bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Higher success rate observed in reconstruction techniques of acute posterolateral corner knee injuries as compared to repair: an updated systematic review
Authors: Fortier Luc M. , Knapik Derrick M. , Condon Josh J. , DeWald Daniel , Khan Zeeshan , Kerzner Benjamin , Matava Matthew J. , LaPrade Robert , Chahla Jorge
Published: October 2023

Purpose

There remains controversy regarding the optimal surgical treatment for acute complete (grade III) posterolateral corner (PLC) injuries. The purpose of this article is to systematically review the contemporary literature regarding surgical options and subsequent outcomes of acute grade III PLC injuries.

Methods

A systematic review was performed using the following search terms: posterolateral corner knee, posterolateral knee, posterolateral instability, multi‐ligament knee, and knee dislocation. Inclusion criteria consisted of studies with level I–IV evidence, reporting on human patients with acute grade III PLC injuries undergoing operative management within 4 weeks from injury, with subjective and/or objective outcomes (including varus stress examinations or varus stress radiographs) reported at a minimum 2‐year follow‐up. Two investigators independently performed the search by sequentially screening articles. Accepted definitions of varus stability on examination or stress radiographs and revision surgery were used to determine success and failure of treatment.

Results

A total of 12 studies, consisting of 288 patients were included. Ten studies reported primary repair, while reconstruction techniques were reported in seven studies. Overall, 43% (n = 125/288) of injuries involved the PLC, ACL and PCL. Staged reconstruction was reported in 25% (n = 3/12) of studies. The Lysholm score was the most commonly reported outcome measure. An overall failure rate of 12.4% (n = 35/282) was observed. Surgical failure was significantly higher in patients undergoing repair (21.9%; n = 21/96) compared to reconstruction (7.1%; n = 6/84) (p = 0.0058). Return to sport was greater in patients undergoing reconstruction (100%; n = 22/22) compared to repair (94%; n = 48/51) (n.s). The most common post‐operative complication was arthrofibrosis requiring manipulation under anesthesia (8.7%; n = 25/288). A total of 3.8% (n = 11/288) of patients underwent revision PLC reconstruction.

Conclusion

There remains substantial heterogeneity in the surgical techniques of acute, grade III PLC injuries with an overall failure rate of 12.4%. Failure rates were significantly lower, and return to sport rates higher in patients undergoing PLC reconstruction compared to repair. The most common postoperative complication was arthrofibrosis requiring manipulation under anesthesia.

Level of evidence

Level IV.
Vollständige Dekapitation durch selbstkonstruierte Guillotine
Authors: Görg Johanna , Schwarz Clara-Sophie , Wunder Cora , Germerott Tanja
Published: October 2023

Dekapitationen sind im rechtsmedizinischen Sektionsgut nur selten vorzufinden; die jeweilige Fallbeurteilung als Tötungsdelikt, Suizid oder Unfall in Abgrenzung zu einer postmortalen Entstehung kann insbesondere bei komplexeren Auffindesituationen erschwert sein. Vorgestellt wird ein seltener Fall einer vollständigen Abtrennung des Kopfes durch eine selbstkonstruierte Guillotine, der sich in der Zusammenschau der computertomographischen und autoptischen Befunde, beispielsweise Vitalitätszeichen, sowie der Auffindesituation mit einer elaborierten suizidalen Handlung in Einklang bringen ließ.
Optimal Control of Hughes’ Model for Pedestrian Flow via Local Attraction
Authors: Herzog Roland , Pietschmann Jan-Frederik , Winkler Max
Published: October 2023

We discuss the control of a human crowd whose dynamics is governed by a regularized version of Hughes’ model, cf. Hughes (Transp Res Part B: Methodol 36(6):507–535, 2002.https://doi.org/10.1016/s0191-2615(01)00015-7). We assume that a finite number of agents act on the crowd and try to optimize their paths in a given time interval. The objective functional can be general and it can correspond, for instance, to the desire for fast evacuation or to maintain a single group of individuals. We provide an existence and regularity result for the coupled PDE-ODE forward model via an approximation argument, study differentiability properties of the control-to-state map, establish the existence of a globally optimal control and formulate optimality conditions.
Plant remains preserved in products of metal corrosion: source of evidence on ancient plant materials and environment from burial contexts
Authors: Hristova Ivanka , Marinova Elena , Atanassova Juliana , Slavchev Vladimir , Bozkova Anelya , Kiyashkina Petya , Penkova Petya
Published: October 2023

By-products of metal corrosion, when coming into contact with organic matter, have the capacity to preserve it from decay. A pilot study was conducted aiming to explore the potential and limitations of plant remains preserved in by-products of metal corrosion for archaeobotanical research. The organic remains considered come from the surface/immediate proximity of the metal funerary artefacts of two ancient cemeteries—Varna and Messambria, Eastern Bulgaria. Metal corrosion by-products were observed and sampled, under a low magnification stereo microscope. Subsequently, the plant macrofossils recognised were analysed under reflected light and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Additionally, pollen was extracted from the metal corrosion by-products, using standard acetolysis. The analyses from the graves of both cemeteries allowed identification of textiles and plant fibres, as well as wood (Cornus sp., Pinus sp., Viburnum sp.). At Varna cemetery epidermis fragments of Juncus sp. were recognized, while at Messambria necropolis fruits of almond were found. The pollen analysis from Varna points to use of flowers in the ritual (Daphne tetrads were recorded) and shows a notably open landscape with 77% non-arboreal pollen (NAP). The palynological analysis from the Messambria necropolis revealed the use of flowers in the burial ritual indicated by clusters of Vitis, Cistus and Rosaceae pollen. The surrounding vegetation was dominated by open oak woodland and open habitats (43% NAP) with a strong presence of anthropogenic indicators. The outcome of the study proved to be promising for reconstructing details of the burial rituals including associated plant materials, as well as the surrounding plant habitats during the functioning of the cemeteries.
Ist JAK-Hemmung eine Option in der Behandlung der interstitiellen Lungenerkrankung bei einer rheumatoiden Arthritis?
Authors: Hoffmann Tobias , Teichgräber Ulf , Lassen-Schmidt Bianca , Kroegel Claus , Krämer Martin , Förster Martin , Renz Diane , Oelzner Peter , Böttcher Joachim , Franz Marcus , Wolf Gunter , Güttler Felix , Pfeil Alexander
Published: October 2023

Ein 69-jähriger Patient mit einer seropositiven erosiven rheumatoiden Arthritis (RA) stellte sich aufgrund einer progredienten Dyspnoe in unserer Klinik vor. Im Rahmen der Diagnostik wurden mittels einer hochauflösenden Computertomographie (HRCT) und einer immunologischen bronchoalveolären Lavage Milchglastrübungen als auch eine lymphozytäre Alveolitis als Folge einer interstitiellen Lungenerkrankung (ILD) bei einer RA nachgewiesen. Unter Berücksichtigung der Vortherapien erfolgte die Umstellung der DMARD („disease-modifying antirheumatic drug“)-Therapie auf Tofacitinib. Die DMARD-Therapie mit Tofacitinib zeigte eine Reduktion der Milchglastrübungen mittels auf künstlicher Intelligenz basierender Quantifizierung der pulmonalen hochauflösenden Computertomographie um 33 % im Verlauf über 6 Monate, welche mit einer Verbesserung der Dyspnoesymptomatik assoziiert war. Zusammenfassend stellt Tofacitinib eine effektive antiinflammatorische Therapieoption in der Behandlung einer RA-ILD dar.
Mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in burn wound healing: uncovering the mechanisms of local regeneration and tissue repair
Authors: El-Sayed Mohamed E. , Atwa Ahmed , Sofy Ahmed R. , Helmy Yasser A. , Amer Khaled , Seadawy Mohamed G. , Bakry Sayed
Published: October 2023

Burn injuries pose a significant healthcare burden worldwide, often leading to long-term disabilities and reduced quality of life. To explore the impacts of the transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on the healing of burns and the levels of serum cytokines, 60 fully grown Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 20 each): group I (control), group II (burn induction), and group III (burn induction + bone marrow (BM)-MSC transplantation). Groups II and III were further divided into four subgroups (n = 5 each) based on euthanasia duration (7, 14, 21, and 28 days post transplant). The experiment concluded with an anesthesia overdose for rat death. After 7, 14, 21, and 28 days, the rats were assessed by clinical, laboratory, and histopathology investigations. The results revealed significant improvements in burn healing potentiality in the group treated with MSC. Furthermore, cytokine levels were measured, with significant increases in interleukin (IL)-6 and interferon alpha (IFN) observed, while IL-10 and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) decreased at 7 days and increased until 28 days post burn. Also, the group that underwent the experiment exhibited increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 when compared to the control group. Histological assessments showed better re-epithelialization, neovascularization, and collagen deposition in the experimental group, suggesting that MSC transplantation in burn wounds may promote burn healing by modulating the immune response and promoting tissue regeneration.
Evasive Sets, Covering by Subspaces, and Point-Hyperplane Incidences
Authors: Sudakov Benny , Tomon István
Published: October 2023

Given positive integers $$k\le d$$

k
≤
d

and a finite field $$\mathbb {F}$$
F
, a set $$S\subset \mathbb {F}^{d}$$

S
⊂

F

d

is (k, c)-subspace evasive if every k-dimensional affine subspace contains at most c elements of S. By a simple averaging argument, the maximum size of a (k, c)-subspace evasive set is at most $$c |\mathbb {F}|^{d-k}$$

c
|
F
|

d
-
k

. When k and d are fixed, and c is sufficiently large, the matching lower bound $$\Omega (|\mathbb {F}|^{d-k})$$

Ω
(
|
F

|

d
-
k

)

is proved by Dvir and Lovett. We provide an alternative proof of this result using the random algebraic method. We also prove sharp upper bounds on the size of (k, c)-evasive sets in case d is large, extending results of Ben-Aroya and Shinkar. The existence of optimal evasive sets has several interesting consequences in combinatorial geometry. We show that the minimum number of k-dimensional linear hyperplanes needed to cover the grid $$[n]^{d}\subset \mathbb {R}^{d}$$

[
n
]

d

⊂

R

d

is $$\Omega _{d}\big (n^{\frac{d(d-k)}{d-1}}\big )$$

Ω
d

(

n

d
(
d
-
k
)

d
-
1

)

, which matches the upper bound proved by Balko et al., and settles a problem proposed by Brass et al. Furthermore, we improve the best known lower bound on the maximum number of incidences between points and hyperplanes in $$\mathbb {R}^{d}$$

R

d

assuming their incidence graph avoids the complete bipartite graph $$K_{c,c}$$

K

c
,
c

for some large constant $$c=c(d)$$

c
=
c
(
d
)

.
Consequences of contact restrictions for long-term care residents during the first months of COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review
Authors: Benzinger Petra , Wahl Hans-Werner , Bauer Jürgen M. , Keilhauer Anne , Dutzi Ilona , Maier Simone , Hölzer Natalie , Achterberg Wilco P. , Denninger Natascha-Elisabeth
Published: October 2023

During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, stringent measures were implemented in most countries to limit social contact between residents of long-term care facilities (LTCF) and visitors. The objective of this scoping review was to identify and map evidence of direct and indirect consequences of contact restrictions, guided by three conceptual perspectives: (1) stress and learned helplessness (i.e., failure to use coping behaviors even when they are available and actionalble); (2) social contact loss; and (3) ‘total institution’ (i.e., a facility operates following a fixed plan due to spelled-out rules and norms, controlled by institutional representatives). We used the framework for conducting a scoping review by Arksey and O'Malley; included were peer-reviewed manuscripts reporting on the outcomes of contact restrictions from the beginning of the pandemic until the end of 2020. After removing duplicates, 6,656 records were screened and 62 manuscripts included. Results pertaining to the stress and learned helplessness perspective primarily focused on depressive symptoms, showing substantial increases compared to the pre-pandemic period. Studies examining cognitive and functional decline, as well as non-COVID-19 related mortality, were limited in number and presented mixed findings. The majority of study outcomes related to the social contact loss perspective focused on loneliness, but the study designs did not adequately allow for comparisons with the pre-pandemic status. The evidence concerning outcomes related to the 'total Institution' perspective was inconclusive. Although detrimental effects of social isolation in the long-term care context found support particularly in the negative affect domain, other outcome areas did not allow for definitive conclusions due to considerable variations in findings and, in some cases, insufficient statistical power.
The influence of a digital clinical reasoning test on medical student learning behavior during clinical clerkships
Authors: Ruczynski Larissa IA , Schouwenberg Bas JJW , Custers Eugène , Fluit Cornelia RMG , van de Pol Marjolein HJ
Published: October 2023

Recently, a new digital clinical reasoning test (DCRT) was developed to evaluate students’ clinical-reasoning skills. Although an assessment tool may be soundly constructed, it may still prove inadequate in practice by failing to function as intended. Therefore, more insight is needed into the effects of the DCRT in practice. Individual semi-structured interviews and template analysis were used to collect and process qualitative data. The template, based on the interview guide, contained six themes: (1) DCRT itself, (2) test debriefing, (3) reflection, (4) practice/workplace, (5) DCRT versus practice and (6) ‘other’. Thirteen students were interviewed. The DCRT encourages students to engage more in formal education, self-study and workplace learning during their clerkships, particularly for those who received insufficient results. Although the faculty emphasizes the different purposes of the DCRT (assessment of/as/for learning), most students perceive the DCRT as an assessment of learning. This affects their motivation and the role they assign to it in their learning process. Although students appreciate the debriefing and reflection report for improvement, they struggle to fill the identified knowledge gaps due to the timing of receiving their results. Some students are supported by the DCRT in exhibiting lifelong learning behavior. This study has identified several ways in which the DCRT influences students’ learning practices in a way that can benefit their clinical-reasoning skills. Additionally, it stresses the importance of ensuring the alignment of theoretical principles with real-world practice, both in the development and utilization of assessment tools and their content. Further research is needed to investigate the long-term impact of the DCRT on young physicians’ working practice.
How a “Something Else” Response Option for Sexual Identity Affects National Survey Estimates of Associations Between Sexual Identity, Reproductive Health, and Substance Use
Authors: West Brady T. , Engstrom Curtiss W. , Schepis Ty S. , Tani Ilmul J. , McCabe Sean Esteban
Published: October 2023

This randomized experiment tested whether the inclusion of a “something else” response option for a question about sexual identity in a national health survey would significantly moderate estimated differences between sexual identity subgroups in terms of various health outcomes, including substance use and reproductive health. We conducted secondary analyses of data from five consecutive years of the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG; 2015–2019), where two large national half-samples were randomly assigned to receive one of two different versions of a question about sexual identity (a four-category version that included a “something else” response option or a three-category version omitting this option). We focused on national estimates of differences between subgroups defined by sexual identity. Multivariable models indicated that the estimated subgroup differences changed in a statistically significant fashion when using the four-category version of the sexual identity question for several measures, including 16% of male measures (household size, past-year cigarette use, and past-year illicit drug use) and 15% of female measures (wanting a/another child, ever had a sexually transmitted disease, and past-year marijuana use). The absence of a “something else” response option for questions about sexual identity in national health surveys may cause respondents to select options that do not accurately describe their identities, and this can have a significant effect on national estimates of differences between sexual identity subgroups in terms of selected health outcomes.
Gender and Age Differences in ADHD Symptoms and Co-occurring Depression and Anxiety Symptoms Among Children and Adolescents in the BELLA Study
Authors: Gilbert Martha , Boecker Maren , Reiss Franziska , Kaman Anne , Erhart Michael , Schlack Robert , Westenhöfer Joachim , Döpfner Manfred , Ravens-Sieberer Ulrike
Published: October 2023

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. Current studies addressing gender and age differences in ADHD are lacking. The present study aims to fill this research gap by dimensionally evaluating gender and age differences in ADHD symptoms, as measured by a DSM-5-based parent rating scale, in children and adolescents who participated in the two-year follow-up of the community-based BELLA study (n = 1326). Associations between ADHD symptoms and depression symptoms and anxiety symptoms were also examined. Multiple linear regressions revealed significant associations between gender and all ADHD symptoms. Age was significantly associated with hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. Additional multiple linear regressions demonstrated significant positive associations between depression and anxiety symptoms and ADHD symptoms. Further, female gender was found to be positively associated with both depression and anxiety symptoms. These findings may suggest a need for more gender-specific approaches to ADHD diagnosis and treatment, as well as more research into the intersections of ADHD and depression and anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents.
Olfactory Mating Signals in the Migratory Locust Locusta migratoria
Authors: Unni Anjana P. , Knaden Markus , Hansson Bill S.
Published: October 2023

Swarming locusts cause huge plagues across the world threatening food production. Before swarms form, locust populations exhibit a dramatic phase change from a solitary to a gregarious phase. The cause of this phase change is a complicated interplay of conspecific and environmental cues and is, especially for one of the major pests, the migratory locust Locusta migratoria, still not well understood. Here we study the behavior of both solitary and gregarious L. migratoria towards the headspace odors of conspecifics. As we do not find a general attraction of gregarious animals to the headspace of gregarious conspecifics, swarm formation does not seem to be mainly governed by olfactory aggregation cues. When testing for potential mating signals, we observe that the headspace of virgin gregarious females is highly attractive only towards virgin males of the same phase, while mated gregarious males and solitary males, regardless of their mating state, do not become attracted. Interestingly, this phase-specific attraction goes along with the finding, that mating behavior in experiments with inter-phasic pairings is extremely rare. Our data suggest that odor emissions in L. migratoria play a significant role in a mating context.
Protective effect of Luffa cylindrica Roemer against dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy in primary rat skeletal muscle cells
Authors: Yeo Changhwan , Kim Hyunseong , Jeon Wan-Jin , Lee Junseon , Hong Jin Young , Kim Hyun , Lee Yoon Jae , Baek Seung Ho , Ha In-Hyuk
Published: October 2023

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are commonly used in the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions. However, the administration of high doses and long-term use of GCs can induce muscle atrophy (MA) in patients, leading to a decline in quality of life and increased mortality. MA leads to protein degradation in skeletal muscle, resulting in a reduction of muscle mass. This process is triggered by GCs like dexamethasone (DEX), which induce the expression of E3 ubiquitin ligases, namely Atrogin-1 and muscle RING-finger protein-1 (MuRF1). In this study, we examined the anti-MA potential of Luffa cylindrica Roemer (LCR) on DEX-treated primary skeletal myotubes. Primary skeletal myotubes stimulated with LCR alone resulted in a significant upregulation of myotube development, characterized by an increase in both the number and diameter of myotubes. Contrastingly, combined treatment with LCR and DEX reduced the expression of Atrogin-1, while treatment with DEX alone induced the expression of MuRF1. Furthermore, LCR treatment successfully restored the number and diameter of myotubes that had been diminished by DEX treatment. These findings suggest that LCR holds potential for treating MA, as an accelerating effect on muscle development and anti-MA effects on primary skeletal muscle cells were observed.
Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. infection in a working horse population in Egypt
Authors: Salem Shebl E. , Abd El-Ghany Amany M. , Elsheikh Hussein A. , Abdel-Ghany Enas M. , Ras Refaat
Published: October 2023

Working horses support the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Egypt. No previous study has investigated the prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in working horses in Egypt. Faecal samples were collected from 607 working horses recruited from thirty-seven villages/areas in two Egyptian governorates and examined forCryptosporidiumspp. infection using the modified Zielh-Neelsen staining technique. Data on signalment, history of recent diarrhoea, and strongyle burden were collected. The prevalence ofCryptosporidiumspp. infection was calculated using a bootstrap method and potential risk factors for infection were investigated using mixed-effects logistic regression models that included sampling location as a random-effects variable. The prevalence ofCryptosporidiumspp. infection was 28.7% (95% confidence interval = 23.5–33.9). None of the variables investigated, which include age, sex of the animals, and strongyle burden, were associated with risk of infection. This study provided evidence-based information on the prevalence ofCryptosporidiumspp. infection in the study area. However, the potential zoonotic risk ofCryptosporidiumcannot be confirmed until further studies are conducted to genotype these parasites.
Welches soziale System wird durch gruppendynamische Trainings simuliert?
Authors: Kühl Stefan
Published: October 2023

Das Ziel dieses in der Zeitschrift „Gruppe. Interaktion. Organisation. (GIO)“ veröffentlichten Artikels ist es, zu zeigen, dass gruppendynamische Trainings durch ihren Druck auf personenbezogene Kommunikation, durch ihre Entmutigung der Ausdifferenzierung von Rollen und durch Diffusität der Themen, den Übergang von einer Gruppe zu einer Organisation unterbinden. Überspitzt ausgedrückt: Man lernt in gruppendynamischen Trainings viel über das Leben in Freundeskreisen, Liebesbeziehungen, Jugendcliquen, Wohngemeinschaften, Straßengangs, Terrorgruppierungen oder Kleinfamilien, aber kaum etwas über die Dynamik in Unternehmen, Verwaltungen, Ministerien, Armeen, Polizeien, Krankenhäusern, Universitäten oder Schulen.
Cabozantinib for different endocrine tumours: killing two birds with one stone. A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Zago Elena , Galluzzo Antonio , Pradella Silvia , Antonuzzo Lorenzo , Maggi Mario , Petrone Luisa , Sparano Clotilde
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Cabozantinib is an oral multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that has been approved in Europe for advanced renal cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, locally advanced and metastatic medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer. Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and highly aggressive cutaneous malignant neuroendocrine tumour that usually presents in sun-exposed skin areas of immunosuppressed patients. Conflicting data exist about cabozantinib for MCC and this TKI is currently under investigation in several onco-endocrine frameworks.

Methods

We herein report a case of an 83-year-old man who was diagnosed with MCC during the treatment of an advanced metastatic MTC. The diagnosis of MCC was established based on clinical, histopathologic evaluation and immunohistochemistry. A systematic review of the literature on cabozantinib use for advanced endocrine and neuroendocrine tumours has been performed.

Results

The patient was initially treated with surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy. Cabozantinib was therefore started to control both MTC and MCC. After 24 months, no sign of local or metastatic MCC relapse was evidenced.

Conclusion

Promising data on cabozantinib treatment for endocrine and neuroendocrine neoplasms is recently emerging in the literature. In our clinical case, we reported that, besides the good response for the MTC, cabozantinib also seems to effectively control metastatic MCC, along with efficient surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy. Further investigations are needed to determine the efficacy and safety of cabozantinib in MCC patients and in off-label endocrine tumours.
Statistical law of laser echo disturbance characteristics under atmospheric turbulence
Authors: Yang Xiaodong , Tian Yuan
Published: October 2023

Atmospheric turbulence significantly affects laser transmission and echo. The size of the echo cross section and the distribution of energy are important parameters to obtain target information. In this paper, the speckle characteristics of laser echo are analyzed using field experiments with different detection distances. The energy attenuation law is observed, and the statistical law governing the cross-sectional area and energy of the echo light spot is determined based on the time variability of atmospheric turbulence. The research shows that in order to obtain stable return laser beam interference information, the current weather situation and the strength of atmospheric turbulence should be considered, and the corresponding interference region should be selected according to the detection distance. Although the size and energy of the echo cross section are directly affected by the detection distance, the variation trend remains consistent and indicates a clear statistical law that provides a strong basis for laser interferometry.
A comprehensive overview on tribo-mechanical characteristics of hybrid plant fiber–based biocomposites
Authors: Dhanola Anil
Published: October 2023

Plant fiber is one of the sorts of environmentally friendly resources that have been replenished over several years by nature and human invention. For the past few years, application of plant fibers as reinforcements into polymer matrixes has gained considerable interest due to their biodegradable nature. Introducing just one type of reinforcing element does not result in composites with remarkable physical and tribo-mechanical characteristics. Lately, significant research and innovation have been observed on hybrid plant fiber–based biocomposites (HPFBCs) in structural and automotive industries. One of the crucial topics that must be reviewed is the tribo-mechanical performances of these composites. Hence, the present review article aims to provide the friction and wear behaviors and mechanical properties of different HPFBCs under different operational conditions. Based on the understanding of tribo-mechanical aspects of HPFBCs, some prospects have also been suggested that need to be addressed and resolved in the future. This review article is anticipated to provide readers and researchers with valuable insights into the significance of tribo-mechanical performances in the assessment of HPFBCs for specific applications.
Assessing the air pollution tolerance index (APTI) of trees in residential and roadside sites of Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Zahid Adnan , Ali Sajid , Anwar Waheed , Fatima Ammara , Chattha Muhammad Bilal , Ayub Asma , Raza Ahmad , Ali Kashif , Siddique Maroof
Published: October 2023

Industrialization and extensive use of automobiles cause air pollution which indicates the inability of trees plants due to changes in their biochemical and physiological processes for absorbing the air pollutants. Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) is an important indicator for determining the ability of trees plants for their efficient ability for controlling air pollution. To estimate it and its effects a comparitive study of the air pollution tolerance index was examined in 14 species of plants between residential areas (University of the Punjab) and roadside areas (orange train line). To calculate the APTI value, four physiological and biochemical parameters—ascorbic acid, relative water content (RWC), pH, and chlorophyll concentration of leaf samples—were integrated. Present study results reveal that the plant tolerance against pollution is site specific, and that integrating a number of biochemical parameters give more accurate results as compared to single. Results show that Alstonia scholaris show maximum and Magnifera indica show minimum APTI values in residential areas while Magnifera indica shows maximum and Bougainvillea glabra shows minimum APTI value in roadside areas. Present study results show that plants with higher APTI values are tolerant of pollution, whereas those with lower APTI values are susceptible to it. Thus Plants with more APTI values are tolerant and use as a sink to control pollution in urban and industrial sites.
Retrospective Assessment of Preparedness for Mosquito Control Post-Hurricane Florence in North Carolina
Authors: Fields Melinda , Balanay Jo Anne G. , Byrd Brian D. , Kearney Gregory D. , Richards Stephanie L.
Published: October 2023

Objectives:

Ideally, mosquito control programs (MCPs) use surveillance to target control measures to potentially dangerous mosquito populations. In North Carolina (NC), where there is limited financial support for mosquito control, communities may suffer from mosquito-related issues post-hurricane due to lack of existing MCPs. Here, study objectives were to (1) investigate the emergency response of a subset of NC counties post-Hurricane Florence and (2) develop guidelines and policy recommendations to assist MCPs in post-hurricane mosquito control response.

Methods:

A survey was administered to a subset of eastern NC counties (an area previously impacted by hurricanes) with various levels of MCPs (from none to well-developed).

Results:

All respondents indicated that having Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) training would be helpful in developing a post-hurricane emergency response plan for mosquito control. There was concern related to a lack of knowledge of emergency control methods (eg, aerial/ground, adulticiding/larviciding) post-hurricane. MCP structure (eg, infrastructure, resources, operational plans/policies) could facilitate response activities and help ensure necessary emergency financial support from agencies such as FEMA.

Conclusions:

Mosquito control post-hurricane protects public health. Public health and other agencies can be networking resources for MCPs. Policy recommendations include implementation of routine FEMA assistance training workshops to improve an understanding of processes involved in assistance and reimbursement.
The cost of pediatric abdominal tuberculosis treatment in India: Evidence from a teaching hospital
Authors: Kachapila Mwayi , Sindhu Shreya , Dhiman Jyoti , Ghosh Dhruva N. , John Susan , Monahan Mark , Morton Dion G. , Roberts Tracy E. , Suroy Atul , Oppong Raymond
Published: October 2023

This study estimated the treatment cost of pediatric abdominal tuberculosis that potentially needs surgical treatment in India. Data were collected from 38 in-patient children at Christian Medical Hospital, Ludhiana as part of a clinical study conducted to establish the patterns of presentation and outcomes of abdominal tuberculosis in an Indian setting. A bottom-up approach was used to estimate the costs from a healthcare provider perspective, and a generalized linear model (GLM) was run to find variables that had an impact on the costs. Costs were reported in international dollars ($) and India Rupees (INR). The results show that the average direct cost was $3095.00 (standard deviation [SD]: 3480.82) or 68,065.13 INR (SD: 76,539.69). The GLM results established that duration of treatment and surgical treatment were significantly associated with higher costs. Efforts of eliminating the condition should be strengthened.
Sexual diversity and the Nationality and Borders Act 2022
Authors: Powell Alex , Rifath Raawiyah
Published: October 2023

In this short piece we focus on two of the main changes brought in by the recent Nationality and Borders Act 2022 with a focus on sexually diverse claimants: inadmissibility and the increased standard of proof. The recent changes have a negative impact on all asylum seekers but we highlight that they have a particularly adverse impact on sexually diverse claimants because their diverse backgrounds have not been appropriately considered. The problematic provisions on inadmissibility on the basis of mode of entry and removal to a ‘third safe country’ pose particular risks for sexual minorities. Additionally, the increased standard of proof exaggerates issues already faced by sexually diverse claimants in relation to objective evidence gathering and decision-makers using guidance riddled with stereotypical understandings about sexual minorities.
A weakened Markus–Yamabe condition for planar polynomial differential systems of degree
Authors: Llibre Jaume , Valls Claudia
Published: October 2023

For a general autonomous planar polynomial differential system, it is difficult to find conditions that are easy to verify and which guarantee global asymptotic stability, weakening the Markus–Yamabe condition. In this paper, we provide three conditions that guarantee the global asymptotic stability for polynomial differential systems of the form $x^{\prime}=f_1(x,y)$, $y^{\prime}=f_2(x,y)$, where f1 has degree one, f2 has degree $n\ge 1$ and has degree one in the variable y. As a consequence, we provide sufficient conditions, weaker than the Markus–Yamabe conditions that guarantee the global asymptotic stability for any generalized Liénard polynomial differential system of the form $x^{\prime}=y$, $y^{\prime}=g_1(x) +y g_2(x)$ with g1 and g2 polynomials of degrees n and m, respectively.
ʾinǧīl-in mubīn: A mixed archaic, Quranic, and Middle Arabic translation of the gospels and its implications for the nature of Middle Arabic
Authors: Stokes Phillip W.
Published: October 2023

This paper undertakes a close linguistic study of a unique translation of the gospels into Arabic as attested in three manuscript witnesses. The translation is unique insofar as it imitates the Quran, especially in lexicon and rhyme. Linguistically it mixes numerous features specific to the Quran with features from both the Classical Arabic (ClAr) tradition, including poetic archaisms not typical of standard ClAr, as well as from Christian Middle Arabic. I argue that the regnant framework for Middle Arabic – that it exists on a spectrum from dialects to standard Classical Arabic – is insufficient for understanding this text. Instead, we need to conceptualize the high register for at least some communities as encompassing distinctively Christian features, which originated as living features and had achieved prestige, along with ones from Classical Arabic and Quranic recitation traditions, and even Old Hijazi.
Indice du potentiel de participation sociale des Québécois âgés : cartographie des inégalités des zones métropolitaines, urbaines et rurales
Authors: Naud Daniel , Généreux Mélissa , Bruneau Jean-François , Levasseur Mélanie
Published: October 2023

Afin de mieux comprendre la distribution géographique des facilitateurs et des obstacles à la participation sociale des Québécois âgés, cette étude visait à documenter l’Indice du potentiel de participation sociale (IPPS) selon les zones métropolitaines, urbaines et rurales. Des analyses de données secondaires, dont l’Enquête transversale sur la santé des collectivités canadiennes, ont permis de développer et de cartographier un indice composé de facteurs environnementaux associés à la participation sociale, pondérés par une analyse factorielle. En zones métropolitaines, l’IPPS était supérieur au centre qu’en périphérie, compte tenu d’une concentration accrue d’aînés et des transports. Bien qu’atténuée, la configuration était similaire en zones urbaines. En zone rurale, un IPPS élevé était associé à une concentration d’aînés et un accès aux ressources accru, sans configuration spatiale. Pour favoriser la participation sociale, l’IPPS soutient que les transports et l’accès aux ressources doivent respectivement être améliorés en périphérie des métropoles et en zone rurale.
Myocardial bridge in a child with cardiac arrest and ventricular fibrillation: a bridge over troubled water?
Authors: McHale Joseph , Ngha Bill , Kurtz Joshua , Kozik Deborah , Johnsrude Christopher , Dasgupta Soham
Published: October 2023

Resuscitated cardiac arrest in a child triggers a comprehensive workup to identify an aetiology and direct management. The presence of a myocardial bridge does not automatically imply causation. Careful determination of the haemodynamic significance of the myocardial bridge is critical to avoid an unnecessary sternotomy and to provide appropriate treatment.
Postpartum family planning attitudes among Turkish women: development of a reliable and valid scale
Authors: Varol Zeynep Sedef , Çiçeklioğlu Meltem
Published: October 2023

Aim:

The aim of this study was to develop a scale based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) to assess the family planning (FP) attitudes of postpartum women with 0- to 12-month-old infants residing in eight neighbourhoods of the Bornova province, Izmir, Turkey.

Introduction:

Family planning is an integral component of maternal and infant health during the postpartum period and is a fundamental aspect of healthcare services in the prenatal and postnatal period.

Methods:

The Postpartum Family Planning Attitude Scale (PFPAS) was developed in four stages: item pool development, content validity evaluation, pilot study, and reliability and validity assessment. The PFPAS was administered to 292 women. The developed scale comprised 27 items and six sub-dimensions. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to evaluate the reliability of the scale. Construct validity was evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis.

Findings:

Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.88, indicating good reliability. Confirmatory factor analysis validated the structural validity of the scale, with a chi-square/degree of freedom ratio of 2.24, an RMSEA value of 0.068, and a CFI value of 0.95. The lowest and highest possible scores for the PFPAS were 27 and 135, respectively, with a mean total score of 105.32 ± 11.91.
The protection of the natural environment under international humanitarian law: The ICRC's 2020 Guidelines
Authors: Obregón Gieseken Helen , Murphy Vanessa
Published: October 2023

In 2020, the International Committee of the Red Cross's work on the protection of the natural environment under international humanitarian law (IHL) produced the Committee's Guidelines on the Protection of the Natural Environment in Armed Conflict (ICRC Guidelines), an update of their 1994 predecessor. The ICRC Guidelines consist of thirty-two rules and recommendations under IHL, each accompanied by a commentary explaining their legal basis and providing guidance for interpretation. This article presents an overview of the context surrounding the Guidelines, certain key legal content, and practical implications for the conduct of parties to armed conflict as they fight.
Geomagnetic Storm Associated D‐Region Anomalies Estimated From VLF Observations at a Low‐Latitude Station, Suva, Fiji
Authors: Kumar Sarwan , Kumar Sushil , Singh Rajesh
Published: October 2023

A comprehensive analysis of subionospheric Very Low Frequency (VLF) signals from transmitters with call‐signs NWC, NPM, and NLK monitored at a low‐latitude station, Suva, Fiji, has been carried out to determine the D‐region effects of the intense geomagnetic storms for a period of 7 years (2011–2016 and 2018). The periods of 2011–2016 and 2018 fall under the 24th solar cycle with yearly mean sunspot numbers 80.8–39.8 and 7.0, respectively. Seven out of 12 geomagnetic storms revealed VLF anomalies during the storm main phase day and storm recovery phase days. A pronounced decrease in the VLF amplitude and phase for the storms having main phase onset in the nighttime was found. Out of seven geomagnetic storms, a storm of St Patrick's Day of 17–18 March 2013 is presented as a case study and the same analysis was done for all the storms. The anomalies in the VLF amplitude and phase have been modeled using Long‐Wave Propagation Capability code V2.1 to obtain the changes in Wait parameters (reference height, H′ and sharpness factor, ꞵ) and changes in the D‐region electron density. In most cases of storms, an increase in the H′ and a decrease in the ꞵ during the storm main and recovery phases were obtained which for the 17–18 March 2013 storm increased by 7.4–7.6 km and decreased from 0.03 to 0.07 km−1, respectively. Wavelet analysis of signal anomalies showed clear wave‐like spectra (0.05–0.18 mHz) of atmospheric gravity waves indicating traveling ionospheric disturbances propagating toward low latitudes due to storm‐associated Joule heating at high latitudes.
Relationship Between Permeability and Resistivity of Sheared Rock Fractures: The Role of Tortuosity and Flow Path Percolation
Authors: Sawayama K. , Ishibashi T. , Jiang F. , Tsuji T.
Published: October 2023

The fluid‐flow properties of fractures have received increasing attention regarding the role of geofluids in the genesis of slow and fast earthquakes and recent advances in geoengineering developments. Geophysical observations are promising tools to remotely estimate crustal permeability changes; however, quantitative interpretations are limited by the rock‐physical models' paucity for fractures. This study investigated changes in permeability, resistivity, and their respective relationships at elevated stress by performing numerical simulations of different fracture models with varying fracture size, roughness, and shear displacement. Numerical results and microscopic flow analysis demonstrate that permeability–resistivity relationships are controlled by percolation and are less dependent on fracture geometric characteristics. Our finding suggests that the permeability evolution of fractures can be formulated with resistivity changes independent of both fracture size and microstructure, the trends of which can be predicted using Archie's exponent. The extension to the electro‐mechanical relationship further derives the potential applications of estimating stress changes.
Single-cell transcriptomic analysis reveals a systemic immune dysregulation in COVID-19-associated pediatric encephalopathy
Authors: Wang Yi , Luu Laurence Don Wai , Liu Shuang , Zhu Xiong , Huang Siyuan , Li Fang , Huang Xiaolan , Guo Linying , Zhang Jin , Ge Haiyan , Sun Yuanyuan , Hui Yi , Qu Yanning , Wang Huicong , Wang Xiaoxia , Na Weilan , Zhou Juan , Qu Dong , Tai Jun
Published: October 2023

Unraveling the molecular mechanisms for COVID-19-associated encephalopathy and its immunopathology is crucial for developing effective treatments. Here, we utilized single-cell transcriptomic analysis and integrated clinical observations and laboratory examination to dissect the host immune responses and reveal pathological mechanisms in COVID-19-associated pediatric encephalopathy. We found that lymphopenia was a prominent characteristic of immune perturbation in COVID-19 patients with encephalopathy, especially those with acute necrotizing encephalopathy (AE). This was characterized a marked reduction of various lymphocytes (e.g., CD8+ T and CD4+ T cells) and significant increases in other inflammatory cells (e.g., monocytes). Further analysis revealed activation of multiple cell apoptosis pathways (e.g., granzyme/perforin-, FAS- and TNF-induced apoptosis) may be responsible for lymphopenia. A systemic S100A12 upregulation, primarily from classical monocytes, may have contributed to cytokine storms in patients with AE. A dysregulated type I interferon (IFN) response was observed which may have further exacerbated the S100A12-driven inflammation in patients with AE. In COVID-19 patients with AE, myeloid cells (e.g., monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells) were the likely contributors to immune paralysis. Finally, the immune landscape in COVID-19 patients with encephalopathy, especially for AE, were also characterized by NK and T cells with widespread exhaustion, higher cytotoxic scores and inflammatory response as well as a dysregulated B cell-mediated humoral immune response. Taken together, this comprehensive data provides a detailed resource for elucidating immunopathogenesis and will aid development of effective COVID-19-associated pediatric encephalopathy treatments, especially for those with AE.
Infrared-active phonons in one-dimensional materials and their spectroscopic signatures
Authors: Rivano Norma , Marzari Nicola , Sohier Thibault
Published: October 2023

Dimensionality provides a clear fingerprint on the dispersion of infrared-active, polar-optical phonons. For these phonons, the local dipoles parametrized by the Born effective charges drive the LO-TO splitting of bulk materials; this splitting actually breaks down in two-dimensional materials. Here, we develop the theory for one-dimensional (1D) systems—nanowires, nanotubes, and atomic and polymeric chains. Combining an analytical model with the implementation of density-functional perturbation theory in 1D boundary conditions, we show that the dielectric splitting in the dispersion relations collapses as$${x}^{2}\log (x)$$x2log(x)at the zone center. The dielectric properties and the radius of the 1D materials are linked by the present work to these red shifts, opening infrared and Raman characterization avenues.
Epimorphic regeneration in the mammalian tympanic membrane
Authors: Scaria Sonia M. , Frumm Stacey M. , Vikram Ellee P. , Easow Sarah A. , Sheth Amar H. , Shamir Eliah R. , Yu Shengyang Kevin , Tward Aaron D.
Published: October 2023

Adult mammals are generally believed to have limited ability to regenerate complex tissues and instead, repair wounds by forming scars. In humans and across mammalian species, the tympanic membrane (TM) rapidly repairs perforations without intervention. Using mouse models, we demonstrate that the TM repairs itself through a process that bears many hallmarks of epimorphic regeneration rather than typical wound healing. Following injury, the TM forms a wound epidermis characterized by EGFR ligand expression and signaling. After the expansion of the wound epidermis that emerges from known stem cell regions of the TM, a multi-lineage blastema-like cellular mass is recruited. After two weeks, the tissue architecture of the TM is largely restored, but with disorganized collagen. In the months that follow, the organized and patterned collagen framework of the TM is restored resulting in scar-free repair. Finally, we demonstrate that deletion of Egfr in the epidermis results in failure to expand the wound epidermis, recruit the blastema-like cells, and regenerate normal TM structure. This work establishes the TM as a model of mammalian complex tissue regeneration.