bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(177) LOW INTENSITY SHOCKWAVE TREATMENT OF THE ERECT PENIS: ASSESSMENT BY PRE- AND POST-GRAYSCALE AND COLOR DOPPLER ULTRASOUND
Authors: Goldstein Dr Irwin , Goldstein Sue W
Published: June 2024

Objectives

We assessed changes in penile Grayscale/color Doppler ultrasound (G/DUS) parameters in men with ED after LiSWT treatments.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of penile G/DUS pre and post LiSWT (Urogold 100 MTS) was performed. B-mode ultrasounds performed at specific settings include 12 axial images at the proximal, midshaft and distal dorsal penis at a fixed dynamic range of 70 dB with B-mode gain values of increased brightness (45%, 55%, 65%). The fourth image at each location was taken at a dynamic range of 49 dB and B-mode gain value identified as providing best discrimination between Grayscale black/white. In the erect shaft right/left sagittal planes, cavernosal artery peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end diastolic velocity (EDV) values were obtained. ED patients then underwent 6 erect penile LiSWT treatments over varying intervals. After pharmacologic erection, 600 shocks (energy flux density 0.13mJ/mm2, 3 Hz, membrane pressure 3), were applied each to dorsal, ventral, right/left lateral penile shaft, and right/left crura. PGI-I was scored at each repeat visit. Approximately 2 months after the last treatment, penile G/DUS was repeated. Baseline and post-treatment G/DUS were de-identified and read by two experts for erectile tissue inhomogeneity on Grayscale with 0/3 no inhomogeneity, 1/3 mild inhomogeneity (<25% of cross-sectional area revealing hypo- or hyper-echoic regions), 2/3 moderate inhomogeneity (25% - 50%), and 3/3 severe inhomogeneity (>50%), respectively. PGI-I scores were compared to ultrasound findings.

Results

79 patients (mean age 44 +/- 21) met inclusion criteria. 53/79 (67%) had improved erectile tissue homogeneity post-LiSWT, 10/79 (13%) were unchanged, 15/79 (19%) worsened. Of patients with improved G/DUS findings, 40/53 (75%) rated PGI-I as improved. 37/53 (70%) had PSV increase and 18/53 (34%) had EDV decrease.

Conclusions

The mechanisms by which erect penile LiSWT improves erectile function, in part, involve enhanced erectile tissue homogeneity, increased PSV and decreased EDV.

Conflicts of Interest

No conflicts of interest.
(335) A NOVEL ULTRASOUND TECHNIQUE CAN PREDICT EFFICACY OF BOTOX INJECTION IN PATIENTS WITH ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
Authors: Ragab Dr Mohamed W , Ramzy Dr David , Zidane Prof Ashraf , El-bohy Prof AboElMagd , Bendary Dr Ahmed ZED , Shawky Dr Khaled A , El Shorbagy Dr Galal
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or keep an erection for sexual activity, affecting 5–20% of men worldwide. Starting from 2016, botulinum neurotoxin was tested for treating ED after a human pilot trial. Shear wave elastosonography (SWE) is one of the ultrasound techniques that can be applied to assess corporal tissue stiffness. We aimed to evaluate the SWE predictability of the outcome of a penile Botox injection.

Methods

Twenty men aged 18–70 with erectile dysfunction and PDE5I non-responders participated in the outpatient clinic of the university hospital. Intracavernosal prostaglandin E1(PGE1) injection. Three elastography measurements for each corpus cavernosum were taken before and after PGE1 injection, and then their average was calculated. 100 IU of OnabotulinumtoxinA diluted in 2 ml of normal saline was injected. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), Sexual Encounter Profile questions 2 and 3 (SEP-2 and SEP-3), and Erection Hardness Score (EHS) were measured before and 1 month after Botox injection.

Results

There was marked improvement in erectile function measured as the mean IIEF-5 changed from 8.55 to 14.1.61, p < 0.001, with a mean difference of 5.6. SEP-2 changed from 1.75 to 2.56, p = 0.012 with a mean difference of 0.77; SEP-3 changed from 1.60 to 2.39, p = 0.018 with a mean difference of 0.77; and EHS changed from 1.37 to 1.83, p = 0.008 with a mean difference of 0.52. SWE measurements taken after PGE1 injection showed a significant negative association with erectile state outcomes after Botox injection, as measured by IIEF-5(r = -0.429, p = 0.03). In contrast, pre-injection peak systolic velocity measurements showed no significant correlation to outcomes.

Conclusions

shear wave elastography may predict improvement after Botox injection.

Conflicts of Interest

There is no any conflict of interest.
(230) ANOGENITAL DISTANCE IN KLINEFELTER SYNDROME: IS THERE ANY DIFFERENCE COMPARED TO GENERAL POPULATION?
Authors: Bughetti Dr Chiara , Brunetti Dr Alessandro , Maida Giulia , Morenghi Emanuela , Vena Walter , Negri Luciano , Benaglia Renzo , Mazziotti Gherardo , Lania Andrea , Pizzocaro Alessandro
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Fall in total testosterone (T) levels in Klinefelter syndrome (KS) may occur at different times of sexual development, although overt hypogonadism generally occurs after puberty. Nevertheless, is still debated whether KS really have a normal mini-puberty and puberty. Anogenital distance (AGD) is an anthropometric measure reflecting early androgenization during the fetal period and first years of life. A shorter AGD in men was associated to infertility, genital anomalies, and testicular cancer. Although other androgen-dependent anthropometric measures such as testicular volume (TV) and stretched penis length (SPL) have been widely investigated in KS, this is to our knowledge the first study examining AGD in this population.

Methods

We measured AGD, TV, SPL in 53 patients with KS and in 101 Caucasian men with normal total testosterone (T) levels (> 12 nmol/L). AGD was measured using a digital caliper; we used an orchidometer for TV and a common meter for SPL. AGD was then correlated with anthropometric features and hormone levels (T, LH, FSH) in both groups.

Results

Coherently with KS-related hypogonadism, KS group had significantly lower T levels compared to controls (9,4±4,5 nmol/L vs 19,6±5,1 nmol/L), as well as significantly lower TV (2,55±1,08 ml vs 15,4±4,7 ml). Conversely, AGD was similar between KS and controls (p=0,954), with mean values of 6,86±1,59 cm [95%CI 6,42-7,29] and 6,87±1,44 cm [95%CI 6,59-7,16], respectively. In both groups, AGD did not significantly correlate with TV, SPL, arm span or T levels. Interestingly, AGD significantly correlated with waist circumference [p= 0,004], body mass index [P<0,001] in KS, while this correlation was not relevant in the control group.

Conclusions

AGD is notdecreased in KS notwithstanding low testosterone levels. This finding suggests that KS subjects might be exposed to normal androgenization during mini-puberty and puberty.

Conflicts of Interest

Authors declare no conflicts of interest.
(400) COMPARING WESTERN AND TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE FOR MALE SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION: CAN KLOTHO REPRESENT A (SCIENTIFIC) SILK ROAD?
Authors: Wang Prof Fu , Colonnello Dr Elena , Zhang Hui , Sansone Andrea , Wang Dr Chunlin , Guo Prof Jun , Jannini Prof Emmanuele A
Published: June 2024

Objectives

In recent years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has shown promising efficacy in treating male sexual dysfunction (MSD). In TCM theory, the kidney has a primary role, being closely related to the metabolism and the endocrine, nervous, reproductive systems, and, not ultimately, to the sexual function, as the “Kidney storing essence (jīng) and governing reproduction” theory explains. According to this theory, the treatment of MSD consists mainly in restoring the kidney’s function, to recover from many diseases, including erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. Given the pivotal role of the kidney in TCM-related diagnosis and treatment of MSD, we aimed to identify a possible link between Western Medicine and TCM in this field as represented by the recently discovered protein klotho.

Methods

Although TCM treatment of MSD has been found effective, according to patient’s reported outcomes, the mechanism of action of these improvements in sexual function remains unclear. Hence, we performed a literature analysis to uncover the mechanisms that may explain a link between klotho, kidney function as intended in TCM, and sexual function.

Results

During the past twelve years, increasing evidence from clinical and basic studies has indicated that Klotho, which is mainly expressed in the kidney, is significantly correlated with the development and progression of chronic kidney disease and its complications, but also in other non-communicable diseases, such as atherosclerosis, heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, and even cancer. Increasing evidence indicates that it is also closely related to MSD. Interestingly, in TCM, signs of decreasing kidney essence show a consistent similarity to Klotho deficiencies, also regarding sexual function.

Conclusions

Although numerous studies have evaluated the TCM efficacy in treating MSD, modern biological indicators of improvement of sexual function are lacking. Literature evidence suggests that Klotho may fill this gap, as a kind of scientific Silk Road connecting Western and Oriental perspectives.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors did not report any conflict of interest.
(297) TOLERABILITY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE USE OF THE PENILE VACUUM IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE PENILE EXTENDER IN THE POST-TREATMENT EXERCISE PROTOCOL WITH COLLAGENASE
Authors: Mondaini Prof Nicola , Brosio Claudio , Camera Pier Andrea Della , Leonardi Rosario , Abramo Andrea , Bisatti Pela , Crocerossa Fabio , Cantiello Prof Fancesco , Damiano Prof Rocco
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the tolerability and effectiveness of the use of 2 devices, the vacuum and the penile extender after treatment with collagenase clostridium histolitycum CCH.

Methods

Patients included in the treatment with CCH according to a protocol of 3 applications were instructed to use 2 devices: Vacuum device @Medis: to be used for 15 minutes a day 7 days after treatment with CCH; Penile Extender @Medis: to be used 60 minutes a day, not during the night, starting from 48 hours after treatment. The results were evaluated 30 days after the end of the protocol by finding improvement in the curvature in degrees, usefulness of the devices measured with a questionnaire reporting the results. VAS scale to quantify discomfort in use.

Results

One hundred patients with an average age of 55 years (range 27-64) were included in the study. 69% experienced a reduction in curvature of an average of 21 degrees (range 10-35); 10% were satisfied even in the absence of curvature improvement, 21 % dissatisfied with treatment. 98 used the vacuum every day for an average of 13.2 minutes (range 5-30) resulting in 32% being very satisfied, 24% satisfied, 21% not very satisfied and 23% not satisfied. 2 patients stopped using it due to incapacity ' and fall into the not satisfied category. The VAS was on average 2 (range 0-6). 93 used the extender for an average of 80 minutes a day (range 30-120 minutes). They were very satisfied in 30 %, satisfied 28%, not very satisfied 15% and not satisfied in 27%. 7 patients stopped using it. The VAS was on average 4.2 (range 0-8).

Conclusions

The use of devices to support collagenase therapy is useful for 57% of patients with minimal discomfort.

Conflicts of Interest

Medis provided the material for the study.
(350) EFFICACY AND PREDICTORS OF SPERMATOGENESIS INDUCTION UPON GONADOTROPIN AND GNRH THERAPY IN CONGENITAL HYPOGONADOTROPIC HYPOGONADISM: A META-ANALYSIS
Authors: Yannas Dr Dimitri , Vignozzi Prof Linda , Corona Dr Giovanni , Maggi Prof Mario , Rastrelli Prof Giulia
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Congenital Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism (CHH) is among the few causes of male infertility, which could benefit from a rationale treatment. Both gonadotropin and GnRH therapy proved effective in inducing spermatogenesis in patients with CHH. However, due to the small sample size of the studies available and the lack of randomized studies, a precise evaluation of the efficacy and a comparison among different treatments remain difficult. A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of either gonadotropin or GnRH treatment in inducing spermatogenesis in subjects with CHH and azoospermia and to identify possible treatment response moderators.

Methods

An extensive Medline and Embase search was performed, including the following words: “gonadotropins” or “GnRH”, “infertility”, “hypogonadotropic”, “hypogonadism” and limited to studies in male humans.

Results

Overall, 41 and 22 studies were retrieved for gonadotropin and GnRH therapy in CHH patients, respectively. All considered the appearance of at least one spermatozoon in semen, whereas 23 and 9 considered sperm concentration upon gonadotropin and GnRH, respectively. The succes rate in obtaining at least one spermatozoon in the ejaculate and the achived sperm concentration were 0.70 [0.62-0.77] and 7.28 [5.19-9.36] x10^6/mL for gonadotropin therapy and 0.65 [0.52-0.77] and 6.48 [2.48-10.48] x10^6/mL for GnRH therapy. In studies using gonadotropins, worse results were obtained by hCG alone. Non differences were reported from studies using urinary-derived or recombinant FSH or from those enrolling or not patients previously treated with testosterone. Higher testis volume and lower LH and FSH at baseline were associated with a higher success rate upon gonadotropin therapy.

Conclusions

Gonadotropin therapy is a suitable option for inducing fertility in azoospermic CHH subjects. Protocols with combining FSH and hCG showed better results in terms of seminal outcomes than hCG therapy alone. These treatments appear to be more effective in subjects with lower baseline FSH and LH while previous TRT and FSH preparation do not affect the outcome.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.
(79) “SEXUAL RECESSION” IN THE MAINSTREAM AND SCIENTIFIC PRESS: AND YET SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STIS) ARE ON THE RISE
Authors: Choucroun Dr Danielle
Published: June 2024

Objectives

In France, 2022/02, a survey (IFOP pour Sidaction, people aged 15 to 24) found that 44% of those polled had not had sex in the past year. This trend seems also to be confirmed in the USA, as shown by Professor Twenges's work, including a lack of interest for masturbation. Our study aims to highlight the today's possible causes of sexual inactivity, and to compare observations with sexual health data concerning STIs, abortion, after-morning pill, use of dating applications and use of pornography.

Methods

Review of the mainstream online press for the last five years with the keywords in french and in english sexual recession, sexual inactivity, decline in sexual activity. Review of the scientific literature on PubMed and Google Scholar for the last five years with the keywords sexual recession, sexual inactivity.

Results

Mainstream press and scientific literature agree to describe a decline in sexual activity, especially among those under 30. Causes are numerous, sexological (lack of sexual pleasure, sexual dysfunction, other), or not: psychological (anxiety, depression, bad self-esteem), societal (breakdown in social ties), iatrogenic, aesthetic (overweight), cultural (social media, video games), adverse socio-economic conditions (unemployment, students). The most surprising is the lack of perspective of these observations with sexual health data. Indeed public health data seem to challenge a situation of sexual recession. Especially in France, the HIV infection rates continues, the abortion rate does not decrease, for chlamydia and gonococci rates increase (Bulletin de Santé Publique VIH-IST 2021). According to World Health Organization, “more than 1 million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are acquired every day worldwide”. Pornographic video viewing constitutes 25% of global video traffic.

Conclusions

Since a few years, the journalistic and scientific sources describe in various medias a “sexual recession” in different countries. The examination of sexual health data seem to challenge these observations and requires further studies.

Conflicts of Interest

None.
(387) STIGMA TOWARDS ANAL SEX: A STUDY ON THE ITALIAN POPULATION
Authors: Fiacchino Dr Donatella , Salvatori Dr Gioele , Borrello Dr Lorenzo , Giunti Dr Daniel , Antonelli Prof Paolo
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Most research on anal sex is focused on the risks and prevalence of sexually transmitted infections. Anal sex behavior is also often under-reported, likely due to stigma. The present study aimed at understanding the correlation between attitude and stigma towards anal sex and sexual habits of people who engage in anal sex. Furthermore, it included a validation of the Italian version of the questionnaire “The Anal Sex Stigma Scales”.

Methods

The study was carried out as an online questionnaire (N = 1061, age 16-73), it included questions to investigate attitude and behavior around anal sex, the “The Anal Sex Stigma Scales”, questionnaires on social desirability, disgust propensity, attitudes towards homosexuality and sex wellbeing. Data analysis consisted of the computation of descriptive statistics and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), as well as of post hoc analyses for the latter.

Results

3 out of 4 participants had tried anal sex at least once. Women of any sexual orientation were mostly worried about pain (F = 7.370; p < .001; η2 = .156) and getting dirty (F = 3.948; p < .001; η2 =.090) during anal stimulation. Heterosexual men, on the other hand, were apprehensive about receiving anal penetration because of the social stigma around it (F = 15.743; p < .001; η2 = .282). The hypothesis that fear of pain, disgust and negative attitudes towards homosexuality would be higher in participants who have never tried anal sex was partially supported by the data: this was only true for men.

Conclusions

The study showed significant gender differences in terms of the attitude and the habits: a significant association of fear of pain, disgust and refusal of trying anal sex in men, but not in women. It also revealed that the reasons for engaging in anal sex are different across genders, regardless of the sexual orientation.

Conflicts of Interest

Donatella Fiacchino, Gioele Salvatori, Lorenzo Borrello, Daniel Giunti and Paolo Antonelli declare that they have no conflict of interest.
Magnetic field at the Galactic centre from multiwavelength dust polarization
Authors: Akshaya M S , Hoang Thiem
Published: June 2024

We have mapped the magnetic field (B-field) for a region of about 30 pc around the centre of our Galaxy, which encompasses the circumnuclear disc (CND), the minispiral, and the 20 and 50 km s−1 molecular clouds, using thermal dust polarization observations obtained from SOFIA/HAWC+ and JCMT/SCUPOL. We decompose the spectra of 12CO (J = 3 → 2) transition from this region into individual cloud components and find the polarization observed at different wavelengths might be tracing completely different layers of dust along the line of sight. We use modified Davis–Chandrasekhar–Fermi methods to measure the strength of B-field projected in the plane of the sky ($B_{{}_{\mathrm{POS}}}$). The mean $B_{{}_{\mathrm{POS}}}$ of the CND and the minispiral, probed at 53 μm is of the order of ∼2 mG. $B_{{}_{\mathrm{POS}}}\!\!\!\lt \!1$ mG close to the Galactic Centre, in the region of the ionized mini-cavity within the CND, and increases outwards. However, the longer wavelength polarization at 216 μm appears to come from a dust layer that is cooler and behind the CND and has a stronger B-field of about 7 mG. The B-field strength is lowest along the Eastern Arm of the minispiral, which is also the only region with Alfvén Mach number, $\mathcal {M}_{\mathrm{A}}\gt 1$ and mass-to-flux ratio, λ ≳ 1. Such an observed weak B-field could be a result of the low resolution of the observation, where the tangled B-fields due to the strong turbulence in the high density clumps of the CND are lost within the beam size of the observation.
Buoyancy torques prevent low-mass planets from stalling in low-turbulence radiative discs
Authors: Ziampras Alexandros , Nelson Richard P , Paardekooper Sijme-Jan
Published: June 2024

Low-mass planets migrating inwards in laminar protoplanetary discs (PPDs) experience a dynamical corotation torque (DCT), which is expected to slow down migration to a stall. However, baroclinic effects can reduce or even reverse this effect, leading to rapid inward migration. In the radiatively inefficient inner disc, one such mechanism is the buoyancy response of the disc to an embedded planet. Recent work has suggested that radiative cooling can quench this response, but for parameters that are not necessarily representative of the inner regions of PPDs. We perform global 3D inviscid radiation hydrodynamics simulations of planet–disc interaction to investigate the effect of radiative cooling on the buoyancy-driven torque in a more realistic disc model. We find that the buoyancy response exerts a negative DCT – albeit partially damped due to radiative cooling – resulting in sustained, rapid inward migration. Models that adopt a local cooling prescription significantly overestimate the impact of the buoyancy response, highlighting the importance of a realistic treatment of radiation transport that includes radiative diffusion. Our results suggest that low-mass planets should migrate inwards faster than has been previously expected in radiative discs, with implications for the formation and orbital distribution of super-Earths and sub-Neptunes at intermediate distances from their host stars, unless additional physical processes that can slow down migration are considered.
Nine new M dwarf planet candidates from TESS including five gas giants
Authors: Eschen Yoshi Nike Emilia , Kunimoto Michelle
Published: June 2024

We present the detection of nine new planet candidates orbiting M dwarfs, identified using an independent search and vetting pipeline applied to TESS Full-Frame Image data from Sectors 1 to 63. Our candidates include planets as small as 1.4 $\mathrm{ R}_{{\oplus }}$, with orbital periods up to 20 d. Among the nine new candidates, we identified five gas giants, which represent a rare and unexpected outcome of planet formation. Our findings add to the growing sample of giant planets around M dwarfs found by TESS. We discuss their follow-up potential for mass measurements through radial velocity observations and atmospheric characterization through transmission spectroscopy. We highlight TIC 12999193.01 as a particularly unique gas giant candidate in an eccentric orbit and excellent potential for atmospheric characterization.
T-Minkowski Noncommutative Spacetimes I: Poincaré Groups, Differential Calculi, and Braiding
Authors: Mercati Flavio
Published: June 2024

This paper introduces and investigates a class of noncommutative spacetimes that I will call “T-Minkowski,” whose quantum Poincaré group of isometries exhibits unique and physically motivated characteristics. Notably, the coordinates on the Lorentz subgroup remain commutative, while the deformation is confined to the translations (hence the T in the name), which act like an integrable set of vector fields on the Lorentz group. This is similar to Majid’s bicrossproduct construction, although my approach allows the description of spacetimes with commutators that include a constant matrix as well as terms that are linear in the coordinates (the resulting structure is that of a centrally extended Lie algebra). Moreover, I require that one can define a covariant braided tensor product representation of the quantum Poincaré group, describing the algebra of N-points. This also implies that a 4D bicovariant differential calculus exists on the noncommutative spacetime. The resulting models can all be described in terms of a numerical triangular R-matrix through RTT relations (as well as RXX, RXY, and RXdX relations for the homogeneous spacetime, the braiding, and the differential calculus). The R-matrices I find are in one-to-one correspondence with the triangular r-matrices on the Poincaré group without quadratic terms in the Lorentz generators. These have been classified, up to automorphisms, by Zakrzewski, and amount to 16 inequivalent models. This paper is the first of a series, focusing on the identification of all the quantum Poincaré groups that are allowed by my assumptions, as well as the associated quantum homogeneous spacetimes, differential calculi, and braiding constructions.
Correlates of mother-to child-transmission of HIV infection in a tertiary hospital in Ebonyi state, Nigeria
Authors: Orji Maria-Lauretta , Oluchukwu Oyim-Elechi Cecilia , Agboeze Joseph , Onyire Nnamdi Benson , Nnaji Theresa Nwamaka , Nweke Sunday Ogo , Nwali Matthew Igwe
Published: June 2024

Background

Nigeria has the largest global burden of HIV new infections in children despite global and national concerted efforts at the reduction of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. The goal of this study was to determine the associations between maternal characteristics, practices and mother-to-child transmission of HIV infection among mothers living with HIV.

Methods

This is a hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study. Information was obtained using interviewer-administered questionnaire from the 240 participants. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 26, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Out of the 240 mothers recruited, 129 (53.8%) were within 25–35 years of age, with a mean age of 31.08 ± 5.65. A total of 35 (14.6%) of the participants had at least a child with HIV infection. Maternal ART status before childbirth (AOR = 0.02, 95%CI = 0.01–0.05, P = < 0 .001) was the singular determinant of having a child with HIV infection. Mothers who delivered outside the health facility were about four-fold at risk of having an infected child (AOR = 3.89, 95%CI = 1.82–8.50, P = 0.070).

Conclusion

The prevalence rate of mother-to-child transmission of HIV is high. Routine HIV testing services and the provision of accessible and affordable reproductive health services are recommended for all women of childbearing age.
A Content Analysis of Public-Facing Part C Early Intervention Websites of US States and Territories
Authors: Weaver Priscilla , Rapport Mary Jane , Catalino Tricia , Barreca Jessica
Published: June 2024

In the United States (US), early intervention (EI) programs under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act have demonstrated a commitment to teaming and collaboration through multidisciplinary assessment and coordinated service delivery. However, there continues to be broad variability as to the EI service delivery model described on public-facing EI program websites and in state-level documents. In this study, we performed a review of the websites of EI programs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, five US territories, and two federal departments responsible for providing EI services to specific constituencies. Using a qualitative content analysis approach to analyze the data from all 58 entities led to three primary findings: (1) the challenge of finding information on public-facing websites and related documents about teaming practices within each state, (2) the inconsistency in the types of documents, dates, and ages of posted information, and (3) the variability across states, including the language used to describe and discuss teaming models and practices. These results lead to a call for action to improve the consistency of information on teaming models and the implementation of practices that better support all children and families served under Part C.
Doctors Who Attend Policy School: Who Are They and Where Do They Work?
Authors: Velasquez David E. , Alexander Mathew , Ke Jesper , Martin Alister
Published: June 2024

Many physicians are pursuing additional advanced degrees, though no study has evaluated the characteristics and career choices of physicians who have pursued graduate policy degrees. We therefore searched employment and alumni data from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government in addition to publicly available information to identify physicians who graduated with a policy degree from 1964 to 2002. We identified 258 physicians with policy degrees and found that they are increasing in number, though females are underrepresented when compared to the female physician workforce; likely to pursue clinical training in specialties highly proximate to public policy challenges, with most physicians remaining medically licensed after residency; and more likely to hold nonclinical roles in academia, clinical leadership, and the private sector than in nonprofits and government. We conclude that the importance of integrating physicians with policy training throughout various organizations warrants further research into the growth, characteristics, and career choices of these physicians.
Variability of pMGA/vlhA sequences among Mycoplasma gallisepticum field strains isolated from laying hens and their deformed eggs
Authors: Maya-Rodríguez Linda M. , Gómez-Verduzco Gabriela , Trigo-Tavera Francisco J. , Moreno-Fierros Leticia , Miranda-Morales Rosa E.
Published: June 2024

Mycoplasmosis, attributed to Mycoplasma gallisepticum, poses a significant challenge to poultry farming, leading to substantial economic losses and persistent infections within flocks. This bacterium harbours various surface proteins that are crucial for adhesion, transporter activity and evasion of the host immune response, facilitating its pathogenicity. One such key surface lipoprotein, referred to as pMGA or vlhA haemagglutinin, plays a pivotal role in adhesion processes. In this study, the clonal regions pMGA1.2 and pMGA1.3, as reported by Markham (M83178.1), were investigated to elucidate differences or similarities in the whole DNA sequences of M. gallisepticum field strains. The aim was to analyse sequence diversity within this region. Six internal primers were designed to amplify the target sequence, and isolates were obtained from both eggs and chickens sourced from laying hen flocks. Identification revealed 17 strains of M. gallisepticum and four strains of Mycoplasma synoviae, which were confirmed through the mgc2 and 16S rRNA genes, respectively. Positive and negative controls were established using the MGS6 and MSWUV1853 strains. Amplification results indicated a higher frequency of amplification proximal to the C-terminal region, with segments 4 (33.3 %) and 6 (27.8 %) being the most prevalent. Notably, none of the field strains exhibited the same amplification pattern as MGS6, and none of the strains characterized as M. synoviae amplified any primer set. Upon translation, the amino acid sequences from segments 4 and 6 were found to be compatible with conserved sequences within the Myco_haema protein domains of the genus Mycoplasma, specifically corresponding to Q7NAP3_MYCGA VlhA.3.04. The observed homology suggests a potential genetic transfer, while the variability identified in the pMGA or vlhA gene region of the field strains may have significant implications for protection against M. gallisepticum infection in chickens.
Perturbative
T
-odd asymmetries in the Drell-Yan process revisited
Authors: Lyubovitskij Valery E. , Vogelsang Werner , Wunder Fabian , Zhevlakov Alexey S.
Published: June 2024

We calculate the perturbative T-odd contributions to the lepton angular distribution in the Drell-Yan process. Using collinear factorization, we work at the first order in QCD perturbation theory where these contributions appear, O(αs2), and address both W± and γ/Z0 boson exchange. A major focus of our calculation is on the regime where the boson’s transverse momentum QT is much smaller than its mass Q. We carefully expand our results up to next-to-next-to-leading power in

Q

T

/

Q

. Our calculation provides a benchmark for studies of T-odd contributions that employ transverse-momentum dependent parton distribution functions. In the neutral-current case we compare our results for the T-odd structure functions to available ATLAS data.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Technological integration of lean manufacturing with industry 4.0 toward lean automation: insights from the systematic review and further research directions
Authors: Saraswat Praveen , Agrawal Rajeev , Rane Santosh B.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Organizations are continually improving their practices to improve operational performance. They already employ Lean Manufacturing techniques (LM) to reduce unnecessary waste. Industry 4.0 techniques enhance operational performance in association with LM. Despite the proven benefits of LM principles and the advancements offered by Industry 4.0 technologies, many organizations struggle to integrate these approaches effectively. This research paper explores how LM principles can be combined with Industry 4.0 technologies to provide valuable guidance for businesses looking to adopt lean automation strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review on LM and Industry 4.0 was done to investigate the possible technical integration of both methods. Ninety-two articles are extracted systematically from the Scopus and Web of Science databases. This study states a systematic literature review, including quantitative analysis of bibliographic networks and cluster analysis, to identify emergent ideas and their further implementation.

Findings

The research findings highlight the positive impact of integrating lean production with Industry 4.0 techniques, benefiting organizations in achieving their goals. A lean automation integration framework is proposed based on the literature review and the findings.

Practical implications

This study provides industry administrators and practitioners valuable guidance for enhancing organizational productivity. These implications can provide businesses with competitive advantages, enhance customer satisfaction, and enable them to adapt to the dynamic demands of the contemporary business environment.

Originality/value

This literature review study has substantially contributed to the technological integration of lean and Industry 4.0. The work has also identified potential emerging areas that warrant further research.
Influence of deformation-induced misalignment on the performance of hydrodynamic bearings: a comparison between rigid and flexible journal results
Authors: Sun Xiaodong , Liu Yuanyuan , Chocholaty Bettina , Marburg Steffen
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Prior investigations concerning misalignment resulting from journal deformation typically relied on predefined misaligned angles. Nevertheless, scant attention has been devoted to the determination of these misaligned angles. Furthermore, existing studies commonly treat the journal as rigid under such circumstances. Therefore, the present study aims to introduce a framework for determining misaligned angles and to compare outcomes between rigid and flexible journal configurations.

Design/methodology/approach

The bearing forces are considered as an external load leading to journal deformation. This deformation is calculated using the finite element method. The pressure distribution producing the bearing force is solved using the finite difference method. The mesh grids in the finite element and finite difference methods are matched for coupling calculation. By iteration, the pressure distribution of the lubricant film at the equilibrium position is determined.

Findings

Results show that the deformation-induced misalignment has a significant influence on the performance of the bearing when the journal flexibility is taken into account. The parametric study reveals that the misalignment relies on system parameters such as bearing length-diameter ratio and static load.

Originality/value

The investigation of this work provides a quantification method of misalignment of hydrodynamic bearings considering the elastic deformation of the journal, which assists in the design of bearing in a rotor-bearing system.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-10-2023-0337/
The effect of economic, environmental and social sustainability performance on accounting conservatism: the moderating role of good corporate governance
Authors: Khlifi Sawssen , Boujelbene Mohamed Ali , Chouaibi Jamel
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of economic, environmental and social (EES) indicators of sustainability performance on accounting conservatism and the moderating effect of good corporate governance (GCG) on this relationship in European environmental, social and governance (ESG) firms.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the study’s hypotheses, this paper applied linear regressions with panel data from 136 European companies selected from the ESG index between 2015 and 2022.

Findings

The results show a positive effect of economic and environmental sustainability scores on the accounting conservatism level. However, social score has a negative and significant effect on the level of accounting conservatism. The findings also show that GCG accentuates these effects.

Research limitations/implications

The findings have several implications for companies, investors and academic researchers. For companies, EES reporting should be enhanced. For investors, sustainability performance is crucial in decision-making. The results show that exploring the interaction between sustainability performance scores and accounting conservatism is essential for academic researchers.

Originality/value

This paper is motivated by the limited research on EES sustainability scores and accounting conservatism around GCG, hence its pertinence for companies seeking to improve information quality.
Pathology requesting in a regional Australian Emergency Department; an observational study comparing current practice with college guidelines
Authors: Oakman Georgina , Anderson Alastair , Oosthuizen Johann De Witt , Olaussen Alexander
Published: June 2024

Introduction

In 2018, the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) and the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) produced a guideline to encourage appropriate pathology requesting in the Emergency Department (ED).

Objective

To assess adherence to the ACEM/RCPA pathology testing guideline in a regional ED.

Methods, Design, Setting and Participants

This was a retrospective observational study conducted at a regional Australian ED over 7 days. Adults with a presenting complaint encompassed by the guideline were included. All blood tests were audited against the guideline recommendations and classified as indicated or non‐indicated. Chi‐squared analyses were performed to explore the association between presenting complaint and non‐indicated testing.

Main Outcome Measure

The primary outcome was the number of non‐indicated blood tests.

Results

Forty percent of tests ordered were not clinically indicated, with non‐indicated testing occurring during 87% of encounters. The C‐reactive protein (CRP) was the test most frequently ordered outside of guidelines (94% non‐indicated). Patients presenting with lower abdominal pain accounted for nearly one‐quarter of all non‐indicated tests.

Conclusions

Blood tests were commonly requested outside of the guideline recommendations and interventions to improve pathology stewardship are required.
The hierarchical importance of patent's characteristics to licensing: An analysis through Random Forest
Authors: Reis Alexânder Araújo , Leite Rafael Ângelo Santos , Walter Cicero Eduardo , Reis Igor Bezerra , Gonçalves Ramiro , Martins José , Branco Frederico , Au‐Yong‐Oliveira Manuel
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this study is to ascertain the hierarchical importance of a patent's characteristics to licensing. This research has a causal‐exploratory purpose, in that it sought to establish relationships between variables. This research aims to identify which characteristics are influential in the licensing of Brazilian academic patents in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical technology fields, based on the mining of data contained in licensed and unlicensed patent documents. Which characteristics of Brazilian academic patents are most influential in their licensing potential? An analysis through Random Forest was performed. To the best of our knowledge, there are no studies in Brazil using machine learning to identify which characteristics are influential in licensing a particular academic patent, especially given the difficulty of gathering this information. We found that regardless of the measure used, the three most critical licensing characteristics for the Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical patents analysed are Patent Scope, Life Cycle, and Claims. At the same time, the least important is the Patent Cooperation Treaty. The relevance of this research is based on the fact that after identifying which intrinsic characteristics influence the final value and licensing probabilities of a given patent, it will be possible to develop mathematical models that provide accurate information for establishing technology transfer agreements. In practical terms, the results suggest that greater patent versatility, combined with lifecycle management and a technical effort to build strong claims, increases the licensing potential of academic biopharmaceutical patents.
Views of Mental Health Nurses on Responding to Clinical Aggression on General Wards
Authors: Olasoji Michael , Henderson Kathryn , Hopkins Liza , Keppich‐Arnold Sandra , Joseph Bindu
Published: June 2024

The overall aim of this study was to explore the views of mental health nurses (MHNs) about their experience of responding to workplace violence (WPV) and aggression (code greys and blacks) within acute general wards. WPV continues to pose a significant source of challenge within healthcare settings despite several initiatives that have been trialled over the years. It has the potential to impact patient care and overall staff health and well‐being. Nurses play a significant role in the management of WPV; hence, it is important to understand how they respond to and manage incidents of WPV. The study design was an explorative descriptive qualitative design. Data were collected through semi‐structured interviews involving n = 10 MHNs working within a mental health consultation liaison team that responds to incidents of violence and aggression (codes grey and black) in acute general wards. Participants were recruited using a convenient sampling method. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings of this study highlighted the following themes: (1) Patient care (subthemes: patient frustration with hospital processes, lack of time and resources); (2) Staffing skills and confidence (subthemes: lack of adequate training, inability to intervene early and communication skills); (3) Understanding patient behaviours (subthemes: it's a psychiatry problem and zero tolerance approach). The management of WPV within acute hospital settings needs to be given due attention by healthcare services. Although a number of organisations are developing measures and guidelines to manage WPV, there is still a gap in the ability of general nursing staff to properly manage such incidences. Proper attention needs to be taken to the training of staff.
Low rate of population establishment of a freshwater invertebrate (Gammarus lacustris) in experimental conservation translocations
Authors: Fitzpatrick Megan J. , Anteau Michael J. , Isaacson Carl W. , Carleen Jake D. , Keith Breanna R. , Thoele Barry , Bieganek Michael , Taylor Alaina A. , Larson Danelle M.
Published: June 2024

Conservation translocations may be a useful tool for the restoration of declining freshwater invertebrates, but they are poorly represented in the literature. We conducted a before‐after/control‐impact (BACI) experiment to test the efficacy of conservation translocation for re‐establishing abundant populations of the amphipod Gammarus lacustris, a declining species and wildlife food resource in depressional wetlands in the upper Midwest of the United States of America. Each study site (n = 19) contained at least one treatment wetland receiving translocated G. lacustris from a local donor and one control wetland. We selected study wetlands based on a suite of wetland characteristics and randomly assigned recipient versus control treatment. Gammarus lacustris was detected post‐translocation at only 2 of 22 recipient wetlands (1 of 19 sites). Overall, there was a statistical increase in G. lacustris density in recipient wetlands compared to controls; however, the results were of minimal biological significance due to being driven by a single site with low G. lacustris densities. Accordingly, our results suggest that future conservation translocations of amphipods might be successful if limited to recently restored wetlands or informed by a more complex habitat suitability model to differentiate dispersal limitations from habitat limitations. To develop such a model would involve identifying the fewest, most influential physical and biological factors (e.g. wetland size/structure, fish, aquatic vegetation, and water chemistry) from the numerous inter‐related factors that correlate with the abundance of naturally occurring G. lacustris; candidate wetlands to receive amphipods would be those for which the model predicts abundant G. lacustris but in which they do not presently occur.
Design and Analysis of Bistable Shells With Steered Fiber Paths for Deployable Space Structural Applications
Authors: Hasanyan Armanj D. , Moriel Cesar , Lee Andrew J. , Scalice Niccoli
Published: June 2024

This paper investigates the bistable behavior of shell structures made of fiber reinforced composites with steered fiber paths. The additional freedom provided by varying the spatial orientation of the fibers is shown to allow for the ability to guide the second stable state of the shell. To demonstrate, the analysis is conducted on a tape spring shell structure. If the material layup in the composite tape spring is uniformly antisymmetric throughout the entire structure, it yields a second stable configuration, which is a tight coil. This study shows that by steering the fiber paths, the antisymmetric layup can be locally directed, thus localizing the bistability. Consequently, the overall shape and configuration of the shell in the second state can be controlled through the fiber orientation function in each ply. To demonstrate, the bistable behavior of the tape spring shell structure is investigated both analytically and numerically through finite element approach.
A Parametric Dynamic Mode Decomposition for Reduced-Order Modeling of Highly Flexible Aircraft
Authors: He Tianyi , Su Weihua
Published: June 2024

This paper introduces a parametric Dynamic Mode Decomposition (p-DMD) modeling approach for the nonlinear aeroelasticity of highly flexible aircraft. The method derives a linear parameter-varying reduced-order model (LPV-ROM) directly from data snapshots, which are obtained by feeding excitation input and integrating governing equations. The proposed p-DMD method is capable of addressing varying flight conditions and overcoming the limitations of the traditional DMD method around equilibrium/trim flight. We demonstrate, in this paper, the p-DMD can effectively capture nonlinear aeroelasticity and flight dynamic responses in both time and frequency domains, as demonstrated through comparisons with linearization-based parametric modeling in numerical studies of a highly flexible aircraft at frozen and varying angles of attack.
Psychedelics field looks ahead after FDA advisers’ rejection
Authors: Kupferschmidt Kai
Published: June 2024

Reeling from negative vote on MDMA-assisted PTSD therapy, researchers seek lessons for future studies
New probe finds misconduct by star botanist
Authors: Piller Charles
Published: June 2024

Steven Newmaster had been cleared, but fresh inquiry concludes he likely made up data