bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tunable Waveguide Mode of Hyperbolic Phonon Polaritons in α-MoO₃ Flake/Gold Slit Composite Structure
Authors: deng nan , Long Hua , wang kun , Han Xiaobo , zhang Xinying , Huang Zhongao , Wang Bing , Wang Kai , Lu Peixiang
Published: April 2024

Hyperbolic phonon polaritons (HPhPs) in van der Waals layered polar crystals exhibit extreme light confinement capability, providing an unprecedented research opportunity to manipulate nanoscale mid-infrared photons. Precise tuning of HPhPs propagation characteristics and near-field energy routing are crucial for applying polaritonic devices. Here, we demonstrate a widely tunable waveguide mode of HPhPs in an α-MoO₃ flake/gold slit composite structure. By varying the width of the gold slit from 3 µm to 220 nm, the compression ratio of HPhPs wavelength relative to the incident light wavelength can be adjusted from 35% to 8.6%, respectively. This is attributed to that the introduction of the gold slit can effectively excite and guide HPhPs within α-MoO₃, forming a confined waveguide mode. Notably, the excitation efficiency of HPhPs in the nanoscale ultra-narrow waveguide can be enhanced by integrating an extended port at the waveguide port. In addition, the routing of polaritons in a Y-shaped waveguide is realized by modulating the frequency of the incident light. This work presents a promising platform for manipulating deep subwavelength polaritons in planar photonic devices for infrared applications.
Multifold enhancement of quantum SNR by using an EMCCD as a photon number resolving device
Authors: Chatterjee Rounak , Bhat Vikas S. , Bajar Kiran , Mujumdar Sushil
Published: April 2024

Electron multiplying charge-coupled devices (EMCCDs), owing to their
high quantum efficiency and spatial resolution, are widely used to
study typical quantum optical phenomena and related applications.
Researchers have already developed a procedure that enables one to
statistically determine whether a pixel detects a single photon, based
on whether its output is higher or lower than the estimated noise
level. However, these techniques are feasible at extremely low photon
numbers (≈0.15 mean number of photons per pixel per exposure),
allowing for at most one photon per pixel. This limitation
necessitates a very large number of frames required for any study. In
this work, we present a method to estimate the mean rate of photons
per pixel per frame for arbitrary exposure time. Subsequently, we make
a statistical estimate of the number of photons (≥ 1) incident on each
pixel. This allows us to effectively use the EMCCD as a photon number
resolving device. This immediately augments the acceptable light
levels in the experiments, leading to significant reduction in the
required experimentation time. As evidence of our approach, we
quantify contrast in quantum correlation exhibited by a pair of
spatially entangled photons generated by a spontaneous parametric down
conversion process. In comparison with conventional methods, our
method realizes an enhancement in the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by
approximately a factor of 3 for half the data collection time. This
SNR can be easily enhanced by minor modifications in experimental
parameters such as exposure time, etc.
Three-dimensional imaging of the forearm and hand: A comparison between two 3D imaging systems
Authors: van Ginkel Laura , Dupuis Lotte , Verhamme Luc , Hermans Erik , Maal Thomas J. J. , Stirler Vincent
Published: April 2024

The conventional treatment for distal radius fractures typically involves immobilization of the injured extremity using a conventional forearm cast. These casts do cause all sorts of discomfort during wear and impose life-style restrictions on the wearer. Personalized 3D printed splints, designed using three-dimensional (3D) imaging systems, might overcome these problems. To obtain a patient specific splint, commercially available 3D camera systems are utilized to capture patient extremities, generating 3D models for splint design. This study investigates the feasibility of utilizing a new camera system (SPENTYS) to capture 3D surface scans of the forearm for the design of 3D printed splints. In a prospective observational cohort study involving 17 healthy participants, we conducted repeated 3D imaging using both the new (SPENTYS) and a reference system (3dMD) to assess intersystem accuracy and repeatability. The intersystem accuracy of the SPENTYS system was determined by comparison of the 3D surface scans with the reference system (3dMD). Comparison of consecutive images acquired per device determined the repeatability. Feasibility was measured with system usability score questionnaires distributed among professionals. The mean absolute difference between the two systems was 0.44 mm (SD:0.25). The mean absolute difference of the repeatability of the reference -and the SPENTYS system was respectively 0.40 mm (SD: 0.30) and 0.53 mm (SD: 0.25). Both repeatability and intersystem differences were within the self-reported 1 mm. The workflow was considered easy and effective, emphasizing the potential of this approach within a workflow to obtain patient specific splint.
A toolkit for planning and implementing acute febrile illness (AFI) surveillance
Authors: Kazazian Lilit , Silver Rachel , Rao Carol Y. , Park Michael , Ciuba Chandler , Farron Madeline , Henao Olga L.
Published: April 2024

Acute febrile illness (AFI) is a broad clinical syndrome with a wide range of potential infectious etiologies. The lack of accessible, standardized approaches to conducting AFI etiologic investigations has contributed to significant global gaps in data on the epidemiology of AFI. Based on lessons learned from years of supporting AFI sentinel surveillance worldwide, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention developed the toolkit for planning and implementing AFI surveillance, described here. This toolkit provides a comprehensive yet flexible framework to guide researchers, public health officials, and other implementers in developing a strategy to identify and/or monitor the potential causes of AFI. The toolkit comprises a cohesive set of planning aids and supporting materials, including an implementation framework, generic protocol, several generic forms (including screening, case report, specimen collection and testing, and informed consent and assent), and a generic data dictionary. These materials incorporate key elements intended to harmonize approaches for AFI surveillance, as well as setting-specific components and considerations for adaptation based on local surveillance objectives and limitations. Appropriate adaptation and implementation of this toolkit may generate data that expand the global AFI knowledge base, strengthen countries’ surveillance and laboratory capacity, and enhance outbreak detection and response efforts.
From crisis to responsibility: The role of industry type, leadership style, and regulatory environment in shaping post-COVID-19 CSR initiative
Authors: Zhu Yongming , Kiran Saima , Salman Muhammad , Sherwani Shahid , Sajjad Faisal , Din Naeem Ud
Published: April 2024

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a major concern in modern industries. Chinese industries are growing rapidly and delivering products and services to the market. The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the working style of every type of industry. The objective of this research was to determine the influence of leadership style and industry type on the regulatory environment. This research also aims to determine the impact of the regulatory environment on CSR from the perspective of Chinese industries. Data based on a sample size of 599 was used for data analysis, and Smart PLS 3.0 was used for the results of measurement model assessment and structural model assessment. This study highlighted that industry type and leadership style have a significant positive impact on the regulatory environment and CSR. The framework of this research is based on the identified research gap, and the findings of this study are significant for Chinese policymakers. Furthermore, the research also asserted practical implications that are reliable to advance practices in the regulatory environment and achieve CSR by Chinese firms. This study has several limitations that are required to be significantly addressed for the sustainability of organizations.
Potassium affects the association between dietary intake of vitamin C and NAFLD among adults in the United States
Authors: Liu Xu-Hua , Chen Hao-Kai , Luo Jing , He Xiang-Ping , Zhang Wan-Lin , Chen Yue , Li Xiu-Juan , Lan Qi-Wen , Ma Xiao-Man , Guo Xu-Guang
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Although the association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and vitamin C has been well studied, the effects of dietary potassium intake on this relationship are still unclear. Thus, this study aimed to determine the effects of dietary potassium intake on the association between vitamin C and NAFLD.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional learn about with 9443 contributors the usage of 2007–2018 NHANES data. Multiple logistic regression evaluation has been utilized to check out the affiliation of dietary vitamin C intake with NAFLD and advanced hepatic fibrosis (AHF). Subsequently, we plotted a smoothed match curve to visualize the association. Especially, the analysis of AHF was conducted among the NAFLD population. In addition, stratified evaluation used to be developed primarily based on demographic variables to verify the steadiness of the results. Effect amendment by way of dietary potassium intake used to be assessed via interplay checks between vitamin C and NAFLD in the multivariable linear regression.

Results

In this cross-sectional study, we found that vitamin C was negatively related to NAFLD and AHF. The relationship between vitamin C and NAFLD was different in the low, middle and high potassium intake groups. Furthermore, potassium intake significantly modified the negative relationship between vitamin C and NAFLD in most of the models.

Conclusion

Our research showed that potassium and vitamin C have an interactive effect in reducing NAFLD, which may have great importance for clinical medication.
Effects of various living-low and training-high modes with distinct training prescriptions on sea-level performance: A network meta-analysis
Authors: Feng Xinmiao , Chen Yonghui , Yan Teishuai , Lu Hongyuan , Wang Chuangang , Zhao Linin
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to separately compare and rank the effect of various living-low and training-high (LLTH) modes on aerobic and anaerobic performances in athletes, focusing on training intensity, modality, and volume, through network meta-analysis. We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, EBSCO, and Cochrane from their inception date to June 30, 2023. Based on the hypoxic training modality and the intensity and duration of work intervals, LLTH was divided into intermittent hypoxic exposure, continuous hypoxic training, repeated sprint training in hypoxia (RSH; work interval: 5–10 s and rest interval: approximately 30 s), interval sprint training in hypoxia (ISH; work interval: 15–30 s), short-duration high-intensity interval training (s-IHT; short work interval: 1–2 min), long-duration high-intensity interval training (l-IHT; long work interval: > 5 min), and continuous and interval training under hypoxia. A meta-analysis was conducted to determine the standardized mean differences (SMDs) among the effects of various hypoxic interventions on aerobic and anaerobic performances. From 2,072 originally identified titles, 56 studies were included in the analysis. The pooled data from 53 studies showed that only l-IHT (SMDs: 0.78 [95% credible interval; CrI, 0.52–1.05]) and RSH (SMDs: 0.30 [95% CrI, 0.10–0.50]) compared with normoxic training effectively improved athletes’ aerobic performance. Furthermore, the pooled data from 29 studies revealed that active intermittent hypoxic training compared with normoxic training can effectively improve anaerobic performance, with SMDs ranging from 0.97 (95% CrI, 0.12–1.81) for l-IHT to 0.32 (95% CrI, 0.05–0.59) for RSH. When adopting a program for LLTH, sufficient duration and work intensity intervals are key to achieving optimal improvements in athletes’ overall performance, regardless of the potential improvement in aerobic or anaerobic performance. Nevertheless, it is essential to acknowledge that this study incorporated merely one study on the improvement of anaerobic performance by l-IHT, undermining the credibility of the results. Accordingly, more related studies are needed in the future to provide evidence-based support. It seems difficult to achieve beneficial adaptive changes in performance with intermittent passive hypoxic exposure and continuous low-intensity hypoxic training.
Purpose in life, loneliness and depression among patients with substance use disorders in the psychiatric hospitals in Ghana
Authors: Nkyi Anthony Kwabena , Ninnoni Jerry Paul K.
Published: April 2024

Substance use disorder is a global mental health issue. Purpose in life, Loneliness and depression are key indicators of poor mental health, and people with substance use disorder are more likely to experience low purpose in life, depression, and loneliness. This study aims to further the understanding of purpose in life, depression and loneliness among substance use disorders (SUD) patients in three hospitals in Ghana. It uses a cross-sectional survey design. A total of 425 SUD inpatients were screened. Beck Depression Inventory-II, the revised UCLA Loneliness Scale, and the Purpose in Life Test were utilised to measure depression, loneliness, and purpose in life respectively. Data were analysed using the SPSS version 23 for Windows. Data from 378 participants were collected for this study using a cross sectional survey design; after data cleaning, frequency tables (for categorical variables) and descriptive statistics (for continuous variables) were used to summarise the demographics and the three outcome variables depression, purpose in life, and loneliness. Our findings indicate that overall, participants are more likely to experience low sense of purpose in life, depression, and loneliness compared to the general population. There was no statistically significant relationship between depression and loneliness (r = 0.030, p = 0.567). There was a statistically significant negative relationship between depression and purpose in life (r = -0.514, p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant positive relationship between purpose in life and loneliness (r = 0.147, p = 0.004). There was no gender difference in depression, purpose in life, and loneliness among SUDs patients in psychiatric hospitals. There were no significant differences in purpose in life, depression and loneliness based on marital status. It is anticipated that the findings of this study will inform policies and clinical practice regarding service provision for patients with SUDs.
Personal protective equipment utilization and its association with educational status among industry workers in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Debela Sisay Abebe , Tefera Yonatal Mesfin , Endeshaw Mulualem , Daba Chala , Debela Endashaw Abebe , Luke Amana Ogeto , Atomsa Teferi , Seyoum Solomon , Gebrehiwot Mesfin
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Ethiopia is experiencing high prevalence of occupational morbidity and disability. One of the main contributing reasons is a low utilization of personal protective equipment (PPE). Previous studies on PPE utilization and association with educational status among industry workers were largely inconsistent. Therefore, this meta-analysis is aimed to pool the magnitude of PPE utilization and its association with educational status among industry workers in Ethiopia.

Method

A compressive search of international databases and libraries including Scopus, PubMed, MedNar, Embase, MEDLINE, the web of science, Google Scholar, the JBI Library, African Journals Online, and Science direct will be carried out to locate published reports. Two independent reviewers will screen the records for inclusion using standardized JBI tools. Before extracting and synthesizing data, the selected studies will undergo a rigorous critical appraisal. If appropriate, a meta-analysis will be conducted. Cochrane Q-test and I2-test statistics will be used to assess the heterogeneity between studies. If necessary, meta-regression and subgroup analyses will be conducted to explore potential reasons for any inconsistency and heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis will be performed to assess the effect of a single study on the pooled magnitude estimates. Funnel plots, along with Egger’s and Begg’s tests, will be used to assess the presence of publication bias.

PROSPERO registration number:PROSPERO, CRD42022364562
Latent class analysis of barriers to HIV testing services and associations with sexual behaviour and HIV status among adolescents and young adults in Nigeria
Authors: Badejo Okikiolu , Wouters Edwin , Van Belle Sara , Buve Anne , Smekens Tom , Jwanle Plang , Laga Marie , Nöstlinger Christiana
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Adolescents and young adults (AYA) face multiple barriers to accessing healthcare services, which can interact, creating complex needs that often impact health behaviours, leading to increased vulnerability to HIV. We aimed to identify distinct AYA subgroups based on patterns of barriers to HIV testing services and assess the association between these barrier patterns and sexual behaviour, socio-demographics, and HIV status.

Methods

Data were from Nigeria’s AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS, 2018) and included 18,612 sexually active AYA aged 15–24 years who had never been tested for HIV and reported barriers to accessing HIV testing services. A Latent class analysis (LCA) model was built from 12 self-reported barrier types to identify distinct subgroups of AYA based on barrier patterns. Latent class regressions (LCR) were conducted to compare the socio-demographics, sexual behaviour, and HIV status across identified AYA subgroups. Sex behaviour characteristics include intergenerational sex, transactional sex, multiple sex partners, condom use, and knowledge of partner’s HIV status.

Results

Our LCA model identified four distinct AYA subgroups termed ’low-risk perception’ (n = 7,361; 39.5%), ’consent and proximity’ (n = 5,163; 27.74%), ’testing site’ (n = 4,996; 26.84%), and ’cost and logistics’ (n = 1,092; 5.87%). Compared to adolescents and young adults (AYA) in the low-risk perception class, those in the consent and proximity class were more likely to report engaging in intergenerational sex (aOR 1.17, 95% CI 1.02–1.35), transactional sex (aOR 1.50, 95% CI 1.23–1.84), and have multiple sex partners (aOR 1.75, 95% CI 1.39–2.20), while being less likely to report condom use (aOR 0.79, 95% CI 0.63–0.99). AYA in the testing site class were more likely to report intergenerational sex (aOR 1.21, 95% CI 1.04–1.39) and transactional sex (aOR 1.53, 95% CI 1.26–1.85). AYA in the cost and logistics class were more likely to engage in transactional sex (aOR 2.12, 95% CI 1.58–2.84) and less likely to report condom use (aOR 0.58, 95% CI 0.34–0.98). There was no significant relationship between barrier subgroup membership and HIV status. However, being female, aged 15–24 years, married or cohabiting, residing in the Southsouth zone, and of Christian religion increased the likelihood of being HIV infected.

Conclusions

Patterns of barriers to HIV testing are linked with differences in sexual behaviour and sociodemographic profiles among AYA, with the latter driving differences in HIV status. Findings can improve combination healthcare packages aimed at simultaneously addressing multiple barriers and determinants of vulnerability to HIV among AYA.
Fire and smoke real-time detection algorithm for coal mines based on improved YOLOv8s
Authors: Kong Derui , Li Yinfeng , Duan Manzhen
Published: April 2024

Fire and smoke detection is crucial for the safe mining of coal energy, but previous fire-smoke detection models did not strike a perfect balance between complexity and accuracy, which makes it difficult to deploy efficient fire-smoke detection in coal mines with limited computational resources. Therefore, we improve the current advanced object detection model YOLOv8s based on two core ideas: (1) we reduce the model computational complexity and ensure real-time detection by applying faster convolutions to the backbone and neck parts; (2) to strengthen the model’s detection accuracy, we integrate attention mechanisms into both the backbone and head components. In addition, we improve the model’s generalization capacity by augmenting the data. Our method has 23.0% and 26.4% fewer parameters and FLOPs (Floating-Point Operations) than YOLOv8s, which means that we have effectively reduced the computational complexity. Our model also achieves a mAP (mean Average Precision) of 91.0%, which is 2.5% higher than the baseline model. These results show that our method can improve the detection accuracy while reducing complexity, making it more suitable for real-time fire-smoke detection in resource-constrained environments.
Identification of biochemical indices for brown spot (Bipolaris oryzae) disease resistance in rice mutants and hybrids
Authors: Shamshad Areeqa , Rashid Muhammad , Hameed Amjad , Imran Arshad Hafiz Muhammad
Published: April 2024

Brown spot caused by Bipolaris oryzae is a major damaging fungal disease of rice which can decrease the yield and value of produce due to grain discoloration. The objectives of the current study were to investigate and understand the biochemical indices of brown spot disease resistance in rice. A total of 108 genotypes (mutant and hybrid) along with Super Basmati and parent RICF-160 were evaluated against brown spot disease. The genotypes exhibiting resistant and susceptible responses to brown spot disease according to the IRRI standard disease rating scale were screened and selected. To study the biochemical response mechanism, forty five selected genotypes along with Super Basmati and RICF-160 were analyzed using the biochemical markers. The physiological and biochemical analysis provided valuable insights and confirmed the resistance of rice hybrids and mutants against brown spot disease. Positive correlations were observed among stress bio-markers and disease response. Rice genotypes i.e. Mu-AS-8, Mu-AS-19, Mu-AS-20 and Mu-AS-35 exhibited moderate resistant response while Hy-AS-92, Hy-AS-98, Hy-AS-99, Hy-AS-101, Hy-AS-102 and Hy-AS-107 showed resistant response to brown spot disease. Brown spot resistant rice genotypes had lesser values of malondialdehyde and total oxidant status and higher antioxidant activities i.e. superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, total phenolic content and lycopene. The selected resistant rice genotypes had resistance capacity against Bipolaris oryzae stress. In conclusion, identified resistant mutants i.e. Mu-AS-8, Mu-AS-19, Mu-AS-20 and Mu-AS-35 and hybrids i.e. Hy-AS-92, Hy-AS-98, Hy-AS-99, Hy-AS-101, Hy-AS-102 and Hy-AS-107 could be used in rice breeding program to achieve sustainable rice production by coping the emerging challenge of brown spot disease under variable climate conditions.
Population structure and connectivity among coastal and freshwater Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus) populations from Patagonia
Authors: Kasinsky Tatiana , Rosciano Natalia , A. Vianna Juliana , Yorio Pablo , Campagna Leonardo
Published: April 2024

The genetic identification of evolutionary significant units and information on their connectivity can be used to design effective management and conservation plans for species of concern. Despite having high dispersal capacity, several seabird species show population structure due to both abiotic and biotic barriers to gene flow. The Kelp Gull is the most abundant species of gull in the southern hemisphere. In Argentina it reproduces in both marine and freshwater environments, with more than 100,000 breeding pairs following a metapopulation dynamic across 140 colonies in the Atlantic coast of Patagonia. However, little is known about the demography and connectivity of inland populations. We aim to provide information on the connectivity of the largest freshwater colonies (those from Nahuel Huapi Lake) with the closest Pacific and Atlantic populations to evaluate if these freshwater colonies are receiving immigrants from the larger coastal populations. We sampled three geographic regions (Nahuel Huapi Lake and the Atlantic and Pacific coasts) and employed a reduced-representation genomic approach to genotype individuals for single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Using clustering and phylogenetic analyses we found three genetic groups, each corresponding to one of our sampled regions. Individuals from marine environments are more closely related to each other than to those from Nahuel Huapi Lake, indicating that the latter population constitutes the first freshwater Kelp Gull colony to be identified as an evolutionary significant unit in Patagonia.
Phenotypic high-throughput screening identifies aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonism as common inhibitor of toxin-induced retinal pigment epithelium cell death
Authors: Schustak Joshua , Han Hongwei , Bond Kyle , Huang Qian , Saint-Geniez Magali , Bao Yi
Published: April 2024

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is essential to maintain retinal function, and RPE cell death represents a key pathogenic stage in the progression of several blinding ocular diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). To identify pathways and compounds able to prevent RPE cell death, we developed a phenotypic screening pipeline utilizing a compound library and high-throughput screening compatible assays on the human RPE cell line, ARPE-19, in response to different disease relevant cytotoxic stimuli. We show that the metabolic by-product of the visual cycle all-trans-retinal (atRAL) induces RPE apoptosis, while the lipid peroxidation by-product 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) promotes necrotic cell death. Using these distinct stimuli for screening, we identified agonists of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) as a consensus target able to prevent both atRAL mediated apoptosis and 4-HNE-induced necrotic cell death. This works serves as a framework for future studies dedicated to screening for inhibitors of cell death, as well as support for the discussion of AhR agonism in RPE pathology.
Expression of RAS and RAB interactor 1 (RIN1) in head and neck tumors at selected hospital in Ghana
Authors: Osei Saahene Roland , Barnes Precious , Yeboah F. A. , Agbo Elvis , Asante Du-Bois , Arhin Samuel Kofi
Published: April 2024

Background

Head and neck tumors (HNT) are tumors of the paranasal sinuses, the salivary glands and the upper aerodigestive tract. RIN1 is a Ras effector protein regulating epithelial cell properties and has been implicated in a number of cancers.

Method

The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of RIN1 in head and neck tumors. RIN1 expression was assessed using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemical staining on archival head and neck tissue samples between 2014 and 2020.

Results

RIN1 expression was low in tissue samples as compared with the normal head and neck tissues. High and low RIN1 levels were compared with ages ≤40, >40 in the head and neck tumors of p-value 0.02. There was a significant difference with p-values of 0.001 when poor and well-moderate malignant tumors were compared.

Conclusion

Our data suggests that RIN1may play an important role in head and neck tumor progression and that its expression may provide baseline data to facilitate identification of new molecular targeted therapeutics.
Prechtl’s method to assess general movements: Inter-rater reliability during the preterm period
Authors: Valencia Angélica , Viñals Carlos , Alvarado Elsa , Balderas Marcela , Provasi Joëlle
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Prechtl’s method (GMA) is a test for the functional assessment of the young nervous system. It involves a global and a detailed assessment of the general movements (GMs) and has demonstrated validity. Data on the reliability of both assessments in the preterm period are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the inter-rater reliability for the global and detailed assessments of the preterm writhing GMA.

Materials and methods

The study participants were 69 infants born at <37 gestational weeks and admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. They were randomly assigned to five pairs of raters. Raters assessed infants’ GMs using preterm videos. Outcome variables were (a) the GMs classification (normal versus abnormal; normal versus abnormal subcategories) and (b) the general movements optimality score (GMOS), obtained through the global and detailed assessments. The Gwet’s AC1 and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated for the GMs classification and the GMOS, respectively.

Results

The global assessment presented an AC1 = 0.84 [95% CI = 0.54,1] for the GMs binary classification and an AC1 = 0.67 [95% CI = 0.38,0.89] for the GMs classification with abnormal subcategories. The detailed assessment presented an ICC = 0.72 [95% CI = 0.39,0.90] for the GMOS.

Conclusions

Inter-rater reliability was high and substantial for the global assessment and good for the detailed assessment. However, the small sample size limited the precision of these estimates. Future research should involve larger samples of preterm infants to improve estimate precision. Challenging items such as assessing the neck and trunk, poor repertoire GMs, and tremulous movements may impact the preterm writhing GMA’s inter-rater reliability. Therefore, ongoing training and calibration among raters is necessary. Further investigation in clinical settings can enhance our understanding of the preterm writhing GMA’s reliability.
‘Film, Fashion, Costume in Italy and Beyond’: Introduction: Notes on methods and historiography
Authors: Paulicelli Eugenia , DeLisle Giulia Po
Published: April 2024

This editorial positions the study of fashion and costume against the field of film studies and the history of Italian cinema and media. Although scholarly approaches to this field of study first appeared in Anglo American literature at the beginning of the 1990s, the pioneering work of Italian historian and film critic Mario Verdone has yet to be acknowledged. The anthology Verdone edited in 1950, a pivotal year of Italy’s post-war reconstruction, was the first of its kind: prior to its publication, the relationship between costume, fashion and film had never been the subject of scholarly enquiry. The title of Verdone’s book, La moda e il costume nel film (‘Fashion and costume in film’) calls attention to how these arts, techniques and industries work in the actual process of making films. Verdone’s book offers a context for the articles contained in this volume.
A Roman holiday with ‘open heritage’? Exploring copyright law and cultural heritage law’s role for our collective cultural interest in Italian film and Italian fashion
Authors: Caponigri Felicia
Published: April 2024

This article explores how the law affects an audience’s collective recognition that a film and fashion in film is of cultural interest. It argues that copyright law today can play an important and crucial role in a film’s continued relevance and in the preservation and valorization of cinema as copyright law regulates the copying and display of a film and its images, including the fashion images within it. Likewise, it shows how cultural heritage law plays an important and crucial role in the preservation and continued relevance of fashion through film as cultural heritage law applies certain rules and norms to the preservation of film reels and the archives and institutions in which they are stored. The article uses Roman Holiday () and La Dolce Vita () as case studies and considers Cinecittà’s description of itself as an ‘open heritage’ to explore the relationship between law, fashion and film.
Film, fashion, costume and Rome-based archives
Authors: Ceccarelli Laura , Trivisano Maria Natalina
Published: April 2024

This essay presents a mapping of archival sources, public and private, connected to the activities of the cine-theatrical tailors and costume designers in order to reconstruct a productive and cultural reality of absolute excellence that, starting from the past century, developed in Rome. The aim is to offer information in the context of personal archives, consisting of documentary assets of various types, ranging from collections of press clippings, photographs, notes, working manuscripts and, above all else, collections of original sketches often accompanied by samples of fabrics, produced by costume designers for the creation of cinematic, televisual and theatrical costumes. The major film and theatre ateliers operating in Rome are listed and follow a focus on the archival funds of costume designers of the Chiarini Library of the Experimental Center for Cinematography Foundation. Designers include such names as Gino Carlo Sensani, Piero Tosi, Vera Marzot, Adriana Berselli, Marisa D’Andrea and Alberto Verso.
Working Words: Words as tools to visualize embodied labour
Authors: Scholtes Ulrike
Published: April 2024

This article explores writing as a way to make the invisible labour of art practitioners visible. More specifically, it engages with the performativity of words and the embodied knowledge and skills performed in and through art educational practices. Building on the notion of artwork as invisible labour, I explore writing as a way to articulate the embodied work of professionals in art education. Drawing from the analyses of the words of professionals in embodied work, the article presents a writing exercise for articulating embodied labour.
Neste lugar, a sagrada Hélade salvámos: Homenagem a Luísa de Nazaré Ferreira. Volume I
Authors: Soares Carmen , González Marta González , Rodrigues Nuno Simões
Published: April 2024

Esta obra reúne um conjunto de estudos em homenagem a Luísa de Nazaré Ferreira. Especialistas de diferentes domínios científicos refletem sobre temas relacionados com a Grécia e a História Antigas, mas também com outras áreas da História, da Literatura, da Política e da Religião. Salamina constitui o eixo central em torno do qual se organiza o Vol. I – testemunhos literários, o seu impacto na História e a receção na Arte e na Literatura. O Vol. II congrega diversos contributos, do Egito e Roma Antigos à Época Moderna e Contemporaneidade. A riqueza de temáticas, transversais no tempo e no espaço, reflete as respostas dos colegas, amigos e discípulos ao apelo de participar nesta homenagem à helenista, professora e investigadora da Universidade de Coimbra, Luísa de Nazaré Ferreira.
Neste lugar, a sagrada Hélade salvámos: Homenagem a Luísa de Nazaré Ferreira. Volume II
Authors: Soares Carmen , González Marta González , Rodrigues Nuno Simões
Published: April 2024

Esta obra reúne um conjunto de estudos em homenagem a Luísa de Nazaré Ferreira. Especialistas de diferentes domínios científicos refletem sobre temas relacionados com a Grécia e a História Antigas, mas também com outras áreas da História, da Literatura, da Política e da Religião. Salamina constitui o eixo central em torno do qual se organiza o Vol. I – testemunhos literários, o seu impacto na História e a receção na Arte e na Literatura. O Vol. II congrega diversos contributos, do Egito e Roma Antigos à Época Moderna e Contemporaneidade. A riqueza de temáticas, transversais no tempo e no espaço, reflete as respostas dos colegas, amigos e discípulos ao apelo de participar nesta homenagem à helenista, professora e investigadora da Universidade de Coimbra, Luísa de Nazaré Ferreira.
Eurípides. Fragmentos: Volume I
Authors: Silva Maria de Fátima
Published: April 2024

Este volume apresenta uma primeira tradução comentada, em língua portuguesa, da produção de Eurípides chegada até nós em forma fragmentária. A consideração deste material não só amplia, de modo significativo, a produção conhecida do poeta, como permite uma interpretação mais sólida das peças conservadas, tida em conta a atividade global do autor.
Neste, que é ainda o primeiro volume dada a grande quantidade de fragmentos conservados de Eurípides, estão incluídos – seguindo a ordem alfabética do grego – os títulos seguintes: Egeu, Éolo, Alexandre, Alcméon, Alcmena, Álope, Andrómeda, Antígona, Antíope, Arquelau, Auge, Autólico I e II, Belerofonte, Busíris, Dánae, Díctis.
Quantified Metrics of Gastric Emptying Delay by Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Agonists: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis With Insights for Periprocedural Management
Authors: Hiramoto Brent , McCarty Thomas R. , Lodhia Nayna A. , Jenkins Andrew , Elnaiem Ahmed , Muftah Mayssan , Flanagan Ryan , Chan Walter W.
Published: April 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Divergent recommendations for periprocedural management of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) medications rely on limited evidence. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to provide quantitative measures of gastric emptying relevant to mechanisms of weight loss and to periprocedural management of GLP-1 RA. We hypothesized that the magnitude of gastric emptying delay would be low and of limited clinical significance to procedural sedation risks.

METHODS:

A protocolized search identified studies on GLP-1 RA that quantified gastric emptying measures. Pooled estimates using random effects were presented as a weighted mean difference with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Univariate meta-regression was performed to assess the influence of GLP-1 RA type, short-acting vs long-acting mechanism of action, and duration of treatment on gastric emptying.

RESULTS:

Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Five studies (n = 247) utilized gastric emptying scintigraphy. Mean T1/2 was 138.4 minutes (95% CI 74.5–202.3) for GLP-1 RA vs 95.0 minutes (95% CI 54.9–135.0) for placebo, with a pooled mean difference of 36.0 minutes (95% CI 17.0–55.0, P < 0.01, I
2 = 79.4%). Ten studies (n = 411) utilized the acetaminophen absorption test, with no significant delay in gastric emptying measured by Tmax, area under the curve (AUC)4hr, and AUC5hr with GLP-1 RA (P > 0.05). On meta-regression, the type of GLP-1 RA, mechanism of action, and treatment duration did not impact gastric emptying (P > 0.05).

DISCUSSION:

While a gastric emptying delay of ∼36 minutes is quantifiable on GLP-1 RA medications, it is of limited magnitude relative to standard periprocedural fasting periods. There were no substantial differences in gastric emptying on modalities reflective of liquid emptying (acetaminophen absorption test), particularly at time points relevant to periprocedural care.
Visceral Adipose Tissue Reduction Measured by Deep Neural Network Architecture Improved Reflux Esophagitis Endoscopic Grade
Authors: Han Yoo Min , Yoon Jeong Hee , Yoo Seokha , Chung Su Jin , Lee Jeong Min , Choi Ji Min , Jin Eun Hyo , Seo Ji Yeon
Published: April 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Visceral obesity is a risk factor for reflux esophagitis (RE). We investigated the risk of RE according to visceral adipose tissue (VAT) measured by deep neural network architecture using computed tomography (CT) and evaluated the longitudinal association between abdominal adipose tissue changes and the disease course of RE.

METHODS:

Individuals receiving health checkups who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and abdominal CT at Seoul National University Healthcare System Gangnam Center between 2015 and 2016 were included. Visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue areas and volumes were measured using a deep neural network architecture and CT. The association between the abdominal adipose tissue area and volume and the risk of RE was evaluated. Participants who underwent follow-up EGD and abdominal CT were selected; the effects of changes in abdominal adipose tissue area and volume on RE endoscopic grade were investigated using Cox proportional hazards regression.

RESULTS:

We enrolled 6,570 patients who underwent EGD and abdominal CT on the same day. RE was associated with male sex, hypertension, diabetes, excessive alcohol intake, current smoking status, and levels of physical activity. The VAT area and volume increased the risk of RE dose-dependently. A decreasing VAT volume was significantly associated with improvement in RE endoscopic grade (hazard ratio: 3.22, 95% confidence interval: 1.82–5.71). Changes in subcutaneous adipose tissue volume and the disease course of RE were not significantly correlated.

DISCUSSION:

Visceral obesity is strongly associated with RE. VAT volume reduction was prospectively associated with improvement in RE endoscopic grade dose-dependently. Visceral obesity is a potential target for RE treatment.
Entrevista com Ulrich Lohbauer
Authors: Lohbauer Ulrich , Giannini Marcelo
Published: April 2024

ULRICH LOHBAUER é supervisor do Laboratório de Pesquisa em Biomateriais Dentários da Clínica Odontológica 1 (Dentística Operatória e Periodontia) da Universidade de Erlangen-Nuremberg (Erlangen, Alemanha). Os interesses do Laboratório estão voltados para o desempenho mecânico dos materiais odontológicos, como as cerâmicas multicamadas, polímeros nanoparticulados ou cimentos biocompatíveis e autoadesivos. O estudo, em nível nanométrico, da área de união adesivo-tecido dental humano desempenha um papel importante na avaliação microestrutural da união dente-restauração. Um foco adicional é voltado às técnicas modernas de confecção de próteses, como a tecnologia CAD/CAM, e seu efeito na estabilidade em longo prazo e na vida útil das restaurações. O Laboratório tem sido reconhecido como um centro internacional para estudos em fractografia clínica. Com base em resultados fractográficos abrangentes, o design da restauração e as razões das falhas clínicas são considerados, de forma crítica, como objetos de pesquisa. A motivação da pesquisa é sempre apoiada e impulsionada por um forte histórico clínico e focada em necessidades odontológicas específicas.
Protocolo de cimentação adesiva de pilar de zircônia sobre uma base de titânio.
Authors: Fadanelli Marcos Alexandre
Published: April 2024

Com o rápido avanço da Odontologia digital, os pilares customizados híbridos são cada vez mais utilizados, assim como as restaurações projetadas paara serem fixadas em uma base de titânio, também conhecida como Ti base. Os pilares de titânio mostram a alta longevidade devido às suas propriedades físicas, oferecendo resistência mecânica suficiente para a sua utilização como base para a restauração final.
Kristina Öhman, Ett tjejligt rum: Tidningen Starlet 1966–1996
Authors: Wallin Lämsä Camilla
Published: April 2024

Review/Recension
Lonely Landscapes
Authors: Kokkola Lydia
Published: April 2024

Anna-Liisa Haakana is a Finnish novelist best known for her realistic stories set in Sápmi (better known in English by its colonial name “Lapland”) during the 1980s. Haakana’s teenage protagonists, Ykä in Ykä Yksinäinen (Ykä the Lonely, 1980) and Anitra in Ykköstyttö (Number One Girl, 1981), feel lonely and isolated despite being surrounded by their families. Loneliness, as Fay Alberti reminds us, is a social and cultural phenomenon which has its own history. In Haakana’s pre-internet novels, loneliness is mapped onto the northern landscape such that the protagonists’ perceptions of their homes are tinged with feelings of isolation. In this article, I investigate the links between the feelings of loneliness and landscape by drawing on Sara Ahmed’s work on queer orientations to examine the geo-spatial dimensions of loneliness. Although neither of the novels by Haakana examined here are romances per se, desire acts as a form of way-finding for both Ykä and Anitra. For both teens, feelings of love combined with the desire to care for someone vulnerable orient them towards their homes. To do so, they must move: stillness leads to feelings of loneliness and topophobia, but movement leads to feelings of purpose and topophilia.
Sex differences in cachexia and branched‐chain amino acid metabolism following chemotherapy in mice
Authors: Mora Stephen , Mann Gagandeep , Adegoke Olasunkanmi A. J.
Published: April 2024

Chemotherapy is a major contributor to cachexia, but studies often investigate male animals. Here, we investigated whether sex modifies the effects of chemotherapy on cachexia and BCAA metabolism. Ten‐week‐old CD2F1 male and female mice were treated with the chemotherapy drug cocktail folfiri (50 mg/kg 5‐fluorouracil, 90 mg/kg leucovorin, and 24 mg/kg CPT11) (drug) or vehicle twice a week for 6 weeks. Insulin tolerance tests were conducted and BCAA levels and metabolism were measured in plasma and tissues. Drug treatment reduced body and skeletal muscle weights and anabolic signaling in both sexes, with females showing worsened outcomes (p < 0.05 for all). Drug treatment increased plasma BCAA only in males, but BCAA concentrations in the skeletal muscle of both sexes were decreased; this decrease was more profound in males (p = 0.0097). In addition, muscle expression of the BCAA transporter LAT1 was reduced; this reduction was more severe in females (p = 0.0264). In both sexes, the (inhibitory) phosphorylation of BCKD‐E1αser293 was increased along with decreased BCKD activity. In the liver, drug treatment increased BCAA concentrations and LAT1 expression, but BCKD activity was suppressed in both sexes (p < 0.05 for all). Our results demonstrate that altered BCAA metabolism may contribute to chemotherapy‐induced cachexia in a sex‐dependent manner.
Characterization of neighborhood operators based on neighborhood relationships
Authors: Caixin Wei , Pei Wang , Rongrong Xu , Wanyuan Huang
Published: April 2024

Neighborhood relationships play a pivotal role in rough set theory, addressing the limitations of equivalence relations. This article focuses on defining upper and lower approximation operators using neighborhood relationships and exploring their properties in terms of serialization, inverse serialization, reflexivity, symmetry, transitivity, and Euclidean relations. Furthermore, a necessary and sufficient condition for the upper approximation operator to function as a topological closure operator is derived. Overall, this research sheds light on the significance of neighborhood relationships and their implications within rough set theory.
On-site peer mentorship’s effect on personal and professional development, stress reduction, and ease of transition into the medical education system
Authors: Whitfield Savannah , Hazard Caryn , Haynes Brittnee , Coffey Todd , Lynch Launa , Davis Sarah
Published: April 2024

Context

Mentorship aids in the transition into the medical education system, which is a demanding and stressful time for learners. The development of new medical schools to offset the physician shortage has posed a challenge in that the inaugural class of students lacks an upperclassman cohort as a resource for advice and mentorship. Mentorship has proven to have positive impacts on three domains: personal and professional development (PPD), stress reduction (SR), and ease of transition (ET) into medical school.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to identify sources of mentorship within the medical education system and compare the subjective growth of the inaugural and second classes of a newly established medical school in the three domains.

Methods

The inaugural and second classes at a newly established medical school completed an Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved anonymous survey with questions pertaining to unidentifiable demographics, sources of mentorship, and a five-point Likert scale assessing characteristics related to the three domains.

Results

Twenty-three students responded to the survey. The second class (n=9) rated their growth higher in all three domains compared to the inaugural class (n=14). The inaugural class utilized the faculty mentor the most (11/14, 78.6 %). The second class utilized the on-site peer mentor the most (9/9, 100 %). Qualitative data analysis led to the emergence of three themes: (1) students utilizing their faculty mentor had the greatest growth in PPD and ET; (2) students utilizing on-site peer mentorship reporting the greatest growth in SR; and (3) informal peer mentorship utilization correlating with less growth in the three domains.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates the profound impact that mentorship has on growth in the three domains regardless of the type of mentorship utilized. The benefits, specifically with regard to SR, of an on-site peer mentorship program may not have been satisfied by other sources of mentorship.