bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐density electroencephalographic functional networks in genetic generalized epilepsy: Preserved whole‐brain topology hides local reorganization
Authors: Silva Alves André , Rigoni Isotta , Mégevand Pierre , Lagarde Stanislas , Picard Fabienne , Seeck Margitta , Vulliémoz Serge , Roehri Nicolas
Published: February 2024

Objective

Genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE) accounts for approximately 20% of adult epilepsy cases and is considered a disorder of large brain networks, involving both hemispheres. Most studies have not shown any difference in functional whole‐brain network topology when compared to healthy controls. Our objective was to examine whether this preserved global network topology could hide local reorganizations that balance out at the global network level.

Methods

We recorded high‐density electroencephalograms from 20 patients and 20 controls, and reconstructed the activity of 118 regions. We computed functional connectivity in windows free of interictal epileptiform discharges in broad, delta, theta, alpha, and beta frequency bands, characterized the network topology, and used the Hub Disruption Index (HDI) to quantify the topological reorganization. We examined the generalizability of our results by reproducing a 25‐electrode clinical system.

Results

Our study did not reveal any significant change in whole‐brain network topology among GGE patients. However, the HDI was significantly different between patients and controls in all frequency bands except alpha (p < .01, false discovery rate [FDR] corrected, d < −1), and accompanied by an increase in connectivity in the prefrontal regions and default mode network. This reorganization suggests that regions that are important in transferring the information in controls were less so in patients. Inversely, the crucial regions in patients are less so in controls. These findings were also found in delta and theta frequency bands when using 25 electrodes (p < .001, FDR corrected, d < −1).

Significance

In GGE patients, the overall network topology is similar to that of healthy controls but presents a balanced local topological reorganization. This reorganization causes the prefrontal areas and default mode network to be more integrated and segregated, which may explain executive impairment associated with GGE. Additionally, the reorganization distinguishes patients from controls even when using 25 electrodes, suggesting its potential use as a diagnostic tool.
Perceptions and impact of patient reviews: a survey of academic dermatologists
Authors: Leigh Rebekah , Kim Dahyeon , Ibraheim Marina Kristy , Kraus Christina , Chow Conroy , Luke Janiene , Dao Harry , Anderson Nancy , Chou Fu‐Sheng , Elsensohn Ashley
Published: February 2024

Background

Patient reviews (PRs) have emerged as a method to assess patient experiences with healthcare in order to improve the quality of care. Both institutional and third‐party organizations collect quantitative data and comments from these patient surveys, usually accessible to the public for review. Our study examined dermatologists' perceptions of PRs and assessed their impact on dermatologists.

Methods

A survey was sent to the Association of Professors of Dermatology listserv (response rate 30%).

Results

Most respondents disagreed with the statements that PRs are good for doctors (63%), good for patients (58%), helpful for doctors (58%), or that high PRs indicate being a good doctor (65%). The majority disagreed that PRs should be available publicly (60%). Respondents agreed that PRs contribute to depersonalization (60%), energy depletion or exhaustion (55%), added stress at work (70%), negativism/cynicism about work (60%), and diminished professional efficacy (29%). Self‐identified female respondents were more likely to agree that PRs added stress to work compared to self‐identified males (66% vs. 42%, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Overall, these findings suggest that PRs may negatively impact dermatologists' well‐being and perceived stress levels.
Incidence and Management of Skin Lesions and Minor Wounds in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients undergoing Advanced Bronchodilator Therapy
Authors: Shi Caiwen , Zhang Ming
Published: February 2024

While triple inhalation therapy is commonly employed in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), limited knowledge exists regarding its impact on the healing of minor wounds and integrity of the epidermis. This study investigated the impact of combining triple inhalation therapy with double bronchodilators on the aforementioned parameters in patients with stable COPD. A cross‐sectional study was conducted in Changzhou, China, from March 2022 to October 2023, involving 540 patients who had received the diagnosis of stable COPD. Combined therapy participation requirements stipulated a minimum of 6 months of uninterrupted treatment. Dermatological examinations, demographic data and clinical records were utilized to collect information regarding the elasticity, moisture content and duration of wound healing. The research revealed that there were no statistically significant differences in demographic and clinical characteristics between the groups that received triple inhalation alone and triple inhalation in combination with double bronchodilators (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, the combined therapy group demonstrated shorter duration since receiving a diagnosis of COPD (p < 0.05). It is noteworthy to remark that the combined therapy group exhibited significantly higher skin moisture content and shorter interval for wound recovery when compared with the group that only received triple inhalation (p < 0.05). Lung function measurements in combined therapy group indicated enhanced Forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and FEV1/forced vital capacity ratio, as well as a reduction in COPD exacerbations. Nevertheless, no statistically significant distinction in skin elasticity was observed among the groups (p > 0.05). The supplementary application of triple inhalation therapy and double bronchodilators in stable COPD patients not only improved respiratory outcomes but also positively impacted skin health, specifically by promoting wound healing and augmenting moisture levels. These results highlighted the possible benefits of implementing a holistic treatment approach in COPD, suggesting that incorporating these therapies could offer additional advantages to the epidermis.
Nurses engaging with referral letters and discharge summaries: A qualitative study
Authors: Yahalom Sharon , Manias Elizabeth
Published: February 2024

Aims

To investigate the ways that nurses engage with referral letters and discharge summaries, and the qualities of these documents they find valuable for safe and effective practice.

Design

This study comprised a qualitative, case‐study design within a constructivist paradigm using convenience sampling.

Methods

Interviews were conducted with nurses to investigate their practices relating to referral letters and discharge summaries. Data collection also involved nurses' examination and evaluation of a diverse range of 10 referral letters and discharge summaries from medical records at two Australian hospitals through focus‐group sessions. The data were transcribed and analysed inductively.

Results

In all, 67 nurses participated in interviews or focus groups. Nurses indicated they used referral letters and discharge summaries to inform their work when caring for patients at different times throughout their hospitalisation. These documents assisted them with verbal handovers, to enable them to educate patients about their condition and treatment and to provide a high standard of care. The qualities of referral letters and discharge summaries that they most valued were language and communication, an awareness of audience and clinical knowledge, as well as balancing conciseness with comprehensiveness of information.

Conclusion

Nurses relied on referral letters and discharge summaries to ensure safe and effective patient care. They used these documents to enhance their verbal handovers, contribute to patient care and to educate the patient about their condition and treatment. They identified several qualities of these documents that assisted them in maintaining patient safety including clarity and conciseness of information.

Implications for the Profession and Patient Care

It is important that referral letters and discharge summaries are written clearly, concisely and comprehensively because nurses use them as key sources of evidence in planning and delivering care, and in communicating with other health professionals in relaying goals of care and implementing treatment plans.

Impact

Nurses reported that they regularly used referral letters and discharge summaries as valuable sources of evidence throughout their patients' hospitalisation. The qualities of these documents which they most valued were language and communication styles, awareness of audience and clinical knowledge, as well as balancing conciseness with comprehensiveness of information. This research has important impact on the patient experience in relation to encouraging effective referral letter and discharge summary writing.

Reporting Method

We have adhered to the relevant EQUATOR guidelines through the SRQR reporting method.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
A residual‐based nonparametric variance ratio no‐cointegration test
Authors: Reichold Karsten
Published: February 2024

It is prominently stated in the literature that local asymptotic power properties serve as a useful indicator for the performance of residual‐based no‐cointegration tests in finite samples. However, this article comes to an opposing conclusion. In particular, we show that Breitung's (2002, Journal of Econometrics 108, 343–363) nonparameteric variance ratio unit root test applied to regression residuals serves as a no‐cointegration test but is inferior to its competitors from a local asymptotic power perspective. Nevertheless, in finite samples, the variance ratio test has good size properties, competitive power, and the convenience of being tuning parameter free. In general, we find that short‐run dynamics in the error process can have considerably larger detrimental effects on the performance of residual‐based no‐cointegration tests in finite samples than changes in the only nuisance parameter affecting local asymptotic power of the tests. The results serve as a warning for practitioners and lead to interesting directions for future research.
Gain without pain? Non‐tariff measures, plant markup, and productivity
Authors: Calì Massimiliano , Le Moglie Marco , Presidente Giorgio
Published: February 2024

This paper extends the evidence on the impact of trade reforms on firms by focusing on non‐tariff measures (NTMs), an increasingly important trade policy instrument in advanced and developing economies. We build a novel time‐varying dataset on all NTMs applied to imported products by Indonesia and quantify the trade distortions they generate. We find that unlike tariffs, which reduce plants' productivity, NTMs do not significantly affect plants' performance. However, the most trade‐reducing NTMs are associated with lower plant‐level markups, which is consistent with the increase in the cost of imported inputs induced by these NTMs.
Large scale transcriptional analysis of MHC class I haplotype diversity in sheep
Authors: Vasoya Deepali , Connelley Timothy , Tzelos Thomas , Todd Helen , Ballingall Keith T.
Published: February 2024

Domestic sheep (Ovis aries) have been an important component of livestock agricultural production for thousands of years. Preserving genetic diversity within livestock populations maintains a capacity to respond to changing environments and rapidly evolving pathogens. MHC genetic diversity can influence immune functionality at individual and population levels. Here, we focus on defining functional MHC class I haplotype diversity in a large cohort of Scottish Blackface sheep pre‐selected for high levels of MHC class II DRB1 diversity. Using high‐throughput amplicon sequencing with three independent sets of barcoded primers we identified 134 MHC class I transcripts within 38 haplotypes. Haplotypes were identified with between two and six MHC class I genes, plus variable numbers of conserved sequences with very low read frequencies. One or two highly transcribed transcripts dominate each haplotype indicative of two highly polymorphic, classical MHC class I genes. Additional clusters of medium, low, and very low expressed transcripts are described, indicative of lower transcribed classical, non‐classical and genes whose function remains to be determined.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐B*35:08:17 allele
Authors: Ingrassia F. , Pecoraro A. , Blando M. , Corica A. A. , Cappuzzo V.
Published: February 2024

HLA‐B*35:08:17 differs from B*35:08:01:01 by a single nucleotide change in codon 105 (CCC > CCG).
Crear en medio de la guerra: los daños y las resistencias a los saberes y oficios creativos ilustrados en Colombia a partir de las afectaciones a las comunidades tukano oriental, nukak y jiw en el Guaviare
Authors: Ariza Porras Angie Paola , Marfil Carmona Rafael
Published: February 2024

El daño causado a los saberes y oficios creativos es todavía una categoría pendiente cuando se habla de los daños producidos por la guerra. Desde una perspectiva interseccional, este artículo tiene por objetivo entablar una reflexión sobre las afectaciones producidas por el conflicto armado colombiano a los saberes y oficios creativos de las comunidades indígenas, donde la violencia armada se ahonda con la persistencia de patrones históricos de discriminación y dominación cultural. Este artículo tiene tres ejes reflexivos, investigativos y creativos. Inicialmente evidencia el vacío y la necesidad de reflexionar sobre el daño causado a los saberes y las actividades creativas por el conflicto armado. A continuación, presenta algunas aclaraciones sobre cómo la dicotomía arte-artesanía ha sido un dispositivo de dominación que ha afectado a las comunidades indígenas y a su labor creativa, razón por la que su creación plástica se enmarca mayoritariamente en los oficios artesanales. Posteriormente, se desarrollan algunas hipótesis sobre el daño causado a los oficios y saberes creativos de las comunidades indígenas en medio del conflicto armado colombiano. Finalmente, a través de un ejercicio exploratorio, se evidencian algunas de estas afectaciones en las comunidades indígenas nukak, tucanos y jiw del Guaviare en relatos etnográficos y fotografías intervenidas. En estos ejercicios, se abre la discusión sobre los cambios, las pérdidas y las resistencias en las dinámicas de creación y de transmisión los saberes creativos entre generaciones en un contexto de desarraigo, fragmentación, intimidación, dominación y de resistencias.
Subversión, irrupción e interpelación de las audiencias: los efectos de la práctica artística antirracista en Colombia
Authors: Correa Angulo Carlos , Alarcón Velásquez Rossana
Published: February 2024

Este artículo presenta las reflexiones sobre los resultados de un estudio de audiencia que empleó el enfoque de la etnografía digital para conocer las interacciones y percepciones entre las audiencias y los seguidores de la agrupación artística de danza afrocontemporánea Sankofa Danzafro de Medellín y un colectivo de activistas alrededor de la música champeta que promueve su patrimonialización en Cartagena. Se hace un recuento de la metodología y de las experiencias de trabajo con los seguidores y las seguidoras en redes sociales de las agrupaciones artísticas y se analizan las estrategias antirracistas de las prácticas artísticas y sus efectos entre las audiencias. La subversión, la irrupción y la interpelación afectiva a las audiencias fueron las tres estrategias identificadas en el análisis. Entre los resultados arrojados por el estudio, observamos que las prácticas artísticas antirracistas afectan a las audiencias al combinar elementos estéticos, narrativas corporales, el mensaje y una intención pedagógica popular que se entrelazan con las estrategias identificadas.
Agrupaciones de cuidadores familiares en Colombia: perfil, habilidad de cuidado y sobrecarga
Authors: Carreño Sonia Patricia
Published: February 2024

Objetivo. Explorar el papel de las variables sociodemográfi cas, la sobrecarga del cuidador y la habilidad de cuidado en una muestra de cuidadores de personas con enfermedad crónica en Colombia, para conocer sus formas de agrupación. Método. Se empleó un diseño cuantitativo, de corte descriptivo. La muestra estuvo constituida por 1137 cuidadores familiares, quienes respondieron la Encuesta de Caracterización de la Diada (cuidador-paciente), el Inventario de Habilidad de Cuidado de Nkongho y la Encuesta de Sobrecarga de Zarit. Con estos datos se realizó un análisis factorial y un análisis de conglomerados k-medias. Resultados.Se encontró que los cuidadores se agrupan según su región de procedencia, en cuatro conjuntos geográfi cos: andino y pacífi co, andino, caribe y amazónico. Además, se observó que cada agrupación posee necesidades de atención específi cas para el cuidador. Conclusión. Los grupos de cuidadores identifi cados refl ejan la diversidad cultural del país y la urgencia de explorar factores socioculturales que pueden estar incidiendo en las habilidades de cuidado y de sobrecarga de los cuidadores, según su región de procedencia.
Asociación entre depresión e ideación suicida en un grupo de adolescentes colombianos
Authors: Siabato Macías Elsa Fernanda
Published: February 2024

Objetivo. Estimar la asociación entre los síntomas depresivos y la ideación suicida en adolescentes. Método. Se realizó un estudio de corte transeccional, en el cual se aplicó el Cuestionario de Depresión Infantil (CDI) y el Inventario de Ideación Suicida Positiva y Negativa (PANSI) a un grupo de 289 adolescentes escolarizados (126 hombres y 163 mujeres), con edades comprendidas entre 14 y 17 años, matriculados en cuatro instituciones educativas públicas de Tunja, Colombia. Resultados. El 30% de los participantes presentaron un nivel alto de ideación suicida y el 9% reportaron síntomas depresivos, hallándose puntuaciones más altas en mujeres que en hombres para ambas variables de estudio. También se encontraron relaciones signifi cativas entre ideación suicida y ánimo negativo (rs= 0.43, p < 0.000), anhedonia (rs = 0.40, p < 0.000) y autoestima negativa (rs = 0.44, p < 0.000). Los análisis de regresión logística mostraron como factores predictores de ideación suicida en mujeres, el ánimo negativo y la autoestima negativa, mientras en los hombres no se identifi có ningún factor predictor. Conclusión. Los síntomas depresivos relacionados con estado de ánimo y autoestima negativa son factores de riesgo relevantes asociados con el componente cognitivo de la conducta suicida en mujeres adolescentes.
La reeducación de las disgrafías: perspectivas neuropsicológica y psicolingüística
Authors: Rivas Torres Rosa María
Published: February 2024

Objetivo. Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo efectuar una revisión actualizada de los modelos neuropsicológicos y psicolingüísticos de la intervención en las difi cultades de la escritura. Método. Se partió de una revisión y un estudio teórico de documentos especializados, utilizando diversos descriptores específi cos (disgrafía-neuropsicología, disgrafía-psicolingüística, reeducación/educación-disgrafía) de la Web of Science.Resultados. De modo habitual, la literatura especializada plantea que la intervención neuropsicológica y psicolingüística debe ser integral, en el sentido de centrarse en los procesos tanto generales como específi cos que subyacen a la escritura de cada niño. De la misma forma, se identifi ca que la adaptación del modelo de trabajo a las necesidades reales del alumno en cuanto a su grafi smo, calidad del escrito y difi cultades concretas permite la optimización del resultado. Conclusión. Resulta necesario considerar que una adecuada intervención en la escritura no debe ser genérica, sino individualizada y específi ca. De ahí que la adopción de un modelo de trabajo integral le aporte benefi cios al niño, dado que se centra en los factores que determinan su acto gráfi co, su calidad de la composición y la corrección de sus errores concretos.
Retos de la psicología en la construcción de paz en Colombia: ¿fatalismo o ingenuidad?
Authors: Molina Valencia Nelson
Published: February 2024

El artículo se propone re

fl

exionar acerca del papel de la psicología en un escenario posacuerdo derivado de las

negociaciones con las guerrillas en Colombia. Para ello se tienen en cuenta las condiciones teóricas provenientes

de una visión de la guerra y el con

fl

icto, que son analizadas considerando los escenarios epistemológico,

teórico, profesional y metodológico. Se concluye con el análisis de la situación del posacuerdo, a partir de seis

categorías desde la psicología social, que el trabajo que haga la psicología o bien puede rati

fi

car el fatalismo

de la experiencia de la guerra o proponer escenarios generativos para la consolidación de la convivencia en

Colombia.
Representaciones sociales de la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en pacientes de Cuautla, México
Authors: Arcos Guzmán Moises Joel , Peña Mena Kenia Esperanza
Published: February 2024

Objetivo.

Identificar y describir las representaciones sociales de vivir con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en pacientes

del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social en la ciudad de Cuautla, México.

Método.

Se utilizó metodología

cualitativa. Como marco interpretativo se empleó la teoría de las representaciones sociales. La recopilación de

la información se efectuó mediante la entrevista semiestructurada, y el análisis se hizo a partir de un proceso

de codificación abierta y axial. Participaron 10 derechohabientes (nueve mujeres y un hombre) del Instituto

Mexicano del Seguro Social, cuyo rango de edad osciló entre los 30 y los 60 años. Se resalta como parte del

proceso el cuidado ético y el respeto a la dignidad humana durante cada una de las fases.

Resultados.

Se

identificaron conceptos cimentados en la representación extraída del discurso de los participantes, quienes

manifestaron una estructura de vínculos jerárquicos que se desprenden de la condición de paciente asociado

a la diabetes como enfermedad, el control de la misma y la atención médica.

Conclusión.

Es evidente que la

representación construida desde la proclama del paciente coliga a la enfermedad como un elemento negativo

en el estilo de vida y las prácticas cotidianas.
Robust and sensitive conductive nanocomposite hydrogel with bridge cross-linking–dominated hierarchical structural design
Authors: Li Tian , Qi Haobo , Zhao Yijing , Kumar Punit , Zhao Cancan , Li Zhenming , Dong Xinyu , Guo Xiao , Zhao Miao , Li Xinwei , Wang Xudong , Ritchie Robert O. , Zhai Wei
Published: February 2024

Conductive hydrogels have a remarkable potential for applications in soft electronics and robotics, owing to their noteworthy attributes, including electrical conductivity, stretchability, biocompatibility, etc. However, the limited strength and toughness of these hydrogels have traditionally impeded their practical implementation. Inspired by the hierarchical architecture of high-performance biological composites found in nature, we successfully fabricate a robust and sensitive conductive nanocomposite hydrogel through self-assembly–induced bridge cross-linking of MgB
2
nanosheets and polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels. By combining the hierarchical lamellar microstructure with robust molecular B─O─C covalent bonds, the resulting conductive hydrogel exhibits an exceptional strength and toughness. Moreover, the hydrogel demonstrates exceptional sensitivity (response/relaxation time, 20 milliseconds; detection lower limit, ~1 Pascal) under external deformation. Such characteristics enable the conductive hydrogel to exhibit superior performance in soft sensing applications. This study introduces a high-performance conductive hydrogel and opens up exciting possibilities for the development of soft electronics.
Throwing IL-1β for a loop
Authors: Jacobs Noah , Griffin Gabriel K.
Published: February 2024

The lncRNA AMANZI exerts cis-regulatory control of IL-1β–mediated inflammation.
Pyruvate-dependent growth of
Methanosarcina acetivorans
Authors: Richter Marcus , Sattler Christian , Schöne Christian , Rother Michael
Published: February 2024

Methanogenesis is a key step during anaerobic biomass degradation. Methanogenic archaea (methanogens) are the only organisms coupling methanogenic substrate conversion to energy conservation. The range of substrates utilized by methanogens is limited, with acetate and H
2
+CO
2
being the ecologically most relevant. The only single methanogenic energy substrate containing more carbon-carbon bonds than acetate is pyruvate. Only the aggregate-forming, freshwater methanogen
Methanosarcina barkeri
Fusaro was shown to grow on this compound. Here, the pyruvate-utilizing capabilities of the single-celled, marine
Methanosarcina acetivorans
were addressed. Robust pyruvate-dependent, methanogenic, growth could be established by omitting CO
2
from the growth medium. Growth rates which were independent of the pyruvate concentration indicated that
M. acetivorans
actively translocates pyruvate across the cytoplasmic membrane. When 2-bromoethanesulfonate (BES) inhibited methanogenesis to more than 99%, pyruvate-dependent growth was acetogenic and sustained. However, when methanogenesis was completely inhibited
M. acetivorans
did not grow on pyruvate. Analysis of metabolites showed that acetogenesis is used by BES-inhibited
M. acetivorans
as a sink for electrons derived from pyruvate oxidation and that other, thus far unidentified, metabolites are produced.

IMPORTANCE

The known range of methanogenic growth substrates is very limited and
M. acetivorans
is only the second methanogenic species for which growth on pyruvate is demonstrated. Besides some commonalities, analysis of
M. acetivorans
highlights differences in pyruvate metabolism among
Methanosarcina
species. The observation that
M. acetivorans
probably imports pyruvate actively indicates that the capabilities for heterotrophic catabolism in methanogens may be underestimated. The mostly acetogenic growth of
M. acetivorans
on pyruvate with concomitant inhibition of methanogenesis confirms that energy conservation of methanogenic archaea can be independent of methane formation.
Rift Valley Fever virus M and L genome segment detection: a comparison of field-deployable reverse transcription insulated isothermal PCR (RT-iiPCR) and laboratory-based multiplex reverse transcription real-time PCR
Authors: Trujillo Jessie D. , Wilson William C. , Craig Anthony , Van den Bergh Carien , Wang Thomas , Thompson Peter , Swanepoel Robert , Morozov Igor , Richt Juergen A.
Published: February 2024

Rift Valley Fever phlebovirus (RVFV) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic pathogen that causes major agricultural and public health problems in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It is considered a potential agro-bioterrorism agent for which limited countermeasures are available. To address diagnostic needs, here we describe a rapid and sensitive molecular method immediately employable at sites of suspected outbreaks in animals that commonly precede outbreaks in humans. The strategy involves the concurrent detection of two of the three RVFV genome segments (large and medium) using reverse transcription insulated isothermal PCR (RT-iiPCR) performed on a portable, touch screen nucleic acid analyzer, POCKIT. The analytical sensitivity for both the RT-iiPCR and a laboratory-based L and M multiplex reverse transcription real-time PCR assay was estimated at approximately 0.1–3 copies/reaction using synthetic RNA or viral RNA. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of detection of RVFV on the POCKIT, determined using sera from sheep and cattle (
n
= 181) experimentally infected with two strains of RVFV (SA01 and Ken06), were 93.8% and 100% (kappa = 0.93), respectively. Testing of ruminant field sera (
n
= 193) in two locations in Africa demonstrated 100% diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. We conclude that the POCKIT dual-gene RVFV detection strategy can provide reliable, sensitive, and specific point-of-need viral RNA detection. Moreover, the field detection of RVFV in vectors or susceptible animal species can aid in the surveillance and epidemiological studies to better understand and control RVFV outbreaks.

IMPORTANCE

The content of this manuscript is of interest to the diverse readership of the
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
, including research scientists, diagnosticians, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. Rift Valley Fever virus (RVFV) is a zoonotic mosquito-borne pathogen that causes major agricultural and public health problems. Current and most sensitive diagnostic approaches that are molecular-based are performed in highly specialized molecular diagnostic laboratories. To address diagnostic needs, we developed a novel, rapid, and sensitive molecular method using a portable PCR machine, POCKIT, capable of immediate deployment at sites of suspected outbreaks. Here, we demonstrate that field-deployable RVFV detection can provide reliable, sensitive, and specific point-of-need viral RNA detection that could be used for diagnostic investigations and epidemiological studies, and can be performed in the field.
What if… your research is suddenly affiliated with a tobacco manufacturing company?
Authors: van den Bosch Wytse Bastiaan , Jacobs Noortje , Tiddens Harm , van de Vathorst Suzanne
Published: February 2024

The tobacco industry is accountable for an annual global death toll of approximately 8 million people and cigarette smoking is the foremost risk factor for several types of cancer. In addition, the tobacco industry has a long and controversial history of trying to influence scientific research and of engaging in other morally problematic practices. In September 2021, the respiratory community was alarmed by the takeover of Vectura Group (Vectura) by Philip Morris International. As a reaction to this acquisition, strict measures were imposed by the International Respiratory Societies to prohibit the involvement of Vectura in respiratory research and its participation in societies’ activities. International Respiratory Societies argued that Vectura had become part of the tobacco industry due to this takeover and is, therefore, subject to the same rules and restrictions. From a healthcare and historical perspective, the reaction and imposed measures are very understandable. However, for researchers that were already affiliated with Vectura through long-standing agreements and for research that was funded by Vectura, the imposed measures have serious consequences. With this article, we provide an example of these consequences. By reflecting on this issue, we would like to start a conversation regarding the current measures and to encourage the respiratory community to begin thinking of a way to avoid these consequences in the future. In addition, we hope that with this conversation the Respiratory Societies can set an example for other medical societies on how to cope with possible morally tainted affiliations (eg, fast food companies, alcohol manufacturing companies) in the future.
Elevated drug overdose mortality among Americans who visit Florida, 2003–2020
Authors: Shrira Ilan , Foster Joshua D
Published: February 2024

Objective

Florida state has played a conspicuous role in the current U.S. drug epidemic. Reports suggest that even non-Florida residents may suffer excessive overdose fatalities while visiting the state, possibly in connection to two sets of events: (1) the overprescribing of controlled substances, and more recently, (2) the exploitation of patients’ insurance benefits by unscrupulous operators of substance use treatment facilities in Florida. To date, however, no research has examined the overdose fatalities of non-Florida residents inside Florida.

Methods

Death certificate data were used to calculate proportionate mortality ratios for overdoses among Florida residents and visitors. Deaths occurring in the rest of the USA were used as reference populations.

Results

Between 2003 and 2020, overdose mortality was slightly elevated for Florida residents within their home counties (106.7 (95% CI 105.8 to 107.5)) and in other Florida counties (113.0 (95% CI 110.0 to 116.0)). Significantly, this mortality was much higher among out-of-state visitors in Florida (163.1 (95% CI 157.5 to 168.8)). When analysed by year, greater overdose mortality among visitors coincided with years when drug prescribing in Florida was rampant, and with the advent of expanded insurance coverage for substance use treatment. During this more recent period (since 2014), overdose mortality was exceptionally high for out-of-state visitors in Palm Beach County, where reports of malpractice in the Florida treatment industry have been concentrated.

Conclusions

Overdose mortality was disproportionately high among out-of-state visitors in Florida. The results suggest that the regulatory policies in Florida may be implicated in drug-related casualties of people who live in other parts of the USA.
Mepivacaine dosing for spinal anesthesia in pediatric orthopedic surgery: a retrospective chart review
Authors: Carley Michelle , Sheetz Miriam , Lauzadis Justas , Zhong Haoyan , DelPizzo Kathryn
Published: February 2024

Background

Mepivacaine is an intermediate-acting local anesthetic used for spinal anesthesia in adults. Currently, there are no published dosing guidelines for spinal mepivacaine in patients under age 18.

Aims

The purpose of this study is to describe the clinically used doses of mepivacaine by weight and age for orthopedic surgery in pediatrics.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of patients aged 0–18 who received mepivacaine for spinal anesthesia from 2016 to 2022. We performed a secondary analysis for patients aged 0–18 who received spinal anesthesia with bupivacaine or chloroprocaine.

Results

The data extraction yielded 3627 single-shot mepivacaine spinals. Patient age ranged from 5 to 18 years. Median dosage in milligrams/kilograms (mg/kg) of mepivacaine was calculated for each age group. Our analysis revealed that dosage in mg/kg decreased by patient age and began to plateau at age 15. Bupivacaine was the most common single-shot spinal agent in patients under age 10. After age 10, mepivacaine was more common. Chloroprocaine began to be used in patients older than 8 years.

Conclusions

We describe mepivacaine dosage as a function of age and weight in patients younger than 18 years. As age and weight increased, a lower dose of mepivacaine per kg was administered for spinal anesthesia.
Qualitative perspective on nicotine pouches from adults who smoke cigarettes in North Carolina
Authors: Clark Sonia A , Baler Guido , Jarman Kristen L , Byron M Justin , Goldstein Adam O , Ranney Leah M
Published: February 2024

Background

Little is known about how nicotine pouch products are perceived by people who smoke, including if they are perceived as a cessation aid or a substitute for when they cannot smoke. We qualitatively investigated the reactions and perceptions about On!, a leading brand of nicotine pouches.

Methods

We conducted online semistructured interviews with 30 adults who smoke cigarettes. Participants viewed an On! brochure and an image of an opened nicotine pouch and were asked about their initial impression, who the intended user is, and how they thought of the product’s safety compared with other tobacco and cessation products. Transcripts were independently coded and the data were analysed using thematic content analysis.

Results

Among the participants, half identified as female and slightly more than half were white (n=16). The mean age was 43 years old. The following are the central themes that emerged: (1) participants perceived the concealability, flavours and packaging of On! as appealing to youth and young adults; (2) participants perceived nicotine pouches as a product that would supplement rather than replace tobacco use; and (3) the product raised health concerns, which decreased interest in trying nicotine pouches.

Conclusions

Participants believed that the On! nicotine pouch promotional material may promote youth and young adult nicotine product initiation and dual product use for people who smoke. Most viewed On! as a product to use with cigarettes, rather than a way to quit cigarettes. Increased surveillance of nicotine pouches is warranted to monitor the trajectory of this emerging tobacco product and prevent youth initiation.
Super-extremal black holes in the quasitopological electromagnetic field theory
Authors: Hod Shahar
Published: February 2024

It has recently been proved that a simple generalization of electromagnetism, referred to as quasitopological electromagnetic field theory, is characterized by the presence of dyonic black-hole solutions of the Einstein field equations that, in certain parameter regions, are characterized by four horizons. In the present compact paper we reveal the existence, in this non-linear electrodynamic field theory, of super-extremal black-hole spacetimes that are characterized by the four degenerate functional relations $$[g_{00}(r)]_{r=r_{\text {H}}}=[dg_{00}(r)/dr]_{r=r_{\text {H}}}=[d^2g_{00}(r)/dr^2]_ {r=r_{\text {H}}}=[d^3g_{00}(r)/dr^3]_{r=r_{\text {H}}}=0$$

[

g
00

(
r
)

]

r
=

r
H

=

[
d

g
00

(
r
)

/
d
r
]

r
=

r
H

=

[

d
2

g
00

(
r
)

/
d

r
2

]

r
=

r
H

=

[

d
3

g
00

(
r
)

/
d

r
3

]

r
=

r
H

=
0

, where $$g_{00}(r)$$

g
00

(
r
)

is the tt-component of the curved line element and $$r_{\text {H}}$$

r
H

is the black-hole horizon radius. In particular, using analytical techniques we prove that the quartically degenerate super-extremal black holes are characterized by the universal (parameter-independent) dimensionless compactness parameter $$M/r_{\text {H}}={2\over 3}(2\gamma +1)$$

M
/

r
H

=

2
3

(
2
γ
+
1
)

, where $$\gamma \equiv {_2F_1}(1/4,1;5/4;-3)$$

γ
≡

2

F
1

(
1
/
4
,
1
;
5
/
4
;
-
3
)

.
Research on Network Teaching Collaboration Platform Using Flipped Classroom Teaching Mode
Authors: Zhao Jing , Mao Haitao , Mao Panpan , Hao Junyong , Mao Meige
Published: February 2024

The quick development of intelligent information technology in modern society has accelerated education informatisation. Accordingly, the traditional modes of instruction and methods of instruction are no longer able to satisfy the educational needs of modern society, so the flipped classroom teaching method emerges at the historic moment. While injecting fresh vitality into education, this model can also reflect good teaching effects, which is of enormous practical relevance to the development of education. Additionally, flipped classroom teaching is made possible by the online teaching resources offered by colleges and institutions. In view of the unreasonable distribution of curriculum resources in the current university network teaching platform, this study proposes a university network platform combining flipped classroom teaching mode and improved Apriori algorithm. First of all, to achieve the acceptable allocation and suggestion of learning materials in accordance with students’ learning demands, the Apriori algorithm is introduced to address the university network teaching platform’s lack of adequate planning and organisation. After that, the flipped classroom teaching mode is introduced into the online teaching platform for empirical research. According to the trial findings, more than 90.22 % of the students had improved their study habits. The network teaching platform proposed by the research institute can stimulate college students’ learning interest and improve their learning ability to a certain extent.
Modelling Data Poisoning Attacks Against Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Jonnalagadda Annapurna , Mohanty Debdeep , Zakee Ashraf , Kamalov Firuz
Published: February 2024

Cybersecurity has become a great concern in many real-world applications involving adversaries with Machine Learning (ML) algorithms being more widely used. This concern is more challenging in Internet of Things (IoT) platforms. As IoT-enabled applications are growing at a rapid pace in every sector there are growing security related incidents as well. ML algorithms are widely deployed to perform data analysis, reasoning and decision-making over the data emanating from IoT devices. Security of this data while collection, communication and computing is a major challenge. Various attackers are trying to find weaknesses in the ML algorithms and trying to deceive these ML algorithms to learn the wrong information from the data. Countermeasures need to be developed to evaluate the security of the ML models. To develop such countermeasures, one needs to understand all possible attacks on the ML models. Data poisoning attacks are a class of adversarial attacks on ML where an adversary has the power to alter a small fraction of the training data in order to make the trained classifier to satisfy certain objectives. In order to develop an attack-resistant ML model, one needs to know all possible attacks on these models. The recent data poisoning technique such as the Fast Gradient Sign Method (FGSM) is static and provides very micro control to the attacker on creating adversarial data. In this research, we develop a more robust data poisoning technique for deep neural networks using Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) to create a data poisoning attack. We then evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm and also compare the results obtained by FGSM.
Study on water migration and the microstructure of unsaturated expansive clays
Authors: Liu Qiuyan , Wang Mingwu
Published: February 2024

Because of the characteristics of water swelling and drying shrinkage, the mechanical performance of expansive clays in semi-arid areas deteriorates with changes in humidity and temperature. Hence, investigating the moisture migration in expansive clays is of great significance. Herein, scanning electron microscopy and water migration tests of unsaturated soil were carried out to address the water variation law and microscopic mechanisms in unsaturated expansive clays. It was found that small- and medium-sized pores (2–10 

μ

m) are dominant, and these pores are conducive to an increase in the water content in the soil. Soil with a high water content exhibits a flocculent structure, characterized by a small fractal dimension and a high relative hydraulic conductivity. Conversely, soil with a low water content displays a dispersed structure, featuring a large fractal dimension and a low relative hydraulic conductivity. The water migration tests, which were carried out at constant temperatures (5, 20 and 40°C) and variable temperatures (15–25°C), show that the amount of migration at 5 and 20°C was about 25–40 and 40–60% of that at 40°C, respectively. The amount of water migration at a constant temperature was obviously lower than that recorded at variable temperatures. The research results have provided technical support for the effective control of soil change.
The Cretaceous diversification of angiosperms: perspectives from mesofossils
Authors: Friis Else Marie , Crane Peter R. , Pedersen Kaj Raunsgaard
Published: February 2024

The plant fossil record during the Cretaceous documents a major transition in the dominant group of terrestrial autotrophs, as plant communities from the earlier Mesozoic were transformed by the appearance and rapid diversification of angiosperms. This transformation began in the Early Cretaceous, continued through the Late Cretaceous and led ultimately to the dominance of angiosperms in most terrestrial ecosystems today, which had profound consequences for the other organisms inhabiting terrestrial ecosystems and perhaps the planet as a whole. Our understanding of angiosperm diversification has been greatly improved over the past 50 years by integrated studies of fossil assemblages containing angiosperm pollen and leaves, but especially by new information from mesofossil floras that have provided previously unanticipated detail on floral form in Cretaceous angiosperms and have allowed the recognition of key dispersed pollen types
in situ
. Information from fossil flowers has greatly facilitated meaningful comparisons with living plants and integration with phylogenetic analyses of extant angiosperms based on DNA evidence. The combined insights from these discoveries provide a broadly consistent and coherent picture of angiosperm evolution through the Cretaceous, which comprises more than half of their entire evolutionary history.
Flow-Time Minimization for Timely Data Stream Processing in UAV-Aided Mobile Edge Computing
Authors: Xu Zichuan , Qiao Haiyang , Liang Weifa , Xu Zhou , Xia Qiufen , Zhou Pan , Rana Omer F. , Xu Wenzheng
Published: February 2024

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have gained increasing attention by both academic and industrial communities, due to their flexible deployment and efficient line-of-sight communication. Recently, UAVs equipped with base stations have been envisioned as a key technology to provide 5G network services for mobile users. In this article, we provide timely services on the data streams of mobile users in a UAV-aided Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) network, in which each UAV is equipped with a 5G small-cell base station for communication and data processing. Specifically, we first formulate a flow-time minimization problem by jointly caching services and offloading tasks of mobile users to the UAV-aided MEC with the aim to minimize the flow time, where the flow time of a user request is referred to the time duration from the request issuing time point to its completion point, subject to resource and energy capacity on each UAV. We then propose a spatial-temporal learning optimization framework. We also devise an online algorithm with a competitive ratio for the problem based upon the framework, by leveraging the round-robin scheduling and dual fitting techniques. Finally, we evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithms through experimental simulation. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithms outperform their comparison counterparts, by reducing the flow time no less than 19% on average.
Efficient and Stable Dual-Active-Site of Core-Shell NiFe-Layered Double Hydroxide Anchored on FeMnON-N-Doped Carbon Nanotubes as Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalysts for Zn-Air Batteries
Authors: Akbarian Parisa , Kheirmand Mehdi
Published: February 2024

The bifunctional air electrodes with numerous dual-active sites and low cost are desirable to modify the performance of Zn-air batteries (ZABs). Metal–oxygen-nitrogen–carbon substrate (M = Mn, Fe, Ni, etc.) and NiFe-layered double hydroxide (NiFe-LDH) nanosheets are excellent catalysts in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) processes, respectively. Hereby, we investigate a bifunctional electrocatalytic substrate with a 3D core–shell hierarchical architecture by anchoring high OER-active NiFe-LDH on ORR-active FeMnZIF-8@gC3N4-derived FeMnON-N doped carbon nanotubes bamboo like (NiFe-LDH@FeMnON-NC). This nanocomposite has unique features such as robust synergistic effects, high conductivity, balance, and optimization of surface chemical valences of Fe, Mn, and Ni atoms to boost the bifunctional ORR and OER properties and stability in ZABs. The NiFe-LDH@FeMnON-NC nanocomposite not only exhibited superior OER electroactivity with a low onset overpotential of 235 mV (10 mA cm−2) but also had excellent ORR activity with a current density of −5.48 mA cm−2 and onset potential of 1.04 V, which is better than or comparable to those of commercial Pt/C and RuO2. Rechargeable ZABs constructed by bifunctional NiFe-LDH@FeMnON-NC have a peak power density (235.41 mW cm−2), open-circuit potential (OCV) (1.53 V), small discharge/charge band gap of 0.74 V and excellent discharge stability.