bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Will wind power be cost-effective for decarbonizing the city of Tabriz-Iran, whose economy is oil-based, and how?
Authors: Ouria Mahmoud , Moura Pedro S , de Almeida Aníbal T
Published: February 2024

This paper investigates the decarbonization of Tabriz-City focusing on its wind power for electrification. Statistical, quantitative, comparative, and simulation-research-methods used to analyze the existing and future total energy consumption, demand, and cost in the city according to carbon-based and wind-based electricity. The Monte Carlo Simulation Method has been used to estimate the probability of the Levelized Cost of Electricity. Tabriz thermal power plant generates 1kWh electricity that costs 0.15 US$/kW without subsidies and produces 575 g.CO2/kW.h overall while it will plunge to 0.05US$/kWh producing 7 g.CO2/kWh using wind. The NPV and IRR (32%) analysis show that that investment in wind-based electricity is three times cheaper than thermal power electricity in Tabriz. It is shown that the electrification of an oil-based economy with wind-based power plants is an economical investment for the city. Besides the hub-height and rotor sweep area, the capacity factor is the most decisive in the productivity of the alternative turbines.
Optimal power flow of thermal-wind-solar power system using enhanced Kepler optimization algorithm: Case study of a large-scale practical power system
Authors: Abid Mokhtar , Belazzoug Messaoud , Mouassa Souhil , Chanane Abdallah , Jurado Francisco
Published: February 2024

In the current century, electrical networks have witnessed great developments and continuous increases in the demand for fossil fuels based energy, leading to an excessive rise in the total production cost (TPC), as well as the pollutant (toxic) gases emitted by thermal plants. Under this circumstances, energy supply from different resources became necessary, such as renewable energy sources (RES) as an alternative solution. This latter, however, characterized with uncertainty nature in its operation principle, especially when operator system wants to define the optimal contribution of each resource in an effort to ensure economic and enhanced reliability of grid. This paper presents an Enhanced version of Kepler optimization algorithm (EKOA) to solve the problem of stochastic optimal power flow (SOPF) in a most efficient way incorporating wind power generators and solar photovoltaic with different objective functions, the stochastic nature of wind speed and solar is modeled using Weibull and lognormal probability density functions respectively. To prove the effectiveness of the proposed EKOA, various case studies were carried out on two test systems IEEE 30-bus system and Algerian power system 114-bus, obtained results were evaluated in comparison with those obtained using the original KOA and other methods published in the literatures. Thus, shows the effectiveness and superiority of the efficient EKOA over other optimizers to solve complex problem. The incorporation of RES resulted in a significant 2.39% decrease in production cost, showcasing EKOA’s efficiency with a $780/h, compared to KOA’s $781/h, for IEEE 30-bus system. For the DZA 114-bus system revealed even more substantial reductions, with EKOA achieving an impressive 12.6% reduction, and KOA following closely with a 12.4% decrease in production cost.
Social reproduction theory and critical state theory after the COVID-19 syndemic
Authors: Calvet Clara Camps , Martí Jordi Bonet , Monera Rosa Ortiz
Published: February 2024

This article offers an insight into the challenges faced by social movements when attempting to politicize the crisis of reproduction which took place during the COVID-19 syndemic in the city of Barcelona. The analysis provided here expands on the analysis of social reproduction theory and, more broadly, on Marxist feminist approaches. In fact, one of the factors accounting for the absence of politicization during the syndemic is the type of responses given to the emergency by the authoritarian neoliberal state, which were beyond those envisaged by the 10th thesis theorized by Marxism-Feminism and social reproduction theory. Thus, in this article, we argue that this situation is an opportunity to establish a dialogue between critical state theory and Marxism-Feminism to understand how the agency of the state may condition the social reproduction of life and block the emancipatory possibilities of care and the social struggles regarding the crisis of care, complementing thus the10th thesis of Marxism-Feminism.
The Effect of Pelvic Incidence on Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement and Acetabular Labral Tears
Authors: Torabian Kaveh A. , Cherian Nathan J. , Eberlin Christopher T. , Dean Michael C. , Dowley Kieran S. , LaPorte Zachary L. , Kucharik Michael P. , Gillinov Stephen M. , Martin Scott D.
Published: February 2024

Background:

In the setting of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), decompression osteoplasties reconcile deleterious loading patterns caused by cam and pincer lesions. However, native variations of spinopelvic sagittal alignment may continue to perpetuate detrimental effects on the labrum, chondrolabral junction, and articular cartilage after hip arthroscopy.

Purpose:

To evaluate the effect of pelvic incidence (PI) on postoperative outcomes after hip arthroscopy for acetabular labral tears in the setting of FAI.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A retrospective query of prospectively collected data identified patients ≥18 years of age who underwent primary hip arthroscopy for FAI and acetabular labral tears between February 2014 and January 2022, with 3-, 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-ups. Measurements for PI, pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), and acetabular version were obtained via advanced diagnostic imaging. Patients were stratified into low-PI (<45°), moderate-PI (45°≤ PI ≤ 60°), and high-PI (>60°) cohorts. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), clinically meaningful outcomes (ie, minimal clinically important difference, Patient Acceptable Symptom State, substantial clinical benefit, and maximal outcome improvement), visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, and patient satisfaction were compared across cohorts.

Results:

A total of 74 patients met eligibility criteria and were stratified into low-PI (n = 28), moderate-PI (n = 31), and high-PI (n = 15) cohorts. Correspondingly, patients with high PI displayed significantly greater values for PT ( P = .001), SS ( P < .001), acetabular version ( P < .001), and acetabular inclination ( P = .049). By the 12- and 24-month follow-ups, the high-PI cohort was found to have significantly inferior PROMs, VAS pain scores, rates of clinically meaningful outcome achievement, and satisfaction relative to patients with moderate and/or low PI. No significant differences were found between cohorts regarding rates of revision arthroscopy, subsequent spine surgery, or conversion to total hip arthroplasty.

Conclusion:

After hip arthroscopy, patients with a high PI (>60°) exhibited inferior PROMs, rates of achieving clinically meaningful thresholds, and satisfaction at 12 and 24 months relative to patients with low or moderate PI. Conversely, the outcomes of patients with low PI (<45°) were found to match the trajectory of those with a neutral spinopelvic alignment (45°≤ PI ≤ 60°). These findings highlight the importance of analyzing spinopelvic parameters preoperatively to prognosticate outcomes before hip arthroscopy for acetabular labral tears and FAI.
Comparison of narrow band imaging versus white light imaging in detecting non muscle invasive bladder cancer
Authors: RT Raghavendra , Sharma Amit , Biswal Deepak , Goel Saryu
Published: February 2024

Background:

In the present study, we compared Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) and White Light Cystoscopy (WLC) in Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) for detection and its impact on recurrence.

Materials and methods:

This prospective study was conducted in the department of Urology at a tertiary institution from August 2021 to April 2023. The main aim was to determine the benefit of addition of NBI during TURBT in NMIBC. All patients with Urinary Bladder Mass (size less than 5 cm on USG/CT) aged >18 years of age planned for TURBT were included.

Results:

Amongst 63 patients, the mean age was 59.84 ± 11.3 years; 80% were males. Sixty percent of patients had history of Tobacco consumption and Type II DM was the most common comorbidity (59%). Commonest symptom was gross haematuria. Posterior wall was most commonly involved and papillary lesions were commonest. A total of 125 lesions were identified on WLI, with mean 1.98 ± 1.75 and 78 additional lesions were identified only on NBI with mean 1.24 ± 1.63 lesions. Four patients had intra-operative complications. Five patients had recurrence at 6 weeks and eight patients had recurrence at 3 months. NBI had detected more lesions in patients who developed recurrence at 6 weeks and 3 months (mean: 1.41 and 1.43).

Conclusion:

NBI has additive role in detecting NMIBC lesions missed on WLI. NBI has significant role in preventing recurrence at 3 months and more so by detecting high grade tumours.
Electrospun silk fibroin/SIS-dECM hierarchical scaffolds for cell growth
Authors: Chen Lusi , Ma Yahao , Xiao Longyou , Xie Pengfei , Liu Jianghui , Li Wanmei , Wang Xiaoying , He Liumin
Published: February 2024

Biomaterials play an important role in biomedical applications serving as scaffolds in tissue engineering and substrates for cell growth by providing structural supports. Signaling cues for cellular events can be also presented, including cell viability, adhesion, spreading, and function developments. In this study, we fabricated a hierarchical nanofibrous scaffold through electrospinning silk fibroin (SF) and decellularized extracellular matrix of the small intestine submucosa (SIS-dECM). The addition of SIS-dECM improved the hydrophilic features of the resultant composite nanofibrous substrates as compared to SF nanofibrous substrates. The biocompatibility of the nanofibrous scaffolds was thoroughly investigated by culturing meningeal fibroblasts on SF and SF/SIS-dECM nanofibrous substrates. Cell viability, proliferation, focal adhesion, and quantitative measurements of cell adhesion-related gene expression levels revealed that the addition of SIS-dECM favored the adhesion and spreading of fibroblast cells. Therefore, the SF/SIS-dECM nanofibers provided a suitable substrate for cell growth and the present study suggested that the nanofibrous substrates hold high potential for bioapplications.
Inherent Attitudes or Misplaced Policies? Explaining COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Romania
Authors: Toró Tibor , Székely István Gergő , Kiss Tamás , Geambașu Réka
Published: February 2024

Hesitancy toward COVID-19 vaccines was not particularly high in Romania at the beginning of the vaccination campaign. Nevertheless, the country became one of the laggards in the European Union in terms of vaccination rates. We provide an empirical explanation for this phenomenon based on a representative survey conducted in November–December 2021. We test the influence of various factors on vaccine hesitancy, such as personal experiences with the disease, trust in relevant institutions, general worldviews, and contact with certain institutions, such as the Romanian Orthodox Church, and general practitioners. Furthermore, we find that three COVID-specific cognitive factors played a crucial role, namely the evaluation of anti-COVID state measures, belief in COVID-related conspiracy theories, and, especially, fears of negative effects of COVID-19 vaccines. The high explanatory power of these three factors also shows that low vaccination rates were not inevitable consequences of some “inherent” attitudinal characteristics widespread in Romanian society; on the contrary, vaccine hesitancy has developed as an unfortunate side effect of weak crisis management, as the government and relevant state institutions failed to properly utilize key organizational resources, such as the national network of general practitioners, and they proved unable to dissipate fears and countervail the spread of conspiracy theories, while emergency measures did not resonate enough among the Romanian public.
Biomechanical analysis of combi-hole locking compression plate during fracture healing: A numerical study of screw configuration
Authors: Li Zeyang , Pollard Stuart , Smith Gemma , Deshmukh Subodh , Ding Ziyun
Published: February 2024

Locking compression plates (LCPs) have become a widely used option for treating femur bone fractures. However, the optimal screw configuration with combi-holes remains a subject of debate. The study aims to create a time-dependent finite element (FE) model to assess the impacts of different screw configurations on LCP fixation stiffness and healing efficiency across four healing stages during a complete fracture healing process. To simulate the healing process, we integrated a time-dependent callus formation mechanism into a FE model of the LCP with combi-holes. Three screw configuration parameters, namely working length, screw number, and screw position, were investigated. Increasing the working length negatively affected axial stiffness and healing efficiency ( p < 0.001), while screw number or position had no significant impact ( p > 0.01). The time-dependent model displayed a moderate correlation with the conventional time-independent model for axial stiffness and healing efficiency (ρ ≥ 0.733, p ≤ 0.025). The highest healing efficiency (95.2%) was observed in screw configuration C125 during the 4–8-week period. The results provide insights into managing fractures using LCPs with combi-holes over an extended duration. Under axial compressive loading conditions, the use of the C125 screw configuration can enhance callus formation during the 4–12-week period for transverse fractures. When employing the C12345 configuration, it becomes crucial to avoid overconstraint during the 4–8-week period.
Imagining the model citizen: A comparison between public understanding of science, public engagement in science, and citizen science
Authors: Hu Wanheng
Published: February 2024

This article examines the visions of citizens’ ideal practices regarding technoscientific affairs in a democratic society, namely “imaginaries of model citizens,” that underlie three science and public initiatives: public understanding of science, public engagement in science, and citizen science. While imaginaries of citizens are performative and necessary to these initiatives, they are often relegated to the background. I argue that such imaginaries are the result of a complex of perceptions on the nature of science, the role of democracy in scientific activities, and the form of “democratizing” science. The imaginary of model citizens in public understanding of science is of literate citizens who should know science sufficiently, use it in daily life, and support science; in public engagement in science, the model citizen is a responsible one who should engage in the governance of technoscientific issues; and in citizen science, a contributive one who should partake in and enjoy creating scientific knowledge.
Communicating trust and trustworthiness through scientists’ biographies: Benevolence beliefs
Authors: Hautea Samantha , Besley John C. , Choung Hyesun
Published: February 2024

A goal of many science communicators is to foster trust in scientists and their work. This study investigates if existing textual resources that scientists create in the course of their regular activities can be improved to enhance perceptions of scientists as trustworthy. Building on Mayer et al.’s integrative model of organizational trust, we examine how communicating benevolence through short biographies can affect trustworthiness perceptions using a 3 (degree of benevolence information: high, unspecified, low) × 3 (research area: crop genetics, corn and soy genetics, biotechnology use) survey design. We find that the degree of benevolence information significantly influences perceptions of benevolence and integrity, as well as willingness to trust, with these effects being consistent across different research areas. However, the degree of benevolence communicated had no significant effect on the perceived competence of the scientists. These findings underscore the importance of highlighting benevolence in communication to positively influence trustworthiness perceptions, thus offering insights for science communication practices.
Enhancing the moral courage of nurses: A modified Delphi study
Authors: Huang Mingtao , Wei Yitao , Zhao Qianqian , Dong Wenhong , Mo Nan
Published: February 2024

Background

The urgency of ensuring adequate moral courage in clinical nursing practice is evident. However, currently, there are few formal intervention plans targeted at enhancing the moral courage of nurses.

Aim

To develop a training program for improving the moral courage of nurses using the modified Delphi method.

Research design

A modified Delphi study.

Participants and research context

From November to December 2022, a literature review and expert group discussion were conducted to develop a preliminary training plan framework. From January to March 2023, a two-round Delphi survey was performed, and a consensus was reached regarding the plan through online questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data.

Ethical considerations

This study was approved by the institutional ethics committee (No. 138, 30 August 2021). All participants provided written informed consent.

Results

Consensus was reached on eight themes and 33 items to strengthen the moral courage training program for nurses.

Conclusions

Guided by a unified goal of moral education, a multi-level and acceptable intervention plan was designed to enhance the moral courage of nurses.
Pressure Data from Neonatalie Live Manikin to Determine Appropriate Ventilation During Simulation Training of Undergraduate Students in Neonatal Resuscitation
Authors: Nimbalkar Somashekhar , Sinha Anish , Patel Purvi , Pujara Reshma , Shah Dipti , Patel Jaimin , Sethi Swati , Aradhya Rashmi , Shinde Mayur , Patel Dipen
Published: February 2024

Background

Neonatalie Live (NL) was developed as a part of the Safer Births project with collaboration between Laerdal Global Health and Tanzanian, Norwegian, and international research institutions. Its features allow instructors to determine the time of starting ventilation, the percentage of valid ventilations, etc. NL generated real-time data during the assessment.

Aim

To evaluate whether undergraduate students trained on Neonatalie and NL manikins had equivalent ventilation skills on NL.

Study design

Randomized Control Trial.

Methods

Final-year MBBS students were randomly assigned to Neonatalie (72 students) or NL (71 students) groups after providing written and informed consent and assessed on NL. Live data generated by NL was analyzed.

Outcome

To assess the success rate at bag and mask ventilation (BMV), as evidenced by objective data from NL.

Results

A total of 142 students (assessed only on NL) participated in the study before and after four months. Total time from initiation of BMV to spontaneous breathing did not differ significantly between the Neonatalie and NL [127.6 sec (57.4) vs. 115.1 sec (48.3), p = .16]. “Try to ventilate the baby continuously without pauses” was the most common feedback to all students 70 (49.2%), but no statistical significance between the Neonatalie and NL groups [34 (47.2%) vs. 36 (51.43%)] was found.

Conclusion

Undergraduate students trained on either manikin had similar success at BMV, as evidenced by independent objective data generated from within the manikin.
Dominant Ego States in Relation to Attachment Styles and Infidelity Tendencies
Authors: Kaba Kübra , Güngör Abdi
Published: February 2024

Infidelity tendency poses a risk to marriage quality. In addition, previous studies well-documented the crucial roles of attachment styles in close relationships. Therefore, it would be helpful to understand the dynamics behind infidelity tendencies and attachment styles in married individuals. This study aimed to examine whether married individuals’ infidelity tendencies and attachment styles differ in terms of the dominant ego state and demographic variables. The sample consisted of 301 volunteer individuals who had been married for at least one year. Independent-sample t-test and one-way analysis of variance were used to analyze the data. Results revealed that men had higher levels of infidelity tendency, and participants with children had higher avoidant attachment scores. In addition, the results showed the differences in infidelity tendency and attachment styles according to dominant ego-states. The findings were discussed along with the previous studies, and implications were provided for professionals and future studies.
What contributes to disability in progressive MS? A brain and cervical cord–matched quantitative MRI study
Authors: Tur Carmen , Battiston Marco , Yiannakas Marios C , Collorone Sara , Calvi Alberto , Prados Ferran , Kanber Baris , Grussu Francesco , Ricciardi Antonio , Pajak Patrizia , Martinelli Daniele , Schneider Torben , Ciccarelli Olga , Samson Rebecca S , Wheeler-Kingshott Claudia AM Gandini
Published: February 2024

Background:

We assessed the ability of a brain-and-cord-matched quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI) protocol to differentiate patients with progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS) from controls, in terms of normal-appearing (NA) tissue abnormalities, and explain disability.

Methods:

A total of 27 patients and 16 controls were assessed on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), 25-foot timed walk (TWT), 9-hole peg (9HPT) and symbol digit modalities (SDMT) tests. All underwent 3T brain and (C2-C3) cord structural imaging and qMRI (relaxometry, quantitative magnetisation transfer, multi-shell diffusion-weighted imaging), using a fast brain-and-cord–matched protocol with brain-and-cord–unified imaging readouts. Lesion and NA-tissue volumes and qMRI metrics reflecting demyelination and axonal loss were obtained. Random forest analyses identified the most relevant volumetric/qMRI measures to clinical outcomes. Confounder-adjusted linear regression estimated the actual MRI-clinical associations.

Results:

Several qMRI/volumetric differences between patients and controls were observed ( p < 0.01). Higher NA-deep grey matter quantitative-T1 (EDSS: beta = 7.96, p = 0.006; 9HPT: beta = −0.09, p = 0.004), higher NA-white matter orientation dispersion index (TWT: beta = −3.21, p = 0.005; SDMT: beta = −847.10, p < 0.001), lower whole-cord bound pool fraction (9HPT: beta = 0.79, p = 0.001) and higher NA-cortical grey matter quantitative-T1 (SDMT = −94.31, p < 0.001) emerged as particularly relevant predictors of greater disability.

Conclusion:

Fast brain-and-cord–matched qMRI protocols are feasible and identify demyelination – combined with other mechanisms – as key for disability accumulation in PMS.
Collections of Collections: Alice T. Miner and Electra Havemeyer Webb
Authors: Pratt Anastasia
Published: February 2024

Electra Havemeyer Webb, in 1947, founded the Shelburne Museum in Vermont. A “collection of collections,” the museum brought together examples of art, architecture, and even local trees, all showcasing Webb’s interest in objects that can educate and illuminate American life and culture. On the other side of Lake Champlain, Alice T. Miner, with her husband, created the Alice T. Miner Museum in 1924. Her collection focused on the Colonial Revival, though, in a sense, this, too, is a “collection of collections.” The character of their museums reflects on their individual personalities and circumstances, but the fact of the collections speaks to the time period and to the ways in which women have seen and understood American culture. This article explores what these collections tell us about the women who created them and about the ways in which race, gender, and class intersect in the inclusion and exclusion of objects and images. Whether the steamship Ticonderoga or the top of a crazy quilt made be Lena Olena Blow of Sciota, NY, in 1908, the objects chosen by Webb and Miner (respectively) tell a story, one that is reinforced by their presentation within the museums. Through examining the provenance and presentation of specific objects, this essay will consider the wider themes, including the relative invisibility of women, craftspeople, and people of color, considered through the two museums. Of particular interest will be the women themselves and their intentions in creating museums that have long outlived them. Were they aware of the significance of their work? Did they strive to include objects and images that illustrated race, gender, and class, as understood or misunderstood by the America of their times? Have the curators and directors that followed them changed the tenor of the museums in order to address those questions more fully?
Experience of Younger-Onset Dementia Stigma: Protocol for a Constructivist Grounded Theory Study Based on Qualitative Episodic Interviews With People Living With Dementia and Their Significant Others
Authors: Berner Nora , Hohmann Andreas , Yilmaz Betül , Teupen Sonja
Published: February 2024

Stigma based on younger-onset dementia (YOD) is a significant challenge for individuals living with the condition and their significant others (i.e., family and/or friends) as well as for a society that aspires to be inclusive, ensure social participation, and enable all people to exercise their civil and human rights. The STELDA study aims to develop a theoretical framework of YOD stigma and stigmatization that is empirically grounded in the lived experience of people living with younger-onset dementia (PlwYOD) and their significant others and to identify ways of counteracting YOD stigmatization processes in the sociocultural context of Germany on a lifeworld level. The research question is as follows: How do PlwYOD and their adult significant others experience stigma and stigmatization based on YOD in their lifeworlds, and what implications do these experiences have for their actions in their lifeworlds? The study is designed as a constructivist grounded theory (CGT) study. Qualitative episodic interviews with community-dwelling PlwYOD and their adult significant others will be conducted to give participants the opportunity to share their individual narratives and express their subjective views. As an outcome, recommendations for action will be developed for the public and for professionals in diverse settings. On a methodological level, novel insights will be gained regarding specific issues related to qualitative research with PlwYOD and their significant others.
Research ethics and integrity in the DACH region during the COVID-19 pandemic: balancing risks and benefits under pressure
Authors: Seedall Carly , Tambornino Lisa
Published: February 2024

This scoping review maps research ethics and integrity challenges and best practices encountered by research actors in the DACH countries (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland), including researchers, funders, publishers, research ethics committees, and policymakers, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic brought research and, in turn, research ethics and integrity, into public focus. This review identified challenges related to changing research environments, diversity in research, publication and dissemination trends, scientific literacy and trust in science, recruitment, research redundancy and study termination, placebo and human challenge studies, data management, and informed consent. These challenges are linked to two crucial factors: first, actors in the DACH research ecosystem lacked a sound knowledge base to assess the risks and benefits of research during the COVID-19 pandemic. Second, researchers in the DACH region faced pressure from policymakers, funders, and the public to generate relevant, timely, and consistent findings to mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, this review highlights best practices to mitigate the effects of future crises on research ethics and integrity, including enhanced cooperation among actors, continuous ethics assessments, and support for public scientific literacy.
The Development and Potential Applications of an Automated Method for Detecting and Classifying Continuous Glucose Monitoring Patterns
Authors: Shomali Mansur , Liu Shiping , Kumbara Abhimanyu , Iyer Anand , Gao Guodong (Gordon)
Published: February 2024

Introduction:

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is emerging as a transformative tool for helping people with diabetes self-manage their glucose and supporting clinicians in effective treatment. Unfortunately, many CGM users, and clinicians, find interpreting the large volume of CGM data to be overwhelming and complex. To address this challenge, an efficient, intelligent method for detecting and classifying discernable patterns in CGM data was desired.

Methods:

We developed an automated artificial intelligence (AI)-driven method to detect and classify different discernable CGM patterns which called “CGM events.” We trained different models using 60 days of CGM data from 27 individuals with diabetes from a publicly available data set and then evaluated model performance using separate test data from the same group. Each event is classified according to clinical significance based on three parameters: (1) glucose category at or near the beginning of the CGM event; (2) a calculated severity score that encompasses both signal shape and temporal characteristics (e.g., how high the CGM curve goes (measured in mg/dL) and how long it stays above target (as established by published consensus guidelines); and (3) the glucose category at or near the end of the event.

Results:

The system accurately detected and classified events from actual CGM data. This was also validated with expert diabetes clinicians.

Conclusions:

Advanced pattern recognition methods can be used to detect and classify CGM events of interest and may be used to provide actionable insights and self-management support to CGM users and decision support to the clinicians caring for them.
Coattail effects and turnout: Evidence from a quasi-experiment
Authors: Arenas Andreu
Published: February 2024

All over the world, a very large number of elections take place concurrently with other elections for representatives in different government tiers. A crucial question for understanding electoral outcomes in those elections is the existence of electoral spillovers or coattail effects. Causal identification of coattail effects is challenging because popularity shocks typically affect parties in both concurrent elections. This paper exploits a quasi-experiment—the ban of a party in only one of the concurrent elections—to estimate coattail effects. The results show that a 1 pp decline in electoral support for a party in a given election reduces its support in the concurrent election by 0.25 pp. This comes along with a decline in turnout of the same size in both elections.
Household Livelihood Strategies and Forest Resource Use in Rural West Bengal, India
Authors: Mukherjee Promita , Ray Biswajit
Published: February 2024

The economic contributions of forest resources to the well-being of rural households are enormous. However, the level of forest benefits and degree of forest reliance vary across households. Drawing on a sustainable livelihood framework, this article explores how these forest resource uses correlate to the choice of livelihood strategies of rural forest-dependent households with a specific focus on the increased income of households, filling income shortfall, coping with shocks and livelihood diversification. Data were collected from 407 rural forest-dependent households in West Bengal, India. Based on the share of forest income in total household income, households were classified into different livelihood strategy groups. One-way ANOVA was run to test the income differences among these groups. The forest extractive strategy was found least income-generating of all livelihood strategies. Multinomial logit regression was carried out to identify the asset-based explanatory variables that influence livelihood strategy choices and forest dependency of the studied households. Analyses show that households’ differential access to or endowment of livelihood assets determines the choice of a rural household’s livelihood strategy and that forest resource uses of the households are livelihood strategy driven. Asset-poor households should be given opportunities to pursue livelihood activities with higher economic returns.

JEL Classifications: Q23, Q56, Q57
Characteristics of Patients With Psoriasis Treated With Various Biologics – A Danish Cohort Study
Authors: Schwarz Christopher Willy , Skov Lone , Egeberg Alexander , Passey Alun , Lee Jennifer , Gorecki Patricia , Loft Nikolai
Published: February 2024

Background

Psoriasis is associated with several comorbidities and patients with psoriasis are more often obese than individuals without psoriasis. The excess disease burden is important to consider in choice of and response to treatment at the individual level.

Objective

To investigate whether patient characteristics differ across biologics for patients initiating biologic therapy and for patients still on biologic therapy after 1 year. Also, to quantify and compare the use of topical therapy among patients still on biologic therapy after 1 year.

Methods

This nationwide cohort study compared characteristics of patients prescribed adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab, secukinumab or ustekinumab for treatment of psoriasis by using data from the Danish registries.

Results

In the ustekinumab group, patients were younger and fewer had psoriatic arthritis. Patients treated with secukinumab and ustekinumab were less frequently co-treated with conventional systemics and topical therapy. All other patient characteristics such as sex, smoking and comorbidities other than psoriatic arthritis were similar across the biologic cohorts.

Conclusion

These results highlight the need to better understand which factors to consider when prescribing biologics to patients with psoriasis.
Deep Learning for Subtypes Identification of Pure Seminoma of the Testis
Authors: Medvedev Kirill E , Acosta Paul H , Jia Liwei , Grishin Nick V
Published: February 2024

The most critical step in the clinical diagnosis workflow is the pathological evaluation of each tumor sample. Deep learning is a powerful approach that is widely used to enhance diagnostic accuracy and streamline the diagnosis process. In our previous study using omics data, we identified 2 distinct subtypes of pure seminoma. Seminoma is the most common histological type of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs). Here we developed a deep learning decision making tool for the identification of seminoma subtypes using histopathological slides. We used all available slides for pure seminoma samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The developed model showed an area under the ROC curve of 0.896. Our model not only confirms the presence of 2 distinct subtypes within pure seminoma but also unveils the presence of morphological differences between them that are imperceptible to the human eye.
Lateral Collateral Ligament Reconstruction With Tensionable Loops and Suture Tape Reinforcement
Authors: Dulas Matthew , Lee Cody , Liu Margaret , Athiviraham Aravind
Published: February 2024

Background:

The posterolateral corner (PLC) is an important knee stabilizer that resists varus stress, external tibial rotation, and posterior tibial translation. Untreated PLC injuries have been shown to increase failure rates of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstructions and lead to degenerative changes. Our modified Arciero technique reconstructs the femoral insertion site and functionality of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) and popliteal fibular ligament, components of the PLC, with an internal brace and tensionable loops.

Indications:

The primary indication for PLC reconstruction is identified PLC injury. Patients often have a feeling of knee instability and a varus thrust gait. PLC injury should be confirmed with imaging.

Technique Description:

We employed a modified Arciero technique via LCL reconstruction with tensionable loops and internal brace. We used a semitendinosus allograft truncated at 240-millimeters to avoid the graft bottoming out. A suture augment was incorporated into the graft to reinforce the LCL reconstruction construct during graft tensioning and early rehabilitation. The graft construct was then passed through the transfibular tunnel to femoral sockets at the LCL and popliteus insertions. The graft construct is then affixed to the opposite femoral cortex. The graft was then tensioned with the knee in approximately 30° of flexion, neutral to 10° of internal rotation, and a valgus force applied. This restored excellent valgus stability.

Results:

Fibular and tibiofibular-based constructs are common procedures for PLC reconstruction. Our LCL reconstruction with tensionable loops technique and the Arciero technique are fibular-based constructs. The fibular-based construct and the tibiofibular-based construct have been found to be biomechanically equivalent at restoring knee stability. However, fibular-based constructs, such as our LCL reconstruction with tensionable loops, were found to be less technically demanding than tibiofibular-based constructs, used fewer grafts, and required a smaller surgical approach.

Conclusion:

Given similar clinical outcomes, it was concluded that fibular-based constructs, such as our modified Arciero technique, may be more advantageous because of the ability to avoid some of the pitfalls of tibiofibular-based constructs.

Patient Consent Disclosure Statement:

The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.
Rapid formation of carbon nanotubes–natural rubber films cured with glutaraldehyde for reducing percolation threshold concentration
Authors: Promsung Rawiporn , Chuaybamrung Arthittaya , Georgopoulou Antonia , Clemens Frank , Nakaramontri Yeampon , Johns Jobish , Lehman Nussana , Songtipya Ladawan , Kalkornsurapranee Ekwipoo
Published: February 2024

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) filled natural rubber (NR) composites with various CNT contents at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 phr were prepared by latex mixing method using glutaraldehyde as curing agent. This work aims to improve the electrical and mechanical properties of CNT filled NR vulcanizates. The CNT dispersion of NR composites was clarified using dispersion grader, optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The electrical properties of NR composites in the existing of CNT networks were studied by following the well-known percolation theory. It was observed that the NR composites exhibited low percolation threshold at 0.98 phr of CNT. Moreover, a three-dimensional network formation of CNT in the NR composites was observed and it is indicated by the t-value of 1.67. The mechanical properties of NR composites in terms of modulus, tensile strength and hardness properties were increased upon the addition of CNT to the optimum mechanical properties at 1 phr of CNT. Therefore, the present work is found the novelty of the study that the conductive rubber latex film can be produced using GA as low-temperature curing agent which enhanced good electrical properties. Moreover, this work is found to be beneficial in case of conductive rubber latex film that requires high modulus at low strain. The additional advantage of this system is the curing process occurs at low-temperature using GA and it can be easily processed.

Graphical abstract
Effectiveness of DArTseq markers application in genetic diversity and population structure of indigenous chickens in Eastern Province of Rwanda
Authors: Mujyambere Valentin , Adomako Kwaku , Olympio Oscar Simon
Published: February 2024

Background

The application of biotechnologies which make use of genetic markers in chicken breeding is developing rapidly. Diversity Array Technology (DArT) is one of the current Genotyping-By-Sequencing techniques allowing the discovery of whole genome sequencing. In livestock, DArT has been applied in cattle, sheep, and horses. Currently, there is no study on the application of DArT markers in chickens. The aim was to study the effectiveness of DArTSeq markers in the genetic diversity and population structure of indigenous chickens (IC) and SASSO in the Eastern Province of Rwanda.

Methods

In total 87 blood samples were randomly collected from 37 males and 40 females of indigenous chickens and 10 females of SASSO chickens purposively selected from 5 sites located in two districts of the Eastern Province of Rwanda. Genotyping by Sequencing (GBS) using DArTseq technology was employed. This involved the complexity reduction method through digestion of genomic DNA and ligation of barcoded adapters followed by PCR amplification of adapter-ligated fragments.

Results

From 45,677 DArTseq SNPs and 25,444 SilicoDArTs generated, only 8,715 and 6,817 respectively remained for further analysis after quality control. The average call rates observed, 0.99 and 0.98 for DArTseq SNPs and SilicoDArTs respectively were quite similar. The polymorphic information content (PIC) from SilicoDArTs (0.33) was higher than that from DArTseq SNPs (0.22). DArTseq SNPs and SilicoDArTs had 34.4% and 34% of the loci respectively mapped on chromosome 1. DArTseq SNPs revealed distance averages of 0.17 and 0.15 within IC and SASSO chickens respectively while the respective averages observed with SilicoDArTs were 0.42 and 0.36. The average genetic distance between IC and SASSO chickens was moderate for SilicoDArTs (0.120) compared to that of DArTseq SNPs (0.048). The PCoA and population structure clustered the chicken samples into two subpopulations (1 and 2); 1 is composed of IC and 2 by SASSO chickens. An admixture was observed in subpopulation 2 with 12 chickens from subpopulation 1.

Conclusions

The application of DArTseq markers have been proven to be effective and efficient for genetic relationship between IC and separated IC from exotic breed used which indicate their suitability in genomic studies. However, further studies using all chicken genetic resources available and large big sample sizes are required.
Emergence of multidrug-resistant Bacillus spp. derived from animal feed, food and human diarrhea in South-Eastern Bangladesh
Authors: Haque Md Atiqul , Hu Huilong , Liu Jiaqi , Islam Md Aminul , Hossen Foysal , Rahman Md Arifur , Ahmed Firoz , He Cheng
Published: February 2024

Background

Antimicrobial resistance poses a huge risk to human health worldwide, while Bangladesh is confronting the most severe challenge between the food supply and the huge consumption of antibiotics annually. More importantly, probiotics containing Bacillus spp. are claimed to be an alternative to antimicrobial stewardship programs. However, their antibiotic resistance remains elusive. Thus, we employed the antimicrobial susceptibility test and PCR to assess the prevalence of resistance, including multidrug resistance (MDR) and resito-genotyping of isolated Bacillus spp.

Results

The phenotypic profile showed that Bacillus spp. were 100% sensitive to gentamicin (2 µg/mL), whereas lowered sensitivity to levofloxacin (67.8%, 0.5–1 µg/mL), ciprofloxacin (62.3%, 0.5–1 µg/mL), clindamycin (52.2%, 0.25–0.5 µg/mL), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (37.6%, 0.06 µg/mL), azithromycin (33.4%, 1–2 µg/mL), tetracycline (25.6%, 2–4 µg/mL), nitrofurantoin (21.1%, 16–32 µg/mL), co-trimoxazole (19.2%, 2 µg/mL), and erythromycin (18.8%, 0.25–0.5 µg/mL). The strains were completely resistant to penicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, cefixime, ceftriaxone, vancomycin, and co-trimoxazole, and a species-specific trend was seen in both phenotypic and genotypic resistance patterns. Genotypic resistance indicated prevalence of the bla1 (71.5%), tetA (33%), erm1 (27%), blaTEM (13.1%), blaCTX-M-1/blaCTX-M-2 /sul1 (10.1%), blaSHV (9.6%), and qnrS (4.1%) genes. The β-lactamase resistance gene bla1 was found in all penicillin-resistant (MIC ≥ 32 µg/mL) Bacillus spp. One hundred ninety-one isolates (89.6%) were MDR, with 100% from diarrhea, 90.3% from food, and 88.7% from animal feed.

Conclusion

Based on the MIC value and profile analysis of antibiotic resistance genes, this is the first study that Bacillus spp. antimicrobial susceptibilities have been identified in Bangladesh, and our study will shed light on the adverse effects of feed-borne Bacillus spp. emerging from animal feed to the food chain. A comprehensive investigation is urgently needed by policymakers on tolerance limits and harmful effects in the animal industry.
Long-term all-cause death prediction by coronary, aortic, and valvular calcification in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Cheng Yalin , Meng Xuyang , Gao Haiyang , Yang Chenguang , Li Peng , Li Hongfei , Chatterjee Saurav , Rezende Paulo Cury , Bonnet Marc , Li Huimin , Zhang Zunlei , Ji Fusui , Zhang Wenduo
Published: February 2024

Background

To determine the prognostic value of cumulative calcification score of coronary artery calcification (CAC), thoracic aortic calcification (TAC) and aortic valve calcification (AVC) in acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients.

Methods

This was a retrospective, single-center cohort study. A total of 332 STEMI patients who received primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) were enrolled in this study between January 2010 to October 2018. We assessed the calcification in the left anterior descending branch (LAD), left circumflex branch (LCX), right coronary artery (RCA), thoracic aorta, and aortic valve. Calcification of each part was counted as 1 point, and the cumulative calcification score was calculated as the sum of all points. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine association of cumulative calcification score with end points. The performance of the score was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and absolute net reclassification improvement (NRI), compared with the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score.

Results

The overall population’s calcification score was 2.0 ± 1.6. During a mean follow-up time of 69.8 ± 29.3 months, the all-cause mortality rate was 12.1%. Kaplan-Meier curve showed that the score was significantly associated with mortality (log-rank p < 0.001). The multivariable Cox proportional hazard analyses showed that a calcification score of 4–5 was independently associated with all-cause death in STEMI patients [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.32, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01–5.31, p = 0.046]. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the calcification score was 0.67 (95% CI: 0.61–0.72), and the AUC of the GRACE score was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.75–0.84). There was no statistical difference in the predictive value between both scores for 3-year mortality in STEMI patients after PPCI (p = 0.06). Based on the NRI analysis, the calcification score showed better risk classification compared with the GRACE score (absolute NRI = 6.63%, P = 0.027).

Conclusion

The cumulative calcification score is independently associated with the long-term prognosis of STEMI patients after PPCI.