bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Botiga i treball a domicili. Un exemple de protoindustrialització a Catalunya (Valls 1782-1800). El cas de Fidel Moragas Fortuny
Authors: Sanmarti Roset Carme , Sanmartí  Roset Montserrat
Published: March 2024

Aquest article es proposa estudiar, des d'una perspectiva de gènere, el treball a domicili d'un conjunt de dones de Valls (Tarragona) en les dues darreres dpeades del segle XVIII,  aprofundint en l'impacte de la seva feina tant a nivelk personal i famiiar com en el desenvolupament econòmic i social de l'entorn. Si be les transformacions experimentades per la societat catalana durant la protoindustrialització disposen d'un corpus bibliogràfic notable, i es continua estudiant,   no existeixen estudis decas que analitzin les condicions socials i econòmiques de les dones que trebllaven a domicili. També tractarem la relació que aquestes dones mantenien amb la  botiga que Moragas regentava en laqual venia almajori al detall una gran varietat de productes, entre els que destacaven els tèxtils.  L'estudi mostra com la remuneració oercebuda per les treballadores garantia elpagament de les compres que feien a la botiga.
Illustration as Simile: Conversations between Visual and Textual in Tales from Shakespeare
Authors: Cook Nina Elisabeth
Published: March 2024

Abstract: The relationship between word and image reached new levels of complexity with the rise of illustration in the late-eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Scholars in recent years have argued for the visual arts as not merely a means of textual enrichment but also as interpretation and critique, a view particularly prevalent in studies of nineteenth-century paintings of Shakespearean subjects. While many of these contemporary studies center on painting, this theory of the critical role of visual art can be applied to illustration. Taking the oeuvre of Victorian illustrator John Moyr Smith as a case study, this article examines the purpose of illustration in nineteenth-century prose. Moyr Smith’s 1879 illustrations for Tales from Shakespeare are principal here in exploring how illustrations supplement, modify, and even critique a text, the overall effect that illustrators can be seen something akin to co-authors.
Race, Rent, and the Grid: Structure and Culture in Henry James's "The Jolly Corner"
Authors: Gingrich Brian
Published: March 2024

Abstract: This essay examines Henry James's story "The Jolly Corner" (1908) to address the obscurity of race and class in turn-of-the-century, late-realist literature. It seeks to identify signs of social difference in such a text, not simply in the occasions when it becomes distinct but in the genre's underlying tendency toward indistinctness. Above all, it links the structural impulses of James's craft to the grid-based topography of Manhattan, and it represents that link in diagrams that reveal, through his story, views on immigration, nativism, leisure, labor, and race that provide a new approach to understanding James and his historical moment.
China’s Economic and Currency Management Will Make It Difficult to Dethrone the Dollar
Authors: Ryan John
Published: March 2024

This paper focuses on the rivalry between the US and China, with particular emphasis on the renminbi (RMB) and the US dollar. It examines three related points. First, for China to upend the dominance of the US dollar and replace it, even partially, with the RMB would require major—and probably disruptive— changes in China’s financial markets and monetary policies. Is the Chinese government willing to take those steps? Second, can China overtake the US economy and provide another incentive for international investors to start switching to the RMB? And third, is it still a question of whether de-dollarisation is happening, or has the question moved on to asking how fast the RMB can rival the US dollar in the 21st century? Finally, the paper examines China’s economic problems, which are set to damage the RMB’s reputation and progress as a reserve currency.
Tunable-bias based optical neural network for reinforcement learning in path planning
Authors: Yang Zhiwei , Zhang Tian , Dai Jian , Xu Kun
Published: March 2024

Owing to the high integration, reconfiguration and strong robustness, Mach-Zehnder interferometers (MZIs) based optical neural networks (ONNs) have been widely considered. However, there are few works adding bias, which is important for neural networks, into the ONNs and systematically studying its effect. In this article, we propose a tunable-bias based optical neural network (TBONN) with one unitary matrix layer, which can improve the utilization rate of the MZIs, increase the trainable weights of the network and has more powerful representational capacity than traditional ONNs. By systematically studying its underlying mechanism and characteristics, we demonstrate that TBONN can achieve higher performance by adding more optical biases to the same side beside the inputted signals. For the two-dimensional dataset, the average prediction accuracy of TBONN with 2 biases (97.1%) is 5% higher than that of TBONN with 0 biases (92.1%). Additionally, utilizing TBONN, we propose a novel optical deep Q network (ODQN) algorithm to complete path planning tasks. By implementing simulated experiments, our ODQN shows competitive performance compared with the conventional deep Q network, but accelerates the computation speed by 2.5 times and 4.5 times for 2D and 3D grid worlds, respectively. Further, a more noticeable acceleration will be obtained when applying TBONN to more complex tasks. Also, we demonstrate the strong robustness of TBONN and the imprecision elimination method by using on-chip training.
Adaptive coded phase mask design and high-quality image reconstruction for interference-less coded aperture correlation holography
Authors: Xiong Rui , Zhang Xiangchao , Ma Xinyang , Li Leheng , Ni Zhanghao , Jiang Xiangqian
Published: March 2024

The interference-less coded aperture correlation holography is a non-scanning, motionless, and incoherent technique for imaging three-dimensional objects without two-wave interference. Nevertheless, a challenge lies in that the coded phase mask encodes the system noise, while traditional reconstruction algorithms often introduce unwanted surplus background components during reconstruction. A deep learning-based method is proposed to mitigate system noise and background components simultaneously. Specifically, this method involves two sub-networks: a coded phase mask design sub-network and an image reconstruction sub-network. The former leverages the object’s frequency distribution to generate an adaptive coded phase mask that encodes the object wave-front precisely without being affected by the superfluous system noise. The latter establishes a mapping between the autocorrelations of the hologram and the object, effectively suppresses the background components by embedding a prior physical knowledge and improves the neural network’s adaptability and interpretability. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in suppressing system noise and background components, thereby significantly improving the signal-to-noise ratio of the reconstructed images.
Coherent feedback enhanced quantum-dense metrology in a lossy environment
Authors: Liang Xinyun , Zhao Jie , Yan Yuhan , Huang Wenfeng , Yuan Chun-Hua , Chen L. Q.
Published: March 2024

Quantum dense metrology (QDM) performs high-precision measurements by a two-mode entangled state created by an optical parametric amplifier (PA), where one mode is a meter beam and the other is a reference beam. In practical applications, the photon losses of meter beam are unavoidable, resulting in a degradation of the sensitivity. Here, we employ coherent feedback that feeds the reference beam back into the PA by a beam splitter to enhance the sensitivity in a lossy environment. The results show that the sensitivity is enhanced significantly by adjusting the splitting ratio of the beam splitter. This method may find its potential applications in QDM. Furthermore, such a strategy that two non-commuting observables are simultaneous measurements could provide a new way to individually control the noise-induced random drift in phase or amplitude of the light field, which would be significant for stabilizing the system and long-term precision measurement.
Astigmatism-based active focus stabilisation with universal objective lens compatibility, extended operating range and nanometer precision
Authors: Rahmani Amir , Cox Tabitha , Achary Akhila Thamaravelil Abhumanue , Ponjavic Aleks
Published: March 2024

Focus stabilisation is vital for long-term fluorescence imaging, particularly in the case of high-resolution imaging techniques. Current stabilisation solutions either rely on fiducial markers that can be perturbative, or on beam reflection monitoring that is limited to high-numerical aperture objective lenses, making multimodal and large-scale imaging challenging. We introduce a beam-based method that relies on astigmatism, which offers advantages in terms of precision and the range over which focus stabilisation is effective. This approach is shown to be compatible with a wide range of objective lenses (10x-100x), typically achieving <10 nm precision with >10 μm operating range. Notably, our technique is largely unaffected by pointing stability errors, which in combination with implementation through a standalone Raspberry Pi architecture, offers a versatile focus stabilisation unit that can be added onto most existing microscope setups.
High-power and high-efficiency operation of 1.3 µm-wavelength InP-based photonic-crystal surface-emitting lasers with metal reflector
Authors: Itoh Yuhki , Aoki Takeshi , Fujii Kosuke , Yoshinaga Hiroyuki , Fujiwara Naoki , Takada Kenshi , Ogasawara Makoto , Sawada Yusuke , Yagi Hideki , Yanagisawa Masaki , Yoshida Masahiro , Inoue Takuya , Zoysa Menaka De , Ishizaki Kenji , Noda Susumu
Published: March 2024

We demonstrate high-output-power and high-efficiency operation of 1.3-µm-wavelength InP-based photonic-crystal surface-emitting lasers (PCSELs). By introducing a metal reflector and adjusting the phase of the reflected light via optimization of the thickness of the p-InP cladding layer, we successfully achieve an output power of approximately 400 mW with the slope efficiency of 0.4 W/A and the wall-plug efficiency of 20% under CW conditions. In addition, this PCSEL exhibits a narrow circular beam with a divergence angle below 1.6° even at high output powers under CW conditions at temperatures from 15°C to 50°C. We have also demonstrated an output power of over 12 W under pulsed conditions at room temperature.
Spectral control and amplification in a non-Hermitian time-Floquet resonator
Authors: Pandey Awanish
Published: March 2024

We report atypical transmission characteristics of a micro cavity supporting two degenerate modes with their mode-coupling subjected to non-Hermitian modulation. Such non-Hermitian time-Floquet systems allow for effective optical energy exchange between different Floquet modes enabling its utilization as both a frequency shifter and a frequency beam splitter. Additionally, depending on the driving signal parameters, the modes can be amplified compensating for insertion loss. We provide a detailed analytical framework to model the time-varying cavity and optimize its parameters for efficient performance. The reported results and analysis are expected to be valuable for applications in quantum photonics and optical communication.
Manual versus machine: How accurately does the Medical Text Indexer (MTI) classify different document types into disease areas?
Authors: Moore Duncan A. Q. , Yaqub Ohid , Sampat Bhaven N.
Published: March 2024

The Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) thesaurus is a controlled vocabulary developed by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM) for classifying journal articles. It is increasingly used by researchers studying medical innovation to classify text into disease areas and other categories. Although this process was once manual, human indexers are now assisted by algorithms that automate some of the indexing process. NLM has made one of their algorithms, the Medical Text Indexer (MTI), available to researchers. MTI can be used to easily assign MeSH descriptors to arbitrary text, including from document types other than publications. However, the reliability of extending MTI to other document types has not been studied directly. To assess this, we collected text from grants, patents, and drug indications, and compared MTI’s classification to expert manual classification of the same documents. We examined MTI’s recall (how often correct terms were identified) and found that MTI identified 78% of expert-classified MeSH descriptors for grants, 78% for patents, and 86% for drug indications. This high recall could be driven merely by excess suggestions (at an extreme, all diseases being assigned to a piece of text); therefore, we also examined precision (how often identified terms were correct) and found that most MTI outputs were also identified by expert manual classification: precision was 53% for grant text, 73% for patent text, and 64% for drug indications. Additionally, we found that recall and precision could be improved by (i) utilizing ranking scores provided by MTI, (ii) excluding long documents, and (iii) aggregating to higher MeSH categories. For simply detecting the presence of any disease, MTI showed > 94% recall and > 87% precision. Our overall assessment is that MTI is a potentially useful tool for researchers wishing to classify texts from a variety of sources into disease areas.
Are clinically unimportant findings qualified as benign in lumbar spine imaging reports? A content analysis of plain X-ray, CT and MRI reports
Authors: Farmer Caitlin , Haas Romi , Wallis Jason , O’Connor Denise , Buchbinder Rachelle
Published: March 2024

Background

Lumbar spine diagnostic imaging reports may cause patient and clinician concern when clinically unimportant findings are not explicitly described as benign. Our primary aim was to determine the frequency that common, benign findings are reported in lumbar spine plain X-ray, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reports as either normal for age or likely clinically unimportant.

Methods

We obtained 600 random de-identified adult lumbar spine imaging reports (200 X-ray, 200 CT and 200 MRI) from a large radiology provider. Only reports requested for low back pain were included. From the report text, one author extracted each finding (e.g., ‘broad-based posterior disc bulge’) and whether it was present or absent (e.g., no disc bulge) until data saturation was reached, pre-defined as a minimum of 50 reports and no new/similar findings in the last ten reports within each imaging modality. Two authors independently judged whether each finding was likely clinically unimportant or important. For each likely clinicially unimportant finding they also determined if it had been explicitly reported to be benign (expressed as normal, normal for age, benign, clinically unimportant or non-significant).

Results

Data saturation was reached after coding 262 reports (80 X-ray, 82 CT, 100 MRI). Across all reports we extracted 3,598 findings. Nearly all reports included at least one clinically unimportant finding (76/80 (95%) X-ray, 80/82 (98%) CT, 99/100 (99%) MRI). Over half of the findings (n = 2,062, 57%; 272 X-Ray, 667 CT, 1123 MRI) were judged likely clinically unimportant. Most likely clinically unimportant findings (90%, n = 1,854) were reported to be present on imaging (rather than absent) and of those only 18% (n = 331) (89 (35%) X-ray, 93 (16%) CT and 149 (15%) MRI) were explicitly reported as benign.

Conclusion

Lumbar spine imaging reports frequently include findings unlikely to be clinically important without explicitly qualifying that they are benign.
Field application of de novo transcriptomic analysis to evaluate the effects of sublethal freshwater salinization on Gasterosteus aculeatus in urban streams
Authors: Escobar-Sierra Camilo , Lampert Kathrin P.
Published: March 2024

Freshwater salinization poses global challenges for aquatic organisms inhabiting urban streams, impacting their physiology and ecology. However, current salinization research predominantly focuses on mortality endpoints in limited model species, overlooking the sublethal effects on a broader spectrum of organisms and the exploration of adaptive mechanisms and pathways under natural field conditions. To address these gaps, we conducted high-throughput sequencing transcriptomic analysis on the gill tissue of the euryhaline fishGasterosteus aculeatus, investigating its molecular response to salinity stress in the highly urbanized river Boye, Germany. We found that in stream sections with sublethal concentrations of chloride costly osmoregulatory systems were activated, evidenced by the differential expression of genes related to osmoregulation. Our enrichment analysis revealed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to transmembrane transport and regulation of transport and other osmoregulation pathways, which aligns with the crucial role of these pathways in maintaining biological homeostasis. Notably, we identified candidate genes involved in increased osmoregulatory activity under salinity stress, including those responsible for moving ions across membranes: ion channels, ion pumps, and ion transporters. Particularly, genes from the solute carrier family SLC, aquaporinAQP1, chloride channelCLC7, ATP-binding cassette transporterABCE1, and ATPases member ATAD2 exhibited prominent differential expression. These findings provide insights into the potential molecular mechanisms underlying the adaptive response of euryhaline fish to salinity stress and have implications for their conservation and management in the face of freshwater salinization.
Is social capital durable?: How family social bonds influence college enrollment and completion
Authors: Dufur Mikaela J. , Parcel Toby L. , Braudt David B. , Hoffmann John P.
Published: March 2024

A large literature demonstrates that social capital has positive effects on outcomes for children, but we know little about whether social capital is durable, i.e., whether its effects persist long after its creation. We use two nationally representative data sets of U.S. high school students and structural equation modeling designed for binomial outcomes to examine the durability of returns to social capital created in the family on both college enrollment and college completion. Controlling for selected school characteristics, race, family, SES and other factors, results suggest that family social capital continues to have strong associations with outcomes increasingly distant from its creation. Family SES has a smaller but positive effect on both college enrollment and college completion. These findings suggest that social capital can be a durable good if formed in the family, and that family SES is also influential.
Physiological specialization of the brain in bumble bee castes: Roles of dopamine in mating-related behaviors in female bumble bees
Authors: Morigami Ayaka , Sasaki Ken
Published: March 2024

We aimed to investigate the roles of dopamine in regulating caste-specific behaviors in bumble bees and mating-related behaviors in bumble bee gynes. We examined caste differences in behaviors, biogenic amine levels, and expression levels of genes encoding dopamine receptors in the brains of bumble bees, and analyzed the effects of dopamine-related drugs on bumble bee behavior. Locomotor and flight activities were significantly higher in 8-day-old gynes and light avoidance was significantly lower in 4–8-day-old gynes than in same-aged workers. Brain levels of dopamine and octopamine were significantly higher in 8-day-old gynes than in same-aged workers, but tyramine and serotonin levels did not differ between the castes. Relative expression levels of the dopamine receptor gene BigDop1 were significantly lower in 8-day-old gynes than in same-aged workers, but expression levels of other dopamine receptor genes did not differ between castes. Dopamine significantly enhanced locomotor and flight activities in 7–9-day-old workers, whereas the dopamine receptor antagonist flupentixol inhibited flight activity and mating acceptance in same-aged gynes. These results suggest that dopamine plays important roles in gyne-specific behavior in bumble bees and has a common dopaminergic function in female eusocial bees.
Exploring differences between gender expressions in exercise self-efficacy and outcome expectations for exercise in individuals with stroke
Authors: Wiley Elise , Moncion Kevin , Rodrigues Lynden , Fang Hanna , Noguchi Kenneth S. , Roig Marc , Richardson Julie , MacDermid Joy C. , Tang Ada
Published: March 2024

Gender expression may be associated with exercise self-efficacy and outcome expectations for exercise in the general population. Exercising for challenge and enjoyment are associated with the instrumental traits typically held by individuals with masculine gender expressions. Conversely, exercising for weight loss to receive validation from others are in line with the expressive traits most commonly held by individuals with feminine gender expressions. Moreover, possessing neither dominant nor expressive traits (undifferentiated gender expressions) have been linked to poorer psychological outcomes. Exercise is important after stroke, but gender differences in psychosocial factors for exercise in this population were unknown. The purpose of this study was to explore whether gender expression differences exist in exercise self-efficacy and outcome expectations for exercise post-stroke. Gender expression (masculine, feminine, androgynous, undifferentiated) was assessed using the Bem Sex-Role Inventory-12 (BSRI-12) in 67 individuals with stroke. Self-efficacy and outcomes expectations for exercise were assessed using the Self-Efficacy for Physical Activity Scale and Short Outcome Expectations for Exercise Scale, respectively. One-way analysis of covariance models were conducted, adjusting for biological sex, age, and time post-stroke. There were differences in exercise self-efficacy across the four gender expression groups (F(3,60) = 4.28, p<0.01), where individuals with masculine gender expressions had higher self-efficacy than those with undifferentiated gender expressions (adjusted mean: 3.56 [SE: 0.17] vs. 2.72 [SE:0.18], p<0.01). There were no differences in outcome expectations for exercise (F(3,57) = 1.08, p = 0.36) between gender expressions. In our pairwise comparisons, we found that individuals with masculine gender expressions had higher exercise self-efficacy than individuals possessing undifferentiated gender expressions. Strategies to enhance exercise self-efficacy after stroke are needed, particularly for individuals with undifferentiated gender expression. There were no associations between gender expression and outcome expectations for exercise after stroke. Clinicians may continue reinforcing the positive expectations towards exercise across all gender expressions.
The preventative effects of statin on lung cancer development in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis using the National Health Insurance Service Database in Korea
Authors: Lee Yoo Jung , Kang Nayoon , Nam Junghyun , Lee Eung Gu , Ryoo Jiwon , Kwon Soon Seog , Kim Yong Hyun , Kang Hye Seon
Published: March 2024

Little is known about the effect of statin use in lung cancer development in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We analyzed the database of the National Health Insurance Service to further investigate the clinical impacts of statin on lung cancer development and overall survival (OS) in IPF patients. The analysis included 9,182 individuals diagnosed with IPF, of which 3,372 (36.7%) were statin users. Compared to statin non-users, the time from diagnosis of IPF to lung cancer development and OS were longer in statin users in IPF patients. In Cox proportional hazard regression models, higher statin compliance, statin use, and being female had an inverse association with lung cancer risk, while older age at diagnosis of IPF and smoking history were associated with higher risk of lung cancer in IPF patients. For OS, statin use, female sex, higher physical activity frequency, and diabetes were associated with longer survival. In contrast, older age at diagnosis of IPF and smoking history were associated with shorter OS in IPF patients. These data from a large population indicate that statin had an independent protective association with lung cancer development and mortality in IPF patients.
Causes of death among women of reproductive age during the war in Tigray, Ethiopia
Authors: Abraha Hiluf Ebuy , Teka Hale , Legesse Awol Yemane , Ebrahim Mohamedawel Mohamedniguss , Tsadik Mache , Fisseha Girmatsion , Berhe Bereket , Ayele Brhane , Gebrekurstos Gebrehaweria , Gebremeskel Tesfit , Gebremariam Tsega , Hadush Martha Yemane , Hagos Tigist , Gebreegziabher Abraha , Muez Kibrom , Tesfay Haile , Godefay Hagos , Mulugeta Afework
Published: March 2024

Background

In resource-limited countries with weak healthcare systems, women of reproductive age are particularly vulnerable during times of conflict. In Tigray, Ethiopia, where a war broke out on 04 November 2020, there is a lack of information on causes of death (CoD) among women of reproductive age. This study aims to determine the underlying CoD among women of reproductive age during the armed conflict in Tigray.

Methods

This community-based survey was carried out in six Tigray zones, excluding the western zone for security reasons. We used a multistage stratified cluster sampling method to select the smallest administrative unit known as Tabiya. Data were collected using a standardized 2022 WHO Verbal Autopsy (VA) tool. The collected data were analyzed using the InterVA model using R analytic software. The study reported both group-based and cause-specific mortality fractions.

Results

A total of 189,087 households were screened and 832 deaths were identified among women of reproductive age. The Global Burden of Disease classification showed that infectious and maternal disorders were the leading CoD, accounting for 42.9% of all deaths. External causes contributed to 26.4% of fatalities, where assault accounted for 13.2% of the deaths. Maternal deaths made up 30.0% of the overall mortality rate. HIV/AIDS was the primary CoD, responsible for 13.2% of all deaths and 54.0% of infectious causes. Other significant causes included obstetric hemorrhage (11.7%) and other and unspecified cardiac disease (6.6%).

Conclusions

The high proportion of infectious diseases related CoD, including HIV/AIDS, as well as the occurrence of uncommon external CoD among women, such as assault, and a high proportion of maternal deaths are likely the result of the impact of war in the region. This highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to address these issues and prioritize sexual and reproductive health as well as maternal health in Tigray.
The relationship between personality throughout adolescence and social anxiety disorder in young adulthood. A longitudinal twin study
Authors: Skaug Eirunn , Waaktaar Trine , Torgersen Svenn
Published: March 2024

This study examined the longitudinal relationship between a range of personality related variables measured throughout adolescence, and social anxiety disorder (SAD) in young adulthood. In addition, we examined to what degree the phenotypic associations between personality and SAD could be attributed to shared genetic and environmental factors, respectively. A total of 3394 twins (56% females), consisting of seven national birth cohorts from Norway, participated in the study. Personality was measured with self-report questionnaires at three times throughout adolescence, and SAD was measured with a diagnostic interview in early adulthood (M = 19.1 years, SD = 1.2). Correlation and regression analyses were performed to examine phenotypic associations between personality and SAD. We then created four composite scores of personality, in which the personality variables from four different ages throughout adolescence were weighted relative to their importance for SAD. Finally, a series of Cholesky decomposition models were used to examine the underlying genetic and environmental influences on the phenotypic associations between composite scores of personality and SAD. The results showed that especially higher neuroticism, lower extraversion, higher levels of loneliness, and lower levels of resilience, self-efficacy and sense of coherence, were associated with SAD. The phenotypic correlations between composite scores of personality and SAD increased from 0.42 when personality was measured 6–7 years prior to the assessment of SAD, to 0.52 when personality was measured shortly before the assessment of SAD. These phenotypic associations were mainly due to genetic influences, indicating that personality in adolescence predicts SAD in early adulthood due to shared genetic influences rather than having direct ‘causal’ effects on SAD.
The effect of bubble nasal continuous positive airway pressure application on saliva cortisol levels in full-term neonates
Authors: Idrus Noor Fadli , Febriani Andi Dwi Bahagia , Alasiry Ema
Published: March 2024

Background Neonates with respiratory distress are commonly treated with bubble nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) and undergo many procedures that cause stress-induced pain. Salivary cortisol is a biomarker of alteration in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis caused by repeated and long-term exposure to stress.

Objective To analyze the effect of bubble nCPAP use on salivary cortisol levels in full-term infants.

Methods This study used a one-group pre-test­–post-test design to compare salivary cortisol levels before and 30 minutes after bubble nCPAP application. Salivary cortisol was measured using an ELISA method. Pain was also assessed at the same time points using the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS) score. We included infants of 37 0/7 to 42 6/7 weeks’ gestational age with respiratory distress necessitating bubble nCPAP application. Infants with birth weight of <2,500 grams, major congenital anomalies, an APGAR score of <5 at 5 minutes, shock, and infants who had undergone surgery were excluded.

Results A total of 38 subjects participated in this study. Prior to bubble nCPAP application, median cortisol levels were significantly lower (1.65 ng/mL) than after bubble nCPAP application (6.8 ng/mL) (p value?). There were no significant differences in cortisol increase based on gender, type of birth, or salivary cortisol sampling time. There were significant differences in pain level after the 30-minute nCPAP  application.

Conclusion An increase in cortisol levels and pain scale scores during administration of bubble  nCPAP  indicates a pain response in full-term neonates; therefore, this procedure should be accompanied by pain or stress management.
Low-level red-light therapy as a novel modality for myopia control in children: A systematic review
Authors: Dewi Arlin Chyntia , Budihardja Brigitta Marcia , Jutamulia Jovita
Published: March 2024

Background Due to the COVID-19 pandemic causing a rise in digital technology use, online e-learning, and decreased outdoor time, the prevalence of myopia is expected to increase. Therefore, finding an effective strategy for myopia progression control is of high importance. Low-level red-light therapy (LLRT) has been proposed as a new modality in myopia progression control.  

Objective To assess the efficacy of LLRT for myopia control in children.

Methods A comprehensive literature search of four online databases (PubMed, Cochrane, ProQuest, and WorldCat) was performed. We included original studies that assessed the efficacy of LLRT for myopia control in children and excluded animal studies, case reports, articles with no full-text available, and articles not in English. Risk of bias assessment was performed using different tools according to the study type. The main outcome measurements were changes in axial length (AL) and spherical equivalent refraction (SER).

Results Three clinical studies, two randomized controlled trials and one retrospective cohort study, were reviewed. A total of 296 children in the treatment group were evaluated. Children using single-vision spectacle only or orthokeratology lenses were evaluated for comparison. All studies had reported significantly improved outcomes, with lower mean AL changes and greater SER improvement in the LLRT group compared to the control group (P<0.001 in all studies).

Conclusion Although studies on LLRT are still limited, the treatment has shown promising results for myopia control in children. More studies to evaluate the efficacy of this new strategy are needed.
Optimal control and bifurcation analysis of SEIHR model for COVID-19 with vaccination strategies and mask efficiency
Authors: Muthu Poosan Moopanar , Kumar Anagandula Praveen
Published: March 2024

In this article, we present a susceptible, exposed, infected, hospitalized and recovered compartmental model for COVID-19 with vaccination strategies and mask efficiency. Initially, we established the positivity and boundedness of the solutions to ensure realistic predictions. To assess the epidemiological relevance of the system, an examination is conducted to ascertain the local stability of the endemic equilibrium and the global stability across two equilibrium points are carried out. The global stability of the system is demonstrated using Lyapunov’s direct method. The disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable when the basic reproduction number (BRN) is less than one, whereas the endemic equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable when BRN is greater than one. A sensitivity analysis is performed to identify the influential factors in the BRN. The impact of various time-dependent strategies for managing and regulating the dynamic transmission of COVID-19 is investigated. In this study, Pontryagin’s maximum principle for optimal control analysis is used to identify the most effective strategy for controlling the disease, including single, coupled, and threefold interventions. Single-control interventions reveal physical distancing as the most effective strategy, coupled measures reduce exposed populations, and implementing all controls reduces susceptibility and infections.
Qualitative and quantitative analysis for monitoring the fishy odor of anchovy oil
Authors: Zheng Kaiwen , Luo Xianqing , Song Shijun , Dong Ruijuan , Wang Pinmei , Xu Bubin , Xu Jinzhong
Published: March 2024

The fishy odor of fish oil, a popular nutritional supplement, affects its quality as well as consumer acceptance and eating experience. An objective or scientific method for analyzing fish oil’s olfactory characteristics is still lacking. This study examined anchovy oil to develop qualitative and quantitative approaches for identifying fishy odor components. Multiple fish oil refining samples were analyzed using gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS). Due to their significant alterations during fish oil refining, low threshold values, and distinct olfactory properties, the unsaturated aldehydes (E)-2-pentenal and (E,E)-2,4-heptadienal and the unsaturated ketone 1-penten-3-one may contribute to the fishy odor. Among the chemicals, (E,E)-2,4-heptadienal was chosen as the marker for developing a method to quantify fishy odor and analyze deodorization samples using headspace solid-phase micro-extraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS). The quantitative study of fishy odor in fish oil is a pioneering approach that can help improve quality assurance and refining process.
Current clinical practices of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)
Authors: Acs Miklos , Babucke Maximilian , Jusufi Maximilian , Kaposztas Zsolt , Slowik Przemyslaw , Hornung Matthias , Schlitt Hans J. , Panczel Ivan , Hevesi Judit , Herzberg Jonas , Strate Tim , Piso Pompiliu
Published: March 2024

Treatment of peritoneal surface malignancies makes physicians face demanding and new-fangled problems, as there are many uncertain aspects considering the outcomes of affected patients’ prognoses. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) are associated with favorable long-term outcomes in carefully selected patients with peritoneal metastases (PM). We aim to summarize the current results about the initial malignancies and their peritoneal spreads. The current literature has been scrutinized, and studies between 2016 and 2022 were included wherein long-term, progression-free (PFS), and overall survival (OS) data were considered relevant information. Medline, Embase, and Google Scholar have been the main sources. Hereby, we cover all the primer malignancies: gastric, ovarian, and colorectal cancers with peritoneal metastases (PM), malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, and pseudomyxoma peritonei. Examining the advances in the current peer-reviewed literature about the indications of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), target groups, risk factors, and other influencing elements, we intend to provide a complex state-of-the-art report, establishing the relevant aspects of that emerging treatment method.
Marine polymers in tissue bioprinting: Current achievements and challenges
Authors: Banach-Kopeć Adrianna , Mania Szymon , Tylingo Robert
Published: March 2024

Bioprinting has a critical role in tissue engineering, allowing the creation of sophisticated cellular scaffolds with high resolution, shape fidelity, and cell viability. Achieving these parameters remains a challenge, necessitating bioinks that are biocompatible, printable, and biodegradable. This review highlights the potential of marine-derived polymers and crosslinking techniques including mammalian collagen and gelatin along with their marine equivalents. While denaturation temperatures vary based on origin, warm-water fish collagen and gelatin emerge as promising solutions. Building on the applications of mammalian collagen and gelatin, this study investigates their marine counterparts. Diverse research groups present different perspectives on printability and cell survival. Despite advances, current scaffolds are limited in size and layers, making applications such as extensive skin burn treatment or tissue regeneration difficult. The authors argue for the development of bioprinting, which includes spherical and adaptive printing. In adaptive printing, layers differentiate and propagate sequentially to overcome the challenges of multilayer printing and provide optimal conditions for the growth of deeply embedded cells. Moving the boundaries of bioprinting, future prospects include transformative applications in regenerative medicine.
Impact of carotid stenosis on the outcome of stroke patients submitted to reperfusion treatments: a narrative review
Authors: Viticchi Giovanna , Falsetti Lorenzo , Altamura Claudia , Di Felice Chiara , Vernieri Fabrizio , Bartolini Marco , Silvestrini Mauro
Published: March 2024

Intravenous thrombolysis (IT) and mechanical thrombectomy (MD) are the two interventional approaches that have changed the outcome of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Ipsilateral and contralateral carotid stenosis (ICS, CCS) play an important role in regulating cerebral hemodynamics, both in chronic and acute situations such as AIS. Several studies have explored their role in the incidence and severity of stroke, but very few have investigated the possible impact of ICS and CCS on the efficacy of interventional procedures. The purpose of this review was to I) highlight the incidence and prevalence of carotid stenosis (CS); II) assess the impact of ICS and CCS on cerebral hemodynamics; III) evaluate the effect of carotid stenosis on the efficacy of interventional therapies (IT and MT) for AIS; and IV) report therapeutic complications related to CS. We searched PubMed/Medline for case reports, reviews, and original research articles on English-language review topics during the period from January 1, 2000 to October 1, 2023. CS is associated with 15–20 % of the total number of AIS. ICS and CCS had a negative influence on both cerebral hemodynamics before AIS and outcome after interventional procedures (IT, MT alone or in bridging). Available data on cerebral hemodynamics and efficacy of interventional therapies for AIS suggest a negative role of CS. Therefore, early diagnosis of CS may be considered relevant to preventive and post-stroke treatment strategies.
The association of hemodynamic parameters and clinical demographic variables with acute postoperative pain in female oncological breast surgery patients: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: van Rijbroek Lieselotte S. , Noordergraaf Gerrit J. , de Man-van Ginkel Janneke M. , van Boekel Regina L. M.
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Appropriate administration of intraoperative analgesia is an essential factor in care and reasonable recovery times. Inappropriate intraoperative analgesia puts the patient at risk of acute postoperative pain (APOP). The absence of an objective standard for intraoperative nociceptive monitoring complicates pain care. Heart rate (HR) and mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) have been suggested as useful parameters during general anesthesia for nociceptive monitoring. However, studies focusing on whether intraoperative heart rate variability (HRv) and mean arterial blood pressure variability (MABPv) during general anesthesia can accurately monitor nociception in patients have remained inconclusive. The current study aimed to (1) identify the association of intraoperative heart rate and blood pressure variability in patients undergoing low-risk surgery with the incidence of APOP in the immediate postoperative setting and (2) evaluate the associations of clinical demographic factors with the incidence of APOP.

Methods

A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted. The outcome was moderate-to-severe APOP, defined as a numeric rating scale score of

≥

\ge

4. HRv, MABPv, and potential confounders, such as age, body mass index, duration of surgery, smoking, depression, preoperative use of analgesics, and type of surgery, were used as independent variables.

Results

Data from 764 female oncological breast surgery patients were analyzed. No statistically significant association of HRv and MABPv with APOP was found. Lower age was associated with higher odds of APOP (odds ratio [OR] 0.978, p = 0.001). Increased length of surgery (OR 1.013, p = 0.022) and a history of depression were associated with increased odds of APOP (OR 2.327, p = 0.010). The subtype of surgery was statistically significantly associated with APOP (p = 0.006).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that heart rate and blood pressure variability intraoperatively, in female patients undergoing low-risk surgery, are not associated with, and thus not predictive of, APOP in the immediate postoperative setting.
Investigation on effect of injector orifice diameter on injector atomization and combustion characteristics of pulse detonation combustor
Authors: Ding-Ding Wang , Long-Xi Zheng , Jie Lu , Wen-Hao Tan , Qing Li
Published: March 2024

To reduce the fuel consumption rate of the pulse detonation combustor (PDC), an experimental study was carried out to study the influence of the injector aperture on the atomization particle size of the pneumatic atomization injector and its combustion characteristics of the PDC. The test used gasoline\air as the fuel and oxidant, tested the atomization particle size and obtained the detonation characteristics of PDC. The research results show that the atomization particle size of the injector under the three apertures decreases with the increase of the mixed air volume and increases with the increase of the fuel flow rate. The injector atomization effect is better when the aperture is 1.4 mm, the atomization particle size range is 71.8–119.8 μm. PDC using different injectors can achieve stable operation in the range of 5–20 Hz. Under the same working conditions, the smaller the injector aperture, the higher the average detonation pressure of the PDC.
Feasibility of active surveillance in patients with clinically T1b papillary thyroid carcinoma ≤1.5 cm in preoperative ultrasonography: MASTER study
Authors: Ju Sang-Hyeon , Ji Yong Bae , Song Minchul , Lim Joung Youl , Heo Da Beom , Kim Min-Gyu , Chang Jae Won , Won Ho-Ryun , Kang Yea Eun , Ku Eu Jeong , Kim Mijin , Lee Eun Kyung , Choi June Young , Yu Hyeong Won , Park Young Joo , Choe Jun-Ho , Koo Bon Seok , _ _
Published: March 2024

Objective

Active surveillance (AS) is generally accepted as an alternative to immediate surgery for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) measuring ≤1.0 cm (cT1a) without risk factors. This study investigated the clinicopathologic characteristics of PTCs measuring ≤2.0 cm without cervical lymph node metastasis (cT1N0) by tumor size group to assess the feasibility of AS for PTCs between 1.0 cm and 1.5 cm (cT1b≤1.5).

Design

This study enrolled clinically T1N0 patients with preoperative ultrasonography information (n= 935) from a cohort of 1259 patients who underwent lobectomy and were finally diagnosed with PTC from June 2020 to March 2022.

Results

The cT1b≤1.5 group (n = 171; 18.3 %) exhibited more lymphatic invasion and occult central lymph node (LN) metastasis with a higher metastatic LN ratio than the cT1a group (n = 719; 76.9 %). However, among patients aged 55 years or older, there were no significant differences in occult central LN metastasis and metastatic LN ratio between the cT1a, cT1b≤1.5, and cT1b>1.5 groups. Multivariate regression analyses revealed that occult central LN metastasis was associated with age, sex, tumor size, extrathyroidal extension, and lymphatic invasion in patients under 55, while in those aged 55 or older, it was associated only with age and lymphatic invasion.

Conclusion

For PTC patients aged 55 years or older with cT1b≤1.5, AS could be a viable option due to the absence of a significant relationship between tumor size and occult central LN.
The effect of local millet drink (Kunu) on the testis and epididymis of adult male wistar rats
Authors: Cyprain Akukwu Darlington , Chinedu Uloneme Godwin , Nnabuihe Ezejindu Damian , Sopuluchukwu Udodi Princewill , Ogochukwu Ezejindu Ifesinachi , Jesse Nwajagu Chukwudi , Nzube Obinwa Benedict , Justicia Obiesie Ifechukwu , Christian Okafor Emeka , Kasarachi Ogbuokiri Doris , Echefulachi Agulanna Ambrose , Esther Oguejiofor Chisom , Irene Omile Chizubelu , Izuchukwu Abugu Joshua
Published: March 2024

Background: Kunu is a local beverage drink that finds its origin in the northern part of Nigeria. This study was aimed at determining the effect of the liquid drink on the epididymis, testes, sperm parameters, and hormonal assay. Methods: A total of sixteen rats were used for this study and the animals were separated into four groups of four rats each (A-D). The animals were then sacrificed and the testes and epididymis were harvested and fixed in 10% formal saline. Group A was fed only rat feed and water. Groups B, C, and D were fed 0.2 ml, 0.9 ml, and 2.5 ml of Kunu respectively orally using a metal cannula for 21 days. Findings: There was a significant increase (P<0.05) in the relative testicular weights of groups B, C, and D as compared with those of group A. There was a significant decrease (P<0.05) in sperm count in groups B, C, and D when compared to group A. There was an insignificant increase (P>0.05) in FSH in groups B, C, and D when compared to group A. The histopathological findings revealed that the group B rats of 0.2ml and group C rats of 0.9ml showed epididymal tissue with moderate accumulation of spermatozoa and testicular tubules with moderately enhanced spermatogenesis. The group D rats showed well-accumulated spermatozoa in the epididymal lumen and improved spermatogenesis in the testis as did group A. Conclusion: Kunu beverage may not be used as a natural male fertility booster since it does little to improve sperm count, motility, morphology, pH, and hormonal levels of FSH and testosterone.