bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two‐year follow‐up comparing Rezūm therapy versus bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia. A prospective randomized study
Authors: Samir Mohamed , Elaal Abd Allah Abd , Gad Khaled Abdel Sattar , Basyony Mohamed Wagieh
Published: January 2024

Objective

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of Rezūm therapy and bipolar transurethral resection of prostate (B‐TURP) for the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) of 50–120 g size.

Methods

One hundred patients with BPH who met the inclusion criteria were included and split into two equal groups to undergo Rezūm therapy or B‐TURP. The two groups were compared for efficacy using international prostate symptom score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), operative time, catheter time, hospital stay, post‐void residual urine (PVR), prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), and residual prostate size and safety using the incidence of complications.

Results

Rezūm significantly ameliorated IPSS from the baseline score by 55.3%, QoL by 50%, Qmax by 62.5%, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) by 7.1%, PVR by 50%, residual prostate size by 28.1% and PSA by 42% at 2 years. Meanwhile, the improvement in B‐TURP was significantly higher than Rezūm group, Rezūm therapy had a significantly shorter duration of operative time and hospital stay. Also, it had fewer complications in comparison with B‐TURP.

Conclusions

Rezūm is a minimally invasive procedure that provides significantly improved symptomatic relief of BPH and quality of life with preservation of erectile and ejaculatory functions. However, it is not as effective as B‐TURP.
Using a trauma‐informed care framework to explore social climate and borderline personality disorder in forensic inpatient settings
Authors: Rodwell Devon , Frith Hannah
Published: January 2024

Tensions between therapeutic and security needs on forensic wards can create a social climate which is challenging for both mental health nurses and patients. Social climate refers to the physical, social and emotional conditions of a forensic ward which influence how these environments are experienced. For patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD), previous trauma means that the social climate of forensic settings may be experienced as retraumatising, negatively impacting the outcomes and wellbeing of both patients and mental health nurses. Trauma‐informed care (TIC) has been offered as a contemporary framework for mental health nursing in inpatient units which aims to create a therapeutic social climate. In this critical review, we drew widely on literatures examining the social climate in forensic settings, the relationships between patients with BPD and staff (including mental health nurses), and the experiences of patients with BPD in forensic and inpatient settings to draw out the implications of scrutinising these literatures through the lens of TIC. Attending to the physical, social and emotional conditions of social climate in secure settings highlights how forensic wards can mirror trauma experiences for patients with BPD. Implementing TIC in these contexts has the potential to evoke positive shifts in the social climate, thus reducing the risk of retraumatisation and leading to improved outcomes for patients and staff.
Effect of vitamin D on clinical outcomes in patients with thermal injury
Authors: Pirdastan Sepide , Mahdavi Roshan Marjan , Mobayen Mohammadreza , Asadzadegan Reza , Ebrahim Ghafari Mohammad , Mazhari Seyed Amirhossein , Sadeghi Mahsa , Bagheri Toolaroud Parissa , Alizadeh Otaghvar Hamidreza
Published: January 2024

Evaluating complications and mortality risks in burn patients is crucial for effective treatment planning and improving survival rates. This study investigated the relationship between the serum vitamin D level and the clinical outcomes of adult burns patients. This was a prospective cohort of adult patients hospitalized due to thermal burns at a burn centre in the north of Iran. Based on the level of 25 hydroxyvitamin D measured upon admission, patients were divided into two groups of patients with sufficient 25 hydroxyvitamin D level and insufficient 25 hydroxyvitamin D level. Descriptive statistics were used for baseline demographics. Univariate analysis was conducted using Mann–Whitney U, Chi‐square, independent samples, and Fisher's exact tests. A multivariate logistic regression was performed to adjust for the effects of confounding variables. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 28.0 software. A total of 220 patients were included in the study. The average total body surface area burned was 30.52 ± 9.34. Patients with insufficient vitamin D levels had longer hospital stays (12.53 vs. 11.45) and longer stays in the intensive care unit (ICU) (3.32 vs. 2.40) than those with appropriate vitamin D levels. Participants with insufficient vitamin D levels exhibited a numerically higher incidence of infections than those with adequate levels (p < 0.05). The multivariate regression found that vitamin D deficiency levels were associated with increased infection rates and prolonged hospital stay. This study suggests that vitamin D deficiency is a significant risk factor for adverse clinical outcomes in burn patients. Further research is needed to confirm these associations and to explore potential interventions to optimize vitamin D status in this patient population.
Application of maple leaf‐shaped flap combined with negative pressure wound therapy in the perianal circular skin defect reconstruction
Authors: Dai Haiying , Wang Yuchong , Xu Jianguo , Lv Chuan , Dong Jie , Sun Mengyan , Chen Kexin , Xiao Yuai , Wu Minliang , Xue Chunyu
Published: January 2024

We aimed to explore the efficacy of maple leaf‐shaped flap in the repair of perianal circular skin defect. This study is a retrospective review of patients with perianal circular skin defect after skin tumour resection and repaired with maple leaf‐shaped flap. Patients included in this study were admitted in our department between January 2010 and January 2023. A standardized data collection template was used to collect related variables. The design and surgical procedures of maple leaf‐shaped flap are carefully described in this study. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) was applied to assist wound healing postoperatively. Twenty‐seven patients were included in this study. The average wound size after tumour resection measured 4 × 5 cm2–10 × 10 cm2. The circular skin defect was repaired by maple leaf‐shaped flap, and NPWT was used after surgery. Twenty‐five patients achieved primary wound healing and flaps were well‐survived. Slight infection occurred in two patients, and both were cured after dressing change. During the follow‐up period of 6–24 months, no tumour recurrence occurred. The perianal morphology can be well‐restored by maple leaf‐shaped flap, and the defecation control function of anus was not impaired. The application of maple leaf‐shaped flap and NPWT is a promising way in the repair of perianal circular skin defect with little complication and satisfying outcomes.
A meta‐analysis on the impact of spinal cord stimulation on post‐operative wound healing in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Cai Youde , Zheng Xiong , Gan Fang
Published: January 2024

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has emerged as a potential therapeutic tool for various chronic conditions, but its efficacy in post‐operative wound healing for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients has not been comprehensively understood. This meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of SCS on post‐operative wound healing and scar formation in MS patients. A systematic literature review identified seven studies for inclusion. We focused on wound healing as measured by the redness, edema, ecchymosis, discharge, approximation (REEDA) scale 1 week post‐operation and scar formation assessed by the Manchester Scar Scale (MSS) 3 months post‐operation. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in wound healing in the SCS group, with a standard mean difference (SMD) of −5.82 (95% confidence interval [CI]: [−7.56, −4.09], p < 0.01) on the REEDA scale. For scar formation, the SCS group showed a notable reduction in MSS scores, with an SMD of −10.06 (95% CI: [−14.53, −5.58], p < 0.01). These findings underscore the potential of SCS as an adjunct therapy in enhancing surgical recovery in MS patients, pointing towards its broader applications in post‐operative care.
Sintering of large‐sized and near‐stoichiometric BNT ceramics with enhanced dielectric and electrostrictive properties
Authors: Guo Huilu , Zhu Minmin , Zhao Yida , Du Zehui
Published: January 2024

Sintering for large‐sized, stoichiometric Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 (BNT) ceramics is of great challenge due to the loss of volatile Bi/Na at A‐site of perovskite structure. In this work, BNT ceramic tile with the size of ∼10 × 10 cm2 and near‐stoichiometric composition has been successfully fabricated by Isobam‐assisted gelcasting process, followed by sintering with 1150°C calcined power bed. The powder bed used and sintering duration were found to have a great influence on the formation of the Na‐deficient phase (Bi4.5Na0.5Ti4O15) in the ceramics, and the strategies to eliminate it have been explored. The obtained ceramics exhibit a dielectric constant/loss of 673.6/0.039 at 1 kHz, as well as an electrostrictive strain of ∼0.07% which corresponds to a converse piezoelectric constant of 105.2 pm/V. Our work thus provides an effective approach to prepare large‐sized and stoichiometric BNT ceramics.
Effect of P/Al ratio on the X‐ray induced darkening in Dy‐doped silica glasses at visible wavelengths
Authors: Sun Yan , Ma Juping , Shao Chongyun , Guo Mengting , Wang Xin , Yu Fei , Chen Shubin , Yu Chunlei , Liao Meisong , Hu Lili
Published: January 2024

In this work, we study the mechanisms of X‐ray induced darkening in the Dy/Al/P co‐doped silica glasses at visible wavelengths and explore the role of P/Al ratio played in the enhancement of irradiation resistance. The absorption, emission spectra and lifetime, Raman, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of pristine and irradiated Dy‐silica glasses as a function of P/Al ratio were measured and analyzed. The Si‐related defects (Si‐E′ and non‐bridge oxygen hole center), Al‐related defects (Al‐E′ and Al‐related oxygen hole center), P‐related defects (P‐OHC and P2), and Dy2+ ions were studied and analyzed. Results demonstrate that increasing P/Al is efficient to suppress the photodarkening in Dy‐silica glasses at visible wavelengths. Results imply that Dy‐silica glasses with P/Al > 1 may be a promising candidate for efficient visible fiber lasers operated at around 575 nm wavelength.
Impact of Ca, Al, and Mg on reaction kinetics, pore structure, and performance of Fe‐rich alkali‐activated slag
Authors: Wen Nana , Peys Arne , Hertel Tobias , Pontikes Yiannis
Published: January 2024

Alkali‐activated materials can be formed by alkali‐activation of Fe‐rich non‐ferrous metallurgical slags (AA‐NFMS). To study NFMS in AA‐NFMS systematically, five NFMS were synthesized, with different CaO (6–16 wt%), Al2O3 (7–11 wt%), and MgO (0–4 wt%) contents, while keeping the same FeOx/SiO2 molar ratio. The effect of slag chemistry and the alkali ions (Na+/K+ = 0, 0.5, and 1) in alkali‐activating solution on the reaction kinetics, compressive strength (3, 7, and 28 days), and pore structure of AA‐NFMS was investigated. The reactivity up to 3 days was evaluated via isothermal calorimetry, and the pore structure was analyzed via mercury intrusion porosimetry. Higher Al/Si in the slag showed higher reactivity, higher compressive strength, and lower total porosity of the AA‐NFMS. Higher Ca/Si yielded lower cumulative heat after 3 days and decreased early compressive strength but higher strength after 28 days of curing. Ca replacement by Mg led to faster reaction kinetics but inferior mechanical properties and increased porosity. Increased K+ concentration in the activator resulted in higher reactivity and compressive strength despite the higher total porosity. Empirical model fitting using JMP software revealed that K+/(N++ K+) in the activator, Ca/Si, and (Ca+Mg)/Si in NFMS are significant factors that affect the strength of AA‐NFMS.
Using the life course health development model to address pediatric mental health disparities
Authors: Smith Laureen H. , Nist Marliese D. , Fortney Christine A. , Warren Barbara , Harrison Tondi , Gillespie Shannon , Herbell Kayla , Militello Lisa , Anderson Cindy M. , Tucker Sharon , Ford Jodi , Chang Mei‐Wei , Sayre Christine , Pickler Rita
Published: January 2024

Topic

Early‐life experiences, the transmission of health and disease within families, and the influence of cumulative risks as well as protective factors throughout life shape the trajectory of health, including mental health. Long‐term health trajectories established early in life are influenced by biologic, social, and environmental factors. Negative trajectories may be more salient if exposures to adversity occur during critical developmental periods.

Purpose

The purpose of this brief is to (a) review pediatric health disparities related to depression and the intergenerational transmission of pediatric depression using a Life Course Health Development (LCHD) model and (b) provide recommendations for pediatric mental health research.

Sources

Peer‐reviewed papers available for PubMed, CINAL, and Medline. Other sources include published books, papers, and gray materials.

Conclusions

The LCHD model is a perspective to guide and foster new scientific inquiry about the development of mental health outcomes over the life course. The model enables synthesis of mental health, nursing, and public health, linking mental health prevention, risk reduction, and treatment in children.
Consequences of high school bullying on stress and health of Arab American college students
Authors: Albdour Maha M. , Jenuwine Elizabeth S. , Hong Jun Sung
Published: January 2024

Problem

Existing bullying research among Arab Americans is limited, focusing mainly on school‐age adolescents and victimization. There is a lack of studies that examine retrospective bullying perpetration, bullying victimization, and physical fights during high school and their effect on current Arab American college students' stress and health outcomes. This study examines if bullying perpetration, bullying victimization, and physical fights during high school predict current stress and the physical and mental health of Arab American college students. In addition, we examined if perceived psychological stress mediates the relationships between bullying and fighting involvement and health.

Methods

One hundred and sixty‐two undergraduate Arab American college students were recruited from a Midwestern university and completed self‐report measures of bullying, stress, and health (both physical and mental).

Findings

Controlling for demographic variables, only high school victimization was significantly associated with current stress and physical and mental health. Stress fully mediated the relationship between victimization and health (both physical and mental).

Conclusions

Victimization during high school years may result in serious physical and mental health consequences during college years. However, perpetration and fighting may not have similar effects. Addressing stress among bullying victims may reduce the negative impact of this experience on immigrant Arab American college students. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
Comparison of six hepatocellular carcinoma prediction models in Japanese patients after sustained virologic response undergoing rigorous surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Toyoda Hidenori , Tada Toshifumi , Uojima Haruki , Nozaki Akito , Chuma Makoto , Takaguchi Koichi , Hiraoka Atsushi , Abe Hiroshi , Itobayashi Ei , Matsuura Kentaro , Atsukawa Masanori , Watanabe Tsunamasa , Shimada Noritomo , Nakamuta Makoto , Kojima Motoyuki , Tsuji Kunihiko , Mikami Shigeru , Ishikawa Toru , Yasuda Satoshi , Tsutsui Akemi , Arai Taeang , Kumada Takashi , Tanaka Yasuhito , Tanaka Junko , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: January 2024

Background and Aim

While several predictive models for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been proposed, including those for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection who have achieved sustained virologic response (SVR), the best model may differ between regions. We compared the ability of six reported models to stratify the risk of post‐SVR HCC in Japan, where rigorous surveillance and early detection of HCC is common.

Methods

A total of 6048 patients with no history of HCC who achieved SVR by oral direct‐acting antiviral drugs were enrolled in this nationwide study. Patients continued HCC surveillance every 6 months after SVR. The incidence of post‐SVR HCC was compared between risk groups using the aMAP score, FIB‐4 index, Tahata model, GAF4 criteria, GES score, and ADRES score.

Results

During the observation period with a median duration of 4.0 years after SVR, post‐SVR HCC developed in 332 patients (5.5%). All six models performed significantly at stratifying the incidence of HCC. However, Harrell's C‐index was below 0.8 for all models (range, 0.660–0.748), indicating insufficient stratification ability.

Conclusion

Although all six proposed models demonstrated a good ability to predict the development of post‐SVR HCC, their ability to stratify the risk of post‐SVRHCC was unsatisfactory. Further studies are necessary to identify the best model for assessing the risk of post‐SVR HCC in regions where early detection of HCC is common.
An automated slide scanning system for membrane filter imaging in diagnosis of urogenital schistosomiasis
Authors: Oyibo Prosper , Agbana Tope , van Lieshout Lisette , Oyibo Wellington , Diehl Jan‐Carel , Vdovine Gleb
Published: January 2024

Traditionally, automated slide scanning involves capturing a rectangular grid of field‐of‐view (FoV) images which can be stitched together to create whole slide images, while the autofocusing algorithm captures a focal stack of images to determine the best in‐focus image. However, these methods can be time‐consuming due to the need for X‐, Y‐ and Z‐axis movements of the digital microscope while capturing multiple FoV images. In this paper, we propose a solution to minimise these redundancies by presenting an optimal procedure for automated slide scanning of circular membrane filters on a glass slide. We achieve this by following an optimal path in the sample plane, ensuring that only FoVs overlapping the filter membrane are captured. To capture the best in‐focus FoV image, we utilise a hill‐climbing approach that tracks the peak of the mean of Gaussian gradient of the captured FoVs images along the Z‐axis. We implemented this procedure to optimise the efficiency of the Schistoscope, an automated digital microscope developed to diagnose urogenital schistosomiasis by imaging Schistosoma haematobium eggs on 13 or 25 mm membrane filters. Our improved method reduces the automated slide scanning time by 63.18% and 72.52% for the respective filter sizes. This advancement greatly supports the practicality of the Schistoscope in large‐scale schistosomiasis monitoring and evaluation programs in endemic regions. This will save time, resources and also accelerate generation of data that is critical in achieving the targets for schistosomiasis elimination.
Maxillary morphology of chimpanzees: Captive versus wild environments
Authors: Hanegraef Hester , Spoor Fred
Published: January 2024

Morphological studies typically avoid using osteological samples that derive from captive animals because it is assumed that their morphology is not representative of wild populations. Rearing environments indeed differ between wild and captive individuals. For example, mechanical properties of the diets provided to captive animals can be drastically different from the food present in their natural habitats, which could impact cranial morphology and dental health. Here, we examine morphological differences in the maxillae of wild versus captive chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) given the prominence of this species in comparative samples used in human evolution research and the key role of the maxilla in such studies. Size and shape were analysed using three‐dimensional geometric morphometric methods based on computed tomography scans of 94 wild and 30 captive specimens. Captive individuals have on average larger and more asymmetrical maxillae than wild chimpanzees, and significant differences are present in their maxillary shapes. A large proportion of these shape differences are attributable to static allometry, but wild and captive specimens still differ significantly from each other after allometric size adjustment of the shape data. Levels of shape variation are higher in the captive group, while the degree of size variation is likely similar in our two samples. Results are discussed in the context of ontogenetic growth trajectories, changes in dietary texture, an altered social environment, and generational differences. Additionally, sample simulations show that size and shape differences between chimpanzees and bonobos (Pan paniscus) are exaggerated when part of the wild sample is replaced with captive chimpanzees. Overall, this study confirms that maxillae of captive chimpanzees should not be included in morphological or taxonomic analyses when the objective is to characterise the species.
Safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of obeticholic acid in subjects with fibrosis or cirrhosis from NASH
Authors: Alkhouri Naim , LaCerte Carl , Edwards Jeffrey , Poordad Fred , Lawitz Eric , Lee Lois , Karan Sharon , Sawhney Sangeeta , Erickson Mary , MacConell Leigh , Zaru Luna , Chen Jianfen , Campagna Jason
Published: January 2024

Background & Aims

Fibrosis stage is a strong predictor of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) outcomes. Two blinded studies evaluated the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and safety of obeticholic acid (OCA) in subjects with staged NASH fibrosis or cirrhosis.

Methods

Study 747‐117 randomized 51 subjects with NASH (fibrosis stages F1–F4) to daily placebo, OCA 10 or OCA 25 mg (1:2:2) for 85 days. Study 747‐118 randomized 24 subjects with NASH cirrhosis (F4; Child‐Pugh [CP]‐A) and normal liver control subjects matched for similar body weight to daily OCA 10 or OCA 25 mg (1:1) for 28 days. Individual and combined study data were analysed.

Results

No severe or serious adverse events (AEs) or AEs leading to discontinuation or death occurred. Pruritus was the most frequent AE. Plasma OCA exposure (dose‐normalized area under the curve) increased with fibrosis stage but was a relatively poor predictor of hepatic OCA exposure (primary site of action), which remained constant across fibrosis stages F1–F3 and increased 1.8‐fold compared with F1 in subjects with cirrhosis due to NASH. Both cohorts showed robust changes in farnesoid X receptor activation markers with OCA treatment and marked decreases in alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and gamma‐glutamyltransferase.

Conclusions

Despite higher drug exposures in subjects with NASH cirrhosis, short‐term daily treatment with OCA 10 or 25 mg was generally safe and well tolerated in subjects with NASH fibrosis or NASH CP‐A cirrhosis. Both cohorts experienced improvements in nonhistologic pharmacodynamic markers consistent with previously conducted OCA phase 2 and phase 3 studies in NASH fibrosis.
No correlation between MASLD and poor outcome of Atezolizumab‐Bevacizumab therapy in patients with advanced HCC
Authors: Copil Francisca‐Dora , Campani Claudia , Lequoy Marie , Sultanik Philippe , Blaise Lorraine , Wagner Mathilde , Ganne‐Carrié Nathalie , Ozenne Violaine , Thabut Dominique , Nault Jean‐Charles , Ratziu Vlad , Allaire Manon
Published: January 2024

Introduction

It has been suggested that in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) of metabolic aetiology, the efficacy of immunotherapy may be reduced. The aim was to investigate the impact of metabolic‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic risk factors (MRF) on the outcomes of Atezolizumab‐Bevacizumab (AtezoBev).

Methods

We collected data from 295 AtezoBev‐treated patients, starting in 2020. MASLD was defined by the current/past presence of MRF, namely BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, type 2 diabetes, arterial hypertension or dyslipidaemia and no other cause of liver disease (daily alcohol ≤30 g in males and ≤20 g in females). The influence of baseline characteristics on progression (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was assessed by uni/multivariate analysis using the Cox model.

Results

Risk factors for cirrhosis were viral infection in 47%, excessive alcohol consumption in 45% and MASLD in 13%. In the whole cohort, 27% had 1 MRF, 23% had 2 MRF, 15% had 3 MRF and 6% had 4 MRF. Median PFS and OS were 6.5 and 15.6 months, respectively, and similar in patients with or without MASLD in Log rank analysis. The number of MRF or MALSD was not associated with PFS or OS in the univariate analysis. Factors associated with PFS in multivariate analysis included ALBI grade 3 (HR = 1.60, p = .03), AFP (HR = 1.01, p = .01) and metastasis (HR = 1.77, p < .001). During follow‐up, 10% of patients experienced immune‐related adverse events, with age and female gender, but not MRF or MASLD, as independent predictors.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that the presence of MASLD or the number of MRF did not lead to worse outcomes in advanced HCC patients treated with AtezoBev.
The Martian crustal field recorded in Antarctic meteorite Grove Mountains 020090
Authors: Cao Ting , Wang Huapei , Hu Shaochen , Qi Kaixian
Published: January 2024

We present the first rock magnetic and paleomagnetic analyses of the Martian meteorite Grove Mountains (GRV) 020090, a suitable candidate for paleomagnetic study due to its low degree of weathering and shock metamorphism. Petrological and rock magnetic investigation indicates that pyrrhotite is the dominant magnetic mineral in GRV 020090, where it occurs as a primary phase without significant shock metamorphism or alteration. The magnetic grains in GRV 020090 exhibit single‐domain behavior that facilitates high‐fidelity magnetic recording. We obtained a positive fusion‐crust baked contact test, which supports an extraterrestrial origin of the primary remanence in GRV 020090. The nature of the primary remanence was identified as thermoremanence acquired during crystallization of the rock on Mars. Anhysteretic remanent magnetization and isothermal remanent magnetization paleointensity methods indicated paleofield strengths of 1.6 and 2.6 μT, respectively, for the primary remanence. However, the shock pressure that GRV 020090 experienced may have partially demagnetized the primary remanence, leading to underestimated paleointensity values. Therefore, 1.6 μT is regarded as the lower limit on the paleointensity of GRV 020090. This lower limit is higher than the model‐predicted surface magnetic field strength in the source region for GRV 020090, suggesting that it may have recorded a small‐scale crustal magnetic field previously undetected by orbital magnetic data. This small‐scale crustal field is likely generated by the underlying ancient, magnetized layers, as the crustal magnetization of the surficial terrane with lithology similar to GRV 020090 is too weak to produce such a crustal field.
Feel for the game: Simulation as transformative practices
Authors: Jensen Rune Dall
Published: January 2024

'@runedalljensen demonstrates how the conventional division of technical and non‐technical skills frequently observed in simulation‐based health professsional education may be arbitrary and distracting.
A latent profile analysis of resilience and the associations with flourishing in emergency nurses exposed to workplace violence in China
Authors: Chen Zhiling , Guo Ningyuan , Chen Tangyu , Liao Liwen , Hu Sanlian , Wang Lin
Published: January 2024

Workplace violence (WPV) exposure has been particularly prevalent in emergency nurses, coupled with negative mental health outcomes. Few explored resilience after WPV exposure using the perspective of positive mental health. We aimed to identify latent profiles of resilience and examine associations with flourishing in emergency nurses with WPV exposure. A total of 1241 Chinese emergency nurses were surveyed on the frequency of WPV exposure, resilience, and flourishing. Eight hundred and twenty five participants (90.1% female, 86.6% aged 20–39) reported WPV exposure at least once in the past 3 months. Latent profile analysis identified profiles of resilience as low resilience (15.0%), moderate decision respond and interpersonal link with low rational thought and flexible adaption (18.0%), moderate resilience (31.0%), high decision respond, interpersonal link, and rational thought with moderate flexible adaption (16.0%), and high resilience (20.0%). Higher flourishing was observed in profiles of moderate resilience, high decision respond, interpersonal link, and rational thought with moderate flexible adaption, and high resilience. We differentiated profiles of resilience and the associations with flourishing in emergency nurses with WPV exposure, which informed targeted interventions for promoting positive mental health.
Relationship of household composition with sedentary behavior and eating habits of 102,072 adolescents: A representative sample of Brazil (PeNSE Study)
Authors: Tebar William R. , Rosa Camila C. , Exupério Isabella N. , Pinheiro Julia L. , Beretta Victor S. , Akimoto Amanda N. , da Silva Claudiele C. M. , Ferrari Gerson , Christofaro Diego G. D.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The household composition is important for adolescents and understanding its relationship with their lifestyle habits is essential. This study aimed to analyze the relationship of household composition with sedentary behavior and eating habits of adolescents.

Methods

This study analyzed data from the Brazilian National Scholar Health Survey—PeNSE 2015. The sample was composed by 102,072 adolescents (11–17 years). The independent variable of the study was the household composition (living with both parents versus living with only one parent or none of them), whereas outcome variables were eating habits and sedentary behavior patterns. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between variables.

Results

Adolescents living with both parents were less likely to have high sedentary behavior (≥2 h OR = 0.89; ≥4 h OR = 0.86), eat while watching TV for ≥5 days/week (OR = 0.88), frequent fried foods (OR = 0.89), sweets (OR = 0.92), soft drinks (OR = 0.86) and ultra processed foods (OR = 0.97) consumption, as were more likely to have lunch with parents (OR = 1.87), frequent vegetables (OR = 1.12), beans (OR = 1.14) and fruits (OR = 1.11) consumption than those who live with one parent or none of them.

Conclusion

Households composed by both father and mother was associated with lower sedentary behavior and healthy eating habits in Brazilian adolescents.
Increased exacerbations of bronchiectasis following recovery from mild COVID‐19 in patients with non‐cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis
Authors: Kwok Wang Chun , Ho James Chung Man , Tam Terence Chi Chun , Ip Mary Sau Man , Lam David Chi Leung
Published: January 2024

Background and Objective

Respiratory viral infection is a common trigger of bronchiectasis exacerbation. Knowledge of the intermediate to long‐term effect of COVID‐19 on bronchiectasis is poor.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of patient records was conducted to assess the frequency of bronchiectasis exacerbation following recovery from mild‐to‐moderate COVID‐19. The exacerbation frequency at baseline, using 2019 and 2019–2021 data, was compared with that during the 1 year following recovery.

Results

A total of 234 adult patient records who had a confirmed diagnosis of bronchiectasis were identified, of whom 52 (22.2%) were classified as the COVID‐19 group. Patients with COVID‐19 had significantly more frequent annual exacerbations of bronchiectasis (total exacerbations and hospitalizations). Compared with 2019–2021 data, the total exacerbation frequency decreased by 0.1 ± 0.51 per year among non‐COVID‐19 patients but increased by 0.68 ± 1.09 per year among the COVID‐19 group (p < 0.001). Compared with 2019 only data, exacerbation frequency decreased by 0.14 ± 0.79 per year among non‐COVID‐19 patients but increased by 0.76 ± 1.17 per year in the COVID‐19 group, p < 0.001. The annual frequency of hospitalization for bronchiectasis increased by 0.01 ± 0.32 per year among non‐COVID‐19 patients and increased by 0.39 ± 1.06 per year in the COVID‐19 group (p < 0.001) compared with 2019 to 2021 data. When compared with only 2019 data, it remained unchanged at 0 ± 0.43 per year among non‐COVID‐19 patients but increased to 0.38 ± 1.12 per year among COVID‐19 patients (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Mild‐to‐moderate COVID‐19 was associated with an increase in frequency of bronchiectasis exacerbation and frequency of hospitalizations following recovery.
Flipping the Colonialist Paradigm: Grigorii Chkhartishvili’s Akunin
Authors: Yoon Saera
Published: January 2024

This essay examines how the Erast Fandorin series by Boris Akunin (Grigorii Chkhartishvili) employs, revises, and deconstructs the Orientalist paradigm through the portrayal of Masa, the detective’s Japanese sidekick. At first glance, Masa appears to embody Orientalist clichés through allusions to a familiar ethnic stereotype. But the Fandorin series does more than activate the preconceived role of a Russian hero’s Asian valet: in reformulating the detective story narrative, Akunin introduces both Orientalist and Occidentalist perspectives and ultimately reconfigures the master‐servant structure as something similar to a Confucian, father‐son relationship. Despite the stereotypical ethnic image reproduced in the series, Masa’s representation is divorced from the colonizing agenda that is fundamental to Orientalist discourse. After appearing at first as a Colonialist sign, Masa’s depiction turns out to be a pastiche without the implied referent whose trajectory in the cycle traces choices made by Akunin (and ultimately Chkhartishvili). While the author first and foremost pursues entertainment, as the series progresses, he exhibits signs of postcolonial political awareness by flipping and deconstructing the quasi‐Orientalist mode. As a result, the initial division between the implicit perspectives of the fictional and nonfictional authors turns into an alignment of the two.
Missionaries and Resistance in Guatemala
Authors: Trinidad Mario
Published: January 2024

In Guatemala, the 36-year armed conflict from 1960 to 1996 claimed 200,000 lives, over two per cent of the population, and displaced a million more. In the 1970s and the 1980s the widespread and violent repression of social movements fighting for justice and human rights reached unimaginable proportions, involving assassinations, disappearances, and exile. Even parts of the Church, traditionally considered an ally of the powerful and the wealthy, were not spared this fate. Missionaries and Resistance in Guatemala chronicles the involvement of certain Catholic missionaries in popular and revolutionary movements. Based primarily on their own accounts, it narrates their gradual progression from conservative theological and pastoral practices to radical positions, informed by their solidarity with the poor and a theology of liberation. Their stories are situated in a wider geopolitical and ecclesial context.
Prolonged tamoxifen‐enriched diet is associated with cardiomyopathy and nutritional frailty in mice
Authors: Halpage Janith , DaSilva Pantoja Patricia , Mancarella Salvatore
Published: January 2024

Tamoxifen (TAM) is required for gene recombination in the inducible Cre/lox system. The TAM‐enriched diet is considered safe, with negligible impact on animal wellbeing. However, studies reporting the long‐term effects of the TAM diet and its potential impact on experimental outcomes are scarce. We conducted a longitudinal study on mice exposed to a 4‐week dietary TAM citrate supplementation. Several parameters were recorded, such as body weight, body composition, mortality, and cardiac function. The collagen1a2 (Col1a2) transgenic mouse was used to assess TAM‐induced recombination in vivo in cardiac fibroblasts followed by myocardial infarction (MI). The impact of TAM on the MI outcome was also evaluated. The recombination efficiency and cytotoxic effect of the TAM active metabolite, 4‐hydroxy‐tamoxifen (4‐OHT), were assessed in vitro. Mice exposed to a TAM diet showed body weight loss and a 10% increase in mortality (P = 0.045). The TAM diet decreased cardiac function and induced cardiac remodeling, indicated by decreased fractional shortening from 32.23% to 19.23% (P = 0.001) and left ventricular (LV) wall thinning. All measured parameters were reversed to normal when mice were returned to a normal diet. Infarcted Col1a2‐CreER mice on the TAM regimen showed gene recombination in fibroblasts, but it was associated with a substantial increase in mortality post‐surgery (2.5‐fold) compared to the controls. In vitro, 4‐OHT induced gene editing in fibroblasts; however, cell growth arrest and cytotoxicity were observed at high concentrations. In conclusion, prolonged exposure to the TAM diet can be detrimental and necessitates careful model selection and interpretation of the results.
Research on a Biomimetic Flexible Ball Joint With Variable Stiffness for Robots
Authors: Qianyu Luo , Xiuli Zhang , Yuxin Wang
Published: January 2024

The human ball joint is a compact and flexible 3-degree-of-freedom (DOF) composite joint. The ball joints commonly used in robot design lack active driving capability. Ball joints with active drive generally consist of three single-degree-of-freedom joints connected in series, which is a noncompacted structure and easily leads to singular postures. In order to meet the demand for high-performance composite joint modules for service robots, this article designs a flexible biomimetic spherical robot joint with variable stiffness characteristics: the mechanism of muscle parallel antagonistic drive and ligament wrapping constraint is simulated; three parallel branch chains are used to drive three composite degrees-of-freedom; ropes, soft airbags, and series elastic drive gears are used to form a flexible transmission system; the contour of the rope winch has been optimized with the aim of transmission stability; and a pneumatic variable stiffness soft structure has been designed and fabricated. A compliance control algorithm for joints was developed based on the principle of impedance control. The research results indicate that the biomimetic ball-and-socket joint has a compact structure, a wide range of motion and good motion tracking performance, variable stiffness performance, and flexible interaction ability.
An Efficient Kinematic Calibration Method for Parallel Robots With Compact Multi-Degrees-of-Freedom Joint Models
Authors: Zhang Weijia , Shi Zikang , Chai Xinxue , Ding Ye
Published: January 2024

Forward kinematics-based modeling approaches are capable of constructing complete kinematic error models for parallel robots in a general way. The existing forward kinematics-based modeling methods replace multi-degrees-of-freedom (multi-DOF) joints with several 1DOF joints, allowing each limb of the parallel robot to be modeled like a serial robot. Nonetheless, this substitution complicates the kinematic model and results in additional computation. To overcome this limitation, an efficient kinematic calibration method adopting compact multi-DOF joint models is proposed. First, compact kinematic models for multi-DOF joints are established with the product of exponentials formula and adopted in the forward kinematic formulation of limbs. Error models of limbs are derived by simplifying the forward kinematic formulas' differentials, and the geometric error model for parallel robots is established by further concatenating and reformulating the limb error models. Next, the kinematic model is iteratively updated with the geometric parameter errors identified by the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm. Error compensation is achieved through the inverse kinematics of the calibrated kinematic model. Finally, simulations and an experiment are implemented for validation. Compared with the existing forward kinematics-based modeling approaches, the error modeling procedures are simplified as the equivalent substitution of multi-DOF joints is avoided. The proposed approach also enhances the error compensation efficiency while maintaining high accuracy improvement.
Automated Versus Traditional Scoring Agreeability During the Balance Error Scoring System
Authors: Bruce Leicht Amelia S. , Patrie James T. , Sutherlin Mark A. , Smart Madeline , Hart Joe M.
Published: January 2024

Context: The Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) is a commonly used clinical tool to evaluate postural control that is traditionally performed through visual assessment and subjective evaluation of balance errors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate an automated computer-based scoring system using an instrumented pressure mat compared to the traditional human-based manual assessment. Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used to evaluate the performance of the automated versus human BESS scoring methodology in healthy individuals. Methods: Fifty-one healthy active participants performed BESS trials following standard BESS procedures on an instrumented pressure mat (MobileMat, Tekscan Inc). Trained evaluators manually scored balance errors from frontal and sagittal plane video recordings for comparison to errors scored using center of force measurements and an automated scoring software (SportsAT, version 2.0.2, Tekscan Inc). A linear mixed model was used to determine measurement discrepancies across the 2 methods. Bland–Altman analyses were conducted to determine limit of agreement for the automated and manual scoring methods. Results: Significant differences between the automated and manual errors scored were observed across all conditions (P < .05), excluding bilateral firm stance. The greatest discrepancy between scoring methods was during the tandem foam stance, while the smallest discrepancy was during the tandem firm stance. Conclusion: The 2 methods of BESS scoring are different with wide limits of agreement. The benefits and risks of each approach to error scoring should be considered when selecting the most appropriate metric for clinical use or research studies.
Distinct manifold encoding of navigational information in the subiculum and hippocampus
Authors: Nakai Shinya , Kitanishi Takuma , Mizuseki Kenji
Published: January 2024

The subiculum (SUB) plays a crucial role in spatial navigation and encodes navigational information differently from the hippocampal CA1 area. However, the representation of subicular population activity remains unknown. Here, we investigated the neuronal population activity recorded extracellularly from the CA1 and SUB of rats performing T-maze and open-field tasks. The trajectory of population activity in both areas was confined to low-dimensional neural manifolds homoeomorphic to external space. The manifolds conveyed position, speed, and future path information with higher decoding accuracy in the SUB than in the CA1. The manifolds exhibited common geometry across rats and regions for the CA1 and SUB and between tasks in the SUB. During post-task ripples in slow-wave sleep, population activity represented reward locations/events more frequently in the SUB than in CA1. Thus, the CA1 and SUB encode information distinctly into the neural manifolds that underlie navigational information processing during wakefulness and sleep.
Cell-cell communication network-based interpretable machine learning predicts cancer patient response to immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Lee Juhun , Kim Donghyo , Kong JungHo , Ha Doyeon , Kim Inhae , Park Minhyuk , Lee Kwanghwan , Im Sin-Hyeog , Kim Sanguk
Published: January 2024

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer treatment. However, only some patients respond to ICIs, and current biomarkers for ICI efficacy have limited performance. Here, we devised an interpretable machine learning (ML) model trained using patient-specific cell-cell communication networks (CCNs) decoded from the patient’s bulk tumor transcriptome. The model could (i) predict ICI efficacy for patients across four cancer types (median AUROC: 0.79) and (ii) identify key communication pathways with crucial players responsible for patient response or resistance to ICIs by analyzing more than 700 ICI-treated patient samples from 11 cohorts. The model prioritized chemotaxis communication of immune-related cells and growth factor communication of structural cells as the key biological processes underlying response and resistance to ICIs, respectively. We confirmed the key communication pathways and players at the single-cell level in patients with melanoma. Our network-based ML approach can be used to expand ICIs’ clinical benefits in cancer patients.
Atomically isolated Sb(CN)
3
on sp
2
-c-COFs with balanced hydrophilic and oleophilic sites for photocatalytic C-H activation
Authors: Teng Zhenyuan , Zhang Zhenzong , Yang Hongbin , Zhang Qitao , Ohno Teruhisa , Su Chenliang
Published: January 2024

Activation of carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds is of utmost importance for the synthesis of vital molecules. Toward achieving efficient photocatalytic C-H activation, our investigation revealed that incorporating hydrophilic C≡N-Sb(CN)
3
sites into hydrophobic sp
2
carbon–conjugated covalent organic frameworks (sp
2
-c-COFs) had a dual effect: It simultaneously enhanced charge separation and improved generation of polar reactive oxygen species. Detailed spectroscopy measurements and simulations showed that C≡N-Sb(CN)
3
primarily functioned as water capture sites, which were not directly involved in photocatalysis. However, the potent interaction between water molecules and the Sb(CN)
3
-modified framework notably enhanced charge dynamics in hydrophobic sp
2
-c-COFs. The reactive species ·O
2
−
and ·OH (ad) subsequently combined with benzyl radical, leading to the formation of benzaldehyde, benzyl alcohol, and lastly benzyl benzoate. Notably, the Sb(CN)
3
-modified sp
2
-c-COFs exhibited a 54-fold improvement in reaction rate as compared to pristine sp
2
-c-COFs, which achieved a remarkable 68% conversion rate for toluene and an 80% selectivity for benzyl benzoate.