bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formulation, characterization of Quercus infectoria (Olivier) emulsions, and in vitro, in vivo evaluation as cosmeceutical formulation
Authors: Choudhry Ammara , Akhtar Naveed
Published: June 2023

Background

Pharmacological properties of Quercus infectoria Olivier (galls) have been determined to be astringent, antidiabetic, antipyretic, anti‐tremor, local anesthetic, and anti‐parkinsonism. The galls of Quercus infectoria have been used for millennia in traditional oriental medicine in Asian nations to treat inflammatory illnesses.

Aims

The study's objective was to create a Quercus infectoria Olivier gall extract in stable water in oil (w/o) emulsion and to check its effects on the mechanical properties of skin and antiaging effects.

Method

The galls were macerated in absolute methanol. Quercus infectoria Olivier gall extract's antioxidant property was evaluated using the 2, 2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) technique. Stearic acid, cetyl alcohol, KOH, glycerin, and distilled water were used to create the emulsion. The test (with extract) and control (without extract) emulsions were made, respectively, using the same process. Stability tests (color, liquefaction, microscopy, phase separation, and pH) are performed in in vitro, lasted 72 days at four distinct storage temperatures that is 8°C, 25°C, 40°C, and 40°C + 75% RH for both the control and test formulations. By using spectrophotometry, the (SPF) sun protection factors of the two formulations were calculated at various concentrations. Extract from Quercus infectoria underwent phytochemical investigation as well.

Results

The results showed that Quercus infectoria Olivier has antioxidant and (SPF) sun protection properties, reduce sebum, increases elasticity and stable emulsion containing 04% Quercus infectoria gall extract which might be used as topical antiaging formulation.
Is burning mouth syndrome associated with stress? A meta‐analysis
Authors: Porporatti André Luís , Schroder Ângela Graciela Deliga , Lebel Ashley , Moreau Nathan , Misery Laurent , Alajbeg Ivan , Braud Adeline , Boucher Yves
Published: June 2023

Background

Some studies have shown burning mouth syndrome (BMS) as comorbid psychosocial and psychiatric disorders, and as well, pointed at stress as a major risk factor.

Objective

The aim of this meta‐analysis was to answer the following question: ‘Is there an association between BMS and stress, compared to healthy controls?’

Methods

Two reviewers searched for the effect of stress in BMS and published on five main databases and three from the grey literature. Various questionnaires and biomarkers were analysed. Of the 2489 selected articles, 30 met the inclusion criteria. Studies englobed questionnaires, such as Perceived Stress Questionnaire, Lipp Stress Symptoms Inventory, Holmes‐Rahe scale, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS‐21), Recent Experience Test; and various biomarkers, such as cortisol, opiorphin, IgA, α‐amylase and interleukins.

Results

In all studies with questionnaires, stress was significantly increased in the BMS group vs. control. Patients with BMS presented 25.73% higher cortisol levels, 28.17% higher IgA levels and 40.62% higher α‐amylase levels than controls. Meta‐analysis found that BMS subjects presented 3.01 nmoL/L [0.53; 5.50] higher cortisol levels, 84.35 kU/L [15.00; 153.71] higher α‐amylase levels, 29.25 mg/mL [9.86; 48.64] higher IgA levels and 258.59 pg/mL [59.24; 457.94] higher IL‐8 levels than control. No differences were found for opiorphin concentration in ng/mL [−0.96; 2.53]. For interleukins, no differences were founded for IL‐1 β, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10 and TNF‐α.

Conclusion

Based on the available evidence, this meta‐analysis suggests more stress factors in questionnaire‐based studies, and higher levels of cortisol, α‐amylase, IgA and IL‐8 biomarkers in BMS subjects than controls.
Critical roles of PU.1/cathepsin S activation in regulating inflammatory responses of macrophages in periodontitis
Authors: Zhang Kaige , Wang Sijian , Wang Zihan , Jiang Yiming , Huang Minghao , Liu Nanqi , Wang Biao , Meng Xin , Wu Zhou , Yan Xu , Zhang Xinwen
Published: June 2023

Objective

To determine the critical roles of PU.1/cathepsin S activation in regulating inflammatory responses of macrophages during periodontitis.

Background

Cathepsin S (CatS) is a cysteine protease and exerts important roles in the immune response. Elevated CatS has been found in the gingival tissues of periodontitis patients and is involved in alveolar bone destruction. However, the underlying mechanism of CatS‐driven IL‐6 production in periodontitis remains unclear.

Methods

Western blot was applied to measure mature cathepsin S(mCatS) and IL‐6 expression in gingival tissues from periodontitis patients and RAW264.7 cells exposed to lipopolysaccharide from Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g. LPS). Immunofluorescence was applied to confirm the localization of PU.1, and CatS in the gingival tissues of periodontitis patients. ELISA was performed to determine IL‐6 production by the P.g. LPS‐exposed RAW264.7 cells. Knockdown by shRNA was used to determine the effects of PU.1 on p38/ nuclear factor (NF)‐κB activation, mCatS expression and IL‐6 production in RAW264.7 cells.

Results

The expressions mCatS and IL‐6 were significantly upregulated in gingival macrophages. In cultured RAW264.7 cells, increased mCatS and IL‐6 protein paralleled the activation of p38 and NF‐κB after exposure to P.g. LPS. CatS knockdown by shRNA significantly decreased P.g. LPS‐induced IL‐6 expression and p38/NF‐κB activation. PU.1 was significantly increased in P.g. LPS‐exposed RAW264.7 cells, and PU.1 knockdown dramatically abolished the P.g. LPS‐induced upregulation of mCatS and IL‐6 and the activation of p38 and NF‐κB. Furthermore, PU.1 and CatS colocalized in macrophages within the gingival tissues of periodontitis patients.

Conclusion

PU.1‐dependent CatS drives IL‐6 production in macrophages by activating p38 and NF‐κB in periodontitis.
Calibrating insect age at eclosion by size in a gregarious carrion beetle Thanatophilus sinuatus (Staphylinidae: Silphinae)
Authors: Lis Natalia , Szyk Wojciech , Mądra‐Bielewicz Anna , Matuszewski Szymon
Published: June 2023

Recent discoveries have shown that the physiological age at eclosion of forensically useful beetles differs between males and females and between beetles of various sizes. Accordingly, it was postulated that the size and sex of the beetles at eclosion may be used to calibrate their age, which may improve the accuracy of age (and post‐mortem interval) estimates in forensic entomology. In this study, we derived thermal summation models for the eclosion for the Central European population of carrion beetles Thanatophilus sinuatus (Fabricius, 1775), (Staphylinidae: Silphinae), and tested the usefulness of sex and size for the calibration of beetle age at eclosion. Although in previous developmental studies, the beetles were reared individually, we reared them in larval aggregations, since in natural conditions T. sinuatus beetles are gregarious. Weak (r2 between 5% and 13%) negative correlations were observed between the size and age of T. sinuatus males or females at eclosion, demonstrating that calibration of age by beetle size and sex may bring only minimal benefits regarding the accuracy of age estimation in this species. However, it may still be worthwhile in the case of extremely large or small beetles. Moreover, the total development times recorded in this study were much shorter than in the previous T. sinuatus study, at 14°C by about 15 days and at 26°C by about 2 days. These differences emphasise the importance of gregariousness for the development of carrion beetles, and at the same time highlight the need for the ecologically‐relevant protocols of development studies in forensic entomology.
Plecanatide for the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation: Post hoc analyses of placebo‐controlled trials in adults with severe constipation
Authors: Cash Brooks D. , Sharma Amol , Walker Anna , Laitman Adam P. , Chang Lin
Published: June 2023

Background

Patients with chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS‐C) often experience severe symptoms. The current aim was to evaluate plecanatide in adults with CIC or IBS‐C with severe constipation.

Methods

Data were analyzed post hoc from randomized, placebo‐controlled trials (CIC [n = 2], IBS‐C [n = 2]) of plecanatide 3 mg, 6 mg, or placebo administered for 12 weeks. Severe constipation was defined as no complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBMs) and an average straining score ≥3.0 (CIC; 5‐point scale) or ≥8.0 (IBS‐C; 11‐point scale) during a 2‐week screening. Primary efficacy endpoints were durable overall CSBM responders (CIC: ≥3 CSBMs/week, plus increase from baseline of ≥1 CSBM/week, for ≥9 of 12 weeks, including ≥3 of the last 4 weeks) and overall responders (IBS‐C: ≥30% reduction from baseline in abdominal pain and ≥1 CSBM/week increase for ≥6 of 12 weeks).

Key Results

Severe constipation was observed in 24.5% (646/2639) and 24.2% (527/2176) of CIC and IBS‐C populations, respectively. The CIC durable overall CSBM response rate (plecanatide 3 mg, 20.9%; plecanatide 6 mg, 20.2%; placebo, 11.3%) and IBS‐C overall response rate (plecanatide 3 mg, 33.0%; plecanatide 6 mg, 31.0%; placebo, 19.0%) were significantly greater with plecanatide versus placebo (p ≤ 0.01 for all). Median time to first CSBM in CIC and IBS‐C populations were significantly shorter with plecanatide 3 mg versus placebo (p = 0.01 for both).

Conclusions and Inferences

Plecanatide was effective in the treatment of severe constipation in adults with CIC or IBS‐C.
Africa as an evolutionary arena for large fruits
Authors: Wölke Friederike J. R. , Cabral Andressa , Lim Jun Ying , Kissling W. Daniel , Onstein Renske E.
Published: June 2023

Strong paleoclimatic change and few Late Quaternary megafauna extinctions make mainland Africa unique among continents. Here, we hypothesize that, compared with elsewhere, these conditions created the ecological opportunity for the macroevolution and geographic distribution of large fruits.

We assembled global phylogenetic, distribution and fruit size data for palms (Arecaceae), a pantropical, vertebrate‐dispersed family with > 2600 species, and integrated these with data on extinction‐driven body size reduction in mammalian frugivore assemblages since the Late Quaternary. We applied evolutionary trait, linear and null models to identify the selective pressures that have shaped fruit sizes.

We show that African palm lineages have evolved towards larger fruit sizes and exhibited faster trait evolutionary rates than lineages elsewhere. Furthermore, the global distribution of the largest palm fruits across species assemblages was explained by occurrence in Africa, especially under low canopies, and extant megafauna, but not by mammalian downsizing. These patterns strongly deviated from expectations under a null model of stochastic (Brownian motion) evolution.

Our results suggest that Africa provided a distinct evolutionary arena for palm fruit size evolution. We argue that megafaunal abundance and the expansion of savanna habitat since the Miocene provided selective advantages for the persistence of African plants with large fruits.
Nursing in deathworlds: Necropolitics of the life, dying and death of an unhoused person in the United States healthcare industrial complex
Authors: Jenkins Danisha , Chechel Laura , Jenkins Brian
Published: June 2023

This paper begins with the lived accounts of emergency and critical care medical interventions in which an unhoused person is brought to the emergency department in cardiac arrest. The case is a dramatised representation of the extent to which biopolitical forces via reduction to bare life through biopolitical and necropolitical operations are prominent influences in nursing and medical care. This paper draws on the scholarship of Michel Foucault, Giorgio Agamben, and Achille Mbembe to offer a theoretical analysis of the power dynamics that influence the health care and death care of patients who are caught in the auspices of a neoliberal capitalist healthcare apparatus. This paper offers analysis of the overt displays of biopower over those individuals cast aside as generally unworthy of access to healthcare in a postcolonial capitalist system, in addition to the ways in which humans are reduced to ‘bare life’ in their dying days. We analyse this case study through Agamben's description of thanatopolitics, a ‘regime of death’, and the technologies that accompany the dying process, particularly in that of the homo sacer. Additionally, this paper illustrates the ways in which necropolitics and biopower are integral to understanding how the most advanced and expensive medical interventions make visible the political values of the healthcare system and how nurses and healthcare functions in these deathworlds. The purpose of this paper is to develop a greater understanding of biopolitical and necropolitical operations in acute and critical care environments, and to offer guidance to nurses in these spaces as they work to uphold ethical duties in a system that increasingly dehumanises.
Development and acceptability of the person‐centred observation and reflection tool for supporting staff and practice development in dementia care services
Authors: Surr Claire , Rokstad Anne Marie Mork , Miravent Josep Vila , Fernandez Elena , Post Aukje , Fusek Carol , Brooker Dawn
Published: June 2023

Background

Observational tools can support the understanding of the complex needs of older people with dementia and aid delivery of person‐centred care. However, existing tools are complex and resource intensive to use.

Objectives

To develop and evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of a low‐resource, observational tool to support staff reflection and practice development.

Methods

Intervention development of the Person‐Centred Observation and Reflection Tool (PORT) and acceptability and feasibility study, using surveys and focus groups in the UK, Norway and Spain.

Results

PORT was reported as easy, accessible and acceptable to use. The observation was identified as powerful for individual staff development and provided an evidence‐based source for underpinning individualised care planning. Potential time challenges associated with implementation were identified.

Conclusion

Initial evaluation indicates PORT is an acceptable and feasible tool for use in health and social care settings for older people. Further research is needed on implementation models and the impacts of PORT use.

Implications for Practice

PORT may be a useful tool to support individual staff development in care settings and person‐centred care planning for people with dementia.
Evaluation of epigenetic (HDAC, DNMT) and pain (Gad65, TGF) factors following photobiomodulation therapy in a neuropathic pain model
Authors: Behroozi Zahra , Kookli Keihan , Ghadaksaz Alireza , Motavaf Mahsa , Fazeli Seyedalireza Moghaddas , Nezhad Ali Motamed , Ramezani Fatemeh , Janzadeh Atousa
Published: June 2023

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is converted to the most common analgesic treatment before the whole mechanism is yet to be discovered. This study for the first time was designed to investigate alternations of epigenetic factors after pain and PBMT. The CCI model was chosen to induce pain. Pain evaluation tests including plantar, acetone, von Frey, and pinch were done weekly. Then spinal cord tissue was isolated for evaluating mRNA expression of DNMT3a, HDAC1, and NRSF using RT‐qPCR method, and protein expression factors of HDAC2 and DNMT3a using western blotting. GAD65 and TGF‐β proteins were assessed by the IHC method. PBMT increased the pain threshold up to the point where it roughly met the pain threshold of the control group. After three weeks of treatment, both PBMT protocols demonstrated a reduction in allodynia and hyperalgesia. While some molecules, such as TGF‐β and Gad65, increased following PBMT, we observed no inhibition of NRSF, HDAC1, and DNMT3a expression despite implementing two different protocols.
Genetic variation and population differentiation in North American, central Asian and European isolates of Venturia inaequalis
Authors: Mellon Ian , Singh Jugpreet , Feulner Hana , Khan Awais
Published: June 2023

Venturia inaequalis, the causal fungal pathogen of apple scab, has evolved with its Malus hosts during apple domestication. This co‐evolution has resulted in a genetic structure in V. inaequalis populations from Europe and central Asia based on host species and geographic isolation. However, it is not yet clear if geographic isolation has led to population differentiation in North American isolates. We resequenced the genomes of 54 V. inaequalis isolates from North America and analysed them with publicly available genome sequences of 90 European and central Asian isolates for variant discovery and population structure. A total of 204,566 high‐quality single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified and used to assess population genetic structure and genomic diversity across 123 Venturia spp. isolates from around the world. Population genetic analysis identified four clusters based on Malus and non‐Malus hosts and Venturia species; this differentiation was supported by genetic diversity parameters including FST, Nei's π and Tajima's D. Genetic structure analysis did not reveal a distinct subpopulation of North American V. inaequalis isolates within the global isolates. Additionally, structure was not observed in V. inaequalis isolates collected on M. × domestica between North America and Europe. These observations indicate that geographical isolation has not contributed to the population differentiation between North America and Europe/central Asia. These results will enhance our understanding of the evolution of V. inaequalis, the emergence of virulent isolates and their implications for managing apple scab effectively.
An experimental facility for detailed studies on energy absorbing components subjected to blast loading
Authors: Brekken Kristoffer A. , Kaufmann Rene , Aune Vegard , Langseth Magnus , Børvik Tore
Published: June 2023

Deformable components such as sandwich structures possess promising properties for use in protection systems. Detailed studies on energy absorption and fluid–structure interaction effects are necessary for the application of deformable sandwich structures in blast resistant design. In this paper, an existing shock tube facility has been extended with a transparent section to observe and measure fluid flow and the structural response of deformable components during transient dynamic loading. The extension was instrumented with pressure sensors and load cells to measure the pressure and force transmitted through the component during testing. The transparent design allows the use of optical measurement techniques. Here, high‐speed cameras were used both for digital image correlation and background‐oriented schlieren imaging. Tests with free‐standing plates and sandwich components were performed. A strong dependency was observed between the plate mass, and thus the velocity of the plates, and the pressure measured upstream and downstream of the components. The tests were simulated with a one‐dimensional numerical model for compressible shock flow with fluid–structure interaction. The numerical model accurately reproduced the shock flow and component displacements measured experimentally. Overall, the experimental set‐up presented in this study proved to be suitable for the detailed examination of deformable components subjected to airblast loading.
Untangling the assassin's web: Phylogeny and classification of the spider‐associated Emesine complex (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)
Authors: Standring S. , Forero D. , Weirauch C.
Published: June 2023

Web‐building spiders are formidable predators, yet assassin bugs in the Emesine Complex (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Emesinae, Saicinae, and Visayanocorinae) prey on spiders. The Emesine Complex comprises >1000 species and these web‐associated predatory strategies may have driven their diversification. However, lack of natural history data and a robust phylogenetic framework currently preclude tests of this hypothesis. We combine Sanger (207 taxa, 3865 bp) and high‐throughput sequencing data (15 taxa, 381 loci) to generate the first taxon‐ and data‐rich phylogeny for this group. We discover rampant paraphyly among subfamilies and tribes, necessitating revisions to the classification. We use ancestral character state reconstructions for 40 morphological characters to identify diagnostic features for a revised classification. Our new classification treats Saicinae Stål and Visayanocorinae Miller as junior synonyms of Emesinae Amyot and Serville, synonymizes the emesine tribes Ploiariolini Van Duzee and Metapterini Stål with Emesini Amyot and Serville, and recognises six tribes within Emesinae (Collartidini Wygodzinsky, Emesini, Leistarchini Stål, Oncerotrachelini trib.n., Saicini Stål stat.n., and Visayanocorini Miller stat.n.). We show that a pretarsal structure putatively involved in web‐associated behaviours evolved in the last common ancestor of Emesini, the most species‐rich clade within Emesinae, suggesting that web‐associations could be widespread in Emesinae.
Linguistic Priors for Perception
Authors: Slivac Ksenija , Flecken Monique
Published: June 2023

In this commentary, we approach the topic of linguistic relativity from a predictive coding perspective. Discussing the role of “priors” in shaping perception, we argue that language creates an important set of priors for humans, which can affect how sensory information is processed and interpreted. Namely, languages create conventionalized conceptual systems for their speakers, mirroring and reinforcing what is behaviorally important in a society. As such, they create collective conceptual convergence on how to categorize the world and thus “streamline” what people rely on to guide their perception.
“Repressed Memory” Makes No Sense
Authors: De Brigard Felipe
Published: June 2023

The expression “repressed memory” was introduced over 100 years ago as a theoretical term purportedly referring to an unobservable psychological entity postulated by Freud's seduction theory. That theory, however, and its hypothesized cognitive architecture, have been thoroughly debunked—yet the term “repressed memory” seems to remain. In this paper, I offer a philosophical evaluation of the meaning of this theoretical term as well as an argument to question its scientific status by comparing it to other cases of theoretical terms that have either survived scientific change—such as “atom” or “gene”—or that have perished, such as “black bile.” Ultimately, I argue that “repressed memory” is more like “black bile” than “atom” or “gene” and, thus, recommend its demotion from our scientific vocabulary.
Effects of animal position on M‐mode, two‐dimensional, and Doppler echocardiographic measurements in healthy French bulldogs
Authors: Bagardi Mara , Ghilardi Sara , Locatelli Chiara , Romussi Stefano , Brambilla Paola G.
Published: June 2023

Echocardiography is the most widely accepted diagnostic tool for assessment of cardiac function and morphology in dogs and is usually performed in lateral recumbency. However, in some situations or in stressed patients, it is necessary to perform it in a standing position. Only one study evaluated the effects of animal position on selected two‐dimensional and M‐mode echocardiographic variables in four healthy dogs of different breeds, but not in brachycephalic breeds. In these breeds echocardiographic evaluation is sometimes needed in standing position due to the severity of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome and the impossibility of managing them in lateral recumbency without causing stress and choking danger. The objectives of this prospective, observational study were to (a) evaluate the effects of lateral recumbency versus standing positions on echocardiographic M‐mode, two‐dimensional, Doppler flow measurements, and Tissue Doppler imaging in healthy French bulldogs (FBs); (b) assess the intra‐ and interoperator variability of the standing echocardiographic examination; and (c) compare the obtained results with the available data from the literature. Forty healthy FBs (20 females/20 males) were sampled. The median age and weight were 2.45 years (IQR25–75, 1.18–4.16) and 12.7 kg (IQR25–75, 10.88–13.46). There were no differences between lateral recumbency and standing position measurements (P > 0.05). Intraoperator coefficients of variation (CVs) ranged from 0.5% to 10.1%, whereas interoperator CVs ranged from 1% to 14.2%. Only E wave peak velocity, aortic, and pulmonary flows were consistent with the previously published reference ranges in lateral recumbency. In conclusion, echocardiography in a standing position could be a useful tool in FBs.
Intramural esophageal location of a portosystemic shunt in a dog with two congenital portosystemic shunts on CT angiography
Authors: MacEwan Isobel , Thompson Devon
Published: June 2023

A 5‐year‐old male neutered pug with hematuria was presented to a referral hospital after identification of an extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (EHPSS) during abdominal ultrasonography. Computed tomographic‐angiography revealed two anomalous blood vessels (left gastroazygous and left gastrophrenic). The left gastroazygous vessel followed an atypical path within the dorsolateral esophageal wall before entering the azygous vein. The morphology of this highly unusual vessel has not, based on the authors' review of the literature, been previously reported. In combination with a second anomalous vessel, this resulted in a unique presentation of an EHPSS. Computed tomography‐angiography was essential for diagnosis and surgical planning in this case.
Clinical outcomes of the use of unidirectional barbed sutures in gastrointestinal surgery for dogs and cats: A retrospective study
Authors: Williams Evan A. , Monnet Eric
Published: June 2023

Objective

To report the clinical outcomes of gastrointestinal surgery using unidirectional barbed sutures in single‐layer appositional closure in dogs and cats.

Study design

Retrospective and descriptive study.

Sample population

Twenty‐six client‐owned dogs; three client‐owned cats.

Methods

Medical records of dogs and cats that received gastrointestinal surgery closed with unidirectional barbed sutures were reviewed to collect information on signalment, physical examinations, diagnostics, surgical procedures, and complications. Short‐ and long‐term follow‐up information was collected from the medical records, the owners, or the referring veterinarians.

Results

Six gastrotomies, 21 enterotomies, and nine enterectomies were closed with a simple continuous pattern with unidirectional barbed glycomer 631 sutures. Nine dogs had multiple surgical sites closed with unidirectional barbed sutures. None of the cases in the study developed leakage, dehiscence, or septic peritonitis during the 14‐day short‐term follow up. Long‐term follow up information was collected for 19 patients. The median long‐term follow‐up time was 1076 days (range: 20–2179 days). Two dogs had intestinal obstruction due to strictures at the surgical site 20 and 27 days after surgery. Both were resolved with an enterectomy of the original surgical site.

Conclusion

Unidirectional barbed suture was not associated with a risk of leakage or dehiscence after gastrointestinal surgery in dogs and cats. However, strictures may develop in the long term.

Clinical significance

Unidirectional barbed sutures can be used during gastrointestinal surgery in client‐owned dogs and cats. Further investigation of the role of unidirectional barbed sutures leading to abscess, fibrosis, or stricture is necessary.
Morphologic impact of four surgical techniques to correct excessive tibial plateau angle in dogs: A theoretical radiographic analysis
Authors: Story Ashton L. , Torres Bryan T. , Fox Derek B.
Published: June 2023

Objective

To determine morphologic differences between four tibial osteotomy techniques used to correct excessive tibial plateau angle (eTPA).

Study design

Retrospective radiographic analysis.

Sample population

Sixteen dogs (27 tibias) with eTPA.

Methods

Virtual corrections of eTPA were performed on sagittal plane radiographs of canine tibia using four tibial osteotomy techniques and categorized into respective groups. Group A represented the center of rotation of angulation (CORA)‐based leveling osteotomy (CBLO) and coplanar cranial closing wedge ostectomy (CCWO), Group B the tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) and CCWO, Group C the modified CCWO (mCCWO), and Group D the proximal tibial neutral wedge osteotomy (PTNWO). Pre‐ and post‐correction TPA, tibial length and mechanical cranial distal tibial angle (mCrDTA) were measured and compared.

Results

Mean TPA prior to correction was 42.67 ± 6.1°. Post‐correction mean TPAs were 10.47 ± 2.1°, 6.77 ± 1.6°, 4.76 ± 1.5°, and 7.09 ± 1.3° for Groups A, B, C, and D, respectively. TPA correction accuracy in Groups A and D varied least from target TPAs. Tibial shortening was documented in Group B in contrast to other groups. The greatest mechanical axis shift was identified in Group A.

Conclusion

Each technique achieved TPA < 14° despite having different effects on tibial morphology including alteration of tibial length, mechanical axis shift and variation in correctional accuracy.

Clinical significance

Despite all methods being able to correct eTPA, the choice of technique will affect morphology in unique ways and should be considered prior to surgery to consider the implications in a given patient.
Evaluation of Multi-Functional Variable Refrigerant Flow System With Thermal Energy Storage and Photovoltaic-Based Distributed System for Net-Zero Energy Home Design
Authors: Kim Dongsu , Tran Kelly , Koh Jaeyoon , Cho Heejin
Published: June 2023

Efficient heating and cooling systems and renewable energy sources are crucial for effectively designing net-zero energy homes (NZEHs). The study proposes using a multi-functional variable refrigerant flow system with hydraulic heat recovery (MFVRF-H2R) to reduce heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) and hot water energy usage, offering a practical approach to enable NZEH solutions. Photovoltaic (PV)-based on-site power generation is utilized to achieve zero energy performance in residential buildings. A building energy simulation study is conducted to assess the effectiveness of the combined systems in various climate conditions. To develop the simulation model, the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)’s net-zero energy residential test facility is used as the benchmark for NZEH baseline models. The MFVRF-H2R system is incorporated into the NZEH baseline to propose a more-energy-efficient design with heat recovery technology. eQUEST and post-processing calculations are used to simulate NZEH performance, comparing whole-building energy end-use and PV capacity for the baseline and alternative models with MFVRF-H2R. Results demonstrate that the proposed variable refrigerant flow (VRF)-based NZEH design can provide potential energy savings of up to 32% for cooling energy under various climate zones. Moreover, the NZEH design with the proposed MFVRF-H2R can achieve up to a 90% reduction in domestic hot water usage compared to an NZEH design without VRF heat recovery technology. The study suggests that the MFVRF-H2R system can provide practical and realistic solutions for making HVAC energy-efficient by minimizing thermal waste and reusing it for other thermal parts of the building, such as hot water applications. Consequently, this study highlights the effectiveness of the MFVRF-H2R system in designing NZEHs while considering heat recovery and renewable energy technologies.
Containments for Transportation and Storage of Spent Nuclear Fuel and High-Level Radioactive Material and Waste
Authors: Morton D. Keith , Lewis D. Wayne , Solovey Garrick J.
Published: June 2023

This chapter reflects the 2015 Edition of Section III, Division 3 of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel (BPV) Code. Division 3 covers all “construction” aspects of the containment of nuclear transportation packagings, including administrative requirements, material selection, material qualification, design, fabrication, examination, inspection, testing, quality assurance, and documentation. The current scope for Division 3 includes the containments for both transportation and storage and the internal support structures for both containments. The chapter first traces the history of the ASME Subgroup NUPACK, and outlines the scope and requirements of Division 3. It then discusses the system of loading classification and the design rules based on these loadings. Division 3 loadings include Design Loadings (Design Pressure, Design Temperature, and Design Mechanical Loadings), Operating Loadings (normal, off-normal, and accident), and Test Loadings (from pressure and leak tests). The chapter also provides a brief review of the ASME stress evaluations and the associated stress acceptance criteria. Code text organization of Division 3 is then considered. The ASME BPV Code Section III, Division 3 is currently divided into three subsections: WA, General Requirements; WB, Class TC Containments; and WC, Class SC Storage Containments. Discussions also include the incorporation of strain-based acceptance criteria, and the current activities in Division 3 such as the development of new subsection WD addressing internal support structures. The chapter concludes with a summary of suggested enhancements for the future in the scope for Division 3.

History

John D. Stevenson authored the original chapter and updated the second edition. The third edition was entirely rewritten with a new title and updated by D. Keith Morton and D. Wayne Lewis who also updated the the fourth and fifth editions. The current online edition has been updated by Garrick J. Solovey and D. Wayne Lewis.
Subsection NB—Class 1 Components
Authors: Basavaraju Chakrapani , Lambin Jason
Published: June 2023

This chapter discusses the structural limits in Section III NB and Section VIII Division 2 as related to specific structural failure modes considered applicable to pressure vessel and piping design. The rules and requirements for Section III NB and Section VIII Division 2 are based on the design-by-analysis philosophy addressing specific structural failure modes of structural collapse, rupture, instability, fatigue, and progressive deformation. The chapter begins with a discussion on the interactions between materials, environments, mechanical, and thermal loads as aided by other disciplines since this is critical for every part of every pressure vessel design. It provides a brief history of development of Code analytic tools and discusses the use of elastic 3D finite element analysis (FEA) results and the application of elastic-plastic (EP)-FEA. The chapter then discusses the intent of the primary stress limits in the Code. Consideration is given to the definitions in the Code and the discussion in the Criteria document. The chapter then addresses why the primary-plus-secondary stress intensity range is necessary and shows how to apply it. Two procedures for calculating stress intensity are presented, and the impact of thermal stresses is discussed for definition and application. The chapter also discusses six areas in which the Code presents fundamental procedures and expands on these fundamentals by presenting guidelines for a singular view of acceptable procedures that are consistent with the original intent for Section III and consistent with the current rules. Finally, it comments on the elastic-plastic FEA methods to protect against plastic collapse, to determine protection against local failure, and to assess fatigue and ratchet limits.

History

Tom Ahl was the original author of this chapter for the first edition. Marcus N. Bressler updated this chapter for the second and third editions. Chakrapani Basavaraju updated this chapter for the fourth, fifth and sixth editions. The current online edition has been updated by Chakrapani Basavaraju and Jason Lambin.
Online arts and culture for mental health in young people: a qualitative interview study
Authors: Syed Sheriff Rebecca , Bergin Laura , Bonsaver Laura , Riga Evgenia , O’Dell Bessie , Adams Helen , Glogowska Margaret
Published: June 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to understand young people’s perception of the potential utility of arts and culture, focusing on online access, for supporting their mental health.

Design

A qualitative interview study.

Setting

Online.

Participants

Participants were selected by purposeful sampling from an online survey of arts and culture for mental health and well-being.

Method

Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted from 30 July 2020 to 9 September 2020. Rich interview data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Thirteen participants aged 18–24 who were socio-demographically diverse and varied in their use of online arts and culture (OAC) and in their level of psychological distress were interviewed. Six themes, ‘Characteristics of other activities’, ‘Online engagement’, ‘Human connection’, ‘Mechanisms of impact’, ‘Mental health outcomes’ and ‘Engagement optimisation’, were identified along with subthemes. Participants identified that online engagement had some advantages over in-person engagement and benefits were greater with familiarity and regular use. Participants described that human connection was the feature of OAC most likely to benefit mental health and emphasised the importance of representation. Mechanisms included improving perspective, reflection, learning, escapism, creativity, exploration and discovery. Outcomes were described as the disruption of negative thought patterns, lifting of mood and increased feelings of calm and proactivity.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that young people have a critical level of insight and understanding regarding their mental health and ways in which it might be improved. These findings can be used to optimise the mental health benefits of OAC in an engaging and acceptable way for young people. These methodologies could be applied to other types of community resources for mental health.
Feasibility of a multidisciplinary Transitional Pain Service in spine surgery patients to minimise opioid use and improve perioperative outcomes: a quality improvement study
Authors: Tierney Sarah , Magnan Marie-Claude , Zahrai Amin , McIsaac Daniel , Poulin Patricia , Stratton Alexandra
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Spine surgery patients have high rates of perioperative opioid consumption, with a chronic opioid use prevalence of 20%. A proposed solution is the implementation of a Transitional Pain Service (TPS), which provides patient-tailored multidisciplinary care. Its feasibility has not been demonstrated in spine surgery. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a TPS programme in patients undergoing spine surgery.

Methods

Patients were recruited between July 2020 and November 2021 at a single, tertiary care academic centre. Success of our study was defined as: (1) enrolment: ability to enrol ≥80% of eligible patients, (2) data collection: ability to collect data for ≥80% of participants, including effectiveness measures (oral morphine equivalent (OME) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)-perceived analgesic management and overall health) and programme resource requirements measures (appointment attendance, 60-day return to emergency and length of stay), and (3) efficacy: estimate potential programme effectiveness defined as ≥80% of patients weaned back to their intake OME requirements at programme discharge.

Results

Thirty out of 36 (83.3%) eligible patients were enrolled and 26 completed the TPS programme. The main programme outcomes and resource measures were successfully tracked for >80% of patients. All 26 patients had the same or lower OME at programme discharge than at intake (intake 38.75 mg vs discharge 12.50 mg; p<0.001). At TPS discharge, patients reported similar overall health VAS (pre 60.0 vs post 70.0; p=0.14), improved scores for VAS-perceived analgesic management (pre 47.6 vs post 75.6; p<0.001) and improved Brief Pain Inventory pain intensity (pre 39.1 vs post 25.0; p=0.02).

Conclusion

Our feasibility study successfully met or exceeded our three main objectives. Based on this success and the defined clinical need for a TPS programme, we plan to expand our TPS care model to include other surgical procedures at our centre.
Frailty in asthma-COPD overlap: a cross-sectional study of association and risk factors in the NHANES database
Authors: Wang Xinyu , Wen Jingli , Gu Shujun , Zhang Lixi , Qi Xu
Published: June 2023

Background

Asthma-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) overlap (ACO) is a condition characterised by the simultaneous presence of features of both asthma and COPD. The study aims to investigate the association between ACO and frailty among middle-aged and elderly populations, and identify the risk factors for frailty in individuals with ACO.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study with 34 403 eligible participants (aged ≥40 years) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2018 cycles. Participants were stratified into four groups: ACO, asthma, COPD and non-asthma/COPD. Frailty assessment was based on frailty index, generating frail and non-frail group. Univariate and multivariate survey-weighted logistic regression analysis were used to determine the association between ACO and frailty, and to identify the risk factors for frailty in ACO.

Results

The frailty prevalence in participants with ACO was 60.2%, significantly higher than that in those with asthma (32.3%) and COPD (40.6%). In the unadjusted model, participants with ACO exhibited six-fold higher odds of frailty (OR 6.30, 95% CI 5.29 to 7.49), which was significantly greater than those with COPD (OR 2.84, 95% CI 2.46 to 3.28) and asthma (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.80 to 2.18), using the non-asthma/COPD group as a reference. After adjusting for all confounders, participants with ACO had over four times higher odds of frailty (OR 4.48, 95% CI 3.53 to 5.71), still higher than those with asthma and COPD. The findings remained robust in sensitivity and subgroup analyses. Furthermore, hypertension, cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease and cognitive disorders were identified as risk factors for frailty among ACO participants, while higher income and education levels were protective factors.

Conclusion

Patients (aged ≥40 years) with ACO were at a higher risk of frailty, regardless of age or sex, compared with those with asthma or COPD alone. Greater attention should be paid to patients with ACO, regardless of their age.
Implications of MMP-12 in the pathophysiology of ischaemic stroke
Authors: Veeravalli Krishna Kumar
Published: June 2023

This article focuses on the emerging role of matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP-12) in ischaemic stroke (IS). MMP-12 expression in the brain increases dramatically in animal models of IS, and its suppression reduces brain damage and promotes neurological, sensorimotor and cognitive functional outcomes. Thus, MMP-12 could represent a potential target for the management of IS. This article provides an overview of MMP-12 upregulation in the brain following IS, its deleterious role in the post-stroke pathogenesis (blood-brain barrier disruption, inflammation, apoptosis and demyelination), possible molecular interactions and mechanistic insights, its involvement in post-ischaemic functional deficits and recovery as well as the limitations, perspectives, challenges and future directions for further research. Prior to testing any MMP-12-targeted therapy in patients with acute IS, additional research is needed to establish the effectiveness of MMP-12 suppression against IS in older animals and in animals with comorbidities. This article also examines the clinical implications of suppressing MMP-12 alone or in combination with MMP-9 for extending the currently limited tissue plasminogen activator therapy time window. Targeting of MMP-12 is expected to have a profound influence on the therapeutic management of IS in the future.
Laser light propagation in a turbid medium: solution including multiple scattering effects
Authors: Stamnes Knut , Li Wei , Stamnes Snorre , Hu Yong , Zhou Yingzhen , Chen Nan , Fan Yongzhen , Hamre Børge , Lu Xiaomei , Huang Yuping , Weimer Carl , Lee Jennifer , Zeng Xubin , Stamnes Jakob
Published: June 2023

We have shown that solutions to the radiative transfer equation for a homogeneous slab yield a zenith radiance reflectance that for collimated beam incidence in the nadir direction can be expressed in terms of the lidar ratio, defined as the extinction coefficient divided by the 180$$^\circ $$

∘

backscattering coefficient. The recently developed QlblC method, which allows one to quantify layer-by-layer contributions to radiances emerging from a slab illuminated with a collimated beam of radiation, was used to show explicitly that in the single-scattering approximation the attenuated backscatter coefficient estimated by the new QlblC method gives the same result as the lidar equation. Originally developed for the continuous wave (CW) lidar problem, we have extended the new QlblC method to apply to the pulsed lidar problem. A specific example is provided to illustrate the challenge encountered for ocean property retrievals from space observations due to the fact that a very significant fraction of the signal is due to aerosol scattering/absorption; typically only about 10% (or less) comes from the ocean.

Graphical abstract
Prabhakar fractional scrutinization of a colloidal mixture of aluminum oxide and copper nanoparticles flowing over a channel subject to slip effects
Authors: Raza Ali , Khan Umair , Nigar Niat , Ishak Anuar , Sherif El-Sayed M. , Pop Ioan
Published: June 2023

According to a remarkable result, the polarization diffusion coefficient of drugs, such as those that slow down and ease the body, may be determined based on the rise in magnetism that follows. This research examines how a magnetic field impacts the Casson-type flow of a viscous, incompressible hybrid nanofluid that naturally flows across two parallel plates. Copper (Cu) and aluminum-oxide (Al2O[Formula: see text] are the two nanoparticles and their physical properties are intended to be the foundation fluids, together with water and sodium alginate as based fluids. The revised fractional model is investigated using the Laplace transformation using the most current and updated definition of the fractional-order derivative with memory effect, i.e. Prabhakar fractional derivative. The impacts of various constraints on distinct nanoparticles are investigated and visually depicted. As a result, we have concluded that a drop in volumetric percentage reduces fluid velocity. The water-based hybrid nanofluid (HNF) has a more significant influence on the temperature and momentum profile than the sodium alginate-based HNF due to the physical appearances of the investigated nanoparticles. The Casson fluid parameter augmentation also regulates the velocity profile by decreasing the velocity field.