bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Millennials in Slums: Housing Career Approach Towards Livable Housing in Muja-Muju Urban Village, Yogyakarta City, Indonesia
Authors: Suryaningsih A D , Sunarti S
Published: July 2023

The millennial generation (born 1982-2000) who currently dominates the population has a tendency to have diverse housing needs. However, the unaffordability of housing can create problems, such as inadequate housing. This phenomenon occurs in the slum area of Muja-Muju Urban Village. Based on these problems, this study aims to determine the housing preferences of millennials in the slum area of Muja-Muju Urban Village towards livable housing through a housing career approach. This study adopted a quantitative method with frequency distribution and comparative descriptive analysis by comparing the housing conditions based on indicators also considered the millenial preferences. Data was collected by distributing questionnaires directly to 109 respondents and observation. The results showed that the housing career pattern during the life cycle tends to stagnate. Besides, the average existing land plots/buildings were only 37-48 m2 and 43.2% exceeds the standard residential capacity. There were 55.6% of the millennials chose to live in existing housing because of its strategic location. Referring to the housing career characteristics, the millennial generation cannot afford livable housing in other areas which can lead to irregular buildings due to high density. This condition has not been investigated in previous studies, so the results are important for preventing the return of slums.
Antioxidant Activity of Sappan Wood Extract (Caesalpinia sappan L.) As An Adjuvant and Substitution in Blood Serum of Rats (Rattus norvegicus) Iron Overload Model
Authors: Firdawati N , Kuntana Y P , Ghozali M , Utama G L , Panigoro R , Safitri R
Published: July 2023

Sappan (Caesalpinia sappan, L.) contains various antioxidant compounds such as brazilin and flavonoids that able to reduce superoxide anion radicals, reduce hydroxyl free radicals and chelate iron ions. This study aims to obtain the antioxidant activity of sappan wood extract which is given adjuvantly and substitution in blood serum of overload iron model rats. The research method used is experimental laboratory with a completely randomized design. The test animals were used 70 male rats aged 7 weeks weighing 200 grams and divided into normal, negative control, comparison, and experimental group. The adjuvant group used sappan wood extract at doses of 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg/kgBW. The subtitution group administred various percentages (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) of the sappan wood extract dose of 200 mg/kgBW. Data obtainedwere analyzed using one way ANOVA and Duncan’s test at 95% confidence level. The results showed that the administration of sappanwood extract at a dose of 50 mg/kg BW as an adjuvant and a dose of 200 mg/kg BW (100%) by substitution could provide better antioxidant activity against iron-excessed rat blood serum. This can be seen from the decreased activity of SOD, and levels of MDA and increased activity of GPX.
A review article effect of immersion Curcuma xanthorriza Roxb. extract for the survival of goldfish seed (Cyprinus carpio L.) after being infected with Aeromonas hydrophila
Authors: Saefudin  , Safitri Ratu , Handayani Tri
Published: July 2023

Long-term and inappropriate use of antibiotics can negatively impact goldfish seeds (Cyprinus carpioL.), which are affected byMotile Aeromonas Septicemia. One of the prevention efforts is the utilization of immunostimulants from natural ingredients such asCurcuma xanthorrhizaRoxb.Curcuma xanthorrhizacontains active substances in the form of curcuminoids, terpenoids, and essential oils that provide antibacterial activity with varying strength depending on the levels of components in the rhizome. This review article aims to provide scientific information regarding the effect of immersion time and the best concentration for the viability of goldfish seeds after being infected withAeromonas hydrophila. The research method was experimental, using a factorial, Completely Randomized Design with several replications. Based on the results of the literature study thatCurcuma xanthorrizaRoxb. extract was known to utilization with a concentration of 0.6 g/l by injection ofAeromonas hydrophila108cfu/mL gave the best effect on viability, which 100% absolute weight growth of 12.48 g/head and daily growth rate of 2.39%. The conclusion is a concentration of 0.6 g/l ofCurcuma xanthorrizaRoxb. extract had the best effect on viability so that it has the potential as an alternative natural antimicrobial.
Effective enhancement of poly(bisphenol-A carbonate) crystallinity with polyamide-66 ionized nucleation through ion-dipole interactions coupled with plasticization
Authors: Zhang Hui , Song Zhiyuan , Yu Yang , Zeng Zheng , Cen Hongyu , Zheng Xuan , Hu Tao , Gong Xinghou , Wu Chonggang
Published: July 2023

To improve the crystallinity of poly(bisphenol-A carbonate) (PC). Polyamide-66 (PA-66) is ionized by CaCl2 to prepare the various degrees of ionization (DIs) of PA-66 ionenes (CaCl2–PA-66) as nucleating agents to co-modify PC with cholesterol nonanoate (CN) as plasticizers. Compared with non-ionized PA-66, CaCl2–PA-66 enhance the crystallinity of PC. Concretely, with the DI of CaCl2–PA-66 is raised from 0 to 37.2 mol%, the crystallinity of PC/CN/CaCl2–PA-66 (90/5/5 w/w/w) is first increased from 19.2% to 31.5% and then decreased to 16.9%. This is attributed to the stronger ion-dipole interactions between the ionized nucleating agents and PC, which enhance the compatibility and further dispersibility to create finer crystal with a denser distribution, and the nucleation efficiency is elevated thus facilitating the PC crystallization. However, when the DI of CaCl2–PA-66 is overly high (≥11.4 mol%), it leads to excessive ionic crosslinking, which reduces dispersibility and nucleation efficiency. Therefore, the modification of PC with a suitable DI of CaCl2–PA-66 can advance its crystallinity, which is a novel and effective approach.
Electrocapacitive and electrocatalytic performances of hydrochar prepared by one-step hydrothermal carbonization without further activation
Authors: Amelia Sekar Tri Wulan , Nurtono Tantular , Setyawan Heru , Widiyastuti W
Published: July 2023

Hydrochar was produced from extracted avocado seed using one-step hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) at a temperature of 200 °C for 12 h. The effects of various feedstock solutions on the specific surface area, morphology, pore characteristics, crystallinity, and chemical bonding were investigated to confirm the changes in the electrochemical performances of the produced hydrochar. The presence of potassium permanganate (KMnO4) and ammonia (NH4OH) solution in the HTC process successfully produced a porous graphite-like structure of hydrochar with the highest surface area and specific capacitance. Moreover, it also exhibits excellent electrocatalytic performance toward the Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR), with a current density of 2.15 mA cm−2 via the 2-electron pathway. These results imply that the HTC process can produce hydrochar with high electrocapacitive and electrocatalytic performances even without further activation at high temperatures.
An exponentially-growing family of universal quantum circuits
Authors: Kordzanganeh Mo , Sekatski Pavel , Fedichkin Leonid , Melnikov Alexey
Published: July 2023

Quantum machine learning has become an area of growing interest but has certain theoretical and hardware-specific limitations. Notably, the problem of vanishing gradients, or barren plateaus, renders the training impossible for circuits with high qubit counts, imposing a limit on the number of qubits that data scientists can use for solving problems. Independently, angle-embedded supervised quantum neural networks were shown to produce truncated Fourier series with a degree directly dependent on two factors: the depth of the encoding and the number of parallel qubits the encoding applied to. The degree of the Fourier series limits the model expressivity. This work introduces two new architectures whose Fourier degrees grow exponentially: the sequential and parallel exponential quantum machine learning architectures. This is done by efficiently using the available Hilbert space when encoding, increasing the expressivity of the quantum encoding. Therefore, the exponential growth allows staying at the low-qubit limit to create highly expressive circuits avoiding barren plateaus. Practically, parallel exponential architecture was shown to outperform the existing linear architectures by reducing their final mean square error value by up to 44.7% in a one-dimensional test problem. Furthermore, the feasibility of this technique was also shown on a trapped ion quantum processing unit.
The Intel neuromorphic DNS challenge
Authors: Timcheck Jonathan , Shrestha Sumit Bam , Ben Dayan Rubin Daniel , Kupryjanow Adam , Orchard Garrick , Pindor Lukasz , Shea Timothy , Davies Mike
Published: July 2023

A critical enabler for progress in neuromorphic computing research is the ability to transparently evaluate different neuromorphic solutions on important tasks and to compare them to state-of-the-art conventional solutions. The Intel Neuromorphic Deep Noise Suppression Challenge (Intel N-DNS Challenge), inspired by the Microsoft DNS Challenge, tackles a ubiquitous and commercially relevant task: real-time audio denoising. Audio denoising is likely to reap the benefits of neuromorphic computing due to its low-bandwidth, temporal nature and its relevance for low-power devices. The Intel N-DNS Challenge consists of two tracks: a simulation-based algorithmic track to encourage algorithmic innovation, and a neuromorphic hardware (Loihi 2) track to rigorously evaluate solutions. For both tracks, we specify an evaluation methodology based on energy, latency, and resource consumption in addition to output audio quality. We make the Intel N-DNS Challenge dataset scripts and evaluation code freely accessible, encourage community participation with monetary prizes, and release a neuromorphic baseline solution which shows promising audio quality, high power efficiency, and low resource consumption when compared to Microsoft NsNet2 and a proprietary Intel denoising model used in production. We hope the Intel N-DNS Challenge will hasten innovation in neuromorphic algorithms research, especially in the area of training tools and methods for real-time signal processing. We expect the winners of the challenge will demonstrate that for problems like audio denoising, significant gains in power and resources can be realized on neuromorphic devices available today compared to conventional state-of-the-art solutions.
Tropical forests are mainly unstratified especially in Amazonia and regions with lower fertility or higher temperatures
Authors: Doughty Christopher E , Gaillard Camille , Burns Patrick , Keany Jenna M , Abraham Andrew J , Malhi Yadvinder , Aguirre-Gutierrez Jesus , Koch George , Jantz Patrick , Shenkin Alexander , Tang Hao
Published: July 2023

The stratified nature of tropical forest structure had been noted by early explorers, but until recent use of satellite-based LiDAR (GEDI, or Global Ecosystems Dynamics Investigation LiDAR), it was not possible to quantify stratification across all tropical forests. Understanding stratification is important because by some estimates, a majority of the world’s species inhabit tropical forest canopies. Stratification can modify vertical microenvironment, and thus can affect a species’ susceptibility to anthropogenic climate change. Here we find that, based on analyzing each GEDI 25 m diameter footprint in tropical forests (after screening for human impact), most footprints (60%–90%) do not have multiple layers of vegetation. The most common forest structure has a minimum plant area index (PAI) at ∼40 m followed by an increase in PAI until ∼15 m followed by a decline in PAI to the ground layer (described hereafter as a one peak footprint). There are large geographic patterns to forest structure within the Amazon basin (ranging between 60% and 90% one peak) and between the Amazon (79 ± 9% sd) and SE Asia or Africa (72 ± 14% v 73 ± 11%). The number of canopy layers is significantly correlated with tree height (r
2 = 0.12) and forest biomass (r
2 = 0.14). Environmental variables such as maximum temperature (T
max) (r
2 = 0.05), vapor pressure deficit (VPD) (r
2 = 0.03) and soil fertility proxies (e.g. total cation exchange capacity −r
2 = 0.01) were also statistically significant but less strongly correlated given the complex and heterogeneous local structural to regional climatic interactions. Certain boundaries, like the Pebas Formation and Ecoregions, clearly delineate continental scale structural changes. More broadly, deviation from more ideal conditions (e.g. lower fertility or higher temperatures) leads to shorter, less stratified forests with lower biomass.
Long-term Performance and Safety of Princess VOLUME PLUS Lidocaine for Midface Augmentation: The PRIMAvera Clinical Study
Authors: Rzany Berthold , Sulovsky Monika , Sattler Gerhard , Cecerle Michael , Grablowitz Doris
Published: July 2023

Background

Hyaluronic acid–based dermal fillers are the most applied medical devices for midface augmentation.

Objectives

This postmarket investigation evaluated the long-term performance and safety of and patient satisfaction with Princess VOLUME PLUS Lidocaine (PVPL; now Saypha VOLUME PLUS Lidocaine) for the correction of midface volume deficit (MVD).

Methods

This was an open-label, prospective, interventional, multicenter, noncomparative, postapproval study of 91 patients with moderate or severe MVD (grade 2 or 3 on the 5-point Midface Volume Deficit Severity Scale, or MVDSS). At Day 0 (Visit 1), patients were treated with PVPL; they returned for follow-up assessments at weeks 2, 4, 12, 24, 36, and 52 and had long-term follow-up until 36 months. A touch-up treatment could be done at week 2. The performance was assessed with the MVDSS, Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS), and a subject satisfaction scale. Adverse events were collected to assess safety throughout the study.

Results

Four weeks after treatment, 100% of injected patients improved by ≥1 grade on the MVDSS compared to baseline, with improvements still visible in 77% of patients 52 weeks after treatment. Based on the GAIS and post hoc survival analysis, the treatment effect was maintained for a median of 386 days, and in severe cases the effect lasted longer, which seemed to be independent of the volume injected at baseline. No serious side effects were reported. Results were substantiated by high patient satisfaction.

Conclusions

Princess VOLUME PLUS Lidocaine was perceived as safe and effective by patients and investigators, with long-term aesthetic improvement in moderate and severe cases.

Level of Evidence: 3
Fidelity to and Adaptation of Evidence-based Interventions in the Social Work Literature: A Scoping Review
Authors: Strehlenert Helena , Hedberg Rundgren Emma , Sjunnestrand My , Hasson Henna
Published: July 2023

Using evidence-based interventions (EBIs) is one way to achieve good-quality social services. Adaptations of and efforts to maintain fidelity to EBIs are common. However, research addressing these issues is published across multiple journals. This scoping review aims to explore how fidelity to and adaptations of EBIs are described in the social work literature. We searched for peer-reviewed, English language articles addressing EBIs in social work journals in five databases. Data were extracted and analysed to address the aim of the study. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse items containing more extensive information. The searches yielded 2,949 articles. The results of 236 articles are presented. Almost fifty different terms were found describing adaptations, and the variety of terms describing fidelity was significantly smaller. Various measures to achieve and/or assess fidelity were identified. The Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications-Expanded was used to categorise information about adaptations. Most adaptations concerned modifications of content and were planned rather than unplanned. Thirty-eight frameworks for implementation of EBIs were identified, and fourteen dealt with fidelity and adaptations. Fidelity and adaptations are increasingly in focus in social work studies. This review contributes to increased knowledge about how fidelity and adaptations have been described in the social work literature.
Epigenetic clocks and research implications of the lack of data on whom they have been developed: a review of reported and missing sociodemographic characteristics
Authors: Watkins Sarah Holmes , Testa Christian , Chen Jarvis T , De Vivo Immaculata , Simpkin Andrew J , Tilling Kate , Diez Roux Ana V , Davey Smith George , Waterman Pamela D , Suderman Matthew , Relton Caroline , Krieger Nancy
Published: July 2023

Epigenetic clocks are increasingly being used as a tool to assess the impact of a wide variety of phenotypes and exposures on healthy ageing, with a recent focus on social determinants of health. However, little attention has been paid to the sociodemographic characteristics of participants on whom these clocks have been based. Participant characteristics are important because sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors are known to be associated with both DNA methylation variation and healthy ageing. It is also well known that machine learning algorithms have the potential to exacerbate health inequities through the use of unrepresentative samples – prediction models may underperform in social groups that were poorly represented in the training data used to construct the model. To address this gap in the literature, we conducted a review of the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants whose data were used to construct 13 commonly used epigenetic clocks. We found that although some of the epigenetic clocks were created utilizing data provided by individuals from different ages, sexes/genders, and racialized groups, sociodemographic characteristics are generally poorly reported. Reported information is limited by inadequate conceptualization of the social dimensions and exposure implications of gender and racialized inequality, and socioeconomic data are infrequently reported. It is important for future work to ensure clear reporting of tangible data on the sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics of all the participants in the study to ensure that other researchers can make informed judgements about the appropriateness of the model for their study population.
An artificial intelligence tool for automated analysis of large-scale unstructured clinical cine cardiac magnetic resonance databases
Authors: Mariscal-Harana Jorge , Asher Clint , Vergani Vittoria , Rizvi Maleeha , Keehn Louise , Kim Raymond J , Judd Robert M , Petersen Steffen E , Razavi Reza , King Andrew P , Ruijsink Bram , Puyol-Antón Esther
Published: July 2023

Aims

Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques have been proposed for automating analysis of short-axis (SAX) cine cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), but no CMR analysis tool exists to automatically analyse large (unstructured) clinical CMR datasets. We develop and validate a robust AI tool for start-to-end automatic quantification of cardiac function from SAX cine CMR in large clinical databases.

Methods and results

Our pipeline for processing and analysing CMR databases includes automated steps to identify the correct data, robust image pre-processing, an AI algorithm for biventricular segmentation of SAX CMR and estimation of functional biomarkers, and automated post-analysis quality control to detect and correct errors. The segmentation algorithm was trained on 2793 CMR scans from two NHS hospitals and validated on additional cases from this dataset (n = 414) and five external datasets (n = 6888), including scans of patients with a range of diseases acquired at 12 different centres using CMR scanners from all major vendors. Median absolute errors in cardiac biomarkers were within the range of inter-observer variability: <8.4 mL (left ventricle volume), <9.2 mL (right ventricle volume), <13.3 g (left ventricular mass), and <5.9% (ejection fraction) across all datasets. Stratification of cases according to phenotypes of cardiac disease and scanner vendors showed good performance across all groups.

Conclusion

We show that our proposed tool, which combines image pre-processing steps, a domain-generalizable AI algorithm trained on a large-scale multi-domain CMR dataset and quality control steps, allows robust analysis of (clinical or research) databases from multiple centres, vendors, and cardiac diseases. This enables translation of our tool for use in fully automated processing of large multi-centre databases.
Outcomes of the Ross procedure in patients older versus younger than 50 years old
Authors: Shih Emily , Ryan William H , Squiers John J , Schaffer Justin M , Harrington Katherine B , Banwait Jasjit K , Meidan Talia G , DiMaio J Michael , Brinkman William T
Published: July 2023

OBJECTIVES

The Ross procedure is traditionally considered for young adult patients with aortic valve disease. This study compares long-term outcomes of patients undergoing the Ross procedure who are ≥50 and <50-years old.

METHODS

Data were collected from 225 patients undergoing Ross procedure at a single centre from 1994 to 2019. Patients were categorized into younger (<50-years old; n = 156) and older (≥50-years old; n = 69) cohorts. Baseline demographics clinical outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

The mean age was 36 ± 8.1 and 55 ± 4.2 years in the younger and older cohort, respectively. Both groups were predominantly male (58.5% vs 69.6%; P = 0.59). The younger group had a higher rate of aortic insufficiency (51% vs 26.1%; P < 0.01), and bicuspid aortic valve (81.4% vs 58.0%; P < 0.01). Aortic stenosis was more prevalent in the older cohort (25.6% vs 58.0%; P < 0.01). Operative mortality was acceptable in both groups (1.3% vs 4.3%; P = 0.15). Survival up to 10 years was not statistically different between 2 groups (96.2% vs 91.3% P = 0.16), whereas survival up to 15 years for younger patients was significantly higher (94.9% vs 85.5%; P = 0.03). After non-cardiac related deaths were excluded, survival up to 15 years (98.7% vs 91.3%; P = 0.02) was significantly lower than younger patients. In both groups, survival after the Ross procedure was similar to the age- and sex-matched US population.

CONCLUSIONS

Survival up to 10 years after Ross procedure were similar, but up to 15 years was significantly higher in younger patients. The Ross procedure restored patients from both groups to expected survival. Our results suggest that at experienced centres, the Ross procedure is a safe and reasonable option for patients who are 50 years and older.
Different kinds of oral contraceptive pills in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Forslund Maria , Melin Johanna , Alesi Simon , Piltonen Terhi , Romualdi Daniela , Tay Chau Thien , Witchel Selma , Pena Alexia , Mousa Aya , Teede Helena
Published: July 2023

Objective

To compare between different combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs) as part of the update of the International Evidence-Based Guidelines on the Assessment and Management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Design

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed, Prospero CRD42022345640.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, All EBM, CINAHL, and PsycINFO was searched on July, 8, 2022, for studies including women with PCOS, comparing 2 different COCPs in randomized controlled trials.

Results

A total of 1660 studies were identified, and 19 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included.

Fourth-generation COCP resulted in lower body mass index (BMI) (mean difference [MD] 1.17 kg/m2 [95% confidence interval {CI} 0.33; 2.02]) and testosterone (MD 0.60 nmol/L [95% CI 0.13; 1.07]) compared with third-generation agents, but no difference was seen in hirsutism.

Ethinyl estradiol (EE)/cyproterone acetate (CPA) was better in reducing hirsutism as well as biochemical hyperandrogenism (testosterone [MD 0.38 nmol/L {95% CI 0.33–0.43}]) and BMI (MD 0.62 kg/m2 [95% CI 0.05–1.20]) compared with conventional COCPs.

There was no difference in hirsutism between high and low EE doses. No evidence regarding natural estrogens in COCP was identified.

Conclusion

With current evidence, combined regimens containing an antiandrogen (EE/CPA) may be better compared with conventional COCPs in reducing hyperandrogenism, but EE/CPA will not be recommended as a first-line COCP treatment by the pending PCOS guideline update, due to higher venous thrombotic events (VTE) risk in the general population. Later-generation progestins offer theoretical benefits, but better evidence on clinical outcomes is needed in women with PCOS.

Trial registration

The protocol for the systematic review was registered prospectively in Prospero, CRD42022345640.
Identification and characterization of protein interactions with the major Niemann–Pick type C disease protein in yeast reveals pathways of therapeutic potential
Authors: Hammond Natalie , Snider Jamie , Stagljar Igor , Mitchell Kevin , Lagutin Kirill , Jessulat Matthew , Babu Mohan , Teesdale-Spittle Paul H , Sheridan Jeffrey P , Sturley Stephen L , Munkacsi Andrew B
Published: July 2023

Niemann–Pick type C (NP-C) disease is a rare lysosomal storage disease caused by mutations in NPC1 (95% cases) or NPC2 (5% cases). These proteins function together in cholesterol egress from the lysosome, whereby upon mutation, cholesterol and other lipids accumulate causing major pathologies. However, it is not fully understood how cholesterol is transported from NPC1 residing at the lysosomal membrane to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and plasma membrane. The yeast ortholog of NPC1, Niemann–Pick type C–related protein-1 (Ncr1), functions similarly to NPC1; when transfected into a mammalian cell lacking NPC1, Ncr1 rescues the diagnostic hallmarks of cholesterol and sphingolipid accumulation. Here, we aimed to identify and characterize protein–protein interactions (PPIs) with the yeast Ncr1 protein. A genome-wide split-ubiquitin membrane yeast two-hybrid (MYTH) protein interaction screen identified 11 ER membrane-localized, full-length proteins interacting with Ncr1 at the lysosomal/vacuolar membrane. These highlight the importance of ER-vacuole membrane interface and include PPIs with the Cyb5/Cbr1 electron transfer system, the ceramide synthase complex, and the Sec61/Sbh1 protein translocation complex. These PPIs were not detected in a sterol auxotrophy condition and thus depend on normal sterol metabolism. To provide biological context for the Ncr1-Cyb5 PPI, a yeast strain lacking this PPI (via gene deletions) exhibited altered levels of sterols and sphingolipids including increased levels of glucosylceramide that mimic NP-C disease. Overall, the results herein provide new physical and genetic interaction models to further use the yeast model of NP-C disease to better understand human NP-C disease.
Phenolic secondary metabolites from Acorus calamus (Acorales: Acoraceae) rhizomes: the feeding deterrents for Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Kumrungsee Nutchaya , Wiwattanawanichakun Phatcharaphon , Phankaen Poonnanan , Saiyaitong Chatwadee , Koul Opender , Nobsathian Saksit , Bullangpoti Vasakorn , Dunkhunthod Benjawan
Published: July 2023

Spodoptera litura Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is one of the most destructive pests of various crops cultivated in Thailand. Spodoptera litura larvae, at early stages, attack the leaves and feed on every part of infested crops in later stages. Acorus calamus essential oil contains toxic asarones, which are generalistic cytotoxic compounds. However, the present study is the first attempt to look at safer metabolites from the rhizomes that could deter insect feeding. The objective was to use such compounds as safer residues on crops that would prevent the feeding of herbivorous lepidopterans. Accordingly, phenolic metabolites were isolated and evaluated to establish the feeding deterrence against polyphagous S. litura larvae. Methanol extract of A. calamus, chrysin, and 4-hydroxy acetophenone compounds were the most effective feeding deterrents with FD50 of 87.18, 10.33, and 70.77 µg/cm2, respectively, after 4 h of feeding on treated kale leaves in a no-choice leaf disc assay. Chrysin also reduced carboxylesterase activities (1.37-fold), whereas A. calamus methanol extract reduced glutathione-S-transferase activities (1.44-fold). Some larvae were also seen dead if they consumed the treated kale leaves. Feeding deterrent activity in the methanol extract of A. calamus was due to chrysin and 4-hydroxy acetophenone. The large-scale utilization of such compounds could help develop feeding deterrent strategies in the integrated pest management of lepidopterans.
Responding to Environmental Uncertainties in Critical Supply Acquisition: An Examination of Contracting for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the Aftermath of COVID-19
Authors: Boyer Eric J
Published: July 2023

While prior research has long identified the centrality of critical supply acquisition to the government’s response to a crisis, there is less understanding of how to secure critical supplies that depend on global supply chains. The acquisition of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the immediate aftermath of the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak (COVID-19) proved challenging not only due to threats of contractor deception but also due to disruptions in contractor supply chains. This research analyzes primary interview data with contracting officials involved in purchasing PPE in the early stages of the COVID-19 crisis. The results indicate the ways that contractor relationships were perceived useful in anticipating risks surrounding a contractor’s behavior (behavioral uncertainties), but insufficient in anticipating disruptions that can result from a contractor’s supply chains (environmental uncertainties). Contractor relations were perceived to help in predicting industry disruptions, but such relations were likely to be formed alongside transactional and short-term contract designs—and likely to require comparison with other data sources. The results indicate that improving the reliability of critical supply acquisition for future crises is likely to depend on developing expertise in supply chain analysis, especially as the U.S. government increasingly relies on global supply chains in critical supply acquisition.
After Authoritarianism: A Review Article
Authors: Esberg Jane
Published: July 2023

How does transitional justice impact democracy? In After Authoritarianism: Transitional Justice & Democratic Stability, Monika Nalepa convincingly challenges the “Spanish model” of transition, which argues that doing nothing in response to past human rights abuses is the best way to ensure a stable democracy. Focusing on the fates of authoritarian collaborators, Nalepa finds that transparency mechanisms—lustrations and truth commissions—tend to improve democratic representation by reducing political figures’ risk of blackmail; purges have more mixed effects, due to a loyalty-competency trade-off. Nalepa makes her case with a truly mixed-method approach, employing formal models, case studies, and statistical analysis of her own transitional justice data set. The book addresses essential questions for transitional justice, including what to do about authoritarian collaborators and institutions with bloody legacies. Given recent concerns about backsliding in even long-time democracies, the book is essential reading not only for those interested in transitions and human rights but also for those interested in understanding how best to strengthen democracy more generally.
Can Information Persuade Rather Than Polarize? A Review of Alex Coppock's Persuasion in Parallel
Authors: Levendusky Matthew
Published: July 2023

In Matthew Levendusky’s review of Alex Coppock's Persuasion in Parallel, he praises, overall, the book's clear focus, rich data, and striking results, arguing that it makes an important contribution to the literature. He takes issue, however, with Coppock's treatment of theories of motivated reasoning, and he explores ways in which the literature might profitably move forward to better understand how citizens process political information.
Turning academics into researchers: The development of National Researcher Categorization Systems in Latin America
Authors: Vasen Federico , Sarthou Nerina F , Romano Silvina A , Gutiérrez Brenda D , Pintos Manuel
Published: July 2023

Evaluation procedures play a crucial role in science and technology systems, particularly within academic career structures. This article focuses on an approach to evaluation that has gained prominence in Latin America over the past four decades. This scheme assesses the individual performance of academics based on their academic activities and outputs and assigns them a ‘researcher category’, which carries prestige and, in many cases, additional monthly rewards. Initially implemented in higher education contexts with limited research focus, these systems aimed to bolster knowledge production by involving more academics in research. In this study, we define National Researcher Categorization Systems (NRCSs) and distinguish them from other evaluation systems. Subsequently, we present a comparative analysis of NRCSs in seven countries, identifying common trends. Additionally, we discuss categorization systems within the broader context of strategies employed to incentivize academic research, and we explore the potential structural effects that arise when NRCSs assume a central role in a science system. Through our research, we have identified a family of systems in five countries (Mexico, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Panama) that share a common history and structure. Furthermore, we emphasize that NRCSs may reinforce a traditional model of the academic researcher, potentially impeding the development of professional profiles aligned with research directed toward social objectives. In summary, our study sheds light on NRCSs, providing insights into their nature, comparative analysis across countries, and implications within the broader academic research landscape.
Efficacy of Different Approaches of Quadratus Lumborum Block for Postoperative Analgesia after Cesarean Delivery
Authors: Singh Narinder P. , Makkar Jeetinder K. , Koduri Samanyu , Singh Preet Mohinder
Published: July 2023

Objectives:

Various approaches to quadratus lumborum block (QLB) have been found to be an effective analgesic modality after cesarean delivery (CD). However, the evidence for the superiority of any individual approach still needs to be discovered. Therefore, we conducted this network meta-analysis to compare and rank the different injection sites for QLB for pain-related outcomes after CD.

Materials and Methods:

PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and the Cochrane Central Registers of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched for randomized controlled trials evaluating the role of any approach of QLB with placebo/no block for post-CD pain. The primary outcome was parenteral consumption of morphine milligram equivalents in 24 postoperative hours. The secondary endpoints were early pain scores (4-6 h), late pain scores (24 h), adverse effects, and block-related complications. We used surface under cumulative ranking (SUCRA) probabilities to order approaches. The analysis was performed using Bayesian statistics (random-effects model).

Results:

Thirteen trials enrolling 890 patients were included. The SUCRA probability for parenteral morphine equivalent consumption 24 hours was highest (87%) for the lateral approach, followed by the posterior and anterior approaches. The probability of reducing pain scores at all intervals was highest with the anterior approach. The anterior approach also ranked high for PONV reduction, the only consistent reported side effect.

Discussion:

The anterior approach QLB had a superior probability for most patient-centric outcomes for patients undergoing CD. The findings should be confirmed through large RCTs.
Anesthesia and Sedation Exposure and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Infants Undergoing Congenital Cardiac Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Simpao Allan F. , Randazzo Isabel R. , Chittams Jesse L. , Burnham Nancy , Gerdes Marsha , Bernbaum Judith C. , Walker Tia , Imsdahl Solveig , DeWitt Aaron G. , Zackai Elaine H. , Gaynor J. William , Loepke Andreas W.
Published: July 2023

Background

Children undergoing complex cardiac surgery are exposed to substantial cumulative doses of sedative medications and volatile anesthetics and are more frequently anesthetized with ketamine, compared with healthy children. This study hypothesized that greater exposure to sedation and anesthesia in this population is associated with lower neurodevelopmental scores at 18 months of age.

Methods

A secondary analysis was conducted of infants with congenital heart disease who participated in a prospective observational study of environmental exposures and neurodevelopmental outcomes to assess the impact of cumulative volatile anesthetic agents and sedative medications. Cumulative minimum alveolar concentration hours of exposure to volatile anesthetic agents and all operating room and intensive care unit exposures to sedative and anesthesia medications were collected before administration of Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3rd edition (Bayley III), at 18 months of age.

Results

The study cohort included 41 (37%) single-ventricle and 69 (63%) two-ventricle patients. Exposures to volatile anesthetic agents, opioids, benzodiazepines, and dexmedetomidine were not associated with abnormal Bayley III scores. At 18-month follow-up, after adjusting for confounders, each mg/kg increase in ketamine exposure was associated with a 0.34 (95% CI, −0.64 to −0.05) point decrease in Bayley III motor scores (P = 0.024).

Conclusions

Total cumulative exposures to volatile anesthetic agents were not associated with neurodevelopmental impairment in infants with congenital heart disease undergoing various imaging studies and procedures, whereas higher ketamine doses were associated with poorer motor performance.

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Anal Cancer and Anal Cancer Screening
Authors: Cohen Camryn M. , Clarke Megan A.
Published: July 2023

This chapter provides an overview of anal cancer and contemporary approaches for anal precancer detection, beginning with a discussion of the biology and natural history of anal squamous cell carcinoma, the predominant human papillomavirus -associated histologic subtype of anal cancer. This section is followed by a description of the epidemiology of anal cancer, including trends in incidence and mortality, a discussion of populations with elevated risk for anal cancer and an overview of associated risk factors. The remainder of the chapter provides the most up-to-date evidence on tools and approaches for anal cancer prevention, screening, and early detection; including, the role of human papillomavirus vaccination for primary prevention; anal cytology, high resolution anoscopy and novel biomarkers for secondary prevention; and digital anal-rectal examination for early detection.
Colorism attitudes and use of skin lightening agents in the United States
Authors: Daftary Karishma , Poondru Sneha , Patel Nina , Shramuk Maxwell , Muhammad Lutfiyya , Kundu Roopal V.
Published: July 2023

Background:

Skin lightening (SL) is a practice involving the use of chemicals to lighten the skin that is more common among skin of color (SOC) individuals, particularly women, and can lead to adverse health consequences.

Objective:

In this study, we examine SL habits, including both general lightening and lightening for the treatment of a skin condition, among SOC individuals in the United States and the role of colorism in motivating these behaviors.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey was administered to SOC individuals through ResearchMatch, an online national health registry. Demographics, rates of SL, SL habits, and perceived colorism among SL users and nonusers were collected and analyzed with χ2
, Fisher’s exact, Analysis of variance (ANOVA), Spearman correlation, and t tests.

Results:

A total of 455 participants completed the survey. Ninety-seven participants (21.3%) reported using SL agents: 73.2% (71/97) used SL agents for the treatment of a skin condition and 26.8% (26/97) used the products for general SL. Only 22.6% (22/97) of SL users consulted a medical provider before using the products. Forty-four participants (45.4%) were unaware of their SL product ingredients, and 35.1% (34/97) reported using hydroquinone-based products. Composite colorism scores were significantly higher in SL users than nonusers (20.03 vs 18.20; P < .001).

Limitations:

This study used self-reported racial/ethnic groups to characterize those with SOC rather than assessing actual skin tones of participants, which could have led to variability.

Conclusion:

SL among SOC individuals is prevalent in the U.S. and poses a health risk, as many SL users are unaware of product ingredients, do not consult a medical provider before use, and have access to potentially unsafe formulations. Dermatologists should address skin tone and pigmentary concerns with their SOC patients.
The Role of Multilevel Intercostal Nerve Block in Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy
Authors: Ajmal Syed , Johnstone Sarah , Tufail Muhammad , Panchal Rakesh K
Published: July 2023

Background:

Intercostal nerve block (ICNB) has long been used in thoracic surgery. Local anesthetic thoracoscopy (LAT) is performed under conscious sedation with local anesthesia at the port insertion site. This alone, however, does not anesthetize the parietal pleura from where biopsies are taken and patients can experience pain.

Objectives:

To compare LAT with multilevel ICNB versus standard care to determine whether it reduces pain during and post-LAT, its effect on analgesia use, the hospital length of stay (LOS), and related complications.

Methods:

Prospective analysis of patients undergoing LAT between January and June 2021. In the ICNB group, levobupivacaine/xylocaine is administered at the angle of the rib immediately before LAT (up to 5 rib spaces). Visual Analog Score for pain (0 to 100 mm) was measured at 1 and 2 hours post-LAT and daily including analgesia use.

Results:

Twenty patients (10 ICNB vs. 10 standard care group). The mean age is 68 years with 70% males. Visual Analog Score for pain in the ICNB group reduced by 55 mm at 1 and 2 hours post-LAT and 45 mm at day 1 (P<0.05) (minimal clinically important difference >16 mm]. Median LOS was reduced by 50% in the ICNB group (P<0.05). Paracetamol use reduced by 56% (P<0.05).

Conclusion:

ICNB not only significantly reduces postprocedure pain but also reduces LOS.
Considerations and clinical management of infections in sarcoidosis
Authors: Chen Edward S. , Patterson Karen C.
Published: July 2023

Purpose of review

To summarize data from recent reports about risks and outcomes of the infections most often reported in patients with sarcoidosis.

Recent findings

Rates of fungal infections and other severe infections are higher in patients with sarcoidosis compared to controls. Immunosuppression further increases the risk for an infection requiring hospitalization. In contrast, outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are not worse unless lung impairment or other comorbidities are present.

Tuberculosis, fungal infections, and other severe infections requiring hospital admission are, fortunately, relatively rare in patients with sarcoidosis who live in nonendemic regions. However, ongoing vigilance is required when the course of sarcoidosis is atypical or inexplicably progressive, as costs are high when these infections are missed. In contrast, COVID-19 and other respiratory viral illnesses are common, including among patients with sarcoidosis. When organ impairment is minimal, an underlying diagnosis of sarcoidosis does not appear to increase the risk of severe COVID-19, but patients may have higher risks due to comorbidities, which are important factors to address in routine sarcoidosis care. The burden from respiratory viral events, including impacts on quality of life and life functionality including work capacity, is unknown and is important to measure.
Was Unstable Medicaid Coverage Among Older Medicare Beneficiaries Associated With Worse Clinical Outcomes? Evidence From the Delivery of Breast Cancer Care
Authors: Qin Xuanzi , Huckfeldt Peter , Abraham Jean , Yee Douglas , Virnig Beth A.
Published: July 2023

Background:

Medicare and Medicaid dually eligible beneficiaries (duals) could experience Medicaid coverage changes without losing Medicaid. It is unknown whether health care use and clinical outcomes among elderly duals with coverage changes would be like those among duals without coverage changes or duals ever lost Medicaid and whether various types of unstable coverage due to income/asset changes are associated with worse clinical outcomes.

Objectives:

Examine the associations of unstable Medicaid coverage with clinical outcomes among older Medicare beneficiaries.

Research Design:

Population-based cohort study.

Subjects:

A total of 131,202 women newly diagnosed with breast cancer at 65 years and older between 2007 and 2015 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare linked database.

Measures:

We examined 2 types of unstable Medicaid coverage: (1) those who had changes in the types of Medicaid support they received and (2) those who ever lost Medicaid. We examined outcomes that predict better cancer survival and involve the use of inpatient and outpatient services and prescription drugs: early diagnosis, receiving surgery, receiving radiation, hormonal therapy adherence, and discontinuation. We used logistic regressions to estimate the predicted probabilities of outcomes for dual groups.

Results:

Duals had poorer outcomes than those who were “never dual.” Women with the 2 types of unstable Medicaid coverage had similarly worse outcomes than those with stable coverage. Those with stable coverage had similar outcomes regardless of the generosity of Medicaid support.

Conclusions:

These patterns are concerning and, in the context of well-defined clinical guidelines for beneficial treatments that extend survival, point to the importance of stable insurance coverage and income.
Extrathyroidal extension or tumor size of primary lesion influences thyroid cancer outcomes
Authors: Shi Wanying , Wang Miao , Dong Liyan , Li Fuxin , He Xianghui , Li Xue , Sun Danyang , Zheng Xiangqian , Jia Qiang , Tan Jian , Zheng Wei , Li Ning , Xu Ke , Meng Zhaowei
Published: July 2023

Aims

Extrathyroidal extension (ETE) is a determined factor of T3 and T4 stage of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) in American Joint Committee on Cancer. We aimed to compare clinical outcomes between different extent of ETE according to tumor size.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with DTC were collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database from 2004 to 2015. They were categorized into two groups by presence of lymph node metastases (LNM) or distant metastases (DM): group A: no presence of LNM and DM, and group B: presence of LNM or DM. Each group was further divided into four groups according to tumor size: <1 cm, 1–2 cm, 2–4 cm, >4 cm. ETE was divided into three groups by the extent: no ETE, microscopic ETE, and macroscopic ETE. Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test were used to analyze cancer-specific survival (CSS).

Results

91,975 patients were included. In groups A and B, for tumor size 1 cm, there was no significant difference in CSS between no ETE and microscopic ETE, while a significant difference was observed between no ETE and macroscopic ETE. For tumor size >1 cm, there were significant differences in CSS (both no ETE vs. micro ETE and no ETE vs. macro ETE).

Conclusion

We suggests that when tumor size is more than 1 cm, micro ETE is significantly associated with poorer outcome. T3 and T4 stages may take account into tumor size rather than merely based on the presence and extent of ETE. It may be prudent to revisit the omission of micro ETE in TNM staging.