bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Burden, coping and resilience among caregivers for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: An integrative review
Authors: Zhang Nan , Tian Zheng , Liu Xinyi , Yu Xi , Wang Lan
Published: December 2023

Aim

This study aims to synthesise quantitative and qualitative evidence to comprehensively examine the burden of family caregivers of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients and to understand their coping strategies and related resilience factors.

Background

Long‐term chronic obstructive pulmonary disease care causes heavy psychological and physical burden to caregivers, which is related to the coping strategies used. Resilience is a protective factor originating within the individual and has become a concept related to illness, health and care.

Design

An integrative review.

Methods

Relevant literature was comprehensively searched from China Biology Medicine, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan Fang, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Ovid databases from the establishment of the database till January 2023, and the quality of the selected articles was evaluated. Reporting was done according to a PRISMA checklist.

Findings

The burden of family caregivers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease includes poor health, worry and fear, anticipatory loss and uncertainty, relationship tensions and disagreements, loss of identity and social isolation, lack of supportive knowledge and financial burden. Family caregivers used problem‐centred coping, emotion‐centred coping, avoidance coping, social support and dyadic coping with their patients to manage their burdens. The factors chronic obstructive pulmonary disease associated with a caregiver's resilience included a higher level of knowledge, social and familial support, a close relationship with patients, a caregiver's sense of responsibility, the patient's high self‐efficacy, etc.

Conclusions

The findings show that caregivers of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients face multiple burdens, adapt through different coping styles and have different psychological consequences, while coping style and mental health status also affect the magnitude of burden.

Implications for the Profession and Patient Care

The findings informed health professionals about personalised chronic obstructive pulmonary disease home care interventions to reduce caregiver burden, effectively manage illness and maintain family intimacy.

No Patient or Public Contribution

No patients, families, service providers or members of the public were involved in this study.
Can admission Braden skin score predict delirium in older adults in the intensive care unit? Results from a multicenter study
Authors: Cheng Hongtao , Huang Xiaxuan , Yuan Shiqi , Song Simeng , Tang Yonglan , Ling Yitong , Tan Shanyuan , Wang Zichen , Zhou Fuling , Lyu Jun
Published: December 2023

Aims and Objectives

To investigate whether a low Braden Skin Score (BSS), reflecting an increased risk of pressure injury, could predict the risk of delirium in older patients in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Background

Delirium, a common acute encephalopathy syndrome in older ICU patients, is associated with prolonged hospital stay, long‐term cognitive impairment and increased mortality. However, few studies have explored the relationship between BSS and delirium.

Design

Multicenter cohort study.

Methods

The study included 24,123 older adults from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC‐IV) database and 1090 older adults from the eICU Collaborative Research Database (eICU‐CRD), all of whom had a record of BSS on admission to the ICU. We used structured query language to extract relevant data from the electronic health records. Delirium, the primary outcome, was primarily diagnosed by the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU or the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist. Logistic regression models were used to validate the association between BSS and outcome. A STROBE checklist was the reporting guide for this study.

Results

The median age within the MIMIC‐IV and eICU‐CRD databases was approximately 77 and 75 years, respectively, with 11,195 (46.4%) and 524 (48.1%) being female. The median BSS at enrollment in both databases was 15 (interquartile range: 13, 17). Multivariate logistic regression showed a negative association between BSS on ICU admission and the prevalence of delirium. Similar patterns were found in the eICU‐CRD database.

Conclusions

This study found a significant negative relationship between ICU admission BSS and the prevalence of delirium in older patients.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The BSS, which is simple and accessible, may reflect the health and frailty of older patients. It is recommended that BSS assessment be included as an essential component of delirium management strategies for older patients in the ICU.

No Patient or Public Contribution

This is a retrospective cohort study, and no patients or the public were involved in the design and conduct of the study.
Recorded Votes as Attention Booster: How Opposition Parties use Roll Calls and Nonrecorded Votes for Position Taking in the German Bundestag, 2017–21
Authors: Hohendorf Lukas , Sieberer Ulrich , Wenzig Jonas
Published: December 2023

The article investigates roll‐call request and its effects on opposition‐voting behavior. It argues that parties use roll‐call votes (RCVs) as a position‐taking instrument to boost public attention for issues they care about. This argument implies that RCVs are requested strategically but opposition behavior should not differ systematically between recorded and nonrecorded votes. Studying all voting activities of the 19th German Bundestag (2017–21), the analysis shows that RCVs are more likely on high‐salience issues, more important motion types, and to some extent opposition motions. Voting conforms to the position‐taking model as opposition parties are less likely to vote with the government on their own motions and more important motion types. However, opposition behavior does not differ systematically between recorded and nonrecorded votes suggesting that parties act consistently across all votes. Thus, RCVs provide valid measures for studying interparty competition in parliament despite their selective sampling properties.
A systematic global review of mammalian carnivore responses to production forests
Authors: Jones Evie M. , Koch Amelia J. , Hamede Rodrigo K. , Jones Menna E.
Published: December 2023

Unmodified forests are increasingly rare worldwide, with forestry a major contributor to habitat modification. Extending conservation practices beyond protected areas is important to conserve forest ecosystems.

We investigate the response of native mammalian carnivores (both Order Carnivora and Family Dasyuridae) to production forests globally, including harvested native forest and timber plantations. We examine how carnivores recorded in production forests use these forests versus other land uses, particularly native and/or unharvested forest; how habitat use relates to threatened status, body size, diet and harvesting method; carnivore responses to habitat features within production forests; and carnivore denning, breeding and predation behaviour in production forests.

We review 294 studies recording 132 carnivore species in production forests. Carnivores generally show higher use of unharvested native forests and lower use of agricultural land than production forests. Threatened species and large carnivores respond more negatively to production forests than non‐threatened species and small carnivores respectively. Hypercarnivores respond more negatively than omnivores to plantations compared to native forest, with no difference in the use of harvested and unharvested native forest between these dietary groups.

Notably, a high proportion of carnivore species use clearfelled more than unharvested native forest. In forest with partial harvesting or reduced‐impact logging, most species show no difference in use between harvested and unharvested forest.

Carnivores generally respond positively to habitat features such as riparian areas and coarse woody debris. Several carnivores were recorded denning and breeding in production forests. Production forests often influence the prey availability, hunting success and diet of carnivores.

We show that many carnivores use production forests, and how they respond to production forestry varies with species traits and conservation status. We recommend that production forests are managed as valuable carnivore habitat, and highlight strategies to enhance the use of these forests by carnivores.
Review of the global research on Hyaenidae and implications for conservation and management
Authors: Wilkinson Christine E. , Dheer Arjun , Zett Theresa , Torrents‐Ticó Miquel , Yarnell Richard W. , Bar Ziv Einat , Bhandari Shivish , Jacobson Andrew , Dloniak Stephanie M.
Published: December 2023

Despite the ecological importance of the four extant species of Hyaenidae, and the threats they face globally, there has been no review of the nearly 100 years of published research on hyaenas, nor has there been a synthesis of management‐related literature regarding these species.

We reviewed 907 studies on Hyaenidae, summarized broad temporal, geographic and topical trends, and evaluated findings from management‐related research to determine ways forward for hyaena conservation management. Since the first known study in 1939, most have focused on spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta; 75% of all studies), yet overall publications for Hyaenidae have increased by 372% in recent decades.

Only 44 of the 67 hyaena range states were represented across publications, with nearly half of all studies conducted in Kenya (18%), South Africa (16%) and Tanzania (13%). Twenty‐eight countries had fewer than five studies. Ecology and diet were the most‐studied topic areas. The least‐studied topics were disease and physiology.

Studies on human–hyaena interactions were highly variable in topic, with infrastructure impacts and Hyaenidae benefits to people covered the least. All species were reported to have consumed anthropogenic diet items. Mortality data were included within 11% of publications, with 79% of recorded hyaena mortality constituting anthropogenic causes, although there were few targeted studies on the subject. Lastly, 12% of publications involved community engagement in their methods.

There is a significant bias among species, topics and range states across Hyaenidae studies, and little data explicitly related to human–hyaena coexistence. Our management‐focused synthesis suggests that research on Hyaenidae could better reflect large carnivore conservation and management inquiry by increasing studies focused on human interactions with Hyaenidae. To address research gaps and inform Hyaenidae management, we recommend increasing applied research outside of protected areas and using interdisciplinary, community‐involved methods to increase foundational knowledge on understudied hyaena species, habitats and locations.
A bibliometric literature review in beaver management: when does the beaver become a resource?
Authors: Treves Anna , Comino Elena
Published: December 2023

Freshwater ecosystems are some of the most biodiverse habitats, but they are among the most endangered due to human activities. In this context, beavers represent a nature‐based solutions to preserve and repair freshwater ecosystem, given their important role as ecosystem engineers. However, in an environment modified by humans, beaver activities frequently create conflicts masking the positive effects of this rodent. Therefore, the management of beaver populations and human–beaver conflicts is needed.

This article investigates the literature about beaver management through a bibliometric analysis to understand past, current, and future response. Moreover, it quantifies the number of studies that consider beavers as a resource, and it identifies the emerging themes in the field.

The bibliometric analysis was performed considering a total of 415 documents with the software VOSviewer and the R web interface for bibliometrix Biblioshiny.

The analysis presented here provides a complete view of past, present, and future management approaches and responses at the base of beaver management strategies. Three main results emerged. Firstly, a rising tendency in the number of publications about beavers that are directly linked to the populations development and spread has detected. Secondly, only 4.3% of scientific literature has referred to beaver‐related restoration. Thirdly, the ‘human perceptions’ has resulted in the emerging field investigated.

Findings suggest that there is a lot of research interest about beaver management. The beaver is still poorly managed as a tool for freshwater ecosystem restoration. The management is shifting from studies focused more so on beaver ecology to others mainly focused on the beaver effects and the human dimension.

This review provides a starting point for future research on beavers and suggests the development of socio‐ecological management models that consider benefits and impacts of beavers. This will help the decision‐making process of conservation and restoration initiatives.
MdVQ12 confers resistance to Valsa mali by regulating MdHDA19 expression in apple
Authors: Han Pengliang , Zhang Ruotong , Li Rui , Li Fudong , Nie Jiajun , Xu Ming , Wang Chengli , Huang Lili
Published: December 2023

Valine‐glutamine (VQ) motif‐containing proteins play a crucial role in plant biotic stress responses. Apple Valsa canker, caused by the ascomycete Valsa mali, stands as one of the most severe diseases affecting apple trees. Nonetheless, the underlying resistance mechanism of VQ proteins against this disease has remained largely unexplored. This study reports MdVQ12, a VQ motif‐containing protein, as a positive regulator of apple Valsa canker resistance. Genetic transformation experiments demonstrated that MdVQ12 overexpression increased resistance to V. mali, while gene silencing lines exhibited significantly reduced resistance. MdVQ12 interacted with the transcription factor MdWRKY23, which bound to the promoter of the histone deacetylase gene MdHDA19, activating its expression. MdHDA19 enhanced apple resistance to V. mali by participating in the jasmonic acid (JA) and ethylene (ET) signalling pathways. Additionally, MdVQ12 promoted the transcriptional activity of MdWRKY23 towards MdHDA19. Our findings reveal that MdVQ12 enhances apple resistance to V. mali by regulating MdHDA19 expression and thereby regulating the JA and ET signalling pathways, offering potential candidate gene resources for breeding apple Valsa canker‐resistant germplasm.
Association and mediators between the impact of oral health‐related quality of life and depression
Authors: Xin Tianjiao , Hu Fangfang , Xu Lingzhong , Kong Fanlei , Yang Haifeng , Li Lei , Qin Afei , Bao Binghong , Chen Chiqi , Lan Jing
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Our research intended to explore the association and mediators (perceived social support and sleep quality) between the impact of oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) and depression among Chinese older adults.

Methods

A stratified, multi‐stage random sampling approach was used in our study. A total of 3896 older individuals aged 60 years and older were included. Process macro 3.5 for SPSS was utilized for testing mediation hypotheses.

Results

The mean score of the OHRQoL of the elderly was 3.26 ± 7.15. The correlation coefficient between OHRQoL and depression was 0.25 (p < 0.001). Perceived social support (β = 0.009, 95% CI = 0.006, 0.012) and sleep quality (β = 0.073, 95% CI = 0.074, 0.093) mediated the relationship between OHRQoL and depression, respectively. The association between OHRQoL and depression was mediated sequentially by perceived social support and sleep quality (β = 0.004, 95% CI = 0.002, 0.006).

Conclusions

The participants reported relatively good OHRQoL. OHRQoL and depression showed a significant positive correlation. The relationship between OHRQoL and depression among Chinese seniors was mediated by perceived social support and sleep quality. Both directly and indirectly, OHRQoL can affect depression.
Beyond biventricular pacing: Exploring the advantages of his‐bundle pacing and left bundle branch pacing in heart failure—A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Al Hennawi Hussam , Khan Muhammad Khuzzaim , Khalid Momina , Khalid Hiba , Fatima Laveeza , Ashraf Muhammad Talal , Bhimani Sameer , Pavri Behzad B.
Published: December 2023

Background

This meta‐analysis compares His‐Purkinje system pacing (HPSP), a novel cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) technique that targets the intrinsic conduction system of the heart, with conventional biventricular pacing (BiVP) in heart failure (HF) patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and dyssynchrony.

Methods

We searched multiple databases up to May 2023 and identified 18 studies (five randomized controlled trials and 13 observational studies) involving 1291 patients. The outcome measures were QRS duration, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) improvement, left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter (LVEDD) change, HF hospitalization, and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class improvement. We used a random‐effects model to calculate odds ratios (OR), and mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We also assessed the methodological quality of the studies.

Results

The mean LVEF was 30.7% and the mean follow‐up duration was 8.1 months. Among LBBP, HBP, and BiVP, HBP provided the shortest QRS duration [MD: −18.84 ms, 95% CI: −28.74 to −8.94; p = 0.0002], while LBBP showed the greatest improvement in LVEF [MD: 5.74, 95% CI: 2.74 to 7.46; p < 0.0001], LVEDD [MD: −5.55 mm, 95% CI: −7.51 to −3.59; p < 0.00001], and NYHA functional class [MD: −0.58, 95% CI: −0.80 to −‐0.35; p < 0.00001]. However, there was no significant difference in HF hospitalization between HPSP and BiVP.

Conclusion

LBBP as modality of HPSP demonstrated superior outcomes in achieving electrical ventricular synchrony and systolic function, as well as alleviating HF symptoms, compared to other pacing techniques.
Explaining work addiction through perceived behaviors of significant others in a family and organization: Gender differences
Authors: Morkevičiūtė Modesta , Endriulaitienė Auksė
Published: December 2023

The objective of the study was to investigate the association between employees' work addiction and perceived work addiction of their immediate managers and parents, separate in samples of men and women. A total of 964 Lithuanian employees took part in the study. The levels of work addiction were assessed using the Bergen Work Addiction Scale (Andreassen, Griffiths, Hetland & Pallesen, 2012). We used the same scale to measure work addiction of the employees and perceived work addiction of their parents and immediate managers. The results showed that perceived work addiction of both parents and managers was related to higher levels of work addiction in women. We further found that the positive relationship between perceived work addiction of mothers and men's work addiction was as strong as the association between perceived work addiction of managers and men's work addiction. The positive relationship between perceived work addiction of fathers and men's work addiction was weaker as compared to that between perceived work addiction of managers and men's work addiction. All independent variables accounted for a greater part of the variance in work addiction of men than that of women.
Analyzing the spatial interactions between rainfall levels and flooding prediction in São Paulo
Authors: Billa Wagner da Silva , Santos Leonardo Bacelar Lima , Negri Rogério Galante
Published: December 2023

Rainfall is one of the primary triggers for many geological and hydrological natural disasters. While the geological events are related to mass movements in land collapse due to waterlogging, the hydrological ones are usually assigned to runoff or flooding. Studies in the literature propose predicting mass movement events as a function of accumulated rainfall levels recorded at distinct periods. According to these approaches, a two‐dimensional rainfall levels feature space is segmented into the occurrence and non‐occurrence decision regions by an empirical critical curve (CC). Although this scheme may easily be extended to other purposes and applications, studies in the literature need to discuss its use for flooding prediction. In light of this motivation, the present study is unfolded in (1) verifying that defining CCs in the rainfall levels feature space is a practical approach for flooding prediction and (2) analyzing how geospatial components interact with rainfall levels and flooding prediction. A database containing the rainfall levels recorded for flooding and non‐flooding events in São Paulo city, Brazil, regarding the period 2015–2016, was considered in this study. The results indicate good accuracy for flooding prediction using only partial rain, which can be improved by adding physical characteristics of the flooding locations, demonstrating a direct correlation with spatial interactions, and rainfall levels.
Canine distichiasis cryoepilation using a liquid nitrogen‐cooled, closed probe transconjunctival triple‐freeze technique: Outcomes in 125 dogs (234 eyes)
Authors: Verloop Alexander , Read Tony
Published: December 2023

Purpose

To describe a simple cryosurgical technique for treating canine distichiasis, its success rate and any associated complications.

Methods

Clinical records from canine patients undergoing treatment for distichiasis using a specific cryotherapy technique were retrospectively reviewed. The technique employed a triple freeze–thaw cycle via a transconjunctivally applied, liquid nitrogen‐cooled, 2‐mm diameter closed cryoprobe.

Results

The cryotherapy technique was employed in 125 dogs with distichiasis over a period of 13 years, with 109 (87%) bilaterally and 16 (13%) unilaterally affected, totaling 234 eyes. The mean age at diagnosis was 1.9 years (4 months to 7.5 years), with Staffordshire bull terriers the most common breed (31%). Treatment was deemed successful if clinical signs related to distichiasis resolved, including blepharospasm, conjunctival hyperemia and excess lacrimation. A single triple‐freeze cryotherapy treatment eliminated distichiae in 195/234 (83%) eyes at a mean follow‐up of 4 months (2 weeks to 10 years). Minor recurrence of distichiae in previously treated regions was observed in 39/234 (17%) eyes. Repeat cryotherapy was required in 25/234 (11%) eyes, with the remaining eyes asymptomatic. The two most common postoperative complications were mild to moderate eyelid swelling in all eyes immediately following surgery and eyelid margin depigmentation in 59/234 eyes (25%) between two and 4 weeks postoperatively, both of which were temporary.

Conclusion

This cryotherapy technique for treating canine distichiasis is relatively simple and safe to perform, has a high success rate and a low recorded complication rate, but would benefit from further assessment of any potential detrimental effects on qualitative tear film components.
Subconjunctival autologous muscle‐derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy: A novel, minimally invasive approach for treating equine immune‐mediated keratitis
Authors: Narinx Florine , Sauvage Aurélie , Ceusters Justine , Grulke Sigrid , Serteyn Didier , Monclin Sébastien
Published: December 2023

Objective

To establish the safety of subconjunctival injections of autologous muscle‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (mdMSCs) in healthy horses and to evaluate their effect in four horses (six eyes) with severe chronic equine immune‐mediated keratitis (IMMK) that was unresponsive to medical treatments.

Methods

MdMSCs were cultured from minimally invasive muscle biopsies. In the safety group, four healthy horses received two subconjunctival injections of 2.5 and 5 million cells, respectively, at 1‐month interval, to the same eye. Ocular side effects were monitored for 1 month following each injection. In the treatment group, six eyes received four to seven subconjunctival mdMSCs injections (2.5 or 5 million cells per injection) every 4 weeks, approximatively. Medical treatment was discontinued 1 week before and throughout the entire treatment period. A scoring system was used to assess the evolution of the ocular lesions.

Results

In the safety group, all horses exhibited mild to moderate chemosis and conjunctival hyperemia at the injection site, lasting 24–48 h. In the treatment group, all eyes initially responded positively to therapy, with a reduction in lesion scores observed after the first injection. Four eyes achieved control of the lesions with repeated injections during the 9.2 months of follow‐up.

Conclusion

The first subconjunctival injection of mdMSCs resulted in improvement of the ocular lesions. Repeated injections were found to be safe, minimally invasive and showed promise in managing refractory cases of equine IMMK. Further studies are warranted to demonstrate the long‐term benefits of these injections and to optimize the therapeutic protocol.
Effects of cyanoacrylate on leakage pressures of cooled canine cadaveric jejunal enterotomies
Authors: Thompson Jamie‐Leigh , Miller Lucy , Bowlt Blacklock Kelly
Published: December 2023

Objective

To compare the intraluminal initial and maximal pressures of enterotomies closed using three different techniques (single‐layer appositional continuous closure; closure with cyanoacrylate; a single‐layer appositional closure augmented with cyanoacrylate) in a cooled canine cadaveric jejunal model and to report the initial leak location in all samples.

Study design

Experimental, ex‐vivo study.

Sample population

Grossly normal chilled small intestine segments from three canine cadavers.

Methods

A total of 45 chilled jejunal segments (n = 15 segments/group) were assigned to a handsewn group (HSE), a cyanoacrylate only group (CE) and a handsewn and cyanoacrylate group (HS + CE). A 2 cm antimesenteric enterotomy was performed and closure with one of the above techniques. Initial leakage pressures (ILP), maximal intraluminal pressures (MIP) and initial leakage location were recorded by a single observer.

Results

Handsewn enterotomies leaked at higher ILP when augmented with cyanoacrylate (83.3 ± 4.6 mmHg, p < .001) compared to both the HSE group (43.8 ± 5.3 mmHg) and the CE group (18.6 ± 3.5 mmHg). Those sealed with cyanoacrylate only leaked at a lower MIP compared with the other groups (p < .001). Maximal intraluminal pressures did not differ between handsewn enterotomies, whether augmented or not (p = .19).

Conclusion

Reinforcement of a sutured enterotomy closure with cyanoacrylate was easy to perform and resulted in significantly increased initial leak pressures in cadaveric jejunum.

Clinical significance

The increased leakage pressures achieved by reinforcing enterotomies with cyanoacrylate could consequently reduce the incidence of postoperative intestinal leakage following an enterotomy and may result in reduced patient morbidity or mortality.
Influence of oblique proximal ulnar osteotomy on humeral intracondylar fissures in 35 spaniel breed dogs
Authors: Danielski Alan , Quinonero Reinaldos Ignacio , Solano Miguel Angel , Fatone Gerardo
Published: December 2023

Objective

To investigate the effects of oblique proximal ulnar osteotomy (PUO) on the healing of humeral intracondylar fissure (HIF) in spaniel breed dogs.

Study Design

Clinical retrospective study.

Sample Population

A total of 51 elbows from 35 spaniel dogs.

Methods

An oblique PUO was performed in dogs diagnosed with HIF. The degree of healing of HIF was subjectively and objectively assessed on preoperative and long‐term follow‐up CT imaging. Objective assessment was performed by measuring the bone density in Hounsfield units (HU) of a rectangular region of interest (ROI) encompassing the entire hypoattenuated humeral fissure. Major and minor complications were recorded.

Results

A total of 24 partial and 27 complete HIFs were diagnosed. The follow‐up CT scan was performed at a median 18.5 months (range 10–49 months). Subjective assessment confirmed partial or complete healing of the HIF in 41 elbows (80.3%). Objective assessment confirmed a difference in mean HU of the HIF's ROI between preoperative (HU 640) and last follow‐up CT images (HU 835) (p = .001). Young dogs (<14 months) had the highest increase in HU of the HIF's ROI. Major complications occurred in five dogs (6 limbs) of which four were related to the lack of healing of the fissure (7.8%).

Conclusion

Oblique PUO resulted in partial or complete healing of HIF and pain resolution in the majority of dogs.

Clinical Significance

This study introduces an innovative approach to achieve healing of the HIF in the dog, which may help reduce the high complication rate traditionally associated with the use of transcondylar screws.
Analysis of the Suitability of an Effective Viscosity to Represent Interactions Between Red Blood Cells in Shear Flow
Authors: Rydquist Grant , Esmaily Mahdi
Published: December 2023

Many methods to computationally predict red blood cell damage have been introduced, and among these are Lagrangian methods that track the cells along their pathlines. Such methods typically do not explicitly include cell–cell interactions. Due to the high volume fraction of red blood cells (RBCs) in blood, these interactions could impact cell mechanics and thus the amount of damage caused by the flow. To investigate this question, cell-resolved simulations of red blood cells in shear flow were performed for multiple interacting cells, as well as for single cells in unbounded flow at an effective viscosity. Simulations run without adjusting the bulk viscosity produced larger errors unilaterally and were not considered further for comparison. We show that a periodic box containing at least 8 cells and a spherical harmonic of degree larger than 10 are necessary to produce converged higher-order statistics. The maximum difference between the single-cell and multiple-cell cases in terms of peak strain was 3.7%. To achieve this, one must use the whole blood viscosity and average over multiple cell orientations when adopting a single-cell simulation approach. The differences between the models in terms of average strain were slightly larger (maximum difference of 6.9%). However, given the accuracy of the single-cell approach in predicting the maximum strain, which is useful in hemolysis prediction, and its computational cost that is orders of magnitude less than the multiple-cell approach, one may use it as an affordable cell-resolved approach for hemolysis prediction.
Evaluating Pelvis Response During Simulated Underbody Blast Loading
Authors: Pandelani Thanyani , Carpanen Diagarajen , Masouros Spyros D.
Published: December 2023

In recent conflicts, blast injury from landmines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) has been the main mechanism of wounding and death. When a landmine or IED detonates under a vehicle (an under-body blast), the seat acceleration rapidly transmits a high load to the pelvis of the occupants, resulting in torso and pelvic injury. Pelvic fractures have high mortality rates, yet their injury mechanism has been poorly researched. Three (3) fresh-frozen male pelvic specimens were tested under axial impact loading. The pelvis was impacted mounted upside down by dropping a 12 kg mass at target impact velocities ranging from 1 to 8.6 m/s with time to peak velocity ranging from 3.8 to 5.8 ms. Resulting fractures were broadly categorized as involving a bilateral pubis rami fracture, a bilateral ischium fracture, and sacroiliac joint disruption. The study provides insights into the type and severity of pelvic injury that may occur over a range of under-body blast (UBB)-relevant loading profiles.
Boiling Heat Transfer Performance of Pure Water on Binary Oxide-Based Nanoparticles Coatings
Authors: Kumar Nitish , Ghosh Pradyumna , Shukla P.
Published: December 2023

Pool boiling heat transfer performance has been evaluated on a binary oxide based nanoparticles coated surface. Electrophoretic deposition techniques were used for TiO2 and Al2O3 nanoparticles coatings on polished copper substrates. Four different surfaces have been prepared by varying the deposition time 2.5, 5, 10, and 15 min which are referred to in the text as coated surface (CS)#1, CS#2, CS#3, and CS#4, respectively. The surface characteristics like surface roughness, morphology, and wettability have changed after the coating. It has been observed that all the deposited surfaces are hydrophobic, whereas polished copper surfaces are hydrophilic by nature. The boiling heat transfer performance of surface CS#2 is superior to the other three surfaces, while CS#4 is the worst. The highest enhancement in boiling heat transfer coefficient (BHTC) observed for CS#2 is 62.3%, corresponding to a heat flux of ∼220 kW/m2. The coating layer thickness was also observed to be an important parameter, apart from surface roughness, wettability, and morphology, which may be a cause for heat transfer deterioration, if it crosses a limiting value. In this study the limiting value of coating layer thickness discovered ∼15 μm experimentally.
Public–Private Partnering in Nuclear Reactor Development—Historical Review and Implications for Today
Authors: Krahn Steven , Sowder Andrew
Published: December 2023

The dominant nuclear reactor technologies that comprise the current global operating fleet were developed and deployed over a relatively short, midtwentieth century, period spanning the 1950s and 60 s. Four of these technologies were deployed at fleet scales and commercially exported. The historical record indicates a remarkably consistent process of phased technology development that enabled the commercialization of designs that would define the global nuclear marketplace, beginning with research and development (R&D) and advancing through test reactors, small and large demonstration reactors, and first commercial-scale units. Following proof-of-principle R&D, historical commercialization lead times (from decision to construction of a demonstration reactor to first commercial launch) ranged from 12 to16 years for these four commercial technologies. Key factors contributing to successful commercialization included durable government support for early R&D and varying degrees of public–private partnering through commercial launch. This partnering included arrangements for technical support, siting, facility ownership, nuclear material provision, and cost sharing. The policy environment was characterized by unambiguous government support; stabile, effective and informed government program management and oversight; and flexibility in the public–private partnership arrangements to promote technology development and demonstration. Government advocacy was structured to support progressively increasing industry independence and self-sufficiency. This experience is documented and analyzed in this paper to provide salient lessons and example program elements for contemporary efforts to stimulate development and commercialization of a new generation of advanced nuclear technologies through collaboration and public–private partnerships.
The effect of shear wave elastography in the diagnosis of delaminated partial-thickness rotator cuff tears
Authors: Li Ruochen , Xue Han , Zhu Zheyue , Wu Guangwei , Cui Yipeng , Zhang Chen , Li Miao
Published: December 2023

Aim: To assess the effectiveness of shear wave elastography (SWE) in diagnosing delaminated partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (DPT-RCT).Material and methods: A retrospective study was carried out on 137 patients with DPT-RCT. The study included complete clinical data, including the images of conventional ultrasound (US), SWE, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and shoulder arthroscopic surgery. The features of US, SWE, and MRI were evaluated. The study analysed the Shear-Wave Velocity (SWV) among three types of DPT-RCT, and between the regions of tears, normal contralateral, and affected unilateral supraspinatus tendon. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were evaluated.Results: The SWE detection rate was significantly higher (91.2%) compared to US (73.7%) and MRI (87.6%) for the overall diagnosis of DPT-RCT. Similarly, SWE yielded higher rates of detection for types 1 (89.5%) and 2 (92.3%) of DPT-RCT as compared to US (71.7%, 69.2%) and MRI (81.6%, 94.9%), respectively. However, there was no significant difference in the accuracy of diagnosing type 3 among the three methods. The SWV of the 137 supraspinatus tendon tears was 3.64±0.60 m/s, which was higher than that of the normal supraspinatus tendon (2.43±0.47 m/s, p<0.01) as well as the region of tears (1.61±0.54 m/s, p<0.01). Nevertheless, there was no significant difference in SWV among the three types of DPT-RCT. The cutoff thresholds of SWV for identifying normal tendon from DPT-RCT and for identifying DPT-RCT from the region of tears were 2.96m/s and 2.39m/s, respectively.Conclusions: SWE with SWV can provide both quantitative and qualitative diagnostic information for DPT-RCT, which can be used as a crucial supplement imaging method.
Comments and illustrations of the WFUMB CEUS liver guidelines: Rare malignant hematological liver lesions
Authors: Safai Zadeh Ehsan , Görg Christian , Huber Katharina Paulina , Dirks Klaus , Jenssen Christian , Lim Adrian , Möller Kathleen , Götzberger Manuela , Dong Yi , Cui Xin Wu , Fetzer David T. , Klinger Christoph , Clevert Dirk Andre , Dietrich Christoph F.
Published: December 2023

Diagnosing rare hematological malignancies in the liver is often challenging owing to their infrequency, and confirmation generally necessitates histological examination. Due to the rarity of these lesions, there are limited data concerning their appearance on ultrasound and, specifically, contrast-enhanced ultrasound. In this review, we describe the pathological and ultrasound features of several hematological malignant liver lesions, including lymphoma of the liver and chloroma. Furthermore, two specific forms of liver lymphoma are described: mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma andplasmacytoma of the liver.
Models for Stabilization of Charged Particles with Surfactants in Nonpolar Media
Authors: Popovetskiy P. S.
Published: December 2023

Stabilization of charged particles in nonpolar media is one of the most complicated problems in modern colloid chemistry. The attribution to colloid chemistry is absolutely justified in this case: in nonpolar media, charged particles have, as a rule, a supramolecular nature. Low dielectric permittivity of a medium makes the existence of ions in the classical interpretation energetically disadvantageous. The key condition for the presence of charged particles in nonpolar media is their steric stabilization, which requires some revision of the classical concepts of the structure of the electrical double layer, primarily, its diffuse part. Detailed analyzing the structure of the electrical double layer in nonpolar media is of importance because of the high practical significance of electrokinetic phenomena in such systems. This review considers the main models for steric stabilization of charged particles with surfactants in dispersion media having dielectric permittivities lower than 5. The main attention is focused on not only the concentrations corresponding to the formation of reverse micelles, but also on the concentrations below the critical micelle concentration. In addition, nontypical examples of electrokinetic phenomena in organosols are considered.
Test negative case–control study of COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness for symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers: Zambia, 2021–2022
Authors: Mweso Oliver , Simwanza John , Malambo Warren , Banda Dabwitso , Fwoloshi Sombo , Sinyange Nyambe , Yoo Young M , Feldstein Leora R , Kapina Muzala , Mulenga Lloyd B , Liwewe Mazyanga Mazaba , Musonda Kunda , Kapata Nathan , Mwansa Francis Dien , Agolory Simon , Bobo Patricia , Hines Jonas , Chilengi Roma
Published: December 2023

Objectives

The study aim was to evaluate vaccine effectiveness (VE) of COVID-19 vaccines in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Zambia. We sought to answer the question, ‘What is the vaccine effectiveness of a complete schedule of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 among HCWs in Zambia?’

Design/setting

We conducted a test-negative case–control study among HCWs across different levels of health facilities in Zambia offering point of care testing for COVID-19 from May 2021 to March 2022.

Participants

1767 participants entered the study and completed it. Cases were HCWs with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 and controls were HCWs who tested SARS-CoV-2 negative. Consented HCWs with documented history of vaccination for COVID-19 (vaccinated HCWs only) were included in the study. HCWs with unknown test results and unknown vaccination status, were excluded.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was VE among symptomatic HCWs. Secondary outcomes were VE by: SARS-CoV-2 variant strains based on the predominant variant circulating in Zambia (Delta during May 2021 to November 2021 and Omicron during December 2021 to March 2022), duration since vaccination and vaccine product.

Results

We recruited 1145 symptomatic HCWs. The median age was 30 years (IQR: 26–38) and 789 (68.9%) were women. Two hundred and eighty-two (24.6%) were fully vaccinated. The median time to full vaccination was 102 days (IQR: 56–144). VE against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection was 72.7% (95% CI: 61.9% to 80.7%) for fully vaccinated participants. VE was 79.4% (95% CI: 58.2% to 90.7%) during the Delta period and 37.5% (95% CI: −7.0% to 63.3%) during the Omicron period.

Conclusions

COVID-19 vaccines were effective in reducing symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 among Zambian HCWs when the Delta variant was circulating but not when Omicron was circulating. This could be related to immune evasive characteristics and/or waning immunity. These findings support accelerating COVID-19 booster dosing with bivalent vaccines as part of the vaccination programme to reduce COVID-19 in Zambia.
Quality of life in south-eastern Australia: normative values for the WHOQOL-BREF in a population-based sample of adults
Authors: West Emma C , Williams Lana J , Stuart Amanda L , Pasco Julie A
Published: December 2023

Objectives

The abbreviated World Health Organisation Quality of Life tool (WHOQOL-BREF) is a short-form quality of life (QoL) assessment commonly used worldwide in both healthy and ill populations. Normative data for the Australian general population are limited. The objective of this study was to present normative data for the WHOQOL-BREF based on a general population sample. A secondary aim was to explore sociodemographic factors related to QoL.

Design

Population-based cross-sectional study.

Participants

929 men and 830 women aged 24–94 years participating in the Geelong Osteoporosis Study.

Outcome measures

The 26-item WHOQOL-BREF.

Results

Means and SD for each domain are presented by age group and sex. Percentile scores were also generated. Mean scores for WHOQOL-BREF domains were 74.52 (SD=16.22) for physical health, 72.07 (SD=15.35) for psychological, 72.87 (SD=18.78) for social relationships and 79.68 (SD=12.55) for environment. We identified significant associations between sociodemographic factors and WHOQOL-BREF domains. Notably, being married or in a relationship was associated with increased odds for high QoL across all four WHOQOL-BREF domains: physical health (women OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.36 to 4.44, p=0.003), psychological (men OR 2.07, 95% CI: 1.20 to 3.55, p=0.009; women OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.21 to 3.81, p=0.009), social relationships (men OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.29 to 4.04, p=0.005; women OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.42 to 5.41, p=0.003) and environment (women OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.13 to 3.80, p=0.019).

Conclusions

This study provides population norms for the WHOQOL-BREF based on a representative sample of Australian adults. Our results will be useful to researchers and clinicians who can use these data as a reference point for interpreting WHOQOL-BREF scores.
Rationale and design of a comparison of angiography-derived fractional flow reserve-guided and intravascular ultrasound-guided intervention strategy for clinical outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease: a randomised controlled trial (FLAVOUR II)
Authors: Zhang Jinlong , Hu Xinyang , Jiang Jun , Lu Dongsheng , Guo Lijun , Peng Xiaoping , Pan Yibin , He Wenming , Li Jilin , Zhou Hao , Huang Jinyu , Jiang Fan , Pu Jun , Cheng Zhenfeng , Yang Bin , Ma Jianliang , Chen Peng , Liu Qiang , Song Daqing , Lu Liang , Li Shiqiang , Fan Yongzhen , Meng Zhaohui , Tang Lijiang , Shin Eun-Seok , Tu Shengxian , Koo Bon-Kwon , Wang Jianan
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) guided by coronary angiography-derived fractional flow reserve (FFR) or intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) has shown improved clinical outcomes compared with angiography-only-guided PCI. In patients with intermediate stenoses, FFR resulted in fewer coronary interventions and was non-inferior to IVUS with respect to clinical outcomes. However, whether this finding can be applied to angiography-derived FFR in significant coronary artery disease (CAD) remains unclear.

Method and analysis

The comparison of angiography-derived FFR-guided and IVUS-guided intervention strategies for clinical outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease (FLAVOUR II) trial is a multicentre, prospective, randomised controlled trial. A total of 1872 patients with angiographically significant CAD (stenoses of at least 50% as estimated visually through angiography) in a major epicardial coronary artery will be randomised 1:1 to receive either angiography-derived FFR-guided or IVUS-guided PCI. Patients will be treated with second-generation drug-eluting stent according to the predefined criteria for revascularisation: angiography-derived FFR≤0.8 and minimal lumen area (MLA)≤3 mm2or 3 mm270%. The primary endpoint is a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction and revascularisation at 12 months after randomisation. We will test the non-inferiority of the angiography-derived FFR-guided strategy compared with the IVUS-guided decision for PCI and the stent optimisation strategy.

The FLAVOUR II trial will provide new insights into optimal evaluation and treatment strategies for patients with CAD.

Ethics and dissemination

FLAVOUR II was approved by the institutional review board at each participating site (The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine Approval No: 2020LSYD410) and will be conducted in line with the Declaration of Helsinki. Informed consent would be obtained from each patient before their participation. The study results will be submitted to a scientific journal.

Trial registration number

NCT04397211.