bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Questionnaire-Based Research in Hand Surgery
Authors: Wu-Fienberg Yuewei , Rousseau Morgan Ansley , Mitchell Scott
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Questionnaire-based research is ubiquitous, and careful survey design is paramount to obtaining meaningful results. This study characterizes the use of questionnaire-based studies in the current hand surgery literature.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of questionnaire-based studies published between 2010 and 2020 in 4 major American journals. We included studies in which questionnaire results represented a primary outcome. Validation status of the survey instruments was assessed, and topics of study were categorized. Nonvalidated instruments were assessed for reporting of parameters to limit bias.

Results

Three hundred fifty-four studies were identified, including 186 (52.5%) using validated instruments, 98 (27.7%) using nonvalidated instruments, 64 (18.1%) using a combination, and 6 (1.7%) that sought to validate an instrument. Of the studies that used validated instruments, 84.9% focused on patient-reported outcomes and 15.1% focused on other patient-centered topics. In contrast, of studies that used nonvalidated instruments, 44.9% focused on physician practice, 30.6% were patient centered, and 13.3% focused on education. Among nonvalidated questionnaires, 74.5% did not report predistribution testing, 49.0% did not publish full survey questions, and 33.3% did not report response rates.

Conclusions

Survey research is common in the hand surgery literature. Forty-six percent of examined studies included at least some nonvalidated elements. Techniques to limit bias in the design and reporting of studies based on nonvalidated surveys were not uniformly disclosed. Identified areas for improvement include (1) pilot testing to assess for question clarity; (2) publication of full texts to improve transparency; and (3) better reporting on sample selection, respondents, and nonrespondents.
Acromiothoracic Venous Supercharge for Abdominal-Based Free Flaps in Breast and Chest Wall Reconstruction
Authors: Alsharkawy Kareem , Youssif Sherif , Malahias Marco , Filobbos George , Kalkat Maninder , Khalil Haitham
Published: December 2023

Background

Supercharging the venous drainage of free abdominal flaps in breast reconstruction has been well described in the literature, with diverse options used to augment venous drainage. In this study, we present our experience in using the acromiothoracic vein (ATV)/thoracoacromial vein (TAV) as a secondary recipient vein for the superficial inferior epigastric vein (SIEV) of free, muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps in breast and chest wall reconstruction.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 523 free, muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps the senior author (H.H.K.) performed between 2009 and 2022 for breast and chest wall reconstruction; 46 cases required venous super drainage. Seventeen patients had ipsilateral SIEV anastomosed into the second internal mammary vein, 5 had ipsilateral SIEV anastomosed into flap second deep inferior epigastric vein, and 24 required the use of the (ATV)/(TAV), which will be the focus of this study.

Results

The study included 24 female (20 breast and 4 chest wall reconstruction) patients ranging in ages between 39 and 72 years. They had a median follow-up of 26 months. Combined muscle splitting and cutting techniques were used to expose the ATV/TAV. Increase in operative time ranged between 10 and 20 minutes (median, 12 minutes). Vein coupler sizes were 1.5 to 3 mm. The mean weight of the flap was 740 g (range, 460–1300 g). There was 1 flap failure (salvage with latissimus dorsi flap performed), whereas 23 flaps wholly survived.

Conclusions

The ATV/TAV is a suitable recipient for venous supercharging free flaps used to reconstruct breast and chest wall defects.
Endothelial Cell Calcium Influx Mediates Trauma-induced Endothelial Permeability
Authors: Schaid Terry R. , Mitra Sanchayita , Stafford Preston , DeBot Margot , Thielen Otto , Hallas William , Cralley Alexis , Gallagher Lauren , Jeffrey Danielle , Hansen Kirk C. , D’Alessandro Angelo , Silliman Christopher C. , Dabertrand Fabrice , Cohen Mitchell J.
Published: December 2023

Objective:

We aimed to investigate if ex vivo plasma from injured patients causes endothelial calcium (Ca2+) influx as a mechanism of trauma-induced endothelial permeability.

Summary Background Data:

Endothelial permeability after trauma contributes to post-injury organ dysfunction. While the mechanisms remain unclear, emerging evidence suggests intracellular Ca2+ signaling may play a role.

Methods:

Ex vivo plasma from injured patients with “Low Injury/Low Shock” (injury severity score [ISS]<15, base excess [BE])≥-6mEq/L) and “High Injury/High Shock” (ISS≥15, BE<-6mEq/L) were used to treat endothelial cells. Experimental conditions included Ca2+ removal from the extracellular buffer, cyclopiazonic acid pre-treatment to deplete intracellular Ca2+ stores, and GSK2193874 pre-treatment to block the TRPV4 Ca2+ channel. Live cell fluorescence microscopy and ECIS were used to assess cytosolic Ca2+ increases and permeability, respectively. Western blot and live cell actin staining were used to assess myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation and actomyosin contraction.

Results:

Compared to Low Injury/Low Shock plasma, High Injury/High Shock induced greater cytosolic Ca2+ increase. Cytosolic Ca2+ increase, MLC phosphorylation, and actin cytoskeletal contraction were lower without extracellular Ca2+ present. High Injury/High Shock plasma did not induce endothelial permeability without extracellular Ca2+ present. TRPV4 inhibition lowered trauma plasma-induced endothelial Ca2+ influx and permeability.

Conclusions:

This study illuminates a novel mechanism of post-injury endotheliopathy involving Ca2+ influx via the TRPV4 channel. TRPV4 inhibition mitigates trauma-induced endothelial permeability. Moreover, widespread endothelial Ca2+ influx may contribute to trauma-induced hypocalcemia. This study provides the mechanistic basis for the development of Ca2+-targeted therapies and interventions in the care of severely injured patients.
Entrepreneurial intentions among university students: the role of mentoring, self-efficacy and motivation
Authors: Al Issa Hussein-Elhakim
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This research examines whether mentoring is a predictor of entrepreneurial intentions. It also explores how intent translates into action through implementation intentions. The study tests if the mentoring-intentions association is mediated by self-efficacy. The potential moderating effect of achievement motivation on the relationship was also investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

PLS-SEM was used to test the hypotheses of the 242 valid responses collected from final-year students from Libyan public universities.

Findings

Results show that self-efficacy partially mediated the mentoring-intentions association, while motivation negatively moderated the relationship. Entrepreneurial intentions had a significantly strong effect on implementation intentions.

Research limitations/implications

The results verify mentoring as a practical socializing instructional approach. Therefore, universities should implement structured mentoring programs, offering emotional guidance, counsel and networking opportunities. Also, mentors should undergo training, and progress tracking is essential for improvement.

Originality/value

Examining entrepreneurial self-efficacy as a mediator and achievement motivation as a moderator in the mentoring-intentions association is unprecedented. The findings narrow the search for antecedents to entrepreneurial intentions and pinpoint intervention points.
Education networks for deeper learning
Authors: Gatz Erin , Akiva Tom
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study focuses on a regional education network in the Mid-Atlantic that aims to facilitate equitable learning practices by providing ongoing teacher/leader support, cross-sector collaboration and professional learning for educators. The authors probe networks as providing core support for systems level change and serving as precursors to the community engagement that is essential for deeper learning. Specifically, this study is driven by the hypotheses that (1) deeper learning may be supported by pathways for students and educators to meaningfully engage with the local community; (2) deeper learning is more likely to happen when educators connect to communities beyond their own school or organization and (3) education networks can help facilitate those functions.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors aimed to understand how participation in an education network influenced members (which include school leaders, teachers and leaders of youth programs) and how experiences might differ by level of participation. The authors conducted interviews with individuals across three groups of adults (n = 111 total): core members (n = 16), members with mid-level engagement (n = 30) and peripheral members (n = 65).

Findings

Educators who participated most intensely and deeply described the network as a vehicle for learning about and advancing equity through specific practices including individualized learning, increasing access and resource redistribution. Mid-level participants emphasized the professional network building function of the network. For peripheral or new participants, the most salient function of the network was celebration of education and educators. These findings suggest that education networks have a role in strengthening the structures that support leaders to make deeper learning happen.

Research limitations/implications

More research is needed on how participants move from the periphery to more core involvement in education networks, where they may gain the full benefits of participation. Further research is also needed to explore the link between education network engagement among school leaders and the deeper learning environments in schools.

Originality/value

Research on education networks is limited. To the authors' knowledge, the present study is one of the largest collections and analyses of interviews with education network members to date. The authors present education network engagement as a precursor for community embedded deeper learning in schools.
Deeper learning and leadership development in a school–university partnership with a rural district
Authors: Williams Leslie Ann , Atkinson Linda , Dean Sharon , McCarty Tracy Watts , Mathews Emmett , Jaques-McMillin Shelley
Published: December 2023

Purpose

To meet the needs of under-resourced, rural schools where teacher attrition is high, this case study examined how a school–university partnership strengthened teacher and leader abilities to support deeper learning for students.

Design/methodology/approach

This research focused on a 17-year collaborative partnership between one rural school district and a university research and outreach organization to develop deeper learning experiences for students through shared and supportive leadership and learning of teachers and leaders. The researchers utilized documents, field notes and interviews with administrators to validate the data.

Findings

The study’s findings suggest that participation in authentic, researched-based professional development through the partnership improved the skills of leaders and teachers to support deeper learning for students. This partnership heightened teacher and leader capacity to promote and support continued change and sustainability.

Originality/value

This case study explored how one university center collaboratively engaged with a district by sharing research and strategies to support the development of leaders and teachers to create deeper learning for students. Through these experiences, the district evolved its deeper learning system and improved its organizational effectiveness, leadership development and learning for all.
Sugar‐free aerated chocolate: Production, investigation of bubble features using X‐ray computed tomography and image processing
Authors: Sarfarazi Messiah , Mohebbi Mohebbat , Saadatmand‐Tarzjan Mahdi , Mirshahi Ali
Published: December 2023

In contrast to other imaging techniques, X‐ray imaging does not destruct the internal structure of the sample being imaged. Furthermore, this technique is able to capture numerous images of the sample at a low slice thickness, which is almost impossible in other imaging techniques. In this study, sugar was replaced with inulin:maltodextrin mixtures at ratios of 25:75 (i25), 50:50 (i50), and 75:25 (i75). Then, nitrogen (N2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) were injected into the three mixtures as well as the sugar‐containing sample (control) at pressures of 3, 4.5, and 6 bar to produce aerated chocolate. The images of the samples were captured using X‐ray computed tomography (XCT). After processing, they were segmented using the Chan–Vese model. Image segmentation showed that the Chan–Vese method, compared with adaptive thresholding, was more able to segment the images and remove the noise. The bubble total volume (10440 ± 9206 mm3) and average diameter (1.30 ± 0.10 mm) of the control were larger than those of the other samples. The results also demonstrated that the sugar‐free aerated samples had lower hardness than the corresponding unaerated ones. However, it was reversed in the case of the control. This research sheds light on the industrialization of the production of aerated chocolate and the application of XCT and image processing in the analysis of the microstructure of aerated products.
Strategies to improve the postharvest management of flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) from aquaculture using the short‐term storage and package in an innovative closed‐circuit system
Authors: Rusco Giusy , Di Iorio Michele , Felici Alberto , Galosi Livio , Iaffaldano Nicolaia , Roncarati Alessandra
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to improve postharvest management of flat oysters reared in a longline system in the mid Adriatic Sea, using short‐term storage and package in an innovative closed‐circuit system. For the trial, 870 oysters were employed, divided into three experimental groups (A, B, and C), N = 270 oysters each group, whereas the remaining 60 oysters were used for the 2 controls. Each group differed in relation to the time spent in the depuration tank and the time of packaging: group A was packed and immediately transferred to the cell; group B was depurated in a tank for 48 h, then packed and transferred to the cell; group C was depurated in a tank for 48 h and then packed, depurated for another 24 h and transferred to a cell. Samples of each group were sampled at different times of permanence in cell (t0) up until 12 days (t12) for biomorphometric, sensorial, nutritional, and microbiological analysis. Although the nutritional and sensorial quality of the oysters was more pronounced in group A, B and C groups also showed good results. In these two groups, thanks to the use of the modern water recirculation system the quality and safety of oysters was improved by reducing the presence of sludge and eliminating fecal contaminants completely than A treatment and seawater control. These results were also confirmed by the tank control, where a more extended depuration period positively influenced the same parameters emphasizing the importance of the adequate depuration processes in oyster production.
Efficacy of Internet‐based rumination‐focused cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness‐based intervention with guided support in reducing risks of depression and anxiety: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mak Winnie W. S. , Tong Alan C. Y. , Fu Amanda C. M. , Leung Ivy W. Y. , Jung Olivia H. C. , Watkins Edward R. , Lui Wacy W. S.
Published: December 2023

Rumination and worry are common risk factors of depression and anxiety. Internet‐based transdiagnostic interventions targeting individuals with these specific risks may be an effective way to prevent depression and anxiety. This three‐arm randomized controlled trial compared the efficacy of Internet‐based rumination‐focused cognitive behavioral therapy (RFCBT), mindfulness‐based intervention (MBI), and psychoeducation (EDU) control among 256 at‐risk individuals. Participants' levels of rumination, worry, depressive, and anxiety symptoms were assessed at post‐intervention (6 weeks), 3‐month, and 9‐month follow‐ups. Linear mixed model analysis results showed similar levels of improvement in all outcomes across the three conditions. Changes in rumination differed comparing RFCBT and MBI, where a significant reduction in rumination was noted at a 3‐month follow‐up among participants in RFCBT, and no significant long‐term effect among participants in MBI was noted at a 9‐month follow‐up. All three conditions showed similar reductions in risks and symptoms, implying that the two active interventions were not superior to EDU control. The high attrition at follow‐ups suggested a need to exercise caution when interpreting the findings. Future studies should tease apart placebo effect and identify ways to improve adherence.
Do seeding and seedling planting result in similar restored plant communities?
Authors: Butterfield Bradley J. , Munson Seth M.
Published: December 2023

Aims

Restoration practitioners often face a tradeoff between low cost but risky seeding vs expensive but more reliable seedling planting to meet revegetation goals. Knowing under what environmental and management conditions direct seeding vs seedling planting benefit different species could improve restoration practice.

Methods

We compared seed emergence to planted‐seedling survival among perennial herbaceous species commonly used in restoration across eight experimental restoration sites on the Colorado Plateau, USA. We used linear models to assess relationships between emergence and survival among species, and to assess the effects of site climate and seeding pre‐treatments on those relationships.

Results

We found that among species, emergence was positively correlated with survival in the cooler sites, meaning that species with high emergence also had high survival and vice versa, but had no relationship in the hottest sites. Furthermore, pre‐treatments to enhance soil moisture in seeded plots, specifically microtopography (pits) and mulch, also resulted in positive relationships between emergence and survival among species, while seeding without additional soil pre‐treatments did not. Seedling planting cost 14 times as much as direct seeding alone, dropping to nine times as much when pre‐treatments were combined with seeding.

Conclusions

Taken together, these results suggest that investments in seedling planting at hotter dryland sites, or in creating microtopography or mulching prior to seeding across sites, are likely to promote establishment success compared to simple seeding methods in degraded dryland ecosystems. These findings also identify opportunities for hybrid seeding and planting approaches that balance tradeoffs between risk and cost, respectively.
Perspective Taking Reflects Beliefs About Partner Sophistication: Modern Computer Partners Versus Basic Computer and Human Partners
Authors: Loy Jia E. , Demberg Vera
Published: December 2023

We investigate partner effects on spatial perspective taking behavior in listeners, comparing behavior with a human versus a computer partner (Experiments 1 and 2), and with computer partners of different perceived capabilities (Experiment 3). Participants responded to spoken instructions from their partner which could be interpreted egocentrically (from their own perspective) or othercentrically (from their partner's perspective). In contrast to earlier work, we found that participants were more egocentric with a computer than a human partner. Participants were also more egocentric with a computer partner that appeared more modern and capable, compared to one that appeared outdated and limited in ability. Our results show that perspective taking behavior is sensitive to information about one's partner; in particular, listeners consider their partner's potential ability to collaborate, adjusting their egocentric tendencies accordingly. Moreover, we highlight what appears to be a shift in listeners' expectations regarding computers' collaborative capabilities, leading to greater willingness to push the burden of perspective taking onto a computer partner.
Glycaemic control efficacy of switching from dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors to oral semaglutide in subjects with type 2 diabetes: A multicentre, prospective, randomized, open‐label, parallel‐group comparison study (SWITCH‐SEMA 2 study)
Authors: Furusawa Sho , Nomoto Hiroshi , Yokoyama Hiroki , Suzuki Yuka , Tsuzuki Atsushi , Takahashi Kiyohiko , Miya Aika , Kameda Hiraku , Cho Kyu Yong , Takeuchi Jun , Nagai So , Taneda Shinji , Kurihara Yoshio , Nakamura Akinobu , Atsumi Tatsuya ,   SWITCH‐SEMA 2 study group
Published: December 2023

Aim

To assess whether oral semaglutide provides better glycaemic control, compared with dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor (DPP‐4i) continuation, in people with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

In this multicentre, open‐label, prospective, randomized, parallel‐group comparison study, participants receiving DPP‐4is were either switched to oral semaglutide (3‐14 mg/day) or continued on DPP‐4is. The primary endpoint was the change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) over 24 weeks. Secondary endpoints included changes in metabolic parameters and biomarkers, along with the occurrence of adverse events. Factors associated with HbA1c improvement were also explored.

Results

In total, 174 eligible participants were enrolled; 17 dropped out of the study. Consequently, 82 participants in the DPP‐4i group and 75 participants in the semaglutide group completed the study and were included in the analysis. Improvement in HbA1c at week 24 was significantly greater when switching to semaglutide compared with DPP‐4i continuation [−0.65 (95% confidence interval: −0.79, −0.51) vs. +0.05 (95% confidence interval: −0.07, 0.16) (p < .001)]. Body weight, lipid profiles and liver enzymes were significantly improved in the semaglutide group than in the DPP‐4i continuation group. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that baseline HbA1c and homeostasis model assessment 2‐R were independently associated with HbA1c improvement after switching to semaglutide. Seven participants in the semaglutide group discontinued medication because of gastrointestinal symptoms.

Conclusions

Although the potential for gastrointestinal symptoms should be carefully considered, switching from DPP‐4is to oral semaglutide may be beneficial for glycaemic control and metabolic abnormalities in people with higher HbA1c and insulin resistance.
Effect of drug treatment changes and seizure outcomes on depression and suicidality in adults with drug‐resistant focal epilepsy
Authors: Mula Marco , Borghs Simon , Ferro Bruno , Zaccara Gaetano , Dainese Filippo , Ferlazzo Edoardo , Romigi Andrea , Gambardella Antonio , Perucca Emilio
Published: December 2023

Objective

To investigate changes in depressive and suicidality status and their relationship with seizure outcomes after the addition or substitution of another antiseizure medication (ASM) in adults with drug‐resistant focal epilepsy.

Methods

Seven hundred seventy consecutively enrolled patients were assessed and followed prospectively for seizure outcome and depressive status over a 6‐month period after starting treatment with a newly introduced ASM. The Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy (NDDIE) was used to screen for depression and suicidality. Correlations of NDDIE results with clinical and treatment‐related variables were assessed by using a stepwise logistic regression model.

Results

At baseline, 50% of patients had a positive screening test result for depression and 13% had a positive screening test result for suicidal ideation. A psychiatric comorbidity at baseline was associated with a 2.3 times increased risk of an initially negative NDDIE screening result becoming positive at re‐assessment after 6 months. In addition, the number of ASMs taken at baseline correlated with an increased risk of a change in depression screening test results from negative to positive during follow‐up, whereas no association was identified with sociodemographic and epilepsy‐related variables, including seizure outcomes. Approximately 6% of patients who were initially negative at screening for suicidal ideation became positive at the 6‐month re‐assessment. The risk of switch from a negative to a positive screening test result for suicidal ideation was increased more than two‐fold in individuals who screened positive for depression at baseline, and was unrelated to the type of ASM introduced, sociodemographic variables, or seizure outcomes.

Significance

Almost 1 in 5 adults with drug‐resistant focal epilepsy who screen negative for depression become positive when re‐assessed 6 months after a treatment change. At re‐assessment 6 months later, 6.1% who screen initially negative for passive suicidal ideation become positive. These changes in screening status are independent of type of ASM introduced or seizure outcomes but correlate with psychiatric status at baseline.
Preparation of microporous mullite refractories with high strength based on low‐grade bauxite and coal gangue
Authors: Chen Fuwen , Sang Shaobai , Ma Yuzhou , Li Yawei
Published: December 2023

For the energy‐saving and safe utilization of industrial furnaces, it is essential to develop refractories with low thermal conductivity and high strength. In this study, low‐grade bauxite and coal gangue were used as the main raw materials to prepare microporous mullite refractories with low thermal conductivity and high strength by the in situ decomposition method. The effect of coal gangue content and sintering temperature on the structure and properties of mullite refractories was also investigated. The results show that the average pore size of mullite refractories containing coal gangue is between 1.3 and 4.4 μm; with the addition of coal gangue, the apparent porosity of mullite refractories increases and their thermal conductivity decreases. Coal gangue reduces the number of pores larger than 14 μm, improves the microstructure uniformity of mullite refractories, and increases their cold compressive strength. The strength of microporous refractory treated at 1500°C containing 36.2% coal gangue as raw material is up to (105.6 ± 1.7 MPa); and its thermal conductivity tested at 1000°C is only .442 W/(m K)).
Modeling the impact of COVID‐19 nonpharmaceutical interventions on respiratory syncytial virus transmission in South Africa
Authors: Bents Samantha J. , Viboud Cécile , Grenfell Bryan T. , Hogan Alexandra B. , Tempia Stefano , von Gottberg Anne , Moyes Jocelyn , Walaza Sibongile , Hansen Chelsea , Cohen Cheryl , Baker Rachel E.
Published: December 2023

Background

The South African government employed various nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to reduce the spread of SARS‐CoV‐2. Surveillance data from South Africa indicates reduced circulation of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) throughout the 2020–2021 seasons. Here, we use a mechanistic transmission model to project the rebound of RSV in the two subsequent seasons.

Methods

We fit an age‐structured epidemiological model to hospitalization data from national RSV surveillance in South Africa, allowing for time‐varying reduction in RSV transmission during periods of COVID‐19 circulation. We apply the model to project the rebound of RSV in the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

Results

We projected an early and intense outbreak of RSV in April 2022, with an age shift to older infants (6–23 months old) experiencing a larger portion of severe disease burden than typical. In March 2022, government alerts were issued to prepare the hospital system for this potentially intense outbreak. We then assess the 2022 predictions and project the 2023 season. Model predictions for 2023 indicate that RSV activity has not fully returned to normal, with a projected early and moderately intense wave. We estimate that NPIs reduced RSV transmission between 15% and 50% during periods of COVID‐19 circulation.

Conclusions

A wide range of NPIs impacted the dynamics of the RSV outbreaks throughout 2020–2023 in regard to timing, magnitude, and age structure, with important implications in a low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) setting where RSV interventions remain limited. More efforts should focus on adapting RSV models to LMIC data to project the impact of upcoming medical interventions for this disease.
Most patients with disorders of gut‐brain interaction receive pharmacotherapy with major or moderate drug‐gene interactions
Authors: Varma Revati , Staab Jeffrey P. , Matey Eric T. , Wright Jessica A. , Deb Brototo , Lazaridis Konstantinos N. , Szarka Lawrence A. , Bailey Kent R. , Bharucha Adil E.
Published: December 2023

Background

How variations predicted by pharmacogenomic testing to alter drug metabolism and therapeutic response affect outcomes for patients with disorders of gut‐ brain interaction is unclear.

Aims

To assess the prevalence of pharmacogenomics‐predicted drug‐gene interactions and symptom outcomes for patients with disorders of gut‐brain interaction.

Methods

Patients who were treated in our clinical practice for functional dyspepsia/bowel disorder underwent pharmacogenomic testing. The change in symptoms from baseline to 6 months was compared for patients with variations in CYP2D6 and CYP2C19, which metabolize neuromodulators, and SLC6A4, which encodes the sodium‐ dependent serotonin transporter.

Results

At baseline, 79 of 94 participants (84%) had at least one predicted major drug‐ gene interaction, and all 94 (100%) had at least one predicted moderate interaction. For the 44 participants who completed a survey of their symptoms at 6 months, the mean (SD) irritable bowel syndrome‐symptom severity score decreased from 284 (71) at baseline to 231 (95) at 6 months (p < 0.001). Among patients taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, the decrease in symptom severity (p = 0.03) and pain (p = 0.002) scores from baseline to 6 months was greater for patients with a homozygous SLC6A4 long/long genotype (n = 30) (ie, increased serotonin transporter activity) than for patients with homozygous short/short or heterozygous long/short genotypes (n = 64). Symptom outcomes were not affected by CYP2D6 or CYP2C19 variations.

Conclusions

The homozygous SLC6A4 long/long genotype confers better symptom resolution for patients with disorders of gut‐brain interaction who take selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors than do the homozygous short/short or heterozygous long/short genotypes.
Evaluation of factors affecting the healing process of venous ulcers: A 12‐week longitudinal study
Authors: Mościcka Paulina , Cwajda‐Białasik Justyna , Jawień Arkadiusz , Jaraczewski Wojciech , Szewczyk Maria T.
Published: December 2023

The process of healing venous ulcers is complex and influenced by many factors. By identifying the risk factors that influence a slower healing process, it is possible to predict impending delays and plan an individualised care plan. We analysed our database of patients with venous ulcers and identified clinical and demographic factors that delay the healing process. The research analysed the medical records of 754 patients with VLUs at Chronic Wound Treatment Unit of the University Hospital treated between 2001 and 2019. In study, the majority (64.3%) were women, the mean age was 65.7 years. The median duration of Chronic Venous Insufficiency was 24 years, 52% patients had had the disease >20 years, and 296 (39.3%) had experienced ulceration >12 months. Most of the patients (85.8%) had comorbidities, 84% were obese. At 12‐week follow‐up, 432 of the 754 ulcers had healed. Identified independent predictors of slower ulcer healing rates: wound area greater than 8.25 cm2, location of the ulceration other than the medial ankle area, underlying disease >20 years, the presence of multiple comorbidities, depth of the ulcer, the presence of an unpleasant smell and alert pathogens. The presence of redness resulted in faster healing of VLUc. Many factors influence the healing process of venous ulceration. The results of the study can help in planning patient care and implementing appropriate early strategies to promote healing.
Optical properties of copper oxide thin films implanted with chromium ions
Authors: Ungeheuer Katarzyna , Marszalek Konstanty W.
Published: December 2023

Copper oxides are nontoxic semiconductors with good stability and abundance of raw materials. In each of the applications, it is advisable to look for a method to improve the properties of thin films of these materials, such as electrical conductivity or light absorption. In this work, thin films were prepared by reactive magnetron sputtering and doped with chromium using the ion implantation method. The samples were implanted with chromium ions with energy of 10–25 keV and various doses ranging from 1 × 1014 to 1 × 1017 cm−2. Their optical properties were investigated using spectroscopic ellipsometry and spectrophotometry with absorption measurement. Multilayer models of the dielectric function of materials were established based on oscillator equations to obtain the values of optical parameters such as refractive index and extinction coefficient. Measurements using the ellipsometer allowed us to examine the homogeneity of the samples after deposition, as well as after the implantation process, by measuring 4 × 4 mm2 maps of the pseudorefractive index of the samples. Ion implantation affects the optical properties of copper oxides, and these changes are expected to come from the top thickness of the implanted films, i.e., the range in which the implanted ions penetrate. Using multilayer models to analyze the results of spectroscopic ellipsometry, it was possible to estimate the thickness of the layer that has the greatest impact on the optical properties of the oxides.
Role of transcriptomic and genomic analyses in improving the comprehension of cefiderocol activity in
Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Stracquadanio Stefano , Nicolosi Alice , Privitera Grete Francesca , Massimino Mariacristina , Marino Andrea , Bongiorno Dafne , Stefani Stefania
Published: December 2023

The mechanisms of action and resistance of cefiderocol (FDC) in
Acinetobacter baumannii
are still not fully elucidated, but iron transport systems have been evoked in its entry into the cell to reach the penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). To capture the dynamics of gene expression related to FDC action in various conditions, we report on the genomic and transcriptomic features of seven
A. baumannii
strains with different FDC susceptibility, focusing on the variants in genes associated with β-lactam resistance and the expression of the siderophore biosynthesis and transport systems acinetobactin and baumannoferrin. We also investigated the expression of the TonB energy transduction system (ETS) and siderophore receptors
piu
A and
pir
A. The four clinical samples belonged to the same clonal complex (CC2), and the two strains with the highest FDC MICs showed peculiar variants in PBP2 and
amp
C. Similarly, the two clinical strains with the lowest MICs shared variants in an outer membrane protein as well as
amp
C. Gene expression analyses highlighted the up-regulation of the acinetobactin and baumannoferrin genes in response to iron depletion and a down-regulation in the presence of high iron concentrations. In response to FDC, gene expression seemed strain-dependent, probably due to the different metabolic features of each strain. Overall, FDC activates the ETS, confirming the active import of the drug; baumannoferrin, more than acinetobactin, appeared stimulated by FDC in an iron-depleted medium. In conclusion, iron transport systems play a clear role in the FDC uptake, and their expression likely contributes to MIC variation together with β-lactam resistance determinants.

IMPORTANCE

Acinetobacter baumannii
poses a threat to healthcare due to its ability to give difficult-to-treat infections as a consequence of our shortage of antibiotic molecules active on this multidrug-resistant bacterium. Cefiderocol (FDC) represents one of the few drugs active on
A. baumannii,
and to preserve its activity, this study explored the transcriptomic and genomic features of seven strains with varying susceptibility to FDC. Transcriptomic analyses revealed the different effects of FDC on iron transport systems, promoting mainly baumannoferrin expression—thus more likely related to FDC entry—and the energy transduction systems. These findings suggest that not all iron transport systems are equally involved in FDC entry into
A. baumannii
cells. Finally, mutations in PBPs and β-lactamases may contribute to the resistance onset. Overall, the study sheds light on the importance of iron availability and metabolic differences in FDC resistance, offering insights into understanding the evolution of resistance in
A. baumannii
strains.
Size Quantization of the Electron Energy Spectrum in a Microscopic Semiconductor Crystal
Authors: Ekimov A. I. , Onushchenko A. A.
Published: December 2023

The interband absorption spectrum of microscopic CdS crystals ranging in size from ~30 to 800 Å and dispersed in a transparent insulating matrix has been studied. There is a significant (~0.8-eV) shift of the fundamental absorption edge in the short-wavelength direction, and there are oscillations in the interband absorption spectrum caused by quantum size effect.
Observation of Optical Orientation of Equilibrium Electrons in N-Type Semiconductors
Authors: Ekimov A. I. , Safarov V. I.
Published: December 2023

The first experiments on optical orientation of free carriers in semiconductors were performed recently [1– 5]. Since holes usually do not become oriented in the valence band, owing to rapid relaxation of their spins [6], most experiments were performed on p-type materials and the oriented carriers were the electrons propelled into the conduction band by circularly polarized light. Thus, only the spins of non-equilibrium carriers were oriented, a phenomenon analogous to the optical orientation of excited gas atoms [7]. However, we have previously observed [3] optical orientation also in n-type material. We show in the present paper that this phenomenon is due to optical orientation of equilibrium electrons, i.e., the orientation is realized in the ground state, in analogy with “optical pumping” of atoms [7].
Optical Detection of Dynamic Polarization of Nuclei in Semiconductors
Authors: Ekimov A.I. , Safarov V.I.
Published: December 2023

Much research has been performed by now on optical pumping of spin-polarized electrons in semiconductors [1–6]. In these experiments, the spin-oriented carriers were excited from the valence band into the conduction band by absorption of circularly-polarized light. The most convenient for the detection of the spin orientation of the electrons is an optical method [2, 3] with investigation of the recombination-luminescence polarization. For III–V crystals, the selection rules for interband transitions yield a simple connection S = 0.5P between the degree of circular polarization of the luminescence (S) and the degree of stationary orientation of the electrons (P) at the bottom of the conduction band. We have investigated, also by an optical method, a number of effects that arise when the electron spins interact strongly with the magnetic moments of the nuclei in the crystal.
Nonlinear Optical Properties of Semiconductor Microcrystals
Authors: Vandyshev Yu. V. , Dneprovskiĭ V. S. , Ekimov A. I. , Okorokov D. K. , Popova L. B. , Éfros Al. L.
Published: December 2023

The absorption edge of CdSe and CdSSe microcrystals has been observed to undergo a significant short-wavelength shift (of more than 30 meV) during excitation by light pulses at the second harmonic from a Nd:YAG laser. An optical-nonlinearity mechanism is proposed. This mechanism involves the filling of levels in the energy spectrum of a spatially bounded multiexciton system in microcrystals with a size comparable to the exciton radius.
The Role of Meridional Circulation in the Formation of Classical Be Stars
Authors: Staritsin E. I.
Published: December 2023

At the stage of mass exchange in a binary system, the meridional circulation brings to the surface of the star up to two-thirds of the angular momentum that entered the star along with the accreted matter. As a result, the mass and angular momentum of the star can increase due to accretion. After the end of accretion, the star has a rotation typical of rapidly rotating Be stars. It is assumed that the angular momentum carried by the meridional circulation to the star’s surface from the accreted matter is removed from the star by the accretion disk. The article is based on a talk presented at the astrophysical memorial seminar “Novelties in Understanding the Evolution of Binary Stars,” dedicated to the 90th anniversary of Professor M.A. Svechnikov.
Planning for healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Southeast of England: a system dynamics modelling approach
Authors: George Abraham , Lacey Peter , Badrinath Padmanabhan , Gray Alex , Turner Paul , Harwood Chris , Gregson Mark
Published: December 2023

Objectives

To develop, test, validate and implement a system dynamics model to simulate the pandemic progress and the impact of various interventions on viral spread, healthcare utilisation and demand in secondary care.

Design

We adopted the system dynamics model incorporating susceptible, exposed, infection and recovery framework to simulate the progress of the pandemic and how the interventions for the COVID-19 response influence the outcomes with a focus on secondary care.

Setting

This study was carried out covering all the local health systems in Southeast of England with a catchment population of six million with a specific focus on Kent and Medway system.

Participants

Six local health systems in Southeast of England using Kent and Medway as a case study.

Interventions

Short to medium ‘what if’ scenarios incorporating human behaviour, non-pharmaceutical interventions and medical interventions were tested using the model with regular and continuous feedback of the model results to the local health system leaders for monitoring, planning and rapid response as needed.

Main outcome measures

Daily output from the model which included number infected in the population, hospital admissions needing COVID-19 care, occupied general beds, continuous positive airway pressure beds, intensive care beds, hospital discharge pathways and deaths.

Results

We successfully implemented a regional series of models based on the local population needs which were used in healthcare planning as part of the pandemic response.

Conclusions

In this study, we have demonstrated the utility of system dynamics modelling incorporating local intelligence and collaborative working during the pandemic to respond rapidly and take decisions to protect the population. This led to strengthened cooperation among partners and ensured that the local population healthcare needs were met.
Uninteresting Items: Concept and Its Application to Effective Collaborative Filtering in Recommender Systems
Authors: Lee Yeon-Chang , Kim Sang-Wook
Published: December 2023

Recommender systems aim to predict user preferences by analyzing users' past behavior. Collaborative filtering (CF) is one of the key techniques employed in recommender systems that uses explicit (
e.g.
, ratings) and implicit (
e.g.
, browsing) feedback from users to predict unknown feedback, providing top-
N
recommendations. However, CF faces challenges when dealing with sparse data, which can decrease the accuracy of recommendations. To overcome these inherent challenges in recommender systems, this article introduces the concept of "uninteresting items" that have not been rated by a user, but are unlikely to be liked even when recommended. We then review our previous works that utilize both positive preferences from rated items and negative preferences from uninteresting items to improve recommendation accuracy. Specifically, we discuss a family of our eight CF methods that are assisted by the uninteresting items: Zero-injection (ZI),
l
-injection, Imputation, RAGAN, and Deep-ZI, which are designed for explicit feedback, as well as gOCCF, M-BPR, and CNS, which are designed for implicit feedback. Also, we report some evaluation results for showing their effectiveness.
Explicit Knowledge Graph Reasoning for Conversational Recommendation
Authors: Ren Xuhui , Chen Tong , Nguyen Quoc Viet Hung , Cui Lizhen , Huang Zi , Yin Hongzhi
Published: December 2023

Traditional recommender systems estimate user preference on items purely based on historical interaction records, thus failing to capture fine-grained yet dynamic user interests and letting users receive recommendation only passively. Recent conversational recommender systems (CRSs) tackle those limitations by enabling recommender systems to interact with the user to obtain her/his current preference through a sequence of clarifying questions. Recently, there has been a rise of using knowledge graphs (KGs) for CRSs, where the core motivation is to incorporate the abundant side information carried by a KG into both the recommendation and conversation processes. However, existing KG-based CRSs are subject to two defects: (1) there is a semantic gap between the learned representations of utterances and KG entities, hindering the retrieval of relevant KG information; (2) the reasoning over KG is mostly performed with the implicitly learned user interests, overlooking the explicit signals from the entities actually mentioned in the conversation.

To address these drawbacks, we propose a new CRS framework, namely, the Knowledge Enhanced Conversational Reasoning (KECR) model. As a user can reflect her/his preferences via both attribute- and item-level expressions, KECR jointly embeds the structured knowledge from two levels in the KG. A mutual information maximization constraint is further proposed for semantic alignment between the embedding spaces of utterances and KG entities. Meanwhile, KECR utilizes the connectivity within the KG to conduct explicit reasoning of the user demand, making the model less dependent on the user’s feedback to clarifying questions. As such, the semantic alignment and explicit KG reasoning can jointly facilitate accurate recommendation and quality dialogue generation. By comparing with strong baselines on two real-world datasets, we demonstrate that KECR obtains state-of-the-art recommendation effectiveness, as well as competitive dialogue generation performance.
Personalized Fashion Recommendations for Diverse Body Shapes with Contrastive Multimodal Cross-Attention Network
Authors: Ma Jianghong , Sun Huiyue , Yang Dezhao , Zhang Haijun
Published: December 2023

Fashion recommendation has become a prominent focus in the realm of online shopping, with various tasks being explored to enhance the customer experience. Recent research has particularly emphasized fashion recommendation based on body shapes, yet a critical aspect of incorporating multimodal data relevance has been overlooked. In this paper, we present the Contrastive Multimodal Cross-Attention Network, a novel approach specifically designed for fashion recommendation catering to diverse body shapes. By incorporating multimodal representation learning and leveraging contrastive learning techniques, our method effectively captures both inter- and intra-sample relationships, resulting in improved accuracy in fashion recommendations tailored to individual body types. Additionally, we propose a locality-aware cross-attention module to align and understand the local preferences between body shapes and clothing items, thus enhancing the matching process. Experimental results conducted on a diverse dataset demonstrate the state-of-the-art performance achieved by our approach, reinforcing its potential to significantly enhance the personalized online shopping experience for consumers with varying body shapes and preferences.