bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of the student ratings in clinical teaching scale in Australia: a methodological study
Authors: Huang Pin-Hsiang , O’Sullivan Anthony John , Shulruf Boaz
Published: September 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to devise a valid measurement for assessing clinical students’ perceptions of teaching practices.Methods: A new tool was developed based on a meta-analysis encompassing effective clinical teaching-learning factors. Seventy-nine items were generated using a frequency (never to always) scale. The tool was applied to the University of New South Wales year 2, 3, and 6 medical students. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (exploratory factor analysis [EFA] and confirmatory factor analysis [CFA], respectively) were conducted to establish the tool’s construct validity and goodness of fit, and Cronbach’s α was used for reliability.Results: In total, 352 students (44.2%) completed the questionnaire. The EFA identified student-centered learning, problem-solving learning, self-directed learning, and visual technology (reliability, 0.77 to 0.89). CFA showed acceptable goodness of fit (chi-square P<0.01, comparative fit index=0.930 and Tucker-Lewis index=0.917, root mean square error of approximation=0.069, standardized root mean square residual=0.06).Conclusion: The established tool—Student Ratings in Clinical Teaching (STRICT)—is a valid and reliable tool that demonstrates how students perceive clinical teaching efficacy. STRICT measures the frequency of teaching practices to mitigate the biases of acquiescence and social desirability. Clinical teachers may use the tool to adapt their teaching practices with more active learning activities and to utilize visual technology to facilitate clinical learning efficacy. Clinical educators may apply STRICT to assess how these teaching practices are implemented in current clinical settings.
Shared Human and Unique Individual Experiences: Personality Development in Vulnerable Youth
Authors:   , Koster Nagila
Published: September 2023

Personality development is a shared human and a unique individual experience. This dissertation describes both perspectives in the exploration of personality development of vulnerable youth. By examining personality traits, characteristic ways of adapting to the environment, narrative identity, and functioning – following an integrative model described by D. McAdams – the studies shed light on maladaptive pathways of personality development. Understanding such pathways may additionally contribute to a developmentally sensitive and dimensional perspective on personality pathology.
First, this dissertation focusses on adaptive and maladaptive personality traits and their cross-sectional or longitudinal associations with social problems, relationships with parents and symptoms. Generally, we find that the personality traits of youth, and particularly neuroticism, are meaningfully associated with these constructs. However, differences concerning specific trait profiles or levels of social problems or symptoms, emphasize the particularities of personality development, next to its generalities. These shared and unique characteristics are also represented in the narrative identity, which is the second focus of this dissertation. Through the lens of turning point narratives, stories about moments that describe a change in one’s perspective on the self, others or life in general, these studies consider such meaning making in relation to personality traits and functioning. We find that general characteristics of these highly unique stories, namely a negative valence, little agentic or communal language and negative self-event connections, are associated with maladaptive personality development. Taken together, we conclude that both the general and the particular – the nomothetic and the idiographic – perspectives are necessary for understanding personality development in vulnerable youth.
Early life cow's milk allergy prevention
Authors:   , Liu Mengshan
Published: September 2023

The prevalence and lack of good solutions for cow's milk allergy (CMA) in young children are leading to public concern and increasing socioeconomic problems. This requires new preventive approaches. In this thesis, we investigated the potential of an oral formulation – based on poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NP) – of selected peptides from whey proteins and CpG-Oligodeoxynucleotides for CMA prevention, using both in vitro and in vivo studies.
In vitro, we showed, through Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) and imaging in living cells, that PLGA NP protected the encapsulated peptides for up to 6 hours in simulated gastric fluid and extended their residence time in isolated mouse dendritic cells to 96 hours. This demonstrates the hypothesis that PLGA nanoparticles improved the stability of the encapsulated peptide cargo in the gastrointestinal lumen and retention in intestinal DC upon internalization.
In vivo, we showed that oral pretreatment with two PLGA-NP-encapsulated peptides, prior to allergic sensitization to whey, protected mice from acute allergic skin reactions upon intradermal exposure to whey. In addition, we have shown that this protection is dose-related and may be associated with whey-specific systemic silencing of ex vivo whey-stimulated TNF-α release by splenocytes.

Intriguingly, in vivo, we showed the superior tolerogenic effect of orally administered PLGA nanoparticles co-loaded with T-cell epitopes containing peptide and a CpG adjuvant as compared to the separately encapsulated peptide and CpG counterpart. The combination of peptides and CpG prevented rise in specific IgE antibody levels in serum and whey-induced acute allergic skin reactions, and showed a beneficial immunomodulatory effect on immune cells.
Finally, allergy-associated immunomodulatory effects of empty, peptide or CpG-containing PLGA nanoparticles were evaluated in vitro using dendritic cells derived from human monocytes. The immature moDCs primed with CpG-ODN loaded PLGA NP also effectively increased the ratios of Treg/Th2 and Th1/Th2. This finding supports the hypothesis that the co-encapsulated CpG-ODN facilitates the inhibition of Th2 immunity also in vivo.
In conclusion, our findings substantiate the translational potential of PLGA nanoparticles in which T-cell epitopes containing peptides are encapsulated for future development of effective and safe strategies for early life CMA prevention (i.e., supplementing hydrolyzed formula milk for infants at risk). In addition, besides BLG-peptides also CpG-ODN motives, which may include bacterial DNA of selected bacterial strains, can be co-loaded in the PLGA NP to increase the efficacy of the formulations in oral tolerance induction. This strategy may be further developed as a modality to treat cow’s milk allergy for example as adjunct treatment for allergen specific oral immunotherapy.
Forms and Decisions! The Implications of Mental Capacity
Authors: Tan Shen Kiat
Published: September 2023

Much has been written about the deputyship regime in Singapore and the operation of the Mental Capacity Act 2008 (MCA) in relation to it. In addition, there are also articles on the pertinent issue of capacity assessments and writing of medical reports for deputy applications . In reality, however, there remains a significant gap in the understanding on how theory and practice meet in the area of capacity assessment and a desire for a more grounded approach towards implementing the framework set out in the MCA for capacity assessment. In particular, there is difficulty in setting the threshold of understanding required in the functional component of the test. This article aims to provide some user-friendly guidance that can be adopted in capacity assessments and a practical explanation on how we can ensure that capacity assessments are as robust and accurate as they can be. While doing so, I hope to encourage and catalyst the evolvement of a group of capacity assessors who can meet the demands and increased sophistication of how we preserve and enable autonomy, and to assist professionals, in particular doctors and lawyers, to cooperate with each other when an cross-disciplinary approach is required.
Supporting a Patient with Intellectual Disability in a GP Clinic: A Practical Approach
Authors: Seow Yujin
Published: September 2023

People with intellectual disability(PwID) pose a challenge to Primary Care Physicians due to their complex care needs arising from their multiple biological, psychological, social and factors. Although the exact prevalence is not documented in Singapore, it is estimated that about 3% of the population has Intellectual Disability. The local primary healthcare landscape is due to undergo significant changes with the implementation of Healthier SG and this will see the empanelment of patients to one family physician to ensure ongoing care continuity and personalised healthcare for the local population. Primary healthcare providers are aptly placed to manage PwID, with the aim of maintaining these patients in the community and reducing the stressors that their secondary care partners are already facing. To achieve this, it is recommended that comprehensive assessments looking at the patient as well as their family, social and care network be done. There are numerous obstacles to consider, from encouraging and allowing access to healthcare providers, to managing the consultation so that effective information exchange can occur, to effective management of medical, behavioural issues and management of the patients carer, family and support network. An effective interprofessional approach in the management of PwID and support to their family/carers not only ensures their holistic well-being, but also their ability to integrate into the community.
Dielectric Failure Analysis of Distribution Transformer
Authors: Prabakaran T. , Munshi Sumbul , Roy Himangshu , Pathak Saumitra , Sawale B. A.
Published: September 2023

The distribution Transformer acts an important function in the electrical distribution network. Failure of the transformer ends in an outage of power supply to end users. Failure of the distribution transformer usually results in the spare time of some weeks transformer accompanied by commercial misfortunes and the necessity to fix the system at the earliest. The prime reason for the outage of distribution transformers is a short circuit, insulation breakdown, and prolonged overloading. This paper investigates failure analysis of distribution transformers during separate source voltage withstand tests, induced over-voltage withstand tests and short circuit withstand strength tests. In this paper failure cases of three distribution transformers are resolved and the results are analyzed.
Experience of Testing and Evaluation of HV Capacitors for Endurance Testing with Reference to IEC Standards
Authors: Shanker T. Bhavani , Vaidhyanathan V. , Mohamed A. Sheik
Published: September 2023

It is essential to maintain the power factor near unity for effective utilization of the available apparent power as renewables are gaining importance in the power system. Capacitors form an important component in achieving the power factor near unity. Capacitors are being used in the ac network for reactive power compensation either in shunt or series mode. These capacitors must be evaluated for their performance to meet the requirement of various international/national standards International/ National standards for evaluation of capacitors are continuously evolving based on the application. Endurance testing is an important test to assess the performance of the capacitors for long duration application and to find the suitability for their availability in the network. The paper discusses the experience of two decades in performing Endurance testing for evaluation of capacitors used in the ac network with reference the IEC standards. Important observations in the evolution in the IEC standards for Endurance testing. Number of overvoltage cycles applied during over voltage test and duration of ageing test were also discussed in the paper.
Gross Calorific Value of Indian Coals and its Correlation with Ash Content
Authors: Saravanan V. , Subbiramani K. , Rao T. Mallikharjuna
Published: September 2023

The Indian coals are a sub-bituminous variety, high in ash content and low in calorific value. The high ash content in Indian coals makes Indian coals more heterogeneous. The moisture and the ash content have a direct impact on the calorific value of the coals. In the present work the moisture, ash content and GCV have been analyzed for the coals obtained from various locations in India and the relationship between ash content and GCV was established on a dry basis. The variation in GCV to ash content was statistically quantified for the coals from each mine and overall mines.
Family Assistance Program With Interprofessional Education Approach In Labuan Panimba
Authors: Candriasih Putu , Ndama Metrys , Awusi Hermin Austria
Published: September 2023

Stunting is caused by multidimensional factors so that the handling needs to be done by multisectoral or interprofessional collaborations. Central Sulawesi is an area that still has many health problems regarding nutrition, in preventing various problems related to stunting, the role of the family and community plays a very important role in the recovery phase. The roles and functions of families and communities greatly affect the health conditions of individuals, families, groups, and communities.

The results of the mentoring and assessment that became a problem were the provision of complementary feeding. The provision of appropriate complementary feeding according to recommendations and utilizing local wisdom can help prevent stunting, and can introduce healthy eating habits for mothers and children under two by utilizing nutritious food found in their environment. In addition, as an effort to make significant progress in improving the health and quality of children, especially in Indonesia.

Conclusions in the handling of stunting, each team shall have the duty and authority so that there is no overlap. Teams of health workers who work for the handling of stunting are nutritionists, midwives, nurses and Promkes, village head. Each has their own duties and powers. The achievement targets for this community service are Modules and Intellectual Property Rights.
Counseling and Hand Washing Gymnastic As an Effort to Prevent COVID-19
Authors: Christine Christine , Sunuh Herlina Susanto , Politon Fellysca Veronica Margareth
Published: September 2023

One of the standard recommendations to prevent the spread of infections, including COVID-19, is through regular hand washing. Transmission of the COVID-19 virus can occur when someone touches an item that may have been contaminated by other people's droplets. However, there were still 24,62% of Indonesian people do not obey to wash their hands properly. During the COVID-19 pandemic, washing hands with soap at school is very important to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. The purpose of this activity was to improve student behavior in washing hands with soap properly. This activity was carried out by a team of lecturers and students of the D3 Sanitation Study Program, Poltekkes, the Ministry of Health, Palu together with SD Inpres 2 Parigimpuu. The method of activity, namely counseling, simulation, and demonstration through gymnastics for the students of SD Inpres 2 Parigimpuu. As a result of this activity, students knew how to wash their hands with soap correctly and are able to practice it.
Education on a Balanced Nutritional and Anemia in Adolescents in Ampana Tete District
Authors: Kusumawati Dwi Erma , Ansar  , Aslinda Wery , Hartini Diah Ayu
Published: September 2023

The female adolescent is an important target for stunting reduction efforts. Adolescence is a pubertal phase with fast physical, psychological, and social growth and development. Unicef reported in Adolescent Profile 2021 that 40% of adolescents aged 15-19 yo who have low food consumption variety is related to economic factors. This community service was a balanced nutrition and anemia education among female adolescents at Ampana Tete Sub-District, Tojo Una-Una Regency. This community service was conducted in two villages (Bantuga and Uebone). Activities conducted are balanced nutrition and anemia education, distribution of iron supplement tablets, and promotion of “My Meal Plate” by using the banner. The result of pre and post-test showed that the knowledge of female adolescents was increased after conducting education.
A Fiber-Rich Dessert Made From Waste Plantain Peels
Authors: Nurjaya Nurjaya , Aslinda Wery , Mahardina Ginna
Published: September 2023

Food diversification is one way to improve the nutritional quality of food in meeting food needs. Banana is one of the local plants that is easy to grow in tropical areas such as Indonesia. Banana plant is a type of plant that does not know the season that is rich in nutritional value. The banana peel ice cream product is one example of food diversification as an effort to utilize local food waste, namely banana peels where the use of banana peels is still limited. The purpose of this activity is to utilize local food waste and provide information and examples of processing banana peel waste. The results of this activity show that the nutritional content for 1 ice cream recipe contains 4897.6 kcal of energy, 64.86 grams of protein, 233.52 grams of fat, 596.6 grams of carbohydrates and 91.74 grams of fiber. In 1 recipe can be made into 30 cups of ice cream with a weight of 70 gr each. This activity can be accepted by the community, the community can also understand how to process plantain peel waste into a fiber-rich ice cream dessert. It is hoped that food waste utilization activities can be carried out in a sustainable manner so that the community can increase knowledge and understanding related to food waste.
ГЕРАСИМОВСКАЯ ШКОЛА АНТРОПОЛОГИЧЕСКОЙ РЕКОНСТРУКЦИИ
Authors: Веселовская Елизавета
Published: September 2023

Метод антропологической реконструкции лица по черепу, разработан-
ный М.М. Герасимовым в середине 20 века, постоянно совершенствуется
сотрудниками Лаборатории пластической реконструкции ИЭА РАН. Гале-
рея портретов пополняется скульптурными и графическими изображени-
ями предков современного человека, исторических личностей, солдат, по-
гибших на фронтах ВОВ. Коллекция Лаборатории должна стать основой
музейной экспозиции, которая вызовет интерес у широкой общественности.
КРАНИОЛОГИЧЕСКОЕ И ОСТЕОЛОГИЧЕСКОЕ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ ПАЛЕОАНТРОПОЛОГИЧЕСКОГО МАТЕРИАЛА С ТЕРРИТОРИИ ГОРОДА ТВЕРИ XVII-XVIII ВВ.
Authors: Рашковская Юлия
Published: September 2023

По стандартным краниологическим и остеологическим программам
был исследован материал из Церкви Троицы за Волгой в г. Твери.
Прицерковкное кладбище функционировало в XVII - XVIII вв. Всего было
идентифицировано 29 индивидов. В силу немногочисленности и разной
сохранности скелетов, работа носит больше ознакомительный характер, а
также вводит в научный оборот новый палеоантропологический материал.
Были проанализированы основные краниологические показатели, форма
мозговой и лицевой отделов черепа мужской части выборки. Проведен
межгрупповой канонический анализ для определения места выборки в
рамках исследуемого времени. Сделан вывод о сближении исследуемой
выборки с сериями из Великого Новгорода, Кашинского Кремля и Москвы.
Также были выявлены основные тенденции в развитии посткраниального
скелета. Длина тела как мужчин, так и женщин принимает значения от
средних до больших.
Field margins enhance weed seed predation in adjacent fields in early spring
Authors: Petit Sandrine , Carbonne Benjamin , Etcheverria Zoé , Colbach Nathalie , Bohan David Andrew
Published: September 2023

Seed depletion by granivorous organisms can regulate weeds in arable agriculture. Enhancing this regulation can be achieved by adopting farming practices that favour seed predators. Here, we test the hypothesis that the presence of grassy field margins along field edges will increase in-field weed seed predation, in comparison to situations where no grassy field margin is present. Predation cards with Poa annua were exposed in 15 wheat fields in May and June 2018 along 57 transects at distances of 4, 8, 16, 32 meters from the field edge. Cards were either caged (predation by invertebrates) or uncaged predation byall seed predators). We found that in May, the presence of grassy field margins led to higher in-field predation rates at all distances from the field edge, with a very high contribution of invertebrates to seed predation. In June, the presence of grass margin had no impact on in-field seed predation, to which invertebrates and vertebrates contributed equally. This preliminary study provides some support to the hypothesis that grassy field margins augment in-field weed seed predation in early spring. It is plausible that these habitats are emergence sites for invertebrates, with a subsequent high abundance of adults nearby grass margins in early spring, before they disperse more widely across fields and/or switch to alternative prey. These results call for further comparative research on the impact of grass margins on seed predation, seed predators and alternative prey during the whole cropping season.
Tackling banded leaf and sheath blight disease of maize through activation of host defense
Authors: Hamidi Shah Mahmood , Gogoi Robin , Kumar Aundy , Singh Archana , Yadav Rajbir , Dorjee Lham
Published: September 2023

Maize or corn (Zea mays L.) is the third most important cereal crop in the economy of agriculture. Banded leaf and sheath blight (BLSB) caused by Rhizoctonia solani (= R. solani f. sp. sasakii) is one of the highly devastating soil-borne diseases of maize in South and Southeast Asia. Although the use of resistant varieties is preferred as an eco-friendly and cheapest approach to disease management, unfortunately, no true genetic sources of BLSB resistance are available in maize. Hence, chemically induced resistance in the host plant is considered an alternative strategy against many crop diseases. The present study investigated the basis of BLSB resistance in maize hybrid variety Vivek QPM-9 by seed priming with two plant defense inducers, viz., salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA). Higher concentrations (100 ppm) of SA and JA were significantly more effective against R. solani than the lower concentrations (75 and 50 ppm) in vitro. The study found that the application of SA and JA as exogenous pretreatment resulted in improved seed germination, increased seedling weight, and enhanced overall plant growth. During the Kharif season (June–October) in both 2020 and 2021, under in vivo conditions in a net house, the application of SA at 100 and 75 ppm and JA at 100 ppm resulted in a significant decrease in the percent disease index (PDI) of 46.79%, 47.05%, and 48.85%, respectively. Both plant defense inducers elevated the activity of the enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) in maize at higher concentrations of 100 ppm. Seed priming with a high concentration of the inducers was more effective in suppressing the disease and increasing grain yield under the controlled condition of the net house. The study shows the scope of using need-based fungicides with a reduced amount in the management of fungal diseases of maize by adopting a plant defense inducer-mediated host resistance approach.
A nonstandard fitted operator finite difference method for two-parameter singularly perturbed time-delay parabolic problems
Authors: Mohye Mekashaw Ali , Munyakazi Justin B. , Dinka Tekle Gemechu
Published: September 2023

In this article, a class of singularly perturbed time-delay two-parameter second-order parabolic problems are considered. The presence of the two small parameters attached to the derivatives causes the solution of the given problem to exhibit boundary layer(s). We have developed a uniformly convergent nonstandard fitted operator finite difference method (NSFOFDM) to solve the considered problems. The Crank-Nicolson scheme with a uniform mesh is used for the discretization of the time derivative, while for the spatial discretization, we have applied a fitted operator finite difference method following the nonstandard methodology of Mickens. Moreover, the solution bounds of the governing equation are shown by asymptotic analysis. The convergence of the proposed numerical scheme is investigated using truncation error and the barrier function approach. The study shows that our proposed scheme is uniformly convergent independent of the perturbation parameters, quadratically in time, and linearly in space. Numerical experiments are carried out, and the results are presented in tables and graphically.
The effects of sex hormones during the menstrual cycle on knee kinematics
Authors: Bingzheng Zhou , Xinzhuo Zhao , Zhuo Jin , Xing Yang , Bin Li , Lunhao Bai
Published: September 2023

The effects of the menstrual cycle and sex hormones on knee kinematics remain unclear. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of the menstrual cycle and serum sex hormone concentrations on knee kinematic parameters of the 90°cutting in female college soccer athletes. Three female college soccer teams (53 subjects) participated in the study. During the first menstrual cycle, a three-step method was used to exclude subjects with anovulatory and luteal phase–deficient (LPD) (12 subjects). The subjects’ menstrual cycle was divided into the menstrual phase, late-follicular phase, ovulatory phase, and mid-luteal phase (group 1, 2, 3, 4). In each phase of the second menstrual cycle, we used a portable motion analysis system to enter the teams and tested the sex hormones concentrations and knee kinematics parameters in three universities in turn. We found that subjects had a lower maximum knee valgus in group 4 compared with other groups. This meant that subjects had a lower biomechanical risk of non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in the mid-luteal phase. There was no significant correlation between serum estrogen, progesterone concentration, and knee kinematic parameters. This meant that sex hormones did not have a protective effect. Future studies need to incorporate more factors (such as neuromuscular control, etc.) to investigate.
Automatic generation of subject-specific finite element models of the spine from magnetic resonance images
Authors: Kok Joeri , Shcherbakova Yulia M. , Schlösser Tom P. C. , Seevinck Peter R. , van der Velden Tijl A. , Castelein René M. , Ito Keita , van Rietbergen Bert
Published: September 2023

The generation of subject-specific finite element models of the spine is generally a time-consuming process based on computed tomography (CT) images, where scanning exposes subjects to harmful radiation. In this study, a method is presented for the automatic generation of spine finite element models using images from a single magnetic resonance (MR) sequence. The thoracic and lumbar spine of eight adult volunteers was imaged using a 3D multi-echo-gradient-echo sagittal MR sequence. A deep-learning method was used to generate synthetic CT images from the MR images. A pre-trained deep-learning network was used for the automatic segmentation of vertebrae from the synthetic CT images. Another deep-learning network was trained for the automatic segmentation of intervertebral discs from the MR images. The automatic segmentations were validated against manual segmentations for two subjects, one with scoliosis, and another with a spine implant. A template mesh of the spine was registered to the segmentations in three steps using a Bayesian coherent point drift algorithm. First, rigid registration was applied on the complete spine. Second, non-rigid registration was used for the individual discs and vertebrae. Third, the complete spine was non-rigidly registered to the individually registered discs and vertebrae. Comparison of the automatic and manual segmentations led to dice-scores of 0.93–0.96 for all vertebrae and discs. The lowest dice-score was in the disc at the height of the implant where artifacts led to under-segmentation. The mean distance between the morphed meshes and the segmentations was below 1 mm. In conclusion, the presented method can be used to automatically generate accurate subject-specific spine models.
Effect of natural polymer materials on skin healing based on internal wound microenvironment: a review
Authors: Yang Ying , Li Bingbing , Wang Mengxin , Pan Shicong , Wang Yu , Gu Jinhui
Published: September 2023

The concept of wound microenvironment has been discussed for a long time. However, the mechanism of the internal microenvironment is relatively little studied. Here, we present a systematic discussion on the mechanism of natural polymer materials such as chitosan, cellulose, collagen and hyaluronic acid through their effects on the internal wound microenvironment and regulation of wound healing, in order to more comprehensively explain the concept of wound microenvironment and provide a reference for further innovative clinical for the preparation and application of wound healing agents.
One-year outcomes in cardiogenic shock triggered by supraventricular tachycardia: an analysis of the FRENSHOCK multicenter prospective registry
Authors: Cherbi Miloud , Bonnefoy Eric , Lamblin Nicolas , Gerbaud Edouard , Bonello Laurent , Roubille François , Levy Bruno , Champion Sebastien , Lim Pascal , Schneider Francis , Elbaz Meyer , Khachab Hadi , Bourenne Jeremy , Seronde Marie-France , Schurtz Guillaume , Harbaoui Brahim , Vanzetto Gerald , Combaret Nicolas , Labbe Vincent , Marchandot Benjamin , Lattuca Benoit , Biendel-Picquet Caroline , Leurent Guillaume , Puymirat Etienne , Maury Philippe , Delmas Clément
Published: September 2023

Background

Cardiogenic shock (CS) is the most severe form of heart failure (HF), resulting in high early and long-term mortality. Characteristics of CS secondary to supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) are poorly reported. Based on a large registry of unselected CS, we aimed to compare 1-year outcomes between SVT-triggered and non-SVT-triggered CS.

Methods

FRENSHOCK is a French prospective registry including 772 CS patients from 49 centers. For each patient, the investigator could report 1–3 CS triggers from a pre-established list (ischemic, mechanical complications, ventricular/supraventricular arrhythmia, bradycardia, iatrogenesis, infection, non-compliance, and others). In this study, 1-year outcomes [rehospitalizations, mortality, heart transplantation (HTx), ventricular assist devices (VAD)] were analyzed and adjusted for independent predictive factors.

Results

Among 769 CS patients included, 100 were SVT-triggered (13%), of which 65 had SVT as an exclusive trigger (8.5%). SVT-triggered CS patients exhibited a higher proportion of male individuals with a more frequent history of cardiomyopathy or chronic kidney disease and more profound CS (biventricular failure and multiorgan failure). At 1 year, there was no difference in all-cause mortality (43% vs. 45.3%, adjusted HR 0.9 (95% CI 0.59–1.39), p = 0.64), need for HTx or VAD [10% vs. 10%, aOR 0.88 (0.41–1.88), p = 0.74], or rehospitalizations [49.4% vs. 44.4%, aOR 1.24 (0.78–1.98), p = 0.36]. Patients with SVT as an exclusive trigger presented more 1-year rehospitalizations [52.8% vs. 43.3%, aOR 3.74 (1.05–10.5), p = 0.01].

Conclusion

SVT is a frequent trigger of CS alone or in association in more than 10% of miscellaneous CS cases. Although SVT-triggered CS patients were more comorbid with more pre-existing cardiomyopathies and HF incidences, they presented similar rates of mortality, HTx, and VAD at 1 year, arguing for a better overall prognosis.

Clinical Trial Registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT02703038.
Case report: Fatal traumatic coronary artery dissection—an overlooked complication of chest fracture
Authors: Jiang Tao , Qian Cheng , Wei Gang , Cheng Ling , Zheng Wenwu , Chen Gong
Published: September 2023

Coronary artery dissection caused by trauma is a rare occurrence that can be life-threatening. Accordingly, its rapid identification and treatment are essential to improve patient outcomes. Here, we present a case of a patient who suffered multiple rib and femur fractures after falling from a height of eighteen meters and subsequently experienced persistent chest pain. After the initial diagnostic workup, the medical team diagnosed the patient's chest pain as rib fractures and failed to consider the potential of a cardiac injury as the underlying cause. No emphasis was placed on monitoring changes in myocardial enzymes and ECG, which could have indicated coronary artery dissection. The dissection was confirmed and treated with a stent only after the subsequent coronary angiography (CAG) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) examinations, gradually relieving the patient's chest pain. In this case report, we discuss the management of fractures complicated by traumatic coronary artery dissection and highlight the benefits of OCT in diagnosing and treating this condition. The case also emphasizes the importance of considering coronary artery injury in patients with chest pain due to trauma.
Harnessing bioluminescence for drug discovery and epigenetic research
Authors: Gleneadie Hannah J. , Dimond Andrew , Fisher Amanda G.
Published: September 2023

The naturally occurring phenomenon of bioluminescence has intrigued on-lookers for decades and is now being developed as a powerful tool for medical research and preclinical imaging. Luciferase enzymes emit light upon substrate encounter, enabling their activity to be visualised and dynamically tracked. By inserting luciferase genes into specific sites in the genome, it is possible to engineer reporters to monitor gene expression in its native context, and to detect epigenetic change in vivo. Endogenous bioluminescent reporters provide a highly sensitive, quantitative read-out of gene expression that is both well suited to longitudinal studies and can be adapted for high-throughput drug screens. In this article we outline some of the applications and benefits of bioluminescent reporters for epigenetic research, with a particular focus on revealing new therapeutic options for treating genetic and epigenetic disorders.
Knowledge mapping and global trends in the field of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound and endocrine and metabolic diseases: a bibliometric and visual analysis from 2012 to 2022
Authors: Chu Guangdi , Niu Haitao
Published: September 2023

Background

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is a highly promising therapeutic method that has been widely used in rehabilitation, orthopedics, dentistry, urology, gynecology, and other multidisciplinary disease diagnoses and treatments. It has attracted extensive attention worldwide. However, there is currently a lack of comprehensive and systematic research on the current status and future development direction of the LIPUS field. Therefore, this study comprehensively analyzed LIPUS-related reports from the past decade using bibliometrics methods, and further conducted research specifically focusing on its application in endocrine and metabolic diseases.

Methods

We downloaded LIPUS literature from 2012 to 2022 reported in the Web of Science Core Collection Science Citation Index-Expanded and Social Sciences Citation Index, and used bibliometric analysis software such as VOSviewer and CiteSpace to execute the analysis and visualize the results.

Results

We searched for 655 English articles published on LIPUS from 2012 to 2022. China had the highest number of published articles and collaborations between China and the United States were the closest in this field. Chongqing Medical University was the institution with the highest output, and ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY was the journal with the most related publications. In recent years, research on the molecular mechanisms of LIPUS has continued to deepen, and its clinical applications have also continued to expand. The application of LIPUS in major diseases such as oxidative stress, regeneration mechanism, and cancer is considered to be a future research direction, especially in the field of endocrinology and metabolism, where it has broad application value.

Conclusion

Global research on LIPUS is expected to continue to increase, and future research will focus on its mechanisms of action and clinical applications. This study comprehensively summarizes the current development status and global trends in the field of LIPUS, and its research progress in the field of endocrine and metabolic diseases, providing valuable reference for future research in this field.
Parametric study of density wave instability in parallel channels of a water-cooled blanket in a fusion reactor
Authors: Lian Qiang , Liang Yu , Liao Haoyu , Tang Simiao , Zhang Luteng , Ma Zaiyong , Sun Wan
Published: September 2023

In fusion reactors, many blanket concepts are designed with water as a coolant to transfer high-density heat from the fusion reaction out of the reactor core. The coolant temperature and pressure are maintained as the validated use in water-cooled fission reactors. However, the flow channel in a water-cooled blanket is independent of each other, and there is no flow mixing between coolant channels. Therefore, flow instability may occur in the independent parallel channels in a water-cooled blanket due to its unique structure and heat distribution, especially under the high heat flux caused by plasma rupture. In this study, the parametric analysis of density wave instability is performed using a thermal-hydraulic code developed for independent parallel channels based on the homogeneous model for the two-phase flow. The parallel-channel system in a water-cooled ceramic breeder (WCCB) blanket of the China Fusion Engineering Experimental Reactor (CFETR) is established for its first wall structure. A small disturbance is introduced into the system to determine if it is stable under different conditions. It is found that the channel number has no obvious influence on the prediction of the flow instability boundary. Therefore, the two-channel system is adopted to investigate the influence of different parameters, such as the pressure, resistance, flow rate, and inclination, on the flow instability boundary of the parallel-channel system in the CFETR WCCB blanket. The results show that flow instability occurs more easily in this study compared to the traditional instability analysis, especially under high-pressure conditions. In general, conditions of high pressure, large flow rate, and no inclination can stabilize the system, while the influence of resistance is quite different under different conditions of resistance and pressure. The research work indicates that more attention should be paid to the joint influence of different parameters for the water-cooled blanket during its design and operation.
Effect of the application of peanut shell, bamboo, and maize straw biochars on the bioavailability of Cd and growth of maize in Cd-contaminated soil
Authors: Zha Yan , Zhao Lin , Wei Jiqian , Niu Tianxin , Yue Erkui , Wang Xianbo , Chen Yi , Shi Jiang , Zhou Tiefeng
Published: September 2023

Biochar is a versatile, carbon-rich, organic material that can effectively immobilize Cd in the soil. In this study, peanut shell biochar (SP), maize straw biochar (MS), and bamboo straw biochar (BS) were applied in different proportions to evaluate their effects on the remediation of Cd-contaminated farmland soil and plant growth. The results revealed that both single and mixed applications of biochar substantially increased corn biomass and chlorophyll content compared to the unamended control treatment, while the malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline contents were largely unaffected. The bamboo straw block biochar with maize straw biochar at a mass ratio of 2:1 (DBM) significantly increased the dry total biomass of maize (+107.24% compared to the unamended soil). SP application has highly increased the SPAD value. PB with BS application at a mass ratio of 1:1 (MSB) significantly decreased the soluble sugar content (+21.81% compared to the unamended control soil). Soil pH was increased by the application of biochar alone and in combination with feedstocks. The soil content of Fe/Mn oxide-bound (OX) and exchangeable-bound Cd (EX) was decreased, whereas that of carbonate-bound Cd (CA), residue-bound Cd (RE), and organic-bound Cd (OM) contents increased. The Cd content in corn grains under MSB and SP application was markedly reduced by 42.62% and 31.48%, respectively, compared to the unamended control soil. Overall, MSB and SP applications were effective in improving soil quality and crop growth.
Effects of a sucralfate-containing ointment on quality of life and symptoms associated with hemorrhoidal disease: patient-reported results of a Slovakian, pharmacist-led observational survey
Authors: Snopková Miroslava , Sukel‘ Ondrej , Micanko Jan
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This pharmacist-led study evaluated the effect of a rectal ointment containing sucralfate on quality of life, symptom frequency and time to relief of symptoms in Slovakian individuals with hemorrhoidal disease (HD).

Methods

The multicenter prospective survey was conducted at 45 community pharmacies in Slovakia. Pharmacists invited adults (≥18 years) using sucralfate-containing ointment for their HD-related symptoms to participate.

Results

241 patients completed the HEMO-FISS-QoL questionnaire and a survey of symptom frequency at the beginning and end of the 14-day survey period. The primary endpoint was the change in HEMO-FISS-QoL scores in patients with hemorrhoidal symptoms during the 7 days before the initial pharmacy visit. Of the 241 patients enrolled in the survey, 144 had experienced hemorrhoidal symptoms within the preceding 7 days (mean age 51 years; 59.0% female). For these 144 patients, the total HEMO-FISS-QoL score decreased (i.e., quality of life was improved) from baseline by a mean of –8.7 (95% confidence interval –12.6, –6.2; P<0.001) at day 14. The frequency of hemorrhoidal symptoms was significantly reduced (P<0.001 vs baseline). Symptom relief was rapid; at 1-hour post-treatment 54.6% of patients had relief from pain and 56.3% from itching, and by 24 hours post-treatment most patients had relief from these symptoms (77.2% and 73.0%, respectively). No incidents nor adverse events related to sucralfate-containing ointment were reported to pharmacists.

Conclusion

The results of this pharmacist-led observational survey suggest that the sucralfate-containing ointment could improve quality of life in patients with HD, providing rapid relief with a good safety profile. To confirm these results in a larger, well-defined patient population, randomized controlled trials in patients with clinically diagnosed HD are warranted.
Toll-like receptors: their roles in pathomechanisms of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Tamagawa-Mineoka Risa
Published: September 2023

The skin functions as a physical barrier and represents the first line of the innate immune system. There is increasing evidence that toll-like receptors (TLRs) are involved in the pathomechanisms of not only infectious diseases, but also non-infectious inflammatory diseases. Interestingly, it has been demonstrated that TLRs recognize both exogenous threats, e.g. bacteria and viruses, and endogenous danger signals related to inflammation, cell necrosis, or tissue damage. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease, which is associated with impaired skin barrier function, increased skin irritability to non-specific stimuli, and percutaneous sensitization. The impairment of skin barrier function in AD allows various stimuli, such as potential allergens and pathogens, to penetrate the skin and activate the innate immune system, including TLR signaling, which can lead to the development of adaptive immune reactions. In this review, I summarize the current understanding of the roles of TLR signaling in the pathogenesis of AD, with special emphasis on skin barrier function and inflammation.
The diverse morphology of pockmarks around Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Hillman Jess I. T. , Watson Sally Joan , Maier Katherine Leigh , Hoffmann Jasper Justus Lutz , Bland Kyle J. , Warnke Fynn , Pecher Ingo A. , Gorman Andrew Robert , Davy Bryan , Bull Suzanne , Woelz Susi
Published: September 2023

Seafloor pockmarks are abundant around Aotearoa New Zealand, occurring across a diverse range of tectonic, sedimentological and geomorphological settings. Globally, the formation and source of pockmarks is widely researched because they: 1) have potential links to subsurface hydrocarbon systems, 2) can provide important habitats for benthic organisms and 3) may be indications of fluid escape pathways or areas of sediment disturbance, which influence seafloor stability and could pose a risk to infrastructure. Pockmarks are widely associated with fluid release (such as gas or water) from subsurface reservoirs. However, the formation of pockmarks, the processes that shape and modify their morphology over time, and the relative timing of these events, remains enigmatic. Here, we compile the first national database of over 30,000 pockmarks around Aotearoa New Zealand, allowing us to begin to comprehend the dynamic processes that shape and affect pockmarks by exploring regional and inter-regional patterns in pockmark geometry and seabed characteristics. This compilation reveals several significant trends, including a distinct lack of correlation between active seafloor seeps and pockmarks, and a strong association of pockmarks with mud-rich seafloor substrate. Furthermore, we highlight key knowledge gaps that require further investigation moving forward, including a lack of constraint on the timing of pockmark formation, and limited modelling of the processes involved in their formation.
Fabrication and hardness of in-situ Al3Ti–Al2O3 composite
Authors: Duong Binh N. , Do Binh T. , Dang Dung D. , Tran Huy D.
Published: September 2023

In this work, an in-situ Al3Ti–Al2O3 composite was optimally synthesized from raw powders via mechanical milling and conventional sintering processes. The strong influence of milling time on the promotion of the phase reaction between the initial TiO2 and Al materials was proven by using X-ray diffraction and surface morphology analysis. The obtained results showed that the milling process did not initiate any reaction between the raw TiO2 and Al materials. However, the milling process was important for creating a homogeneous powder mixture and refining the particle size of the powders. The Al3Ti–Al2O3 composites were completely formed after conventional sintering at 750°C for 30 min for a milling time of over 4 h. The highest obtained microhardness of the composite was approximately 130 HV, which was suggested to be related to the microstructure of the bulk composite specimen consisting of two main phases, the Al3Ti matrix and the Al2O3 particles dispersed in the matrix. A small portion of an unidentified phase, a Ti-rich compound, was found in the matrix together with a tiny fraction of AlTi3. We suggest that the optimal sintering process and mechanical milling are important key factors in fabricating bulk hardness Al3Ti–Al2O3 composite materials.