bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teucrium polium: new toxic effects added to the literature: a case report
Authors: Ghassa Ali , Ismail Mousa , Alani Leen Alabd Alrazak
Published: January 2024

Introduction and importance:

Teucrium polium is one of the aromatic plants that grows in the Mediterranean region, and had been used as an herbal treatment for diabetes due to its hypoglycaemia effect. Although this plant is being studied now for its therapeutic role, its side effects are not taken enough into consideration, so this unique case can shed the light on serious toxic effects of this plant.

Case presentation:

A 68-year-old woman presented to the hospital with generalized fatigue, malaise, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, polydipsia, polyuria, breathlessness, and no defecation for 2 days after drinking big amounts of teucrium polium. The diagnosis was diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), complete heart block, acute liver and kidney damage, and urinary tract infection (UTI). The patient was admitted to the ICU and treated for the DKA with an insulin pump, an antibiotic treatment for UTI, in addition to a dopamine pump and atropine, and then a temporary pacemaker was placed. The patient’s DKA, liver and kidney damage were improved on day 9, heart rate returned normal and she was discharged to insert a permanent pacemaker. However, the patient passed away at the end.

Clinical discussion:

Most studies made on this plant focused on the hypoglycaemia effect, with no attention to its toxic effects, so only few studies showed that teucrium polium can cause hepatic, renal toxicity and hyperglycaemia and most of them were studied in animals. While cardiac toxicity has never been noticed before.

Conclusion:

For this reason, herbal treatment should be used with caution to avoid catastrophic side effects.
Acute Perioperative Pain Management of the Orthopaedic Patient
Authors: McNaughton Molly A. , Quinlan-Colwell Ann , Lyons Mary T. , Arkin Laura C.
Published: January 2024

Orthopaedic surgery often results in pain, with less than half of patients reporting adequate relief. Unrelieved acute pain occurring after surgery increases the risk of negative sequelae, including delayed healing, increased morbidity, pulmonary complications, limited rehabilitation participation, anxiety, depression, increased length of stay, prolonged duration of opioid use, and the development of chronic pain. Interventions that are individualized, evidence-informed, and applied within an ethical framework improve healthcare delivery for patients, clinicians, and healthcare organizations. Recommendations for using the principles of effective pain management from preoperative assessment through discharge are detailed, including recommendations for addressing barriers and challenges in applying these principles into clinical practice.
Case Report
Authors: Otten Cecilia , Dunn Karen S.
Published: January 2024

Priapism is a disorder where the penis without sexual stimulation maintains a prolonged rigid erection lasting 4 or more hours. There are two classifications of priapism, ischemic (low flow) or nonischemic high flow, and each have specific etiologies, diagnostic criteria, and management. This presented case study involved a 58-year-old male who experienced an ischemic priapism more than 24 hours after an anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF). A flaccid penis was achieved after the patient received two 400 µg of phenylephrine HCL into the corpora cavernosum. Review of the literature suggests anesthetic medications given during the surgical procedure may have caused the priapism. Lessons that can be learned from this case study highlight that even though the nurse may not expect to see a priapism after an ALIF, the nurse must always be diligent and not become complacent with unexpected findings or assessments that may cause irreparable harm to the patient.
Telemedicine and Burnout—How Enhancing Operational Support Can Improve Digital Health Tools
Authors: Patt Debra , O'Neill Colleen
Published: January 2024

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an unprecedented growth in telemedicine due to the need to provide safe access to care during a global pandemic. The regulatory, compliance, and payment policy landscape favorably changed, paving the way for growth in utilization. Despite these favorable changes in the landscape, operational and technical burdens remained barriers to optimal use of telemedicine. Investments in operational processes and vendor selection can improve the patient and clinician experience in using telemedicine, so this digital tool can diminish burnout.
Empowered Relief, cognitive behavioral therapy, and health education for people with chronic pain: a comparison of outcomes at 6-month Follow-up for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Darnall Beth D. , Burns John W. , Hong Juliette , Roy Anuradha , Slater Kristin , Poupore-King Heather , Ziadni Maisa S. , You Dokyoung S. , Jung Corinne , Cook Karon F. , Lorig Kate , Tian Lu , Mackey Sean C.
Published: January 2024

Introduction:

We previously conducted a 3-arm randomized trial (263 adults with chronic low back pain) which compared group-based (1) single-session pain relief skills intervention (Empowered Relief; ER); (2) 8-session cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for chronic back pain; and (3) single-session health and back pain education class (HE). Results suggested non-inferiority of ER vs. CBT at 3 months post-treatment on an array of outcomes.

Methods:

Here, we tested the durability of treatment effects at 6 months post-treatment. We examined group differences in primary and secondary outcomes at 6 months and the degree to which outcomes eroded or improved from 3-month to 6-month within each treatment group.

Results:

Empowered Relief remained non-inferior to CBT on most outcomes, whereas both ER and CBT remained superior to HE on most outcomes. Outcome improvements within ER did not decrease significantly from 3-month to 6-month, and indeed ER showed additional 3- to 6-month improvements on pain catastrophizing, pain bothersomeness, and anxiety. Effects of ER at 6 months post-treatment (moderate term outcomes) kept pace with effects reported by participants who underwent 8-session CBT.

Conclusions:

The maintenance of these absolute levels implies strong stability of ER effects. Results extend to 6 months post-treatment previous findings documenting that ER and CBT exhibit similarly potent effects on outcomes.
Geometric mechanics of hybrid origami assemblies combining developable and non-developable patterns
Authors: Liu Kevin T. , Paulino G. H.
Published: January 2024

Origami provides a method to transform a flat surface into complex three-dimensional geometries, which has applications in deployable structures, meta-materials, robotics and beyond. The Miura-ori and the eggbox are two fundamental planar origami patterns. Both patterns have been studied closely, and have become the basis for many engineering applications and derivative origami patterns. Here, we study the hybrid structure formed by combining unit cells of the Miura-ori and eggbox patterns. We find the compatibility constraints required to form the hybrid structure and derive properties of its kinematics such as self-locking and Poisson’s ratio. We then compare the aforementioned properties of the Miura-eggbox hybrid with those of the morph pattern, another generalization of the Miura-ori and eggbox patterns. In addition, we study the structure formed by combining all three unit cells of the Miura-ori, eggbox and morph. Our results show that such patterns have tunable self-locking states and Poisson’s ratio beyond their constituent components. Hybrid patterns formed by combining different origami patterns are an avenue to derive more functionality from simple constituents for engineering applications.
The origins and diversification of Holarctic brown bear populations inferred from genomes of past and present populations
Authors: Segawa Takahiro , Rey-Iglesia Alba , Lorenzen Eline D. , Westbury Michael V.
Published: January 2024

The brown bear (
Ursus arctos
) is one of the survivors of the Late Quaternary megafauna extinctions. However, despite being widely distributed across the Holarctic, brown bears have experienced extensive range reductions, and even extirpations in some geographical regions. Previous research efforts using genetic data have provided valuable insights into their evolutionary history. However, most studies have been limited to contemporary individuals or mitochondrial DNA, limiting insights into population processes that preceded the present. Here, we present genomic data from two Late Pleistocene brown bears from Honshu, Japan and eastern Siberia, and combine them with published contemporary and ancient genomes from across the Holarctic range of brown bears to investigate the evolutionary relationships among brown bear populations through time and space. By including genomic data from Late Pleistocene and Holocene individuals sampled outside the current distribution range, we uncover diversity not present in contemporary populations. Notably, although contemporary individuals display geographically structured populations most likely driven by isolation-by-distance, this pattern varies among the ancient samples across different regions. The inclusion of ancient brown bears in our analysis provides novel insights into the evolutionary history of brown bears and contributes to understanding the populations and diversity lost during the Late Quaternary.
Entanglement Transitions in Unitary Circuit Games
Authors: Morral-Yepes Raúl , Smith Adam , Sondhi S.L. , Pollmann Frank
Published: January 2024

Repeated projective measurements in unitary circuits can lead to an entanglement phase transition as the measurement rate is tuned. In this work, we consider a different setting in which the projective measurements are replaced by dynamically chosen unitary gates that minimize the entanglement. This can be seen as a one-dimensional unitary circuit game in which two players get to place unitary gates on randomly assigned bonds at different rates: the “entangler” applies a random local unitary gate with the aim of generating extensive (volume-law) entanglement. The “disentangler,” based on limited knowledge about the state, chooses a unitary gate to reduce the entanglement entropy on the assigned bond with the goal of limiting to only finite (area-law) entanglement. In order to elucidate the resulting entanglement dynamics, we consider three different scenarios: (i) a classical discrete height model, (ii) a Clifford circuit, and (iii) a general U(4) unitary circuit. We find that both the classical and Clifford circuit models exhibit phase transitions as a function of the rate that the disentangler places a gate, which have similar properties that can be understood through a connection to the stochastic Fredkin chain. In contrast, the entangler always wins when using Haar random unitary gates and we observe extensive, volume-law entanglement for all nonzero rates of entangling.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
How explicit consumer credit information affects intent to purchase on credit: an experiment
Authors: Pulk Kristjan , Riitsalu Leonore
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Consumer culture is promoting immediate gratification, and the rise of digital financial services is increasing the risk of indebtedness while debt reduces well-being and affects mental health. The authors assess the effects of consumer information provision, debt literacy, chronic debt and attitudes toward debt on the intent to purchase on credit.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey including an experiment with a credit offer vignette was conducted in a representative sample of Estonia (n = 1204). Treatment conditions depicted either the total cost and duration of the credit agreement or the annual percentage rate.

Findings

Receiving modified information resulted in a 26 to 30 percentage points decrease in propensity to purchase on credit. Purchasing on credit was associated with attitudes towards credit and chronic debt, but not with debt literacy.

Research limitations/implications

The findings reveal large effects of information provision and highlight the limited effects of debt literacy on credit decisions. Limitations may emerge from differences in financial regulation across countries.

Practical implications

The authors' results highlight the importance of applying behavioural insights in consumer credit information provision, both in the financial sector and policy. Testing the messages allows having evidence-based solutions that promote responsible purchasing on credit.

Originality/value

The findings call for changes in credit information provision requirements. Their effect is significantly larger compared to the literature, emphasizing the role of credit information provision in less regulated online markets.
Strategic communication in contexts of high sustainability pressure: balancing purposefulness, transparency and participation in pursuit of organizational legitimacy
Authors: Aggerholm Helle Kryger , Thomsen Christa
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to: (1) identify strategies to (re)establish organizational legitimacy which dominates the literature; (2) propose and empirically illustrate an analytical framework that establishes the linkages between the dimensions of purposefulness, transparency and participation identified in this literature review as important resources in the creation of organizational legitimacy.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a review of the academic literature, we propose a three-dimensional conceptual framework for understanding and studying strategic communication in contexts of high sustainability pressure. The empirical material we use for illustration is the letters from the chief executive officer (CEO) and the chairman published in the integrated annual report of a Danish company that is well known for its focus on sustainability.

Findings

The analysis shows that all three dimensions, i.e. purposefulness, transparency and participation, are present in this data, which the authors find supportive of the theoretical argument that strategic communication needs to encompass all three concepts in order to appear legitimate in contexts of high sustainability pressure.

Originality/value

In recent years, there has been an increased focus on strategic communication of sustainability. However, there is still a lack of general consensus of what is understood by strategic communication in contexts of high sustainability pressure. Overlapping concepts and dimensions make operationalization difficult. This, for example, is a problem for corporations who are increasingly asked by their stakeholders to account for their sustainability activities and engage in conversations of strategic significance to their sustainability goals.
How are leadership discourses reflected in the leadership identity of young adults?
Authors: Lorencová Hana , Honsová Pavlína , Pauknerová Daniela , Jarošová Eva
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This article focuses on the leadership development of young adults. The topic is of significant importance as leadership identity tends to form early in life, and its long-term implications contribute to leadership formation. The objective of this study was to gain insights into how leadership is constructed in young adults and how it is manifested in their preferred leadership identity.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was approached from a constructivist perspective, utilizing discourse analysis. The authors conducted a study involving 24 written essays by young individuals with a business background, in which they shared their early leadership experiences. Drawing upon a modified life story interview structure, the authors meticulously analyzed the content.

Findings

The authors identified eight discourses clustered into two groups according to the types of leadership orientation: toward oneself and toward others. The discourses in the toward oneself group consist of leadership as taking responsibility, leadership as courage, manifesting personal strengths and as a role/status. The toward others group includes discourses approaching leadership as balancing directivity, coordinating and organizing work, personalized approach and as performance management.

Research limitations/implications

The major methodological limitations stem from the qualitative design per se. The findings based on qualitative data have limits in generalizing.

Practical implications

The authors' findings have practical implications for educators. The authors propose the utilization of critical self-reflection on early leadership experiences and self-narration as effective tools in nurturing and developing young leaders.

Social implications

This paper underscores the importance of educating young leaders, as they can create a positive impact on their subordinates and society as a whole. By providing them with leadership skills, the authors initiate a chain reaction of influence that extends through different levels of leadership, leading to significant social change.

Originality/value

The authors' originality and contribution to the literature on leadership development lies in showcasing the diversity of perspectives on leadership among participants sharing a similar background and developmental stage. This holds valuable implications for educators working with this cohort.
Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and safety of oral formulation (CG‐750) of ivaltinostat, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, compared to IV formulation (CG‐745)
Authors: Kim Byungwook , Huh Ki Young , Yu Kyung‐Sang , Lee SeungHwan
Published: January 2024

Aims

CG‐750 is an oral formulation of ivaltinostat, a newly developing histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. This study aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD) and safety of an oral formulation (CG‐750) of ivaltinostat compared to an intravenous (IV) formulation (CG‐745).

Methods

A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study was conducted in three cohorts. Subjects received either CG‐745 (Cohorts 1 and 3: 125 mg; Cohort 2: 250 mg) or placebo followed by CG‐750 (Cohort 1: 125 mg; Cohort 2: 375 mg; Cohort 3: 750 mg) or placebo. Blood samples for PK and PD assessment were collected up to 72 h post‐dose. Histone H3 acetylation at sites K9, K9/K14 and K27 was assessed for area under the % acetylation induction versus time curve (AUEC).

Results

A total of 25 subjects were randomized, and 23 subjects completed the study (Cohort 1, n = 6; Cohort 2, n = 6; Cohort 3, n = 6; placebo, n = 5). The mean bioavailability of CG‐750 was 10.6% (range: 4.18%–21.33%) and displayed linear PK in the dose range of 125–750 mg. The comparison of AUEC between formulations and the evaluation of the dose–AUEC relationship were inconclusive, due to the small sample sizes and significant variability observed in PD markers. All adverse events (AEs) were transient and of mild or moderate intensity.

Conclusions

The oral formulation of ivaltinostat (CG‐750) was generally well tolerated after a single dose. CG‐750 displayed a mean bioavailability of 10.6%.
Impact of left ventricular hemodynamic forces in adult patients with treated aortic coarctation and preserved left ventricular systolic function
Authors: Faganello Giorgio , Collia Dario , Pagura Linda , Croatto Elisa , Tosoni Letizia Maria , Toritto Paolo , Pedrizzetti Gianni , Lenarda Andrea Di
Published: January 2024

Background

The LV myocardial strain and hemodynamic forces (HDFs) are innovative markers of LV function. Aortic coarctation is safely repaired in infancy; however, mortality and morbidity remain increased in later life. The study investigated the role of left ventricular myocardial deformation and HDFs in asymptomatic patients who underwent successful aortic coarctation repair.

Methods

Clinical and echocardiographic data were analyzed from 42 repaired CoA, 32 ± 20 years after surgery, 2D echocardiographic global longitudinal strain (GLS), circumferential strain (GCS) and HDFs were determined. CoA patients were compared with 42 patients affected by blood hypertension and 84 healthy controls; all matched for age and gender.

Results

All groups had normal LV ejection fraction (LVEF), dimensions, and volumes. CoA patients showed a significantly higher rate of LV mass indexed (p < .001) and left atrial volumes indexed (p < .001). LV myocardial and endocardial global longitudinal and circumferential strain were decreased in CoA patients (p < .001, p < .001; p = .032 and p < .001, respectively). HDF parameters such as LV longitudinal force, LV systolic longitudinal force and LV impulse (LVim) were uniformly reduced (p = .006, p = .001, and p = .001, respectively). LV myocardial strain and HDF parameter values were independently associated with hospitalization for heart failure on univariable Cox regression analysis.

Conclusion

Despite preserved LVEF, patients with CoA had lower LV myocardial strain and HDF parameters values, independently associated with hospitalization for heart failure.
Aspirin loading and coronary no‐reflow after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Ndrepepa Gjin , Cassese Salvatore , Xhepa Erion , Joner Michael , Sager Hendrik B. , Kufner Sebastian , Laugwitz Karl‐Ludwig , Schunkert Heribert , Kastrati Adnan
Published: January 2024

Background

The association of aspirin loading with the risk of coronary no‐reflow (CNR) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has not been investigated. We assessed the association of aspirin loading before PCI with CNR in patients with AMI.

Materials and Methods

This study included 3100 patients with AMI undergoing PCI. Of them, 2812 patients received aspirin loading (a single oral [or chewed] or intravenous dose of 150–300 mg) and 288 patients did not receive aspirin loading before PCI. The primary endpoint was CNR, defined as Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction blood flow grade of <3 after the PCI.

Results

CNR occurred in 130 patients: 127 patients in the group with aspirin loading and 3 patients in the group without aspirin loading before PCI (4.5% vs. 1.0%; odds ratio [OR] = 4.50, 95% confidence interval, [1.42–14.21], p = 0.005). After adjustment, the association between aspirin loading and CNR was significant (adjusted OR = 4.49 [1.56–12.92]; p < 0.001). There was no aspirin loading‐by‐P2Y12 inhibitor (ticagrelor or prasugrel) interaction (pint = 0.465) or aspirin loading‐by‐chronic aspirin therapy on admission (pint = 0.977) interaction with respect to the occurrence of CNR after PCI. Chronic low‐dose aspirin therapy on admission was not independently associated with higher risk of CNR after PCI (adjusted OR = 1.06 [0.65–1.72]; p = 0.824).

Conclusion

In patients with AMI undergoing PCI, aspirin loading before the PCI procedure at the guideline‐recommended doses was associated with higher odds of developing CNR. However, due to the limited number of events, the findings should be considered as hypothesis generating.
The divine and the open text: Five steps for reading Hölderlin's Homburger Folioheft
Authors: Deibl Jakob Helmut
Published: January 2024

This article deals with Hölderlin's Homburger Folioheft. It elaborates on the thesis that the question of God or the divine can contribute to exploring both the richness of the poet's extensive manuscript, which fans out in many textual stages, and its fragmentary form. I argue that, despite its fragile textual form, the collection must be perceived as a unity and that reading it means oscillating between the textual stages without privileging the last version. I show that the reference to the divine often can be found at the core of the poet's vast changes to the text. The absence and return of the divine introduces a transformative dynamic into the text, a dynamic about which Hölderlin himself reflects in some passages.
Clarifying varied Helicobacter pylori eradication therapies: A comprehensive review
Authors: Wu Xiaoqi , Duan Miao , Kong Qingzhou , Zeng Shuyan , Xu Leiqi , Li Yueyue , Yang Xiaoyun , Zuo Xiuli
Published: January 2024

Current global variations exist in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication regimens. Triple therapy (TT), bismuth quadruple therapy (BQT), and high‐dose dual therapy (HDDT) currently represent the predominant regimens. These regimens diverge in terms of treatment duration, the utilization of susceptibility testing, acid‐inhibiting drug administration, and patient education. We conducted a comprehensive systematic literature review on these H. pylori treatment regimens. Our review aims to provide standardized treatment recommendations for H. pylori, reducing the risk of amalgamating findings from diverse eradication regimens. Recent research suggests that the optimal treatment duration for TT and BQT may be 14 and 10 days, respectively. Selecting the appropriate treatment duration for HDDT should rely on regional research evidence, and 14 days may be the optimal duration. The incorporation of susceptibility testing in TT is of paramount importance. In the case of BQT, the absence of susceptibility testing may be considered as an option, contingent upon cost and availability, and should be determined based on local antibiotic resistance patterns and the efficacy of empirical regimens. The type and dosage of acid‐inhibiting drug would affect the efficacy of these regimens. Acid‐inhibiting drugs should be selected and applied reasonably according to the population and therapies. Adequate patient education plays a pivotal role in the eradication of H. pylori. In regions with accessible local research evidence, the 10‐day empirical BQT regimen may be considered a preferred choice for H. pylori eradication.
Er3+/Yb3+ ions doped chiral inorganic nanostructured BiOCl phosphor as a novel temperature sensing material
Authors: Zhang Haoqiang , Chen Hao , Xu Liang , Li Yongjin , Song Zhiguo , Zhou Dacheng , Wang Qi , Long Zhangwen , Yang Yong , Wen Yugeng , Han Jin , Gao Yuan , Qiu Jianbei
Published: January 2024

Inorganic chiral materials have attracted increasing attention due to their application prospects. In this work, we synthesized the chiral nanostructured bismuth oxychloride co‐doped with Er3+/Yb3+ phosphor (D‐BYEP) by hydrothermal growth with a subsequent air‐annealing strategy using chiral sugar alcohols as the chiral inducer. The D‐BYEP emitted bright red light under the excitation of 980 nm near‐infrared laser. The temperature sensing behavior was evaluated by employing the thermally coupled (TCLs) or non‐thermally coupled (NTCLs) levels of Er3+. The maximum relative sensitivities (SR) obtained are 0.84% K−1 and 1.30% K−1 (298 K), respectively. The results show that the D‐BYEP may be ideal candidates for optical temperature sensors. We anticipate that this new type of inorganic chiral phosphor may have a range of applications in temperature measurement of light sources.
Construction of Buildings in Soft Clay Deposits: A Case Study in a Public School in Florianópolis/SC, Brazil
Authors: Martins João André , Da Silva Lélia Santiago Custódio , Silva Fábio Effting
Published: January 2024

The gradual increase in the risks of constructions without structural planning in hillside areas characterizes the expansion of urbanization in Brazil. In this process of territorial occupation, constructions on soft clay soils represent significant structural hazards. This study aimed to evaluate structural instabilities in a public school in Florianópolis (SC, Brazil), using integrated geology, geotechnics, and geophysics data. This is a case study in an area characterized by the urbanization process of the West Side of the Costeira do Pirajubaé Massif. Geologically, the study area is composed of granitic rocks, soft clay deposits, and colluvial soils, in an environment of the upper third to the middle of the slope. For data analysis, geophysical, geotechnical, and geological methods were used. In the results, it was identified upstream colluvium, evidenced by the wide variety of soils (sandy, yellowish silt clay, of medium consistency), as well as gray clay deposits, ranging from very soft to hard, with distinct characteristics of the residual soils of the granitoid downstream, which are normally medium consistency brown to yellowish clays, expected for the B horizon. The results indicate a potential slip surface, which corresponds to a layer of soft clay deposits. Thus, it can be concluded that the observed instabilities, characterized by footing displacement, cracks, and subsidence demonstrate subsoil fragilities related to human interventions and the insufficiency of the drainage system, even when existing.
Integrative taxonomy demonstrates synonymy between Euseius amissibilis Meshkov and Euseius gallicus Kreiter & Tixier (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

Authors: Döker Ismail , Khaustov Vladimir A. , Joharchi Omid , Khaustov Alexander , Kazakov Denis V. , Meshkov Yuri I.
Published: January 2024

Taxonomy of the predatory mite family Phytoseiidae (Acari: Mesostigmata) is essentially based on morphological observations, and only a few studies use integrative approaches that include mainly morphological and molecular analysis. Species of the genus Euseius Wainstein (Acari: Phytoseiidae) are pollen feeding generalist predators belonging to “Type IV” group. There are more than 200 species of the genus that are considered to be valid. However, there could be a series of synonyms among these valid species. Euseius gallicus Kreiter & Tixier is one of the recently described species and its natural populations have been reported from a total of 10 countries. There are some molecular studies showing that E. gallicus represents a different lineage and separated adequately from the other well-known and common species, E. stipulatus in the Western Palearctic region. However, it shows great morphological similarities with E. amissibilis Meshkov, a species previously described from Tajikistan. According to its original description, these two species can be separated based on a few differences in their setal lengths, but doubts remain regarding the similarities between them. Therefore, we examined the type material of E. amissibilis, and newly collected materials from various localities including the type locality. We conducted molecular analyses, using two gene markers (ITS and Cox1) to determine whether these two species are conspecific. Results show that all morphological characters and measurements of the type and the newly collected materials of E. amissibilis fall within the range indicated in the original description of E. gallicus. Moreover, zero and low levels (≤6% previously considered as variation for phytoseiid mites) of genetic distances were detected among the specimens of these two species from different populations based on ITS and Cox1 gene markers, respectively. As conclusion, this study confirms that E. gallicus is a junior synonym of E. amissibilis. In addition, based on our best knowledge, a ventral pore-like structure located on ambulacral stalk of the first leg is observed for the first time in a species of the family Phytoseiidae, probably even in the order Mesostigmata.
Robot swarms meet soft matter physics
Authors: Goldman Daniel I. , Zeb Rocklin D.
Published: January 2024

Principles of soft matter physics can be leveraged to develop swarms of active robots with unique properties.
Robots can motivate children to practice piano
Authors: Yashinski Melisa
Published: January 2024

Children who practiced piano with a robot that initiated self-assessment showed increased motivation and improved performance.
Supplemental Material: Bulldoze and rebuild: Modifying cratonic lithosphere via removal and replacement induced by continental subduction
Authors: Meng Lingtong , al. et
Published: January 2024

 Analytical methods and results, supplemental figures (S1–S9), and tables (S1–S6). 
Supplemental Material: Subduction polarity reversal facilitated by plate coupling during arc-continent collision: Evidence from the Western Kunlun orogenic belt, northwest Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Tao Zaili , Yin Jiyuan , Xiao W.J. , al. et
Published: January 2024

Materials and methods, Figures S1–S6, and Tables S1–S7.  
Supplemental Material: Precambrian to Pleistocene 40Ar/39Ar dating of clinopyroxene-hosted melt inclusions
Authors: Jicha Brian R. , al. et
Published: January 2024

40Ar/39Ar data tables and diagrams.  
Diabetes and chronic kidney disease in Chinese adults: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Wang Xue , Chen Lu , Shi Kexiang , Lv Jun , Sun Dianjianyi , Pei Pei , Yang Ling , Chen Yiping , Du Huaidong , Liu Jiaqiu , Yang Xiaoming , Barnard Maxim , Chen Junshi , Chen Zhengming , Li Liming , Yu Canqing
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Cohort evidence of the association of diabetes mellitus (DM) with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is limited. Previous studies often describe patients with kidney disease and diabetes as diabetic kidney disease (DKD) or CKD, ignoring other subtypes. The present study aimed to assess the prospective association of diabetes status (no diabetes, pre-diabetes, screened diabetes, previously diagnosed controlled/uncontrolled diabetes with/without antidiabetic treatment) and random plasma glucose (RPG) with CKD risk (including CKD subtypes) among Chinese adults.

Research design and methods

The present study included 472 545 participants from the China Kadoorie Biobank, using baseline information on diabetes and RPG. The incident CKD and its subtypes were collected through linkage with the national health insurance system during follow-up. Cox regression models were used to calculate the HR and 95% CI.

Results

During 11.8 years of mean follow-up, 5417 adults developed CKD. Screened plus previously diagnosed diabetes was positively associated with CKD (HR=4.52, 95% CI 4.23 to 4.83), DKD (HR=33.85, 95% CI 29.56 to 38.76), and glomerulonephritis (HR=1.66, 95% CI 1.40 to 1.97). In those with previously diagnosed diabetes, participants with uncontrolled diabetes represented higher risks of CKD, DKD, and glomerulonephritis compared with those with controlled RPG. The risk of DKD was found to rise in participants with pre-diabetes and increased with the elevated RPG level, even in those without diabetes.

Conclusions

Among Chinese adults, diabetes was positively associated with CKD, DKD, and glomerulonephritis. Screen-detected and uncontrolled DM had a high risk of CKD, and pre-diabetes was associated with a greater risk of DKD, highlighting the significance of lifelong glycemic management.
Diagnostic accuracy of foot length measurement for identification of preterm newborn in rural Sindh, Pakistan
Authors: Tikmani Shiyam Sundar , Brown Nick , Inayat Alijaan , Mårtensson Andreas , Saleem Sarah , Mårtensson Thomas
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Assessing gestational age accurately is crucial for saving preterm newborns. In low and middle-income countries, such as Pakistan, where access to antenatal ultrasonography (A-USG) is limited, alternative methods are needed. This study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of foot length (FL) measurement for identifying preterm newborns in rural Pakistan using A-USG as the reference standard.

Methods

A test validation study was conducted between January and June 2023 in rural Sindh, Pakistan, within the catchment area of the Global Network for Maternal Newborn Health Registry, Thatta. Singleton newborns whose mothers had an A-USG before 20 weeks of gestation were enrolled. A research assistant measured FL three times using a rigid transparent plastic ruler within 48 hours of birth and the average FL was reported. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) and likelihood ratios were calculated. The optimal FL cut-off for the identification of preterm newborns was determined using the Youden Index.

Results

A total of 336 newborns were included in the final analysis, of whom 75 (22.3%) were born before 37 weeks of gestation. The median gestational age of the newborns was 38.2 weeks, and the median FL was 7.9 cm. The area under the curve was 97.6%. The optimal FL cut-off for identifying preterm newborns was considered as ≤7.6 cm with a sensitivity of 90.8%, specificity of 96.0%, PPV of 86.7% and NPV of 97.3%. A lower cut-off of ≤7.5 cm had a sensitivity of 95.4%, specificity of 84.0%, PPV of 63.1% and NPV of 98.5%.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the utility of FL measurement for identifying preterm newborns in rural settings where A-USG is unavailable before 20 weeks of gestation. Optimal cut-offs of ≤7.6 and ≤7.5 cm provide a simple, cost-effective and reliable tool for clinicians and frontline healthcare providers in rural areas, respectively.

Trial registration number

NCT05515211.
Dynamic and thermal coupling modeling analysis of full-ceramic angular contact ball bearing considering sliding
Authors: Zhang Ke , Zhang Liqi , Wang Zhan , Wang Zinan , Gao Liuwang
Published: January 2024

The sliding contact model and sliding dynamic model between ball and outer ring are established to investigate the ceramic bearing vibration characteristic when ball slides. The vibration characteristic and periodic rules of the system are analyzed by calculation results of the model. The heat generation model of bearing slippage is established, and the influence mechanism between temperature and oil film viscosity caused by slippage is analyzed. It can be seen from the calculation results that the contact deformation between ball and outer ring increases with the increase of radial load, and the contact deformation is smaller than the calculation results of Hertz contact model. An experimental platform for testing vibration and temperature under radial load conditions is established. The experimental results show that the vibration characteristic and temperature variation rule of bearing under large load conditions are consistent with the calculation results of the model. The average error of vibration amplitude and temperature is only 1.09% and 1.3% at 10000 r/min. It can be seen that the model established in this paper can simulate the dynamic characteristic of ceramic bearing when ball slides, and provides a certain theoretical basis for the research of rotating machinery mechanism under sliding condition.
Space Aware BGRU Microservice Fault Detection Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Meng , Tian Luqiang , Jin Liwu , Zhao Yanqiang
Published: January 2024

Microservice architecture is a new architecture pattern, which aims to provide users with more reliable, maintainable, and extensible software design services. However, with the continuous expansion of the scale of microservice application system, the proliferation of services and service interactions in the system make the system fault detection difficult. Detecting faults accurately and effectively is the key technology to ensure the system reliability and stability. From the perspective of microservice operation status and dependencies between services, this paper proposes a space-aware bidirectional gated recurrent unit (BGRU) microservice fault detection algorithm, which uses deep learning technology to mine hidden information that causes failures and combines space-aware attention to establish long-distance spatial dependency to improve the accuracy of model detection. The paper also conducts many experiments to demonstrate the effectiveness of the algorithm in microservice fault detection.
Precipitation Estimation Methods Based on BPNN and CNN
Authors: Xu Bo , Guo Qingyuan
Published: January 2024

The hydrological cycle in the natural environment plays a crucial role in influencing human societal progress and everyday life, particularly in the realm of agriculture. Precipitation is a vital component of the natural water cycle. In recent years, multiple approaches for estimating rainfall have been developed by researchers to achieve improved results. However, the precision of conventional rainfall estimation techniques remains inconsistent, particularly in instances of heavy rainfall, which can result in considerable errors. Scholars have turned their attention to deep learning techniques, which excel at processing raw data and autonomously identifying model parameters. In this study, we present and compare two deep learning frameworks for precipitation estimation based on BPNN and CNN, in contrast to traditional methods. We also use a real dataset to validate the effectiveness of the deep learning models, and the experimental outcomes indicate that the CNN-based precipitation estimation method outperforms several other models.
Our Surgical Results in Popliteal and Infrapopliteal Artery Injuries: 21 Cases without Amputation
Authors: Tamteki̇n Burak , Gülsen Ersoy Güler
Published: January 2024

Objectives. Popliteal and infrapopliteal artery injuries have significant morbidity and mortality rates, especially in terms of amputation. In our study, we aimed to evaluate patients who operated due to popliteal and infrapopliteal vascular injuries in our clinic. Patients and Methods. Between 2016 and 2023; 21 patients who were operated in our clinic due to popliteal and infrapopliteal artery injuries were retrospectively evaluated. Results. 2 of the patients were female (9.5%) and 19 were male (90.5%). Age ranges were 21–78. The causes of injury were gunshot wounds in 9 patients (42.86%), blunt trauma in 7 patients (33.33%), and sharp object injuries in 5 patients (23.80%). Reversed saphenous vein interposition in 7 patients (33.33%), primary repair in 6 patients (28.57%), 6 mm polytetrafluoroethylene graft (PTFE) interposition in 3 patients (14.28%), end-to-end anastomosis in 2 patients (9.52%), saphenous-PTFE composite graft interposition in 2 patients (9.52%), and embolectomy in 1 patient (4.76%) were performed. Arterial ligation was not performed. Simultaneous orthopedic intervention was performed in 8 patients. Fasciotomy was performed in 3 patients. Venous repair was performed in 5 patients with venous injuries. Vein ligation was not performed. Mortality was observed postoperatively in 1 patient. No patient developed amputation. Foot drop developed with nerve damage in 2 patients. Conclusion. Mortality and morbidity rates may increase in popliteal and infrapopliteal artery injuries in cases of hemodynamic disorder, simultaneous bone fracture, multivessel injury, and nerve transection. These rates can be reduced by appropriate surgical repair and ensuring hemodynamic stability.
Low Latency 5G IP Transmission Backhaul Network Architecture: A Techno-Economic Analysis
Authors: Gedel Ibrahim Alhassan , Nwulu Nnamdi I.
Published: January 2024

The steeply rising demand for mobile data drives the investigation of the transmission backhaul network architecture and cost for the fifth generation (5G) of mobile technologies. The proposed backhaul architecture will facilitate high throughput, low latency, scalability, low cost of ownership, and high capacity backhaul for 5G mobile technologies. This paper presents a transmission backhaul network architecture for 5G technology; the proposed internet protocol (IP) transmission backhauling architecture includes the data center, core network, distribution network, and access or IP random access network. A mathematical model for the data center IP core network, IP distributed network, and the IP access network for capital expenditure (Capex), operational expenditure (Opex), and the total cost of ownership (TCO) are presented, as well as a mathematical model for the entire backhauling architecture. The result shows that the increase in IP sites is positively proportional to the Capex and negatively proportional to the Opex. The selectivity analysis shows that the increase in bandwidth is directly proportional to the Capex, Opex, and TCO in the IP core network. The increase in data centers is directly proportional to the Capex, Opex, and TCO of the entire backhauling architecture.
Inhibition of Pancreatic Lipase by Flavonoid Derivatives: In Vitro and In Silico Investigations
Authors: Tran The-Huan , Mai Thanh-Tan , Ho Thi-Thu-Trang , Le Thi-Ngoc-Dung , Cao Thi-Cam-Nhung , Thai Khac-Minh , Tran Thai-Son
Published: January 2024

Obesity, characterized by excessive adipose tissue accumulation, has emerged as a crucial determinant for a wide range of chronic medical conditions. The identification of effective interventions for obesity is of utmost importance. Widely researched antiobesity agents focus on pancreatic lipase, a significant therapeutic target. This study presented the evaluation of ten flavonoid compounds in terms of their inhibitory activities against pancreatic lipase, utilizing both in vitro and in silico approaches. The results indicated that all tested compounds demonstrated modest and weaker inhibitory activities compared to the reference compound, orlistat. Among the compounds investigated, F01 exhibited the highest potency, with an IC50 value of 17.68 ± 1.43 µM. The enzymatic inhibition kinetic analysis revealed that F01 operated through a competitive inhibition mechanism with a determined Ki of 7.16 μM. This value suggested a moderate binding affinity for the pancreatic lipase enzyme. Furthermore, the associated Vmax value was quantified at 0.03272 ΔA·min−1. In silico studies revealed that F01 displayed a binding mode similar to that of orlistat, despite lacking an active functional group capable of forming a covalent bond with Ser152 of the catalytic triad. However, F01 formed a hydrogen bond with this crucial amino acid. Furthermore, F01 interacted with other significant residues at the enzyme’s active site, particularly those within the lid domain. Based on these findings, F01 demonstrates substantial potential as a candidate for further investigations.
Investigation and Validation of Mission Evaluation Models for Space Close-Range Inspection
Authors: Zhou Jianyong , Hou Zhipu , Li Kebo
Published: January 2024

Space close-range inspection can be used to carry out close-range observation and monitoring of targets for identifying the target’s types and working states, which is of great significance for space missions such as in-orbit services. The effectiveness evaluation of space inspection tasks will significantly affect the studies on the trajectory design, orbit motion control, and task termination conditions. However, the evaluation models in previous studies are too simple such as that they are usually without considering dynamic changes in the satellite orbit relative motion. Besides, these studies fail to build a comprehensive evaluation model for the whole inspection task process. In this paper, taking the most commonly used optical inspection as an example, the novel multifactor inspection task effectiveness evaluation models were investigated, including the constraint models of observation, the relative distance evaluation model, the effective observation time evaluation model, and the target observation angle evaluation model. These models solve the effectiveness evaluation problem for the complete process of an inspection task, which can support the design of inspection strategies and trajectories better by using the evaluation results. In addition, numerical simulations and 20 semiphysical experiments were carried out to validate the proposed evaluation models.