bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure of brain grey and white matter in infants with spastic cerebral palsy and periventricular white matter injury
Authors: Liu Chengxiang , Peng Ying , Yang Yanli , Li Pengyu , Chen Duoli , Nie Dingxin , Liu Heng , Liu Peng
Published: August 2023

Aim

To investigate the possible covariation of grey matter volume (GMV) and white matter fractional anisotropy in infants with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) and periventricular white matter injury.

Method

Thirty‐nine infants with spastic CP and 25 typically developing controls underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging. Multimodal canonical correlation analysis with joint independent component analysis were used to capture differences in GMV and fractional anisotropy between groups. Correlation analysis was performed between imaging findings and clinical features.

Results

Infants with spastic CP showed one joint group‐discriminating component (i.e. GMV‐fractional anisotropy) associated with regions in the cortico‐basal ganglia‐thalamo‐cortical loop and in the corpus callosum compared to typically developing controls and one modality‐specific group‐discriminating component (i.e. GMV). Significant negative correlations were found between loadings in certain regions and the motor function score in spastic CP.

Interpretation

In infants with spastic CP, covarying GMV‐fractional anisotropy and altered GMV in specific regions were implicated in motor dysfunction, which confirmed that simultaneous GMV and fractional anisotropy changes underly motor deficits, but might also extend to sensory, cognitive, or visual dysfunction. These findings also suggest that multimodal fusion analysis allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the relevance between grey and white matter structures and its crucial role in the neuropathological mechanisms of spastic CP.
New insights into the hemodynamics of pulmonary homograft patients under stress echocardiography: The contribution of pressure recovery
Authors: Marquetand Christoph , Aboud Anas , Hasfurther Maria , Göttmann Jan , Bahlmann Edda , Busch‐Tilge Claudia , Tilge Patric , Ivannikova Maria , Ensminger Stephan , Stierle Ulrich , Reil Gert‐Hinrich , Reil Jan‐Christian
Published: August 2023

Background

The importance of pulmonary artery pressure recovery (PR) in patients with Ross procedures in whom a homograft substitutes the resected pulmonary valve, is unknown. The aim of the study was to evaluate the occurrence and extent of PR in the pulmonary artery in 65 asymptomatic patients with pulmonary homograft after Ross surgery during rest and exercise.

Methods

Stress echocardiography was performed in 65 pulmonary homograft patients and 31 controls with native pulmonary valves up to 75 W. Right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), transvalvular flow, mean pressure gradient (Pmean), valve resistance, and RV stroke work were determined in the exercise (max. 75 W) and recovery phases in increments of 25 W each.

Results

Pulmonary homografts demonstrated significantly elevated Pmean compared to controls at all stages. When considering pressure recovery (absolute and relative PR at rest 3.8 ± 1.8 mm Hg, 42.6 ± 7.2%, respectively) and transvalvular energy loss (EL; at rest 4.5 ± 4.3 mm Hg) the homograft hemodynamics reached the level of controls. In a subgroup of patients with tricuspid regurgitation, resting RVSP was the same in homograft patients and controls (21.3 ± 6.1 vs. 20.4 ± 6.3, p = .62), despite significant different Pmax values.

Conclusions

Ross patients with pulmonary homograft showed systematically increased hemodynamic parameters compared to normal pulmonary valves. These differences were abolished when PR was considered for homograft patients. The equality of RVSP values at rest in both groups shows non‐invasive evidence for PR in the pulmonary system after homograft implantation. Therefore, PR appears to be an important measure in calculating the actual hemodynamics in pulmonary homografts.
Does financial inclusion empower women in Africa?
Authors: Maruta Admasu A. , Edjigu Habtamu T. , Kassa Woubet
Published: August 2023

This paper examines the effect of financial inclusion on women's empowerment. We contribute to the growing interest in financial inclusion effectiveness literature by conducting an empirical analysis of 42 African countries to examine the role of financial inclusion in empowering women. We also examine and compare the effectiveness of the three dimensions of financial inclusion viz. usage, access, and quality, and the first most influential indicators, based on their PCA score, of these dimensions. Our findings suggest that financial inclusion has a significantly positive effect on women's empowerment‐measured by females' human development index. Examining the relative importance of financial inclusion dimensions, we find access to financial services has a higher effect on women's empowerment. These results are robust to alternative measures of women's empowerment and financial inclusion, and alternative estimation procedures. We also find that the effect of financial inclusion on women's empowerment is higher in low and lower‐middle‐income countries compared with upper‐middle‐income countries in the region. This study provides evidence of one of the channels through which financial inclusion contributes to reducing gender inequality, and thereby enhancing economic development.
Novel fatigue life prediction approach combined with rain‐flow cycle counting process for random multiaxial non‐proportional loading
Authors: He Lei , Xu Le , Itoh Takamoto
Published: August 2023

This study extends an existing fatigue life prediction approach for constant multiaxial non‐proportional loading, which is based on a material constant and non‐proportional factor of the loading path, to random amplitude loading waveforms and combines it with the rain‐flow cycle counting method. To validate the accuracy of the extended fatigue life prediction approach, fatigue tests under constant and random uniaxial and non‐proportional loading conditions were conducted. Moreover, fatigue limit reduction under constant non‐proportional loading was investigated through crack and dislocation structure observations. Then, fatigue lives under random multiaxial non‐proportional loading conditions were evaluated using the extended approach. According to the results, almost all evaluated failure data were distributed within two‐factor band lines, indicating that the extended approach could accurately evaluate the fatigue life of the study material.
A meta‐analytic review of acceptance‐based interventions for migraine
Authors: Polk Ashley N. , Smitherman Todd A.
Published: August 2023

Objective

To determine the efficacy of acceptance and mindfulness‐based interventions on migraine disability, medication use, and attack frequency.

Background

Acceptance‐based approaches to headache management are those in which individuals learn to mitigate the influence of pain‐related experiences on their general functioning without controlling pain itself. Treatment approaches include acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and mindfulness‐based practices. Both have shown promise in improving broad functioning and disability among individuals with headache. Despite a growing body of research examining acceptance‐based interventions for headache broadly and migraine specifically, no meta‐analytic review of ACT interventions for headache exists, and two meta‐analytic reviews of mindfulness‐based practices yielded conflicting results.

Methods

The present study aimed to systematically and quantitatively review the literature related to the efficacy of acceptance‐based interventions among adults with migraine. A multi‐database search (PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) identified clinical trials among individuals with migraine that compared structured ACT or mindfulness‐based interventions to control treatment. Random‐effects meta‐analyses were performed using RevMan 5.4 meta‐analytic software, and standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) quantified effect sizes on outcomes of disability, medication use, and headache frequency. Heterogeneity was quantified via I2 index and explored via subgroup analyses.

Results

Acceptance‐based interventions yielded significant improvements in disability (SMD = −0.38, 95% CI = −0.56 to −0.20; I2 = 25%, p = 0.20) but not in medication use (SMD = −0.25, 95% CI: −0.57 to 0.06; I2 = 0%, p = 0.82) or headache frequency (SMD = −0.16, 95% CI = −0.37 to 0.05; I2 = 0%, p = 0.73).

Conclusion

Results suggest that acceptance‐based interventions are effective in improving disability among adults with migraine and are a viable non‐pharmacological treatment option, in addition to well‐established behavioral migraine management approaches, for patients seeking functional improvement.
Oral health status and barriers to utilization of dental services among pregnant women in Sunsari, Nepal: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Subedi Krishna , Shrestha Ashish , Bhagat Tarakant
Published: August 2023

Objectives

This study was conducted to assess oral hygiene practices, oral health status and barriers to utilization of oral health care services among pregnant mothers attending two family health care clinics in Sunsari, Nepal.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 139 women using a purposive sampling technique. The data collection was done using a pretested standard semi‐structured questionnaire. Face‐to‐face interviews of the participants were done by a single investigator in the local language (Nepali). The examination was done using a mouth mirror and CPI probe for periodontal status, loss of attachment and dentition status, and treatment needs.

Results

The majority of pregnant mothers brushed their teeth once a day or less than once a day (n = 106, 76.3%) and self‐reported perceived oral health status was poor/fair (n = 93, 66.9%). The prevalence of dental caries was found to be 69.8%. Bleeding on probing was present in all participants. DMFT, presence of bleeding on probing and increased periodontal pocket was significantly high among women who had self‐reported their oral health problems in comparison to those who had not reported any problem. The most common barriers reported by the participants were a lack of knowledge of dental checkups and a lack of perceived need for dental care during pregnancy.

Conclusions

There was a high prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease. Lack of knowledge and perceived need for dental care were the major barriers found in this study. Hence, this directs towards the utmost need for improvement in awareness level as well as oral hygiene practices.
Trait filtering in island floras: A conceptual framework
Authors: Schrader Julian , Wright Ian J. , Kreft Holger , Dixon Kingsley , Gallagher Rachael V. , Andrew Samuel C. , Weigelt Patrick , Westoby Mark
Published: August 2023

Aim

Dispersal and environmental filtering processes affect plant species colonisation success on islands and can be identified by functional traits. However, the lack of synthesis about the different methodological approaches in functional ecology hampers generalisation of filtering processes across island systems.

Location

Seventy islands of the Houtman Abrolhos archipelago, Western Australia.

Major Taxa Studied

Angiosperms.

Methods

We (i) apply a simple, conceptual framework based on the mean and variability of individual functional traits in plant assemblages to identify species filters on islands, (ii) illustrate how trait distributions of island assemblages change in relation to island area and their source pool, (iii) compare distributions of individual traits to multivariate functional diversity indices and trait spaces and (iv) provide guidelines to detect a signal of trait filtering in island floras.

Results

The island assemblages showed evidence for selective filters operating on seed mass and marginally on leaf area but not on plant height. Mean and variability of seed mass differed to those of the source pool indicating selective forces operating between source pool and island assemblages, especially on smaller islands. Multivariate functional diversity indices and trait spaces failed to reveal filtering processes acting on the island assemblages and insights into the putative processes.

Main Conclusions

Using the mean and variability of individual traits in plant assemblages provides direct information on the trait composition of island floras and the processes involved beyond what can be inferred from multivariate functional diversity indices or trait spaces. We used islands as their distinct boundaries and relatively simple sets of species provide good research models, but joint analyses of trait means and variability should also be applicable to understand filtering processes in isolates and habitat fragments on mainlands.
MFAP2 promotes HSCs activation through FBN1/TGF‐β/Smad3 pathway
Authors: Sun Yonghong , Chen Xingxing , Chen Lili , Bao Baixin , Li Chunming , Zhou Yongning
Published: August 2023

Liver fibrosis is a chronic inflammatory process characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), which contributes to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Increasing evidence suggests that the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) under an inflammatory state leads to the secretion of collagens, which can cause cirrhosis. In this study, we analysed data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between quiescent and fibrotic HSCs. We found that Microfibril Associated Protein 2 (MFAP2) was elevated in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced liver fibrosis and Transforming Growth Factor‐Beta 1 (TGF‐β1)‐activated HSCs. Knockdown of MFAP2 inhibited HSC proliferation and partially attenuated TGF‐β‐stimulated fibrogenesis markers. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that Fibrillin‐1 (FBN1) was correlated with MFAP2, and the expression of FBN1 was significantly upregulated after MFAP2 overexpression. Silencing MFAP2 partially attenuated the activation of HSCs by inhibiting HSC proliferation and decreasing collagen deposits. In vitro results showed that the inhibition of MFAP2 alleviated hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting the activation and inducing the apoptosis of active HSCs in a CCl4‐induced mouse model. In conclusion, our results suggest that MFAP2 is a potential target for the clinical treatment of liver fibrosis.
A global survey on national standard care for newborn bathing
Authors: Kido Minako , Yonezawa Kaori , Haruna Megumi , Tahara‐Sasagawa Emi , Usui Yuriko
Published: August 2023

Aim

To describe national standard care for newborn bathing and its influential factors.

Methods

A global survey was conducted using a web‐based questionnaire. The targeted countries were 166 member countries of either the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) or the International Council of Nurses (ICN). An eligible person included someone well informed of midwifery education/training or neonatal care, including newborn bathing, in their country. To examine the factors associated with the standard care for newborn bathing, information on mean annual temperature, precipitation, gross domestic product per capita, and basic water coverage was collected as external factors. Student's t tests and Chi‐square tests were used for analysis.

Results

Care standards were identified in 46 countries: seven from Africa, eight from the Americas, 15 from Asia, 14 from Europe, and two from Oceania. In most countries, newborns were bathed with warm water in a tub within 10 min. Bathing frequency, moisturization, and use of soap or cleanser varied by country. There were significant associations between bathing frequency and temperature and between moisturization and precipitation.

Conclusion

The national standard care for newborn bathing in each country was unique. Standard bathing care was associated with the climate. More consideration should be given to the differences in standard care for newborn bathing between countries when interpreting existing studies and conducting future studies on neonatal skin care.
Mind the gender gap: Inequalities in the emergent professions of artificial intelligence (AI) and data science
Authors: Young Erin , Wajcman Judy , Sprejer Laila
Published: August 2023

The emergence of new prestigious professions in data science and artificial intelligence (AI) provide a rare opportunity to explore the gendered dynamics of technical careers as they are being formed. In this paper, we contribute to the literature on gender inequality in digital work by curating and analysing a unique cross‐country data set. We use innovative data science methodology to investigate the nature of work and skills in these under‐researched fields. Our research finds persistent disparities in jobs, qualifications, seniority, industry, attrition and even self‐confidence in these fields. We identify structural inequality in data and AI, with career trajectories of professionals differentiated by gender, reflecting the broader history of computing. Our work is original in illuminating gendering processes within elite high‐tech jobs as they are being configured. Paying attention to these nascent fields is crucial if we are to ensure that women take their rightful place at forefront of technological innovation.
Sex‐based differences in cardiac resynchronization therapy upgrade and outcome for patients with pacemaker and new‐onset heart failure
Authors: Rorsman Cecilia , Farouq Maiwand , Marinko Sofia , Mörtsell David , Chaudhry Uzma , Wang Lingwei , Borgquist Rasmus
Published: August 2023

Background

Patients with chronic right ventricular (RV) pacing are at an increased risk of heart failure. Previous studies have indicated that cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is underused in this setting, and that there may be sex‐based differences in both CRT use and clinical outcome.

Objective

To evaluate sex‐based differences in CRT use and clinical outcome for patients with new‐onset heart failure post RV pacing.

Methods

Data from the Swedish pacemaker registry was matched with data from the national death and disease registries. Patients with de novo pacemaker implant due to AV block during the period 2005–2020 were included. New‐onset heart‐failure within two years post‐implant was evaluated, primary outcome was all‐cause mortality.

Results

In all, 30183 patients (37% female) were included. Women were on average 3 years older, but had less comorbidities than men. Median follow‐up time was 4.5 [2.0–8.0] years. Women had better age‐ and comorbidity‐adjusted survival (HR 0.78 [0.73–0.84], p < .001). For the 3560 patients (12.4% men and 10.7% women, p < .001) who were diagnosed with new‐onset heart failure, 5‐year mortality was similar for men and women (50% vs. 48%, p = .29). However, women were less likely to receive CRT‐upgrade (3.8% vs. 9.1%, p < .001), and those who did were almost ten years younger than the men.

Conclusion

Women with pacemaker due to AV block are older but have less comorbidities than men. They are less likely to develop new‐onset heart failure, but also less likely to receive a CRT upgrade if they do develop heart failure. Increased awareness of the positive effects of CRT upgrade and potential sex‐ and age‐based discrimination is warranted.
Wood‐density has no effect on stomatal control of leaf‐level water use efficiency in an Amazonian forest
Authors: Lamour Julien , Souza Daisy C. , Gimenez Bruno O. , Higuchi Niro , Chave Jérôme , Chambers Jeffrey , Rogers Alistair
Published: August 2023

Forest disturbances increase the proportion of fast‐growing tree species compared to slow‐growing ones. To understand their relative capacity for carbon uptake and their vulnerability to climate change, and to represent those differences in Earth system models, it is necessary to characterise the physiological differences in their leaf‐level control of water use efficiency and carbon assimilation. We used wood density as a proxy for the fast‐slow growth spectrum and tested the assumption that trees with a low wood density (LWD) have a lower water‐use efficiency than trees with a high wood density (HWD). We selected 5 LWD tree species and 5 HWD tree species growing in the same location in an Amazonian tropical forest and measured in situ steady‐state gas exchange on top‐of‐canopy leaves with parallel sampling and measurement of leaf mass area and leaf nitrogen content. We found that LWD species invested more nitrogen in photosynthetic capacity than HWD species, had higher photosynthetic rates and higher stomatal conductance. However, contrary to expectations, we showed that the stomatal control of the balance between transpiration and carbon assimilation was similar in LWD and HWD species and that they had the same dark respiration rates.
Underground hyperspectral outcrop scanning for automated mine‐face mapping: The lithium deposit of Zinnwald/Cínovec
Authors: Kirsch Moritz , Mavroudi Maria , Thiele Sam , Lorenz Sandra , Tusa Laura , Booysen René , Herrmann Erik , Fatihi Ayoub , Möckel Robert , Dittrich Thomas , Gloaguen Richard
Published: August 2023

The inherent complexity of underground mining requires highly selective ore extraction and adaptive mine planning. Repeated geological face mapping and reinterpretation throughout mine life is therefore routine in underground mines. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) has successfully been applied to enhance geological mapping in surface mining environments, but remains a largely unexplored opportunity in underground operations due to challenges associated with illumination, wet surfaces and data corrections. In this study, we propose a workflow that paves the way for the operational use of HSI in active underground mines. In a laboratory set‐up, we evaluated different hyperspectral sensors and lighting set‐ups as well as the effect of surface moisture. We then acquired hyperspectral data in an underground mine of the Zinnwald/Cínovec Sn‐W‐Li greisen‐type deposit in Germany. These data were corrected for illumination effects, back‐projected into three dimensions and then used to map mineral abundance and estimate Li content across the mine face. We validated the results with handheld laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy. Despite remaining challenges, we hope this study will help establish hyperspectral sensors in the extractive industry as a means to increase the volume and efficiency of raw material supply, advance digitalisation, and reduce the environmental footprint and other risks associated with underground mining.
Finding the right products for export diversification
Authors: Yenilmez Taylan
Published: August 2023

The Ricardian comparative advantage model suggests doing what you are best at. Meanwhile, many development experiences resulted in producing the impossible. Do the two prescriptions lead to an antagonism that the industrial policy must side by one? Or can industrial policy consider the current comparative advantage while aiming for significant changes in the export basket? This paper answers yes by suggesting a path to transformation through the tracks of current comparative advantage. I use the Product Space network to define the two attributes of a product: New products closer to the existing comparative advantage are easier to include in the export basket. On the other hand, central products in the core of the product space might be far from the export basket, but once added, they contribute more to the transformation and further diversification. Hence, a trade‐off exists between the proximity of a new product to the current export basket and its contribution to further diversification and transformation. I offer industrial policymakers to use a combination of product nearness and centrality. A policymaker seeking a gradual and secure transformation can prioritize nearness, while centrality can be given greater weight for rapid transformations.
Comparison of brain functional response to mechanical prickling stimuli to the glabrous and hairy skin
Authors: Wang Qicai , Tao Yuan , Sun Tao , Yuan Jie , Ao Jiayu , Hong Xinghua , Jin Zimin , Zeng Fangmeng , Lei Yutian
Published: August 2023

Background

A kind of prickle sensation, which is a composite feeling of pain and itch, can be evoked by mechanical stimulation of fiber ends from fabric surface against to human hairy skin, rather than glabrous skin. Now, a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study was conducted to investigate the cognitive differences in the brain for mechanical prickling stimuli to the two types of skin.

Materials and Methods

A nylon filament with the diameter of 205 μm and the length of 8 mm was used to deliver mechanical prickling stimuli respectively to two skin sites, fingertip (glabrous skin) and volar forearm (hairy skin), of eight healthy male subjects. Simultaneously, the technology of fMRI was adopted to acquire BOLD (Blood Oxygen Level‐Dependent) signals of brain functional response of the subjects.

Results

Somatosensory areas, emotional areas, and the posterior parietal cortex (especially the precuneus) are important brain regions that distinguish between the two conditions. The representation of mechanical prickling stimulation to glabrous skin in the brain favors much more the tactile information of the stimulation and contains no itch, while the key brain area, precuneus, involved in itch was activated by the same mechanical prickling stimulation to hairy skin, and brain response for the condition of hairy skin contains more emotional information, which plays an important role in pain processing.

Conclusion

Therefore, it can be inferred that a kind of stronger prickle sensation, which contains both pain and itch, was evoked by mechanical stimulation to hairy skin than glabrous skin.
Standardization of canine meningioma grading: Validation of new guidelines for reproducible histopathologic criteria
Authors: Belluco Sara , Marano Giuseppe , Lurier Thibaut , Avallone Giancarlo , Brachelente Chiara , Di Palma Stefano , Rasotto Roberta , Baiker Kerstin , Beineke Andreas , Oevermann Anna , Seehusen Frauke , de Sant'Ana Fabiano José Ferreira , Boracchi Patrizia , Pumarola Martí , Mandara Maria Teresa
Published: August 2023

Canine meningiomas are currently graded using the human grading system. Recently published guidelines have adapted the human grading system for use in dogs. The goal of this study was to validate the new guidelines for canine meningiomas. To evaluate the inter‐observer agreement, 5 veterinary surgical pathologists graded 158 canine meningiomas following the human grading system alone or with the new guidelines. The inter‐observer agreement for histologic grade and each of the grading criteria (mitotic grade, invasion, spontaneous necrosis, macronucleoli, small cells, hypercellularity, pattern loss and anaplasia) was evaluated using the Fleiss kappa index. The diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity and specificity) was assessed by comparing the diagnoses obtained with the 2 grading systems with a consensus grade (considered the reference classification). The consensus histologic grade was obtained by agreement between 4 experienced veterinary neuropathologists following the guidelines. Compared with the human grading alone, the canine‐specific guidelines increased the inter‐observer agreement for: histologic grade (κ = 0.52); invasion (κ = 0.67); necrosis (κ = 0.62); small cells (κ = 0.36); pattern loss (κ = 0.49) and anaplasia (κ = 0.55). Mitotic grade agreement remained substantial (κ = 0.63). The guidelines improved the sensitivity in identifying grade 1 (95.6%) and the specificity in identifying grade 2 (96.2%) meningiomas. In conclusion, the new grading guidelines for canine meningiomas are associated with an overall improvement in the inter‐observer agreement and higher diagnostic accuracy in diagnosing grade 1 and grade 2 meningiomas.
Lateral ear canal resection and bulla osteotomy with marsupialization to treat otitis media in rabbits: forty‐eight procedures
Authors: Monge Emma , Donnelly Thomas M. , Coutant Thomas , Bennett R. Avery , Pignon Charly
Published: August 2023

Objective

Describe lateral ear canal resection and bulla osteotomy with marsupialization (LECARBOM) in rabbits with otitis media (OM), and report outcomes, complications, bacteria cultured from middle ears, and their antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) results.

Study design

Retrospective clinical case series; single referral hospital.

Animals

Forty‐two rabbits with naturally occurring OM.

Methods

Medical records (2011–2021) of rabbits with CT‐confirmed OM undergoing surgery were reviewed for outcomes, complications, bacteria cultured from middle ears, and AST.

Results

Surgery was performed on 48 ears, and outcomes determined 21 days postoperatively. All rabbits survived the procedure. Otitis externa resolved in all lop‐eared rabbits. Of 29 ears with OM‐associated head tilt, eight (28%) resolved, nine (31%) improved, seven (24%) remained unchanged and five (17%) worsened. Outcome was not associated with head tilt duration nor OM severity. Postoperative complications occurred in 12 (25%) cases, seven of which had wound margin dehiscence that healed by 21 days. The most frequent bacteria isolated were Pasteurella multocida (16%), Bordetella bronchiseptica (14%) and Staphylococcus aureus (14%). Bacteria were sensitive to azithromycin, marbofloxacin or enrofloxacin and resistant to penicillin.

Conclusion

LECARBOM is a well‐tolerated surgical procedure to treat OM. It also improved or stabilized 83% of cases with head tilt and resolved all cases with otitis externa.

Clinical significance

LECARBOM with administration of an AST‐sensitive antibiotic, or azithromycin when no AST is performed, should be effective in rabbits with OM. Postsurgically, it resolves or alleviates most secondary conditions such as otitis externa, head tilt and facial nerve paralysis.
Combining RADseq and contact zone analysis to decipher cryptic diversification in reptiles: Insights from the Spiny‐footed Lizard (Reptilia, Lacertidae)
Authors: Doniol‐Valcroze Paul , Rancilhac Loïs , Brito José‐Carlos , Miralles Aurélien , Geniez Philippe , Benoit Laure , Loiseau Anne , Leblois Raphaël , Dufresnes Christophe , Crochet Pierre‐André
Published: August 2023

Uncertainties on species taxonomy and distribution are major factors hampering efficient conservation planning in the current context of biodiversity erosion, even concerning widespread and abundant species in relatively well‐studied regions. Species delimitation have long been based on phylogenetic analyses of a small number of standard markers, but accurate lineage identification through this approach can be hampered by incomplete lineage sorting, introgression or isolation by distance. In that context, analyses of introgression patterns at secondary contact zones offer an interesting alternative by allowing a direct estimation of reproductive isolation, especially when using genome‐wide markers. Here, we investigated a contact zone between two genetic groups of the Spiny‐footed Lizard Acanthodactylus erythrurus (Schinz, 1833) in Morocco, whose status as separate lineages remained disputed in previous multilocus studies. Based on thousands of genome‐wide markers obtained through a RADseq approach, we confirmed that they represent distinct evolutionary lineages. Furthermore, the transition at their contact zone was very steep, with spatially restricted gene flow, highlighting levels of reproductive isolation consistent with species‐level lineages. Our study further illustrates the power of RADseq‐based studies of contact zones to understand cryptic diversity in non‐model organisms.
Cervical Column and Cord and Column Responses in Whiplash With Stenosis: A Finite Element Modeling Study
Authors: Yoganandan Narayan , Harinathan Balaji , Vedantam Aditya
Published: August 2023

Spine degeneration is a normal aging process. It may lead to stenotic spines that may have implications for pain and quality of life. The diagnosis is based on clinical symptomatology and imaging. Magnetic resonance images often reveal the nature and degree of stenosis of the spine. Stenosis is concerning to clinicians and patients because of the decreased space in the spinal canal and potential for elevated risk of cord and/or osteoligamentous spinal column injuries. Numerous finite element models of the cervical spine have been developed to study the biomechanics of the osteoligamentous column such as range of motion and vertebral stress; however, spinal cord modeling is often ignored. The objective of this study was to determine the external column and internal cord and disc responses of stenotic spines using finite element modeling. A validated model of the subaxial spinal column was used. The osteoligamentous column was modified to include the spinal cord. Mild, moderate, and severe degrees of stenosis commonly identified in civilian populations were simulated at C5–C6. The column-cord model was subjected to postero-anterior acceleration at T1. The range of motion, disc pressure, and cord stress–strain were obtained at the index and superior and inferior adjacent levels of the stenosis. The external metric representing the segmental motion was insensitive while the intrinsic disc and cord variables were more sensitive, and the index level was more affected by stenosis. These findings may influence surgical planning and patient education in personalized medicine.
Asymmetric Features of the Flow Past a Circular Cylinder Near a Moving Wall
Authors: Kim Hyo Ju , Kim Yeoun Joo , Lee Sang Bong
Published: August 2023

We numerically investigated two-dimensional laminar flow past a circular cylinder near a moving wall for Reynolds numbers ranging from 60–200. The gap-to-diameter ratio (G/D) between the cylinder and wall varied from 0.2–10. We studied the enhancement of the gap-induced asymmetric flow, which leads to the transition of the dominant frequency of the drag coefficient, and its association with vortical development. Harmonic analysis of the drag coefficient was performed to estimate the contributions of ω and 2ω to the periodic fluctuation of the drag coefficient, where ω is the lift force frequency. The first harmonic, which represented the primary characteristics of the pressure coefficient, was significantly more affected by the gap than the second harmonic. We found that the simultaneous combination of the harmonic components acting on the upper and lower sides of the cylinder determined the dominant frequency of the gap-induced asymmetric flow. Typical features of a gap-induced asymmetric flow are shown in the instantaneous trace of the pressure fluctuation. This revealed that the negative pressure fluctuations induced by the gap effect on the lower side were stronger than those on the upper side. This leads to a shift in the position of the zero first harmonic amplitude, ultimately resulting in a phase difference between the two sides. Finally, the dominant frequency transition of the drag coefficient occurred at smaller gaps as the Reynolds number increased.
Low temperature preparation of YSZ-based thin-film limiting current type oxygen sensor
Authors: Jiang Yuping , Zhang Jingsong , Yan Dawei , Tang Wei , Wang Jin , Cao Linhong , Fu Yajun , Shu Lin
Published: August 2023

Oxygen sensors based on YSZ solid electrolyte thin films have great application prospects due to their advantages in miniaturization and integration. Here, we report the gas sensing performance of Pt/YSZ/Pt oxygen gas sensors with low preparing temperatures. YSZ thin films with (200) preferred orientation have been prepared by room temperature RF magnetron sputtering combined with annealing at a temperature of 650 °C. The 700 nm-thick YSZ films exhibit an obvious limiting current platform, and the limiting current IL shows a linear dependence on oxygen concentration X(O2) (in the range of 6%–21%). Moreover, the devices with 700 nm-thick YSZ films worked well at the temperature range from 500 to 650 °C, and a linear relationship between logIL and 1000/T has been observed. These results demonstrate that YSZ thin films prepared by low temperature magnetron sputtering combined with the annealing process can reduce the working temperature.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome in a Collegiate Ice Hockey Player: A Case Report
Authors: Berardo Anthony , Friedman Jacob , Arlis-Mayor Stephanie , Diakogeorgiou Eleni
Published: August 2023

A 22-year-old male ice hockey player reported days of worsening bilateral upper-extremity weakness, hand tremors, and difficulty grasping his stick. Subjective information included sleeping in a “curled-up” position due to lack of heat in their residence. Provocation tests and imagining studies were positive for thoracic outlet syndrome. Primary treatment focused on decreasing stress on the anterior chest wall while secondary treatment focused on strengthening the posterior thorax to improve posture. Emphasis is given to core stability and scapular mobility. Removal from sport never occurred, but symptom alleviation occurred after 3 weeks. Thoracic outlet syndrome can be resolved quickly if proper recognition and adequate treatment are utilized. Athletic trainers fill a sociomedical role for their patients and should perform patient-centered care rather than tunnel vision on the pathology.
Taking Care of Toxicity: Challenges and Strategies for Inclusion in U.S. Collegiate Esports Programs
Authors: Cote Amanda C. , Wilson Andrew , Hansen Jared , Harris Brandon C. , Rahman Md Waseq Ur , Can Onder , Fickle Tara , Foxman Maxwell
Published: August 2023

Collegiate esports programs are rapidly expanding across the United States, offering a meaningful location in which to study diversity, equity, and inclusion. Because educational institutions must legally provide equal opportunities for all students, collegiate esports programs may need to avoid gaming culture’s longstanding tendency toward toxic behavior and language. At the same time, it is unclear whether or how effectively collegiate programs currently promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, necessitating further exploration. Drawing on 31 in-depth interviews with collegiate esports players, program directors, tournament organizers, and members of related student support organizations, this research identifies four challenges that collegiate esports programs currently face when trying to prevent toxicity and encourage broader cultures of care and inclusion: (a) ambiguous definitions of “toxicity,” (b) its normalization, (c) unclear reporting/response mechanisms for those facing harassment, and (d) the collegiate esports community’s insularity. We discuss each of these themes and their impacts individually, then provide initial recommendations for esports programs hoping to better care for their students.
Role of the CagY antenna projection in
Helicobacter pylori
Cag type IV secretion system activity
Authors: Tran Sirena C. , McClain Mark S. , Cover Timothy L.
Published: August 2023

Helicobacter pylori
strains containing the
cag
pathogenicity island (PAI) are associated with the development of gastric adenocarcinoma and peptic ulcer disease. The
cag
PAI encodes a secreted effector protein (CagA) and a type IV secretion system (Cag T4SS). Cag T4SS activity is required for the delivery of CagA and non-protein substrates into host cells. The Cag T4SS outer membrane core complex (OMCC) contains a channel-like domain formed by helix-loop-helix elements (antenna projections, AP) from 14 copies of the CagY protein (a VirB10 ortholog). Similar VirB10 antenna regions are present in T4SS OMCCs from multiple bacterial species and are predicted to span the outer membrane. In this study, we investigated the role of the CagY antenna region in Cag T4SS OMCC assembly and Cag T4SS function. An
H. pylori
mutant strain with deletion of the entire CagY AP (∆AP) retained the capacity to produce CagY and assemble an OMCC, but it lacked T4SS activity (CagA translocation and IL-8 induction in AGS gastric epithelial cells). In contrast, a mutant strain with Gly-Ser substitutions in the unstructured CagY AP loop retained Cag T4SS activity. Mutants containing CagY AP loops with shortened lengths were defective in CagA translocation and exhibited reduced IL-8-inducing activity compared to control strains. These data indicate that the CagY AP region is required for Cag T4SS activity and that Cag T4SS activity can be modulated by altering the length of the CagY AP unstructured loop.
Supplemental Material: A record of the Pleistocene: Periglacial landforms, deposits, and fauna in the Appalachian highlands of Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania, USA
Authors: Kavage Adams Rebecca , al. et
Published: August 2023

Mark Swift’s unpublished presentation, “An Elevation Analysis of Lacustrine Soils in the Tenmile Creek Watershed, Greene County, Pennsylvania.” 
Factors influencing myopia stabilisation in young myopic adult Singaporeans
Authors: Foo Li Lian , Tan Chuen-Seng , Noel Brennan , Htoon Hla M , Najjar Raymond P , Kathrani Biten , Sabanayagam Charumathi , Saw Seang-Mei
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To evaluate factors influencing stabilisation of myopia in the Singapore Cohort of Risk factors for Myopia.

Methods

We evaluated the longitudinal natural history of 424 myopic participants from 1999 to 2022. The outcome was the change in myopia from the adolescence follow-up visit (aged 12–19 years) to the adulthood follow-up visit (aged 26–33 years). Association of predictive factors, including baseline spherical error, gender, ethnicity, parental myopia, time outdoor, near work and age at adolescence, was examined with the dichotomous outcome of adult myopia progression (≤ −1.00 dioptres (D) over 10 years) using multiple logistic regression and progression in linear regression models.

Results

For the primary outcome, the mean rate of progression of the outcome was found to be −0.04±0.09 D per year from the adolescent to the adulthood follow-up visits. 82.3% (95% CI 78.3% to 85.8%) had myopia stabilisation, with progression of less than 1.00 D over 10 years while 61.3% (95% CI 56.5% to 66.0%) of the subjects had progression of less than 0.50 D. In logistic regression models, both male gender (p=0.035) and non-Chinese ethnicity (p=0.032) were more likely to achieve myopia stabilisation while in linear multivariate regression models, males had a significantly slower degree of myopia progression (p=0.021).

Conclusion

5 in 6 Singaporean young adults had myopia stabilisation. Male gender is 2 times and non-Chinese ethnicities are 2.5 times more likely to achieve myopia stabilisation. However, a proportion of myopes continue to exhibit a clinically significant degree of progression in adulthood.
Public health insurance coverage in India before and after PM-JAY: repeated cross-sectional analysis of nationally representative survey data
Authors: Mohanty Sanjay K , Upadhyay Ashish Kumar , Maiti Suraj , Mishra Radhe Shyam , Kämpfen Fabrice , Maurer Jürgen , O'Donnell Owen
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The provision of non-contributory public health insurance (NPHI) to marginalised populations is a critical step along the path to universal health coverage. We aimed to assess the extent to which Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)—potentially, the world’s largest NPHI programme—has succeeded in raising health insurance coverage of the poorest two-fifths of the population of India.

Methods

We used nationally representative data from the National Family Health Survey on 633 699 and 601 509 households in 2015–2016 (pre-PM-JAY) and 2019–2021 (mostly, post PM-JAY), respectively. We stratified by urban/rural and estimated NPHI coverage nationally, and by state, district and socioeconomic categories. We decomposed coverage variance between states, districts, and households and measured socioeconomic inequality in coverage. For Uttar Pradesh, we tested whether coverage increased most in districts where PM-JAY had been implemented before the second survey and whether coverage increased most for targeted poorer households in these districts.

Results

We estimated that NPHI coverage increased by 11.7 percentage points (pp) (95% CI 11.0% to 12.4%) and 8.0 pp (95% CI 7.3% to 8.7%) in rural and urban India, respectively. In rural areas, coverage increased most for targeted households and pro-rich inequality decreased. Geographical inequalities in coverage narrowed. Coverage did not increase more in states that implemented PM-JAY. In Uttar Pradesh, the coverage increase was larger by 3.4 pp (95% CI 0.9% to 6.0%) and 4.2 pp (95% CI 1.2% to 7.1%) in rural and urban areas, respectively, in districts exposed to PM-JAY and the increase was 3.5 pp (95% CI 0.9% to 6.1%) larger for targeted households in these districts.

Conclusion

The introduction of PM-JAY coincided with increased public health insurance coverage and decreased inequality in coverage. But the gains cannot all be plausibly attributed to PM-JAY, and they are insufficient to reach the goal of universal coverage of the poor.
Novel IRF2BPL gene mutation manifesting as a broad spectrum of neurological disorders: a case report
Authors: Khan Wardah Javed , Maqsood Hamza , Younus Shifa
Published: August 2023

Background

IRF2BPL (interferon regulatory factor 2-binding protein-like) gene is an intronless gene present ubiquitously in the human body, including the brain. Pathogenic variants lead to neurodegeneration and present with phenotypic features of a neurological disorder, including dyslexia, dyscalculia, epilepsy, dystonia, neurodevelopmental regression, loss of motor skills and cerebellar ataxia.

Case

We present a case of a 9-year-old boy who was brought to the emergency department with generalised tonic-clonic seizures and mild hypotonia. A history included neurological regression. After insignificant lab and imaging results, the patient underwent genetic testing, revealing a novel pathogenic mutation in the IRF2BPL gene (heterozygous variant), which had never been reported in the literature before. An autosomal dominant loss of function mutation was demonstrated, denoting in DNA as NM_0 24 496 c.911 C>T, which results in premature protein termination (p.Glu494).

Conclusion

Our case highlights the importance of early recognition of the neurological symptoms associated with various IRF2BPL gene mutations so that a timely multidisciplinary management approach can be provided.
No waiting lying in a corridor: a quality improvement initiative in an emergency department
Authors: Schmutz Thomas , Le Terrier Christophe , Ribordy Vincent , Guechi Youcef
Published: August 2023

Background

Overcrowding in the emergency department (ED) is a global problem and a source of morbidity and mortality and exhaustion for the teams. Despite multiple strategies proposed to overcome overcrowding, the accumulation of patients lying in bed awaiting treatment or hospitalisation is often inevitable and a major obstacle to quality of care. We initiated a quality improvement project with the objective of zero patients lying in bed awaiting care/referral outside a care area.

Methods

Several plan–do–study–act (PDSA) cycles were tested and implemented to achieve and especially maintain the goal of having zero patients waiting for care outside the ED care area. The project team introduced and adapted five rules during these cycles: (1) no patients lying down outside of a care unit; (2) forward movement; (3) examination room always available; (4) team huddle and (5) an organisation overcrowding plan.

Results

Adaptation of ED organisation in the form of PDSA cycles allowed to obtain a collective team dimension to patient flow management. Since December 2021, despite an increase in activity, no patient is placed in a lying-in waiting area outside a care zone, irrespective of their care level. Vital distress and fragile patients who need to be kept in a supine position are treated immediately. In 2022, waiting time before medical contact was <2 hours for 90% of all patients combined.

Conclusions

The PDSA strategy based on these five measures allowed to remove in-house obstacles to the internal flow of patients and to fight against their installation outside the care area. These measures are easily replicable by other management teams. Quality indicators of EDs are often heterogeneous, but we propose that the absence of patients lying on a stretcher outside a care area could be part of these indicators, and thus contribute to the improvement and safety of care provided to all patients.