bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relation of land surface temperature with different vegetation indices using multi-temporal remote sensing data in Sahiwal region, Pakistan
Authors: Hussain Sajjad , Raza Ali , Abdo Hazem Ghassan , Mubeen Muhammad , Tariq Aqil , Nasim Wajid , Majeed Muhammad , Almohamad Hussein , Al Dughairi Ahmed Abdullah
Published: July 2023

At the global and regional scales, green vegetation cover has the ability to affect the climate and land surface fluxes. Climate is an important factor which plays an important role in vegetation cover. This research aimed to study the changes in land cover and relation of different vegetation indices with temperature using multi-temporal satellite data in Sahiwal region, Pakistan. Supervised classification method (maximum likelihood algorithm) was used to achieve the land cover classification based on ground-truthing. Our research denoted that during the last 24 years, almost 24,773.1 ha (2.43%) of vegetation area has been converted to roads and built-up areas. The built-up area increased in coverage from 43,255.54 ha (4.24%) from 1998 to 2022 in study area. Average land surface temperature (LST) values were calculated at 16.6 °C and 35.15 °C for winter and summer season, respectively. In Sahiwal region, the average RVI, DVI, TVI, EVI, NDVI and SAVI values were noted as 0.19, 0.21, 0.26, 0.28, 0.30 and 0.25 respectively. For vegetation indices and LST relation, statistical linear regression analysis indicated that kappa coefficient values were R2 = 0.79 for RVI, 0.75 for DVI, 0.78 for DVI, 0.81 for EVI, 0.83 for NDVI and 0.80 for SAVI related with LST. The remote sensing (RS) technology can be used to monitor changes in vegetation indices values over time, providing valuable information for sustainable land use management. Even though the findings on land cover provide significant references for reasoned and optimal use of land resources through policy implications.
Anterior knee pain and sit‐up tests predicts patients’ satisfaction and improvement in quality of life after anterior stabilized total knee replacement without patellar resurfacing
Authors: Barahona Maximiliano , Barrientos Cristian , Alegría Anselmo , Barahona Macarena A. , Navarro Tomas , Hinzpeter Jaime , Palet Miguel , Zamorano Álvaro , Catalán Jaime , Infante Carlos
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess patient satisfaction and identify risk factors for dissatisfaction after anterior stabilised conventional total knee arthroplasty (TKA) without patellar resurfacing, using the Goodman score.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study using data from our institutional database from 1 January 2018 to 1 March 2021. Patients who underwent TKA with the Vanguard® Cruciate Retaining Anterior Stabilized Knee System (Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw, Indiana, USA) without patellar replacement were included. Patients with other bearing surfaces (posterior stabilised or medial congruent) or diagnosed with infection or instability were excluded. Patients' reported outcomes, body mass index (BMI), passive range of motion, the timed up‐and‐go test, sit‐up test, and algometry were assessed. Patients were also asked if they had anterior knee pain. Satisfaction was assessed using the Goodman scale, and logistic multivariate regression was used to identify variables associated with dissatisfaction and perceived improvement in quality of life.

Results

A total of 131 TKA patients were included in the study. The median satisfaction score was 100 (interquartile range [IQR], 87.5 to 100), with the 75‐point threshold at the 90th percentile according to Section A of Goodman. Section B of Goodman showed that 113 TKA patients (86.26%) reported “great improvement” or “more than I ever dreamed.” Multivariate logistic regression revealed that anterior knee pain (OR 5.16, 95% CI 1.24 to 21.39), the sit‐up test (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.81), and BMI (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.99) were significantly associated with patient dissatisfaction and a worse perceived improvement in quality of life. The receiver operating characteristics curve for the models had areas under the curve of 0.83 (95% CI 0.69 to 0.97) and 0.82 (95% CI 0.70 to 0.94), respectively.

Conclusion

Anterior stabilised TKA without patellar resurfacing can achieve 90% satisfaction and 86% improvement in quality of life. To improve these results, it is essential to prevent and treat anterior knee pain and enhance quadriceps strength.

Level of evidence

Level III (retrospective cohort study).
Multiple solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura with multicentric and unilateral involvement: a case report
Authors: Watanabe Takuya , Suzuki Eriko , Yoshii Naoko , Kohama Takuya , Iguchi Kensuke , Takeuchi Suiha , Nakamura Minori , Endo Takumi , Tanahashi Masayuki
Published: July 2023

Background

Solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura (SFTP) is a mesenchymal tumor. Patients with SFTP generally have only one lesion. We herein report an extremely rare case of multiple SFTPs that were multicentric and unilateral.

Case presentation

The patient was a 21-year-old asymptomatic young man who was referred to our hospital due to abnormal shadows on a chest X-ray. Computed tomography showed 6 tumors of heterogeneous sizes in the left thoracic cavity. The tumors were suspected to be multiple benign or low-grade malignant thoracic tumors, and tumor resection was performed. The tumors had almost the same appearance, with uniform fibroblastic spindle cell proliferation, and arose from the pleura in microscopy. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that the tumor cells were positive for CD34, CD99, Bcl-2, and STAT6. Based on these findings, the tumors were diagnosed as multiple SFTPs with multicentricity. At 1 year and 6 months after the first surgery, 2 new lesions were found above the diaphragm, and these were resected. These tumors were arose from the pleura with a fibrous capsule structure. Their pathological findings were identical to the initial tumor without evidence of malignant transformation.

Conclusion

We experienced an extremely rare case of multiple SFTPs with multicentric and unilateral lesions.
Identifying domains of health-related quality of life: the perspective of individuals with low back pain
Authors: Eilayyan O , Gogovor A , Zidarov D , Mayo N , Ahmed S
Published: July 2023

Background

Identifying the most relevant HRQOL domains for LBP from the perspective of individuals with lived experience with LBP is necessary to prioritize domains that will be most informative for evaluating the impact of pain and interventions while overcoming the burden of using long-form assessment tools. This study aimed to identify which domains of HRQOL are most important from the perspective of individuals with chronic LBP.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 individuals with LBP. Participants first responded to questions related to the impact of their LBP on their HRQOL. Then, using a card sorting method, they were asked to select and indicate HRQOL domains that were most relevant to them from a list of 18 cards that represented different HRQOL domains. Participants were asked to explain the reasoning for their selection.

Results

Participants identified physical activity restriction (50%), severity of pain (31%), social activity restriction (23%), and work performance restriction (23%) as the most important domains. The most frequently selected HRQOL domains during card sorting were social function (69%), pain intensity (62%), physical function (58%), fatigue (58%), and pain interference (42%).

Conclusion

The most important domains of HRQOL perceived by participants were pain intensity, social function, physical function, fatigue, and pain interference. Identifying these domains will inform clinical decision-making and guide treatment choices for health care providers.
Does body mass index influence improvement in patient reported outcomes following total knee arthroplasty? A retrospective analysis of 3918 cases
Authors: Lawrence Kyle W. , Sobba Walter , Rajahraman Vinaya , Schwarzkopf Ran , Rozell Joshua C.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The study aimed to determine whether body mass index (BMI) classification for patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is associated with differences in mean patient reported outcome measure (PROM) score improvements across multiple domains—including pain, functional status, mental health, and global physical health. We hypothesized that patients with larger BMIs would have worse preoperative and postoperative PROM scores, though improvements in scores would be comparable between groups.

Materials and methods

Patients undergoing primary TKA from 2018 to 2021 were retrospectively reviewed and stratified into four groups: Normal Weight; 18.5–25 kg/m2, Overweight; 25.01–30 kg/m2, Obese; 30.01–40 kg/m2, and Morbidly Obese > 40 kg/m2. Preoperative, postoperative, and pre/post-changes (Δ) in knee injury and osteoarthritis, joint replacement (KOOS, JR) and Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures of pain intensity, pain interference, physical function, mobility, mental health, and physical health were compared. Multivariate linear regression was used to assess for confounding comorbid conditions.

Results

In univariate analysis, patients with larger BMIs had worse scores for KOOS, JR and all PROMIS metrics preoperatively. Postoperatively, scores for KOOS, JR and PROMIS pain interference, mobility, and physical health were statistically worse in higher BMI groups, though differences were not clinically significant. Morbidly obese patients achieved greater pre/post-Δ improvements in KOOS, JR and global physical health scores. Multivariate regression analysis showed high BMI was independently associated with greater pre/post-Δ improvements in KOOS, JR and global health scores.

Conclusion

Obese patients report worse preoperative scores for function and health, but greater pre/post-Δ improvements in KOOS, JR and physical health scores following TKA. Quality of life benefits of TKA in obese patients should be a factor when assessing surgical candidacy.
Left ventricular strain echocardiography in advanced uremic cardiomyopathy compared to dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Mohammadi Rizan , Larti Farnoosh , Sattarzadeh Badkoubeh Roya , Mehrpooya Maryam , Sardari Akram
Published: July 2023

Background

Cardiac involvement is common in end-stage renal disease patients. The presenting study aimed to evaluate the global and segmental longitudinal strain in patients with advanced uremic cardiomyopathy (AUCM) and compare it to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

Results

The mean global longitudinal strain (GLS) was significantly lower in AUCM (P value = 0.045). Comparing segmental strain showed a lower strain in mid inferoseptal (P value = 0.048), base and mid anterolateral (P value = 0.026, 0.001 respectively), base and mid anteroseptal (P value = 0.005, 0.009 respectively), base and mid inferior (P value = 0.015, 0.034 respectively) and mid anterior (P value = 0.015) in patients with AUCM compared with DCM. In both groups, the segmental strain increased from base to apex.

Conclusions

Segmental and GLSs in advanced uremic cardiomyopathy were significantly lower than those of dilated cardiomyopathy. In both groups, the segmental strain increased from base to apex.
The role of physiotherapy in the treatment of chronic trigger finger—a case report
Authors: Sahoo Anand Chandra , Soumyashree Sonali , Mahapatra Charuhasini
Published: July 2023

Background

Trigger finger (TF) is a common condition more prevalent in women in their 5th decade of life. This causes pain and stiffness which limits daily activities. Corticosteroid injections are the first line of conservative management failing which surgery is done. Physiotherapy has shown a vital role in the treatment of trigger finger.

Patient and observation

We reported a case of chronic trigger finger in a 75-year-old female with pain and stiffness. A 2 week of combined conventional and advanced physiotherapy approach was used. Pre- and post-test scores of pain and activity limitation were taken.

Result

Pain scores reduced from 6 to 0 measured by the Nottingham Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) scale and activity limitation measured by the patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) scale reduced from 67.5 to 10.5%.

Conclusion

Two advanced techniques A1 pulley and dry needling along with conventional physiotherapy are better than any technique alone in managing a chronic case of trigger finger.
Physical features and analysis of traditional mosques: the case of Quzzat quarter of Herat Old City, Afghanistan
Authors: Asim Ghulam Mohammad , Shimizu Hajime
Published: July 2023

This study examines the physical features of traditional mosques in the Quzzat (Bardrani) quarter of Herat Old City, Afghanistan. Traditional mosques are constructed with locally available materials and are planned based on cultural and climatic conditions. Mosques are categorised as modern or traditional. Traditional mosques are divided into three subcategories: preserved, damaged (defaced), and transformed. Transformed mosques are formerly traditional mosques reconstructed with modern or industrial materials (concrete and reinforcement). This study explores the distribution of mosques and analyses their plan typology. Mosques are categorised into five plan types, and three relative case studies are described in detail to provide a better understanding and an in-depth analysis of mosque typology.
Multidisciplinary treatment for infective endocarditis complicated with systemic multiple abscess due to Panton-Valentine leukocidin producing community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans: a case report
Authors: Terata Kojiro , Saito Shunsuke , Niitsuma Ken , Ohkusu Misako , Takeuchi Noriko , Ishiwada Naruhiko , Matsuoka Taiki , Hirota Shotaro , Yokoyama Shohei , Kanno Yasuyuki , Kanazawa Yuta , Tezuka Masahiro , Takei Yusuke , Tsuchiya Go , Konishi Taisuke , Shibasaki Ikuko , Ogata Koji , Fukuda Hirotsugu
Published: July 2023

Background

Infective endocarditis resulting from community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is a rare, but often fatal heart disorder. Here, we report a case of multidisciplinary treatment for infective endocarditis with systemic multiple abscesses due to Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) producing CA-MRSA and Candida albicans
.

Case presentation

The patient suffered from infective endocarditis, destructive thyroiditis, hemorrhagic cerebral infarction due to mycotic embolism, lung abscess, multiple skeletal muscle abscess, and disseminate intravascular coagulopathy. Aggressive medical treatment as well as mechanical circulatory support was required before the curative surgical treatment. Blood cultures were positive for MRSA and Candida albicans. Genomic analysis of MRSA revealed Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome mec IVc and also the virulence gene encoding PVL.

Conclusions

CA-MRSA strains have higher pathogenicity and are more destructive to tissue than healthcare-associated MRSA strains because of the toxins they produce, including PVL. Multidisciplinary treatment including aggressive surgery was required to rescue the patient.
Mapping the nutritional landscape in the yellow mealworm: testing the nutrient-mediated life-history trade-offs
Authors: Rho Myung Suk , Lee Kwang Pum
Published: July 2023

Animals must acquire an ideal amount and balance of macronutrients to optimize their performance, health and fitness. The nutritional landscape provides an integrative framework for analysing how animal phenotypes are associated with multiple nutritional components. Here, we applied this powerful approach to examine how the intake of protein and carbohydrate affects nutrient acquisition and performance in the yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) reared on one of 42 synthetic foods varying in protein and carbohydrate content. Tenebrio molitor larvae increased their food consumption rate in response to nutrient dilution, but this increase was not sufficient to fully compensate for the dilution. Diluting the food nutrient content with cellulose reduced the efficiency of post-ingestive nutrient utilization, further restricting macronutrient acquisition. Tenebrio molitor larvae utilized macronutrients most efficiently at a protein to carbohydrate (P:C) ratio of 1.77:1, but became less efficient at imbalanced P:C ratios. Survivorship was high at high protein intake and fell with decreasing protein intake. Pupal mass and growth rate exhibited a bell-shaped landscape, with the nutritional optima being located around protein-biased P:C ratios of 1.99:1 to 2.03:1 and 1.66:1 to 2.86:1, respectively. The nutritional optimum for development time was also identified at high P:C ratios (1.66:1  to 5.86:1). Unlike these performance traits, lipid content was maximized at carbohydrate-biased P:C ratios of 1:3.88 to 1:3.06. When given a food choice, T. molitor larvae self-composed a slightly carbohydrate-biased P:C ratio of 1:1.24, which lies between the P:C ratios that maximize performance and lipid content. Our findings indicate the occurrence of a nutrient-mediated trade-off between performance and energy storage in this insect.
Locust gut epithelia do not become more permeable to fluorescent dextran and bacteria in the cold
Authors: El-Saadi Mahmoud I. , Brzezinski Kaylen , Hinz Aaron , Phillips Laura , Wong Alex , Gerber Lucie , Overgaard Johannes , MacMillan Heath A.
Published: July 2023

The insect gut, which plays a role in ion and water balance, has been shown to leak solutes in the cold. Cold stress can also activate insect immune systems, but it is unknown whether the leak of the gut microbiome is a possible immune trigger in the cold. We developed a novel feeding protocol to load the gut of locusts (Locusta migratoria) with fluorescent bacteria before exposing them to −2°C for up to 48 h. No bacteria were recovered from the hemolymph of cold-exposed locusts, regardless of exposure duration. To examine this further, we used an ex vivo gut sac preparation to re-test cold-induced fluorescent FITC-dextran leak across the gut and found no increased rate of leak. These results question not only the validity of FITC-dextran as a marker of paracellular barrier permeability in the gut, but also to what extent the insect gut becomes leaky in the cold.
Inclusion of Dye in Cyclodextrin for Isotropically Radiative Robust Droplet Laser toward Lens-free Remote Optical Detection
Authors: Tanji Noriharu , Miyagawa Junnosuke , Yamamoto Yohei , Nakashima Takuya , Yamagishi Hiroshi
Published: July 2023

Micrometer-scale organic liquid droplets are of particular interest due to their excellent lasing performance together with extreme flexibility and responsivity. Here, we report the synthesis of novel lasing microdroplets with suppressed spontaneous emission. A supramolecular complex of a dye and a cyclodextrin works as robust and excellent laser dye in the droplet. Moreover, the laser emission from the single droplet is strong enough for all directions irrespective of the observation angle and detectable without an objective lens.
Day-of-the-Week and Time-of-the-Day Patterns of Sedentary Behavior in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos
Authors: ZHAO BEIBO , SOTRES-ALVAREZ DANIELA , EVENSON KELLY R. , GREENLEE HEATHER , MOSSAVAR-RAHMANI YASMIN , QI QIBIN , MARQUEZ DAVID X. , VIDOT DENISE C. , ELFASSY TALI , ARREDONDO ELVA M. , DIAZ KEITH M.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Existing sedentary behavior interventions have largely achieved mixed results. Conventionally, interventions have attempted to reduce sedentary behavior using a full-day approach. An alternative strategy may be to target specific periods during the day and/or week. This study examined the day-of-the-week (Monday to Sunday) and time-of-the-day patterns (3-and 6-h periods) of sedentary behavior among U.S. Hispanics/Latinos adults.

Methods

Participants (n = 12,241) from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos, a multisite community-based prospective cohort study of Hispanic/Latino adults, were studied. Sedentary behavior was assessed for 1 wk using a hip-mounted accelerometer through total sedentary time, sedentary time in bouts ≥60 min, and total number of sedentary breaks. The temporal patterns of sedentary behavior metrics were evaluated using linear mixed effect models accounting for the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos complex survey design.

Results

There were statistically significant variations in temporal patterns across day-of-the-week and time-of-the-day periods for all three metrics (P < 0.001). Adults were more sedentary on weekends than on weekdays and most sedentary on Sundays. The time-of-the-day patterns had a U-curve pattern wherein adults were most sedentary late at night, became less sedentary throughout the day, reached peak activeness around noon, then gradually became more sedentary into the evening. These patterns were largely robust across seasonality and most sociodemographic characteristics, including age, employment status, work shift schedule, acculturation, and field center.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that early mornings, evenings, and weekends were the more sedentary periods in this cohort of Hispanic/Latino adults, characterized by higher volumes of sedentary time, higher volumes of time in prolonged sedentary bouts, and fewer number of sedentary breaks than other time periods, highlighting important windows of opportunity to reduce sedentary behavior.
3D Tibial Acceleration and Consideration of 3D Angular Motion Using IMUs on Peak Tibial Acceleration and Impulse in Running
Authors: VAN MIDDELAAR ROBBERT P. , ZHANG JUNHAO , VELTINK PETER H. , REENALDA JASPER
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Peak tibial acceleration (PTA) is defined as the peak acceleration occurring shortly after initial contact, often used as an indirect measure of tibial load. As the tibia is a rotating segment around the ankle, angular velocity and angular acceleration should be included in PTA. This study aimed to quantify three-dimensional tibial acceleration components over two different sensor locations and three running speeds, to get a better understanding of the influence of centripetal and tangential accelerations on PTA typically measured in running. Furthermore, it explores tibial impulse as an alternative surrogate measure for tibial load.

Methods

Fifteen participants ran 90 s on a treadmill at 2.8, 3.3, and 3.9 m·s−1, with inertial measurement units (IMUs) located distally and proximally on the tibia.

Results

Without the inclusion of rotational accelerations and gravity, no significant difference was found between axial PTA between both IMU locations, whereas in the tangential sagittal plane axis, there was a significant difference. Inclusion of rotational accelerations and gravity resulted in similar PTA estimates at the ankle for both IMU locations and caused a significant difference between PTA based on the distal IMU and PTA at the ankle. The impulse showed more consistent results between the proximal and distal IMU locations compared with axial PTA.

Conclusions

Rotational acceleration of the tibia during stance differently impacted PTA measured proximally and distally at the tibia, indicating that rotational acceleration and gravity should be included in PTA estimates. Furthermore, peak acceleration values (such as PTA) are not always reliable when using IMUs because of inconsistent PTA proximally compared with distally on an individual level. Instead, impulse seems to be a more consistent surrogate measure for the tibial load.
Bounds on a Slope from Size Restrictions on Economic Shocks
Authors: Petterson Marco Stenborg , Seim David , Shapiro Jesse M.
Published: July 2023

We study the problem of learning about the effect of one market-level variable (e.g., price) on another (e.g., quantity) in the presence of shocks to unobservables (e.g., preferences). We show that economic intuitions about the plausible size of the shocks can be informative about the parameter of interest. We illustrate with a main application to the grain market. (JEL D83, E23, G13, Q11)
Multimodality imaging in cardio-oncology: the added value of CMR and CCTA
Authors: Lisi Costanza , Catapano Federica , Rondi Paolo , Figliozzi Stefano , Lo Monaco Maria , Brilli Federica , Monti Lorenzo , Francone Marco
Published: July 2023

During the last 30 years, we have assisted to a great implementation in anticancer treatment with a subsequent increase of cancer survivors and decreased mortality. This has led to an ongoing interest about the possible therapy-related side-effects and their management to better guide patients therapy and surveillance in the chronic and long-term setting. As a consequence cardio-oncology was born, involving several different specialties, among which radiology plays a relevant role. Till the end of August 2022, when European Society of Cardiology (ESC) developed the first guidelines on cardio-oncology, no general indications existed to guide diagnosis and treatment of cancer therapy-related cardiovascular toxicity (CTR-CVT). They defined multimodality imaging role in primary and secondary prevention strategies, cancer treatment surveillance and early CTR-CVT identification and management.

Cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has acquired a central role in coronary assessment, as far as coronary artery disease (CAD) exclusion is concerned; but on the side of this well-known application, it also started to be considered in left ventricular function evaluation, interstitial fibrosis quantification and cardiac perfusion studies.

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), instead, has been acknowledged as the gold standard alternative to trans-thoracic echocardiography (TTE) poor acoustic window in quantification of heart function and strain modifications, as well as pre- and post-contrast tissue characterization by means of T1-T2 mapping, early Gadolinium enhancement (EGE), late Gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and extracellular volume (ECV) evaluation.

Our review is intended to provide a focus on the actual role of CMR and CCTA in the setting of a better understanding of cardiotoxicity and to draw some possible future directions of cardiac imaging in this field, starting from the recently published ESC guidelines.
Better safe than so ray: national survey of radiation protection amongst interventional radiology trainees in the United Kingdom
Authors: Patel S , Jenkins P , Zhong J , Liu W , Harborne K , Modi S , Joy C , Williams R , Haslam P
Published: July 2023

Objective

To establish the provision and use of radiation personal protective equipment (PPE) and dosimetry amongst UK interventional radiology (IR) trainees and highlight areas of improvement in order to enhance the radiation safety.

Methods

A survey questionnaire was designed by members of the British Society of Interventional Radiology (BSIR) trainee committee via survey monkey and distributed to UK IR trainees via the BSIR membership mailing list, local representatives and Twitter. The survey was open from 04/01/2021 to 20/02/2021. Only IR trainees in years ST4 and above were included.

Results

Of the 73 respondents, 62 qualified for analysis. Respondents (81% male) spent a median of 5.5 sessions (half day list) per week in the angiography suite and 58% (n=36) had difficulty finding appropriately sized lead aprons at least once a week. Overall 53% (n=33) had concerns about their radiation PPE. Furthermore 56% of trainees (n=35) experienced back pain among other symptoms attributed to wearing the lead aprons available to them. 77% (n=48) regularly wore lead glasses. For trainees requiring prescription glasses (n=22) overfit goggles were provided however 17 (77%) of these trainees felt the goggles compromised their ability to perform the procedure. Eye and finger dosimeters were used by 50% and 52% of respondents respectively. Compliance with body dosimetry was 99%.

Conclusion

Provision of radiation PPE and dose monitoring for IR trainees is suboptimal, particularly access to adequate eye protection or suitably fitting leads. Based on the findings of this survey, recommendations have been made to promote the safety and radiation awareness of IR trainees.

Advances in knowledge

Radiation protection practices for IR trainees nationally are poor. Provision of suitable eye protection and well fitting lead body protection is low.
Prognostic significance of the harmonized maximum standardized uptake value of 18F-FDG-PET/CT in patients with resectable oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma: a multicenter study
Authors: Kaida Hayato , Kitajima Kazuhiro , Sekine Tetsuro , Ito Kimiteru , Daisaki Hiromitsu , Kimura Takayuki , Sato Mitsuo P , Enomoto Akifumi , Otsuki Naoki , Ishii Kazunari
Published: July 2023

Objectives:

To investigate the usefulness of harmonized 18F-FDG-PET/CT parameters for predicting the postoperative recurrence and prognosis of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC).

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed the cases of 107 OTSCC patients who underwent surgical resection at four institutions in Japan in 2010–2016 and evaluated the harmonized PET parameters of the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) for the primary tumor as the pSUVmax, pMTV, and pTLG. For lymph node metastasis, we used harmonized PET parameters of nodal-SUVmax, nodal-total MTV (tMTV), and nodal-total TLG (tTLG). The associations between the harmonized PET parameters and the patients' relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard regression analysis for model 1 (preoperative stage) and model 2 (preoperative  +  postoperative stages).

Results:

The harmonized SUVmax values were significantly lower than those before harmonization (p=0.012). The pSUVmax was revealed as a significant preoperative risk factor for RFS and OS. Nodal-SUVmax, nodal-tMTV, and nodal-tTLG were significant preoperative risk factors for OS. The combination of pSUVmax + nodal-SUVmax significantly stratified the patients into a low-risk group (pSUVmax <3.97 + nodal-SUVmax <2.85 or ≥2.85) and a high-risk group (pSUVmax ≥3.97 + nodal-SUVmax <2.85 or pSUVmax ≥3.97 + nodal-SUVmax ≥2.85) for recurrence and prognosis (RFS: p=0.001; OS: p<0.001).

Conclusions:

The harmonized pSUVmax is a significant prognostic factor for the survival of OTSCC patients. The combination of pSUVmax and nodal-SUVmax identified OTSCC patients at high risk for recurrence and poor prognosis at the preoperative stage.
A Study on the Applicability of Cathodic Protection for the Outdoor Sculptures Corrosion
Authors: Beom Dae Geon , Song Song Yi , Chung Kwang Yong
Published: July 2023

In this study, we proposed the sacrificial anode cathodic protection method as a countermeasure to reduce the corrosion of the steel sculptures under outdoor conditions and proved the anticorrosive effect experimentally. To affix the Mg sacrificial anode and the steel plate specimen, an adhesive bonding strength test was conducted with three types of conductive adhesives. Hence, the suitability of the conductive epoxy adhesive was confirmed, and a C-clamp experiment was conducted to supplement the connection. In addition, by applying a sacrificial anode suitable for the soil where the artwork is installed, the field applicability was reviewed through an artificial determination of resistance to cyclic corrosion conditions test(salt fog/dry/humid) to prove the suitability of the cathodic protection method by sacrificial anode. Hence, corrosion monitoring is in progress by test-laying steel plate specimens in an outdoor sculpture park to identify natural deterioration. In the future, based on the results of the outdoor exposure test, we plan to determine the proper method of bonding the sacrificial anode and the steel sculpture, and the replacement period of the sacrificial anode.
Scientific Characterization of Coloration Pigments and Deterioration Diagnosis on the Surface for the Gilt-bronze Seated Bodhisattva at Cheongyang Unjangam Hermitage, Korea
Authors: Lee Chan Hee , Chae Joon , Yang Hye Ri
Published: July 2023

The gilt-bronze seated Bodhisattva in Unjangam hermitage is known as an artifact of the 14th century. The main deteriorations of the statue are cracks, peeling and exfoliation in gold-gilding layers and coloration pigments. This is a factor that not only degrades aesthetics but can also cause additional damages. Ultrasonic velocity of the statue was mean 2,140 m/sec, showing low physical properties at the lowest part of the left and right sides. Surface on the body and coronal of the statue was gold gilding and colorfully colored by pigments. In the statue, Ti and Ca are highly detected in bottom pigment layers. This is affected by shell whitewash and modern titanium white, and the black pigment seems to have been used for black ink. In red, components of iron oxides, copper oxide and Pb3O4 were detected. Blue is considered as patina, and green pigments are divided into green and dark green depending on the saturation, and containing Cr2O4 and CaCO3 as the main components were used. The surface on the statue uses Cu-bearing gold and modern synthetic pigments, the overall color is dull and it does not match the formality and era. Therefore, it is necessary to repair it according to the production period and original form based on historical studies.
Arterial blood analysis of healthy residents in Huamachuco, Peru (3,164 m): a cross-sectional study
Authors: Bardales-Zuta Victor H. , Fernández-Rodríguez Lissett J. , Romero-Goicochea Cecilia
Published: July 2023

Background: Given that arterial blood gas is affected by altitude and ethnicity, establishing reliable reference standards for these values requires analysis of arterial blood at different elevations and locations. Our objective was to measure the arterial blood gases of healthy young volunteers in Huamachuco, Peru, at 3,164 m above sea level. This is likely the first study of arterial blood gas analysis of healthy Northern Peruvians living at high altitude.

Methods: Healthy residents of Huamachuco were recruited for this cross-sectional convenience sample study and arterial blood was drawn by standard procedures. People with obesity, diabetes, high levels of physical activity and a history of using selected substances were excluded. The samples were analyzed on-site in less than 15 minutes using a Stat Profile Prime CCS analyzer (Nova Biomedical).

Results: Data from 46 participants (17 male, 29 female) were included in the study. The median values for arterial blood pH, oxygen, carbon dioxide, ionized calcium, glucose, lactate, hematocrit, oxygen saturation, and bicarbonate were 7.42, 9.3 kPa (70 mmHg), 4.5 kPa (33.5 mmHg), 1.04 mM, 5.19 mM, 1.8 mM, 50 %, 94 %, and 21.6 mM, respectively. We also found a lower prevalence of diabetes among highlanders compared to the Peruvian population.

Conclusions: The results determined here were comparable to other results determined at different altitudes in the Americas, although arterial blood oxygen was slightly higher than predicted. These results indicate that Northern Peruvians have an Andean-style adaptation to high altitude.
Case Report: Ayurvedic Vamana and Virechana treatment in hypothyroidism and conception in a woman seeking infertility treatment at an ART clinic
Authors: Dhote Vaishnavi , More Akash , Chaudhari Namrata , Dutta Shilpa , Nair Nancy
Published: July 2023

The most common condition impacting patients who present with ovulatory failure leading to infertility is hypothyroidism. Normal thyroxin levels and its milder counterpart, subclinical hypothyroidism, which is characterised by raised thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, may also be a factor in altered reproductive function. Conventional and persistent Panchkarma procedures, which include Vamana and Virechana Karma, foster wellness. Vamana and Virechana Karma symbolise the development of emesis and purification, resulting in improvements in the body’s capacity to eradicate toxins, especially through the intestine. Sroto shodhaka, Agnivardhaka, and dosha pratyanika chikitsa are the best therapies for hypothyroidism, assuming the prevalence of the Kapha and Pitta doshas. We found that Vamana and Virechana helped in the treatment of hypothyroidism. We report a case highlighting the beneficial effects of ayurvedic treatment of Vamana and Virechana in a woman with hypothyroidism seeking infertility treatment at our centre.
Navigating the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) landscape: constructing a robust and reliable scoring engine - insights into Data Source Selection, Indicator Determination, Weighting and Aggregation Techniques, and Validation Processes for Comprehensive ESG Scoring Systems
Authors: Liu Yiting , Osterrieder Joerg , Hadji Misheva Branka , Koenigstein Nicole , Baals Lennart
Published: July 2023

This white paper explores the construction of a reliable Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) scoring engine, with a focus on the importance of data sources and quality, selection of ESG indicators, weighting and aggregation methodologies, and the necessary validation and benchmarking procedures. The current challenges in ESG scoring and the importance of a robust ESG scoring system are addressed, citing its increasing relevance to stakeholders. Furthermore, different data types, namely self-reported data, third-party data, and alternative data, are critically evaluated for their respective merits and limitations. The paper further elucidates the complexities and implications involved in the choice of ESG indicators, illustrating the trade-offs between standardized and customized approaches. Various weighting methodologies including equal weighting, factor weighting, and multi-criteria decision analysis are dissected. The paper culminates in outlining processes for validating the ESG scoring engine, emphasizing the correlation with financial performance, and conducting robustness and sensitivity analyses. Practical examples through case studies exemplify the implementation of the discussed techniques. The white paper aims to provide insights and guidelines for practitioners, academics, and policy makers in designing and implementing robust ESG scoring systems.
Predictive Clinical Neuroscience Portal (PCNportal): instant online access to research-grade normative models for clinical neuroscientists.
Authors: Barkema Pieter , Rutherford Saige , Lee Hurng-Chun , Kia Seyed Mostafa , Savage Hannah , Beckmann Christian , Marquand Andre
Published: July 2023

Background: The neurobiology of mental disorders remains poorly understood despite substantial scientific efforts, due to large clinical heterogeneity and to a lack of tools suitable to map individual variability. Normative modeling is one recently successful framework that can address these problems by comparing individuals to a reference population. The methodological underpinnings of normative modelling are, however, relatively complex and computationally expensive. Our research group has developed the python-based normative modelling package Predictive Clinical Neuroscience toolkit (PCNtoolkit) which provides access to many validated algorithms for normative modelling. PCNtoolkit has since proven to be a strong foundation for large scale normative modelling, but still requires significant computation power, time and technical expertise to develop.

Methods: To address these problems, we introduce PCNportal. PCNportal is an online platform integrated with PCNtoolkit that offers access to pre-trained research-grade normative models estimated on tens of thousands of participants, without the need for computation power or programming abilities. PCNportal is an easy-to-use web interface that is highly scalable to large user bases as necessary. Finally, we demonstrate how the resulting normalized deviation scores can be used in a clinical application through a schizophrenia classification task applied to cortical thickness and volumetric data from the longitudinal Northwestern University Schizophrenia Data and Software Tool (NUSDAST) dataset.

Results: At each longitudinal timepoint, the transferred normative models achieved a mean[std. dev.] explained variance of 9.4[8.8]%, 9.2[9.2]%, 5.6[7.4]% respectively in the control group and 4.7[5.5]%, 6.0[6.2]%, 4.2[6.9]% in the schizophrenia group. Diagnostic classifiers achieved AUC of 0.78, 0.76 and 0.71 respectively.

Conclusions:  This replicates the utility of normative models for diagnostic classification of schizophrenia and showcases the use of PCNportal for clinical neuroimaging. By facilitating and speeding up research with high-quality normative models, this work contributes to research in inter-individual variability, clinical heterogeneity and precision medicine.
The genome sequence of common ivy, Hedera helix L., 1753
Authors: Christenhusz Maarten J. M. , Bell David , Twyford Alex D. ,   Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Genome Acquisition Lab,   Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Genome Acquisition Lab,   Plant Genome Sizing collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: July 2023

We present a genome assembly from a specimen of Hedera helix (common ivy; Streptophyta; Magnoliopsida; Apiales; Araliaceae). The genome sequence is 1,199.4 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 24 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial and plastid genomes have also been assembled and are 609.2 and 162.2 kilobases in length respectively.
The genome sequence of the Four-dotted Obscure, Oegoconia quadripuncta (Haworth 1829)
Authors: Broad Gavin R. ,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: July 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Oegoconia quadripuncta (the Four-dotted Obscure; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Autostichidae). The genome sequence is 622.6 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 20 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.39 kilobases in length.
Risks of Financial Market Participants in the Context of Digital Transformation
Authors: Cheluhina Natal'ya , Myagkova Yu. , Asyaeva E.
Published: July 2023

The article is devoted to the consideration of the risks of the financial market in the conditions of digitalization of financial services, which contributes to increasing consumer access to financial services, reducing the costs of a financial organization by optimizing business processes. The implementation of digital financial services and digitalization of business processes in the financial market contributes to the emergence of additional risks or transformation of existing ones for all participants of the financial market: sellers, consumers and the regulator. In this regard, the article examines the sources of risks characteristic of all financial market participants, which allows us to form a clear concept of the financial risk management system in the digital financial market.
MULHERES EVANGÉLICAS E CONSERVADORISMO: aproximações analíticas sob as lentes de gênero e raça
Authors: Da Silva Nascimento Elisabete Pereira , Macedo Márcia Dos Santos , Da Silva Sandra Maria Cerqueira
Published: July 2023

O texto é produto de uma pesquisa bibliográfica sobre as interconexões entre raça, racismo, gênero, feminismos e cristianismos no Brasil, em diálogo com as experiências de uma mulher preta trabalhadora e periférica, mãe de meninas pretas, esposa, evangélica e mestranda de um programa de pós-graduação feminista no qual desenvolve o projeto intitulado “Os discursos evangélicos conservadores e sua influência na percepção das mulheres evangélicas sobre raça e gênero”. A importância desta temática no Brasil é crescente, pois, de um lado, temos a expansão desenfreada do fundamentalismo religioso, reforçada pelo neofascismo desencadeado, principalmente, pela atuação deletéria de expoentes ligados ao Governo Federal e cuja gestão foi finalizada em 2022 e, por outro lado, simultaneamente, testemunhamos o fortalecimento de movimentos buscando barrar esta ofensiva conservadora. Nesse contexto, as mulheres evangélicas têm se constituído como parte considerável do público atingido por essa onda avassaladora de fundamentalismo, conservadorismo e violência e para compreender esse universo em sua complexidade recorremos a um aporte teórico-metodológico de pesquisa baseado no pensamento decolonial e no feminismo negro, valendo-se, concomitantemente, do método da suspeita e da interseccionalidade. Assim, é sob essas lentes que nos propomos a uma primeira aproximação dos cenários e sujeitos da pesquisa, para lançar algumas luzes sobre a forma como ideologias conservadoras têm exercido influência sobre as mulheres, especialmente sobre as mulheres negras evangélicas pertencentes às organizações religiosas protestantes históricas, pentecostais e neopentecostais na cidade de Salvador.
PROTAGONISMO DE INTELECTUAIS INSURGENTES E AS ESCAVAÇÕES POR DEMANDA: OUTRAS ITINERÂNCIAS NA PESQUISA SOCIAL
Authors: Miranda Claudia , Camilo Fabiola Nascimento , Pereira Luciano Da Silva
Published: July 2023

No Brasil, os movimentos sociais ocupam um lugar estratégico, com destaque para as duas últimas décadas e, nossa análise, é sobre temáticas investigadas na pesquisa social que se consolidam nas Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES). Interessa reforçar o papel de intelectuais orgânicos, oriundos das dinâmicas existentes nas bases ao mesmo tempo em que reconhecemos aspectos das aprendizagens obtidas com a Teologia da Libertação, a Pedagogia do Oprimido, a Teoria da Marginalidade e, a Perspectiva da Colonialidade do Poder. Notadamente, se refletem nas formas de deslocamentos que grupos de ativistas adotam e, nesse exercício, perpassamos aspectos oriundos de estudos e projetos descolonizadores em defesa dos territórios e das identidades das populações racializadas.
Germany pioneers an expansion of the advance practice nurse role
Authors: Henderson Colette , Mackavey Carole , Petri Sophie , Wöhrle Olivia
Published: July 2023

Germany is pioneering a new advance nursing programme, focusing on person-centered, evidence-based care for patients with multimorbidities. This article details its successes and challenges