bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sleep Technology Intervention to Target Cardiometabolic Health (STITCH): a randomized controlled study of a behavioral sleep extension intervention compared to an education control to improve sleep duration, blood pressure, and cardiometabolic health among adults with elevated blood pressure/hypertension
Authors: Baron Kelly Glazer , Duffecy Jennifer , Simonsen Sara , Bress Adam , Conroy Molly B. , Greene Tom , Allen Chelsea , Vallejo Sofia
Published: October 2023

Background

Short sleep duration, defined as < 7 h sleep on weeknights, affects 40% of the US adult population, contributing to the increased risk for cardiometabolic diseases, decreased safety, and poorer mental health. Despite the prevalence of short sleep duration, few studies have tested interventions to extend sleep duration. The objective of this study is to test the effects of a behavioral sleep extension intervention on sleep duration, blood pressure, and other measures of cardiometabolic health among adults with elevated blood pressure or hypertension.

Methods

This is a single-blind, randomized controlled trial to determine the impact of a behavioral sleep extension intervention on sleep duration and cardiometabolic health among individuals with short sleep duration (< 7 h per night) and elevated blood pressure or hypertension (SBP 120–150 mmHg or DBP 80–90 mmHg). After completing the screening, participants will be randomly assigned to either a sleep coaching (intervention) or health education (control) group. The participants will have weekly contact for either coaching or education for 8 weeks (intervention period) followed by monthly coaching or education for the next 2 months (maintenance period). Participants will complete assessment visits, actigraphy, and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure recording at baseline/screening, 8 weeks, and 6 and 12 months. The primary outcome is sleep duration at 8 weeks, and the secondary outcome is blood pressure at 8 weeks.

Discussion

The results of this study will determine the effects of behavioral sleep extension on sleep and cardiometabolic health among adults with short sleep duration and elevated BP/hypertension. The results will inform the feasibility and efficacy of behavioral sleep extension and provide information needed for future multi-site effectiveness studies.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04766424. Registered on 21 February 2021.
In vitro evaluation of the effect of galectins on Schistosoma mansoni motility
Authors: Takeuchi Tomoharu , Nakamura Risa , Hamasaki Megumi , Oyama Midori , Hamano Shinjiro , Hatanaka Tomomi
Published: October 2023

Objective

Galectins are sugar-binding proteins that participate in many biological processes, such as immunity, by regulating host immune cells and their direct interaction with pathogens. They are involved in mediating infection by Schistosoma mansoni, a parasitic trematode that causes schistosomiasis. However, their direct effects on schistosomes have not been investigated.

Results

We found that galectin-2 recognizes S. mansoni glycoconjugates and investigated whether galectin-1, 2, and 3 can directly affect S. mansoni in vitro. Adult S. mansoni were treated with recombinant galectin-1, 2, and 3 proteins or praziquantel, a positive control. Treatment with galectin-1, 2, and 3 had no significant effect on S. mansoni motility, and no other differences were observed under a stereoscopic microscope. Hence, galectin-1, 2, and 3 may have a little direct effect on S. mansoni. However, they might play a role in the infection in vivo via the modulation of the host immune response or secretory molecules from S. mansoni. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the direct effect of galectins on S. mansoni and helps in understanding the roles of galectins in S. mansoni infection in vivo.
Resolution of stuttering during ketamine treatment: a case report
Authors: Bolton Dan , Hailu Tegest , Porucznik Christina A.
Published: October 2023

Background

Stuttering may include repetition of words in whole or part, difficulty saying words, and elongated pauses in speech. Approximately 5% of children stutter for a period lasting 6 months or more. Most of those children stop stuttering as they approach adulthood, but the condition persists in approximately 1% of adults. The cause of stuttering is unknown. Adults who stutter face substantial burdens in many aspects of their lives. Stutterers may choose not to pursue meaningful employment opportunities, may not be hired for positions they seek, or may be denied promotions or positive performance evaluations. Stuttering can cause physical tension from fear of speaking. Social challenges arise when a person who stutters is seen as less capable or of lower intelligence than fluent speakers. Stuttering causes emotional difficulties through the frustration and embarrassment that disfluent speakers feel. Stutterers may experience a general loss of self-esteem and personal satisfaction in life. Speech therapy is the primary intervention for stuttering. Medications have been investigated as treatments for stuttering, but no medication has been identified that has widespread effectiveness.

Case presentation

A 60-year-old white non-Hispanic woman who had been a near lifelong stutterer was prescribed ketamine for an unrelated condition and experienced an almost immediate resolution of her stuttering.

Conclusions

Many possible pharmacological treatments for stuttering have been studied. Some medications appear to be effective in some patients; some appear to be more generally effective but have negative side effects. No reporting in relevant literature has addressed a possible role for ketamine in stuttering treatment. On the basis of this case report, research on the effect of ketamine on stuttering would be useful. Any effective treatment for stuttering would have a significant positive effect on quality of life for persons who stutter.
Lethal nitrous oxide (N2O) intoxication during surgery: the contribution of immunohistochemistry in identifying the cause of death: a case report
Authors: Cioffi Andrea , Cecannecchia Camilla , Bosco Maria Antonella , Gurgoglione Giovanni , Baldari Benedetta , De Simone Stefania
Published: October 2023

Background

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a gas used in medicine for its analgesic, anxiolytic and amnesic properties. It is a drug considered safe if adequately administered. In the literature, accidental N2O-related deaths are rare. They are mostly related to inhalation of this substance for recreational and autoerotic purposes; rarely are reported deaths due to incorrect administration of medical gas in anesthesia. The diagnosis of death from acute N2O intoxication is complex and is generally an exclusion diagnosis: the macroscopic and microscopic post-mortem signs are entirely nonspecific. Furthermore, the circumstantial data are not always supportive and can even be confusing, mainly if the death occurred inside a hospital.

Case presentation

We describe a particular case of death from acute nitrous oxide poisoning in a hospital environment, of a Caucasian male of 72-years-old. The intoxication occurred during a minimally invasive vascular surgery due to an incorrect assembly of the supply lines of medical gases (O2 and N2O). The identification of the cause of death resulted from the analysis of circumstantial data, macroscopic and microscopic autoptic findings, and immunohistochemical investigations based on the search for antibodies anti E-selectin, P-selectin, and HIF 1-α.

Conclusion

Although not pathognomonic of asphyxiation by N2O, the latter molecules are a valid and early marker of hypoxic insult. Therefore, in concert with all other findings, it may constitute valid support for the forensic pathologist to ascertain the cause of death in case of suspected intoxication by N2O.
Job adjustment predictive factors of healthcare midwives in health system reform in Iran
Authors: Moradali Monireh Rezaee , Hajian Sepideh , Majd Hamid Alavi , Rahbar Mohammadreza , Entezarmahdi Rasool
Published: October 2023

Background

Possessing sensitive and multiple responsibilities in the country's health system, particularly after the implementation of the health reform in Iran, midwives must be able to optimally perform their duties in their new job as healthcare providers. This study aimed to identify the factors that predict job adjustment for Iranian midwives working in healthcare.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 310 midwives were recruited from 209 health centers in the Iranian province of West Azerbaijan using the census method and asked to complete research questionnaires. Data were collected using job adjustment, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment scales. SPSS version 25 was used to perform ANOVA and calculate multiple linear regression coefficients for data analysis. In addition, the AMOS software was employed for path analysis and the identification of predictive variables.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 37.67 ± 7.1 years. Most participants (35.5%) were interested in their occupation as a midwife, and 27.1% were very interest. They had a moderate to strong tendency (76.1%) to remain in their new profession. In addition, 58.1% of participants experienced moderate job adjustment. For healthcare midwives, "desire to remain in the midwifery profession" and "organizational commitment" were significant predictors of job adjustment. "Desire to remain in the midwifery profession" directly affected midwives' job adjustment, while "interest in the new profession" had an indirect effect. Furthermore, "adequacy of income to expenses," "job satisfaction," and "organizational commitment" through the mediating role of "desire to remain in the profession" can, directly and indirectly, influence their job adjustment.

Conclusion

To better prepare midwives for their role as healthcare providers, organizational managers should focus their efforts and plan primarily on providing incentives to increase the longevity of staying in the profession of midwifery increase job adjustment, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment, thereby improving the quality-of-service delivery.
Effects of Enteromorpha prolifera polysaccharides on growth performance, intestinal barrier function and cecal microbiota in yellow-feathered broilers under heat stress
Authors: Liu Wenchao , Liu Huimei , Wang Yaoyao , Zhao Zhongxiang , Balasubramanian Balamuralikrishnan , Jha Rajesh
Published: October 2023

Background

Global warming leading to heat stress (HS) is becoming a major challenge for broiler production. This study aimed to explore the protective effects of seaweed (Enteromorpha prolifera) polysaccharides (EPS) on the intestinal barrier function, microbial ecology, and performance of broilers under HS. A total of 144 yellow-feathered broilers (male, 56 days old) with 682.59 ± 7.38 g were randomly assigned to 3 groups: 1) TN (thermal neutral zone, 23.6 ± 1.8 °C), 2) HS (heat stress, 33.2 ± 1.5 °C for 10 h/d), and 3) HSE (HS + 0.1% EPS). Each group contained 6 replicates with 8 broilers per replicate. The study was conducted for 4 weeks; feed intake and body weights were measured at the end of weeks 2 and 4. At the end of the feeding trial, small intestine samples were collected for histomorphology, antioxidant, secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) content, apoptosis, gene and protein expression analysis; cecal contents were also collected for microbiota analysis based on 16S rDNA sequencing.

Results

Dietary EPS promoted the average daily gain (ADG) of broilers during 3–4 weeks of HS (P < 0.05). At the end of HS on broilers, the activity of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and the content of sIgA in jejunum were improved by EPS supplementation (P < 0.05). Besides, dietary EPS reduced the epithelial cell apoptosis of jejunum and ileum in heat-stressed broilers (P < 0.05). Addition of EPS in HS group broilers' diet upregulated the relative mRNA expression of Occludin, ZO-1, γ-GCLc and IL-10 of the jejunum (P < 0.05), whereas downregulated the relative mRNA expression of NF-κB p65, TNF-α and IL-1β of the jejunum (P < 0.05). Dietary EPS increased the protein expression of Occludin and ZO-1, whereas it reduced the protein expression of NF-κB p65 and MLCK (P < 0.01) and tended to decrease the protein expression of TNF-α (P = 0.094) in heat-stressed broilers. Furthermore, the proportions of Bacteroides and Oscillospira among the three groups were positively associated with jejunal apoptosis and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression (P < 0.05) and negatively correlated with jejunal Occludin level (P < 0.05). However, the proportions of Lactobacillus, Barnesiella, Subdoligranulum, Megasphaera, Collinsella, and Blautia among the three groups were positively related to ADG (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

EPS can be used as a feed additive in yellow-feathered broilers. It effectively improves growth performance and alleviates HS-induced intestinal injury by relieving inflammatory damage and improving the tight junction proteins expression. These beneficial effects may be related to inhibiting NF-κB/MLCK signaling pathway activation and regulation of cecal microbiota.
Optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Gad Adel Hassanein Elsayed , Abd El Hamid Nouran Alaa , El-Mofty Randa Mohamed Abdel-Moneim , El Ghoneimy Lobna Ahmed Talaat
Published: October 2023

Background

In multiple sclerosis (MS), optical coherence tomography (OCT) has become a sensitive tool for evaluating retinal and optic nerve diseases. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) is a novel technique that can assess the density of retinal vascular networks. Vascular changes caused by MS play a chief role in the development and progression of the MS lesions giving the idea and goal of this study which aimed to assess vascular anomalies in MS using OCT and OCT-A, determine their relationship to clinical characteristics, and determine if vasculopathy may play a role in MS causation. This research also looked at whether the retinal vasculature can be used as a biomarker for neurodegeneration and disease progression. A total of 30 MS patients with and without history of optic neuritis (ON), as well as 10 healthy volunteers, were included in the study. OCT-A and spectral domain. (SD-OCT) were performed on all of them. The data included clinical history, the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), illness duration, visual function assessment, and investigations.

Results

When comparing MS patients to controls, OCT-A revealed a drop in the arterial density in the eyes of MS patients. When compared to control eyes, all SD-OCT and OCT-A parameters indicated a statistically significant drop in MS eyes (with and without ON). Results showed a direct association (p = 0.001) between vascular density metrics and SD-OCT parameters (p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusions

Results showed a reduction in retinal vascular density (VD) in MS patients. The clinical link between VD and SD-OCT characteristics is highlighted, implying that OCT-A may be a useful marker of illness and impairment in MS.
Fatal pulmonary embolism following injectable gluteal filler usage: a case report
Authors: Shaheen Sameh , Al-Habbaa Ahmed , Riad Mohamed Saeid , Mandour Ahmed Saied , Elzeny Mahmoud Ali , Alnady Khaled
Published: October 2023

Background

Despite the fact that injectable filler usage in the gluteal region has not been recommended in formal medical institutions, illegal procedures are performed in many clinics and beauty centers across Egypt. This case report illustrates the illegal practice culminating in a fatal complication.

Case presentation

A 26-year-old female with no relevant medical history presented to the ER with acute onset shortness of breath. The complaint started 16 h before, with a rapidly progressive course, shortly after undergoing a gluteal filler injection at a center in Cairo. At ER, the patient was severely distressed, yet fully conscious and oriented. She was shocked (BP 70/40 mmHg), tachycardic (130 BPM), and tachypneic (30/min) with normal temperature. She had congested pulsating neck veins with positive Kussmaul sign. Chest auscultation revealed normal vesicular breathing with equal air entry and no adventitious sounds. Her O2 saturation was 60% on room air that improved to 85% on O2 mask. ECG showed sinus tachycardia. Echocardiography showed dilated right side, D-shaped septum with systolic flattening, dilated IVC, mild tricuspid regurgitation and estimated RV systolic pressure 53 mmHg. Her ABG showed compensated metabolic acidosis with elevated lactate level. At the ICU, CVP was 18 mmHg. Saline infusion was continued along with noradrenaline infusion initiation. A provisional diagnosis of high-risk pulmonary embolism was made, though CT pulmonary angiography was not available. Accordingly, thrombolytic therapy was initiated with alteplase (100 mg) over 2 h. Also, a dose of pulse steroids (methylprednisolone 200 mg) was given. Chest X-ray showed bilateral heterogenous opacity and ABG showed deteriorating hypoxia and combined metabolic and respiratory acidosis. The patient was intubated upon deterioration of conscious level and was put on mechanical ventilation. Her ET tube showed frequent blood-tinged secretions. Echocardiography showed more right-side dilatation that was consistent with deterioration of clinical status. Three hours after admission the patient developed cardiac arrest and died 2 h later.

Conclusions

This case report highlights the dangers associated with injectable filler usage in the gluteal region. Physicians and patients should be aware of the possible complications and how to avoid it.
Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of pathological axillary lymph nodes in cases of breast cancer
Authors: Hegazy Rania Mohamed Abbas , Khalil Shereen Mohamed AbdelRaouf , Mokhtar Sherif Mohamed , Awad Fatma Mohamed AbdelRahman
Published: October 2023

Background

Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer affecting females. It represents leading cause of death from all cancers in females. Traditionally, axillary staging was surgically assessed by axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), which is associated with complications. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a minimally invasive surgical method for axillary staging in patients with primary breast cancer with lower morbidity and better quality of life. Clinical examination of the axilla is usually associated with a high false negative rate, so role of imaging is crucial to identify lymph nodes with or without suspicious features, to predict the pathological state of the lymph nodes and to direct the diagnostic and therapeutic process toward SLNB, ALND, or chemotherapy. Aim of this study was to assess axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer patients by magnetic resonance imaging and functional MRI preoperatively to determine its nature and eliminate invasive procedures as invasive dissection used in diagnosis.

Results

Lymph node size cannot significantly predict malignant infiltration with p value 0.425, using cut-off value of 21.5 mm, with a sensitivity of 14.6% and specificity of 100%. Cortical thickness of lymph nodes can significantly predict malignant infiltration with p value 0.006, using cut-off value of 4.5 mm, with a sensitivity of 68.8%, specificity of 62.5%, and diagnostic accuracy of 64.1%. ADC can significantly predict lymph node infiltration with p value 0.011, using a cut-off value of 0.99, with sensitivity of 43.85, specificity of 100%, diagnostic accuracy of 57.8%, and AUC of 71.4%. There was a statistically significant correlation between pathological findings and DCE-MRI curve type III with p value 0.0001, showing a sensitivity of 37.5%, specificity of 100%, and diagnostic accuracy of 84.4% for detection of malignant lymph nodes.

Conclusions

Cortical thickness and effaced fatty hilum of lymph nodes can significantly predict malignant infiltration, while lymph node size cannot significantly predict malignant infiltration. Diffusion weighted images and ADC maps can be of significant value in predicting metastatic lymph nodes with approximate ADC cut-off value of 0.99. Kinetic MRI features of the axillary lymph nodes are not reliable enough to be used alone in the clinical management of breast cancer patients.
Joint data-driven and physics-driven prestack amplitude-variation-with-angle elastic parameter inversion
Authors: Wu Shuliang , Wang Yingying , Li Qingping , He Zhiliang , Geng Jianhua
Published: October 2023

Elastic parameters such as P-wave and S-wave velocity and density are of great significance for subsurface quantitative interpretation and reservoir prediction. Current prestack amplitude-variation-with-angle (AVA) inversion methods have been widely used in the industry to obtain subsurface elastic parameters. Conventional AVA inversion methods are theoretically based on a linearized amplitude-variation-with-offset model that formulates the relationship between prestack seismic reflection coefficients and the subsurface model of elastic parameters, which is called physical model-driven inversion. However, due to the linearized physical model, it is difficult to obtain high-accuracy and high-resolution inversion results using model-driven inversion when the incident angles are greater than 30°. In recent years, several neural network-based prestack AVA inversion methods, known as data-driven inversion, have been developed to address this issue. However, these methods typically require a large amount of labeled data for training networks, and there is no physical mechanism in the network training process. To solve this problem, a joint data-driven and physics-driven inversion of prestack AVA elastic parameters is proposed. Under the framework of semisupervised learning, a 2D convolutional neural network and a recurrent neural network are used to establish the mapping between several adjacent prestack AVA gathers and 1D elastic parameters in the time domain. The full Zoeppritz equation suitable for large incidence angles is used as a physical constraint for training the neural network. The loss functions of the network are constructed by combing well-log data and prestack AVA seismic data. This approach enables us to use fewer labeled data for training the network and increases the physical interpretability of the training process. To further improve the inversion results, the inverse distance weighted correlation coefficient of seismic data is applied to the loss function of seismic data and well-log data. Synthetic and field data examples demonstrate that the joint data-driven and physics-driven prestack AVA elastic parameter inversion improves accuracy and resolution compared with conventional model-driven inversion.
Mild cognitive impairment: not much harm; not much help
Authors: Isaacs Jeremy D.
Published: October 2023

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) represents a liminal state between full cognitive health and dementia. The diagnosis is applied unevenly and cannot be accurately prognosticated, even with the use of biomarkers, and there is no established intervention to reduce risk of progression to dementia. Owing to the limited benefit and potential for iatrogenic harm associated with an MCI diagnosis, a better understanding of its psychosocial consequences is needed. In the linked paper, Munawar and colleagues provide cautious optimism; their patients were generally unharmed by an MCI diagnosis. However, the majority of patients and families either did not recall or did not fully understand the implications for future dementia risk. Only 20% made lifestyle changes, and the number receiving hearing aids was very low. These data demonstrate the poor return on using the clinic as the setting for improving ‘brain health’. Initiatives to prevent dementia are more effectively and equitably applied at population level.
Identifying individuals with intellectual disability who access mental health support and are at high risk for adverse clinical outcomes: cohort study
Authors: Baksh R. Asaad , Sheehan Rory , Hassiotis Angela , Smith James , Strydom Andre
Published: October 2023

Background

People with intellectual disability often experience aggressive challenging behaviour and mental health issues. It can be difficult to identify those who are at higher risk of adverse clinical outcomes when in clinical care.

Aims

To characterise potential subgroups in adults with intellectual disability referred to mental health services in those presenting with aggressive behaviour or common mental disorders (CMDs).

Method

There were 836 adults (≥18 years) with intellectual disability and a record of aggressive challenging behaviour, and 205 patients with intellectual disability and CMDs, who were seen in specialist mental health services over a 5-year period. Cluster analysis was used to define patient characteristics associated with clinical outcome.

Results

Distinct patient groups with differentiated profiles were observed in people with intellectual disability displaying aggressive challenging behaviour, and in those presenting with CMDs. Characteristics of the aggressive behaviour group who experienced adverse outcomes included being <30 years old, being male, more mentions of aggression and agitation in their clinical record, a diagnosis of pervasive developmental disorder and prescription of psychotropic medication. Characteristics of the CMD cluster that experienced adverse clinical outcomes were being older, being a White male, having a mild intellectual disability and physical health concerns.

Conclusions

People with intellectual disability who experience adverse clinical outcomes can be identified with a cluster analysis approach of common features, but differ by clinical presentation. This could be used not only to stratify this clinically heterogeneous population in terms of response to interventions, but also improve precision in the development of tailored interventions.
A genetic mosaic mouse model illuminates the pre-malignant progression of basal-like breast cancer
Authors: Zeng Jianhao , Singh Shambhavi , Zhou Xian , Jiang Ying , Casarez Eli , Atkins Kristen A. , Janes Kevin A. , Zong Hui
Published: October 2023

Basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) is highly aggressive, and often characterized by BRCA1 and p53 deficiency. Although conventional mouse models enabled the investigation of BLBC at malignant stages, its initiation and pre-malignant progression remain understudied. Here, we leveraged a mouse genetic system known as mosaic analysis with double markers (MADM) to study BLBC initiation by generating rare GFP+Brca1, p53-deficient mammary cells alongside RFP+ wild-type sibling cells. After confirming the close resemblance of mammary tumors arising in this model to human BLBC at both transcriptomic and genomic levels, we focused our studies on the pre-malignant progression of BLBC. Initiated GFP+ mutant cells showed a stepwise pre-malignant progression trajectory from focal expansion to hyper-alveolarization and then to micro-invasion. Furthermore, despite morphological similarities to alveoli, hyper-alveolarized structures actually originate from ductal cells based on twin-spot analysis of GFP-RFP sibling cells. Finally, luminal-to-basal transition occurred exclusively in cells that have progressed to micro-invasive lesions. Our MADM model provides excellent spatiotemporal resolution to illuminate the pre-malignant progression of BLBC, and should enable future studies on early detection and prevention for this cancer.
High latitude northern bats (Eptesicus nilssonii) reveal adaptations to both high and low ambient temperatures
Authors: Sørås Rune , Fjelldal Mari Aas , Bech Claus , van der Kooij Jeroen , Eldegard Katrine , Stawski Clare
Published: October 2023

Insectivorous bats at northern latitudes need to cope with long periods of no food for large parts of the year. Hence, bats which are resident at northern latitudes throughout the year will need to undergo a long hibernation season and a short reproductive season where foraging time is limited by extended daylight periods. Eptesicus nilssonii is the northernmost occurring bat species worldwide and hibernates locally when ambient temperatures (Ta) limit prey availability. Therefore, we investigated the energy spent maintaining normothermy at different Ta, as well as how much bats limit energy expenditure while in torpor. We found that, despite being exposed to Ta as low as 1.1°C, bats did not increase torpid metabolic rate, thus indicating that E. nilssonii can survive and hibernate at low ambient temperatures. Furthermore, we found a lower critical temperature (Tlc) of 27.8°C, which is lower than in most other vespertilionid bats, and we found no indication of any metabolic response to Ta up to 37.1°C. Interestingly, carbon dioxide production increased with increasing Ta above the Tlc, presumably caused by a release of retained CO2 in bats that remained in torpor for longer and aroused at Ta above the Tlc. Our results indicate that E. nilssonii can thermoconform at near-freezing Ta, and hence maintain longer torpor bouts with limited energy expenditure, yet also cope with high Ta when sun exposed in roosts during long summer days. These physiological traits are likely to enable the species to cope with ongoing and predicted climate change.
The genome sequence of the Barred Straw, Gandaritis pyraliata (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)
Authors: Boyes Douglas , Holland Peter W.H. ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: October 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Gandaritis pyraliata (the Barred Straw; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Geometridae). The genome sequence is 295.6 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the W and Z sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.74 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 15,805 protein coding genes.
The genome sequence of a drosophilid fruit fly, Drosophila funebris (Fabricius, 1789)
Authors: Obbard Darren J. ,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: October 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Drosophila funebris (drosophilid fruit fly; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Drosophilidae). The genome sequence is 181.1 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 7 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X and Y sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.15 kilobases in length.
A Bias Correction Approach for Interference in Ranking Experiments
Authors: Goli Ali , Lambrecht Anja , Yoganarasimhan Hema
Published: October 2023

A bias-correction approach that can recover the total average treatment effect of a ranking algorithm based on past A/B tests even if those tests suffer from interference issues.
Case study: Managing filler migration and poor placement with topical and injectable hyaluronidase and filler multilayering
Authors: Sadiq Sana
Published: October 2023

More careful consideration and screening should be employed when assessing patients for lip filler and lower face treatments. It is common to dismiss the lips as simple treatment areas, however their variability can predispose patients to many complications. Furthermore, filler treatments cannot be an exercise in simply balancing ratios for results to look natural. It is important to learn the utility of both topical and injectable dissolving agents, as well as a multilayering filler approach in resolving and treating the lower face.
Notes from a successful conference
Authors: Amrani Clare
Published: October 2023

Clare Amrani from the British Association of Cosmetic Nurses celebrates a successful conference, and looks at how a stronger BACN can influence changes in medical aesthetics
Research Roundup
Authors: Winter George
Published: October 2023

George Winter provides an overview of recently published articles that may be of interest to practice nurses. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided.
The Degree of Application of Language Activities in Autistic Children and Their Relationship in Improving Verbal Expression Skills in Special Education Centers in Jordan
Authors: Al-Momani Randa Mousa
Published: October 2023

The study sought to determine the degree to which autistic children used language activities and their relevance to increasing verbal expression abilities in Jordanian special education institutions. The descriptive-analytical technique was used in the investigation. The two dimensions were utilized to represent the instrument through a set of 27 statements. The participants included 200 instructors from special education centers in Amman, Jordan's capital. The study's findings revealed a high level of application of linguistic activities among autistic children in Jordanian special education programs. Their ability to express themselves verbally improved significantly as well. The findings also revealed a statistically significant positive link between the extents to which autistic children applied language exercises and the improvement of verbal expression abilities in special education institutions.
The Use of the Teddy Talk Test to Determine Speech and Language Development in Children Aged 4 to 5 Years
Authors: Skubic Darija , Brodar Jona
Published: October 2023

Speech therapy uses a combination of approaches to assess speech and language, including analysis of spontaneous speech, use of standardized scales and assessment by the child’s parents and/or preschool teachers. In this paper, we present the Teddy Talk Test. Using a sample of sixteen children aged 4 to 5 years, we examined whether the test provided representative data on child language development. The parent questionnaire included information on the parents’ education, the parents’ native language, the child’s gender and the language the parents speak with their child. It was found that the Teddy Talk Test has the characteristics of screening tests for speech and language: it is time-efficient, it covers receptive and expressive language tasks, and it allows for rapid assessment of speech and language in large numbers of children. However, since the Teddy Talk Test has not yet been evaluated, we do not know its value regarding sensitivity, specificity and predictive validity.
LONG-TERM OUTCOMES OF A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL COMPARING FIBULAR NAIL FIXATION WITH OPEN REDUCTION INTERNAL FIXATION IN PATIENTS WITH UNSTABLE ANKLE FRACTURES
Authors: Heinz N.R. , Bugler K.E. , Clement N.D. , Low X. , Duckworth A.D. , White T.O.
Published: October 2023

To compare the long-term outcomes of fibular nailing and plate fixation for unstable ankle fractures in a cohort of patients under the age of 65 years.

Patients from a previously conducted randomized control trial comparing fibular nailing and plate fixation were contacted at a minimum of 10 years post intervention at a single study centre. Short term data were collected prospectively and long-term data were collected retrospectively using an electronic patient record software.

Ninety-nine patients from one trauma centre were included (48 fibular nails and 51 plate fixations). Groups were matched for gender (p = 0.579), age (p = 0.811), body mass index (BMI)(p = 0.925), smoking status (p = 0.209), alcohol status (p = 0.679) and injury type (p = 0.674). Radiographically at an average of 2 years post-injury, there was no statistically significant difference between groups for development of osteoarthritis (p = 0.851). Both groups had 1 tibio-talar fusion (2% of both groups) secondary to osteoarthritis with no statistically significant difference in overall re-operation rate between groups identified (p = 0.518,). Forty-five percent (n=42) of patients had so far returned patient reported outcome measures at a minimum of 10 years (Fibular nail n=19, plate fixation n=23). No significant difference was found between groups at 10 years for the Olerud and Molander Ankle Score (p = 0.990), the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (p = 0.288), Euroqol-5D Index (p = 0.828) and Euroqol-5D Visual Analogue Score (p = 0.769).

The current study illustrates no difference between fibular nail fixation and plate fixation at a long-term follow up of 10 years in patients under 65 years old, although the study is currently under powered.
RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY OF COMPUTER VISION SOFTWARE TO MONITOR JOINT MOVEMENT FOR POSTOPERATIVE PHYSIOTHERAPY
Authors: Verma S. , Malaviya S. , Barker S.
Published: October 2023

Technological advancements in orthopaedic surgery have mainly focused on increasing precision during the operation however, there have been few developments in post-operative physiotherapy. We have developed a computer vision program using machine learning that can virtually measure the range of movement of a joint to track progress after surgery. This data can be used by physiotherapists to change patients’ exercise regimes with more objectively and help patients visualise the progress that they have made. In this study, we tested our program's reliability and validity to find a benchmark for future use on patients.

We compared 150 shoulder joint angles, measured using a goniometer, and those calculated by our program called ArmTracking in a group of 10 participants (5 males and 5 females). Reliability was tested using adjusted R squared and validity was tested using 95% limits of agreement. Our clinically acceptable limit of agreement was ± 10° for ArmTracking to be used interchangeably with goniometry.

ArmTracking showed excellent overall reliability of 97.1% when all shoulder movements were combined but there were lower scores for some movements like shoulder extension at 75.8%. There was moderate validity shown when all shoulder movements were combined at 9.6° overestimation and 18.3° underestimation.

Computer vision programs have a great potential to be used in telerehabilitation to collect useful information as patients carry out prescribed exercises at home. However, they need to be trained well for precise joint detections to reduce the range of errors in readings.
Increased local bone turnover in patients with chronic periprosthetic joint infection
Authors: Hinz Nico , Butscheidt Sebastian , Jandl Nico M. , Rohde Holger , Keller Johannes , Beil Frank T. , Hubert Jan , Rolvien Tim
Published: October 2023

Aims

The management of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains a major challenge in orthopaedic surgery. In this study, we aimed to characterize the local bone microstructure and metabolism in a clinical cohort of patients with chronic PJI.

Methods

Periprosthetic femoral trabecular bone specimens were obtained from patients suffering from chronic PJI of the hip and knee (n = 20). Microbiological analysis was performed on preoperative joint aspirates and tissue specimens obtained during revision surgery. Microstructural and cellular bone parameters were analyzed in bone specimens by histomorphometry on undecalcified sections complemented by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase immunohistochemistry. Data were compared with control specimens obtained during primary arthroplasty (n = 20) and aseptic revision (n = 20).

Results

PJI specimens exhibited a higher bone volume, thickened trabeculae, and increased osteoid parameters compared to both control groups, suggesting an accelerated bone turnover with sclerotic microstructure. On the cellular level, osteoblast and osteoclast parameters were markedly increased in the PJI cohort. Furthermore, a positive association between serum (CRP) but not synovial (white blood cell (WBC) count) inflammatory markers and osteoclast indices could be detected. Comparison between different pathogens revealed increased osteoclastic bone resorption parameters without a concomitant increase in osteoblasts in bone specimens from patients with Staphylococcus aureus infection, compared to those with detection of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Cutibacterium spp.

Conclusion

This study provides insights into the local bone metabolism in chronic PJI, demonstrating osteosclerosis with high bone turnover. The fact that Staphylococcus aureus was associated with distinctly increased osteoclast indices strongly suggests early surgical treatment to prevent periprosthetic bone alterations.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(10):644–653.
Step-by-step Dissection Protocol of Apicotermitinae Worker (Blattaria: Isoptera)
Authors: Almeida-Azevedo Rayssa , Alves-Oliveira João , Morais José Wellington , Franklin Elizabeth , Azevedo Renato Almeida de
Published: October 2023

Apicotermitinae are soldierless termites highly abundant in tropical forests. The taxonomy of this subfamily is based on characters of worker cast and winged forms when present. However, the procedures necessary to dissect termite workers to observe their external and internal morphological characteristics are not well detailed in any study. Here, we describe a step-by-step protocol for worker dissection of soldierless termite species. We suggest the use of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) for cleaning and visualization of the gizzard and enteric valve, and glycerin to remove tergites and sternites and describe in detail the dissection of the gizzard and enteric valve, and how visualize the insertion of Malpighian tubules.
Pingju (Ping Opera) and the Politics of Celebrity in 1930s Shanghai
Authors: Liu Siyuan
Published: October 2023

Abstracts: Between 1935 and 1937, pingju (ping opera), a folk-based theatrical form from northern China, enjoyed a sensational two-year run in Shanghai. It was welcomed by both the lower class, who enjoyed its focus on the daily lives of the average folks and less convention-bound performance routines, and the literati, who did not share their northern counterpart's class-based bias toward the form as lower-class entertainment. Using concepts from celebrity studies while challenging the field's Eurocentric tendencies, this essay analyzes the popular xiaobao (tabloid) media's role in making the star actress Bai Yushuang a celebrity. It then focuses on two areas of pingju 's evolution that sustained its popularity through two star actresses: Bai Yushuang's antifeudal plays with transgressive heroines created in cooperation with leftist intellectuals and Zhu Baoxia's adaptions of jingju (Beijing opera) plays that formally elevated pingju toward the supposedly more advanced genre.
Improved method for modulation transfer function measurement of Bayer color cameras
Authors: Fan Yuan-Peng , Wei Lei , Wang Yu-Hao , Hu Zi-Qiang , Li Lin
Published: October 2023

Aiming at the difficulty of detecting the modulation transfer function (MTF) of Bayer color cameras during focusing, the traditional scheme is modified in this paper. First, through analysis, it is found that the MTF of the Bayer detector decreased substantially compared to the monochromatic detector, which was caused by the loss of a large amount of light from the Bayer detector. When the MTF is calculated for the color image after de-mosaicing, the degradation of image quality leads to the inability to obtain the full-frequency MTF curve. Therefore, this paper proposes a solution to detect the MTFs of the three primary colors in the Bayer image individually, and then weight the MTFs of each primary color to obtain the MTF of the color image based on the calibration results of the light source. Then, considering the steps of differentiation and Fourier transform in the slanted-edge method, this paper solves the problem of non-uniform sampling of edge spread function by using the modification of the slanted-edge method with non-uniform Fourier transform. Finally, the optimal imaging position of a certain type of Bayer color camera is determined using the methods proposed in this paper. Simulation and test results verify the effectiveness and accuracy of the methods in this paper.
Can the establishment of an innovative city improve the level of technological entrepreneurship?
Authors: Xu Ye , Wang Zhi-Chao
Published: October 2023

Based on the data of 278 prefecture-level city panels in China from 2008 to 2020, this paper presents the policy of innovative pilot city as a quasi-natural experiment. It is found that (1) the implementation of innovative urban policy can significantly improve the level of science and technology entrepreneurship, but the pilot policy has a time lag effect and has a continuous promoting effect since the third year. (2) For large cities, areas with high levels of economic development, central and eastern regions and cities with high new infrastructure, innovative cities can improve the level of technological entrepreneurship; (3) Innovative cities improve the level of technological entrepreneurship by improving the incubator of technological enterprises and strengthening the flow of human capital; (4) The effect of the establishment of innovative cities on the level of technological entrepreneurship mainly shows that the siphon effect does not show radiation effect, and this siphon effect mainly improves the level of technological entrepreneurship by increasing the number of incubators of technological enterprises.
Does digital inclusive finance promote the integration of rural industries? Based on the mediating role of financial availability and agricultural digitization
Authors: Huang Yan , Zhao Junyan , Yin Shi
Published: October 2023

The integration of rural industries will inevitably lead to new business forms and new models, which put forward new requirements for traditional agricultural finance. The development of digital inclusive finance will provide new momentum for the integration of rural industries. Based on the provincial panel data from 2011 to 2020, the evaluation index system is constructed from three dimensions: industrial integration method, integration subject and integration format, and the development index of rural industrial integration is calculated. This paper establishes double fixed effect model and intermediary effect model to test the effect and path of digital inclusive finance on the integration of rural industries, and further explores the regulatory role and spatial difference of financial support. The results show that: (1) The integration of rural industries shows a growing trend, the eastern region develops more rapidly, while the central and western regions develop more slowly; (2) The digital inclusive finance can promote the integration of rural industries, digitization degree is remarkable, but coverage breadth and using depth are not significant, increasing the rate of per capita electricity consumption and urbanization can promote the integration of rural industries, consumption has limited pulling effect on the integration of rural industries, the per capita investment in fixed assets has no significant effects on the integration of rural industries; (3) The financial availability and the agricultural digitization play a complete intermediary effect; (4) Financial support has a negative moderating effect on the relationship between the two; (5) The eastern and central regions have a significant promoting effect, while the western region has a negative effect.
Research on data imbalance in intrusion detection using CGAN
Authors: Zhao Guangyu , Liu Peng , Sun Ke , Yang Yang , Lan Tianyu , Yang Han
Published: October 2023

To address the problems of attack category omission and poor generalization ability of traditional Intrusion Detection System (IDS) when processing unbalanced input data, an intrusion detection strategy based on conditional Generative Adversarial Networks (cGAN) is proposed. The cGAN generates attack samples that approximately obey the distribution pattern of input data and are randomly distributed within a certain bounded interval, which can avoid the redundancy caused by mechanical data widening. The experimental results show that the strategy has better performance indexes and stronger generalization ability in overall performance, which can solve insufficient classification performance and detection omission caused by unbalanced distribution of data categories and quantities.