bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PEG‐rhG‐CSF for prophylaxis of neutropenia after chemotherapy in patients with non–small cell lung cancer: A multicenter, prospective, randomized study
Authors: Sun Xu‐Sheng , Wang Zhe , Ren Shu‐Hua , Zhang He‐Lin , Liu Li‐Jun , Du Hong‐Bo , Liu Xiao‐Wei , Liu Jun‐Feng
Published: July 2022

Background

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of pegylated recombinant human granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (PEG‐rhG‐CSF) in preventing neutropenia during multiple cycles of chemotherapy in patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Method

In a multicenter, prospective, randomized trial, patients with NSCLC were randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to treatment group (PEG‐rhG‐CSF as primary prophylactic therapy) or control group. Patients in the control group were administered rhG‐CSF when white blood cell count was <2.0 × 109/L or absolute neutrophil count <1.0 × 109/L. The primary endpoint was the incidence of grade 3/4 neutropenia. Secondary endpoints included the incidence and duration of grade 3/4 neutropenia in each cycle, the incidence of febrile neutropenia (FN), delay rate of chemotherapy, prolonged time of chemotherapy, and safety.

Results

Between January 2019 and July 2021, 130 patients were enrolled (treatment group: n = 87, control group: n = 43). The incidence of grade 3/4 neutropenia in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group (1.15% vs. 11.63%, p < 0.05). The mean duration of grade 3/4 neutropenia for the treatment and control group was 2.00 and 3.75 days, respectively. There were no statistical differences in the incidence of FN, delay rate of chemotherapy, prolonged time of chemotherapy, and antibiotic use between the two groups (all p > 0.05). Adverse events were reported in 47.13% of patients in the treatment group and 48.84% patients in the control group.

Conclusions

Primary prophylactic treatment with PEG‐rhG‐CSF could reduce the incidence of neutropenia in patients with NSCLC during multiple cycles of chemotherapy, with acceptable safety and tolerability.
Laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer with two left gastric arteries: Safe and adequate lymphadenectomy in a rare arterial abnormality
Authors: Ito Sunao , Ogawa Ryo , Saito Masaki , Ueno Shuhei , Hayakawa Shunsuke , Okubo Tomotaka , Sagawa Hiroyuki , Tanaka Tatsuya , Takahashi Hiroki , Matsuo Yoichi , Takiguchi Shuji
Published: July 2022

Clinical studies have established the safety and advantages of laparoscopic surgery for gastric cancer; therefore, laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) in clinical practice is increasing. We report the case of a 77‐year‐old patient with gastric cancer who was referred to our center for LG. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a type 3 tumor identified as adenocarcinoma on biopsy. Three‐dimensional computed tomography‐angiography revealed two left gastric arteries (LGAs) branching from the celiac trunk. By laparoscopically performing the outermost layer‐oriented lymphadenectomy (OML‐OL), the two LGAs were detected and appropriately divided. Subtotal gastrectomy was completed, and the patient had an uneventful postoperative course. The OML‐OL was appropriate for LG in this situation. This case demonstrates the necessity of preoperative three‐dimensional computed tomography‐angiography with 1‐mm slices and the importance of performing OML‐OL.
De novo 4q35.2 duplication containing FAT1 is associated with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Hernando‐Davalillo Cristina , Martín Adrián Alcalá San , Borregan Prats Mar , Ortigoza‐Escobar Juan Darío
Published: July 2022

Genetic studies have established a connection between FAT1 (FAT atypical cadherin 1) deletion and variants and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Here, we describe a 7‐year‐old girl who sought a neurology consultation in order to be evaluated for ASD and was found to have a de novo 4q35.2 duplication containing the FAT1 gene. Similar to other reported cases of FAT1 variants or deletion, this patient exhibits non‐syndromic ASD without facial dysmorphism or brain MRI abnormalities. We suggest also considering FAT1 duplication as a potential ASD cause.
Brain–immune interaction mechanisms: Implications for cognitive dysfunction in psychiatric disorders
Authors: Zhao Fangyi , Li Bingjin , Yang Wei , Ge Tongtong , Cui Ranji
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Cognitive dysfunction has been identified as a major symptom of a series of psychiatric disorders. Multidisciplinary studies have shown that cognitive dysfunction is monitored by a two‐way interaction between the neural and immune systems. However, the specific mechanisms of cognitive dysfunction in immune response and brain immune remain unclear.

Materials and methods

In this review, we summarized the relevant research to uncover our comprehension of the brain–immune interaction mechanisms underlying cognitive decline.

Results

The pathophysiological mechanisms of brain‐immune interactions in psychiatric‐based cognitive dysfunction involve several specific immune molecules and their associated signaling pathways, impairments in neural and synaptic plasticity, and the potential neuro‐immunological mechanism of stress.

Conclusions

Therefore, this review may provide a better theoretical basis for integrative therapeutic considerations for psychiatric disorders associated with cognitive dysfunction.
Complex social and political factors threaten the world's smallest primate with extinction
Authors: Kappeler Peter M. , Markolf Matthias , Rasoloarison Rodin M. , Fichtel Claudia , Durbin Joanna
Published: July 2022

We highlight current problems, challenges and dilemmas of conservation action in Madagascar, which is one of the poorest countries, but also the hottest global biodiversity hotspot. Consequences of climate change and the COVID‐19 pandemic exacerbate an already dramatic situation for many protected areas that are under pressure from illegal logging and habitat clearance for agriculture. The example of Madame Berthe's mouse lemur (Microcebus berthae), the world's smallest primate, illustrates how conservation efforts are failing because this “critically endangered” lemur species (Markolf et al. 2020) is feared to be extinct only 30 years after its discovery, even though its entire global range is situated inside a protected area. Numerous other lemurs, who have a higher percentage of CR/EN/VU species than any other group of mammals, are facing very similar prospects, despite this globally most endangered group of mammals enjoying particular attention from conservation policy makers and activists for decades because their endemic populations have been rapidly declining in shrinking habitats.
Pharmacological treatment for methamphetamine withdrawal: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Acheson Liam S. , Williams Benjamin H. , Farrell Michael , McKetin Rebecca , Ezard Nadine , Siefried Krista J.
Published: July 2022

Issues

Cessation of methamphetamine use may result in a characteristic withdrawal syndrome, no medication has been approved for this indication. This systematic review aims to assess the efficacy of pharmacotherapy for methamphetamine withdrawal, the first comprehensive meta‐analysis since 2008.

Approach

MEDLINE (1966–2020), CINAHL (1982–2020), PsychINFO (1806–2020) and EMBASE (1947–2020) were systematically searched. Studies were included if they were randomised controlled trials (RCT) investigating pharmacological treatments for methamphetamine withdrawal, reviewing outcomes of treatment discontinuation, mental health outcomes, withdrawal symptoms (including craving) and patient safety. The relative risk (RR) and weighted mean difference (MD) were used to meta‐analyse dichotomous and continuous data respectively, with 95% confidence intervals. Risk of bias and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) assessments were conducted.

Key Findings

Nine RCTs of six medications (n = 242 participants) met inclusion criteria, however, only six trials of four medications (n = 186) could be meta‐analysed. Mean sample size across studies was 27 participants, and 88% of participants were male. The quality of evidence in this review varies from low to very low on GRADE assessments. Amineptine may reduce discontinuation rates (RR 0.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.07, 0.72, p = 0.01), and improve global state (MD −0.49, 95% CI −0.80, −0.17), compared with placebo, however, this medication is no longer approved. No other medications improved any domain when compared with placebo. Due to lack of reporting safety profiles could not be established.

Conclusions

There is insufficient evidence to indicate any medication is effective for the treatment of methamphetamine withdrawal. The poor quality of the evidence indicates a need for better powered, high‐quality trials.
The value of shifting cultivation for biodiversity in Northeast India
Authors: Borah Joli R. , Gilroy James J. , Evans Karl L. , Edwards David P.
Published: July 2022

Aim

Shifting cultivation is a widespread land‐use in many tropical countries that also harbours significant levels of biodiversity. Increasing frequency of cultivation cycles and expansion into old‐growth forests have intensified the impacts of shifting cultivation on biodiversity and carbon sequestration. We assessed how bird diversity responds to shifting cultivation and the potential for co‐benefits for both biodiversity and carbon in such landscapes to inform carbon‐based payments for ecosystem service (PES) schemes.

Location

Nagaland, Northeast India.

Methods

We surveyed above‐ground carbon stocks and bird communities across various stages of a shifting cultivation system and old‐growth forest using composite carbon sampling plots and repeated point counts directly overlaying the carbon plots in both summer and winter. We assessed species diversity using species accumulation and rarefaction curves based on Hill numbers. We fitted a linear mixed‐effect model to assess the relationship between species richness and fallow age. We also examined possible co‐benefits between carbon and biodiversity from fallow regeneration in terms of relative community similarity to old‐growth forest across carbons stocks.

Results

Farmland and secondary forests regenerating on fallowed land had similar bird species richness to old‐growth forests in summer and relatively higher species richness in winter. Within regenerating fallows, we did not find any strong evidence that fallow age influenced bird species richness. Bird community resemblance to old‐growth forest increased with secondary forest maturity, correlating also with carbon stocks in summer. However, bird community assemblage did not show a strong association with habitat types and carbon stocks during winter.

Main conclusions

This study underscores the important role of traditional non‐intensive shifting cultivation in providing refuges for biodiversity within heterogeneous habitat mosaics. Effectively managing these landscapes is crucial for both biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration in the subtropics.
Cerebral infarction and risk factors in acute type A aortic dissection with arch branch extension
Authors: Gong Wenqing , Zhou Ling , Shang Lei , Zhao Hongliang , Duan Weixun , Zheng Minjuan , Ge Shuping
Published: July 2022

Objective

Stanford type A aortic dissection (AAD) may affect the supra‐aortic arteries, which are associated with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) or transient ischemic attack (TIA). This study aimed to investigate cerebral perfusion, the infarction incidence and risk factors in AAD patients.

Methods

A total of 156 consecutive AAD patients were enrolled and divided into two groups according to whether the aortic arch branches were involved: the affected group (n= 90) and the unaffected group (n= 66). Clinical, echocardiographic/carotid Doppler data and cerebral infarction morbidity were compared between the groups. Independent predictors of 30‐day AAD mortality were identified through multivariable Cox regression, and perioperative risk factors were analyzed.

Results

In total, 57.7% of AAD patients had aortic arch branch involvement. Abnormal Doppler waveforms were more common in the affected group (p< 0.05). Regarding intracranial perfusion, the blood flow volumes (BFVs) of the bilateral internal carotid arteries (ICAs) and right vertebral artery (RVA) in the affected group were significantly reduced (p< 0.05). The incidence of cerebral infarction in the affected group was significantly higher than that in the unaffected group (35.6% vs. 19.7%,p= 0.031). Multivariable analysis revealed that age >45 years old, right internal carotid artery (RICA) involvement and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were significant predictors of perioperative death.

Conclusions

Aortic arch branch involvement is common in patients with AAD and is associated with reduced cerebral blood flow (especially on the right side) and a higher incidence of cerebral infarction. Age, extension of the RICA dissection and LVEF impairment are independent risk factors for AAD‐related death.
How School Security Measures Harm Schools and Their Students
Authors: Chambers Drew
Published: July 2022

In this essay, Drew Chambers argues that the implementation of modern security technology in American schools (also known as target hardening) may do more harm than good, especially when such technologies represent the primary mode of risk responsiveness. In using technological measures to reduce risk, schools may inadvertently undermine both other responses to school violence as well as key aims of schooling itself. Here, Chambers provides a survey of the dominant trends in school security measures and the empirical scholarship related to those measures' effectiveness and outcomes. He then provides four independent arguments for why reliance on security technology might be more harmful than not. First, reliance on technology as a response to school violence can ultimately limit more effective approaches to school safety that are not technological. Second, the more securitized schools become, the more such securitization detracts from teaching and learning as the main enterprise of schools. Third, surveillance measures unintentionally propagate fear in students and may inhibit healthy adolescent development. Fourth, security technology has a unique capacity to harmfully alter student–teacher relationships. These arguments, taken together, should suggest an abundance of caution is in order when it comes to securitizing schools.
Liminal Lunch: Disclosure and Discursion in the School Cafeteria
Authors: Smilie Kipton D.
Published: July 2022

Liminal spaces operate as thresholds, as spaces “lodged between all … spaces defined and governed in any specific biocultural ecosystem.” While these spaces offer interesting prospects for study, liminal spaces in schools have received very little scholarly attention. In labeling and considering the school cafeteria in U.S. schools as a liminal space, a new way of exploring a liminal “consciousness and imagination” is open to scholars and practitioners. This in‐between space allows students opportunities for discursion and disclosure not generally accessible in classrooms. As anthropologists have maintained, liminal spaces afford individuals freer experiences and opportunities not encountered in more frequented, orderly spaces. Examining these possibilities increases our awareness of the liminality of the school cafeteria, and such an awareness can help students in shaping different conceptions of human flourishing.
Critical Race Theory and Black Marxism: Implications for Higher Education
Authors: Cowley Matthew P. S.
Published: July 2022

In this paper, Matthew Cowley advances a theoretical approach toward higher education drawn from critical race theory (CRT) and Black Marxism. After an overview of CRT and Black Marxism, Cowley builds a working understanding of two recent (re)conceptualizations of race and class analysis that draw from both: (1) economies of racism and (2) critical raceclass theory of education. Subsequently, he connects two assumptions of CRT and Black Marxism — whiteness as property and racial capitalism — to expound on an original hypothesis, relate it to relevant issues in higher education, and evaluate it by deploying the economies of racism theoretical approach.
Quantitative trait loci mapping reveals an oligogenic architecture of a rapidly adapting trait during the European invasion of common ragweed
Authors: Prapas Diana , Scalone Romain , Lee Jacqueline , Nurkowski Kristin A. , Bou‐assi Sarah , Rieseberg Loren , Battlay Paul , Hodgins Kathryn A.
Published: July 2022

Biological invasions offer a unique opportunity to investigate evolution over contemporary timescales. Rapid adaptation to local climates during range expansion can be a major determinant of invasion success, yet fundamental questions remain about its genetic basis. This study sought to investigate the genetic basis of climate adaptation in invasive common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia). Flowering time adaptation is key to this annual species' invasion success, so much so that it has evolved repeated latitudinal clines in size and phenology across its native and introduced ranges despite high gene flow among populations. Here, we produced a high‐density linkage map (4493 SNPs) and paired this with phenotypic data from an F2 mapping population (n = 336) to identify one major and two minor quantitative trait loci (QTL) underlying flowering time and height differentiation in this species. Within each QTL interval, several candidate flowering time genes were also identified. Notably, the major flowering time QTL detected in this study was found to overlap with a previously identified haploblock (putative inversion). Multiple genetic maps of this region identified evidence of suppressed recombination in specific genotypes, consistent with inversions. These discoveries support the expectation that a concentrated genetic architecture with fewer, larger, and more tightly linked alleles should underlie rapid local adaptation during invasion, particularly when divergently adapting populations experience high levels of gene flow.
Effect of vocal tract dynamics on neural network‐based speech recognition: A Bengali language‐based study
Authors: Hasan Md Rakibul , Hasan Md Mahbub , Hossain Md Zakir
Published: July 2022

Although speech recognition has achieved significant success using integrated and efficient models, still some series of challenges remain as linguistic‐acoustic patterns are perturbed by speakers' individual articulation gestures and environmental noises. Due to dynamic changes in the vocal tract cavity, word utterances yield temporal and perturbed linguistic‐acoustic features, whereas vowel utterances yield less‐perturbed quasi‐stationary features. To recognize patterns as in vowels and words, the basic feedforward neural network (NN), among other methods, responds to these vocal tract‐induced variabilities and has shown promising results because of its simple yet effective modelling of nonlinear data. We, therefore, present a comprehensive study on how these variabilities of acoustical features affect the speech token classification performances using NNs. We chose vocal tract resonance (formant frequency) as linguistic‐acoustic feature. Our statistical evaluation of vocal tract‐induced variabilities in seven Bengali vowels and words revealed that words have more variations than vowels. We used four‐fold cross‐validation in an NN with Adam optimizer to compute classification performances using five different metrics. Our experiments found that formant transitions and dispersions do not contribute to classification, and five‐hidden‐layered NN is optimum. In all different test cases, we justified our hypothesis—word classification falls behind vowel classification due to the variability induced by vocal tract dynamics. The optimum NN with 28,263 trainable parameters achieved the highest accuracy and AUC scores: 0.89 and 0.99 in vowels, and 0.64 and 0.91 in words.
Is sustainability rating material to the market?
Authors: Economidou Claire , Gounopoulos Dimitrios , Konstantios Dimitrios , Tsiritakis Emmanuel
Published: July 2022

This study examines whether information about a firm's engagement in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices is material to market participants. Evidence from a sample of 1856 initial public offerings (IPOs) by U.S. companies for the 2007–2018 period robustly documents that firms for which there is available ESG performance information prior to going public exhibit higher underpricing due to a positive market response. Such a reaction is validated by agency cost‐reducing practices that ESG‐rated firms follow prior to the IPO, the superior post‐IPO market performance they exhibit in terms of equity financing, and the higher share of financially sophisticated investors they attract compared to their ESG‐unrated peers. Overall, our results highlight that it pays off to do good and to have the right investors; however, firms’ good ESG practices need to be visible to the market, through rating practices, to reap the benefits.
Relationship between written and spoken text recall in L2
Authors: Sletova Natalia , Isurin Ludmila
Published: July 2022

The relationship between written and spoken recall (SR) has primarily been analyzed with English‐speaking monolinguals. Written recall (WR) has been reported more accurate due to higher cognitive load and attention required to produce a text. This study examined the written and spoken text recall relationship in L2 learners of Russian and analyzed how individual working memory (WM) capacity influenced both types of recall. Twenty‐two intermediate‐low learners of Russian participated in the study. The obtained results were consistent with results obtained from research on monolingual learners. WR was found more accurate than SR. The WM score did not correlate, however, with accuracy for either type of recall. This could be due to low cognitive demands of the chosen text required from the participants. A longer text is suggested for future studies. Also, second language acquisition studies analyzing a possibility of scaffolding L2 speaking accuracy by practicing L2 writing are encouraged.
Serous tubal intra‐epithelial carcinoma: what do we really know at this point?
Authors: Vang Russell , Shih Ie‐Ming
Published: July 2022

Serous tubal intra‐epithelial carcinoma (STIC) is the earliest morphologically recognisable step in the development of invasive high‐grade serous carcinoma of the fallopian tube. Lesions occurring prior to STIC within the carcinogenic sequence for the pathogenesis of invasive high‐grade serous carcinoma include the p53 signature and secretory cell outgrowth (SCOUT). Variable histological criteria have been used for diagnosing STIC, but a combination of morphology and immunohistochemistry for p53/Ki‐67 improves interobserver agreement. Half of all carcinomas identified in risk‐reducing salpingo‐oophorectomy specimens are in the form of STIC; however, STIC also may be incidentally found on occasion in specimens from women at low or average risk of ovarian/tubal/peritoneal carcinoma. TP53 mutation is the earliest known DNA sequence alteration in STIC and almost all invasive high‐grade serous carcinomas of the ovary and peritoneum. Data on the clinical behaviour of STIC are limited. While the short‐term follow‐up in the prior literature suggests a low risk of malignant progression, a more recent meta‐analysis indicates a 10‐year risk of 28%. STIC probably should be best regarded as a lesion with uncertain malignant potential at present, and future molecular analysis will help to classify those with higher risk of dissemination. This review provides an update on the current knowledge of STIC and related issues.
Quality of life in Female Users of Antiageing Cosmetic Products/Aesthetic Treatments
Authors: Evangelista Marta , Vilaça Margarida , Almeida Isabel F. , Pereira M. Graça
Published: July 2022

Background

Ageing is accompanied by physical changes, both at the physiological and appearance levels. The way people perceive these changes have important consequences on general health and quality of life (QoL). This study analysed the relationship between sociodemographic variables, psychological variables, use of antiageing cosmetic products/aesthetic treatments, and QoL.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included a sample of 271 women, aged between 25 and 70 years, users of antiageing cosmetic products and/or aesthetic services. Participants were assessed on psychological morbidity (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), appearance schemes (Appearance Schemas Inventory – Revised), self‐esteem (Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale), perfectionism (Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale), self‐perceptions of ageing (Brief Aging Perceptions Questionnaire), and QoL (SF‐12v2).

Results

Being older and having a higher household income was associated with better QoL. The use of facial firming products, hair colouring products, and sunscreen was also associated with better QoL. Psychological morbidity and perfectionism contributed negatively to QoL, while household income contributed positively. Ageing perceptions moderated the relationship between self‐esteem and QoL.

Conclusion

According to the findings, intervention programs to reduce psychological morbidity, increase self‐esteem, promote more adaptive patterns of perfectionism, and recognize the role of age perception are needed to improve women's QoL. The perceived influence of the usage of cosmetic products to prevent/minimize aging signs should be further explored.
VDR gene polymorphisms are associated with the increased susceptibility to COVID‐19 among iranian population: A case‐control study
Authors: Jafarpoor Ali , Jazayeri Seyed Mohammad , Bokharaei‐Salim Farah , Ataei‐Pirkooh Angila , Ghaziasadi Azam , Soltani Saber , Sadeghi Ahmadreza , Marvi Shima Sadeghipoor , Poortahmasebi Vahdat , Khorrami Seyed Mahmood Seyed , Hasanzad Mandana , Parsania Negar , Nagozir Sina , Mokhtari Narges , Parsania Ali , Bahrami Asma , Nadjarha Mohammad Hossein , Pakzad Reza , Parsania Masoud
Published: July 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is an infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), but the pathogenesis is unclear. Host genetic background is one of the main factors influencing the patients' susceptibility to several viral infectious diseases. This study aimed to investigate the association between host genetic polymorphisms of two genes, including vitamin D receptor (VDR) and vitamin D binding protein (DBP), and susceptibility to COVID‐19 in a sample of the Iranian population. This case‐control study enrolled 188 hospitalized COVID‐19 patients as the case group and 218 suspected COVID‐19 patients with mild signs as the control group. The VDR (rs7975232, rs731236 and rs2228570) and DBP (rs7041) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped by Polymerase Chain Reaction Restriction – Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) method. A significant association between rs2228570 SNP in the VDR gene and the susceptibility of COVID‐19 was found between case and control groups. The CT genotype (Heterozygous) of rs2228570 C > T polymorphism showed significant association with a 3.088 fold increased odds of COVID‐19 (p < .0001; adjusted OR: 3.088; 95% CI: 1.902–5.012). In addition, a significant association between CC genotype of rs2228570 CT polymorphism and increased odds of COVID‐19 in male and female groups (p = .001; adjusted OR: 3.125; 95% CI: 1.630–5.991 and p = .002; adjusted OR: 3.071; 95% CI: 1.485–6.354 respectively) were determined. Our results revealed no significant differences in the frequency of genotype and allele of VDR (rs7975232 and rs731236) and DBP (rs7041) between SARS‐CoV‐2‐infected patients and controls (p > .05). Our results showed that polymorphism of VDR (rs2228570) probably could influence individual susceptibility to COVID‐19. The polymorphisms of VDR (rs7975232 and rs731236) and DBP (rs7041) were not associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection susceptibility.
Incidence and predictive factors of orgasmic dysfunction after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy: A cross‐sectional, questionnaire‐based study
Authors: Honda Masashi , Shimizu Ryutaro , Teraoka Shogo , Yumioka Tetsuya , Yamaguchi Noriya , Kawamoto Bunya , Iwamoto Hideto , Morizane Shuichi , Hikita Katsuya , Takenaka Atsushi
Published: July 2022

Objective

We sought to evaluate the incidence and extent of orgasmic dysfunction in patients after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy and to identify factors that could predict patients at risk.

Methods

A single‐center, questionnaire‐based, cross‐sectional study was conducted on patients who underwent robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (n = 523) between October 2010 and November 2019. In addition to six questions about sexual activity, orgasmic function, altered perception of orgasms, dysorgasmia, and climacturia, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form was administered. In February 2020, a letter was mailed inviting patients to participate in the survey. The primary outcome measure was the rate of orgasmic dysfunction. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors of orgasmic dysfunction.

Results

Overall, 259 questionnaires were used for analysis. Among sexually active patients (n = 145), 33 (22.8%) reported anorgasmia, and 83 (57.2%) reported decreased orgasm intensity. Twenty‐two (15.1%) patients reported dysorgasmia; among these patients, the pain was experienced almost always or always in 13.6%, sometimes in 13.6%, and a few times in 72.8% of cases. Climacturia was reported by 44 patients (30.3%). Nerve‐sparing procedures decreased the risk of anorgasmia (odds ratio 0.37, 95% confidence interval 0.15–0.88) and urinary incontinence increased the risk of climacturia (odds ratio 3.13, 95% confidence interval 1.20–8.15).

Conclusions

These results indicate that orgasmic dysfunction after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy is relatively common.
Modelling climate change impacts on wet and dry season rice in Cambodia
Authors: Alvar‐Beltrán Jorge , Soldan Riccardo , Ly Proyuth , Seng Vang , Srun Khema , Manzanas Rodrigo , Franceschini Gianluca , Heureux Ana
Published: July 2022

Irregular rainfall, rising temperatures and changing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events are projected to reduce crop yields and threaten food security across the tropical monsoon sub‐region. However, the anticipated extent of impact on crop yields and crop water productivity (CWP) is not yet thoroughly understood. The impacts of climate change on rice yields and CWP are assessed over the Northern Tonle Sap Basin in Cambodia by applying the AquaCrop model into the mid‐ (2041–2070) to long‐future (2071–2099) under two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) (4.5 and 8.5). Short (95 days), medium (125 days) and long (155 days) cycle varieties are tested during the wet and dry seasons. An assessment of different sowing dates and irrigation strategies (fixed and net irrigation during the dry season) elucidated the variation in response to changing environmental conditions. Higher yields (+15% by 2041–2070 and +30% by 2071–2099) and CWP values (+42% by 2071–2099) are expected if using short‐cycle varieties, in particular when sown in July. Dry season rice yields are also projected to increase (+28% by 2071–2099), especially under a higher greenhouse gas emission scenario (RCP 8.5) compared to a medium emission scenario (RCP 4.5) as a result of the CO2 fertilization effect. Depending on the climatic scenario, rice variety, irrigation scheme, and sowing date, increasing heat and drought‐stress conditions are likely to have different impacts on rice yields and CWP over time. Overall, this study highlights the benefits of adjusting crop calendars to identify the most suitable irrigation schedules and rice varieties to effectively adapt to projected future climate.
Giant electric field–controlled magnetism in Bi0.86Sm0.14FeO3 multiferroic ceramics with Pna21 symmetry
Authors: Liu Lu , Zhang Yehui , Shi Xin Xin , Liu Xiao Qiang , Zhu Xiao Li , Xu Bin , Chen Xiang Ming
Published: July 2022

In the present work, Bi0.86Sm0.14FeO3 ceramics with near Pna21 single‐phase structure were obtained by a repeated longtime sintering process, and the dielectric, ferroelectric, and magnetic characteristics were determined together with the magnetoelectric coupling coefficient. The evolution of Pna21 symmetry was revealed by transmission electron microscope analysis, and the ferroelectric transition from Pbnm to Pna21 was determined by differential scanning calorimetry analysis together with the dielectric characterization, and the Curie temperature was determined as 195°C. The saturated polarization–electric field (P–E) hysteresis loop was obtained with Pr = 12.2 μC cm−2, and the unlocking of ferromagnetism was confirmed by the apparent magnetization–magnetic field (M–H) hysteresis loop with Mr = 77.4 emu mol−1. The giant electric field–controlled magnetism was due to the Pna21/R3c field–induced transition, which was confirmed by both structure analysis and theoretical calculation, and the change of remanent magnetization under an electric field was achieved up to 44.8 emu mol−1 (57.9%), which was much bigger than that of rare‐earth (RE)‐substituted BiFeO3 ceramics without optimizing Pna21 phase fraction. The present results might significantly deepen the physical understanding of Pna21 phase and subsequently provide new hints on further enhancing electric field–controlled magnetism in RE‐substituted BiFeO3 multiferroic ceramics.
Intricacies involving the evaluation of fracture toughness obtained by the surface‐crack‐in‐flexure method
Authors: Lubauer Julia , Lohbauer Ulrich , Henrich Martina , Munz Maximilian , Lube Tanja , Belli Renan
Published: July 2022

Among the several methods available for the measurement of the fracture toughness (KIc), the surface‐crack‐in‐flexure (SCF) has the advantages of being based on an easy‐to‐produce short (application relevant) crack size of defined geometry with a naturally sharp crack tip. The production of ready‐to‐test cracked specimens is fast and uncomplicated, rendering accurate results with low scatter. However efficient and reliable, the procedural steps for the obtainment of a valid crack need revisions, especially on aspects concerning the polishing depth, the removal of lateral cracks, the obtainment of an appropriate crack geometry, and the use of adequate solutions for the geometry factor. In this study we attend to these issues by systematically polishing a large number of specimens of two ceramic materials having very distinct subsurface Knoop crack systems to assess the effect of remnants of lateral cracks. By evaluating the geometry factor of the median precrack along the entire crack front, we provide valid ranges for the crack geometry regarding the crack‐surface intersection angle as resulting from the polishing depth, extending the applicability of the Strobl et al. solution to shallow cracks in detriment of the Newman and Raju formula that is poised to overestimations of KIc of up to 10%. Our results debunk the belief that lateral cracks affect the obtained KIc, but demonstrate the necessity of a minimum polishing depth for the attainment of valid crack geometries.
Synthesis and luminescence properties of red‐emitting AlN:Mn2+ spherical phosphors
Authors: Hao Xu , Wan Shiqin , Du Songmo , Chen Zhanglin , Zhang Jie , Yuan Xuanyi , Wang Qi
Published: July 2022

In this study, we successfully prepared red‐emitting AlN:Mn2+ spherical phosphors by using nitrogen pressure–assisted carbothermal reduction–nitridation method. The optimum preparation parameters were explored by changing nitrogen pressure, CaF2 content, reaction temperature, and the amount of MnCO3. It was confirmed that uniform spherical shape, large particle size, less impurity content, and suitable Mn2+ concentrations could effectively enhance the luminous intensity of AlN:Mn2+ phosphors. The structural compositions of the AlN:Mn2+ phosphors were characterized by X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, indicating that Mn2+ ions were successfully doped into AlN lattice by substitution of Al3+ ions, thus providing the red‐emitting luminescence centers. Based on the experimental results, we further proposed the underlying growth mechanism of spherical AlN phosphors. It was suggested that an adequate amount of liquid Ca‐aluminates was essential to achieve uniform spherical morphology and high fluorescence efficiency.
Pirfenidone alleviates cardiac fibrosis induced by pressure overload via inhibiting TGF‐β1/Smad3 signalling pathway
Authors: Li Na , Hang Weijian , Shu Hongyang , Zhou Ning
Published: July 2022

Cardiac fibrosis critically injured the cardiac structure and function of the hypertensive patients. However, the anti‐fibrotic strategy is still far from satisfaction. This study aims to determine the effect and mechanism of Pirfenidone (PFD), an anti‐lung fibrosis medicine, in the treatment of cardiac fibrosis and heart failure induced by pressure overload. Male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to thoracic aorta constriction (TAC) or sham surgery with the vehicle, PFD (300 mg/kg/day) or Captopril (CAP, 20 mg/kg/day). After 8 weeks of surgery, mice were tested by echocardiography, and then sacrificed followed by morphological and molecular biological analysis. Compared to the sham mice, TAC mice showed a remarkable cardiac hypertrophy, interstitial and perivascular fibrosis and resultant heart failure, which were reversed by PFD and CAP significantly. The enhanced cardiac expression of TGF‐β1 and phosphorylation of Smad3 in TAC mice were both restrained by PFD. Cardiac fibroblasts isolated from adult C57BL/6 mice were treated by Angiotensin II, which led to significant increases in cellular proliferation and levels of α‐SMA, vimentin, TGF‐β1 and phosphorylated TGF‐β receptor and Smad3. These changes were markedly inhibited by pre‐treatment of PFD. Collectively, PFD attenuates myocardial fibrosis and dysfunction induced by pressure overload via inhibiting the activation of TGF‐β1/Smad3 signalling pathway.
Gene expression patterns in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) with severe nephrocalcinosis
Authors: Klykken Christine , Boissonnot Lauris , Reed Anne Katrine , Whatmore Paul , Attramadal Kari , Olsen Rolf Erik
Published: July 2022

Nephrocalcinosis is a common disorder in farmed Atlantic salmon, but the consequences for the fish physiology are not well understood. We performed a transcriptome study in kidneys of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) smolts without and with severe chronic nephrocalcinosis (NC). The study revealed that numerous genes are differentially expressed in fish with NC compared with healthy salmon. The most evident changes in gene expression patterns in the NC group were a massive downregulation of metabolism and energy production, upregulation of signalling pathways important for tissue repair and function maintenance and upregulation of inflammatory responses. Overall, the extensive tissue damage and the gene regulation responses that affect salmon with severe nephrocalcinosis are highly likely to have dramatic consequences on fish survival.
Computer simulation of microwave cooking of sweet potato
Authors: Kako Yoshihiro , Llave Yvan , Sakai Noboru , Fukuoka Mika
Published: July 2022

Although sweet potatoes have the characteristic of becoming sweeter when heated, the MW treatment is challenging because its characteristic high heating rate can affect the intrinsic chemical changes of sweet potatoes during MW heating. To clarify this phenomena, experimental and simulated approaches for the microwave (MW) cooking of sweet potatoes were evaluated. The dielectric properties (DPs) of sweet potatoes during MW heating were measured from 20 to 90°C at 2450 MHz. A three‐dimensional (3D) geometric model based on the actual structure and size of the MW flatbed oven and sample was constructed. Two commercial software packages, which are based on the finite element method (FEM) were used for the calculation by coupling the analysis of electromagnetic fields and heat transfer. To improve the calculation during temperature simulation, a mathematical approach considering a contact layer for the boundary between the sample and the ceramic plate was evaluated.

The dielectric constant decreased with increasing temperature; whereas, the dielectric loss factor values were similar at 20–60°C. However, at 60–90°C, the values decreased sharply. The temperature change inside the sweet potato was estimated using the 3D model and temperature profiles and cross‐section distributions were compared with the experimental results. The simulated results agree well to the measured results especially for the approach considering a contact layer for the surrounding air below the samples. These results are of potential value for the design of MW cooking systems for sweet potatoes.

Practical Applications

The applications of the findings of this study include but are not limited to: (a) use the measured DPs of sweet potatoes in both industrial applications and academia for developing novel applications of microwaveable sweet potato‐based products, (b) predict the temperature profiles and distributions of sweet potatoes using the developed 3D computer simulation model for MW heating in flatbed ovens, and (c) improve the simulation of MW heating of foods directly placed on the ceramic plate during MW treatment considering the contact layer approach evaluated in this study.
Cutaneous adverse reactions following COVID‐19 vaccinations: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Shafie'ei Mohammad , Jamali Marzieh , Akbari Zahra , Sarvipour Nastaran , Ahmadzade Mohadese , Ahramiyanpour Najmeh
Published: July 2022

Background

COVID‐19 vaccines are currently the most effective interventions in controlling and preventing severe disease progression. Dermatologic reactions to COVID‐19 vaccinations may be rare among clinical trial participants. However, since global mass vaccination became a reality, these adverse effects may become more widespread, and different skin reactions would arise.

Objective

To systematically review the cutaneous adverse reactions in cases subject to vaccines for COVID‐19.

Methods

We searched the PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Embase databases, identifying the relevant records and including the eligible observational ones. After assessing the methodological quality of the included studies, we qualitatively and quantitatively synthesized the data regarding the cutaneous side effects experienced by those in the studies' population.

Results

Overall, 36 studies were included in our systematic review, with the majority being cross‐sectional. We found that pain, erythema, and swelling were the most common local side effects, while different types of rashes, urticaria, and angioedema were the most non‐local. Few cases also reported experiencing flare‐ups of their underlying diseases or developing newly‐onset diseases of various etiologies. Our meta‐analyses also found that while viral vector‐based vaccines are, though insignificantly, safer in injection site complaints, individuals who received mRNA vaccines developed significantly fewer non‐local cutaneous adverse events.

Discussion

Cutaneous reactions to the COVID‐19 vaccines are similar to common cutaneous drug eruptions and COVID‐19 cutaneous manifestations. However, we believe that further high‐quality research is needed to assess better how and why cutaneous reactions occur in different vaccines.
Effects of microneedling with 5% minoxidil topical solution combination therapy in treatment of androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Jia Lingling , Xiong Jiachao , Guo Rong , Li Yufei , Jiang Hua
Published: July 2022

Background

Microneedling (MN) therapy is one of minimal invasive operations with needles rolled over skin to puncturing the epidermis, and it is becoming a widely used treatment during various dermatological diseases includes androgenetic alopecia (AGA).

Objective

The purpose of the current study is to investigate the clinical observation and safety of MN combined with 5% minoxidil on triggering hair growth in AGA patients.

Material and Methods

This retrospective study has analyzed 18 AGA patients who were treated by MN in combination with 5% minoxidil topical solution between July 2021 and February 2022. All patients received six sessions of treatment under aseptic condition at an interval of 1 week. Assessment of hair regrowth was done at the baseline and 10 weeks by photography, investigator, and patient assessment global scoring table on clinical improvement, and the patient's final satisfaction was investigated.

Results

According to the standardized 7‐point scale, mean scores of investigator and participant assessments were 1.44 ± 0.61 and 1.66 ± 0.59, respectively, indicating that the hair appearance was considerably improved by MN combined with 5% minoxidil treatment. Fifteen patients (83.3%) were satisfied with the improvement in hair growth. No severe adverse events were noted in patients during and after the procedure.

Conclusion

The combination of the length of 1.5 mm MN and 5% minoxidil in the treatment of AGA showed efficacy with high safety, which is worthy of clinical application.
Reflections on health among women in homelessness: A qualitative study
Authors: Kneck Åsa , Klarare Anna , Mattsson Elisabet , Salzmann‐Erikson Martin ,   in collaboration with Women Advisory Board for Inclusion Health
Published: July 2022

Accessible Summary

What is known on the subject?

Previous research reports that people in homelessness have poor physical and mental health and are excluded from society with risk for loneliness and social exclusion.

Women in homelessness face particularly vulnerable circumstances with significant risks of harm.

What the paper adds to existing knowledge?

Feelings of having a home is a basis for meeting physical, psychosocial, and existential needs related to health.

Being involved in authentic relationships and caring for others gives women in homelessness a sense of worth.

To be accepted by others and feeling like an equal was important for experiences of preserved dignity.

What are the implications for practice?

Nurses need to recognize and support women in homelessness for their capacity to heal and to experience health.

To regard women in homelessness as active health‐seekers, instead of passive victims, can improve women's experiences of care provided by mental health professionals.

Nurses can promote health by regarding women as resourceful and active, despite the fact that they live in homelessness.

Introduction

Mental health issues are common among women in homelessness, alongside undertreated chronic physical conditions leading to serious and unnecessary complications. Even though homelessness and risks of impaired health have been researched, broader perspectives of health are absent.

Aim

To describe reflections on health among women with experiences of homelessness.

Method

We conducted 13 interviews with women in homelessness using researcher‐driven photograph elicitation. Together with an advisory board of women with lived experience of homelessness, researchers were guided by the DEPICT model for collaborative data analysis and performed a thematic analysis.

Findings

Women with experiences of homelessness emphasized three main resources for achieving health and well‐being: feelings of having a home, being involved in authentic relationships and experiences of preserved dignity.

Implication for practice

Healthcare needs to integrate the perceived resources for health and well‐being when caring for women in homelessness. It is imperative since women will return to the healthcare setting only if they feel safe and secure, and only if dignity is preserved or restored. The results promote utilization of an integrative nursing approach; understanding that the health of women in homelessness is inseparable from their environment and social determinants for health, such as housing and social integration.