bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review of 91 canine and feline red‐bellied black snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus) envenomation cases and lessons for improved management
Authors: Wun MK , Padula AM , Greer RM , Leister EM
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Most cases of red‐bellied black snake (RBBS) envenomation in dogs respond favourably to treatment comprising of tiger‐brown snake antivenom (TBAV), intravenous fluid therapy, analgesia and, if indicated, mechanical ventilation and/or blood transfusion. However, there remains a subset of patients who develop fatal complications despite intensive treatment and risk factors for these occurring remain unknown. Here we present a retrospective cross‐sectional survey of 91 canine and feline RBBS envenomation cases.

Methods

Cases seen between June 2010 and June 2020 were retrieved from the databases of seven practices in South East and coastal Queensland. From the canine case population, logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the impact of potential risk factors at presentation on the likelihood of death. A final multivariable model was developed using a manual backwards elimination approach based on overall likelihood ratio tests and Wald chi‐square P‐values for each variable. Where model convergence failed due to quasi‐complete separation, Firth's penalised maximum likelihood method was implemented. Such separation may occur when an outcome is completely predicted by an explanatory variable in one group.

Results

Of the 88 canine cases, 7 died (8.0%), all after prognosis‐based euthanasia. Of the three feline cases, one died after unsuccessful resuscitation following cardiopulmonary arrest. Compared to survivors, dogs that died were older, exhibited pigmenturia, received antivenom later and had a higher total plasma protein (TPP), activated clotting time (ACT) and lower packed cell volume (PCV) at presentation.
“We want to live a little longer and our family want[s] us around”: A summative content analysis of adherence to COVID‐19‐related guidelines using the Theoretical Domains Framework
Authors: Leather Jessica Z. , Keyworth Chris , Epton Tracy , Goldthorpe Joanna , Ulph Fiona , Armitage Christopher J.
Published: March 2022

Objective

Public adherence to COVID‐19‐related government guidance varied during the initial lockdown in the UK, but the determinants of public adherence to such guidance are unclear. We capture spontaneous reflections on adherence to UK government guidance from a representative UK sample, and use the TDF to identify key determinants of COVID‐related behaviours.

Design

The design was cross‐sectional.

Methods

Qualitative data were collected from a large sample of UK adults (N = 2,252) via an online questionnaire as part of a wider survey about the UK public’s responses to the government’s COVID‐19‐related guidance. Summative content analysis was used to identify key guideline terms in the data, followed by latent analysis to interpret the underlying meanings behind the terms using the TDF as an analytical framework.

Results

Six TDF domains were identified in the data: Environmental Context and Resources; Beliefs about Consequences; Social Influences; Memory, Attention and Decision Processes; Emotion; and Knowledge. Although the samples were motivated and capable of adhering, limitations in their environments, resources, and social support mechanisms restricted behaviour. Self‐reported adherence was sensitive to positive and negative beliefs about the effectiveness of the measures, in addition to interpretations of the terms ‘essential’ and ‘necessary’ in the guidance.

Conclusions

Despite extensive structural obstacles to adherence, the majority of the British public were able to follow government COVID‐19‐related instructions, provided they had sufficient resources, social support, and positive perceptions about the effectiveness of the measures. Ambiguities surrounding key terminology in the guidance left room for interpretation, which may have contributed to non‐adherence.
A systematic review of maternal diabetes and congenital skeletal malformation
Authors: Shah Krupa , Shah Hitesh
Published: March 2022

The magnitude of association of skeletal anomalies with maternal diabetes is not known. The systemic review was done to detect the frequency of congenital skeletal malformations with diabetes mellitus in pregnancy in the literature evidence of the past 50 years. Literature on maternal diabetes and skeletal malformation was searched by two independent authors by following PRISMA guidelines. Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were followed. After quality assessment, 21 original articles were included. The frequency of congenital malformation, skeletal malformation was extracted from the included studies. 11,574 congenital anomalies were detected diabetic mothers. 1182 skeletal anomalies were noted in 20,11 552 diabetic mothers. The skeletal malformation was noted in 20.4% of total anomalies. The most common skeletal malformation was the defect of the spine (39.9%). The limb deficiency was found in 32.8% of the infants of diabetic mothers. The skeletal malformations were higher, that is, 24.6% in pre‐gestational diabetes. The incidence of skeletal malformation from the evidence was 1.5% (range: 0.03–4.27%) in maternal diabetes. Pre‐gestation diabetes is more frequently associated with skeletal malformations, which is 1.9% (range: 0.07–5.89%). The association of congenital malformations and skeletal malformations in diabetic pregnancy is significant and hence, effective management of diabetes in childbearing age is essential to reduce this incidence and related long‐term morbidity.
PET/CT imaging of spinal inflammation and microcalcification in patients with low back pain: A pilot study on the quantification by artificial intelligence‐based segmentation
Authors: Piri Reza , Nøddeskou‐Fink Amalie H. , Gerke Oke , Larsson Måns , Edenbrandt Lars , Enqvist Olof , Høilund‐Carlsen Poul‐Flemming , Stochkendahl Mette J.
Published: March 2022

Background

Current imaging modalities are often incapable of identifying nociceptive sources of low back pain (LBP). We aimed to characterize these by means of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) of the lumbar spine region applying tracers 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and 18F‐sodium fluoride (NaF) targeting inflammation and active microcalcification, respectively.

Methods

Using artificial intelligence (AI)‐based quantification, we compared PET findings in two sex‐ and age‐matched groups, a case group of seven males and five females, mean age 45 ± 14 years, with ongoing LBP and a similar control group of 12 pain‐free individuals. PET/CT scans were segmented into three distinct volumes of interest (VOIs): lumbar vertebral bodies, facet joints and intervertebral discs. Maximum, mean and total standardized uptake values (SUVmax, SUVmean and SUVtotal) for FDG and NaF uptake in the 3 VOIs were measured and compared between groups. Holm–Bonferroni correction was applied to adjust for multiple testing.

Results

FDG uptake was slightly higher in most locations of the LBP group including higher SUVmean in the intervertebral discs (0.96 ± 0.34 vs. 0.69 ± 0.15). All NaF uptake values were higher in cases, including higher SUVmax in the intervertebral discs (11.63 ± 3.29 vs. 9.45 ± 1.32) and facet joints (14.98 ± 6.55 vs. 10.60 ± 2.97).

Conclusion

Observed intergroup differences suggest acute inflammation and microcalcification as possible nociceptive causes of LBP. AI‐based quantification of relevant lumbar VOIs in PET/CT scans of LBP patients and controls appears to be feasible. These promising, early findings warrant further investigation and confirmation.
A qualitative inquiry of doctoral students' herding in education and validation of ‘herding in educational decisions’ scale
Authors: Asadullah Muhammad Ali , Mirza Sumaira , Haq Muhammad Zia Ul , Yaqoob Tahir , Hussain Sajid
Published: March 2022

Fresh PhD recipients are experiencing restricted career opportunities yet the enrolment of PhD Scholars is increasing rapidly. Perhaps, doctoral students lack conscious educational decision‐making. Building on such a perspective of doctoral students' unconscious educational choices, we explored their educational choices throughout their life trajectory. We started with a qualitative inquiry of 18 different PhD scholars in Pakistan. The findings helped us in developing a measure to determine the extent of herding in doctoral students' educational decisions. We ‘benefitted from’ this opportunity and validated the scale in two separate quantitative inquiries for conducting an exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. The study concluded a 3‐dimensional scale (consisting of 15‐items) for measuring ‘herding in educational decisions’. The study offers certain implications for conscious educational decisions.
The impact of Mental Health Nurse Consultants on the care of general hospital patients experiencing concurrent mental health conditions: An integrative literature review
Authors: Sharrock Julie , Happell Brenda , Jeong Sarah Yeun‐Sim
Published: March 2022

Mental Health Nurse Consultants are advanced practice mental health nurses who consult with nurses and other health professionals in a general hospital setting. The aim of this review was to analyse and synthesize the available evidence related to the impact of Mental Health Nurse Consultants on the care of general hospital patients experiencing concurrent mental health conditions. The integrative literature review method was utilized as it allows for the inclusion and integration of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research which produces a synthesized understanding of data to inform practice, policy, and research. The Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Review and Meta‐Analyses guided the search strategy. All published studies examining the impact of clinical consultations provided by Mental Health Nurse Consultants on the mental health care of general hospital patients were included. The 19 selected articles were from North America, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Europe. Fifteen were quantitative, three were qualitative, and one used mixed methods. The findings highlight the role is generally positively received by hospital staff. The results indicate that clinical consultations provided by Mental Health Nurse Consultants (i) may improve patient experiences of mental health conditions, (ii) influence aspects of care delivery, (iii) are valued by staff, particularly nurses, and (iv) increase staff competence and confidence in the provision of mental health care. The review highlighted significant limitations of the available evidence, the need for contemporary discussion and debate of MHNC theory and practice, and further evaluation of the role to inform future service delivery.
Market effects of new product introduction: Evidence from the brew‐at‐home coffee market
Authors: Gayle Philip G. , Lin Ying
Published: March 2022

The introduction of new products has always been an important source of economic development and improvement in consumer welfare. With retail coffee data spanning 5 years after the single‐cup brew coffee pods were introduced to grocery chains, this paper empirically studies the market effects of new product introduction in the brew‐at‐home coffee market. We use a structural model of demand and supply to capture the changes in consumers’ preference for this new product over time. The demand estimates suggest that consumers’ relative preference and willingness‐to‐pay for the new product grew substantially over the sample periods. The analysis reveals the extent to which the introduction and growing presence of the new product simultaneously expanded the relevant market and cannibalized the sales of pre‐existing substitute products (traditional auto‐drip brew coffee products). Furthermore, we quantify the annually expanding welfare gains of the average consumer attributable to the new product.
Design process of a vacuum freeze dryer: Simultaneous endpoint determination using measurement of both temperature and relative humidity
Authors: Kumar Parkarsh , Yao Da‐Jeng
Published: March 2022

Experiments were conducted with pure water to study the various temperature and humidity parameters that can be used to develop the process of a vacuum freeze dryer (VFD). Both temperature and humidity sensors were applied to investigate characteristics such as the resistance offered during drying, heat‐transfer coefficients, moisture content, diffusivity, and others that can influence the process of vacuum freeze‐drying during primary drying. These experiments helped to develop an efficient and optimized process. We discuss the importance of various parameters on drying and the ways in which one can accomplish the experiment of drying. Two conditions, humidity and temperature, were combined to obtain a concurrent output for the start and endpoint of steps involved in freeze‐drying. From the process discussed, we state that when % RH lies between 8% and 10%, primary drying begins and when it lies between 1% and 3%, secondary drying begins.

Practical Applications

The practice applications for developed techniques in this manuscript would be food industry, storage of smallpox vaccines, manufacturing of enzymes, proteins, or drugs, and other bio‐related applications by a vacuum freeze dryer (VFD).
How do US military veterans with serious mental illness manage insomnia? A phenomenological analysis
Authors: Klingaman Elizabeth A. , Lucksted Alicia , Crosby Eric S. , Hack Samantha M. , Peeples Amanda D. , Blank Yelena , Schwartz Elana
Published: March 2022

Insomnia is a prevalent experience for individuals with serious mental illness, and is one of the most common reasons for mental health referrals in the Veterans Health Administration. Insomnia also critically impacts psychiatric, cognitive and somatic outcomes. However, there is limited information about how people with serious mental illness (i.e. schizophrenia spectrum, bipolar, or major depressive disorders, with serious functional impairments) understand and respond to problems with their own sleep. Bringing this information to light will yield novel methods of research and treatment. The purpose of this study was to examine reactions to insomnia among veterans with serious mental illness and insomnia. An inductive phenomenological approach was used to collect data from 20 veterans with serious mental illness and insomnia using semi‐structured interviews. Six themes were identified: Becoming Aware that Insomnia is a Problem; Response to and Dissatisfaction with Medications; Strategies to Get Better Sleep: Contrary to Usual Guidelines; Personal Responsibility for Getting Sleep; Resigned and Giving Up; and Acceptance and Persistence. These results provide insight into the process of identifying insomnia and the subsequent cognitive and behavioural responses that are used to manage sleep disturbances among veterans with serious mental illness, a group often excluded from gold‐standard treatments for chronic insomnia. Clinical implications and recommendations for improving treatment efficacy are discussed.
Medical and surgical management of pancreatic fluid accumulations in dogs: A retrospective study of 15 cases
Authors: Talbot Charles T. , Cheung Ring , Holmes Emma J. , Cook Simon D.
Published: March 2022

Background

Limited data exist on the diagnosis and successful medical management of suspected pancreatic abscessation, and the appropriate terminology of this condition.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To describe the diagnosis and management of pancreatic fluid accumulations in dogs where pancreatic fluid cytology results were available, to describe those medically and surgically managed at the same institution, and reconsider the terminology describing acute pancreatitis with pancreatic fluid accumulation.

Animals

Fifteen dogs treated for suspected pancreatic abscessation at a university teaching hospital between January 2010 and March 2020.

Methods

Retrospective descriptive study.

Results

Ultrasonographic findings described pancreatic fluid accumulations as hypoechoic in 10/15 and anechoic in 2/15 cases, ranging between 1.6 and 7 cm in diameter (median, 3.5 cm). No complications were documented after ultrasound guided fine‐needle aspiration. Cytologically, all samples revealed a predominantly neutrophilic inflammation. 11/15 samples yielded a negative culture (9/11 received antimicrobials before sampling) and in 4 cases culture was positive. 7/15 were initially managed surgically including all 4 infected cases. 4/7 surgically managed cases were discharged, including 2 infected cases. The remaining 3/7 surgically managed cases were euthanized due poor quality of life. 8/15 cases were managed medically; 7/8 were discharged, 1 died. 3/7 then represented, and underwent successful surgical intervention after recrudescence of clinical signs, and all were discharged. The remaining 4 medically managed cases did not require further therapeutic intervention, with no clinical deterioration on reassessment.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Medical management is a viable treatment option for some dogs with pancreatic fluid accumulation, or as a prequel to surgical management. Subclassifications of pancreatic fluid accumulations using diagnostic findings could enable more tailored management approaches and accurate prognostication.
MicroRNA172 controls inflorescence meristem size through regulation of APETALA2 in Arabidopsis
Authors: Sang Qing , Vayssières Alice , Ó'Maoiléidigh Diarmuid S. , Yang Xia , Vincent Coral , Bertran Garcia de Olalla Enric , Cerise Martina , Franzen Rainer , Coupland George
Published: March 2022

The APETALA2 (AP2) transcription factor regulates flower development, floral transition and shoot apical meristem (SAM) maintenance in Arabidopsis. AP2 is also regulated at the post‐transcriptional level by microRNA172 (miR172), but the contribution of this to SAM maintenance is poorly understood.

We generated transgenic plants carrying a form of AP2 that is resistant to miR172 (rAP2) or carrying a wild‐type AP2 susceptible to miR172. Phenotypic and genetic analyses were performed on these lines and mir172 mutants to study the role of AP2 regulation by miR172 on meristem size and the rate of flower production.

We found that rAP2 enlarges the inflorescence meristem by increasing cell size and cell number. Misexpression of rAP2 from heterologous promoters showed that AP2 acts in the central zone (CZ) and organizing center (OC) to increase SAM size. Furthermore, we found that AP2 is negatively regulated by AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR 3 (ARF3). However, genetic analyses indicated that ARF3 also influences SAM size and flower production rate independently of AP2.

The study identifies miR172/AP2 as a regulatory module controlling inflorescence meristem size and suggests that transcriptional regulation of AP2 by ARF3 fine‐tunes SAM size determination.
A practical guide for restoration ecologists to manage microbial contamination risks before laboratory processes during microbiota restoration studies
Authors: Cando‐Dumancela Christian , Davies Tarryn , Hodgson Riley J. , Liddicoat Craig , Peddle Shawn D. , Watson Carl D. , Breed Martin F.
Published: March 2022

Environmental microbiota are becoming more conventional components of restoration ecology studies due to their functional importance in ecosystems. Studying these microbiota offers insight into how they respond to, and potentially drive, ecosystem restoration. However, microbes are everywhere and therefore they pose a risk to sample integrity via uncontrolled contamination, and many of these risks are introduced before entering a molecular facility. Field ecologists who have limited experience in microbial and/or molecular studies may lack the knowledge on how to mitigate microbial contamination risks and, accordingly, may find rigorous collection of microbial samples a daunting task. Here, we present a practical guide that builds on our previous paper to help manage the risks of microbial contamination when undertaking a microbiota restoration study prior to entering a molecular facility. We cover study design and planning, undertaking field sampling, and sample transport and storage. We hope to provide a useful and practical guide to restoration ecologists who wish to include a microbiota component in their studies. If done well, this inclusion offers improved research quality and ultimately enhanced restoration outcomes.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐DRB1*13:03:12 allele by two next‐generation sequencing methods
Authors: Loginova Maria , Smirnova Daria , Druzhinina Svetlana , Kashin Konstantin , Paramonov Igor
Published: March 2022

The novel HLA‐DRB1*13:03:12 allele was characterized using two next‐generation sequencing technologies.
Free-Edge Effects in Composite Laminates—A Review of Recent Developments 2005–2020
Authors: Mittelstedt Christian , Becker Wilfried , Kappel Andreas , Kharghani Navid
Published: March 2022

The design and analysis of composite structures in the form of layered plates or shells is often driven by stress concentration phenomena that occur due to geometric or material discontinuities. One prominent example is the so-called free-edge effect that manifests itself in the form of significant localized interlaminar stress fields in the vicinity of free laminate edges and that is given rise to due to the mismatch of the elastic properties of the individual laminate layers. The free-edge effect has been under scientific investigation for more than five decades, and this paper aims at providing an overview of recent developments and scientific advances in this specific field wherein an emphasis is placed on investigations that were published in the time range between the years 2005 and 2020. This paper reviews closed-form analytical methods as well as semi-analytical and numerical analysis approaches and summarizes the recent state of the art concerning the investigation of stress singularities and experimental characterization of free-edge effects. This paper also reviews advanced problems such as free-edge effects in curved laminated structures and in piezoelectric laminates as well as in the vicinity of holes and other geometric discontinuities, and two new aspects in the field of free-edge effects, namely, the development and application of a new semi-analytical method (the so-called scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM)) and the fracture mechanical strength assessment, also by novel approaches such as finite fracture mechanics, are also discussed. This paper closes with a summary and an outlook on future investigations.
Development and Evaluation of a Passive Multiloop Wearable Hand Device for Natural Motion
Authors: Robson Nina , Yun Chen Bin , Won Jong-Seob , Song Soh Gim
Published: March 2022

This article describes the development and evaluation of our passively actuated closed-loop articulated wearable (CLAW) that uses a common slider to passively drive its exo-fingers for use in physical training of people with limited hand mobility. Our design approach utilizes physiological tasks for dimensional synthesis and yields a variety of design candidates that fulfill the desired fingertip precision grasping trajectory. Once it is ensured that the synthesized fingertip motion is close to the physiological fingertip grasping trajectories, performance assessment criteria related to user–device interference and natural joint angle movement are taken into account. After the most preferred design for each finger is chosen, minor modifications are made related to substituting the backbone chain with the wearer’s limb to provide the skeletal structure for the customized passive device. Subsequently, we evaluate it for natural joint motion based on a novel design candidate assessment method. A hand prototype is printed, and its preliminary performance regarding natural joint motion, wearability, and scalability are assessed. The pilot experimental test on a range of healthy subjects with different hand/finger sizes shows that the CLAW hand is easy to operate and guides the user’s fingers without causing any discomfort. It also ensures both precision and power grasping in a natural manner. This study establishes the importance of incorporating novel design candidate assessment techniques, based on human finger kinematic models, on a conceptual design level that can assist in finding design candidates for natural joint motion coordination.
How physics textbooks embed meaning in the equals sign
Authors: Alaee Dina Zohrabi , Sayre Eleanor C. , Kornick Kellianne , Franklin Scott V.
Published: March 2022

Physics as a discipline embeds conceptual meaning about the physical world in mathematical formalism. The meaning associated with mathematical symbols depends on context, and physicists can shift conceptual meaning by manipulating those symbols. We present an analysis of the different physical meanings associated with the equals sign “=” that can be inferred from introductory and upper-level physics textbooks. Five distinct meanings/categories are identified: causality, balancing, definitional, assignment, and calculation, each with operational definitions that help identify their presence. The different uses can be seen to link mathematical equations to intuitive conceptual ideas, and significant differences in the frequency with which these are used exist between textbooks of different levels.
Energy-mass equivalence from Maxwell equations
Authors: Perez Alejandro , Ribisi Salvatore
Published: March 2022

The celebrated mass-energy equivalence relation, E=mc2, was derived by Einstein using thought experiments involving the kinematics of the emission of light and the relativity principle. Textbook derivations often follow paths similar to Einstein's or analyze the kinematics of particle collisions in different inertial frames. In such derivations, the direct dynamical link with fundamental fields describing matter (e.g., Maxwell theory or other) is overshadowed. Here, we show that the formula can be derived directly from the dynamical equations of electromagnetic energy confined in a box (which can be thought of as a toy model of a composite particle). The mass-energy equivalence relation follows from the inertia or (taking the equivalence principle for granted) weight of confined radiation. The present derivation offers an interesting pedagogical perspective on the formula, provides a simple toy model for the origin of mass, and can serve as a bridge to general relativity.
Relativistic spin-0 particle in a box: Bound states, wave packets, and the disappearance of the Klein paradox
Authors: Alkhateeb M. , Matzkin A.
Published: March 2022

The “particle-in-a-box” problem is investigated for a relativistic particle obeying the Klein–Gordon equation. To find the bound states, the standard methods known from elementary non-relativistic quantum mechanics can only be employed for “shallow” wells. For deeper wells, when the confining potentials become supercritical, we show that a method based on a scattering expansion accounts for Klein tunneling (undamped propagation outside the well) and the Klein paradox (charge density increase inside the well). We will see that in the infinite well limit, the wave function outside the well vanishes, and Klein tunneling is suppressed: Quantization is, thus, recovered, similar to the non-relativistic particle in a box. In addition, we show how wave packets can be constructed semi-analytically from the scattering expansion, accounting for the dynamics of Klein tunneling in a physically intuitive way.
Continuous gravitational waves in the lab: Recovering audio signals with a table-top optical microphone
Authors: Gardner James W. , Middleton Hannah , Liu Changrong , Melatos Andrew , Evans Robin , Moran William , Beniwal Deeksha , Cao Huy Tuong , Ingram Craig , Brown Daniel , Ng Sebastian
Published: March 2022

Gravitational-wave observatories around the world are searching for continuous waves: persistent signals from sources, such as spinning neutron stars. These searches use sophisticated statistical techniques to look for weak signals in noisy data. In this paper, we demonstrate these techniques using a table-top model gravitational-wave detector: a Michelson interferometer where sound is used as an analog for gravitational waves. Using signal processing techniques from continuous-wave searches, we demonstrate the recovery of tones with constant and wandering frequencies. We also explore the use of the interferometer as a teaching tool for educators in physics and electrical engineering by using it as an “optical microphone” to capture music and speech. A range of filtering techniques used to recover signals from noisy data are detailed in the supplementary material of this article. Here, we present the highlights of our results using a combined notch plus Wiener filter and the statistical log minimum mean-square error (logMMSE) estimator. Using these techniques, we easily recover recordings of simple chords and drums, but complex music and speech are more challenging. This demonstration can be used by educators in undergraduate laboratories and can be adapted for communicating gravitational-wave and signal-processing topics to nonspecialist audiences.
Marinated eggs: An engaging quantitative demonstration of diffusion
Authors: Emeigh Carson , Bak Hyeonggeun (Luke) , Kizghin Dilziba , Zhang Haipeng , Ryu Sangjin
Published: March 2022

Marinated or pickled eggs are enjoyed in cultures across the world, and recipes for these eggs use diffusion to saturate the egg white of a hard-boiled egg with sauce. Inspired by the marinated egg, this experiment demonstrates diffusion in an easy and quantitative way. Peeled hard-boiled eggs are placed in a dye solution, and the penetration distance of the dye into the egg white is measured as a function of time using image processing. The penetration distances are consistent with the expected dependence on the square root of time, and the diffusion of the dye occurs faster at higher temperatures as expected. This experiment provides a new way to demonstrate diffusion-based mass transfer visually and to make a connection between physics and culture.
Is jet fuel exposure associated with central auditory nervous system difficulties: An exploratory study in military personnel
Authors: Dreisbach Laura , Murphy Sara , Arevalo Reginald , Schlocker Caroline , Miller Tanner , Guthrie O'neil Winston
Published: March 2022

Central auditory nervous system dysfunction (CANSD) can manifest as hearing difficulty in the absence of audiometric abnormalities. Effects of noise or jet fuel exposure on the CANS are documented in animal models and humans. This study screened military personnel using the modified Amsterdam Inventory for Auditory Disability (mAIAD) to assess whether concurrent jet fuel and noise (JFN) exposures potentiate central auditory difficulties compared to noise only exposures. A total of 48 age- and sex-matched participants were recruited: 24 military bulk fuel specialists (JFN) and 24 military personnel without jet fuel exposure. All participants completed the mAIAD, the Noise Exposure Questionnaire, and basic audiological testing. Results revealed non-significant differences in pure-tone thresholds between groups, but the JFN group had higher noise exposures. Additionally, the JFN group revealed consistently lower mAIAD scores compared to the noise only group. Interestingly, a JFN stratified subgroup reporting more listening difficulty exhibited statistically significant lower mAIAD scores in the speech intelligibility in noise subdomain. These preliminary data suggest that jet fuel exposure may potentiate noise-induced CANSD, such as speech-in-noise difficulties. Such difficulties may be more prominent among specific military personnel with combined exposures. Hearing conservation programs could add CANSD screening by use of the mAIAD.
Psychological Vulnerability Associated With Stress Coping Strategies in Japanese University Athletes
Authors: Yamaguchi Shinji , Kawata Yujiro , Murofushi Yuka , Shibata Nobuto , Ota Tsuneyoshi
Published: March 2022

This study examined the stress coping strategies of athletes with high psychological vulnerability. The participants were 487 university athletes (mean age = 19.8 years, SD = 0.88, 153 women). Data were collected using the Vulnerability Scale for University Athletes and General Coping Questionnaire and analyzed by conducting a multivariate analysis of variance. The results showed significant relationships between vulnerability and coping strategies (r = .11−.39). Vulnerability was most strongly related to the emotional support seeking aspect of emotion-oriented coping (r = .39). There was no significant difference in cognitive reinterpretation (r = .07). Vulnerability had a stronger relationship with emotion-oriented than problem-oriented coping, and high (vs. low) vulnerability athletes had significantly higher emotion-oriented-coping scores. These results suggest that vulnerable athletes need to be provided with appropriate emotional support to cope with stressful situations, as they rely heavily on a stress management strategy focusing on emotion regulation.
Water as a “glue”: Elasticity-enhanced wet attachment of biomimetic microcup structures
Authors: Wang Yue , Li Zhengwei , Elhebeary Mohamed , Hensel René , Arzt Eduard , Saif M. Taher A.
Published: March 2022

Octopus, clingfish, and larva use soft cups to attach to surfaces under water. Recently, various bioinspired cups have been engineered. However, the mechanisms of their attachment and detachment remain elusive. Using a novel microcup, fabricated by two-photon lithography, coupled with in situ pressure sensor and observation cameras, we reveal the detailed nature of its attachment/detachment under water. It involves elasticity-enhanced hydrodynamics generating “self-sealing” and high suction at the cup-substrate interface, converting water into “glue.” Detachment is mediated by seal breaking. Three distinct mechanisms of breaking are identified, including elastic buckling of the cup rim. A mathematical model describes the interplay between the attachment/detachment process, geometry, elasto-hydrodynamics, and cup retraction speed. If the speed is too slow, then the octopus cannot attach; if the tide is too gentle for the larva, then water cannot serve as a glue. The concept of “water glue” can innovate underwater transport and manufacturing strategies.
Clinical Importance of Superior Sensitivity of the Aptima TMA-Based Assays for Mycoplasma genitalium Detection
Authors: Salado-Rasmussen Kirsten , Tolstrup Jacob , Sedeh Farnam Barati , Larsen Helle Kiellberg , Unemo Magnus , Jensen Jørgen Skov
Published: March 2022

Mycoplasma genitalium
(MG) is a common cause of nongonococcal cervicitis and urethritis. We investigated the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients tested in Denmark with the Conformité Européenne (CE)/
in vitro
diagnostics (IVD) Aptima
Mycoplasma genitalium
assay (CE/IVD AMG; Hologic) and examined the clinical significance of the higher sensitivity of the TMA-based MG assays.
Deep-Time Structural Evolution of Retroviral and Filoviral Surface Envelope Proteins
Authors: Hötzel Isidro
Published: March 2022

The structural relationships of SUs of retroviral groups are obscured by the high rate of sequence change of SU and the deep-time divergence of retroviral lineages. Previous data showed no structural or functional relationships between the SUs of type C gammaretroviruses and lentiviruses.
GATA3 Inhibits Viral Infection by Promoting MicroRNA-155 Expression
Authors: Li Jiaxin , Haiyilati Areayi , Zhou Linyi , Chen Juncheng , Wang Yongqiang , Gao Li , Cao Hong , Li Xiaoqi , Zheng Shijun J.
Published: March 2022

Gga-miR-155-5p acts as an important antivirus factor against IBDV infection, which causes a severe immunosuppressive disease in chicken. Elucidation of the mechanism regulating gga-miR-155-5p expression in IBDV-infected cells is essential to our understandings of the host response against pathogenic infection.
Microbialites right under our noses: Miocene and modern lakes near Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Authors: Hickson Thomas A. , Theissen Kevin M. , Lamb Melissa A.
Published: March 2022

On this field trip, we will examine a modern lake in central Nevada, the Lower Pahranagat Lake, and lacustrine carbonate outcrops of the late Miocene, upper Horse Spring Formation. Both of the modern and ancient systems hold significant microbialite populations and we interpret that the Lower Pahranagat Lake is a possible analog for the ancient unit. Both systems are or were spring-fed from a similar Paleozoic carbonate aquifer. Both have evidence of microbially influenced sedimentation, probably related to spring activity. Both are dominated by the deposition of carbonate to the exclusion of nearly all siliciclastic material. In the Lower Pahranagat Lake, we will focus on the Holocene depositional record of the lake and the microbialites that are found therein. Molecular genetic data from three sites near the Lower Pahranagat Lake suggest that carbonate deposition could be strongly mediated by varying and complex microbial communities, and that simple interpretations of carbonate geochemistry probably neglect this influence. In the Lake Mead area, we will examine both the vertical (stratigraphic) and lateral relationships between a wide diversity of microbial macro- and mesostructures, to critically evaluate the relative effects of climate change, variable lake chemistry, and the role of microbial mat metabolisms on microbialite geochemistry.
Carbon Erosion of a Bulk Nickel–Copper Alloy as an Effective Tool to Synthesize Carbon Nanofibers from Hydrocarbons
Authors: Mishakov I. V. , Afonnikova S. D. , Bauman Yu. I. , Shubin Yu. V. , Trenikhin M. V. , Serkova A. N. , Vedyagin A. A.
Published: March 2022

Carbon erosion of bulk metals and alloys in a carbon-containing atmosphere can be used as an effective tool for the targeted synthesis of carbon nanomaterials. In this study, a set of bulk Ni0.89Cu0.11 (11 at % Cu) alloys has been synthesized by the mechanochemical alloying of metal powders in an Activator 2S planetary mill. The synthesized samples have been studied as precursors of catalyst for the synthesis of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) from ethylene at 550°C. The effect of the activation time on the particle morphology and phase composition of the alloys, the kinetics of growth, and the carbon product yield in C2H4 decomposition has been studied. For the most active samples, the CNF yield has exceeded 100 g/gcat within 30 min of reaction. The early stage of carbon erosion of a bulk Ni0.89Cu0.11 alloy has been studied by electron microscopy methods. It has been found that the nucleation of carbon fiber growth active sites occurs during a short-term contact of the sample with the reaction mixture (less than 1 min); the complete disintegration of the alloy is observed in a few minutes. The carbon product is represented by nanofibers having a submicrometer diameter and characterized by a dense “stacked” and coaxial-conical packing of graphene layers. The material has a developed specific surface area (140–170 m2/g) and a low bulk density (less than 30 g/L).
Concurrent development of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis and calciphylaxis in a patient with peritoneal dialysis for end-stage renal disease
Authors: Win Khine Myat , Castelhano Rute , Dasgupta Tanaji
Published: March 2022

Both encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) and calciphylaxis are rare but severe complications involving patients with end-stage renal disease. In this report, we discuss a unique case of a 73-year-old female patient who had undergone 8 years of peritoneal dialysis for IgA nephropathy and concurrently developed these two synchronous complications within 3 months of each other. Diagnosis and management of both conditions were discussed in detail as well as the possible association between the two. With surgical treatment for EPS and measures to minimise bone mineral disorder abnormalities, both complications have been successfully managed to date.
Primary mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the breast arising in adenomyoepithelioma
Authors: Bui Chau M , Bose Shikha
Published: March 2022

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) and adenomyoepithelioma (AME) are uncommon neoplasms of the breast that are more commonly noted in the salivary glands. AMEs are benign tumours that are known to undergo malignant transformation. This report describes the first case of a MEC arising in AME in a woman in her 50s.
Management of common bile duct stones in a pregnant woman by percutaneous biliary drainage followed by elective endoscopic stone removal after delivery
Authors: Kambayashi Komei , Toki Masao , Watanabe Shunsuke , Hisamatsu Tadakazu
Published: March 2022

A woman in her 30s who was 12 weeks pregnant with her third child presented with jaundice. Blood tests showed elevated hepatobiliary enzymes and direct bilirubin. Abdominal ultrasonography showed dilatation of the common bile duct and strong echo with a 9 mm acoustic shadow in the distal bile duct. She was diagnosed with common bile duct stone disease and biliary drainage was considered necessary. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) was performed considering the effect on both the fetus and the mother, and the procedure was successful without any complications. The PTBD tube was left in place until delivery at 36 weeks 6 days of gestation and endoscopic stone removal was performed 14 days after delivery. The patient was discharged 18 days after delivery without any complications. In pregnant women with common bile duct stones, palliative PTBD followed by elective endoscopic stone removal after delivery can be considered a treatment strategy.
Do deaths from competing risks influence COPD patterns in China and high socio-demographic index countries?: a cross-sectional analysis of summary statistics from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017
Authors: Yang Zhao , Kwok Man Ki , Schooling Catherine Mary
Published: March 2022

Objective

To explore possible reasons for the difference in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) incidence/mortality rates between China and high socio-demographic index (SDI) countries.

Design

A cross-sectional analysis of summary statistics from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017.

Participants

Data were publicly available and de-identified, and individuals were not involved.

Measurement and methods

We extracted the age-standardised and age-specific incidence/mortality rates, and risk factors attributed to COPD in China and high SDI countries from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. We first described differences in COPD patterns (ie, incidence and mortality rates) in China and high SDI countries briefly, and then explored possible reasons for driving such differences by comparing rankings for six well-established COPD risk factors and estimating change points in age-specific incidence and mortality rates for COPD and several commonly encountered competing risks using segmented regression models.

Results

Differences in age-standardised incidence and mortality rates for COPD between China and high SDI countries converged during 1990–2017 but still differed, particularly for mortality rates. Smoking was the leading attributable risk factor followed by ambient air pollution, with higher rankings for occupational risks in China than in high SDI countries. The change point was ~80 years for age-specific COPD mortality rate in both China and high SDI countries. However, the change point for COPD incidence was 5-year later in China (~65 years) than in high SDI countries (~60 years). The change points for mortality rates due to competing risks (eg, ischaemic heart disease) also varied between settings.

Conclusion

Differences in risk factors largely shaped the differences in COPD patterns between China and high SDI countries. Varying patterns of mortality due to competing risks might also contribute to the discrepancy in COPD mortality rates, by affecting the survival of the underlying population.
COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness among healthcare workers in Albania (COVE-AL): protocol for a prospective cohort study and cohort baseline data
Authors: Sridhar Shela , Fico Albana , Preza Iria , Hatibi Iris , Sulo Jonilda , Kissling Esther , Daja Rovena , Ibrahim Rawi , Lemos Diogo , Rubin-Smith Julia , Schmid Alexis , Vasili Adela , Valenciano Marta , Jorgensen Pernille , Pebody Richard , Lafond Kathryn E. , Katz Mark A. , Bino Silvia
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Critical questions remain about COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness (VE) in real-world settings, particularly in middle-income countries. We describe a study protocol to evaluate COVID-19 VE in preventing laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in health workers (HWs) in Albania, an upper-middle-income country.

Methods and analysis

In this 12-month prospective cohort study, we enrolled HWs at three hospitals in Albania. HWs are vaccinated through the routine COVID-19 vaccine campaign. Participants completed a baseline survey about demographics, clinical comorbidities, and infection risk behaviours. Baseline serology samples were also collected and tested against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, and respiratory swabs were collected and tested for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR. Participants complete weekly symptom questionnaires and symptomatic participants have a respiratory swab collected, which is tested for SARS-CoV-2. At 3, 6, 9 months and 12 months of the study, serology will be collected and tested for antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein and spike protein. VE will be estimated using a piecewise proportional hazards model (VE=1−HR).

Baseline data

From February to May 2021, 1504 HWs were enrolled. The median age was 44 (range: 22–71) and 78% were female. At enrolment, 72% of participants were seropositive for SARS-CoV-2. 56% of participants were vaccinated with one dose, of whom 98% received their first shot within 4 days of enrolment. All HWs received the Pfizer BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol and procedures were reviewed and approved by the WHO Ethical Review Board, reference number CERC.0097A, and the Albanian Institute of Public Health Ethical Review Board, reference number 156. All participants have provided written informed consent to participate in this study. The primary results of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal at the time of completion.

Trial registration number

NCT04811391.