bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heat transfer analysis in hydromagnetic flow of couple stress fluid in presence of homogeneous and heterogeneous chemical reactions over a porous oscillatory stretchable sheet
Authors: Naveed Muhammad , Imran Muhammad , Gul Sana
Published: February 2023

The prime objective of this theoretical study is to investigate the flow, mass, and heat transfer in the time-dependent couple stress fluid over a permeable stretching oscillatory surface. The effect of applied magnetic field is also taken in the momentum equation. In addition, the energy equation is modeled by incorporating thermal radiation and heat generation. Furthermore, the concentration equation is designed in presence of homogenous and heterogeneous chemical reactions. The flow mechanism occurs because of the to and fro motion of the surface about a fixed point. For similar solution of the developed flow problem suitable similarity transformations is adopted. The analytical solution of the obtained flow equations in the form of partial differential equations (PDEs) is attained by utilizing a valuable method called Homotopy analysis method (HAM). An extensive assessment is performed to study the influence of various involved parameters namely the couple stress parameter, the relation of the parameter of the surface oscillatory frequency to its stretched rate constant, the Prandtl number, the strength of heterogeneous and homogeneous chemical reactions parameters, Schmidt number, heat production parameter and magneto-porosity parameter on the flow, concentration and temperature distributions, skin friction coefficient, and rate of heat transfer via tables and graphs and are discussed in detail. It is observed that the amplitude of velocity and skin friction coefficient shows a declining response with varying values of the couple stress parameter and it increases for higher values of the magneto-porous parameter.
The Impact of age and outcomes of high-risk patients on carotid revascularization
Authors: Park Joon-Kee , Woo Shin-Young , Park Yang-Jin , Kim Dong-Ik , Kim Gyeong-Moon , Seo Woo-Keun , Jung Jong-Won , Jeon Pyoung , Kim Keon-Ha , Kim Young-Wook , Yang Shin-Seok
Published: February 2023

Objectives

To validate the accuracy of high-risk criteria for carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and analyze the correlation between age and outcome of CEA and carotid artery stenting (CAS) in risk groups.

Methods

We reviewed a prospectively managed vascular surgery database in a single tertiary referral center, and 2482 internal carotid arteries (ICAs) had undergone carotid revascularization from November 1994 to December 2021. To validate high-risk criteria for CEA, patients were classified as high risk (Hr) and normal risk (Nr). Subgroup analysis was performed with patients older or younger than 75 years to investigate the relationship between age and outcome in each group. Primary endpoints were 30-day outcomes including stroke, death, stroke/death, myocardial infraction (MI), and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs).

Results

A total of 2345 ICAs in 2256 patients were enrolled. The number of patients in the Hr group was 543 (24%) and the number in the Nr group was 1713 (76%). CEA and CAS were performed on 1384 (61%) and 872 (39%) patients, respectively. The 30-day stroke/death rate was higher with CAS than CEA in both the Hr (1.1% vs. 3.9%, p = 0.032) and Nr (1.2% vs. 6.9%, p < 0.001) groups. In unmatched logistic regression analysis of the Nr group ( n = 1778), the rate of 30-day stroke/death (OR, 5.575; 95% CI, 2.922–10.636; p < 0.001) was higher for CAS than CEA. In propensity score matching of the Nr group, the rate of 30-day stroke/death (OR, 5.165; 95% CI, 2.391–11.155; p < 0.001) was also higher for CAS than CEA. In the age <75 subgroup of the Hr group ( n = 428), CAS was associated with higher 30-day stroke/death (OR, 14.089; 95% CI, 1.314–151.036; p = 0.029). In the age ≥75 subgroup of the Hr ( n = 139), there was no difference in 30-day stroke/death between CEA and CAS. In the age <75 subgroup of the Nr group ( n = 1318), 30-day stroke/death (OR, 6.300; 95% CI, 2.797–14.193; p < 0.001) was higher in CAS. In the age ≥75 subgroup of the Nr group ( n = 460), 30-day stroke/death (OR, 6.468; 95% CI, 1.862–22.471; p = 0.003) was higher in CAS.

Conclusions

In patients older than 75 years in the Hr group, there were relatively poor 30-day treatment outcomes in both CEA and CAS. Alternative treatment is needed that can expect better outcomes in older high-risk patients. In the Nr group, CEA has a significant benefit compared with CAS, and CEA should be recommended more to these patients.
Neurocognitive Model of Schema-Congruent and -Incongruent Learning in Clinical Disorders: Application to Social Anxiety and Beyond
Authors: Moscovitch David A. , Moscovitch Morris , Sheldon Signy
Published: February 2023

Negative schemas lie at the core of many common and debilitating mental disorders. Thus, intervention scientists and clinicians have long recognized the importance of designing effective interventions that target schema change. Here, we suggest that the optimal development and administration of such interventions can benefit from a framework outlining how schema change occurs in the brain. Guided by basic neuroscientific findings, we provide a memory-based neurocognitive framework for conceptualizing how schemas emerge and change over time and how they can be modified during psychological treatment of clinical disorders. We highlight the critical roles of the hippocampus, ventromedial prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and posterior neocortex in directing schema-congruent and -incongruent learning (SCIL) in the interactive neural network that comprises the autobiographical memory system. We then use this framework, which we call the SCIL model, to derive new insights about the optimal design features of clinical interventions that aim to strengthen or weaken schema-based knowledge through the core processes of episodic mental simulation and prediction error. Finally, we examine clinical applications of the SCIL model to schema-change interventions in psychotherapy and provide cognitive-behavior therapy for social anxiety disorder as an illustrative example.
Safe Use of Cenobamate in Super Refractory Status Epilepticus: A Case Series
Authors: Carlson Julia M. , Molyneaux Bradley J. , Lee Jong Woo
Published: February 2023

Cenobamate is an effective new adjunctive antiseizure medication (ASM) for treatment resistant focal epilepsy. It has broad spectrum anticonvulsant activity and may be a useful medication for super refractory status epilepticus (SRSE), but has not yet been studied in generalized seizures or an inpatient setting. Here we describe 2 SRSE cases where cenobamate was added safely to other treatments. It was uptitrated slowly to reduce the risk of hypersensitivity reactions which have been observed previously with rapid increasing dosages. Both patients achieved seizure control and liberation from intensive care. They have remained seizure free with continued treatment and have not experienced any side effects attributable to cenobamate. Cenobamate warrants further examination in patients with refractory status epilepticus.
Use of threshold PEP with an adult non-rebreather oxygen mask plus prone positioning in acute hypoxemic respiratory failure due to SARS-CoV-2 infection during the collapse of the health system in a low-income country
Authors: Briones-Claudett Killen H , Briones-Claudett Monica H , Martinez Armijos Eduardo A , Rios-Marcillo Jorge J , Orozco Holguin Lourdes A , Briones-Zamora Killen H , Briones-Marquez Diana C , Icaza-Freire Andrea P , Grunauer Michelle
Published: February 2023

During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, Ecuador reported a collapse of the healthcare system, in which intensive care unit beds were lacking. Therefore, we sought to determine whether the use of threshold expiratory positive pressure with an adult non-rebreather oxygen mask plus prone positioning is useful for improving oxygenation. Twelve patients were included. Eight patients (66.7%) survived, while four patients (33.3%) died. Baseline arterial oxygen saturation (%) prior placement median (interquartile range) 85.5% (80%–89%) and arterial oxygen saturation (%) post placement of the device was median (interquartile range) (93%–96%) (P = 0.0001). Respiratory rate before placement was median (interquartile range) 38 (36–42) and post placement of the device was median (interquartile range) 24 (22–30) (P = 0.0005). The use of an adapted device might be useful for the management of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pneumonia, particularly when mechanical ventilators and high-flow oxygen systems are unavailable.
Post-paracentesis scrotal edema: A case report
Authors: Abed Hossam , DaCosta Jenna , Bellafiore Paul , Bains Yatinder , DaCosta Theodore
Published: February 2023

Abdominal paracentesis is a common and safe procedure used to remove ascitic fluid from the body. It is performed in both the inpatient and outpatient setting and can be used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The most common complications of this procedure include a persistent fluid leak, an infection from the puncture site and an abdominal wall hematoma. The finding of sudden-onset massive genital swelling is a rare, and only occasionally reported, complication of a paracentesis. This article will discuss the case of a 58-year-old male with decompensated liver cirrhosis who presented with sudden-onset scrotal and penile swelling within 12 h after a paracentesis. After ruling out other causes of scrotal swelling, it was concluded that this is likely a complication of the recent paracentesis. The scrotal swelling was treated with conservative management including oral diuretic therapy and scrotal elevation, and the patient showed significant improvement in symptoms in 2 days. The cause of post-paracentesis scrotal edema is not widely studied; however, it is hypothesized to be caused by a fistula tract that forms between the peritoneal cavity and the Camper’s and Scarpa’s fascia which causes fluid to collect in the scrotum.
The varved succession of Crawford Lake, Milton, Ontario, Canada as a candidate Global boundary Stratotype Section and Point for the Anthropocene series
Authors: McCarthy Francine MG , Patterson R. Timothy , Head Martin J , Riddick Nicholas L , Cumming Brian F , Hamilton Paul B , Pisaric Michael FJ , Gushulak A. Cale , Leavitt Peter R , Lafond Krysten M , Llew-Williams Brendan , Marshall Matthew , Heyde Autumn , Pilkington Paul M , Moraal Joshua , Boyce Joseph I , Nasser Nawaf A , Walsh Carling , Garvie Monica , Roberts Sarah , Rose Neil L , Cundy Andy B , Gaca Pawel , Milton Andy , Hajdas Irka , Crann Carley A , Boom Arnoud , Finkelstein Sarah A , McAndrews John H
Published: February 2023

An annually laminated succession in Crawford Lake, Ontario, Canada is proposed for the Global boundary Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) to define the Anthropocene as a series/epoch with a base dated at 1950 CE. Varve couplets of organic matter capped by calcite precipitated each summer in alkaline surface waters reflect environmental change at global to local scales. Spheroidal carbonaceous particles and nitrogen isotopes record an increase in fossil fuel combustion in the early 1950s, coinciding with early fallout from nuclear and thermonuclear testing – 239+240Pu and 14C:12C, the latter more than compensating for the effects of old carbon in this dolomitic basin. Rapid industrial expansion in the North American Great Lakes region led to enhanced leaching of terrigenous elements by acid precipitation during the Great Acceleration, and calcite precipitation was reduced, producing thin calcite laminae around the GSSP that is marked by a sharp decline in elm pollen (Dutch Elm disease). The lack of bioturbation in well-oxygenated bottom waters, supported by the absence of fossil pigments from obligately anaerobic purple sulfur bacteria, is attributed to elevated salinities and high alkalinity below the chemocline. This aerobic depositional environment, highly unusual in a meromictic lake, inhibits the mobilization of Pu, the proposed primary stratigraphic guide for the Anthropocene.
Benefit From a Humanitarian Pediatric Congenital Heart Surgery Program Over a 10-Year Period
Authors: Fürniss Hannah E. , Leutwyler Mirjam , Zürn Christoph , Kroll Johannes , Kari Fabian A. , Höhn René , Fleck Thilo K.P. , Kubicki Rouven , Reineker Katja , Beyersdorf Friedhelm , Stiller Brigitte
Published: February 2023

Background: The charity organization Kinderherzen retten e.V. (KHR) enables humanitarian congenital heart surgery for pediatric patients from low- and middle-income countries at the University Heart Center Freiburg, Germany. The aim of this study was to assess periprocedural and mid-term outcomes of these patients for evaluation of KHR sustainability. Methods: Part one of the study comprised retrospective medical chart analyses of the periprocedural course of all KHR-treated children from 2008 to 2017, and part two a prospective evaluation of their mid-term outcome, assessed by questionnaires concerning survival, medical history, mental and physical development, and socioeconomic situation. Results: Of the 100 consecutively presented children from 20 countries (median age 3.25 years), 3 patients were not invasively treatable, 89 underwent cardiovascular surgery, and 8 received a catheter intervention only. There were no periprocedural deaths. Median postoperative duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care stay, and total hospital stay was 7 (interquartile range [IQR] 4-21) hours, 2 (IQR 1-3) days, and 12 (IQR 10-16) days, respectively. Mid-term postoperative follow-up demonstrated a 5-year survival probability of 94.4%. The majority of patients received continued medical care in their home country (86.2% of patients), were in good mental and physical condition (96.5% and 94.7% of patients, respectively), and able to engage in age-appropriate education/employment (98.3% of patients). Conclusions: Cardiac, neurodevelopmental, and socioeconomic outcomes of patients treated via KHR was satisfactory. Thorough pre-visit evaluation and close contact with local physicians are crucial when providing this high-quality, sustainable, and viable therapeutic option for these patients.
Development and Validation of an Instrument to Measure Parental Attitude and Health Beliefs Toward Sexuality Education
Authors: Yeo Kee-Jiar , Lee Shih-Hui
Published: February 2023

The quality of sexuality education is significant in encouraging and expanding the knowledge of sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Parents’ attitudes and beliefs toward sexuality education contribute to the effectiveness of sexuality education in schools. Consequently, there is a need to provide a validated instrument to investigate parental attitude and beliefs toward school-based sexuality education. The objective of this study is to describe the development and test the psychometric properties of an instrument that measures the attitudes and beliefs of parents toward the implementation of sexuality education in primary schools within Malaysia. Items for the instrument in this study were developed through literature review via the deduction method. Data collection was conducted in two phases. The first phase involved 174 parents with children who were attending primary schools through convenience sampling. Then, the multistage sampling method was employed to collect data from 350 parents. Results from the exploratory factor analysis have identified four latent dimensions, which are attitude toward sexuality education, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and self-efficacy, that support the SRH learning among primary school children. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrates a good overall fit with the application of post hoc modifications. The results also indicate that the instrument has high internal consistency, as well as convergent and discriminant validity. Findings from this study have indicated that the instrument can be used as a valid and reliable measure to examine the attitudes and beliefs of parents toward sexuality education in primary schools within Malaysia.
The Relationship Between Depth of Academic English Vocabulary Knowledge and Academic Success of Second Language University Students
Authors: Alsahafi Morad
Published: February 2023

This study investigates the relationship between depth of academic vocabulary knowledge and academic success among Saudi English-as-a-foreign-language university students. Fifty fourth-year university students majoring in English completed a vocabulary depth test, the Word Associates Test (WAT), based on the Academic Word List (AWL). Then, students’ grade point averages (GPAs) were obtained as a measure of academic success. Furthermore, a vocabulary learning strategy (VLS) questionnaire was administered to explore the students’ use of various VLSs. In addition, two focus group discussions were conducted to elicit participants’ views and experiences of English vocabulary learning. The scores on the WAT were positively correlated ( r = .407, p < .01) with GPA. Results of the regression analysis show that the WAT scores accounted for 16.6% of the variance in GPA. Analysis of the data on VLSs reveals that the participants were medium-level VLS users who employed metacognitive strategies most frequently. Strategies that involve focused intentional vocabulary learning, such as learning from word cards and wordlists, were reported to be used the least. Results of the present depth study support previous findings of vocabulary breadth studies on the high predictive power of academic vocabulary knowledge in relation to academic success. Implications of the results for academic vocabulary teaching and learning are considered.
Shift Work and Sleep Disturbance in the Oil Industry
Authors: McNamara Katherine A. , Robbins Wendie A.
Published: February 2023

Background:

Rotating shift work is common in high-hazard industries, despite documented associations with sleep disturbance and impairment. In the oil industry, where rotating and extended shift schedules are used to staff safety-sensitive positions, work intensification and increasing overtime rates have been broadly documented over the last few decades. Research on the impacts of these work schedules on sleep and health has been limited for this workforce.

Methods:

We examined sleep duration and quality among rotating shift workers in the oil industry and explored associations between schedule characteristics, sleep, and health outcomes. We recruited hourly refinery workers from the West and Gulf Coast oil sector members of the United Steelworkers union.

Findings:

Impaired sleep quality and short sleep durations were common and associated with health and mental health outcomes common among shift workers. Shortest sleep durations followed shift rotations. Early rise and start times were associated with shorter sleep duration and poorer sleep quality. Drowsiness and fatigue-related incidents were common.

Conclusion/Application to Practice:

We observed lower sleep duration and quality and increased overtime in 12-hour rotating shift schedules. These long workdays with early start times may reduce available hours for quality sleep; here they were associated with reduced exercise and leisure activity which correlated with good sleep. This safety-sensitive population appears severely impacted by poor sleep quality, which has broader implications for process safety management. Later start times, slower rotation, and a reconsideration of two-shift schedules are interventions to consider for improving sleep quality among rotating shift workers.
Assessment of Spin in the Abstracts of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses on Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment in Orthopaedics: A Cross-sectional Analysis
Authors: Reddy Arjun K. , Lulkovich Kaley , Wirtz Alexis , Thompson Jay C. , Scott Jared T. , Checketts Jake X. , Ottwell Ryan , Hanson Chad D. , Hartwell Micah , Vassar Matt
Published: February 2023

Background:

Systematic reviews on the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in orthopaedic surgery are abundant in current published literature. However, a beautification of results (referred to as spin) has been noted in abstracts across various aspects of medicine.

Purpose:

To determine the prevalence of spin in systematic reviews of PRP-related orthopaedic surgery abstracts.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Methods:

Following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) and Murad and Wang guidelines, we conducted a search in Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Database for reviews on PRP-related orthopaedic surgery. The search included studies published from inception until June 30, 2021. Included were systematic reviews written in English that involved the use of PRP in the treatment of orthopaedic injuries in human participants. The abstracts of the included reviews were evaluated for the top 9 types of spin as described by Yavchitz et al in 2016. We determined the relationship between spin and study characteristics using odds ratios.

Results:

Of an initial 1560 studies, 176 were included. We found that 50 studies (28.4%) contained at least 1 form of spin. The 2 most common forms of spin found in our sample were type 5 (“Conclusion claims the beneficial effect of treatment despite high risk of bias”; n = 27 [15.3%]) and type 3 (“Selective reporting or overemphasis of efficacy in outcomes favoring beneficial effect of intervention”; n = 18 [10.2%]). No statistical significance was found between study characteristics and the presence of spin.

Conclusion:

Spin was present in 28% of the systematic reviews that covered PRP-related orthopaedic treatments. Spin was not associated with general study characteristics, including adherence to PRISMA guidelines or funding. Journals and authors should be aware of spin in articles and avoid its usage.
Biomechanical Comparison of Adjustable-Loop Femoral Cortical Suspension Devices for Soft Tissue ACL Reconstruction
Authors: Chapman Garrett , Hannah John , Vij Neeraj , Liu Joseph N. , Morrison Martin J. , Amin Nirav
Published: February 2023

Background:

Several new adjustable-loop devices (ALDs) for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) have not been tested in vitro.

Purpose:

To compare the biomechanical performances of 5 ALDs under a high cyclic load and forces representative of the return-to-play conditions seen in the recovering athlete.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 10 devices for each of 5 chosen ALDs (UltraButton [Smith & Nephew], RigidLoop [DePuy Mitek], ProCinch [Stryker], TightRope [Arthrex], and ToggleLoc [Biomet]) were tested in a device-only model. The devices were secured to a servohydraulic test machine and preconditioned from 10 to 75 N at a rate of 0.5 Hz for 20 cycles. They were then subjected to high cyclic forces (100-500 N for 4000 cycles) and subsequently pulled to failure at 50 mm/min. The preconditioning displacement, permanent deformation, cumulative peak displacement, stiffness coefficient, and load to failure data were collected.

Results:

The UltraButton displayed the greatest preconditioning displacement (0.22 ± 0.20 mm), followed by the RigidLoop (0.11 ± 0.03 mm), ProCinch (0.07 ± 0.04 mm), TightRope (0.07 ± 0.02 mm), and ToggleLoc (0.02 ± 0.03 mm). The TightRope displayed the greatest permanent deformation (3.19 ± 1.03 mm) followed by the UltraButton (2.14 ± 0.92 mm), ToggleLoc (2.02 ± 1.09 mm), RigidLoop (1.67 ± 0.1 mm), and ProCinch (1.38 ± 0.18 mm). The TightRope displayed the greatest cumulative peak displacement (3.69 ± 1.03 mm) followed by the UltraButton (2.46 ± 0.92 mm), ToggleLoc (2.37 ± 1.08 mm), RigidLoop (2.01 ± 0.1 mm), and ProCinch (1.75 ± 0.19 mm). The UltraButton displayed the largest stiffness coefficient (1347.22 ± 136.33 N/mm) followed by the RigidLoop (1325.4 ± 116.37 N/mm), ToggleLoc (1216.62 ± 131.32 N/mm), ProCinch (1155.56 ± 88.04), and TightRope (848.48 ± 31.94). The ToggleLoc displayed the largest load to failure (1874.42 ± 101.08 N) followed by the RigidLoop (1614.12 ± 129.11 N), UltraButton (1391.69 ± 142.04 N), ProCinch (1384.85 ± 58.62 N), and TightRope (991.8 ± 51.1 N.)

Conclusion:

The 5 ALDs exhibited different biomechanical properties. None of them had peak cumulative displacements for which the confidence interval lay above 3 mm, thus no single device was determined to have a higher rate of clinical failure compared with the others.

Clinical Relevance:

ALD choice may affect biomechanics after ACLR.
Plasticity After Hearing Rehabilitation in the Aging Brain
Authors: Lazard Diane S. , Doelling Keith B. , Arnal Luc H.
Published: February 2023

Age-related hearing loss, presbycusis, is an unavoidable sensory degradation, often associated with the progressive decline of cognitive and social functions, and dementia. It is generally considered a natural consequence of the inner-ear deterioration. However, presbycusis arguably conflates a wide array of peripheral and central impairments. Although hearing rehabilitation maintains the integrity and activity of auditory networks and can prevent or revert maladaptive plasticity, the extent of such neural plastic changes in the aging brain is poorly appreciated. By reanalyzing a large-scale dataset of more than 2200 cochlear implant users (CI) and assessing the improvement in speech perception from 6 to 24 months of use, we show that, although rehabilitation improves speech understanding on average, age at implantation only minimally affects speech scores at 6 months but has a pejorative effect at 24 months post implantation. Furthermore, older subjects (>67 years old) were significantly more likely to degrade their performances after 2 years of CI use than the younger patients for each year increase in age. Secondary analysis reveals three possible plasticity trajectories after auditory rehabilitation to account for these disparities: Awakening, reversal of deafness-specific changes; Counteracting, stabilization of additional cognitive impairments; or Decline, independent pejorative processes that hearing rehabilitation cannot prevent. The role of complementary behavioral interventions needs to be considered to potentiate the (re)activation of auditory brain networks.
Correlates of Skin Conductance Reactivity to Stroke-Related Trauma Reminders During Hospitalization for Stroke
Authors: Meinhausen Corinne , Sanchez Gabriel J. , Robles Theodore F. , Edmondson Donald , Kronish Ian M. , Hinrichs Rebecca , Jovanovic Tanja , Sumner Jennifer A.
Published: February 2023

Objective

Although several risk factors for stroke-induced posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been identified, objective risk measures that can be detected in the acute aftermath of these events are needed. This study is the first to collect an objective measure of psychophysiological arousal—skin conductance (SC) reactivity to a trauma interview—in patients after stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) and investigate correlates of SC reactivity.

Methods

Mobile SC measurement during a resting baseline and standardized trauma interview was performed in-hospital in 98 individuals following stroke/TIA. We examined associations between several stroke-induced PTSD risk factors (sociodemographic, psychosocial, and medical characteristics) and SC reactivity to a trauma interview involving a free-response recalling of the stroke/TIA event.

Results

Of the sociodemographic, psychosocial, medical characteristics examined as correlates to SC reactivity to recalling the stroke/TIA event, 2 factors reflecting aspects of prior and in-hospital experience were significantly associated with this indicator of sympathetic nervous system activation. A greater cumulative trauma burden was significantly associated with greater SC reactivity ( r = .23, P = .04). Additionally, individuals administered benzodiazepines in-hospital had significantly greater SC reactivity to recalling the stroke/TIA event ( M = 1.51, SD = 1.52) than those who were not ( M = 0.76, SD = 1.16; P = .01). Greater cumulative trauma burden remained significantly associated with greater SC reactivity when adjusting for age and in-hospital benzodiazepine administration ( β=0.22, P = .04).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that SC reactivity was related to both behavioral and psychological risk factors for PTSD after a stroke/TIA event. Additionally, we demonstrated the feasibility of a low-cost, mobile measurement of SC that can be conducted in-hospital in a novel patient population: individuals with a medical trauma. With this measure, we were able to identify those individuals with the greatest trauma-related sympathetic nervous system reactivity in the days following a medical trauma. Future research is needed to determine whether SC reactivity may be leveraged in the development of brief, noninvasive screening measures for enhancing PTSD risk prediction.
Role of Citicoline in Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Bermejo Pedro E , Dorado Rodolfo , Zea-Sevilla María Ascensión
Published: February 2023

The term mild cognitive impairment (MCI) defines an intermediate state between normal aging and dementia. Vascular cognitive impairment refers to a decline in cognitive function that is caused by or associated with vascular disease and comprises all the spectrum of cognitive impairments, from MCI of vascular origin to vascular dementia. One of the available treatments for cognitive impairment is cytidine diphosphate-choline (CDP-Choline), or citicoline. The objective of the present manuscript is to provide complete evidence about the efficacy of citicoline for MCI, especially of vascular origin, but also due to other neurodegenerative disorders. Citicoline is a pharmaceutical product constituted by the combination of 2 natural molecules (cytidine and choline) and is marketed as a food supplement. It has been proposed to provide neuroprotective effects through diverse mechanisms of action. Taking into account the available literature, citicoline has shown a consistent improvement in cognitive function in patients with MCI, especially of vascular origin. Moreover, it provides beneficial effects on vascular, Alzheimer, and mixed dementias, stroke sequelae, intracerebral hemorrhages, traumatic brain injuries, and neurodegenerative diseases. Long-term treatment with citicoline has also been demonstrated to be well-tolerated and has not been associated with severe adverse events. Citicoline is a safe, well-tolerated, and promising agent with evidenced neuroprotective properties.
Understanding the Mental Health Perspectives and Experiences of Migrants to Canada
Authors: Davy Brittany , Riosa Priscilla Burnham , Ghassemi Effat
Published: February 2023

Few researchers have explored Canadian migrants’ experiences of mental health and service access. We interviewed 10 migrants to Canada from a local settlement organization about mental health and services and 5 organization staff about their experiences supporting migrants’ mental health and service access. Our interviews with migrants revealed cultural perceptions of mental health and unmet service needs. Our focus group with staff indicated challenges experienced by migrants and the tension between their openness with mental health difficulties and stigmatization from their cultural communities. A call to restructure existing mental health support for this underserved population is needed.
Pirtobrutinib preclinical characterization: a highly selective, non-covalent (reversible) BTK inhibitor
Authors: Gomez Eliana B , Ebata Kevin , Randeria Hetal S , Rosendahl Mary S , Cedervall Ernst Peder , Morales Tony H , Hanson Lauren M , Brown Nicholas E , Gong Xueqian , Stephens Jennifer Rachelle , Wu Wenjuan , Lippincott Isabel , Ku Karin S. , Walgren Richard A , Abada Paolo B , Ballard Joshua A , Allerston Charles K , Brandhuber Barbara J
Published: February 2023

Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK), a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase, is a major therapeutic target for B-cell driven malignancies. However, approved covalent BTK inhibitors (cBTKi) are associated with treatment limitations due to off-target side effects, suboptimal oral pharmacology, and development of resistance mutations (eg, C481) that prevent inhibitor binding. Here we describe the preclinical profile of pirtobrutinib, a potent, highly selective, non-covalent (reversible) BTK inhibitor. Pirtobrutinib binds BTK with an extensive network of interactions to BTK and water molecules in the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding region and shows no direct interaction with C481. As a result, pirtobrutinib inhibits both BTK and BTK C481 substitution mutants in enzymatic and cell-based assays with similar potencies. In differential scanning fluorimetry studies, BTK bound to pirtobrutinib exhibited a higher melting temperature than cBTKi-bound BTK. Pirtobrutinib, but not cBTKi, prevented Y551 phosphorylation in the activation loop. These data suggest pirtobrutinib uniquely stabilizes BTK in a closed, inactive conformation. Pirtobrutinib inhibits BTK signaling and cell proliferation in multiple B-cell lymphoma cell lines and significantly inhibits tumor growth in human lymphoma xenografts in vivo. Enzymatic profiling showed pirtobrutinib was highly selective for BTK in >98% of the human kinome, and in follow-up cellular studies pirtobrutinib retained >100-fold selectivity over other tested kinases. Collectively, these findings suggest pirtobrutinib represents a novel BTK inhibitor with improved selectivity and unique pharmacologic, biophysical and structural attributes with the potential to treat B-cell driven cancers with improved precision and tolerability. Pirtobrutinib is being tested in phase 3 clinical studies for a variety of B-cell malignancies.
Obstructive sleep apnoea and 5-year cognitive decline in the elderly
Authors: Marchi Nicola Andrea , Solelhac Geoffroy , Berger Mathieu , Haba-Rubio José , Gosselin Nadia , Vollenweider Peter , Marques-Vidal Pedro , Popp Julius , von Gunten Armin , Preisig Martin , Draganski Bogdan , Heinzer Raphael
Published: February 2023

Background

The relationship between obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and cognitive decline remains controversial, especially in the elderly population. We used data from the HypnoLaus study to assess associations between OSA and longitudinal cognitive changes in a sample of community-dwelling elderly individuals.

Methods

We studied associations between polysomnographic OSA parameters (of breathing/hypoxaemia and sleep fragmentation) and cognitive changes over a 5-year period, after adjustment for potential confounders. The primary outcome was the annual change in cognitive scores. The moderating effects of age, sex and apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) status were also examined.

Results

358 elderly individuals without dementia were included (mean±sdage 71.0±4.2 years; 42.5% males). A lower mean peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) during sleep was associated with a steeper decline in Mini-Mental State Examination (B= −0.12, p=0.004), Stroop test condition 1 (B=0.53, p=0.002) and Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test delayed free recall (B= −0.05, p=0.008). A longer time spent asleep withSpO2<90% was associated with a steeper decline in Stroop test condition 1 (B=0.47, p=0.006). Moderation analysis showed that apnoea–hypopnoea index and oxygen desaturation index were associated with a steeper decline in global cognitive function, processing speed and executive function only in older participants, men and ApoE4 carriers.

Conclusions

Our results provide evidence of the contribution of OSA and nocturnal hypoxaemia to cognitive decline in the elderly population.
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition: a precursor to pulmonary arterial remodelling in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Gaikwad Archana Vijay , Lu Wenying , Dey Surajit , Bhattarai Prem , Haug Greg , Larby Josie , Chia Collin , Jaffar Jade , Westall Glen , Singhera Gurpreet Kaur , Hackett Tillie-Louise , Eapen Mathew Suji , Sohal Sukhwinder Singh
Published: February 2023

Background

We have previously reported arterial remodelling in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and suggested that endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) might be central to these changes. This study aims to provide evidence for active EndMT in IPF patients.

Methods

Lung resections from 13 patients with IPF and 15 normal controls (NCs) were immunostained for EndMT biomarkers: vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin), neural cadherin (N-cadherin), S100A4 and vimentin. Pulmonary arteries were analysed for EndMT markers by using computer- and microscope-assisted image analysis software Image ProPlus7.0. All the analysis was done with observer blinded to subject and diagnosis.

Results

Increased expression of mesenchymal markers N-cadherin (p<0.0001), vimentin (p<0.0001) and S100A4 (p<0.05) was noted with downregulation of junctional endothelial VE-cadherin (p<0.01) in the intimal layer of the arteries from patients with IPF compared to NCs. Cadherin switch was observed in IPF patients, showing increase in endothelial N-cadherin and decrease in VE-cadherin (p<0.01). There was also VE-cadherin shift from junctions to cytoplasm (p<0.01), effecting endothelial cell integrity in patients with IPF. In IPF, individual mesenchymal markers vimentin and N-cadherin negatively correlated with diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (r′= −0.63, p=0.03 and r′= −0.66, p=0.01). Further, N-cadherin positively correlated with arterial thickness (r′=0.58, p=0.03).

Conclusion

This is the first study to demonstrate active EndMT in size-based classified pulmonary arteries from IPF patients and potential role in driving remodelling changes. The mesenchymal markers had a negative impact on the diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide. This work also informs early origins of pulmonary hypertension in patients with IPF.
CVD growth of large-area monolayer WS2 film on sapphire through tuning substrate environment and its application for high-sensitive strain sensor
Authors: Yang Weihuang , Mu Yuanbin , Chen Xiangshuo , Jin Ningjing , Song Jiahao , Chen Jiajun , Dong Linxi , Liu Chaoran , Xuan Weipeng , Zhou Changjie , Cong Chunxiao , Shang Jingzhi , He Silin , Wang Gaofeng , Li Jing
Published: February 2023

Large-area, continuous monolayer WS2 exhibits great potential for future micro-nanodevice applications due to its special electrical properties and mechanical flexibility. In this work, the front opening quartz boat is used to increase the amount of sulfur (S) vapor under the sapphire substrate, which is critical for achieving large-area films during the chemical vapor deposition processes. COMSOL simulations reveal that the front opening quartz boat will significantly introduce gas distribute under the sapphire substrate. Moreover, the gas velocity and height of substrate away from the tube bottom will also affect the substrate temperature. By carefully optimizing the gas velocity, temperature, and height of substrate away from the tube bottom, a large-scale continues monolayered WS2 film was achieved. Field-effect transistor based on the as-grown monolayer WS2 showed a mobility of 3.76 cm2V−1 s−1 and ON/OFF ratio of 106. In addition, a flexible WS2/PEN strain sensor with a gauge factor of 306 was fabricated, showing great potential for applications in wearable biosensors, health monitoring, and human–computer interaction.
Lithium-based perovskites materials for photovoltaic solar cell and protective rays window applications: a first-principle calculations
Authors: Shahzad Muhammad Khuram , Mujtaba Syed Taqveem , Hussain Shoukat , Farooq Muhammad Umair , Laghari Rashid Ali , Khan Sajjad Ahmad , Tahir Muhammad Bilal , Rehman Jalil Ur , Khalil Adnan , Ali Muhammad Mahmood
Published: February 2023

Perovskites are the key enabler materials for the solar cell applications in the achievement of high performance and low production costs. In this article, the structural, mechanical, electronic, and optical properties of rubidium-based cubic nature perovskite LiHfO3 and LiZnO3 are investigated. These properties are investigated using density-functional theory with the aid of CASTEP software by introducing ultrasoft pseudo-potential plane-wave (USPPPW) and GG-approximation-PB-Ernzerhof exchange–correlation functionals. It is investigated that the proposed compounds exhibit stable cubic phase and meet the criteria of mechanical stability by the estimated elastic properties. Also, according to Pugh's criterion, it is noted that LiHfO3 is ductile and LiZnO3 is brittle. Furthermore, the electronic band structure investigation of LiHfO3 and LiZnO3 shows that they have indirect bandgap (BG). Moreover, the BG analysis of the proposed materials shows that these are easily accessible. Also, the results for partial density of states (DOS) and total DOS confirm the degree of a localized electron in the distinct band. In addition, the optical transitions in the compounds are examined by fitting the damping ratio for the notional dielectric functions scaling to the appropriate peaks. At absolute zero temperature, the materials are observed as semiconductors. Therefore, it is evident from the analysis that the proposed compounds are excellent candidates for solar cells and protective rays applications.
First draft genome of Thecaphora frezii, causal agent of peanut smut disease
Authors: Arias Renee S. , Conforto Cinthia , Orner Valerie A. , Carloni Edgardo J. , Soave Juan H. , Massa Alicia N. , Lamb Marshall C. , Bernardi-Lima Nelson , Rago Alejandro M.
Published: February 2023

Objectives

The fungal pathogen Thecaphora frezii Carranza & Lindquist causes peanut smut, a severe disease currently endemic in Argentina. To study the ecology of T. frezii and to understand the mechanisms of smut resistance in peanut plants, it is crucial to know the genetics of this pathogen. The objective of this work was to isolate the pathogen and generate the first draft genome of T. frezii that will be the basis for analyzing its potential genetic diversity and its interaction with peanut cultivars. Our research group is working to identify peanut germplasm with smut resistance and to understand the genetics of the pathogen. Knowing the genome of T. frezii will help analyze potential variants of this pathogen and contribute to develop enhanced peanut germplasm with broader and long-lasting resistance.

Data description

Thecaphora frezii isolate IPAVE 0401 (here referred as T.f.B7) was obtained from a single hyphal-tip culture, its DNA was sequenced using Pacific Biosciences Sequel II (PacBio) and Illumina NovaSeq6000 (Nova). Data from both sequencing platforms were combined and the de novo assembling estimated a 29.3 Mb genome size. Completeness of the genome examined using Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs (BUSCO) showed the assembly had 84.6% of the 758 genes in fungi_odb10.
Phosphorus and carbohydrate metabolism contributes to low phosphorus tolerance in cotton
Authors: Iqbal Asif , Qiang Dong , Xiangru Wang , Huiping Gui , Hengheng Zhang , Xiling Zhang , Meizhen Song
Published: February 2023

Low phosphorus (P) is one of the limiting factors in sustainable cotton production. However, little is known about the performance of contrasting low P tolerant cotton genotypes that might be a possible option to grow in low P condition. In the current study, we characterized the response of two cotton genotypes, Jimian169 a strong low P tolerant, and DES926 a weak low P tolerant genotypes under low and normal P conditions. The results showed that low P greatly inhibited growth, dry matter production, photosynthesis, and enzymatic activities related to antioxidant system and carbohydrate metabolism and the inhibition was more in DES926 as compared to Jimian169. In contrast, low P improved root morphology, carbohydrate accumulation, and P metabolism, especially in Jimian169, whereas the opposite responses were observed for DES926. The strong low P tolerance in Jimian169 is linked with a better root system and enhanced P and carbohydrate metabolism, suggesting that Jimian169 is a model genotype for cotton breeding. Results thus indicate that the Jimian169, compared with DES926, tolerates low P by enhancing carbohydrate metabolism and by inducing the activity of several enzymes related to P metabolism. This apparently causes rapid P turnover and enables the Jimian169 to use P more efficiently. Moreover, the transcript level of the key genes could provide useful information to study the molecular mechanism of low P tolerance in cotton.
Pharmacogenetics in critical care: association between CYP3A5 rs776746 A/G genotype and acetaminophen response in sepsis and septic shock
Authors: Scorcella C. , Domizi R. , Amoroso S. , Carsetti A. , Casarotta E. , Castaldo P. , D’angelo C. , Damiani E. , Gasparri F. , Donati A. , Adrario E.
Published: February 2023

Background

Pharmacogenetics could represent a further resource to understand the interindividual heterogeneity of response of the host to sepsis and to provide a personalized approach to the critical care patient.

Methods

Secondary analysis of data from the prospective observational study NCT02750163, in 50 adult septic and septic shock patients treated with Acetaminophen (ACT) for pyrexia. We investigated the presence of two polymorphisms, located respectively in the genes UGT1A1 and CYP3A5, that encode for proteins related to the hepatic metabolism of ACT. The main dependent variables explored were plasmatic concentration of ACT, body temperature and hepatic parameters.

Results

8% of the patients carried CYP3A5 rs776746 A/G genotypes and showed significantly higher plasma levels of ACT than GG wild type patients, and than patients with UGT1A1 rs8330 C/G genotypes.

Conclusions

Identifying specific genotypes of response to ACT may be helpful to guide a more personalized titration of therapy in sepsis and septic shock. CYP3A5 might be a good biomarker for ACT metabolism; however further studies are needed to confirm this result.

Trial registration

NCT02750163.
The association of healthy lifestyle index score and the risk of renal cell cancer in the Netherlands cohort study
Authors: Meer Romain , van de Pol Jeroen , van den Brandt Piet A. , Schouten Leo J.
Published: February 2023

Background

Diet, alcohol, cigarette smoking, physical inactivity, and body mass index have been studied as risk factors for renal cell cancer (RCC). The joint effects of these lifestyle factors, captured as Healthy Lifestyle Index (HLI), were examined in one previous study. This study aims to investigate the association between HLI score and RCC risk in the prospective Netherlands Cohort Study (NLCS).

Methods

A case-cohort analysis (3,767 subcohort members, 485 cases) was conducted using NLCS data (n = 120,852). Data on aforementioned risk factors was used to calculate HLI score, ranging 0–20, with higher scores reflecting healthier lifestyles. RCC occurrence was obtained by record linkage to cancer registries. Multivariable-adjusted proportional hazard models were used to calculate Hazard Ratios (HR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (95%CI).

Results

Compared to participants in the unhealthiest HLI category, participants within the healthiest category had a lower RCC risk (HR = 0.79, 95%CI = 0.56–1.10, p for trend 0.045). A standard deviation (± 3-unit) increase in HLI score was not statistically significantly associated with a lower RCC risk (HR = 0.92, 95%CI = 0.83–1.01). This association was stronger after excluding diet or alcohol from the score, although confidence intervals overlap.

Conclusions

Adherence to a healthy lifestyle was weakly, though not statistically significantly, associated with a lower RCC risk.