bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The structure of Japanese personality-descriptive terms
Authors: Hashimoto Yasuhiro , Shimotsukasa Tadahiro , Yoshino Shinya , Mieda Takahiro , Oshio Atsushi
Published: April 2024

A lexical approach was employed to investigate the personality structure of Japanese personality-relevant descriptors. The vocabulary in this study comprised 463 words extracted from Japanese dictionaries using a broad word-selection strategy, identified as suitable for expressing personality based on a separate study involving respondents in their 20s. The analysis was based on self-ratings from 755 individuals aged 20 and older for 463 words, including 325 adjectives and adjectival verbs, 24 nouns, 97 verbs and compound words, and 17 adverbs. All surveys were conducted online. Ipsatized data was subjected to principal component analysis with equamax rotation, and the content of components was examined at each hierarchical level, ranging from one- to ten-component levels. The results supported the replicability of the personality structure models derived from multi-language analyses, such as Big Two, Big Three, Big Six, and Multi-language Seven. However, this support does not extend to the Big Five model. Its characteristic lies not in the emergence of unique and novel components exclusive to Japanese language but in the combinations of subcategories classified in previous studies at each hierarchical level when forming components.
Mathematical modeling, numerical simulation and experimental validation of temperature profiles of PCMs and their applications in industry 4.0: A review
Authors: Nagar Sumit , Sreenivasa Swamy
Published: April 2024

Industry 4.0 or smart factories employ phase change materials as smart materials for thermal energy storage systems. In this work the mathematical modeling (Governing equation and boundary condition) of phase change materials (PCMs) and numerical simulations, broadly performed on ANSYS workbench has been reviewed. A complete variety of most frequently used PCM’s were modeled, analyzed, and compared by using various profiles for their temperature distribution and thermal behavior. Furthermore, the different values obtained through modeling and simulation were validated with their corresponding experimental findings and the differences in the values were also supported with valid reasons ensued amongst different constituents at atomic level. This review also presents the varied applications of PCM for different temperature ranges like low, low medium, medium and high temperature ranges for industry 4.0. The automated factories of future of industry 4.0 have its major applications in solar energy, mobile telephony, building applications, vehicle applications and textile industries.
Lidar-based classification and detection system for drivable area on roads
Authors: Wei Rongkun , Wei Yunsong , Xiao Yingxue , Ma Rong
Published: April 2024

Separating the drivable and non- drivable areas on semi-structured and unstructured roads is an important task for autonomous vehicles to safely and avoid obstacles. Semi structured and unstructured roads have different intensities, normal vector angles, and curvature information than the background, and this paves the way for the design and development of an efficient detection system for drivable areas on this roads. In this paper, an effective method for detecting drivable areas is proposed that is based on important indicators of an experimental vehicles. This method calculate the information gain of features is calculated firstly to determine the sequence of feature processing. On the basis of this sequence calculate the maximum inter-class variance of features, and combined with the specific indicators of the experimental vehicle to realize the detection of drivable areas. Finally, the performance of the method is evaluated in terms of average precision, recall, and detection accuracy, and compared with the performance of existing road detection methods, including the K-nearest-neighbors classifier and the random forest classifier methods. The experimental results show that the average precision, recall, and detection accuracy of the system are 96.19%, 96.89%, and 96.72%, respectively. The method proposed here can effectively identify and classify drivable areas on semi structured and unstructured roads.
Disagreement Gets Mistaken for Bad Listening
Authors: Ren Zhiying (Bella) , Schaumberg Rebecca
Published: April 2024

It is important for people to feel listened to in professional and personal communications, and yet they can feel unheard even when others have listened well. We propose that this feeling may arise because speakers conflate agreement with listening quality. In 11 studies ( N = 3,396 adults), we held constant or manipulated a listener’s objective listening behaviors, manipulating only after the conversation whether the listener agreed with the speaker. Across various topics, mediums (e.g., video, chat), and cues of objective listening quality, speakers consistently perceived disagreeing listeners as worse listeners. This effect persisted after controlling for other positive impressions of the listener (e.g., likability). This effect seemed to emerge because speakers believe their views are correct, leading them to infer that a disagreeing listener must not have been listening very well. Indeed, it may be prohibitively difficult for someone to simultaneously convey that they disagree and that they were listening.
Crude oil price volatility—An unintended consequence of carbon pricing: Evidence from transfer entropy and wavelet-partial wavelet coherence analyses
Authors: Olasehinde-Williams Godwin
Published: April 2024

The urgent need to achieve the COP-27 targets has become evident due to the more frequent and severe climate-induced disasters and their socioeconomic consequences. The adverse effects of climate change highlight the need for an immediate shift away from fossil fuels without compromising economic development. Internalization of the negative externality in market transactions through the imposition of carbon pricing is widely touted as the most economically efficient means of solving this problem. This study, however, argues that crude oil price volatility could be an unintended consequence of carbon pricing. To this end, information flows between the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme and crude oil price volatility are examined through transfer entropy and wavelet-partial wavelet coherence analyses. Daily data from January 1, 2014 to July 1, 2023 are analyzed. The transfer entropy results show that information on carbon pricing reduces uncertainty about crude oil price volatility and vice versa, indicating that carbon pricing would be quite informative in building models to predict crude oil price volatility. The wavelet-partial coherence analyses reveal that the surge in carbon prices experienced in the late 2010s induced crude oil volatility, whereas the crude oil price volatility triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic forced carbon prices down. This study therefore identifies carbon price movements as a legitimate fear for policymakers, as it is a new source of volatility in conventional energy markets. Caution should thus be the watchword regarding optimal carbon pricing. Aiming to rapidly attain the full optimal carbon price is not recommended. Rapid changes in carbon prices will have strong redistributive implications across economies.
Investigation of research support services (RSS) in academic libraries of India
Authors: Singh Ranjeet Kumar , Raj Ratna , Madalli Devika P.
Published: April 2024

Research is crucial not only for the growth of a country but also for society as a whole, especially in a knowledge-based society. At each stage of research, scientists and researchers require support from various research stakeholders in the form of information resources and pertinent assistance. Consequently, academic libraries, as one of the most important stakeholders in research and the backbone of knowledge acquisition, storage, and dissemination processes, offer a variety of services to support research endeavors in their parent institutions. The current study classifies these services into eight major categories, viz. “Research Guides, Research Consultancy, Research Impact Measurement, Open Access, Research Tools Recommendation, Research Data Management (RDM), Scholarly Publishing, and Archiving and Preservation of Research Output (Article, Data, etc.).” The purpose of this study is to investigate the implementation status of these Research Support Services (RSS) in academic libraries of India (which include a total of 212 institutions, counting all of India’s “Central Universities (CUs)” (56) and “Institutes of National Importance (INIs)” (156) by referring to the related information provided on their respective library websites. The findings show that Indian academic libraries lack significant adoption and cognizance of research support services, and their implementation is in its infancy. The study reveals that very few academic libraries offer RDM services, whereas the vast majority of academic libraries provide recommendations for research tools. Indian academic libraries need to actively explore various RSS and make them a part of their core offerings. Additionally, they should look into novel ways to support researchers at different phases of their studies.
Automated Electronic Health Record Score to Predict Mortality Risk at the US Department of Veterans Affairs
Authors: Osborne Thomas F. , Veigulis Zachary P. , Ware Anna , Arreola David M. , Curtin Catherine , Yeung Marianne
Published: April 2024

Background

Terminally ill patients benefit from earlier engagement in palliative care. However, this does not always occur. This project assessed if an already available risk score, the Care Assessment Needs (CAN) score, would be able to identify patients at greatest risk for mortality within 30 days of hospital admission within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

Methods

The cohort of this retrospective analysis included all VA acute are patients over 18 years of age with a recent CAN score. The CAN score is an automatically calculated VA risk score that was repurposed to determine if it could predict risk of mortality after acute care admission. Univariate logistic regression was performed to obtain the probability of mortality within 30 days of admission, based on their CAN score.

Results

298,467 patient records were assessed from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019. There was 6% mortality after 30 days of admissions, and 17% mortality within 1-year post-admission. Mean CAN score was 65 (SD: 29). On average, each incremental increase in the CAN score increased the probability of mortality by 7%. Patients with a CAN score of 90 had a 10% probability of 30-day post-admission mortality.

Conclusion

A readily available risk score, automatically calculated from EHR data, was able to identify patients at high risk for 30-day mortality in the acute care setting. Next steps will be to assess how the CAN score can be utilized to in improve end of life care for high-risk hospitalized Veterans.
Douyin's playful platform governance: Platform's self-regulation and content creators’ participatory surveillance
Authors: Ye Zhen , Huang Qian , Krijnen Tonny
Published: April 2024

To mediate the tensions between state regulation and content-creator incentives, Chinese social media platforms have developed an interesting practice of using platform official accounts to communicate their rules to the creator community. These accounts anthropomorphize platforms, enabling platforms to represent their regulatory bodies using fictional human characters or animated figures. The phenomenon of platform anthropomorphization in the Chinese context stems from a different ontological understanding of platform governance. The first part of this article discusses the logic of platform governance in China, and highlights a different state–platform relationship in comparison to the US and European countries. In the second part, the article turns to focus on Douyin as a case study to further investigate how Chinese social media platforms establish rules and govern content creators. By analysing Douyin's public-facing policy documents and its platform official account, Douyin Safety Centre, we reveal a mechanism of playful governance.
Nonlinear model of bridge bearings considering friction effect under horizontal seismic action
Authors: Yang Dong-Hui , Zhang Yong-Chang , Zheng Xu , Yi Ting-Hua , Li Hong-Nan
Published: April 2024

Bearings are regarded as a crucial element that impacts the overall performance of the seismic analysis of bridges. The assessment of seismic performance in bridges heavily depends on the nonlinear features of bridge bearings. Therefore, it is essential to simulate the nonlinear mechanical behavior of bridge bearings to attain the required accuracy of seismic analysis. This paper examines the friction features of pot bearings using the Bouc-Wen hysteretic model, based on which a nonlinear model of pot bearings is proposed. The proposed model can rapidly and effectively analyze the nonlinear mechanical behaviors of bridge bearings under horizontal earthquakes by adequately simplifying the mechanical properties of these bearings. The accuracy of the model for horizontal seismic effects analysis is validated using a numerical simulation method. The simulation compares the nonlinear model seismic effects of the bearing with a linear-elastic model that ignores the bearing frictional effects under horizontal seismic action. The results demonstrated that in the proposed nonlinear model, the ratio of the composite bending moment and yield bending moment of the pier bottom section (demand capacity ratio) is lower than that of the linear elastic model, leading to a more accurate analysis of horizontal seismic effects and thus preventing overestimation of seismic consequences.
Influence of architectural interior design on human perception and emotion with the consideration of neural aesthetics
Authors: Wang Junru , Zhan Linlin , Dai Anbang , Dewancker Bart Julien , Gao Weijun
Published: April 2024

Interior contour, an essential component of the built environment, has drawn wide attention from home and abroad. From the perspective of neuroaesthetics, preference for architectural interior contour is closely tied to brain activity. Therefore, revealing the underlying neural basis of aesthetic preferences for architectural interior contour in terms of neuroimaging is of great importance. We recruited 30 healthy participants for behavioural assessment and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans. Using percent amplitude of fluctuation (PerAF), the current study measured participants’ neuroaesthetic responses to curvilinear and rectilinear architectural interior contours in the three frequency bands. When participants viewed architectural images with curvilinear contours, the PerAF was significantly reduced in multiple brain regions, in comparison to rectilinear architectural interior contours. Moreover, significant negative correlations were observed between ratings of aesthetic judgments of curvilinear space and increased PerAF values in specific regions including the left Rolandic operculum. Aesthetic judgments were significantly correlated with PerAF values in specific brain regions, including the left middle frontal gyrus. Our study reveals that participants have a higher preference for curvilinear contours over rectilinear contours. Neural response varied across different architectural contours, highlighting the complex interplay of neural mechanisms underlying aesthetic perception.
Posting vulnerability on LinkedIn
Authors: Orgad Shani
Published: April 2024

Digital spaces such as LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional digital network, constitute central sites for self-promotion, where job seekers and the employed present their polished “best” professional selves. However, in recent years, LinkedIn members are increasingly publishing accounts that highlight their vulnerabilities and struggles. This article examines the emergence of vulnerability on LinkedIn by analyzing how vulnerability is articulated in a sample of 40 posts (2021–2023). It identifies three genres: (1) Triumph over tragedy: vulnerability as a vector for self-growth and resilience; (2) Snap: vulnerability as a breaking point; and (3) Subversive commentary on self-promotion. On one hand, posting vulnerability on LinkedIn is a strategic form of digital self-branding, which monetizes vulnerability and depoliticizes its meanings. At the same time, vulnerability posts have the potential to form a basis for resistance to digital and work cultures’ glorification of overwork, individualized resilience and self-sufficiency, and the constant pressure to self-promote.
Clinical and Radiological Factors for Predicting Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer in Biopsy-Naive Patients With PI-RADS 3 Lesions
Authors: Zhang Zhiyu , Hu Can , Lin Yuxin , Song Ouyang , Gong Dongkui , Zhang Xuefeng , Wang Nan
Published: April 2024

Objective

This study intends to examine the anticipatory power of clinical and radiological parameters in detecting clinically significant prostate cancer in patients demonstrating Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System 3 lesions.

Methods

This was a retrospective study. The study included participation from 453 patients at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, sampled between September 2017 through August 2022. Each patient underwent a routine 12-core prostate biopsy followed by a 2 to 5 core fusion-targeted biopsy. We utilized both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to identify the parameters that have a correlation with clinically significant prostate cancer. The predictive ability of these parameters was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic curve, leading to the creation of a nomogram.

Results

Clinically significant prostate cancer was detected in 68 out of 453 patients with Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System 3 lesions (15.01%). Among Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System 3a and 3b patients, 4.78% (3.09% of the total) and 33.75% (11.92% of the total), respectively, had clinically significant prostate cancer. Systematic biopsy improved prostate cancer and clinically significant prostate cancer detection rates by 7.72% and 3.09%, respectively, compared to targeted biopsy. Without systematic biopsy, there would be an undetected rate of 15% for prostate cancer and 8.13% for clinically significant prostate cancer in Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System 3b patients. Several clinical parameters, including age, prostate-specific antigen density, lesion volume, apparent diffusion coefficient, and digital rectal examination, were statistically significant in the logistic regression analysis for clinically significant prostate cancer. The individual diagnostic accuracies of these parameters for clinically significant prostate cancer were 0.648, 0.645, 0.75, 0.763, and 0.7, respectively, but their combined accuracy improved to 0.866. A well-fit nomogram based on the identified risk factors was constructed (χ2 = 10.254, P = .248).

Conclusion

The combination of age, prostate-specific antigen density, lesion volume, apparent diffusion coefficient, and digital rectal examination presented a higher diagnostic value for clinically significant prostate cancer than any single parameter in patients with Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System 3 lesions. Systematic biopsy proved crucial for biopsy-naive patients with Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System 3 lesions and should not be omitted.
A Modified 4-in-1 Stanisavljevic Procedure for Treating Obligatory or Congenital Patellar Dislocations in Children: A Surgical Technique
Authors: Gigi Roy , Brandstetter Addy S. , Danino Barry , Benady Amit , Ovadia Dror , Yaniv Moshe
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Patellar instability and dislocation pose complex clinical and surgical challenges, especially in children. Congenital (fixed) and obligatory (habitual) dislocations present significant anatomical and etiological complexity, frequently leading to deformities and functional impairments, which can range from walking difficulties to sports limitations. Conservative treatment is often inadequate.

Technique:

We describe a surgical technique for treating congenital or obligatory patellar dislocations in patients with various underlying diagnoses—including Down syndrome, nail-patella syndrome, and skeletal dysplasia—that involves extensive subperiosteal quadriceps realignment, distal realignment (Roux-Goldthwait or tibial tuberosity transfer), and optional medial plication. This modified 4-in-1 technique follows the principles described in 1976 by Stanisavljevic, which involves subperiosteal quadriceps mobilization, thus minimizing muscle damage, bleeding, and postoperative muscular adherences.

Results:

In 24 patients treated at our institution between 2002 and 2021 (35 knees; age range = 5.5-16.8 years; 13 girls, 11 boys), with a mean follow-up of 8.2 years (2.4-20 years), we achieved satisfactory improvements in patellar stability, range of motion, and quality of life with a modified 4-in-1 Stanisavljevic technique. A total of 9 patients (7 with obligatory dislocations and 2 with congenital dislocations) could engage in recreational or competitive sports. The average postoperative pediatric International Knee Documentation Committee (pedi-IKDC) score was 78.45 ± 22.3 (range = 0-100); a patient with DiGeorge syndrome and 1 with multiple epiphyseal dysplasia had scores of 35 and 48, respectively.

Discussion:

We found at our institution that a modified 4-in-1 Stanisavljevic technique produced favorable outcomes in patellar stability, range of motion, and quality of life in pediatric patients with congenital or obligatory patellar dislocation. More study is warranted to determine the procedure’s overall benefits for children with obligatory or congenital dislocations of complex etiology.
The relationship between ball mass and throw distance: Implications for coaching practice
Authors: Challis John H.
Published: April 2024

In training for many sports, balls of different masses are thrown. This study examined how ball mass influences distance thrown. Based on geometric scaling principles a relationship was derived between ball mass and throw distance: throw distance was inversely proportional to ball mass. This relationship was tested in two ways. The first approach was using athlete shot put throw distances with different shot masses, and hammer throws performed with different mass hammers. These experimental data were better represented by the non-linear relationship, derived from geometric scaling principles, than assuming a simple linear relationship. The second approach was to use a simulation model to predict throw distance for balls of different masses. The model contained realistic segmental inertial properties, activation dynamics, moment-joint angle properties, and moment-joint angular velocity properties. The non-linear relationship provided a better fit to the results of the simulations compared with a linear model. The experimental and modeling results support the theoretical relationship derived between distance thrown and ball mass. The relationship has utility for coaches monitoring and planning the training of athletes which incorporates throwing different mass balls.
Personalized treatment with PARP inhibitors in advanced urothelial carcinoma: a case report and literature review
Authors: Abbas Noura , Chehade Laudy , Shamseddine Ali
Published: April 2024

Bladder cancer (BC) poses a significant health challenge, particularly in metastatic cases, where the prognosis is unfavorable and therapeutic options are limited. Poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors have gained approval for use in various cancer types, but their application in BC remains controversial, despite the notable prevalence of DNA damage response alterations in advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinomas. In this report, we describe a 66-year-old heavy-smoking female diagnosed with muscle-invasive BC. She underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, yet her disease remained poorly controlled, leading to metastasis in the left obturator internus muscle. Comprehensive genomic profiling through FoundationOne® Liquid CDx, examining a 324-gene panel using circulating tumor DNA from blood samples, revealed a pathogenic ATM gene alteration (p.Q654fs*10, c.1960delC), suggesting potential eligibility for PARP inhibitor therapy. Remarkably, the patient achieved a complete response to talazoparib, prompting an optimal investigation into BC candidates for this promising therapy.
The acceptability, usability, engagement and optimisation of a mHealth service promoting healthy lifestyle behaviours: A mixed method feasibility study
Authors: Regan Callum , Rosen Phillip Von , Andermo Susanne , Hagströmer Maria , Johansson Unn-Britt , Rossen Jenny
Published: April 2024

Objective

Mobile health (mHealth) services suffer from high attrition rates yet represent a viable strategy for adults to improve their health. There is a need to develop evidence-based mHealth services and to constantly evaluate their feasibility. This study explored the acceptability, usability, engagement and optimisation of a co-developed mHealth service, aiming to promote healthy lifestyle behaviours.

Methods

The service LongLife Active® (LLA) is a mobile app with coaching. Adults were recruited from the general population. Quantitative results and qualitative findings guided the reasoning for the acceptability, usability, engagement and optimisation of LLA. Data from: questionnaires, log data, eight semi-structured interviews with users, feedback comments from users and two focus groups with product developers and coaches were collected. Inductive content analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. A mixed method approach was used to interpret the findings.

Results

The final sample was 55 users (82% female), who signed up to use the service for 12 weeks. Engagement data was available for 43 (78%). The action plan was the most popular function engaged with by users. The mean scores for acceptability and usability were 3.3/5.0 and 50/100, respectively, rated by 15 users. Users expressed that the service’s health focus was unique, and the service gave them a ‘kickstart’ in their behaviour change. Many ways to optimise the service were identified, including to increase personalisation, promote motivation and improve usability.

Conclusion

By incorporating suggestions for optimisation, this service has the potential to support peoples’ healthy lifestyle behaviours.
Reoperation Rates According to Surgical Approach After Operation for Degenerative Cervical Pathology in Patients With Athetoid Cerebral Palsy: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Yang Jae Jun , Choi Jun Young , Lee Dong-Ho , Hwang Chang Ju , Cho Jae Hwan , Park Sehan
Published: April 2024

Study Design

National population-based cohort study.

Objective

The overall complication rate for patients with athetoid cerebral palsy (CP) undergoing cervical surgery is significantly higher than that of patients without CP. The study was conducted to compare the reoperation and complication rates of anterior fusion, posterior fusion, combined fusion, and laminoplasty for degenerative cervical myelopathy/radiculopathy in patients with athetoid cerebral palsy.

Methods

The Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service national database was used for analysis. Data from patients diagnosed with athetoid CP who underwent cervical spine operations for degenerative causes between 2002 and 2020 were reviewed. Patients were categorized into four groups for comparison: anterior fusion, posterior fusion, combined fusion, and laminoplasty.

Results

A total of 672 patients were included in the study. The overall revision rate was 21.0% (141/672). The revision rate was highest in the anterior fusion group (42.7%). The revision rates of combined fusion (11.1%; hazard ratio [HR], .335; P = .002), posterior fusion (13.8%; HR, .533; P = .030) were significantly lower than that of anterior fusion. Revision rate of laminoplasty (13.1%; HR, .541; P = .240) was also lower than anterior fusion although the result did not demonstrate statistical significance.

Conclusion

Anterior fusion presented the highest reoperation risk after cervical spine surgery reaching 42.7% in patients with athetoid CP. Therefore, anterior-only fusion in patients with athetoid CP should be avoided or reserved for strictly selected patients. Combined fusion, with the lowest revision risk at 11.1%, could be safely applied to patients with athetoid CP.
A Novel Ligamentous Complex in the Anteromedial Region of the Knee: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Jorge Pedro Baches , Malpaga Juliano Mangini Dias , Oliveira Diego Escudeiro de , Canuto Sergio Marinho de Gusmão , Santili Claudio , Lima Marcos Vaz de , Helito Camilo Partezani
Published: April 2024

Background:

The medial knee structures have a primary role in stabilizing valgus and rotational stress, which makes them important in assessing the ligament-injured knee globally and choosing the most adequate treatment.

Purpose:

To conduct a layer-by-layer dissection of the knee’s anteromedial side and provide a qualitative and quantitative description of the anatomy and histology of a ligament in the anteromedial region of the knee, which we have termed the anterior oblique ligament (AOL). Also, to describe the AOL relationship with what we have termed the medial cross—a ligament complex that stabilizes the medial pivot.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 35 fresh-frozen knees from transfemoral amputations that were exclusively performed for vascular reasons were dissected. Structures were identified after meticulous dissection, respecting the same protocol, measured with a digital caliper rule, and histologically studied for data.

Results:

The AOL was found in all dissected knees, with a mean length of 31.47 ± 5.06 mm. This structure presented a ligament histology with densely organized collagen fibrils. The medial cross was represented by the superficial medial collateral ligament, AOL (anterior region), and posterior oblique ligament.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated the presence of a ligament in the anteromedial region of the knee, termed the AOL. This structure was in the anterior part of a ligament complex—the medial cross.

Clinical Relevance:

Studying and revisiting the medial compartment can provide important information for understanding joint instability and promoting better results in ligament reconstructions.
Refractory Anemia and Pigment Nephropathy in a Case with Mitral Prosthesis
Authors: Mondal Sudipta , Adhikari Usnish , Gaddamedi Sravan Kumar , Poyuran Rajalakshmi
Published: April 2024

We present a case of refractory microangiopathic hemolytic anemia with pigment nephropathy in a case of paravalvular leak, emphasizing an early detailed evaluation of anemia in a patient with a prosthetic valve despite having an alternative etiology, which is completely reversible if treated adequately.
Transcatheter Heart Valves—An Update on Types of Valves Available, Hardware Characteristics, and Patient Selection: An Indian Perspective
Authors: Agrawal Anoop
Published: April 2024

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation has taken the world by storm. The past decade saw expanding indications of Transcatheter aortic valve implantation to include patients at low surgical risk for surgical aortic valve replacement, patients with degenerated aortic bioprosthesis, and repurposing existing transcatheter aortic valves to treat pathology involving other valves. Also around the same time, various iterations of existing transcatheter heart valves and newly launched valves were made available for human use in India. This article highlights salient features of all the commercially available transcatheter heart valves in India. The article also provides a narrative to help a cardiologist choose a particular valve that would best suit the patient taking into account the valve design characteristics and features.
The Politicisation of the Atewa Forest Reserve in Ghana
Authors: Purwins Sebastian
Published: April 2024

In 2018, the Ghanaian government signed the Sinohydro deal, a resource-backed loan using bauxite as collateral, with Ghana's president highlighting the opportunity to develop an integrated bauxite-aluminium industry and boost industrialisation across the country. The deal has led to a number of protests against bauxite mining in Ghana, particularly at one potential site: The Atewa Forest Reserve. This paper analyses the politicisation of the Atewa Forest Reserve through the lens of political ecology. Political ecology recognises that forests are not neutral entities, but are shaped by political processes and dynamics. The Atewa Forest is seen as a political forest, as a particular constellation of power constituted by ideas, practices and institutions. The paper contends that the narrative constructed around the Sinohydro Deal strategically legitimizes mining in the Atewa Forest, positioning the project as a symbol of progress and national development. It also argues that the Sinohydro deal was designed to circumvent national environmental laws, leading to quick (political) success while being embedded in a powerful narrative. Therefore, the contestation over development is increasingly shaped by a discursive closure that limits dissent, influencing public opinion and decision-making. Despite presenting the developments as visions for the future, the narrative ultimately reinforces old development tropes of resource extraction, convincing even counter-movements to focus on the location rather than opposing bauxite mining as a whole. The findings are based on interviews conducted during fieldwork in 2018, 2019 and 2020, as well as analysis of secondary data such as political documents, press statements and speeches.
What factors are effective on the CPR duration of patients under extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Vahedian-Azimi Amir , Hassan Ibrahim Fawzy , Rahimi-Bashar Farshid , Elmelliti Hussam , Akbar Anzila , Shehata Ahmed Labib , Ibrahim Abdulsalam Saif , Ait Hssain Ali
Published: April 2024

Background

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is an alternative method for patients with reversible causes of cardiac arrest (CA) after conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CCPR). However, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) duration during ECPR can vary due to multiple factors. Healthcare providers need to understand these factors to optimize the resuscitation process and improve outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine the different variables impacting the duration of CPR in patients undergoing ECPR.

Methods

This retrospective, single-center, observational study was conducted on adult patients who underwent ECPR due to in-hospital CA (IHCA) or out-of-hospital CA (OHCA) at Hamad General Hospital (HGH), the tertiary governmental hospital of Qatar, between February 2016 and March 2020. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the prognostic factors associated with CPR duration, including demographic and clinical variables, as well as laboratory tests.

Results

The mean ± standard division age of the 48 participants who underwent ECPR was 41.50 ± 13.15 years, and 75% being male. OHCA and IHCA were reported in 77.1% and 22.9% of the cases, respectively. The multivariate analysis revealed that several factors were significantly associated with an increased CPR duration: higher age (OR: 1.981, 95%CI: 1.021–3.364, P = 0.025), SOFA score (OR: 3.389, 95%CI: 1.289–4.911, P = 0.013), presence of comorbidities (OR: 3.715, 95%CI: 1.907–5.219, P = 0.026), OHCA (OR: 3.715, 95%CI: 1.907–5.219, P = 0.026), and prolonged collapse-to-CPR time (OR: 1.446, 95%CI:1.092–3.014, P = 0.001). Additionally, the study found that the initial shockable rhythm was inversely associated with the duration of CPR (OR: 0.271, 95%CI: 0.161–0.922, P = 0.045). However, no significant associations were found between laboratory tests and CPR duration.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that age, SOFA score, comorbidities, OHCA, collapse-to-CPR time, and initial shockable rhythm are important factors influencing the duration of CPR in patients undergoing ECPR. Understanding these factors can help healthcare providers better predict and manage CPR duration, potentially improving patient outcomes. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and explore additional factors that may impact CPR duration in this population.
Uncertainty in the mating strategy of honeybees causes bias and unreliability in the estimates of genetic parameters
Authors: Kistler Tristan , Brascamp Evert W. , Basso Benjamin , Bijma Piter , Phocas Florence
Published: April 2024

Background

Breeding queens may be mated with drones that are produced by a single drone-producing queen (DPQ), or a group of sister-DPQs, but often only the dam of the DPQ(s) is reported in the pedigree. Furthermore, datasets may include colony phenotypes from DPQs that were open-mated at different locations, and thus to a heterogeneous drone population.

Methods

Simulation was used to investigate the impact of the mating strategy and its modelling on the estimates of genetic parameters and genetic trends when the DPQs are treated in different ways in the statistical evaluation model. We quantified the bias and standard error of the estimates when breeding queens were mated to one DPQ or a group of DPQs, assuming that this information was known or not. We also investigated four alternative strategies to accommodate the phenotypes of open-mated DPQs in the genetic evaluation: excluding their phenotypes, adding a dummy pseudo-sire in the pedigree, or adding a non-genetic (fixed or random) effect to the statistical evaluation model to account for the origin of the mates.

Results

The most precise estimates of genetic parameters and genetic trends were obtained when breeding queens were mated with drones of single DPQs that are correctly assigned in the pedigree. However, when they were mated with drones from one or a group of DPQs, and this information was not known, erroneous assumptions led to considerable bias in these estimates.

Furthermore, genetic variances were considerably overestimated when phenotypes of colonies from open-mated DPQs were adjusted for their mates by adding a dummy pseudo-sire in the pedigree for each subpopulation of open-mating drones. On the contrary, correcting for the heterogeneous drone population by adding a non-genetic effect in the evaluation model produced unbiased estimates.

Conclusions

Knowing only the dam of the DPQ(s) used in each mating may lead to erroneous assumptions on how DPQs were used and severely bias the estimates of genetic parameters and trends. Thus, we recommend keeping track of DPQs in the pedigree, and not only of the dams of DPQ(s). Records from DPQ colonies with queens open-mated to a heterogeneous drone population can be integrated by adding non-genetic effects to the statistical evaluation model.
Predicting the global potential distribution of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus using an ecological niche model: expansion trend and the main driving factors
Authors: Xiao Yang , Guo Qiqiang , Xie Na , Yuan Gangyi , Liao Mengyun , Gui Qin , Ding Guijie
Published: April 2024

Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner&Buhrer) Nickle is a global quarantine pest that causes devastating mortality in pine species. The rapid and uncontrollable parasitic spread of this organism results in substantial economic losses to pine forests annually. In this study, we used the MaxEnt model and GIS software ArcGIS10.8 to predict the distribution of B. xylophilus based on collected distribution points and 19 environmental variables (with a correlation coefficient of|R| > 0.8) for the contemporary period (1970–2000), 2041–2060 (2050s), 2061–2080 (2070s), and 2081–2100 (2090s) under four shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs). We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the key environmental factors affecting the geographical distribution of B. xylophilus and suitable distribution areas. Our results indicate that in current prediction maps B. xylophilus had potential suitable habitats in all continents except Antarctica, with East Asia being the region with the most highly suitable areas and the most serious epidemic area currently. Precipitation of the warmest quarter, temperature seasonality, precipitation of the wettest month, and maximum temperature of the warmest month were identified as key environmental variables that determine the distribution of B. xylophilus. Under future climatic conditions, the potential geographic distribution of B. xylophilus will expand relative to current conditions. In particular, under the SSP5-8.5 scenario in 2081–2100, suitable areas will expand to higher latitudes, and there will be significant changes in suitable areas in Europe, East Asia, and North America. These findings are crucial for future prevention and control management and monitoring.
Characterization of a wheat stable QTL for spike length and its genetic effects on yield-related traits
Authors: Ding Hongke , Wang Chenyang , Cai Yibiao , Yu Kai , Zhao Haibo , Wang Faxiang , Shi Xinyao , Cheng Jiajia , Sun Han , Wu Yongzhen , Qin Ran , Liu Cheng , Zhao Chunhua , Sun Xiaohui , Cui Fa
Published: April 2024

Spike length (SL) is one of the most important agronomic traits affecting yield potential and stability in wheat. In this study, a major stable quantitative trait locus (QTL) for SL, i.e., qSl-2B, was detected in multiple environments in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) mapping population, KJ-RILs, derived from a cross between Kenong 9204 (KN9204) and Jing 411 (J411). The qSl-2B QTL was mapped to the 60.06–73.06 Mb region on chromosome 2B and could be identified in multiple mapping populations. An InDel molecular marker in the target region was developed based on a sequence analysis of the two parents. To further clarify the breeding use potential of qSl-2B, we analyzed its genetic effects and breeding selection effect using both the KJ-RIL population and a natural mapping population, which consisted of 316 breeding varieties/advanced lines. The results showed that the qSl-2B alleles from KN9204 showed inconsistent genetic effects on SL in the two mapping populations. Moreover, in the KJ-RILs population, the additive effects analysis of qSl-2B showed that additive effect was higher when both qSl-2D and qSl-5A harbor negative alleles under LN and HN. In China, a moderate selection utilization rate for qSl-2B was found in the Huanghuai winter wheat area and the selective utilization rate for qSl-2B continues to increase. The above findings provided a foundation for the genetic improvement of wheat SL in the future via molecular breeding strategies.
Burden of antimicrobial prescribing in primary care attributable to sore throat: a retrospective cohort study of patient record data
Authors: Carville Kylie S , Meagher Niamh , Abo Yara-Natalie , Manski-Nankervis Jo-Anne , Fielding James , Steer Andrew , McVernon Jodie , Price David J
Published: April 2024

Background

Reducing antibiotic use in Australia, and the subsequent impact on antimicrobial resistance, requires multiple, sustained approaches with appropriate resources and support. Additional strategies to reduce antibiotic prescribing include effective vaccines, against pathogens such as Streptococcus pyogenes, the most common bacterial cause of sore throat. As part of efforts towards assessing the benefits of introducing new strategies to reduce antimicrobial prescribing, we aimed to determine the burden of antimicrobial prescribing for sore throat in general practice.

Methods

General practice activity data from 2013 – 2017 derived from the first 8 practices participating in the ‘Primary Care Audit, Teaching and Research Open Network’ (Patron) program were analysed according to reason for visit (upper respiratory tract infection, URTI, or sore throat) and antibiotic prescription. The main outcome measures were percentage of sore throat or URTI presentations with antibiotic prescription by age.

Results

A total of 722,339 visits to general practice were made by 65,449 patients; 5.7% of visits were for URTI with 0.8% meeting the more specific criteria for sore throat. 66.1% of sore throat visits and 36.2% of URTI visits resulted in antibiotic prescription. Penicillin, the recommended antibiotic for sore throat when indicated, was the antibiotic of choice in only 52.9% of sore throat cases prescribed antibiotics. Broader spectrum antibiotics were prescribed more frequently in older age groups.

Conclusions

Frequency of antibiotic prescribing for sore throat is high and broad, despite Australian Therapeutic guideline recommendations. Multiple, sustained interventions to reduce prescribing, including availability of effective S. pyogenes vaccines that could reduce the incidence of streptococcal pharyngitis, could obviate the need to prescribe antibiotics and support ongoing efforts to promote antimicrobial stewardship.
Effect of the STK11 mutation on therapeutic efficacy and prognosis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer: a comprehensive study based on meta-analyses and bioinformatics analyses
Authors: Xu Ke , Lu Weinan , Yu Airu , Wu Hongwei , He Jie
Published: April 2024

Background

This study aimed to systematically analyze the effect of a serine/threonine kinase (STK11) mutation (STK11mut) on therapeutic efficacy and prognosis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

Candidate articles were identified through a search of relevant literature published on or before April 1, 2023, in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI and Wanfang databases. The extracted and analyzed data included the hazard ratios (HRs) of PFS and OS, the objective response rate (ORR) of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), and the positive rates of PD-L1 expression. The HR of PFS and OS and the merged ratios were calculated using a meta-analysis. The correlation between STK11mut and clinical characteristics was further analyzed in NSCLC datasets from public databases.

Results

Fourteen retrospective studies including 4317 patients with NSCLC of whom 605 had STK11mut were included. The meta-analysis revealed that the ORR of ICIs in patients with STK11mut was 10.1% (95%CI 0.9–25.2), and the positive rate of PD-L1 expression was 41.1% (95%CI 25.3–57.0). STK11mut was associated with poor PFS (HR = 1.49, 95%CI 1.28–1.74) and poor OS (HR = 1.44, 95%CI 1.24–1.67). In the bioinformatics analysis, PFS and OS in patients with STK11 alterations were worse than those in patients without alterations (p < 0.001, p = 0.002). Nutlin-3a, 5-fluorouracil, and vinorelbine may have better sensitivity in patients with STK11mut than in those with STK11wt.

Conclusions

Patients with STK11-mutant NSCLC had low PD-L1 expression and ORR to ICIs, and their PFS and OS were worse than patients with STK11wt after comprehensive treatment. In the future, more reasonable systematic treatments should be explored for this subgroup of patients with STK11-mutant NSCLC.