reference. Further, these GPx mimics were introduced for their antibacterial properties against biofilm formation by Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. To support experimental details, molecular docking studies were also performed to elucidate in silico interactions between the active sites of proteins TsaA and LasR found in Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration assay was performed for all the antioxidants against Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Additionally, hemolytic assay has also been carried out to check the impact on red blood cells. Cytotoxicity assessments of antioxidants have also been carried using MTT assay.
Effect of Water in the Trimer‐Cyclisation of Alkynyl Ketone
Authors: Ishimaru Hina , Suzuki Ayano , Isomura Shigeki , Okuno Yoshinori , Sato Yasuo
Published: February 2024

A trimer‐cyclisation reaction of propiolate esters yielded 1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxylate tri‐esters in water. The reaction proceeded selectively in the presence of secondary or tertiary amine salts in pure water solvent. Other organic solvents, such as dimethyl formamide, tetrahydrofuran, and ethanol, afforded a 1 : 1 adduct of propiolate and amine. The hydrogen bonding characteristics of water stabilised the proposed intermediate in a conformation that promoted the final cyclisation. The synthesis can be successfully conducted in water–a universal and an eco‐friendly solvent.
Multifunctionally Reusing Waste Solder to Prepare Highly Efficient Sn–Pb Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Chen Chang , Duan Chenghao , Zou Feilin , Li Jiong , Yan Keyou
Published: February 2024

The preparation of perovskite components (PbI2 and SnI2) using waste materials is of great significance for the commercialization of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, this goal is difficult to achieve due to the purity of the recovered products and the easy oxidation of Sn2+. Here, a simple one‐step synthetic process to convert waste Sn–Pb solder into SnI2/PbI2 and then applied as‐prepared SnI2/PbI2 to PSCs for high additional value is adopted. During fabrication, Sn–Pb waste solder is also employed to serve as a reducing agent to reduce the Sn4+ in Sn–Pb mixed narrow perovskite precursor and hence remove the deep trap states in perovskite. The target PSCs achieved an efficiency of 21.04%, which is better than the efficiency of the device with commercial SnI2/PbI2 (20.10%). Meanwhile, the target PSC maintained an initial efficiency of 80% even after 800 h under continuous illumination, which is significantly better than commercial devices. In addition, the method achieved a recovery rate of 90.12% for Sn–Pb waste solder, with a lab‐grade purity (over 99.8%) for SnI2/PbI2, and the cost of perovskite active layer reduced to 39.81% through this recycling strategy through calculation.