bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How radio influences indigenous language podcasts in South Africa: A case study of Epokothweni and iLukuluku
Authors: Nkoala Sisanda
Published: November 2023

Even though radio continues to be the most dominant media platform for black South Africans, the rise in indigenous language podcasts marks a significant milestone in the South African media landscape for speakers of these languages who have previously been afforded limited agency in the sector. The place of podcasts in South Africa must be understood from the rich 100 years of radio in a context where oral media serves as a central platform for developing linguistic and cultural identities. This qualitative study employs purposive sampling to consider the production practices of South African indigenous language podcasts using Epokothweni and iLukuluku as two case studies. In considering these two podcasts, the study highlights the content creators of Epokothweni and iLukuluku as a model of how South African indigenous language podcasters draw on radio as an established storytelling platform for South African indigenous language speakers that allow them to use their podcast platforms in socio-culturally relevant ways. The paper argues that these platforms allow black South Africans to tell stories that have been neglected and silenced, allowing them to articulate the world and their experiences involving economic and scientific issues. The view is that indigenous language podcasting is set to increase as content producers greatly appreciate engagement with black audiences, which are currently under-prioritised in a sector dominated by English-language outfits.
Provoked perplexity in live methods
Authors: Simopoulou Zoi , Chandler Amy
Published: November 2023

This article contributes to literature on live methods and specifically to the idea of research as an informed provocation of experience in the context of growing methodological experimentation in social science research. The liveness of our method sits with our close attention to inquiry as encompassing of human/non-human relational encounters that, drawing upon a materialism of lively matter, come together in the form of material thinking. We sought to foster a creative encounter between people with experience of self-harm and published narratives about self-harm in the light of ‘provoked perplexity’. We suggest that deliberately ‘provoking perplexity’ in creative and live methodologies, opens up possibilities for inquiry into the unimaginable and unthinkable. Participating in a series of collaborative, creative (visual art) response workshops, our participants troubled the idea of meaning as neat and coherent, linear and final, showing instead how it dwells precisely in the very process of inquiring by means of creative making that constitutes practice as research.
Clients’ and social workers’ stories about discretion in social work with persons with disabilities
Authors: Tarvainen Merja , Kivistö Mari
Published: November 2023

This study explores discretion in social work with persons with disabilities. By drawing on a narrative social work approach, the study acknowledges narratives crucial for conducting social work. The research question was as follows: How do persons with disabilities as clients and social workers as professionals consider discretion and its consequences? The data consisted of clients’ and social workers’ written accounts about discretion and were analysed by deploying narrative inquiry with small stories approach. The grand narrative was about getting adequate services through appropriate discretion. Three small stories about everyday life, in/equality and the economy were told against the grand narrative. The study argues that discretion in social work with persons with disabilities is constructed through the available narrative resources.
Two-dimensional acoustic emission source localization on layered engineered wood by machine learning: a case study of laminated veneer lumber plate structure
Authors: He Xiangdong , Zhu Xuan
Published: November 2023

Engineered wood or mass timber has gained increasing popularity in building construction, and layered engineered wood is a major category of mass timber design since it enables manufacturing structural members with a wide range of geometry. Thus, there is a potential rising demand for structural health monitoring on engineered wood-based structural members and buildings. This study investigates the feasibility of using an important and practical acoustic emission (AE) method for damage localization, specifically two-dimensional (2D) AE source localization, in a representative layered engineered wood sample, namely laminated veneer lumber (LVL) plate. While 2D AE source localization is generally straightforward in isotropic materials, the problem becomes challenging for anisotropic materials with angle-dependent wave velocities. It is even more complicated if heterogeneity involves, which turns out to be the case for layered engineered wood. In this study, we rely on the AE feature of difference in time of arrival (dTOA) and develop three methods to address the challenges of 2D AE source localization raised by anisotropy and heterogeneity in an LVL plate. The benchmark velocity profile method (VPM) is first implemented in an LVL plate. With knowledge of the angle-dependent velocity, the source location predictions by the VPM are generally erroneous even with predicted source location outside of the region of interest. Furthermore, the general regression neural network (GRNN) is developed using different combinations of dTOA components, resulting in improved prediction performance. Third, the Gaussian process regression (GPR) is developed by maximizing the marginal likelihood of the training dataset. Moreover, to lessen the computation burden, the lower bound of the logarithm likelihood of the whole models is derived and decomposed through Jensen’s inequality and Bayes’ theorem, providing the theoretical background for training models with different combinations of dTOAs individually.
Sex-Specific Morphometric Analysis of Ascending Aorta and Aortic Arch for Planning Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Katsarou Maria , Mandigers Tim J. , Berczeli Marton , Mujeeb Zubair M. , Belvroy Viony M. , Bissacco Daniele , van Herwaarden Joost A. , Trimarchi Santi , Bismuth Jean
Published: November 2023

Objective:

In many studies on aortic disease, women are underrepresented. The present study aims to assess sex-specific morphometric differences and gain more insight into endovascular treatment of the ascending aorta (AA) and arch.

Methods:

Electrocardiogram-gated cardiac computed tomography scans of 116 consecutive patients who were evaluated for transcatheter aortic valve replacement were retrospectively reviewed. Measurements of the AA and aortic arch were made in multiplanar views, perpendicular to the semi-automatic centerline. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify predictors affecting AA and aortic arch diameter in men and women. Propensity score matching was used to investigate whether sex influences aortic morphology.

Results:

In both sexes, body surface area (BSA) was identified as a positive predictor and diabetes as a negative predictor for aortic diameters. In men, age was identified as a positive predictor and smoking as a negative predictor for aortic diameters. Propensity score matching identified 40 pairs. Systolic and diastolic mean diameters and AA length were significantly wider in men. On average, male aortas were 7.4% wider than female aortas, both in systole and diastole.

Conclusions:

The present analysis demonstrates that, in women, increased BSA is associated with increased aortic arch diameters, while diabetes is associated with decreased AA and arch diameters. In men, increased BSA and age are associated with increased AA and arch diameters, while smoking and diabetes are associated with decreased AA and arch diameters. Men were confirmed to have 7.4% greater AA and arch diameters than women.

Clinical Impact

Men had 7.4% greater ascending aorta and arch diameters than women in a retrospective cohort, gated computed tomography-based study of 116 patients. Sex-specific differences in ascending aortic and arch size should be considered by aortic endovascular device manufacturers and physicians when developing ascending and arch endografts and planning aortic interventions.
Public and Patients’ Perspectives Towards Data and Sample Sharing for Research: An Overview of Empirical Findings
Authors: Sánchez María C. , Hernández Clemente Juan Carlos , García López Fernando J.
Published: November 2023

We aimed to review the attitudes and perspectives of the public and patients towards the sharing of data and biospecimens for research and to identify common dimensions, regardless of setting. Our review included systematic, scoping or thematic reviews of empirical studies retrieved from Medline (PubMed interface), Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest and Cochrane Reviews. The main themes identified and synthesised across the 14 reviews were readiness and motivations; potential risks and safeguards; trust, transparency and accountability; autonomy and preferred type of consent; and factors influencing data and biospecimen sharing and consent. Sociodemographic factors and research and individual context remain relevant influencing factors in all settings, while preferences for types of consent are highly heterogeneous. Trusted environments and adapted consent options with participant engagement are relevant to improve research participation.
Preoperative Education Prior to Hip or Knee Arthroplasty Is Associated With Home Discharge but Not Reduced Length of Stay
Authors: Brossier Monika , Schwartz-Dillard Jessica , McInerney Danielle , Smith Jerome Brent , Nguyen Joseph , Murray-Weir Mary , Edwards Danielle
Published: November 2023

Background:

Increasing numbers of patients are undergoing total joint arthroplasty as a treatment for osteoarthritis, which can be an anxiety-provoking experience. Setting expectations through a preoperative physical therapy (pre-op PT) session can alleviate some of these stressors, potentially decrease hospital length of stay (LOS), and promote home discharge.

Purpose:

We sought to determine whether attending a pre-op PT session is associated with decreased hospital LOS and home discharge in total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was performed of 20,822 patients who underwent THA or TKA between January 2020 and December 2023. Pre-op PT attendance and covariates, including patient demographics and clinical data, were collected and analyzed for association with LOS and discharge disposition.

Results:

Unadjusted univariate analysis revealed that THA and TKA patients who received pre-op PT had a significantly lower average LOS and were more likely to be discharged home. Our multivariate regression model showed that pre-op PT was not significantly associated with LOS in both groups but was significantly associated with home discharge among THA patients.

Conclusions:

Our retrospective study of the effect of pre-op PT education on LOS and discharge disposition for elective THA and TKA patients found different results in univariate and multivariate analysis. Further study is needed to confirm the association found on multivariate analysis between pre-op PT and home discharge in THA patients.
A Step-by-Step Process of Thematic Analysis to Develop a Conceptual Model in Qualitative Research
Authors: Naeem Muhammad , Ozuem Wilson , Howell Kerry , Ranfagni Silvia
Published: November 2023

Thematic analysis is a highly popular technique among qualitative researchers for analyzing qualitative data, which usually comprises thick descriptive data. However, the application and use of thematic analysis has also involved complications due to confusion regarding the final outcome’s presentation as a conceptual model. This paper develops a systematic thematic analysis process for creating a conceptual model from qualitative research findings. It explores the adaptability of the proposed process across various research methodologies, including constructivist methodologies, positivist methodologies, grounded theory, and interpretive phenomenology, and justifies their application. The paper distinguishes between inductive and deductive coding approaches and emphasizes the merits of each. It suggests that the derived systematic thematic analysis model is valuable across multiple disciplines, particularly in grounded theory, ethnographic approaches, and narrative approaches, while also being adaptable to more descriptive, positivist-based methodologies. By providing a methodological roadmap, this study enhances the rigor and replicability of thematic analysis and offers a comprehensive strategy for theoretical conceptualization in qualitative research. The contribution of this paper is a systematic six-step thematic analysis process that leads to the development of a conceptual model; each step is described in detail and examples are given.
Dichotomous grouping of peripheral arterial calcification grades: A practical predictor of outcome after endovascular therapy in peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Aboloyoun Hesham , Zaki Hazem Mohamed , Hasaballa Ayman , Elbadawy Ahmed
Published: November 2023

Background

There is a general agreement that arterial calcification affects the results of endovascular therapy for peripheral arterial disease (PAD). In addition to lacking evidence for their impact, existing calcification scores are complex, and not practical in everyday decision making. The global limb anatomic staging system (GLASS) adopted dichotomous grouping of calcification grades.

Objective

In this study we aim to investigate the impact of peripheral arterial calcification scoring after dichotomous grouping on midterm outcomes following endovascular therapy for PAD.

Methods

This prospective study included all consecutive patients with PAD indicated for endovascular therapy procedure who presented to our tertiary referral center in the period between October 2020 and October 2021. Patients were grouped into Group A ( n = 40): with no-to mild calcification (PACSS grade 0,1 and 2), and Group B ( n = 53): with severe calcification (PACSS grades 3 and 4). Primary endpoints included technical success rate, primary patency rates, and major adverse limb events rate (MALE) during 2 years of follow-up.

Results

The mean age of the studied cases ( n = 93) was 59.31 ± 6.46 years (range 50–75). 70 patients (75.3%) were males, and 23 (24.7%) were females. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding technical success rate (97.5% in group A versus 94.33% in Group B, p = .457). The Primary patency rate after 1 year was lower in group B (74%) compared to group A (89.7%), but this difference was not statistically significant ( p = .059). However, the 2-year primary patency rate was significantly lower in group B compared to group A (64% versus 84.6% respectively, p = .034). MALE rate after 2 years was significantly higher in group B (28%) as compared to group A (10.4%), P = .048. Studying suspected risk factors revealed that severe calcification was more common in patients with ischemic heart disease (34%) and chronic kidney disease (11%), P= .003 and .002 respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that patients suffered from IHD and those with length of lesion ≥ 5 cm are about five times more likely to have severe calcification compared to their counterparts (OR = 4.875, 95%CI = 1.293–18.383, p = .019, and OR = 4.513, 95% CI = 11.138–17.893, p = .032), respectively.

Conclusion

The presence of severe calcification is associated with significantly lower midterm primary patency rates and higher rate of major adverse limb events after endovascular intervention for lower limb denovo arterial lesions.
Analysis of accident risk factors in chemical industry based on ISM-BN
Authors: Ma Yiming , Zhang Mingguang , Wang Mingliang
Published: November 2023

The chemical industry involves the production, storage, and use of many flammable, explosive, toxic, and other hazardous chemicals. Once an accident occurs, it will cause serious harm to human and economic activities. In order to prevent chemical accidents, this paper combines Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and Bayesian network (BN) to quantitatively study the relationship and interaction strength among accident risk factors in chemical industry. Through the analysis of accident cases and questionnaire survey, 21 accident risk factors in chemical industry are selected. According to the decision of experts, the influence relationship between risk factors is determined, and a multi-level directed graph of ISM is obtained. And the ISM model is transformed into a quantitative BN model. The BN model is applied to forward reasoning, sensitivity analysis, and reverse reasoning. The results indicate that there is a positive correlation between various risk factors and chemical accidents, and the supervision mechanism has the highest probability of occurrence in production activities. Illegal operation has the highest sensitivity and the greatest impact on chemical accidents. Inherent hazards of materials and products is the most likely cause of accidents. Based on the research results, feasible measures have been proposed to improve safety management in the chemical industry.
Ankle Biomechanics During Multidirectional Landings in Athletes With Chronic Ankle Instability
Authors: Sonsukong Ainthira , Vacshalathiti Roongtiwa , Kiratisin Pongthanayos , Richards Jim , Fong Daniel T. P. , Sinsurin Komsak
Published: November 2023

Background

Assessing and understanding the control of the ankle during multidirectional jump landings in athletes with chronic ankle instability (CAI) would help health professionals develop interventions to reduce the risk of recurrent injuries. The aim of this study was to investigate the angle, angular velocity, and movements of the ankle joint, and the muscle activity of peroneus longus (PL), tibialis anterior (TA), and gastrocnemius (GAS) muscles during multidirectional landings in athletes with CAI.

Methods

Nineteen athletes with CAI (≤25 Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool–Thai Score) participated. A Vicon Nexus motion analysis system synchronously collected data with an AMTI force plate and surface electromyography (EMG) to capture kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activity, respectively. Participants were asked to perform single-leg jump-landing tests in forward (0°), 30° diagonal, 60° diagonal, and lateral (90°) directions. Ankle joint kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activity of PL, TA, and GAS were analyzed. Repeated measure ANOVA (analysis of variance) and Friedman tests were used to analyze the main effects of the jump-landing direction.

Results

Athletes with CAI exhibited significant differences in ankle angles, angular velocities, ankle movements, and average muscle activity of GAS between directions. Greatest average EMG of GAS muscle was observed during landing in the lateral direction compared with the forward and 30° diagonal directions.

Conclusion

Lateral and diagonal direction movements showed the greatest risks associated with recurrent ankle sprains. Impairments of neuromuscular control in both pre-landing and landing phases were observed in athletes with CAI when considered alongside previously published data.

Level of Evidence:

Laboratory-based observational study
Mindfulness for Young Athletes
Authors: Brenner Joel S.
Published: November 2023

Mindfulness has been around for centuries and a significant amount of research has been published in the past 6 years. Mindfulness has been shown to be helpful to improve overall well-being and sports performance. There has been a large increase in anxiety, depression, and overall stress in the pediatric, adolescent, and young adult population. This clinical commentary highlights the importance of using mindfulness as one tool to help young athletes improve their overall well-being and athletic performance. It also describes how it can be utilized in the sports medicine world along with noting a novel program at a Children’s Hospital that is utilizing these tools to help young athletes.
Fostering Belonging Beyond the Health Office Through Inclusive Language
Authors: Salguero Rachael , Morse Brenna L.
Published: November 2023

A sense of belonging in school is fostered when students feel included. School nurses can establish an inclusive school atmosphere where students feel safe, supported, accepted, and valued. The language choices of school nurses play a key role in fostering such an environment. Through consciously using language that promotes respect, acceptance, justice, and equity, nurses can support student well-being. Nurses may be using embedded terminologies and outdated language that promotes exclusion but can learn and model inclusive language practices such as cultural humility, calling in, and respecting pronouns. Making intentional choices to embrace and employ these practices is imperative to supporting student health today.
Consumer brand engagement: Socio-cultural perspective and research avenues
Authors: Scarano Monica C , Regany Fatima , Özçaglar-Toulouse Nil
Published: November 2023

This research highlights the contributions of the socio-cultural approach to the study of the concept of consumer brand engagement (CBE). To this end, an integrative analysis first traces the main research on CBE. It presents its conceptual construction within the relational and experiential paradigms and highlights the limitations of this literature. Second, a socio-cultural reading of CBE helps to address these limitations. We propose eight research avenues, based on two theoretical approaches: (1) understanding CBE through the cultural resources invested in it and the meanings that are at once identity-related, social and ideological and (2) technological tools and immersive experiential frameworks as socio-technical dispositifs. Managerial recommendations are provided in each of these areas of research.
The impact of the first COVID-19 lockdown on weight management practices in UK adults: A self-regulation perspective
Authors: Genes Denisa , Sirois Fuschia M , Buckland Nicola J
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to identify the impact of the first UK COVID-19 lockdown on individuals’ weight management attempts (WMA). A self-regulation theoretical framework was used to identify predictors of continuing with a WMA, and weight change during the lockdown. An online retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted after the first UK COVID-19 lockdown. The sample consisted of 166 UK adults (M:31.08, SD:12.15) that were trying to manage their weight before the lockdown started. The survey assessed changes in WMA and practices, and measured perceived stress, flexible/rigid restraint, uncontrolled eating, craving control, and self-compassion. Results showed that 56% of participants reported disruption to their WMA during the lockdown. Participants with lower levels of perceived stress and higher flexible restraint were more likely to continue their WMA. Flexible restraint was a significant predictor of weight change. Interventions that promote flexibility in weight management may be beneficial for at-risk individuals under lockdown conditions.
The Educator Standing on Chinese Cultural Ground: A Case Study of Chinese Basic Education Pedagogical Research
Authors: Zhong (钟亦洋) Yiyang
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Chinese Educators, referred to as Jiaoyujia (教育家) in Chinese, are esteemed individuals dedicated to education with extensive expertise in theory and practice. Despite their influential pedagogical research, they have received limited scholarly attention. This study aimed to fill the gap by focusing on Jilin Li's (李吉林) contextualized teaching research informed by Chinese educational traditions.

Design/Approach/Methods

A case study format was adopted, and data were thematically analyzed using NVivo 12. In light of Kuan-Hsing Chen’s “Asia as method” idea, the analysis drew particular attention to the Asian resources employed in the pedagogical studies of interest.

Findings

Focusing on how Educators utilize diverse educational traditions, this paper presents three functions of Chinese educational traditions applicable to Li's case. The chosen case study demonstrates that elements of Chinese educational traditions still actively inform Educators working in a modern Western-style education system. This paper analyzes how Li combined Chinese and foreign traditions and reveals an element of subjectivity with its own strengths and deficiencies.

Originality/Value

This study is the first to present and analyze the phenomenon of Chinese educational traditions informing pedagogical studies conducted by Chinese Educators, an influential group that scholars usually overlook in modern China.
A Valved Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Conduit can Acquire Endothelium After Implantation
Authors: Prabhu Sudesh , Kasturi Srikanth , Rao Sruti , Shetty Riyan , Maiya Shreesha , Karl Tom R.
Published: November 2023

We demonstrate histopathology, neointimal proliferation, and neo-endothelialization in an explanted valved expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) conduit 40 months postimplantation that was void of calcification and inflammation, confirmed by CD-31 positivity on immunohistochemistry. Grossly, there was no distortion with preserved leaflets and lack of calcification. Good biocompatibility, nonreactivity, and low antigenicity, combined with neointimal and endothelial layer generation within the conduit might explain the low infection rates and minimal thrombogenicity. These findings support the use of handmade, valved ePTFE conduits as an economically viable option as a right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit.
On the Effect of High Stimulation Rates on Temporal Loudness Integration in Cochlear Implant Users
Authors: Obando-Leitón Miguel , Dietze Anna , Castañeda González Carmen M. , Saeedi Ali , Karg Sonja , Hemmert Werner
Published: November 2023

Long stimuli have lower detection thresholds or are perceived louder than short stimuli with the same intensity, an effect known as temporal loudness integration (TLI). In electric hearing, TLI for pulse trains with a fixed rate but varying number of pulses, i.e. stimulus duration, has mainly been investigated at clinically used stimulation rates. To study the effect of an overall effective stimulation rate at 100% channel crosstalk, we investigated TLI with (a) a clinically used single-channel stimulation rate of 1,500 pps and (b) a high stimulation rate of 18,000 pps, both for an apical and a basal electrode. Thresholds (THR), a line of equal loudness (BAL), and maximum acceptable levels (MALs) were measured in 10 MED-EL cochlear implant users. Stimulus durations varied from a single pulse to 300 ms long pulse trains. At 18,000 pps, the dynamic range (DR) increased by [Formula: see text] dB for the 300 ms pulse train. Amplitudes at THR, BAL, and MAL decreased monotonically with increasing stimulus duration. The decline was fitted with high accuracy with a power law function ([Formula: see text]). Threshold slopes were [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] dB per doubling of duration for the low and high rate, respectively, and were shallower than for acoustic hearing. The electrode location did not affect the amplitudes or slopes of the TLI curves. THR, BAL, and MAL were always lower for the higher rate and the DR was larger at the higher rate at all measured durations.
Menstrual Health Experiences of Adolescents in Institutional Care
Authors: Gupta Kavita , Patel Samir J
Published: November 2023

Aim

The objective of the present study was to explore the menstrual health experiences of adolescents residing in institutional care.

Method

An in-depth interview with 25 adolescents residing in institutional care was conducted from February to March 2022. The data collected through semi-structured interviews were transcribed and then translated for the report writing purpose.

Results

After inductive thematic analysis, four themes were identified, namely, menstrual experiences, access to menstrual products, social support and coping behaviours.

Conclusion

Based on the result findings, it can be concluded that it is high time for the policy makers, non-government organisations and government to join hands to address the needs of institutionalised adolescent menstruators. Only then, holistic women empowerment goal can be achieved.

Limitation

The present study was limited to qualitative analysis of 25 in-depth interviews from adolescents residing in one of the institutional cares of Gujarat state.

Recommendations

Future multicentric research studies could be conducted with large sample size by incorporating mixed method research design in order to gain deeper insights into the problem stated.

Implications

In the light of the experience of adolescent menstruators residing in institutional care, they can be educated about menstrual management. Counselling is necessary and the need of hour for adolescent menstruators to deal with how to handle emotions before and during menstrual phase.
Comparing Vitamin D Level Between Patients with Psoriasis and Healthy Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Moosazadeh Mahmood , Damiani Giovanni , Khademloo Mohammad , Kheradmand Motahareh , Nabinezhad-Male Fatemeh , Hessami Amirhossein
Published: November 2023

Background

Psoriasis is nowadays regarded as a systemic inflammatory disorder. Among the topicals, vitamin D derivates are often applied on the skin for their anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory properties. Vitamin D serum levels in psoriasis (PsO) patients are still debated and an eventual depletion may offer the rational to integrate anti-psoriatic therapies with oral vitamin D. Then, we aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on the current evidence towards serum vitamin D level in PsO.

Methods

We searched in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences, ScienceDirect and Science Information Database (SID) using the terms “Vitamin D” and “Psoriasis” including manuscripts in English, Italian and Persian. Duplications were excluded using EndNote software and records were screened by title, abstract and full-text. Quality assessment of studies was assessed using Newcastle Ottawa Checklist (NOS). Psoriasis odds ratio (OR) and mean serum vitamin D levels were calculated and displayed in Forest-plots. Heterogeneity indexes were evaluated using I2 and Q. Sensitivity analysis and publication biases were also considered.

Results

From 3006 records extracted, after removing duplicates and analyzing full texts we finally included 19 manuscripts involving a total of 1387 PsO cases and 6939 controls. PsO patients exhibited a substantial odds ratio (3.07, 95% CI: 1.56-6.04) for lower serum vitamin D levels compared to the control group. Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) of vitamin D in PsO versus controls was −0.92 (−1.33 to −0.51).

Conclusion

Psoriatic patients displayed higher risk to have a vitamin D deficiency. Interventional studies to verify the preventive value are mandatory.
Anthropocene: Shrug, engage, or do new sorts of work?
Authors: Head Lesley
Published: November 2023

In this article, I make some comparisons between approaches to the Anthropocene in archaeology and geography and use them to consider where to go from here. The Anthropocene has lacked purchase in archaeology due to three main disciplinary trends; the importance of process and contingency, the increasing importance of de-periodisation and the increasing critique of the universal human in human origins discussions. Each of these trends has an expression in geography but geographers have tended to critically engage while archaeologists have shrugged. The sense that we have all moved beyond the Anthropocene is a luxury challenged by three important convergences between recent scientific and social scientific thought: a much enhanced set of data about the variable specifics of human–environment relations, particularly across time; increasing recognition of the role of colonialism and capitalism in constituting not only the earth system changes but also the subjectivities and conceptualisation of the Anthropocene; the profound challenges of a transforming and transformable Earth. These convergences demand new and different sorts of work.
Enhancement of Ni–Zn ferrite nanoparticles parameters via cerium element for optoelectronic and energy applications
Authors: Kershi R. M. , Alshehri A. M. , Attiyah R. M.
Published: November 2023

This work is concerned with fabricating ferrite nanoparticles of nickel–zinc with the chemical formula: Ni0.55Zn0.45Fe2−xCexO4, 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.011 by co-deposition technique and modifying their electrical, microscopic, spectroscopic, optical, electrical and dielectric properties as advanced engineering materials through doping with the cerium (Ce) element. XRD patterns displayed that the samples have a monophasic Cerium–Nickel–zinc (CNZ) spinel structure without other impurities for cerium concentration (x) ≤ 0.066. Both values of crystallite size and lattice parameters decrease from 33.643 to 23.137 nm and from 8.385 to 8.353 nm, respectively, with the increasing Ce ions substitution content from 0 to 0.066. SEM images indicate that grains of the fabricated compounds are smaller, more perfect, more homogeneous, and less agglomeration than those of the un-doped Ni–Zn nano-ferrites. The maximum intensity of first-order Raman spectral peaks (Eg, F2g(2), A1g(2), and A1g(1)) of CNZ ferrite nanoparticles are observed at about (330, 475, 650, 695) cm−1, respectively, that confirms the CNZ samples have the cubic spinel structure. The direct and indirect optical energy bandgaps of CNZ samples have a wide spectrum of values from semiconductors to insulators according to cerium concentration. The results showed that the values of dielectric constant, dielectric loss factor, and Ac conductivity and the conductivity transition temperature are sensitive to cerium ions content. AC conductivity exhibited by the CNZ samples has the semiconductor materials behavior, where the AC conductivity increases due to temperature or doping concentration. The results indicate that Ni0.55Zn0.45Fe1.944Ce0.066O4 ferrite nanoparticles may be selected for optoelectronic devices, high-frequency circuits, and energy storage applications.
“Duplex sans duplex: a cryptic cause”: a case report
Authors: Rajkiran Raju S. , Pathrose Jobin , D’Souza Dyan , Shubha Attibele Mahadevaiah
Published: November 2023

Background

Duplex kidneys represent an embryologic maldevelopment at time of renogenesis resulting in a spectrum of bifurcation anomalies of the reno-ureteric system. Though most are antenatally detected, recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), abdominal mass due to obstruction and incontinence are other common manifestations. Upper moiety ureter is usually obstructed and the lower moiety is refluxing. Management is guided by the percentage function of each of the moieties. A non-functioning system warrants a heminephrectomy. We report a toddler with right flank mass and a provisional diagnosis of right duplex system following investigations but met with a cryptic cause at surgery thereby altering the management.

Case presentation

A 2 ½ years girl with progressively increasing right abdominal mass for 6 weeks was found to have 12 × 10 cm right non-tender flank mass. Ultrasonography, contrast tomography and nuclear scans showed a right duplex system with obstructed, poorly functioning lower moiety. A lower moiety heminephrectomy was planned but at surgery, a densely adherent cystic structure displacing the right kidney superiorly was noted. On decompressing, the ureter was found to enter the cyst with discontinuation for a length of 6cms before being traced distally to its entry into the bladder. Retrograde pyelogram confirmed mid-ureteral transection and cystic urinoma. The cyst was excised and the ureter reconstructed with an appendicular interposition graft. Child recovered uneventfully and at 8 months follow up is well with good drainage across the conduit.

Conclusion

The case highlights a rare presentation of mid-ureteral transection with urinoma masquerading as a duplex system and its satisfactory management.
A model-based clustering via mixture of hierarchical models with covariate adjustment for detecting differentially expressed genes from paired design
Authors: Zhang Yixin , Liu Wei , Qiu Weiliang
Published: November 2023

The causes of many complex human diseases are still largely unknown. Genetics plays an important role in uncovering the molecular mechanisms of complex human diseases. A key step to characterize the genetics of a complex human disease is to unbiasedly identify disease-associated gene transcripts on a whole-genome scale. Confounding factors could cause false positives. Paired design, such as measuring gene expression before and after treatment for the same subject, can reduce the effect of known confounding factors. However, not all known confounding factors can be controlled in a paired/match design. Model-based clustering, such as mixtures of hierarchical models, has been proposed to detect gene transcripts differentially expressed between paired samples. To the best of our knowledge, no model-based gene clustering methods have the capacity to adjust for the effects of covariates yet. In this article, we proposed a novel mixture of hierarchical models with covariate adjustment in identifying differentially expressed transcripts using high-throughput whole-genome data from paired design. Both simulation study and real data analysis show the good performance of the proposed method.
Omic horizon expression: a database of gene expression based on RNA sequencing data
Authors: Hu Yuzhe , Xie Dong , Li Xixi , Han Wenling , Chen Yingyu , Qi Huiying , Wang Pingzhang
Published: November 2023

Background

Gene expression profiles have important significance for gene expression characteristics and further functional studies. More attention has been given to the expression databases in humans and mice, but less attention has been given to rats, while rat models also play an irreplaceable role in biomedical experiments.

Results

To depict the rat gene expression profiles in mRNA expression levels, we analyzed over 2,700 RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) samples from 48 tissues, 40 primary cell types and 25 cell lines; and then mapped them to the latest version of the rat genome reference, mRatBN7.2. Based on these datasets and reanalysis, we constructed a new database, the Omic Horizon Expression Database (http://immudb.bjmu.edu.cn/expression.html), which allows expressional profile query of over 25,000 rat genes based on non-redundant gene symbols. The database supports requests using gene symbols (or alias), Ensemble and Entrez gene IDs. Gene expression profiles can be queried in three categories: tissues, primary cells and cell lines. Application examples including expression profiling and comparison, as well as identification of novel rat genes, were illustrated to show the utility of the database.

Conclusions

As an omic resource, the Omic Horizon Expression Database provides horizons of gene expression profiles across various tissues and cells, which greatly facilitates the identification of rat genes as well as functional clues.
Specific gastrointestinal microbiota profiles in Chinese Tan sheep are associated with lauric acid content in muscle
Authors: LI Zhen , Cui Ran , Wang Yu-Bei , Luo Ya-Biao , Xue Peng-Xiang , Tang Qi-Guo , Fang Mei-Ying
Published: November 2023

The biological mechanisms underlying meat quality remain unclear. Currently, many studies report that the gastrointestinal microbiota is essential for animal growth and performance. However, it is uncertain which bacterial species are specifically associated with the meat quality traits. In this study, 16S rDNA and metagenomic sequencing were performed to explore the composition and function of microbes in various gastrointestinal segments of Tan sheep and Dorper sheep, as well as the relationship between microbiota and meat quality (specifically, the fatty acid content of the muscle). In the ruminal, duodenal, and colonic microbiome, several bacteria were uniquely identified in respective breeds, including Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Bacteroidales bacterium CF, and several members of the family Oscillospiraceae. The annotation of GO, KEGG, and CAZYme revealed that these different bacterial species were linked to the metabolism of glucose, lipids, and amino acids. Additionally, our findings suggested that 16 microbial species may be essential to the content of fatty acids in the muscle, especially C12:0 (lauric acid). 4 bacterial species, including Achromobacter xylosoxidans, Mageeibacillus indolicus, and Mycobacterium dioxanotrophicus, were positively correlated with C12:0, while 13 bacteria, including Methanobrevibacter millerae, Bacteroidales bacterium CF, and Bacteroides coprosuis were negatively correlated with C12:0. In a word, this study provides a basic data for better understanding the interaction between ruminant gastrointestinal microorganisms and the meat quality traits of hosts.
Comprehensive analysis of the UDP-glucuronate decarboxylase (UXS) gene family in tobacco and functional characterization of NtUXS16 in Golgi apparatus in Arabidopsis
Authors: Li Zhimin , Chen Runping , Wen Yufang , Liu Hanxiang , Chen Yangyang , Wu Xiaoyu , Yang Youxin , Wu Xinru , Zhou Yong , Liu Jianping
Published: November 2023

Background

UDP-glucuronate decarboxylase (also named UXS) converts UDP-glucuronic acid (UDP-GlcA) to UDP-xylose (UDP-Xyl) by decarboxylation of the C6-carboxylic acid of glucuronic acid. UDP-Xyl is an important sugar donor that is required for the synthesis of plant cell wall polysaccharides.

Results

In this study, we first carried out the genome-wide identification of NtUXS genes in tobacco. A total of 17 NtUXS genes were identified, which could be divided into two groups (Group I and II), and the Group II UXSs can be further divided into two subgroups (Group IIa and IIb). Furthermore, the protein structures, intrachromosomal distributions and gene structures were thoroughly analyzed. To experimentally verify the subcellular localization of NtUXS16 protein, we transformed tobacco BY-2 cells with NtUXS16 fused to the monomeric red fluorescence protein (mRFP) at the C terminus under the control of the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter. The fluorescent signals of NtUXS16-mRFP were localized to the medial-Golgi apparatus. Contrary to previous predictions, protease digestion analysis revealed that NtUXS16 is not a type II membrane protein. Overexpression of NtUXS16 in Arabidopsis seedling in darkness led to a significant increase in hypocotyl length and a reduction in root length compared with the wild type. In summary, these results suggest Golgi apparatus localized-NtUXS16 plays an important role in hypocotyl and root growth in the dark.

Conclusion

Our findings facilitate our understanding of the novel functions of NtUXS16 and provide insights for further exploration of the biological roles of NtUXS genes in tobacco.
Application of Foley balloon catheter in palliative surgery for pulmonary atresia with an intact ventricular septem, with additional cases of pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Xu Qiteng , Hou Kefeng , Lv Bei , Xing Quansheng , Chen Rui
Published: November 2023

Background

Pulmonary atresia and tetralogy of Fallot can require palliative surgery in the neonatal period due to severe hypoxia; however, limitations of established techniques include high failure rate and need for cardiopulmonary bypass. Herein, right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction on a beating heart using a Foley balloon catheter is described.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients who underwent right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction on a beating heart using a Foley balloon catheter at our institution between September 2018 and March 2022 was completed. During the procedure, a Foley balloon catheter was used to occlude the blood from the right ventricular inflow tract.

Results

Eight patients with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum underwent an off-pump right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction. One patient with pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect, and two patients with tetralogy of Fallot underwent an on-pump right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction on a beating heart. The procedures were successful in all patients. Patent ductus arteriosus ligation without modified Blalock-Taussig shunt placement was performed in three patients with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum and two patients with tetralogy of Fallot, ductus arteriosus was left open in four patients with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum. All patients remained clinically well without serious complications.

Conclusions

Right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction on a beating heart using a Foley balloon catheter for pulmonary atresia and tetralogy of Fallot is a feasible alternative to catheter-based interventions or traditional surgical treatment, especially in patients with muscular infundibular stenosis or hypoplastic pulmonary annulus. Further studies with more cases are needed to verify feasibility and superiority of this approach.
Is there structural change on MRI in gluteal tendinopathy after treatment? Single outcome measure extension of an RCT
Authors: Carney Georgia , Fitzpatrick Jane
Published: November 2023

Background

The etiology of tendinopathy remains controversial and it is unknown whether degenerative structural changes in tendinopathies are reversible.

Hypothesis

There will be no structural change on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) taken > 2-years after treatment for gluteal tendinopathy.

Study Design

Extension of a single site, double-blind, prospective randomized-controlled trial to analyze the additional outcome measure; MRI changes.

Methods

University of Melbourne ethics approval number: 1852900, trial registration: ACTRN12613000677707. Participants with gluteal tendinopathy who had previously received a leukocyte-rich platelet-rich plasma injection (LR-PRP) or a corticosteroid injection (CSI) had a post treatment MRI between at least 2-years and up to 7 years following trial completion. A blinded, senior musculoskeletal radiologist graded all de-identified MRI scans using the Melbourne Hip Score (MHIP). The primary outcome measure was the change in overall pre- and post-treatment score.

Results

Participants (n = 20) underwent MRI at mean time of 4.15 (SD 1.11; range 2–7) years after their initial treatment. There was no change in the overall mean MHIP score for the CSI group (Pre 4.3 (SD 2.3) Post 4.3 (SD 1.1), p = 1.00). Although there was an improvement in the LR-PRP group mean MHIP score (Pre 5.3 (SD 3.0) Post 4.77 (SD 2.5), p = 0.56) it was not statistically significant. However, in the LR-PRP intervention group, five out of nine of participants’ MHIP score improved, with four of these improving by 2–4 points.

Conclusion

The hypothesis that there would be no improvement in MHIP scores following treatment of gluteal tendinopathy was supported. Findings of improvement in the LR-PRP group at 4 years would support further studies powered to look for structural improvement. These findings suggest that structural change following treatment for tendinopathy may be possible supporting the inclusion of MRI as a core outcome for future studies.

Clinical relevance

The study suggests that degenerative structural changes in tendons may be reversible.