bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Impact of Preprocessing and Conversion Technologies on the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Supply from Forest Residues in the Southeast U.S.A.
Authors: Li Pengzhen , Yu T. Edward , Trejo-Pech Carlos , Larson James A. , English Burton C. , Lanning David N.
Published: March 2024

Forest residues have been suggested as potential feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production through different pathways. However, the bulky density and scatter distribution require efficient size-reduction processes to enhance the feedstock supply. Thus, this study analyzes the impact of alternative preprocessing and conversion technologies on the SAF supply chains from logging residues (the predominant share of forest residues) using a two-stage mixed-integer linear programming model. The model determines the optimal location of biomass preprocessing depots, conversion facilities, and airports receiving SAF by minimizing the net present value of the total supply chain cost over 10 years. Using high-resolution spatial data in the Southeast U.S.A. as a case study, the results show that the technology and scale of the facilities heavily influenced the SAF’s breakeven cost and maximum supply quantity. The most economically efficient system that adopts a rotary shear milling system and pyrolysis conversion process could generate up to 650 million gallons of SAF from logging residues in the region, with nearly 62% of the SAF being produced from hardwood residues. Also, the most efficient system has an estimated breakeven cost of US$5.51 per gallon of SAF.
Chronic Non-cancer Pain and Associated Risks of Incident Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias in Middle-Aged and Older Adults
Authors: Hu Yi-Han , Seo Dong-Chul , Huber Lesa , Shih Patrick C. , Lin Hsien-Chang
Published: March 2024

The goal of this study is to investigate the association between chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI)/Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRDs) development among adults aged ≥50 using administrative claims data from a national commercial health insurance company during 2007–2017. To reduce selection bias, propensity-score matching was applied to select comparable CNCP and non-CNCP patients. Time-dependent Cox proportional-hazards regressions were conducted to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) of incident MCI/ADRDs. Of 170,900 patients with/without CNCP, 0.61% developed MCI and 2.33% had been diagnosed with ADRDs during the follow-up period. Controlling for potential confounders, CNCP patients had a 123% increase in MCI risk (HR = 2.23; 95% CI = 1.92–2.58) and a 44% increase in ADRDs risk (HR = 1.44; 95% CI = 1.34–1.54) relative to non-CNCP patients. CNCP is a risk factor for MCI/ADRDs. Promoting awareness and improving early CNCP diagnosis in middle-aged and older adults should be incorporated into cognitive impairment and dementia prevention.
Consumers confused ‘Where to dispose biodegradable plastics?’: A study of three waste streams
Authors: Mhaddolkar Namrata , Tischberger-Aldrian Alexia , Astrup Thomas Fruergaard , Vollprecht Daniel
Published: March 2024

Biodegradable plastics, either fossil- or biobased, are often promoted due to their biodegradability and acclaimed environmental friendliness. However, as demonstrated by previous literature, considerable confusion exists about the appropriate source separation and waste management of these plastics. Present study investigated this confusion based on manual sorting analyses of waste sampled from packaging waste ( P), biowaste ( B) and residual waste ( R) in an urban area of Austria. The results were evaluated relative to near-infrared sensor-based sorting trials conducted in a German urban area. Although existing literature has focused on waste composition analyses (mostly in stand-alone studies) of the three waste streams, the present study focused on identifying the specific types of biodegradable plastic items found in each of these streams. Supermarket carrier bags ( P = 90, B = 14, R = 33) and dustbin bags ( P = 2, B = 46, R = 6) were found in all three waste streams in the Austrian urban area. Similarly, in the German urban area dustbin bags ( P = 1, B = 106, R = 3) were the common items. The results indicate that certain bioplastic items were present in more than one bin; thus, hinting that consumers are not necessarily aware of how-to source-separate the biodegradable plastics. This suggests that neither consumers nor current waste management systems are fully ‘adapted’ to bioplastics, and the management of these plastics’ waste is currently not optimal.
Segregating by Greening: What do We Mean by Green Gentrification?
Authors: Anguelovski Isabelle , Connolly James JT
Published: March 2024

We clarify the relationship between greening and gentrification by examining the sociospatial dynamics that characterize and drive “green gentrification.” Through a conversation with the growing literature on green gentrification, we show that this relationship is nuanced and contingent upon contextual factors and we depict the exclusions at stake. In short, green gentrification is a process that generates urban green sacrifice zones, by which historically marginalized residents are forced away from greener neighborhoods, often segregated to greyer and climate-insecure areas, and which includes feedback loops of accelerated greening and exclusive investments. We conclude with future policy directions to address these green inequalities.
Student-to-Teacher Victimization and Its Negative Impact on Teaching Approaches: Applying Propensity Score Matching
Authors: Choi Jaeyong , Faucher Erin , Newnam Mckenna , Han Sungil
Published: March 2024

The negative impact of student-to-teacher victimization on teachers’ perceptions of the work environment and their well-being is supported by growing empirical literature. For instance, violence in the classroom can have a negative impact on teachers themselves and hinder teachers from playing crucial roles in students’ classroom experiences, resulting in adverse effects on student performance. However, the research field is limited in understanding the adverse effects on teachers’ perceptions more directly related to student learning, such as teacher neglect. To fill the gap in the literature, the current study analyzes data from a nationwide sample of 1,054 middle and high school teachers in South Korea where teachers are generally treated with high regard and social status, often exerting a strong influence and authority over students in both an educational and parental way. Specifically, we conduct propensity score matching to investigate potential influences that student-to-teacher victimization can have on the following three outcome variables: teacher neglect, commitment, and pride. Results of mean comparisons after accounting for other confounding factors show that when compared with nonvictims, victims of student-to-teacher victimization are more likely to neglect their students; these victims also tend to exhibit less pride as teachers. Yet, the results also showed no significant statistical difference in teacher commitment. The current findings highlight the importance of developing programs to prevent and intervene in students’ aggressive behaviors toward teachers. Particularly, administrators are recommended to consider providing training for teachers, specific to understanding student-to-teacher victimization in order to promote a more positive school environment and better student-to-teacher relationships in classrooms, including improving teachers’ job performance.
Having a Laugh and Negotiating the Situation: The Significance of Humor During Fieldwork Among International Teenagers
Authors: Korpela Mari
Published: March 2024

This article elaborates on the significance of humor and playful interactions in an ethnographic research project among 14- and 15-year-old teenagers in an international middle school in Finland. First, it discusses the role of humor among students and their teachers in the school. Second, the article elaborates on the role humor played when an adult ethnographer was negotiating her role and actions with these teenagers; humor and playful interactions provided useful tools with which to negotiate the researcher’s role and made the project a fun and enjoyable experience for the researcher and participants alike. The article employs the concept of reality play when analyzing everyday interactions in a school context, and it argues both that the use of humor can contribute to forming meaningful and ethically sound relationships between researcher and participants and that elaborations on research and ethics should pay more attention to the significance of humor and playfulness as essential parts of human life.
Design of integral backstepping controller - sliding mode along with admittance controller of knee joint robot in the presence of noise
Authors: Lin Xingmin , Xia Luting , Ruoyi Zhao , Shieh Charles , Jalalnezhad Mostafa
Published: March 2024

Robots are increasingly being used in rehabilitation to assist patients with physical disabilities, particularly the knee joint. Physiotherapists often practice the patient’s leg around the knee joint to strengthen the muscles. However, Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) devices face challenges such as lack of feedback and resistance. This thesis aims to address these issues by using admittance and impedance concepts to control the robot’s flexible behavior against individual foot forces. The research uses a combination of backstepping and admittance algorithms, Model Reference Adaptive Control (MRAC), Sliding-Backstepping and Admittance Control to create a soft interactive patient-robot interaction. The device is designed for both left and right legs.
Annie Ernaux: politics lived and written
Authors: Morisi Ève
Published: March 2024

‘Annie Ernaux: Politics lived and written’ starts by outlining the aim and key terms of this special issue of French Cultural Studies dedicated to ‘Annie Ernaux: Writing, Politics’. It then provides an overview of her life, highlighting some of the ways in which the writer, who was born in 1940, experienced or witnessed first-hand the historical events, legal pressures, and socio-political realities of her era. There follows a reminder of the two prevalent concerns that have structured her work, namely ‘le mépris social’ and ‘la domination masculine’, both of which pertain to ‘ le politique’. ‘ La politique’ being also subject to examination in the articles in this issue, the politics of Ernaux – the citizen and the writer – is subsequently surveyed and consideration is given to the author's will to distinguish it from the ‘political action of literary writing’. Finally, this introduction examines the processes of representation and self-positioning that shape the political in Ernaux's prose. A concluding section provides an overview of the nine contributions brought together here.
Decision-making process regarding passive euthanasia: Theory of planned behavior framework
Authors: Tsemach Ronit , Aharon Anat Amit
Published: March 2024

Background

Nurses have an essential role in caring for end-of-life patients. Nevertheless, the nurse’s involvement in the passive euthanasia decision-making process is insufficient and lower than expected.

Objectives

To explore factors associated with nurses’ intention to be involved in non-treatment decisions (NTD) regarding passive euthanasia decision-making versus their involvement in the palliative care of patients requesting euthanasia, using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) framework.

Design

A cross-sectional study utilizing a random sample.

Participants and research context

The study was conducted in one of the largest hospitals in Israel among 125 nurses employed in internal and surgical care wards. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews between March and April 2019.

Method

A closed structured questionnaire was developed according to TPB instructions. A paired sample t test and two multiple hierarchical regressions were conducted. Variance explained (R2) and the significance of F change were calculated for each regression. The study used the STROBE statement guideline.

Ethical considerations

The study was approved by the hospital’s Helsinki Committee (#20.11.2017).

Findings

A paired sample t test revealed that nurses’ involvement in the palliative care of patients requesting passive euthanasia was significantly higher than in NTD regarding euthanasia. Regression analyses revealed that nurses’ position and attitudes explain their intention to be involved in decision-making; attitudes and perceived behavioral control explain nurses’ intention to be involved in the care of patients requesting euthanasia.

Conclusions

According to the TPB, nurses’ attitudes explained their intention to participate in decision-making regarding passive euthanasia. It is recommended to enhance open discussion of this complex issue to encourage nurses’ willingness to participate in NTD decision-making regarding euthanasia.
Analyzing the Hierarchical Structure  of Enablers Affecting Indian Banks’ Merger and Acquisition Financing Decisions
Authors: Shri Charu , Saini Neha , Kumar Dinesh , Kharb Ravita
Published: March 2024

Mergers and acquisitions have been important means of company expansion, restructuring, and diversification. In mergers and acquisitions, Indian banks play a critical role. The study aimed to discover, determine, and create an empirical model that evaluates the interdependence and interaction of enablers. Through literature and unstructured interviews, 10 enablers influencing Indian banks’ financing decisions for merger and acquisition transactions were identified. Total interpretive structural modelling (TISM) and the Matrice d’Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliqués à un Classement (MICMAC) technique establish the relationship between identified enablers. Governance and regulatory framework, political stability, and economic stability are major independent enablers for financing mergers and acquisitions. Transparency and disclosure, infrastructure, technical skills, and information communication technology act as linkage enablers for the participation of banks in merger and acquisition transactions. The study makes a novel contribution by identifying enablers through a literature search and ‘experts’ opinions. The TISM model determines the priority of the enablers by displaying hierarchical interconnection and dependency. This study reviews the literature to generalize the findings and focus on significant drivers for increased investment. To encourage merger and acquisition activity, practitioners must focus on elements with significant driving power. It will assist the practitioners, managers, and authorities in prioritizing their efforts.
Defect detection and localisation using guided wave images from array data processed by nonlinear autoregressive exogenous model and Gamma statistical operator
Authors: Wang Kangwei , Zhang Jie , Xiao Yang , Croxford Anthony J. , Yang Yong
Published: March 2024

Guided wave structural health monitoring (GWSHM) systems, using the delay-and-sum imaging algorithm, are an efficient solution to detect and localise defects in industrial structures. However, the image artifacts caused by either imperfect detection or sensor lay-out limitations make it difficult to identify and locate defects accurately. In order to enhance the performance of defect detection and localisation in GWSHM systems, this paper proposes a three-step procedure for post-processing guided wave signals prior to image formation. In the first step, the signals are processed using the nonlinear autoregressive exogenous model to suppress noise from benign features. The second step calculates the probability of defect presence based on the rescaled Gamma cumulative distribution function. This probabilistic threshold is then determined from the quantile mapping. Finally, a guide wave image is formed using the delay-and-sum imaging algorithm. The experimental validation was performed to inspect a 6 mm-diameter through-thickness circular hole on an aluminium plate and the defects were further scaled as simulated datasets to test its detectability under various amplitudes. In the second procedure step, the detection and localisation performance of the proposed procedure was compared with that of using the signal difference coefficient and the Rayleigh maximum likelihood estimator. It is shown that the proposed procedure can enhance the contrast between damaged and undamaged regions, providing more reliable and accurate guided wave images.
The Effect of Dose Enhancement in Tumor With Silver Nanoparticles on Surrounding Healthy Tissues: A Monte Carlo Study
Authors: ÇAĞLAR Mustafa , EŞİTMEZ Dursun , CEBE Mehmet Sıddık
Published: March 2024

Objectives: Cancer-related death rates account for approximately one-third of all deaths, and this rate is increasing remarkably every year. In this study, we examined the dose enhancement factor (DEF) in the tumor and surrounding tissues by adding different concentrations of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to the brain tumor using the Monte Carlo (MC) technique. Methods: This study used MCNP6.2 simulation software. A Planning Target Volume (PTV) of 1 × 1 × 1 cm3 was placed in the center of a cubic cranial model with dimensions of 5 × 5 × 5 cm3. Five different simulations were initially generated using the simple method. These simulations included pure PTV and PTV consisting of 4 different silver concentrations (5, 10, 20, and 30 mg/g). Additionally, a model was created using the nanolattice method, considering the size, position, and distribution of the AgNPs. Irradiation was performed using a source with a 6 MV linac photon spectrum. Measurements were performed using the *f8 tally, and DEF values were calculated. Results: In the simulation study using the simple method, the DEF value of PTV increased linearly with concentration, whereas the DEF values were lower than the simulation results with the nanolattice model (1.9 vs 1.4 for 30 mg/g NP concentration). Performing the simple method, we observed no remarkable dose increase in lateral OARs surrounding PTV. While a remarkable dose decrease was observed in distal OARs, a dose increase in the proximal OAR was observed, which was consistent with that of PTV. However, according to the results obtained by performing the nanolattice method, the dose increase was observed in both the proximal OAR and the distal OAR and was similar to that of PTV. Conclusion: While enhancing the dose in the tumor by adding NPs into the tumor, it is essential to consider whether it also increases the OAR dose. In addition, simulation studies on NPs showed that the dose increase varied significantly with particle size, position, and distribution. Hence, these factors should be considered carefully.
Association of Daily Step Count With Patient Knowledge, Step Tracking, and Physical Factors in Patients With Spine Pathology
Authors: Sacino Amanda N. , Norvell Dan , Gorbacheva Anna , Sajid Amal , Avantaggio August , Oskouian Rod J. , Chapman Jens R.
Published: March 2024

Up to 10,000 steps per day may be associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality as well as cancer and cardiovascular disease mortality. Here, we evaluate daily step count in patients seen in spine clinic and its association with step goal knowledge, step tracking, and physical factors affecting walking. Of the 575 clinic patients, 368 met criteria and agreed to participate (mean age range 60-69 years; 52% female; 54% prior spine surgery). Of the population surveyed for actual daily steps, 55% reported <2000 and 9% reported >8000. Patients with a higher knowledge of the ideal step goal and who possessed a step counter (64%) had a higher number of actual daily steps ( P < .001). The main prohibiting factor to actual walking was pain (64%). Prior spine surgery and the use of a walking assist was associated with less daily steps ( P < .04, 6% reported >8000 steps; and P < .001, 0% reported >8000 steps, respectively). Patients presenting for evaluation in spine clinic underestimate the recommended number of steps taken daily to help decrease all-cause mortality, and cancer and cardiovascular disease mortality.
Description of an individualised delirium intervention in intensive care units for critically ill patients delivered by an artificial intelligence-assisted system: using the TIDieR checklist
Authors: Zhang Shan , Cui Wei , Wu Ying , Ji Meihua
Published: March 2024

Background:

Delirium is a preventable and reversible complication for intensive care unit (ICU) patients, which can be linked to negative outcomes. Early intervention to cope with the risk factors of delirium is necessary. Yet no specific description of the Artificial Intelligence Assisted Prevention and Management for Delirium (AI-AntiDelirium) following the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist was reported. This is the first study to describe a detailed process for the development of an evidence-based delirium intervention.

Aims:

To describe an individualised delirium intervention which is delivered by an artificial intelligence-assisted system in the ICU for critically ill patients.

Methods and results:

The TIDieR checklist improved the description of ICU delirium interventions, including several key features for improved implementation of the intervention. This descriptive research describes the AI-assisted ICU delirium interventions for improving cognitive load and adherence of nurses and reducing ICU delirium incidence. Following the TIDieR checklist, we standardised the flow chart of ICU delirium assessment tools; formed an evaluation sheet of ICU delirium risk factors; and translated the evidence-based ABCDEF bundle intervention into practice. Therefore, nurses and researchers would benefit from replicating the interventions for clinical use or experimental research.

Conclusions:

The TIDieR checklist provided a systematic approach for reporting the complex ICU delirium interventions delivered in a clinical interventional trial, which contributes to the nursing practice policy for the standardisation of interventions.
Effects of Travel Distance on Complications and Outcomes in Total Ankle Arthroplasty
Authors: Shaffrey Isabel , Teehan Emily , Caolo Kristin , Ellis Scott , Deland Jonathan , Henry Jensen , Demetracopoulos Constantine
Published: March 2024

Owing to the last decade’s increase in the number of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) procedures performed annually, there is a concern that the disproportionate distribution of orthopaedic surgeons who regularly perform TAA may impact complications and/or patient satisfaction. This study examines patient-reported outcomes and complications in TAA patients who had to travel for surgery compared to those treated locally. This is a single-center retrospective review of 160 patients undergoing primary TAA between January 2016 and December 2018, with mean age 65 (range: 59-71) years, mean body mass index (BMI) 28.7 kg/m2, 69 (43.1%) females, and mean 1.5 (SD = 0.51) years follow-up. Patients were grouped by distance traveled (<50 miles [n = 89] versus >50 miles traveled [n = 71]). There were no significant differences in rate or type of postoperative complications between the <50 mile group (16.9%) and the >50 mile group (22.5%) (P = .277). Similarly, there were no significant difference in postoperative PROMIS scores between the groups (P = .858). Given uneven distribution of high-volume surgeons performing TAA, this is important for patients who are deciding where to have their TAA surgery and for surgeons on how to counsel patients regarding risks when traveling longer distances for TAA care.

Levels of Evidence: Level III: Retrospective Cohort Study
Where's the theory contribution? An answer in four parts
Authors: Kilduff Martin , O’Sullivan Daniel
Published: March 2024

The requirement for a theory contribution in empirical papers causes consternation among some and confusion among many. We address this issue by articulating alternative approaches to theory that include formal modeling, paradigm elaboration, problem solving, and theory emergence from observations. Knowledge about these different approaches will, we believe, help ameliorate disagreement and incomprehension across the research tribes that dominate social science and business school research. Each approach requires different assumptions about truth and the representation of reality. We outline each approach, provide examples, and a short critique. We suggest that what may seem mundane to the critical realist may be eye-opening to the pragmatist who directs attention to practitioners. For the scholar immersed within the walls of a paradigm, a set of stylized facts may challenge and inspire. The secret to innovative theory contributions is to synthesize ideas from the different tribes to use within your own focused research program.
Institutionalism, the corporation, and the climate crisis
Authors: Ferguson-Cradler Gregory
Published: March 2024

The transition to a zero-emissions world entails vast political economic restructuring. How resources are mobilized, what sorts of technological infrastructures are constructed, who funds, controls and has claim to profits from investments contributing to the green transition will shape political economies for generations to come. This article suggests that early 20th-century American institutionalism and subsequent legal institutionalist literatures provide a valuable resource for energy transitions scholars and other social scientists, activists, and policy-makers of the energy transition. The article summarizes some of the major lines of thought in classical and legal institutionalism and briefly outlines three areas in which they can inform thinking about political economies of the Anthropocene. First, these literatures are generative of creative thinking on how business activity is organized and help overcome reductionist public-private dichotomies. Second, the history of institutionalist and progressive thought in the New Deal-era runs parallel, in revealing ways, to thinking based on environmental, social and governmental (ESG) principles in the present. Lastly, the article discusses radical proposals for transformation of private property and investment in the thought of institutionalist Adolf Berle relevant to simultaneously addressing both climate and inequality crises.
Medical service quality evaluation based on LDA and sentiment analysis: Examples of seven chronic diseases
Authors: Dai Jing , Lyu Fang , Yu Lin , Zhou Zixuan , He Yunyu
Published: March 2024

Objective

In this article, we investigate how chronic noncommunicable disease (CND) patients evaluate the medical service, and what obstacles exist in this process, which is useful for hospitals to improve efficiency and enhance patient satisfaction.

Methods

Based on the total number of CND patients in China, 7 CNDs were selected as the evaluation objects, and then selected the Haodaifu website as the data source, crawled 15,682 medical service reviews, then the 9 themes were analyzed by the LDA theme model. The evaluation index system of six indicators was constructed based on quality management theory. The binary long short-term memory model was used to analyze the sentiment, and the entropy-valued, TOPSIS and gray correlation model was implemented for medical service quality evaluation; the barrier model was used to find out the key factors limiting medical services.

Results

(a) Hypertension was rated at a good level in the degree of gray correlation closeness, bronchitis was rated at a low level and the rest were at an intermediate level. (b) The first two overall barriers were the hospitalization process and registration services which occupy about 30%, respectively. This implies that hospitals should focus on providing registration services and inpatient settings in the future.

Conclusion

To promote hospitals to provide better services for patients with CNDs and improve patient satisfaction with medical care. And it is necessary to optimize medical services fundamentally by optimizing the inpatient process and improving the registration process to improve efficiency.
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery in Immediate DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction: Reducing Length of Stay and Opioid Use
Authors: El-Jebaoui Jad , Awaida Cyril J. , Bou-Merhi Joseph , Bernier Christina , Gagnon Alain , Aribert Marion , Saint-Cyr Michel , Harris Patrick G. , Odobescu Andrei
Published: March 2024

Background: To improve patient outcomes amid reduced healthcare resources during the COVID-19 pandemic, a single Canadian cancer center implemented an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol for autologous DIEP flap breast reconstruction. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 100 consecutive patients undergoing microsurgical breast reconstruction with DIEP flaps using the ERAS protocol and 100 patients using a standard protocol. Primary outcomes were the hospital length of stay and opioid use. Secondary outcomes included postoperative complications, laxative and antiemetic consumption. Results: In this study, 80% of the patients had immediate reconstruction, while the remaining patients received either delayed immediate or delayed reconstruction. Patients in the ERAS group had shorter hospital stays (2.8 vs 4.5 days; P < 0.001) and lower total opioid use (50.2 vs 136.3 mg; P < 0.001). This reduction was also observed when breaking down opiates per day of hospitalization (30.2 vs 18.2 mg; P < 0.001), and in the first 24 postoperatively hours (35.7 vs 67.6 mg; P < 0.001). The control group had a higher incidence of postoperative complications, including seroma, partial and total flap necrosis, compared to the ERAS group. However, readmission rates were similar between the two groups. Conclusion: Implementing the ERAS protocol for DIEP flap breast reconstruction can significantly reduce hospital length of stay and postoperative opioid requirements without increasing the risk of adverse events. This pattern holds true for immediate reconstructions with DIEP flaps.
Superiority of the Septal Extension Graft Technique in Rhinoplasty Patient Satisfaction Versus the Intercrural Strut
Authors: Romero-Algara Enrique , Navarro-Nuño Damaris Estefanía , Romero-Algara Emmanuel , Torres-Salazar Quitzia Libertad
Published: March 2024

Background: Considering that rhinoplasty is one of the most demanded surgeries nowadays, it is necessary to analyse the relationship between the final result and the satisfaction of the patients who have undergone surgery. The objective of this study was to measure patient satisfaction by comparing the results achieved 6 months after their surgery following the use of two surgical techniques: the intercrural strut type technique, in contrast to the septal extension graft technique. Methods: Ambispective analytical cohort study in two parallel groups with patients scheduled for rhinoplasty. Sample size was calculated with a confidence level of 95% and a power of 80%, resulting in a minimum of 20 subjects to be included. Fifty-three patients participated: 22 operated with the i ntercrural strut technique and 31 with septal extension grafting. Results: An increase in the nasolabial angle was identified, with similar results between techniques. At 6-month evaluation, a decrease in the nasolabial angle was observed in all patients. Conclusion: The nasolabial angle remained higher at 6 months in the septal extension group compared to the intercrural post group; however, these differences were not statistically significant. Notably, the patient satisfaction survey revealed that only 59.1% of individuals who underwent surgery with the intercrural strut technique expressed satisfaction with the results. Conversely, 100% of the subjects who underwent surgery using the septal extension graft technique reported being satisfied with the final outcome.
Hypercapnia is not excluded by normoxia in neuromuscular disease patients: implications for oximetry
Authors: Gray Emma , Menadue Collette , Piper Amanda , Wong Keith , Kiernan Matthew , Yee Brendon
Published: March 2024

Background

Pulse oximetry is widely used in the assessment of chronic respiratory failure in neuromuscular disease (NMD) patients. Chronic respiratory failure is the major cause of morbidity and mortality, necessitating early diagnosis and intervention. Guidelines suggest that an arterial blood gas (ABG) measurement is indicated if oxygen saturation (SpO2) is ≤94% in the absence of lung disease. However, hypercapnia with normoxia (SpO2≥95%) has been observed on ABGs of patients with NMD, in particular those with motor neurone disease.

Methods

A single-centre retrospective audit of room-air ABGs in stable hypercapnic chronic respiratory failure patients from 1990 to 2020 was performed. Patients with parenchymal lung disease were excluded. Patients were grouped into three main categories: non-NMD, other NMD and motor neurone disease.

Findings

297 ABGs with hypercapnia from 180 patients with extrinsic restrictive lung disease were analysed. No patients with non-NMD, 54% of patients with other NMD and 36% of motor neurone disease patients demonstrated hypercapnia with normoxia (Chi-squared 61.33; p<0.001). The potential mechanism is proposed to be a difference in calculated respiratory quotient. If the alveolar–arterial gradient is assumed to be normal, the calculated respiratory quotient was significantly higher in motor neurone disease patients and other NMD patients compared with non-NMD patients (estimated marginal mean 0.99, 95% CI 0.94–1.03; 0.86 0.76–0.96; 0.73, 0.63—0.83, respectively; p<0.001) by mixed-model analysis.

Interpretation

Hypercapnia is not excluded with normal oximetry in NMD patients and may be due to an elevated respiratory quotient. This has implications in the diagnosis and monitoring of respiratory insufficiency in NMD patients with oximetry alone.
Study on damage and fracture characteristics of wood based on acoustic emission b-value and seismic magnitude difference entropy
Authors: Li Ming , Zhao Yue , Mao Feilong , Fang Saiyin , Qin Gezhou , Xu Ning , Zhu Daigen
Published: March 2024

To assess the damage and fracture behavior of wood under load, a wood damage assessment method was proposed based on acoustic emission (AE) b-values and seismic magnitude difference entropy. First, AE signals from Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica (softwood) and Zelkova schneideriana (hardwood) specimens were collected separately at a sampling frequency of 500 kHz in a three-point bending test. Then, 52 dB was taken as the threshold of the AE event, and the b-value and seismic magnitude difference entropy were calculated at 4-s intervals. Finally, by comparing with the load‒time curve, the b-value and seismic magnitude difference entropy were used to evaluate the damage fracture degree. The results showed that an increase in the b-value indicates the accumulation of strain energy, and vice versa, corresponding to the concentrated release of strain energy. At the same time, the test process can be divided into three stages—elastic, elastic‒plastic and plastic—based on the level of the seismic magnitude difference entropy.
Nano-indentation study of dislocation evolution in GaN-based laser diodes
Authors: Chen Jingjing , Su Xujun , Wang Guobing , Niu Mutong , Li Xinran , Xu Ke
Published: March 2024

The slip systems and motion behavior of dislocations induced by nano-indentation technique in GaN-based LDs were investigated. Dislocations with burgers vector of b = 1/3 <11$$\overline{2}$$

2
¯

3> were introduced on either {11$$\overline{2}$$

2
¯

2} <11$$\overline{2}$$

2
¯

3>, or {1$$\overline{1}$$

1
¯

01} <11$$\overline{2}$$

2
¯

3> pyramidal slip systems in the upper p-GaN layer. Besides, {0001} <11$$\overline{2}$$

2
¯

0> basal slip system was also activated. The AlGaN/InGaN multi-layers in device can provide mismatch stresses to prevent dislocations from slipping through. It was observed that the density of dislocations induced by the indenter significantly decreased from the upper to the lower regions of the multi-layers. The a + c dislocations on pyramidal slip planes were mostly blocked by the strained layers.
Patient-controlled analgesia morphine for the management of acute pain in the emergency department: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Oon Muhammad Baihaqi , Nik Ab. Rahman Nik Hisamuddin , Mohd Noor Norhayati , Yazid Mohd Boniami
Published: March 2024

Background

The ideal pain control approach is typically viewed as titration of analgesia for pain reduction and periodic pain evaluation. However, this method takes time and is not always possible in the crowded Emergency Department. Therefore, an alternative way to improve pain care in the Emergency Department is needed to avoid this unpleasant sensation in the patients. The best solution to tackle this situation is using Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA), in the form of a PCA pump.

Study objectives

This systematic review and meta-analysis was designated to evaluate the efficacy of PCA morphine in treating acute pain at Emergency Department.

Methods

We searched databases Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Medline, and Google Scholar up to February 2022 and identified randomized controlled trials with English language only that compare PCA morphine to IV morphine in treating patients presenting with acute pain at Emergency Department.

Results

Eight trials were included in our review, comprising 1490 participants. We compared PCA morphine vs. IV morphine. There were no differences in the pain score between PCA and IV morphine (standard mean difference [SMD] = -0.20, p = 0.25). Further subgroup analyses (origin of the pain, time of assessment and the durations) showed no difference except for the dosages as the PCA morphine reduced the pain compared to IV morphine in low and high dosages but only two studies were involved. However, the analysis showed PCA morphine increased patient satisfaction and reduced the number of patients who required additional analgesia compared to IV morphine (MD 0.12, P < 0.001), (MD 0.47, P < 0.001) respectively. Data obtained in this review pertaining to adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, pruritus, and drowsiness is limited since not all the trials reported the events.

Conclusions

PCA morphine do appear to have a beneficial effect on the outcome of patient satisfaction and the number of patients who required additional analgesia. However, further studies targeting a larger sample size is required to increase the certainty of the evidence.
Genome-wide identification of SWEET genes reveals their roles during seed development in peanuts
Authors: Li Yang , Fu Mengjia , Li Jiaming , Wu Jie , Shua Zhenyang , Chen Tiantian , Yao Wen , Huai Dongxin
Published: March 2024

Sugar Will Eventually be Exported Transporter (SWEET) proteins are highly conserved in various organisms and play crucial roles in sugar transport processes. However, SWEET proteins in peanuts, an essential leguminous crop worldwide, remain lacking in systematic characterization. Here, we identified 94 SWEET genes encoding the conservative MtN3/saliva domains in three peanut species, including 47 in Arachis hypogea, 23 in Arachis duranensis, and 24 in Arachis ipaensis. We observed significant variations in the exon-intron structure of these genes, while the motifs and domain structures remained highly conserved. Phylogenetic analysis enabled us to categorize the predicted 286 SWEET proteins from eleven species into seven distinct groups. Whole genome duplication/segment duplication and tandem duplication were the primary mechanisms contributing to the expansion of the total number of SWEET genes. In addition, an investigation of cis-elements in the potential promoter regions and expression profiles across 22 samples uncovered the diverse expression patterns of AhSWEET genes in peanuts. AhSWEET24, with the highest expression level in seeds from A. hypogaea Tifrunner, was observed to be localized on both the plasma membrane and endoplasmic reticulum membrane. Moreover, qRT-PCR results suggested that twelve seed-expressed AhSWEET genes were important in the regulation of seed development across four different peanut varieties. Together, our results provide a foundational basis for future investigations into the functions of SWEET genes in peanuts, especially in the process of seed development.
Coping with extremes: the rumen transcriptome and microbiome co-regulate plateau adaptability of Xizang goat
Authors: Pan Cheng , Li Haiyan , Mustafa Shehr Bano , Renqing Cuomu , Zhang Zhenzhen , Li Jingjing , Song Tianzeng , Wang Gaofu , Zhao Wangsheng
Published: March 2024

The interactions between the rumen microbiota and the host are crucial for the digestive and absorptive processes of ruminants, and they are heavily influenced by the climatic conditions of their habitat. Owing to the harsh conditions of the high-altitude habitat, little is known about how ruminants regulate the host transcriptome and the composition of their rumen microbiota. Using the model species of goats, we examined the variations in the rumen microbiota, transcriptome regulation, and climate of the environment between high altitude (Lhasa, Xizang; 3650 m) and low altitude (Chengdu, Sichuan, China; 500 m) goats. The results of 16 S rRNA sequencing revealed variations in the abundance, diversity, and composition of rumen microbiota. Papillibacter, Quinella, and Saccharofermentans were chosen as potential microbes for the adaptation of Xizang goats to the harsh climate of the plateau by the Spearman correlation study of climate and microbiota. Based on rumen transcriptome sequencing analysis, 244 genes were found to be differentially expressed between Xizang goats and low-altitude goats, with 127 genes showing up-regulation and 117 genes showing down-regulation. SLC26A9, GPX3, ARRDC4, and COX1 were identified as potential candidates for plateau adaptation in Xizang goats. Moreover, the metabolism of fatty acids, arachidonic acids, pathway involving cytokines and their receptors could be essential for adaptation to plateau hypoxia and cold endurance. The expression of GPX3, a gene linked to plateau acclimatization in Xizang goats, was linked to the abundance of Anaerovibrio, and the expression of SLC26A9 was linked to the quantity of Selenomonas, according to ruminal microbiota and host Spearman correlation analysis. Our findings imply that in order to adapt harsh plateau conditions, Xizang goats have evolved to maximize digestion and absorption as well as to have a rumen microbiota suitable for the composition of their diet.
Bioinformatics analysis identifies a key gene HLA_DPA1 in severe influenza-associated immune infiltration
Authors: Chen Liang , Hua Jie , He Xiaopu
Published: March 2024

Background

Severe influenza is a serious global health issue that leads to prolonged hospitalization and mortality on a significant scale. The pathogenesis of this infectious disease is poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the key genes associated with severe influenza patients necessitating invasive mechanical ventilation.

Methods

The current study utilized two publicly accessible gene expression profiles (GSE111368 and GSE21802) from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The research focused on identifying the genes exhibiting differential expression between severe and non-severe influenza patients. We employed three machine learning algorithms, namely the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator regression model, Random Forest, and Support Vector Machine-Recursive Feature Elimination, to detect potential key genes. The key gene was further selected based on the diagnostic performance of the target genes substantiated in the dataset GSE101702. A single-sample gene set enrichment analysis algorithm was applied to evaluate the participation of immune cell infiltration and their associations with key genes.

Results

A total of 44 differentially expressed genes were recognized; among them, we focused on 10 common genes, namely PCOLCE2, HLA_DPA1, LOC653061, TDRD9, MPO, HLA_DQA1, MAOA, S100P, RAP1GAP, and CA1. To ensure the robustness of our findings, we employed overlapping LASSO regression, Random Forest, and SVM-RFE algorithms. By utilizing these algorithms, we were able to pinpoint the aforementioned 10 genes as potential biomarkers for distinguishing between both cases of influenza (severe and non-severe). However, the gene HLA_DPA1 has been recognized as a crucial factor in the pathological condition of severe influenza. Notably, the validation dataset revealed that this gene exhibited the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, with a value of 0.891. The use of single-sample gene set enrichment analysis has provided valuable insights into the immune responses of patients afflicted with severe influenza that have further revealed a categorical correlation between the expression of HLA_DPA1 and lymphocytes.

Conclusion

The findings indicated that the HLA_DPA1 gene may play a crucial role in the immune-pathological condition of severe influenza and could serve as a promising therapeutic target for patients infected with severe influenza.
Biotransformation of zearalenone to non-estrogenic compounds with two novel recombinant lactonases from Gliocladium
Authors: Sun Zongping , Fang Yuting , Zhu Yaohuan , Tian Wen , Yu Junjie , Tang Jun
Published: March 2024

Background

The mycotoxin zearalenone (ZEA) produced by toxigenic fungi is widely present in cereals and its downstream products. The danger of ZEA linked to various human health issues has attracted increasing attention. Thus, powerful ZEA-degrading or detoxifying strategies are urgently needed. Biology-based detoxification methods are specific, efficient, and environmentally friendly and do not lead to negative effects during cereal decontamination. Among these, ZEA detoxification using degrading enzymes was documented to be a promising strategy in broad research. Here, two efficient ZEA-degrading lactonases from the genus Gliocladium, ZHDR52 and ZHDP83, were identified for the first time. This work studied the degradation capacity and properties of ZEA using purified recombinant ZHDR52 and ZHDP83.

Results

According to the ZEA degradation study, transformed Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) PLySs cells harboring the zhdr52 or zhdp83 gene could transform 20 µg/mL ZEA within 2 h and degrade > 90% of ZEA toxic derivatives, α/β-zearalanol and α/β-zearalenol, within 6 h. Biochemical analysis demonstrated that the optimal pH was 9.0 for ZHDR52 and ZHDP83, and the optimum temperature was 45 °C. The purified recombinant ZHDR52 and ZHDP83 retained > 90% activity over a wide range of pH values and temperatures (pH 7.0–10.0 and 35–50 °C). In addition, the specific activities of purified ZHDR52 and ZHDP83 against ZEA were 196.11 and 229.64 U/mg, respectively. The results of these two novel lactonases suggested that, compared with ZHD101, these two novel lactonases transformed ZEA into different products. The slight position variations in E126 and H242 in ZDHR52/ZEA and ZHDP83/ZEA obtained via structural modelling may explain the difference in degradation products. Moreover, the MCF-7 cell proliferation assay indicated that the products of ZEA degradation using ZHDR52 and ZHDP83 did not exhibit estrogenic activity.

Conclusions

ZHDR52 and ZHDP83 are alkali ZEA-degrading enzymes that can efficiently and irreversibly degrade ZEA into non-estrogenic products, indicating that they are potential candidates for commercial application. This study identified two excellent lactonases for industrial ZEA detoxification.