bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronic alcohol intake regulates expression of SARS‐CoV2 infection‐relevant genes in an organ‐specific manner
Authors: Friske Marion M. , Giannone Francesco , Senger Mona , Seitz Robin , Hansson Anita C. , Spanagel Rainer
Published: February 2023

Background

Chronic alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorder have a tremendous impact on the patient's psychological and physiological health. There is evidence that chronic alcohol consumption influences SARS‐CoV2 infection risk, but so far, the molecular mechanism underlying such an effect is unknown.

Methods

We generated the expression data of SARS‐CoV2 infection‐relevant genes (Ace2, Tmprss2, and Mas) in different organs in rat models of chronic alcohol exposure and alcohol dependence. Ace2 and Tmprss2 represent the virus entry point, whereas Mas activates the anti‐inflammatory response once the cells are infected.

Results

Across three different chronic alcohol test conditions, we found a consistent upregulation of Ace2 gene expression in the lung, which has been shown to be the most affected organ in COVID‐19 patients. Other organs such as liver, ileum, kidney, heart, and brain also showed upregulation of Ace2 and Mas gene expression but less consistently across the different animal models, while Tmprss2 expression was unaffected in all conditions.

Conclusions

We conclude that alcohol‐induced upregulation of Ace2 gene expression can lead to an elevated stochastic probability of virus entry into cells and may thus confer a molecular risk for SARS‐CoV2 infection.
Melanoma diagnosis at a specialist dermatology practice without the use of photographic surveillance
Authors: Brown Hilary , De'Ambrosis Brian , Yong‐Gee Simon , Griffin Alison , Muir James
Published: February 2023

Background/Objective

Photographic aides are increasingly used in melanoma surveillance. We report melanoma characteristics detected using traditional surveillance without photographic technologies.

Methods

Retrospective study of melanomas diagnosed by three dermatologists at a private dermatology practice over 7 years. Patients underwent full skin examinations with dermoscopy and suspect lesions were excised or biopsied. Total body photography (TBP) and serial digital dermoscopic imaging (SDDI) were not used. Patient demographics, melanoma subtype and thickness, location, biopsy technique and keratinocyte cancers diagnosed at the same visit were recorded. Ratio of in situ to invasive melanomas was calculated. Melanoma risk factors were recorded for 69 randomly‐selected patients.

Results

492 patients were diagnosed with 615 melanomas during 579 visits. 505 (82%) were in situ (in situ to invasive ratio of 4.6:1). Of the invasive melanomas, 85.5% had a Breslow thickness <0.8 mm, 10 (9.1%) 0.8–1 mm and 6 (5.5%) >1 mm. 43.3% of in situ melanomas were lentiginous or lentigo maligna and 41.6% were superficial spreading melanomas (SSM). Of invasive melanomas, 24.3% were lentigo maligna melanoma and 59.5% were SSM. 48.4% of melanomas were diagnosed by shave procedures. Where risk factors were known, 25% were very‐high‐risk and 43% had a history of melanoma. Keratinocyte carcinoma was diagnosed by biopsy at 26.1% of visits.

Studies using TBP and/or SDDI report in situ to invasive ratios of 0.59:1 to 2.17:1.

Conclusion

Tradiational melanoma surveillance with immediate biopsy of suspect lesions results in high in situ to invasive ratios. Studies using photographic surveillance show lower ratios of in situ to invasive disease.
Comprehensive management of post‐LASIK ectasia: From prevention to treatment
Authors: Zhao Liting , Yin Yewei , Hu Tu , Du Kaixuan , Lu Ying , Fu Qiuman , Zhang Yanni , Wu Xiaoying , Li Yuanjun , Wen Dan
Published: February 2023

Post‐laser in situ keratomileusis (post‐LASIK) ectasia (PLE) is one of the most serious complications after refractive surgery, mainly manifested as progressive thinning and trembling thinning of the cornea, accompanied by increased myopia and astigmatism. The mechanisms behind mainly include genetic risk factors and external environmental factors such as eye rubbing and cornea surgery. In order to achieve the goal of reducing the incidence of ectasia, preoperative screening strategies need to be continuously improved, through the collection and assessment of genetic and environmental risk factors. Although previous preoperative screening methods did not have a uniform standard, the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) can help us process a large amount of information and make rational use of the data. By using high‐fidelity finite element modelling, differences in preoperative and postoperative strain distributions can be observed, which can predict the risk of postoperative ectasia. In this review, we describe the incidence, aetiology, prevention and treatment of PLE for the purpose of comprehensive management. In terms of treatment, corneal collagen cross‐linking has been widely used to treat progressive keratoconus and other ectasia disease, either as a preventive measure during surgery or as a therapeutic modality after surgery to prevent progression of corneal dilation. Although the standard Dresden protocol has been identified as the gold standard treatment for corneal dilatation, a series of refinements, investigations and long‐term studies have been conducted in recent years. Thus, understanding the factors involved in delaying the onset and slowing progression of cornea ectasia will be key to reducing the incidence worldwide.
Improved obstetric management after implementation of a scaled‐up quality improvement intervention: A nested before‐after study in three public hospitals in Nepal
Authors: Litorp Helena , Målqvist Mats , Sunny Avinash K. , Gurung Abhishek , Gurung Rejina , KC Ashish
Published: February 2023

Background

We assessed the change in obstetric management after implementation of a quality improvement intervention, the Nepal Perinatal Quality Improvement Package (NePeriQIP).

Methods

The Nepal Perinatal Quality Improvement Package was a stepped‐wedge cluster‐randomized controlled trial conducted in 12 public hospitals in Nepal between April 2017 and October 2018. In this study, three hospitals allocated at different time points to the intervention were selected for a nested before–after analysis. We used bivariate and multivariate analyses to compare obstetric management in the control vs intervention group.

Results

There were 25 977 deliveries in the three hospitals during the study period: 10 207 (39%) in the control and 15 770 (61%) in the intervention group. After adjusting for maternal age, ethnicity, education, gestational age, stage of labor at admission, complications during labor, and birthweight, the intervention group had a higher proportion of fetal heart rate monitoring performed as per protocol (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12–1.27), shorter time intervals between each fetal heart rate monitoring (aOR 2.09, 95% CI 1.96–2.23), a higher likelihood of abnormal fetal heart rate being detected (aOR 1.53, 95% CI 1.25–1.68), progress of labor more often being recorded immediately after per vaginal examination (aOR 2.73, 95% CI 2.55–2.93), and partograph filled as per standards (aOR 3.18, 95% CI 2.98–3.50). The cesarean birth rate was 2.5% in the control group and 8.2% in the intervention group (aOR 3.12, 95% CI 2.64–3.68).

Conclusions

The NePeriQIP intervention has potential to improve obstetric care, especially intrapartum fetal surveillance, in similar low‐resource settings.
The economic burden associated with stillbirth: A systematic review
Authors: Veettil Sajesh K. , Kategeaw Warittakorn , Hejazi Andre , Workalemahu Tsegaselassie , Rothwell Erin , Silver Robert M. , Chaiyakunapruk Nathorn
Published: February 2023

Background

Evidence on the economic burden of stillbirth is limited. In this systematic review, we aimed to identify studies focusing on the economic burden of stillbirth, describe the methods used, and summarize the findings.

Method

We performed a systematic search in Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and EconLit from inception to July 2021. Original studies reporting the cost of illness, economic burden, or health care expenditures related to stillbirth were included. Two reviewers independently extracted data and evaluated study quality using the Larg and Moss checklist. A narrative synthesis was performed. Costs were presented in US dollars (US$) in 2020.

Results

From the 602 records identified, a total of four studies were included. Eligible studies were from high‐income countries. Only one study estimated both direct and indirect costs. Among three cost‐of‐illness studies, two studies undertook a prevalence‐based approach. The quality of these studies varied and was substantially under‐reported. Four studies describing direct costs ranged from $6934 to $9220 per stillbirth. Indirect costs account for around 97% of overall costs. No studies have incorporated intangible cost components.

Conclusions

The economic burden of stillbirth has been underestimated and not extensively studied. There are no data on the cost of stillbirth from countries that bear a higher burden of stillbirth. Extensive variation in methodologies and cost components was observed in the studies reviewed. Future research should incorporate all costs, including intangible costs, to provide a comprehensive picture of the true economic impact of stillbirth on society.
Skin‐to‐skin contact in mothers with suspected, probable, or confirmed COVID‐19
Authors: Saus‐Ortega Carlos
Published: February 2023

Background

The World Health Organization recommends skin‐to‐skin contact (SSC) in newborns of mothers with COVID‐19, applying infection prevention and control measures, and after a process of antenatal counseling on the possible risks and benefits. In this study, the reasons given for and against postnatal SSC in mothers with COVID‐19 were reviewed.

Method

Between November and December 2020, we conducted a scoping review. Twenty‐six relevant studies were identified. The results were extracted and presented narratively.

Results

The reasons described for avoiding SSC have include contradictory recommendations, risk of virus transmission, impossibility of universal antepartum maternal screening for COVID‐19, work overload, and ethical considerations. The reasons given for the maintenance of SSC include maternal and infant benefits of SSC, previous experiences in viral outbreaks, protection of newborns against infections, decreased contact with professionals, caregivers and surfaces, and preservation of natural processes.

Conclusions

The recommendation to allow SSC is based primarily on the acceptance that horizontal perinatal transmission is unlikely if correct hygiene precautions are taken and that the benefits of SSC outweigh the potential risks of neonatal COVID‐19 infection. Knowing the reasons that have motivated the current recommendations on SSC is essential to be able to carry out an effective prenatal parental education that allows a shared decision to be made.
Immunosuppression after pediatric liver transplant: The parents’ perspective
Authors: Batsis Irini , Bucuvalas John , Eisenberg Elizabeth , Lau Jennifer , Squires James E. , Feng Sandy , Perito Emily R.
Published: February 2023

Background

For children with liver transplants (LT), achieving an “ideal outcome” is a balancing act: too little immunosuppression begets graft injury; too much begets systemic complications. We aimed to delineate the parental perspective on this tightrope.

Methods

Parents of children with LT completed an internet‐based survey about their child's immunosuppression.

Results

Children of respondents (n = 82) were a median 4 years from primary LT (range 0–22); 73% were on immunosuppression monotherapy. Parents’ top concerns were related to immunosuppression complications; 46% were more concerned about immunosuppression complications than rejection; only 17% were more concerned about rejection than immunosuppression complications. Among parents of children on immunosuppression monotherapy, 29% still worried more about immunosuppression complications than rejection, 48% expressed equal concern for both. Time since LT (0‐4 vs. >4 years) was not associated with concern level for rejection or immunosuppression complications. Caregivers were significantly more certain that their child's immunosuppression regimen was correct to prevent rejection than to mitigate complications (p < .005).

Conclusion

Caregivers of children with LTs reported higher levels of concern and uncertainty about immunosuppression complications than rejection risk. Understanding parent and patient perspectives on IS, and incorporating them into immunosuppression counseling and decision‐making, is critical to achieving truly “ideal” long‐term outcomes.
Prey resources are equally important as climatic conditions for predicting the distribution of a broad‐ranged apex predator
Authors: Sutton Luke J. , Anderson David L. , Franco Miguel , McClure Christopher J. W. , Miranda Everton B. P. , Vargas F. Hernán , Vargas González José de J. , Puschendorf Robert
Published: February 2023

Aim

A current biogeographic paradigm states that climate regulates species distributions at continental scales and that biotic interactions are undetectable at coarse‐grain extents. However, advances in spatial modelling show that incorporating food resource distributions are important for improving model predictions at large distribution scales. This is particularly relevant to understand the factors limiting the distribution of widespread apex predators whose diets are likely to vary across their range.

Location

Neotropical Central and South America.

Methods

The harpy eagle (Harpia harpyja) is a large raptor, whose diet is largely comprised of arboreal mammals, all with broad distributions across Neotropical lowland forest. Here, we used a hierarchical modelling approach to determine the relative importance of abiotic factors and prey resource distribution on harpy eagle range limits. Our hierarchical approach consisted of the following modelling sequence of explanatory variables: (a) abiotic covariates, (b) prey resource distributions predicted by an equivalent modelling for each prey, (c) the combination of (a) and (b), and (d) as in (c) but with prey resources considered as a single prediction equivalent to prey species richness.

Results

Incorporating prey distributions improved model predictions but using solely biotic covariates still resulted in a high‐performing model. In the Abiotic model, Climatic Moisture Index (CMI) was the most important predictor, contributing 76% to model prediction. Three‐toed sloth (Bradypus spp.) was the most important prey resource, contributing 64% in a combined Abiotic‐Biotic model, followed by CMI contributing 30%. Harpy eagle distribution had high environmental overlap across all individual prey distributions, with highest coincidence through Central America, eastern Colombia, and across the Guiana Shield into northern Amazonia.

Main Conclusions

With strong reliance on prey distributions across its range, harpy eagle conservation programmes must therefore consider its most important food resources as a key element in the protection of this threatened raptor.
The role of fire in terrestrial vertebrate richness patterns
Authors: Moritz Max A. , Batllori Enric , Bolker Benjamin M.
Published: February 2023

Productivity is strongly associated with terrestrial species richness patterns, although the mechanisms underpinning such patterns have long been debated. Despite considerable consumption of primary productivity by fire, its influence on global diversity has received relatively little study. Here we examine the sensitivity of terrestrial vertebrate biodiversity (amphibians, birds and mammals) to fire, while accounting for other drivers. We analyse global data on terrestrial vertebrate richness, net primary productivity, fire occurrence (fraction of productivity consumed) and additional influences unrelated to productivity (i.e., historical phylogenetic and area effects) on species richness. For birds, fire is associated with higher diversity, rivalling the effects of productivity on richness, and for mammals, fire's positive association with diversity is even stronger than productivity; for amphibians, in contrast, there are few clear associations. Our findings suggest an underappreciated role for fire in the generation of animal species richness and the conservation of global biodiversity.
Three‐dimensional correlative light and focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy reveals the distribution and ultrastructure of lanceolate nerve endings surrounding terminal hair follicles in human scalp skin
Authors: Yamanishi Haruyo , Iwabuchi Tokuro
Published: February 2023

Lanceolate nerve endings (LNEs) surrounding hair follicles (HFs) play an important role in detecting hair deflection. Complexes of the LNEs form a palisade‐like structure along the longitudinal axis of hair roots in which axons are sandwiched between two processes of terminal Schwann cells (tSCs) at the isthmus of HFs. The structure and molecular mechanism of LNEs in animal sinus hair, pelage, and human vellus hairs have been investigated. Despite the high density of HFs in human scalp skin, the LNEs in human terminal HFs have not been investigated. In this study, we aimed to reveal the distribution and ultrastructure of LNEs in terminal HFs of human scalp skin. Using light‐sheet microscopy and immunostaining, the LNEs were observed at one terminal HF but not at the other terminal HFs in the same follicular unit. The ultrastructure of the LNEs of terminal HFs in human scalp skin was characterized using correlated light and electron microscopy (CLEM). Confocal laser microscopy and transmission electron microscopy of serial transverse sections of HFs revealed that LNEs were aligned adjacent to the basal lamina outside the outer root sheath (ORS), at the isthmus of terminal HFs, and adjacent to CD200‐positive ORS cells in the upper bulge region. Moreover, axons with abundant mitochondria were sandwiched between tSCs. Three‐dimensional CLEM, specifically confocal laser microscopy and focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy, of stained serial transverse sections revealed that LNEs were wrapped with type I and type II tSCs, with the processes protruding from the space between the Schwann cells. Moreover, the ultrastructures of LNEs at miniaturized HFs were similar to those of LNEs at terminal HFs. Preembedding immunoelectron microscopy revealed that Piezo‐type mechanosensitive ion channel component 2 (Piezo2), a gated ion channel, was in axons and tSCs and adjacent to the cell membrane of axons and tSCs, suggesting that LNEs function as mechanosensors. The number of LNEs increased as the diameter of the ORS decreased, suggesting that LNEs dynamically adapt to the HF environment as terminal HFs miniaturize into vellus‐like hair. These findings will provide insights for investigations of mechanosensory organs, aging, and re‐innervation during wound healing.
Wild boar versus domestic pig—Deciphering of crown growth in porcine second molars
Authors: Emken Simon , Witzel Carsten , Kierdorf Uwe , Frölich Kai , Kierdorf Horst
Published: February 2023

Based on the previously established periodicity of enamel growth marks, we reconstructed crown growth parameters of mandibular second molars from two wild boar and two domestic pigs of the Linderöd breed. Body weight gain and progression of dental development were markedly faster in the domestic pigs than the wild boar. While the final crown dimensions of the M2 did not differ between domestic pigs and wild boar, mean crown formation time (CFT) of this tooth was considerably shorter in the domestic pigs (162 days) than in the wild boar (205 days). The difference in CFT was mainly attributable to a higher enamel extension rate (EER) in the domestic pig. Generally, EER was highest in the cuspalmost deciles of the length of the enamel‐dentine‐junction and markedly dropped in cervical direction, with lowest values occurring in the cervicalmost decile. In consequence, the cuspal half of the M2 crown was formed about three times faster than the cervical half. In contrast to the EER, no marked difference in daily enamel secretion rate (DSR) was recorded between domestic pigs and wild boar. The duration of enamel matrix apposition as well as linear enamel thickness in corresponding crown portions was only slightly lower in the domestic pigs than the wild boar. Thus, the earlier completion of M2 crown growth in the domestic pig was mainly achieved by a higher EER and not by an increased DSR. The more rapid recruitment of secretory ameloblasts in the course of molar crown formation of domestic pigs compared to wild boar is considered a side‐effect of the selection for rapid body growth during pig domestication.
Icex: Advances in the automatic extraction and volume calculation of cranial cavities
Authors: Buzi Costantino , Profico Antonio , Liang Ce , Khonsari Roman H. , O'Higgins Paul , Moazen Mehran , Harvati Katerina
Published: February 2023

The use of non‐destructive approaches for digital acquisition (e.g. computerised tomography—CT) allows detailed qualitative and quantitative study of internal structures of skeletal material. Here, we present a new R‐based software tool, Icex, applicable to the study of the sizes and shapes of skeletal cavities and fossae in 3D digital images. Traditional methods of volume extraction involve the manual labelling (i.e. segmentation) of the areas of interest on each section of the image stack. This is time‐consuming, error‐prone and challenging to apply to complex cavities. Icex facilitates rapid quantification of such structures. We describe and detail its application to the isolation and calculation of volumes of various cranial cavities. The R tool is used here to automatically extract the orbital volumes, the paranasal sinuses, the nasal cavity and the upper oral volumes, based on the coordinates of 18 cranial anatomical points used to define their limits, from 3D cranial surface meshes obtained by segmenting CT scans. Icex includes an algorithm (Icv) for the calculation of volumes by defining a 3D convex hull of the extracted cavity. We demonstrate the use of Icex on an ontogenetic sample (0–19 years) of modern humans and on the fossil hominin crania Kabwe (Broken Hill) 1, Gibraltar (Forbes' Quarry) and Guattari 1. We also test the tool on three species of non‐human primates. In the modern human subsample, Icex allowed us to perform a preliminary analysis on the absolute and relative expansion of cranial sinuses and pneumatisations during growth. The performance of Icex, applied to diverse crania, shows the potential for an extensive evaluation of the developmental and/or evolutionary significance of hollow cranial structures. Furthermore, being open source, Icex is a fully customisable tool, easily applicable to other taxa and skeletal regions.
Factors influencing the delivery of nutritional care by nurses for hospitalised medical patients with malnutrition; a qualitative study
Authors: Van Den Berg Gerda , Vermeulen Hester , Conroy Tiffany , Van Noort Harm , De Van Der Schueren Marian , Huisman‐de Waal Getty
Published: February 2023

Objectives

To describe an insight into nursing nutritional care delivery in the hospital from the perspectives of observed nursing care and an exploration of multidisciplinary attitudes and experiences with patient participation in nutritional care.

Background

The prevalence of malnutrition in hospitalised patients continues to be high. Nurses' essential role in the identification and treatment of malnutrition is an important aspect of the fundamentals of care. Nurses have a key role in providing optimal nutritional care in the hospital. A systematic nursing approach, combined with an active role for patients, is required to effectively counteract malnutrition.

Design

A multicentre qualitative study using ethnographic observations and focus groups.

Methods

Direct observation of nutritional care was conducted on two nursing wards; nurses and inpatients were observed; and data were thematically analysed based on the fundamentals of care framework. Subsequently, six focus groups were held on three nursing wards with nurses, dietitians and nutrition assistants (n = 34). Data were analysed using open, axial and selective coding. The COREQ guidelines were used for reporting the study.

Results

During 54 days, representing 183 h, 39 nurses were observed in two medical wards. Three activities in nutritional care delivery were identified from observing nurses and patients: (1) screening and assessment/at‐risk determination, (2) nutritional care plans and (3) monitoring and evaluating outcomes and transition‐of‐care planning. In addition, the focus groups identified barriers, facilitators, needs and expectations for optimal nursing nutritional care delivery.

Conclusions

This study provides an understanding of the difficulties in the delivery of nursing nutritional care. Patient participation in the nutritional care process is rare. Evidence‐based strategies are required to improve the knowledge and skills of nurses and patients to participate in (mal)nutrition care.

Relevance

The findings of this study are used for the development of a nursing nutrition intervention to optimise patient participation in (mal)nutrition care.

Patient or public contribution

During the study, patients were not involved with the observations of care and/or with the interviews; the researchers observed the nutritional care delivery at medical wards acting as passive participants. Nurses, nutrition assistants and dietitians were after the focus groups asked for feedback on the transcripts of the interviews.
Social embeddedness and supply chains: Doing business with friends versus making friends in business
Authors: Ding Haoyuan , Hu Yichuan , Jiang Han , Wu Jing , Zhang Yu
Published: February 2023

Network literature has widely documented that the managerial ties between corporate leaders in two firms can promote their economic exchanges in supply chains, that is, social embeddedness. In this study, we strive to advance this line of inquiry by exploring the dynamics of such socially embedded supply chains, examining whether and when the dissolution of managerial ties between two firms would cause the subsequent termination of their supplier–buyer exchanges. We address this question by distinguishing two types of socially embedded supply chains based on their different relational origins: business‐with‐friend links in which the managerial ties precede the supply chains, and friend‐in‐business links in which the supplier–buyer exchanges precede the managerial ties. We posit that the managerial tie dissolution has a negligible effect on the subsequent termination of supply chains in business‐with‐friend links. In contrast, in friend‐in‐business links, the dissolution of managerial ties between two firms is associated with a significantly higher likelihood for their supplier–buyer exchanges to dissolve afterward. We find strong empirical evidence for the above propositions using a nuanced data set that integrates the managerial tie information and the supply chain data. In sum, we show that socially embedded supply chains with different origins (“doing business with friends” vs. “making friends in business”) would have distinct patterns of evolution and dissolution.
Effects of Carbonization Temperature on Mechanical and Thermal Insulation Properties of Carbon Aerogel Composites using Phenolic Fibers as Reinforcement
Authors: Li Longlong , Liu Fengqi , Feng Junzong , Jiang Yonggang , Li Liangjun , Feng Jian
Published: February 2023

A series of carbon fiber-reinforced carbon aerogel composites (C/CAs) were prepared via carbonizing phenolic fibers impregnated organic aerogel at temperatures ranging from 1,000 to 1,600°C. Phenolic fiber as soft reinforcement shrinks synchronously with the aerogel matrix during the preparation process, which effectively avoided microcracks and achieved an excellent reinforcement effect. The effects of carbonization temperatures on the mechanical and thermal insulation properties of the C/CAs were investigated via pore structural and morphological analysis, as well as the characterization of mechanical strength and thermal conductivity. The results show that the compressive strength of C/CA is 1.26–2.14 MPa in xy-direction and 0.55–1.20 MPa in z-direction. The obtained bending strength range from 1.92 to 3.62 MPa with the carbonization temperature increase from 1,000 to 1,600°C. The thermal conductivity of C/CA-1000 at 1,800°C is 0.1637 W·m−1·K−1 while that of reached 0.2713 W·m−1·K−1 of C/CA-1600. Further study found that the change of porosity and pore size caused by the closure of micropores at high temperatures should be responsible for performance evolution.
Young Adult Carers Services in England: Facilitating Choice over Future Caring?
Authors: Boyle Geraldine , Mozdiak Elizabeth
Published: February 2023

This paper reports findings from a national, qualitative study in England that investigated if young adult carers services are facilitating young people’s transitions to adulthood, including considering a future beyond caring. Semi-structured, online interviews were conducted in 2022 with a purposive sample of managers or lead workers of eleven young adult carers services in England. We discuss the consideration given in assessments to young people’s caring preferences and the availability of support to facilitate them to relinquish their role, if they so wished. The majority of young adult carers services gave young people the opportunity to express their views on this issue. Although the Care Act 2014 aimed to provide choice over caring in adulthood to young adult carers, this was not matched by the necessary service provision to facilitate their preferences. A new national carers strategy is urgently required to ensure that young people, particularly women, have a credible choice over their future lives.
Förster Blockade and Excitation Transfer Behaviors of Two-Photon Rabi Oscillations of Exciton–Biexciton Levels in Coupled Quantum Dots
Authors: AlAhmadi Ameenah N.
Published: February 2023

We provide a theoretical study for the dynamical behavior of two-photon Rabi oscillations in two coupled quantum dots. Each dot is a three-level quantum system (ground, one-exciton, and biexciton states). We describe the optical dynamics within the density matrix formalism framework. The two-photon Rabi oscillations are found to be significantly affected by the strength of the interdot dipolar interaction. Using a detuned laser pulse with an exciton state of the driven quantum dot in our numerical simulations, a direct coherent excitation between the biexciton states can be established, but whether Rabi oscillations can be observed depend mainly on the strength of the dipolar interaction and bandwidth of the excitation laser. When the strength of the dipolar coupling is less than the excitation laser bandwidth, the time-dependent populations of the various two biexciton states of the system exhibit coherent oscillations with several frequencies. However, as we increase the dipolar coupling strength, the population transfer between the quantum dots levels amazingly becomes forbidden, and the excitation gets trapped at the initial state. The reduction of the influence of the dipolar interaction leads to a manipulation of two-photon Rabi oscillation in an ultrashort timescale (∼ps), opening possibilities to achieve ultrafast quantum state control and quantum logic gate generation.
Mycobacterium avium Infection of Multinucleated Giant Cells Reveals Association of Bacterial Survival to Autophagy and Cholesterol Utilization
Authors: Joseph Jayanthi J. , Leestemaker-Palmer Amy , Kazemi Soheila , Danelishvili Lia , Bermudez Luiz E.
Published: February 2023

Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis (M. avium) is an opportunistic environmental pathogen that typically infects patients with existing lung conditions such as cystic fibrosis or COPD. Pulmonary M. avium infection generates peribronchial granulomas that contain infected macrophages and multinucleated giant cells (MGCs). While granuloma formation with MGCs is a common feature of mycobacterial infection, the role of MGCs within the granulomas as well as in the host-pathogen interaction is poorly understood. To shed light on the role of MGCs, we established a novel in vitro model utilizing THP-1 cells stimulated with a combination of IFN-γ and TNF-α. In this study, we show that MGCs can take up M. avium, which replicates intracellularly before leaving the cell. Bacteria that escape the MGC exhibit a highly invasive phenotype, which warrants further evaluation. Characterization of MGCs with transmission electron microscopy revealed an accumulation of cytoplasmic lipid droplets, autophagic activity, and multiple nuclei. Autophagy markers are upregulated in both uninfected and infected MGCs early in infection, measured by RT-qPCR analysis of Beclin-1 and LC3. Inhibition of autophagy with siRNA significantly reduced M. avium survival significantly in THP-1 macrophages. Depletion of host cholesterol and sphingomyelin in MGCs also resulted in decreased survival of M. avium. These processes potentially contribute to the formation of a supportive intracellular environment for the pathogen. Collectively, our results suggest that M. avium is adapted to replicate in MGCs and utilize them as a springboard for local spread.
Numerical Study of Percolation and Seepage Behaviors in Ion‐Adsorption‐Type Rare Earth Ore Leaching Process
Authors: Dianyu E. , Su Zhongfang , Zeng Jia , Yang Liuyimei , Li Jing , Xu Qiang , Wang Lin , Cui Jiaxin
Published: February 2023

Ionic rare earth ore is a type of featured rare earth ore in China. Its mining process suffers from a long leaching cycle and considerable consumption of leaching agents. Improving mining efficiency requires a sound physical understanding of the leaching process. In this study, the CFD‐based numerical model is used to analyze the physical process of leaching through porous media formed by particles. The simulation results indicate that a lower packing porosity and smaller particles packed granular porous medium result in much larger energy dissipation during seepage, and the energy dissipation increases with seepage velocity. It is found that when the seepage velocity increases to a certain high value, the energy dissipation exceeds the value predicted by Darcy’s law, which is mainly caused by liquid turbulence. Additionally, the effect of particle shape is examined. The results show that the granular medium composed of prolate particles causes larger energy dissipation than oblate particles, and spherical particles play the least role. This phenomenon may result from the particle shape affecting the area of the frontal contact surface between particles and liquid. The results provide new insights into the fundamental understanding of percolation and seepage behaviors in the ion‐adsorption‐type rare earth ore leaching process.
Garlic Extract-Mediated Synthesis of ZnS Nanoparticles: Structural, Optical, Antibacterial, and Hemolysis Studies
Authors: Alnehia Adnan , Al-Odayni Abdel-Basit , Al-Hammadi A. H. , Alramadhan Safiah A. , Alnahari Hisham , Saeed Waseem Sharaf , Al-Sharabi Annas
Published: February 2023

The green synthesis of zinc sulfide nanoparticles (ZnS NPs)-mediated plant extract is gaining importance because of its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and ecofriendly nature. In this work, ZnS NPs were synthesized using garlic extract as NPs facilitating agent, characterized by Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and UV–visible, then their antibacterial and hemocompatibility were assayed. Analysis revealed a cubic phase, 2.33 nm crystallite size, and a 3.75 eV optical bandgap. Bioactivity test against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli indicated dose-dependent potency closer to that of azithromycin standard drug and more efficient on S. aureus (Gram-positive) than E. coli (Gram-negative) bacteria. Biocompatibility test in terms of erythrocyte hemolysis, in reference to normal saline and water as minimal and maximal controls, confirmed nontoxic substance up to 100 μg/mL as the highest examined concentration and at which a lysis of 2.9% was detected. Therefore, it could be concluded that this biogenic method is effective in producing ZnS NPs with desirable properties for potential biomedical applications.
New-Onset Hyperreligiosity, Demonic Hallucinations, and Apocalyptic Delusions following COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Ahearn Joseph , Driscoll Maggie , Gilela Sahiti
Published: February 2023

Background. Neuropsychiatric sequelae of COVID-19 have been documented, including delusions, hallucinations, agitation, and disorganized behavior. Although the mechanisms for these symptoms remain unclear, there has been an increasing body of literature suggesting a correlation between COVID-19 infection and psychosis. Here, we illustrate the case of a 34-year-old female with no previous psychiatric history who contracted COVID-19 and subsequently developed severe symptoms of psychosis. After presenting to the emergency department with one month of worsening mood, auditory hallucinations, intrusive thoughts, and hyperreligiosity, she was admitted to the inpatient psychiatric unit. The patient was treated with multiple antipsychotic medications and was discharged in stable condition with resolution of her auditory hallucinations; however, her delusions, hyperreligiosity, and negative psychotic symptoms persisted, resulting in a second inpatient psychiatric admission eight days after discharge, during which she again did not reach full remission. Objectives. With this information, we hope to increase awareness of COVID-induced psychosis and further discuss the relationship between COVID-19 infection and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Conclusions. Although there has been increasing research about the COVID-19 pandemic, there is much to be elucidated regarding the neuropsychiatric symptoms related to these infections. Similar to previous studies, our case describes a patient with no previous psychiatric history who developed severe psychotic symptoms after COVID-19 infection and was admitted to the inpatient psychiatric unit. These symptoms resulting from infection can be severe or debilitating for the patient. Therefore, physicians should be aware of these potential neuropsychiatric sequelae when treating patients with active COVID-19 infections, and treatment with antipsychotics or acute inpatient psychiatric admission should be considered.
Mértola : ville-musée et champ archéologique
Authors: Briamont Thomas , Collineau Estelle , Leysten Benoît , Duarte Cândido Manuelina Maria
Published: February 2023

En avril 2019, les étudiants du master en muséologie de l’Université de Liège (Belgique) ont eu la chance de visiter Mértola. Située dans le sud du Portugal, cette petite ville est l’héritière d’un riche patrimoine valorisé depuis 1978 par le « Campo Arqueológico de Mértola ». Reposant sur les observations réalisées au cours de ce voyage, cet article analyse les aspects innovants et les défis de cette expérience singulière de muséalisation de l'archéologie. Un premier axe d’analyse s’intéresse au concept de « développement durable » qui est au centre du projet développé à Mértola. En effet, ce projet est articulé autour d’une forme alternative de développement reposant sur la richesse du patrimoine local, alors que la région est menacée par la dépopulation. Aussi, face aux dangers inhérents au tourisme de masse, Mértola propose comme alternative un tourisme culturel et rural qui rend à la communauté locale le bénéfice de ses efforts dans la préservation du patrimoine. Un deuxième aspect développé dans cette contribution est l’intégration des espaces archéologiques muséalisés dans le quotidien de la population locale. Véritable ville-musée, Mértola propose une conception particulière de l’archéologie qui, en tant que science ouverte, ne doit pas uniquement s’adresser aux spécialistes, mais également se mettre au service de la société. Au final, l’expérience singulière et innovante proposée à Mértola conduit à s’interroger sur notre conception du musée et sur son rôle dans notre société.
The Heraion Collection at the Museum of Delos: Between research and expography
Authors: Francisco Gilberto da Silva , Guedes Carolina Machado
Published: February 2023

This text is part of the ongoing research on the Sanctuary of Hera (Heraion) in Delos, a project of the French School of Athens (École française d’Athènes - EfA) with a network of collaborators from Brazilian universities. More specifically, it addresses the close linkages between archaeological research on the Sanctuary of Hera in Delos, dating back to the 19th century, and the local museum, built in the early 20th century. We approach issues linked to the research process between the archaeological site and the museum, in addition to the prevalent logic in the presentation of many objects from the archaeological site in the museum’s public exhibition. Finally, we propose strategies based on a virtual setting with the aim of reorganizing some limits between the archaeological site, the local museum and communications.
The genus Acicula W. Hartmann, 1821 in the Caucasus (Gastropoda: Caenogastropoda: Aciculidae)
Authors: PÁLL-GERGELY BARNA , MUMLADZE LEVAN , GREGO JOZEF , GIOKAS SINOS
Published: February 2023

The Aciculidae is a family of terrestrial operculate snails with a western Palaearctic distribution. Historically three Acicula species were reported from the Caucasus Mountains, which represents the eastern edge of the family's distribution: A. limbata, A. moussoni and A. parcelineata, all from a few localities. We examined extensive material from the entire range of the Caucasus Mountains by means of classic morphology-based taxonomy and geometric morphometries. We arrived at the following conclusions: (1) At least three species inhabit the Caucasus Mountains, two of which are problematic taxonomically and regarding their nomenclature. (2) The two syntypes of A. moussoni have been lost, and both lectotype designations by the former authors were invalid. Therefore, we designate a neotype for A. moussoni. (3) Acicula limbata was described from Lower Miocene deposits of the Czech Republic. Although the fossil Central European and extant Caucasian shells differ only slightly from one another, it is highly unlikely that they would belong to the same species. Therefore, we suggest using A. limbata only for the Czech fossil species and A. moussoni for the Caucasian extant species. (4) In multiple samples, the generally smaller Acicula parcelineata was found syntopic with the generally larger A. moussoni. Therefore, the two are possibly distinct species. However, it is very difficult to distinguish, and the problem of A. moussoni and A. parcelineata needs further attention. (5) A species with a bullet (or torpedo)-shaped shell and an opisthocline apertural profile from the northern Caucasus region has been treated as A. moussoni by previous authors, but it is distinct from the other two Acicula species by consistent conchological characters and was also found with them in syntopy, and is described here as Acicula telum Páll-Gergely, n. sp.
A new species of the genus Aegosoma Audinet-Serville, 1832 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae, Prioninae) from South China and Northeast Myanmar
Authors: KOSHKIN EVGENY S. , DRUMONT ALAIN
Published: February 2023

N/A
Analysis of Telebasis Selys, 1865—Part I. (Odonata: Coenagrionidae)
Authors: LENCIONI F.A.A.
Published: February 2023

All species of Telebasis Selys, 1865 are analyzed and Telebasis sensu lato is redefined, Helveciagrion Machado, 1980 is removed from synonym and revalidated based on morphological characters and a new genus (Juenagrion gen. nov.) and a new species (Juenagrion nanae spec. nov.—Brazil: Mato Grosso: Querência, córrego transição, 13° 03′ 35″ S & 52° 12′ 03″ W) are erected. Diagnostic illustrations are presented.
Two new species of Cunaxa (Acari, Prostigmata, Cunaxidae) from South-East Asia with a world key to the genus
Authors: KALÚZ STANISLAV , ERMILOV SERGEY G.
Published: February 2023

Two new mite species of the family Cunaxidae (Acari, Prostigmata)—Cunaxa asiatica sp. nov. and C. smileyi sp. nov.—are described from Vietnam, based on females. Cunaxa asiatica sp. nov. is similar to C. doxa (Chaudri, 1980) in having the medial hysterosomal shield smooth and bearing setae c1–e1, c2, but differs from the latter by the presence of 1 sts, finger-like palpofemoral apophysis and smooth setae c1–e1 on basifemora IV (vs. 2 sts, uncinate palpofemoral apophysis and spiculate c1–e1 in C. doxa). Cunaxa smiley sp. nov. is similar to C. oblongostriata Kalúz and Ermilov, 2022 in having 4-4-4-4 sts on telofemora I–IV and 2 solenidia on genu II, but differs from the latter by the presence of 3-3-3-0 sts on basifemora I–IV, 1 asl and 5 sts on genu IV, and well developed medial hysterosomal shield (vs. basifemora I–IV setal formula of 3-3-3-1 sts, genu IV bearing 7 sts, and the hysterosomal medial shield absent in C. oblongostriata).
Gynacantha anandmati, a new species of dragonfly (Odonata: Anisoptera: Aeshnidae) from Maharashtra, India
Authors: SAWANT DATTAPRASAD , KAMBLI AMOL
Published: February 2023

We erect Gynacantha anandmati sp. nov. based on one male and one female specimens collected from Thane district of Maharashtra. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by long, straight and nearly flat cerci, distinct ‘T-shaped mark’ on postfrons and vividly marked abdomen. We also provide updated key to identification of males of South Asian Gynacantha spp.
A new species of Pseudovelia Hoberlandt, 1950 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Veliidae) from Honshu, Japan
Authors: WATANABE KOHEI , HAYASHI MASAKAZU
Published: February 2023

The genus Pseudovelia occurs at the margins of freshwater bodies and is widely distributed in the Palearctic and Oriental regions. It is represented by 29 species in the East and Southeast Asian mainland, of which five are known from Japan. Described here is Pseudovelia lasiomma sp. nov. from Lake Biwa, Honshu, Japan. In addition, a key is provided to facilitate the identification of the six species of Pseudovelia now known from Japan.
A new species of Troglopedetes Joseph, 1872 with eyes (Collembola, Paronellidae) from a Christmas Island Cave, Australia
Authors: CIPOLA NIKOLAS GIOIA , GREENSLADE PENELOPE
Published: February 2023

A new species of Troglopedetes Joseph from a Christmas Island Cave, Australia is described and illustrated here. Troglopedetes eberhardi sp. nov. resembles other species by presence of eyes and dorsal chaetotaxy of the second thoracic segment to third abdominal segment, but differs in head chaetotaxy, fourth abdominal segment and elongated unguis median tooth, which character is documented here in the genus for the first time. A comparison and identification key for all eyed species is provided. This is the first record of Troglopedetes for Australia and the genus now has 37 nominal species, of which nine have eyes.
A new species of Dascillus Latreille (Coleoptera: Dascillidae) from Hubei, China
Authors: FU YUTING , JIN ZHENYU , WU GANG
Published: February 2023

A new species, Dascillus emarginatus sp. nov., from Shennongjia Nature Reserve, Hubei, China is described. The new species is very similar to D. attenuatus Jin, Xie & Zhu, 2017, from which it can be distinguished by the greater body length, scutellar shield emarginate anteriorly, abdominal ventrites with glabrous spots on each side in both genders, apex of female ventrite 5 emarginate in the middle, and the shape of genitalia. The illustrations of the morphological characters and a distribution map are given.