bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Point Contact Model of Mixed Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication for Transversely Isotropic Coating
Authors: Pei Xin , Yang Wanyou , Liu Shuang , Guo Haotian , Zhou Qinghua
Published: December 2023

Transverse isotropy, a typical property of coating providing protection or lubrication for transmission parts, is different from isotropy focused in most of previous research, catching increasing attention in recent years. This study aims to make the lubricating contact behavior of transversely isotropic coating under different working conditions better understood, with the assistance of a proposed mixed elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) model for a rigid ball in contact with transversely isotropic coating. Explicit analytical expressions of frequency response functions (FRFs) of the elastic field for transversely isotropic coating were derived, which could be used to work out surface/subsurface displacement and stress if surface pressure is known. The proposed EHL model for transversely isotropic coating was verified by comparing the film thickness and pressure distribution with those from literature by an uncoated model. Furthermore, the effects of coating elastic property, coating thickness, velocity, and load on lubrication performance and mechanical responses are investigated. In addition, the results under different coating parameters are also compared and discussed with those obtained by the Hamrock–Dowson equations to demonstrate the effectiveness of the latter. This investigation may provide a potential application for coating optimal design considering lubrication.
Low-Temperature Superplasticity of the 1565ch Al–Mg Alloy in Ultrafine-Grained and Nanostructured States
Authors: Bobruk E. V. , Ramazanov I. A. , Astanin V. V. , Zaripov N. G. , Kazykhanov V. U. , Drits A. M. , Murashkin M. Yu. , Enikeev N. A.
Published: December 2023

Abstract—

Homogeneous nanostructured and ultrafine grained (NS, UFG) states with mean grain sizes of 95 and 200 nm, respectively, have been formed in a 1565ch Al–Mg alloy (Al–5.66Mg–0.81Mn–0.67Zn–0.09Zr–0.07Cr–0.04Ti–0.001Be–0.3(Fe + Si) wt %). Microstructure of both states is represented by grain boundaries with predominantly high-angle misorientations. The alloy, produced both by high pressure torsion at room temperature and equal channel angular pressing at 200°C using the Conform approach, exhibits superplasticity at low temperatures in the range 250–300°C and strain rates in the range of 5 × 10–4–10–2 s–1. Elongation values range 170–560%, while the rate sensitivity coefficient (m) varies from 0.3 to 0.73 at low flow stress for both NS and UFG structures. The temperature range for the stability of strength properties of the 1565ch alloy in NS and UFG states after thermal and thermal mechanical treatments has been determined. The material in both structural states maintains a high level of strength after undergoing deformation under SP conditions. The deformation relief formed on the gage surface of the NS and UFG specimens of the 1565ch alloy during the established SP yield stage has been analyzed.
Higher-order asymptotic corrections and their application to the Gamma Variance Model
Authors: Canonero Enzo , Brazzale Alessandra Rosalba , Cowan Glen
Published: December 2023

We present improved methods for calculating confidence intervals andpvalues in situations where standard asymptotic approaches fail due to small sample sizes. We apply these techniques to a specific class of statistical model that can incorporate uncertainties in parameters that themselves represent uncertainties (informally, “errors on errors”) called the Gamma Variance Model. This model contains fixed parameters, generically denoted by$$\varepsilon $$ε, that represent the relative uncertainties in estimates of standard deviations of Gaussian distributed measurements. If the$$\varepsilon $$εparameters are small, one can construct confidence intervals andpvalues using standard asymptotic methods. This is formally similar to the familiar situation of a large data sample, in which estimators for all adjustable parameters have Gaussian distributions. Here we address the important case where the$$\varepsilon $$εparameters are not small and as a consequence the first-order asymptotic distributions do not represent a good approximation. We investigate improved test statistics based on the technology of higher-order asymptotics (modified likelihood root and Bartlett correction). The effective application of higher-order corrections removes an important computational barrier to the use of the Gamma Variance Model.
The mass spectrum and strong decay properties of the charmed-strange mesons within Godfrey–Isgur model considering the coupled-channel effects
Authors: Yang Jing-Jing , Wang Xiaoyu , Li De-Min , Li Yu-Xiao , Wang En , Hao Wei
Published: December 2023

Motivated by the recently observed $$D_{s0}(2590)$$

D

s
0

(
2590
)

state by LHCb, we investigate the mass spectrum and the strong decay properties of the charmed-strange mesons within the Godfrey–Isgur model considering the coupled-channel effects. One finds that the $$D^*K^*$$

D
∗

K
∗

contributions to the mass shifts are large for all the charmed-strange states, which is maybe due to the spin-enhancement effect. Our results support that $$D_{s0}^*(2317)$$

D

s
0

∗

(
2317
)

and $$D_{s1}(2460)$$

D

s
1

(
2460
)

could be interpreted as the $$D_{s}(1^3P_0)$$

D
s

(

1
3

P
0

)

and $$D_{s}(1^3P_1)$$

D
s

(

1
3

P
1

)

states with larger DK and $$D^*K$$

D
∗

K

components, respectively, although the probabilities of the DK and $$D^*K$$

D
∗

K

components for $$D_{s0}^*(2317)$$

D

s
0

∗

(
2317
)

and $$D_{s1}(2460)$$

D

s
1

(
2460
)

are smaller than other theoretical predictions, which may be due to our neglect of the direct interaction of the meson components. Meanwhile, $$D_{s1}(2700)$$

D

s
1

(
2700
)

, $$D_{s1}(2536)$$

D

s
1

(
2536
)

, $$D^*_{s2}(2573)$$

D

s
2

∗

(
2573
)

, $$D_{s1}^*(2860)$$

D

s
1

∗

(
2860
)

, $$D_{s3}^*(2860)$$

D

s
3

∗

(
2860
)

, and $$D_{sJ}^*(3040)$$

D

sJ

∗

(
3040
)

could be well interpreted as the $$D_s(2^3S_1)$$

D
s

(

2
3

S
1

)

, $$D_s(1^1P_1)$$

D
s

(

1
1

P
1

)

, $$D_s(1^3P_2)$$

D
s

(

1
3

P
2

)

, $$D_s(1^3D_1)$$

D
s

(

1
3

D
1

)

, $$D_s(1^3D_3)$$

D
s

(

1
3

D
3

)

, and $$D_s(2^1P_1)$$

D
s

(

2
1

P
1

)

states, respectively. Although the $$D_{s0}(2590)$$

D

s
0

(
2590
)

mass is about 50 MeV less than our prediction for the $$D_{s0}(2S)$$

D

s
0

(
2
S
)

state, its width is still in good agreement with the one of $$D_{s0}(2S)$$

D

s
0

(
2
S
)

. Therefore, $$D_{s0}(2590)$$

D

s
0

(
2590
)

state needs to be further confirmed by the experimental measurements, and the more precise information about $$D_{s0}(2590)$$

D

s
0

(
2590
)

will shed light on its assignment of $$D_{s0}(2S)$$

D

s
0

(
2
S
)

. Furthermore, we predict the masses and the strong decay properties of the charmed-strange mesons with masses around 3 GeV, which would be helpful to experimentally search for these states.
Cosmological reconstruction and $$\Lambda $$CDM universe in $$f(Q,\,C)$$ gravity
Authors: Gadbail Gaurav N. , De Avik , Sahoo P. K.
Published: December 2023

Symmetric Teleparallel Gravity allows for the reformulation of gravity in the form of nonmetricity by vanishing the contorsion term in the generic affine connection. Our focus is on investigating a recently proposed extension of this theory in which the Lagrangian has the form f(Q, C) by incorporating the boundary term C. In this work, we first use a reconstruction approach in f(Q, C) gravity that might admit the $$\Lambda $$
Λ
CDM expansion history. Furthermore, we perform a novel approach for cosmological reconstruction of f(Q, C) gravity in terms of e-folding, and it shows how any FLRW cosmology can arise from a specific f(Q, C) gravity. A variety of instances are provided using this approach in which f(Q, C) gravity is reconstructed to yield the well-known cosmic evolution: $$\Lambda $$
Λ
CDM era, acceleration/deceleration era which is equivalent to the presence of phantom and non-phantom matter, late-time acceleration with the crossing of phantom-divide line and transient phantom era.
The Security Jawbreaker
Authors: Vachon Phil
Published: December 2023

When someone stands at the front door of your home, what are the steps to let them in? If it is a member of the family, they use their house key, unlocking the door using the authority the key confers. For others, a knock at the door or doorbell ring prompts you to make a decision. Once in your home, different individuals have differing authority based on who they are. Family members have access to your whole home. A close friend can roam around unsupervised, with a high level of trust. An appliance repair person is someone you might supervise for the duration of the job to be done. For more sensitive locations in your home, you can lock a few doors, giving you further assurance. Making these decisions is an implicit form of evaluating risk tolerance, or your willingness to accept the chance that something might go against your best interests.
Engaging with practice: Information literacy instruction as a part of developing reflective thinking and clinical judgement in nursing studies
Authors: Søvik Margrethe Bakstad , Røykenes Kari
Published: December 2023

This study examines how nursing students in their final year use skills in information literacy (IL) in clinical placements when working on an assignment in evidence-based practice. The IL instruction and the assignment were designed to give the students room for reflective thinking. Reflective thinking is crucial for developing good practice and adequate care in nursing. The study is qualitatively oriented and sets out to examine what kind of skills and knowledge the students demonstrate when doing an assignment that is practically oriented, and where IL is integrated in other tasks. The empirical material consists of written reflection notes from clinical placement. These notes have been analysed using a version of Bloom’s taxonomy. For educators it is important to focus on how to bridge the theory-practice gap and combine IL with practical work. In this study we have identified some factors that may need more attention when designing similar assignments for students. The conclusion drawn from the reflection notes is that the students are on different levels of maturity and that in designing assignments related to real-life contexts, this should be given more attention.
An information literacy lens on community representation for participatory budgeting in Brazil
Authors: Cruickshank Peter , Ryan Bruce
Published: December 2023

This paper presents an evaluation of the information literacies used by community representatives when engaging with participatory budgeting in São Paulo City, Brazil. Using questions established from context-setting interviews with stakeholders, a focus group was held in 2019 with eight participative councillors, with in situ interpretation, resulting in a translated transcript of the discussion. Thematic analysis was used to understand information issues faced by community representatives in relation to past research. It was found that the community representatives face informational barriers to their engagement with participatory budgeting, in (a) learning about their role (b) understanding the information needs of the communities served and (c) gathering and sharing information about local issues with stakeholders. These findings allow the refining of CILIP’s definition of information literacy (IL) for citizenship and provide the basis for proposing a model for the IL of community representatives. It is also proposed that future IL research could further develop the role of digitally-enabled place and community in shaping the landscape of literacy and the role of hyperlocal representation. Additionally, the role of translation in cross-lingual IL research is considered.
Information as a relation: Defining Indigenous information literacy
Authors: Littletree Sandra , Andrews Nicola , Loyer Jessie
Published: December 2023

Informed by relationality and reciprocity, Indigenous librarians who teach play a key role in creating learning opportunities for students to gain information literacy (IL) skills and become better users and creators of information. Through unstructured interviews with seven Indigenous librarians, we find that Indigenous identity and ways of knowing based on relationality and reciprocity are key components shaping the pedagogy of Indigenous librarians, as it informs the ways they enact accountability, build relationships, set boundaries, and practice care. Through this work, we offer a definition of Indigenous information literacy, which is the ability to use information and create or gain knowledge, while practicing the Indigenous concepts of relationality, reciprocity, and respect. This work lays the groundwork for further explorations of relationality, kinship, and Indigenous ways of knowing in information literacy and Indigenous librarianship.
Insights on first-generation students’ development of social capital for the rigours of college-level research
Authors: Charles Leslin H.
Published: December 2023

As a part of a larger study titled, First Years Meet the Frames, this work explores the perceptions of first-generation students (FGS) on their readiness for college-level research as well as their first-year college experience with libraries and librarians. Although, by definition, these students lack the cultural capital normally derived from parents who went to college in order to readily assimilate into higher education institutions, depending on their high school experiences, they may be able to build social capital. Accordingly, this article investigates such opportunities which lie in high schools with strong library programs that have a full-time certified librarian working in alignment with the national school library standards of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL). It addresses what aspects of this preparation facilitate the development of social capital and follows FGS into the first year of college to see how they continue to build it. It also compares FGS to their continuing generation student (CGS) counterparts from the same high schools. Findings show that FGS can build social capital via these high school library programs and continue to leverage their high school experiences and skill sets in order to create new networks and to tackle college-level research during the first year of college. FGS demonstrate similar preparedness and similar confidence in research abilities as their CGS counterparts.
A taxonomic revision of Aloe sect. Purpurascentes (Asphodelaceae subfam. Alooideae)
Authors: KLOPPER RONELL R. , GRACE OLWEN M. , KLOPPER ARRIE W. , SMITH GIDEON F. , WYK ABRAHAM E. VAN
Published: December 2023

Aloe sect. Purpurascentes, or the speckled aloes (not to be confused with the maculate aloes, which are members of A. sect. Pictae), occurs in southern and western South Africa and southern Namibia. This section is here revised using macro-morphology, seed morphology, palynology, chemistry, and molecular evidence. Seed morphology, palynology, chemistry, and to a greater extent molecular markers, are shown to be inconclusive for demarcation at species level in A. sect. Purpurascentes. Nonetheless, evidence from these sources does provide support for the general coherence of the group. Although some species can be clearly differentiated from most other members of A. sect. Purpurascentes, the results are not consistent among the different character sets investigated. No changes are thus proposed here in terms of the placement of taxa within the section. Two species suspected to be members of the section under study (A. pictifolia and A. chlorantha), although being chemically related, do not cluster with the rest of the members of A. sect. Purpurascentes in the morphological analysis, and evidence on the sectional placement of these taxa from molecular analyses is inconclusive. Hence, these two aloes are here excluded from A. sect. Purpurascentes. The most useful evidence to distinguish among taxa in A. sect. Purpurascentes were those from comparative morphology. In this revision five species are retained: A. framesii, A. gariepensis, A. khamiesensis, A. microstigma, and A. succotrina. The following taxonomic changes are proposed: A. knersvlakensis becomes a subspecies of A. khamiesensis; aberrant populations of the latter species from the Hantam region are described as A. khamiesensis subsp. hantamensis; A. juttae is reinstated at subspecific level under A. microstigma; A. amoena is reinstated at subspecific level under A. framesii, and a third subspecies, A. framesii subsp. maraisii, is described for the southern populations of this aloe. Lectotypes are designated for five names and epitypes for three names. The notion that DNA barcodes should not be seen as a replacement technique for comprehensive taxonomic analysis is clearly illustrated in this revision of A. sect. Purpurascentes. Since traditional barcodes are insufficient to distinguish samples at species level, alpha taxonomic techniques are essential to delimit species in this group of aloes, and likely for all other aloes.
Rediscovery of Salvia dugesiana (Lamiaceae) in Guanajuato, Mexico, after 129 years
Authors: GONZÁLEZ-GALLEGOS JESÚS GUADALUPE , BEDOLLA-GARCÍA BRENDA Y.
Published: December 2023

A wild population of Salvia dugesiana is recorded for the first time after 129 years since the last collections made of the species. It was known only in base to two different gatherings with imprecise localities by Alfred A. D. Dugès in 1880 and 1894. The taxon was detected by a photograph published in an online website for citizen science, iNaturalist. The population was found in southern Guanajuato, in tropical deciduous forest. The species is akin to S. karwinskii (sect. Holwaya). A lectotype was designated, and a detailed description, photographs and distribution map are presented. Additionally, an identification key to Mexican Salvia species with red or orangish corollas is provided, which helps to contrast S. dugesiana against the rest of Mexican species with these colors in their corollas.
Amana yunmengensis (Liliaceae), a new species from the Yunmeng Lakes region, China
Authors: WANG MEIZHEN , WANG ZIYI , ZHANG SHENGLU , WU JING , LI PAN
Published: December 2023

Amana yunmengensis, a new species from Yunmeng Lakes region in China is described and illustrated in this study. It resembles A. edulis and A. baohuaensis but differs in several features. The principal components analysis of morphological data identified four distinct clusters: A. anhuiensis, A. edulis, A. hejiaqingii and A. yunmengensis. Cytological observation revealed that A. yunmengensis is diploid (2n = 2x = 24). Molecular phylogenetic analyses further support it as a new species.
An annotated catalogue of Aloe and Aloiampelos (Asphodelaceae subfam. Alooideae) naturalised and escaped in continental Portugal
Authors: SMITH GIDEON F. , FIGUEIREDO ESTRELA , VERLOOVE FILIP , KLOPPER RONELL R. , SILVA VASCO
Published: December 2023

Three species of Aloe, namely A. arborescens, A. maculata, and A. vera, have been formally recorded as naturalised in the region covered by the Flora iberica project, which includes the Iberian Peninsula [Portugal and Spain] and the Balearic islands [an archipelago of islands and islets off the east coast of Spain, in the western Mediterranean Sea]. All three species occur in both Portugal and Spain. At least one further aloe, A. ×nobilis, is here formally recorded as naturalised in Portugal. We provide an updated, annotated catalogue of the alooids naturalised or escaped in Portugal, the southwestern-most country included in the Flora iberica project. Apart from these four naturalised taxa in Aloe, Aloiampelos ciliaris var. ciliaris, is also recorded as having escaped from cultivation.
Notes on the diatom collection of the Natural History Museum, London (BM) IX: Campylodiscus hardmanianus, with a discussion on synapomorphy and the poverty of molecular monophyly
Authors: WILLIAMS DAVID M.
Published: December 2023

Type specimens of Campylodiscus hardmanianus and Campylodiscus hardmanianus var. grovii are discussed. The general purpose of this contribution is twofold: (1) to draw attention to some Greville types that reside in Deby’s collection in BM; and (2) as both taxa should be placed in Coronia, the status of that genus is discussed with respect to the concept of synapomorphy and monophyly.
Pluteus aurantioruber, a new species of Pluteus section Celluloderma (Pluteaceae) from China
Authors: XU JIANG , HOSEN MD. IQBAL , ZHANG MING , LI TAI-HUI
Published: December 2023

Pluteus aurantioruber from southern China (Guangdong Province) is described as a new species. It is characterized by a bright orange-red to orange pileus, a reddish orange, orange, yellowish to semi-translucent stipe covered with tiny scales formed by clustered, clavate to fusiform caulocystidia, 26‒50 × 10‒21 μm, broadly ellipsoid to subglobose basidiospores, 6–8 × 5–7 μm, clavate and rostrate cheilocystidia, a hymeniderm to epithelium type pileipellis, and growing in soil or with moss. Data from the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) region shows that this species is nested in Pluteus sect. Celluloderma and grouped with the other species with rostrate cheilocystidia. A comprehensive description and illustrations are provided, with its phylogenetic placement based on nrITS also evaluated and including comparison to morphologically similar taxa and phylogenetically related species.
Anteaglonium saxicola (Anteagloniaceae, Pleosporales), a new species isolated from rocks in northern Thailand
Authors: SUWANNARACH NAKARIN , KUMLA JATURONG , KHUNA SURAPONG , THITLA TANAPOL , SENWANNA CHANOKNED , HONGSANAN SINANG , LUMYONG SAISAMORN
Published: December 2023

A new species of rock-inhabiting fungi, described herein as Anteaglonium saxicola, was isolated from rock samples collected from natural forests in Lamphun Province, Thailand. This species was introduced based on morphological characteristics and multi-gene phylogenetic analyses. Multi-gene phylogenetic analyses based on a combination of the 28S large subunit (nrLSU), 18S small subunit (nrSSU), and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) along with the translation elongation factor (tef1-α) genes revealed that A. saxicola belongs to the clade of the genus Anteaglonium and is clearly distinct from other known Anteaglonium species. This paper provides a description, illustrations, and phylogenetic position of this novel species.
The tulip Magnolia (Magnoliaceae), an endangered new shrubby species endemic to Baja Verapaz, Guatemala
Authors: ARCHILA FREDY , TRIBOUILLIER-NAVAS ERICK , MEDEIROS ALEXANDRE DA SILVA , MUÑIZ-CASTRO MIGUEL Á. , VÁZQUEZ-GARCÍA J. ANTONIO
Published: December 2023

N/A
New names for the illegitimate Peperomia gracillima (Raddi) E.F.Guim., G.A.Queiroz & Delprete and P. plantaginifolia (Raddi) E.F.Guim., G.A.Queiroz & Delprete (Piperaceae)
Authors: MARCUSSO GABRIEL MENDES , BIRAL LEONARDO , MATHIEU GUIDO , FORZZA RAFAELA CAMPOSTRINI
Published: December 2023

N/A
Review of the genus Arhaconortus Belokobylskij, 2000 (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Doryctinae), with description of three new species from Vietnam
Authors: OANH NGUYEN THI , LONG KHUAT DANG , HIEP NGUYEN DUC , NGHIEP HOANG THI
Published: December 2023

In the present study, the genus Arhaconotus is revised and keyed with three species of this genus from Vietnam were described and fully illustrated as new for science, viz. Arhaconotus belokobylskiji Long, sp. nov., A. hoabinhicus Long, sp. nov. and A. longicaudatus Long, sp. nov., and one species, A. hainanensis Tang & Chen, 2010 newly recorded for Vietnam’s braconid fauna. Up to know, a total of seven species of Arhaconotus are described, a key to all the already known Arhaconotus species is provided. Comparative morphological characters of Arhaconotus species were also discussed.
A new bee fly species of the genus Phthiria (Diptera, Bombyliidae, Phthiriinae, Phthiriini) from the west of Iran
Authors: FARHANGI SEYED VAHID , NOZARI JAMASB , GHARALI BABAK
Published: December 2023

Phthiria portokali sp. nov. is described and illustrated from the west of Iran based on specimens collected by white pan traps. The new species is unique in having a large tortoise-shell-shaped orange pattern on the dorsum of the mesonotum of the female specimens. This character has not been seen among the other species described from the Palaearctic Region.
Transition in viscoelastic properties within successive annual rings of radiata pine (Pinus radiata)
Authors: Horiyama Hiroaki , Kojiro Keisuke , Furuta Yuzo
Published: December 2023

Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) measurements of water-saturated radiata pine wood in the temperature range from 0 ℃ to 100 ℃ were focused to clarify the transition in viscoelastic properties within successive annual rings. Four radially consecutive specimens were taken per annual ring and DMA measurements in the tangential direction were performed using these specimens. The following results were obtained. The peak of tanδ caused by micro-Brownian motion of lignin was observed in all samples. The temperature of peak tanδ tended to decrease from earlywood to latewood within an annual ring. The temperature of peak tanδ increased across annual ring boundary. The same trend was repeated within the next annual ring. It was found that the viscoelastic properties transitioned within successive annual rings.
A novel periodontal endoscopy-aided non-incisional periodontal regeneration technique in the treatment of intrabony defects: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Shi Jiahong , Wang Jinmeng , Yang Zhiyu , Li Jingwen , Lei Lang , Li Houxuan
Published: December 2023

Background

Gingival recession and post-operation discomfort are still a problem for patients receiving the periodontal regeneration surgery for intra-bony defects. To further reduce the trauma and the post-operation gingival recession, a novel periodontal endoscopy-aided non-incisional regeneration technique (NIT) was proposed in the treatment of intra-bony defects.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 21 subjects treated with NIT and 21 subjects with periodontal endoscopy-aided scaling and root planing (PSRP) at baseline and 1-year evaluation was conducted. After removing the subgingival calculus and granulation tissue, bone grafting materials were placed into intrabony defects with the assistance of a gingival retractor in the NIT group. Probing depth (PD), gingival recession (GR), clinical attachment level (CAL), as well as the distance between bone crest (BC) level and base of the defect (BD) (intrabony defect depth, IBD) were evaluated at baseline and 1 year after treatment.

Results

At 1-year follow-up, the value of CAL, PD and IBD were statistically significant different compared with baseline in both two groups (p<0.001). CAL gain (p = 0.012) and PD reduction (p = 0.004) was greater in the NIT than PSRP. However, no difference in the IBD reduction was found between the NIT group and PSRP. Better CAL gain and PD reduction was achieved in the 1-year term in the NIT when compared with PSRP.

Conclusion

NIT have resulted in significant gains in both clinical and radiographic parameters. NIT might be utilized as an alternative of the surgical treatment for periodontal intrabony defects.

Trial registration

This clinical trial registration was registered retrospectively (August 3, 2023) and the number is ChiCTR2300074317.
Tranexamic acid by the intramuscular or intravenous route for the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage in women at increased risk: a randomised placebo-controlled trial (I’M WOMAN)
Authors: Brenner Amy , Shakur-Still Haleema , Chaudhri Rizwana , Muganyizi Projestine , Olayemi Oladapo , Arribas Monica , Kayani Aasia , Javid Kiran , Bello Adenike , Roberts Ian ,   on behalf of the I’M WOMAN Trial Collaborative Group
Published: December 2023

Background

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) causes about 70,000 maternal deaths every year. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a life-saving treatment for women with PPH. Intravenous (IV) TXA reduces deaths due to PPH by one-third when given within 3 h of childbirth. Because TXA is more effective when given early and PPH usually occurs soon after childbirth, giving TXA just before childbirth might prevent PPH. Although several randomised trials have examined TXA for PPH prevention, the results are inconclusive. Because PPH only affects a small proportion of births, we need good evidence on the balance of benefits and harms before using TXA to prevent PPH. TXA is usually given by slow IV injection. However, recent research shows that TXA is well tolerated and rapidly absorbed after intramuscular (IM) injection, achieving therapeutic blood levels within minutes of injection.

Methods

The I’M WOMAN trial is an international, multicentre, three-arm, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess the effects of IM and IV TXA for the prevention of PPH in women with one or more risk factors for PPH giving birth vaginally or by caesarean section.

Discussion

The trial will provide evidence of the benefits and harms of TXA for PPH prevention and the effects of the IM and IV routes of administration. The IM route should be as effective as the IV route for preventing bleeding. There may be fewer side effects with IM TXA because peak blood concentrations are lower than with the IV route. IM TXA also has practical advantages as it is quicker and simpler to administer. By avoiding the need for IV line insertion and a slow IV injection, IM administration would free up overstretched midwives and doctors to focus on looking after the mother and baby and expand access to timely TXA treatment.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05562609. Registered on 3 October 2022. ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN12590098. Registered on 20 January 2023. Pan African Clinical Trial Registry PACTR202305473136570. Registered on 18 May 2023.
Situs inversus with levocardia in a 15-year-old male adolescent: a case report
Authors: Mesfin Telila , Kedir Ibrahim , Tilahun Teketel , Seyoum Kenbon , Dadi Sisay , Ejigu Neway , Desta Fikreab , Geta Girma , Tsegaye Mesfin , Salih Husien
Published: December 2023

Background

Situs inversus with levocardia is a rare anomaly in which the heart is present in the left chest but the abdominal viscera are transposed. It is caused by a single incomplete penetration of an autosomal recessive gene. It is unclear what exactly causes situs inversus with levocardia. Even if situs inversus can be identified following a comprehensive physical examination, it is now possible to validate the results and search for further information and pathologies since medical imaging is so widely accessible.

Case

A 15-year-old Oromo male child from a remote area of Bale Zone presented to the Goba Referral Hospital’s medical emergency outpatient department complaining of periumbilical pain that had persisted for 4 months. He frequently came to our hospital and was admitted three times with the same problem. Objectively, there was tenderness over the left lower quadrant and periumbilical area. The sonographic evaluation discovered the transposition of the liver and spleen with cardiac apex on the left side. He received conservative treatment with ceftriaxone 1 g intravenous twice a day and metronidazole 500 mg intravenous for 5 days, and he went home improved.

Conclusion

Isolated levocardia is a rare form of situs inversus in which the heart is in the traditional levo position while the abdominal organs are in the dextro position. What causes situs inversus with levocardia is unknown. Despite the fact that situs inversus can be diagnosed after a thorough physical examination, medical imaging has allowed us to confirm the findings as well as understand more about diseases. Due to the severity of an underlying heart defect, situs inversus with levocardia has a dismal prognosis.
Modification of substrate specificity of l-arginine oxidase for detection of l-citrulline
Authors: Yamamoto Kei , Masakari Yosuke , Araki Yasuko , Ichiyanagi Atsushi , Ito Kotaro
Published: December 2023

Enzymatic detection of citrulline, a potential biomarker for various diseases, is beneficial. However, determining citrulline levels requires expensive instrumental analyses and complicated colorimetric assays. Although l-amino acid oxidase/dehydrogenase is widely used to detect l-amino acids, an l-citrulline-specific oxidase/dehydrogenase has not been reported. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to develop an l-citrulline-specific enzyme by introducing a mutation into l-arginine oxidase (ArgOX) derived from Pseudomonas sp. TPU 7192 to provide a simple enzymatic l-citrulline detection system. The ratio of the oxidase activity against l-arginine to that against l-citrulline (Cit/Arg) was 1.2%, indicating that ArgOX could recognize l-citrulline as a substrate. In the dehydrogenase assay, the specific dehydrogenase activity towards l-arginine was considerably lower than the specific oxidase activity. However, the specific dehydrogenase activity towards l-citrulline was only slightly lower than the oxidase activity, resulting in improved substrate specificity with a Cit/Arg ratio of 49.5%. To enhance the substrate specificity of ArgOX, we performed site-directed mutagenesis using structure-based engineering. The 3D model structure indicated that E486 interacted with the l-arginine side chain. By introducing the E486 mutation, the specific dehydrogenase activity of ArgOX/E486Q for l-citrulline was 3.25 ± 0.50 U/mg, which was 3.8-fold higher than that of ArgOX. The Cit/Arg ratio of ArgOX/E486Q was 150%, which was higher than that of ArgOX. Using ArgOX/E486Q, linear relationships were observed within the range of 10–500 μM l-citrulline, demonstrating its suitability for detecting citrulline in human blood. Consequently, ArgOX/E486Q can be adapted as an enzymatic sensor in the dehydrogenase system.

Graphical Abstract
Improving the nutritional values of yellow mealworm Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) larvae as an animal feed ingredient: a review
Authors: Syahrulawal Linggawastu , Torske Magnhild Oust , Sapkota Rumakanta , Næss Geir , Khanal Prabhat
Published: December 2023

Yellow mealworm larvae (YML; Tenebrio molitor) are considered as a valuable insect species for animal feed due to their high nutritional values and ability to grow under different substrates and rearing conditions. Advances in the understanding of entomophagy and animal nutrition over the past decades have propelled research areas toward testing multiple aspects of YML to exploit them better as animal feed sources. This review aims to summarize various approaches that could be exploited to maximize the nutritional values of YML as an animal feed ingredient. In addition, YML has the potential to be used as an antimicrobial or bioactive agent to improve animal health and immune function in production animals. The dynamics of the nutritional profile of YML can be influenced by multiple factors and should be taken into account when attempting to optimize the nutrient contents of YML as an animal feed ingredient. Specifically, the use of novel land-based and aquatic feeding resources, probiotics, and the exploitation of larval gut microbiomes as novel strategies can assist to maximize the nutritional potential of YML. Selection of relevant feed supplies, optimization of ambient conditions, the introduction of novel genetic selection procedures, and implementation of effective post-harvest processing may be required in the future to commercialize mealworm production. Furthermore, the use of appropriate agricultural practices and technological improvements within the mealworm production sector should be aimed at achieving both economic and environmental sustainability. The issues highlighted in this review could pave the way for future approaches to improve the nutritional value of YML.
A novel botnet attack detection for IoT networks based on communication graphs
Authors: Muñoz David Concejal , Valiente Antonio del-Corte
Published: December 2023

Intrusion detection systems have been proposed for the detection of botnet attacks. Various types of centralized or distributed cloud-based machine learning and deep learning models have been suggested. However, the emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) has brought about a huge increase in connected devices, necessitating a different approach. In this paper, we propose to perform detection on IoT-edge devices. The suggested architecture includes an anomaly intrusion detection system in the application layer of IoT-edge devices, arranged in software-defined networks. IoT-edge devices request information from the software-defined networks controller about their own behaviour in the network. This behaviour is represented by communication graphs and is novel for IoT networks. This representation better characterizes the behaviour of the device than the traditional analysis of network traffic, with a lower volume of information. Botnet attack scenarios are simulated with the IoT-23 dataset. Experimental results show that attacks are detected with high accuracy using a deep learning model with low device memory requirements and significant storage reduction for training.

Graphical abstract
The landscape of patellofemoral arthroplasty research: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Yang Yao , Chen Yuan , Wang Yingjie , Wang Junjie , Lu Baoliang , Zhu Wanbo , Yang Ning , Zhu Junchen , Zhu Chen , Zhang Xianzuo
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Patellofemoral arthroplasty (PFA) was shown to be a potentially effective surgical technique for isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis but varying reports on PFA-related implant failure and complications have rendered the procedure controversial. This study aimed to identify impactful publications, research interests/efforts, and collaborative networks in the field of PFA research.

Methods

The study used the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) database, Medline, Springer, BIOSIS Citation Index, and PubMed to retrieve relevant publications on PFA research published between 1950–2022. Statistical tests in R software were used for analysis while VOSviewer, Bibliometrix, and CiteSpace were employed for data visualization.

Results

Two hundred forty-one articles were analyzed with the number of published papers increasing over time. Knee was the most frequent journal and Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research was the most cited journal. Clinical outcomes, such as prosthesis survival, revision, and complications, were researched most frequently as demonstrated by keyword analysis. The United States was the top contributor to cooperative networks, followed by the United Kingdom while Technical University Munich formed close ties among authors.

Conclusion

Publications on PFA research have witnessed a notable surge. They primarily came from a limited number of centers and were characterized by low-level evidence. The majority of studies primarily focused on the clinical outcomes of PFA, while revision of PFA and patient satisfaction have emerged as new research areas.
Occurrence and health risks of heavy metals in crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) from Jiangsu province, China
Authors: Bian Huan , Zhu Yongzhi , Wen Limin , Ma Jingjing , Li Pengpeng , Geng Zhiming , Wang Daoying , Xu Weimin
Published: December 2023

Concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) in crayfish from Jiangsu province, China, were measured and their health risks were evaluated. For crayfish from both crayfish-rice culture system (CRCS) and crayfish intensive culture system (CICS), concentrations of As, Cd and Pb in whole body of crayfish (WB) were significantly higher than those in abdominal muscle of crayfish (AM), while concentration of Hg in WB was significantly lower than that in AM. No significant difference in concentrations of the heavy metals was found between CRCS and CICS. Concentrations of the heavy metals in AM from both systems were below the limit set by the national standard of China. Estimated daily intake values of the heavy metals were far below the provisional tolerable daily intakes set by Joint FAO/WHO committee on Food Additives, and the corresponding hazard quotient and hazard index were below one. Therefore, consumption of crayfish with the average daily consumption rate (DCR) could be generally regarded as safe. For the consumption with two more times of average DCR during peak season, there might be a potential health risk from intakes of As and Hg in abdominal muscle of crayfish.

Graphical Abstract
Measuring nurses’ on-shift physical activity and sedentary time by accelerometry or heart rate monitoring: a descriptive case study illustrating the importance of context
Authors: Chappel Stephanie E. , Aisbett Brad , Considine Julie , Ridgers Nicola D.
Published: December 2023

Background

There is debate whether nurses are active enough stemming from differences in measurement tools, clinical contexts, and nursing tasks. A descriptive case study concerning the use of device-based measures in combination with direct observation is presented to examine the effect of the nursing context and the discrepancies between different measurement tools for identifying nurses’ on-shift activity levels.

Methods

Data were collected across seven shifts in medical and surgical wards. Nurses’ activity was assessed using accelerometry and heart rate monitoring, in addition to direct observation. Data graphs were plotted for each shift and measurement device, with direct observations used to contextualise the data and identify discrepancies.

Results

Higher activity levels were recorded on-shift through heart rate monitoring (87%) compared to accelerometry (27%). This pattern was also observed specifically on early, late, and medical ward shifts. Data discrepancies between the two devices stemmed from the shift and (or) ward type, highlighting the importance of understanding the context of nursing duties when assessing nurses’ activity levels.

Conclusions

It is also vital that researchers, policymakers, and practitioners consider how they will measure nurses’ occupational physical activity, which consequently will influence outcomes, and therefore, decisions around the need (or not) for intervention.
CNS Efficacy of Osimertinib With or Without Chemotherapy in Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor–Mutated Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Jänne Pasi A. , Planchard David , Kobayashi Kunihiko , Cheng Ying , Lee Chee Khoon , Valdiviezo Natalia , Laktionov Konstantin , Yang Tsung-Ying , Yu Yan , Kato Terufumi , Jiang Liyan , Chewaskulyong Busyamas , Lucien Geater Sarayut , Maurel Jean-Marc , Rojas Carlos , Takahashi Toshiaki , Havel Libor , Shepherd Frances A. , Tanaka Kentaro , Ghiorghiu Dana , Amin Neha P. , Armenteros-Monterroso Elena , Huang Xiangning , Chaudhry Ammar Ahmed , Yang James Chih-Hsin
Published: December 2023

PURPOSE

We report CNS efficacy of first-line osimertinib plus chemotherapy versus osimertinib monotherapy in patients with epidermal growth factor receptor ( EGFR)–mutated advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) from the phase III FLAURA2 study according to baseline CNS metastasis status.

METHODS

Patients were randomly assigned to osimertinib plus platinum-pemetrexed (combination) or osimertinib monotherapy until disease progression or discontinuation. Brain scans were performed in all patients at baseline and progression and at scheduled assessments until progression for patients with baseline CNS metastases; scans were assessed by neuroradiologist CNS blinded independent central review (BICR).

RESULTS

On the basis of baseline CNS BICR, 118 of 279 (combination) and 104 of 278 (monotherapy) randomly assigned patients had ≥one measurable and/or nonmeasurable CNS lesion and were included in the CNS full analysis set (cFAS); 40 of 118 and 38 of 104 had ≥one measurable target CNS lesion and were included in the post hoc CNS evaluable-for-response set (cEFR). In the cFAS, the hazard ratio (HR) for CNS progression or death was 0.58 (95% CI, 0.33 to 1.01). In patients without baseline CNS metastases, the HR for CNS progression or death was 0.67 (95% CI, 0.43 to 1.04). In the cFAS, CNS objective response rates (ORRs; 95% CI) were 73% (combination; 64 to 81) versus 69% (monotherapy; 59 to 78); 59% versus 43% had CNS complete response (CR). In the cEFR, CNS ORRs (95% CI) were 88% (73 to 96) versus 87% (72 to 96); 48% versus 16% had CNS CR.

CONCLUSION

Osimertinib plus platinum-pemetrexed demonstrated improved CNS efficacy compared with osimertinib monotherapy, including delaying CNS progression, irrespective of baseline CNS metastasis status. These data support this combination as a new first-line treatment for patients with EGFR-mutated advanced NSCLC, including those with CNS metastases.
Impairment of social cognition in comparative studies of patients with schizophrenia and their healthy siblings.
Authors: Łoś Rafał , Gajowiec Aleksandra
Published: December 2023

Poznanie społeczne jest jednym istotnym rodzajem dysfunkcji neurokognitywnych obserwowanych w przebiegu schizofrenii. Deficyty w tym zakresie stwierdzane u zdrowego rodzeństwa osób chorujących na schizofrenię mogą być potencjalnym endofenotypem. Celem pracy jest analiza piśmiennictwa, głównie z ostatniego dziesięciolecia, dotyczącego zaburzeń poznania społecznego u chorych na schizofrenię i ich zdrowego rodzeństwa.
Wykorzystano artykuły z bazy PubMed, Medline oraz Polskiej Bibliografii Lekarskiej, wprowadzając słowa kluczowe: schizofrenia, zdrowe rodzeństwo, poznanie społeczne, teoria umysłu, rozpoznawanie emocji twarzy w przedziale czasowym od 2010 do 2021 roku oraz w uzasadnionych okolicznościach sięgając po prace wcześniejsze.
Wyniki większości badań wskazują na pośrednie nasilenie nieprawidłowości w analizowanych obszarach funkcjonowania poznawczego, lokujące grupę zdrowego rodzeństwa osób chorujących na schizofrenię pomiędzy psychotycznym rodzeństwem a osobami zdrowymi, nie obciążonymi psychozą wśród bliskich. Grupa zdrowego rodzeństwa osób chorujących na schizofrenię jest obciążona zaburzeniami sfery poznania społecznego, które również występują w istotnie większym nasileniu u chorującego rodzeństwa. Ponadto wyniki większości badań wskazują na korelację między zaburzeniami poznania społecznego a dysfunkcjami poznawczymi i subklinicznym nasileniem objawów psychopatologicznych u zdrowych krewnych. Dokładne poznanie powyższych deficytów wymaga wykonania badań na grupach o większej liczebności.
The risk of pulmonary embolism in the context of various clinical situations and management in psychiatric patients
Authors: Sapota-Zaręba Karolina , Nasierowski Tadeusz
Published: December 2023

Zatorowość płucna (ZP) wraz z zakrzepicą żył głębokich tworzą żylną chorobę zakrzepowo-zatorową (ŻChZZ), która jest trzecią co do częstości występowania chorobą układu krążenia. ZP to jeden z częstszych stanów kardiologicznych związanych z bezpośrednim zagrożeniem życia, a niewłaściwie leczona obarczona jest śmiertelnością sięgającą 30%. Osoby z zaburzeniami psychicznymi mają wyższe ryzyko zakrzepowo-zatorowe w porównaniu z populacją ogólną, a ZP jest częstym zjawiskiem w tej grupie pacjentów. Wynika to przede wszystkim z występowania dodatkowych czynników ryzyka zakrzepowo-zatorowego związanych z objawami chorób psychicznych oraz ich leczeniem. Skale rekomendowane do szacowania ryzyka ŻChZZ nie uwzględniają czynników specyficznych dla tej grupy chorych.
W artykule omówiono mechanizmy aktywacji elementów triady Virchowa przez objawy zaburzeń psychicznych: psychotyczne, lękowe, depresyjne i katatoniczne. Przedstawiono aktualny stan wiedzy na temat ryzyka zakrzepowo-zatorowego związanego ze stosowaniem przymusu bezpośredniego w formie unieruchomienia czterokończynowego. Podsumowano dotychczasowe dane na temat potencjału prozakrzepowego leków przeciwpsychotycznych i przeciwdepresyjnych oraz terapii elektrowstrząsowej. Opisano rekomendacje profilaktyki ZP w odniesieniu do pacjentów z zaburzeniami psychicznymi.