bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ileal pouch‐anal anastomosis provides good functional and quality of life outcomes following proctocolectomy: A 33‐year single centre experience
Authors: Kanakaratne Shaveen , Hong Jonathan , Solomon Michael J. , Young Christopher J.
Published: December 2023

Background

Restorative proctocolectomy (RP) with ileal pouch‐anal anastomosis (IPAA) remains the gold standard for the surgical management of patients with medically refractive mucosal ulcerative colitis. We aimed to identify functional and quality of life (QOL) outcomes in RP and IPAA surgery patients at our institution.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was performed including all patients who had undergone RP and IPAA between August 1984 and November 2017 at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH).

Results

316 consecutive patients were identified, median age 39 (range 5 to 81) years. The median duration of disease was 60 (range 1 to 528) months. Ulcerative colitis was the main preoperative diagnosis with the main RP indication being failure of medical treatment. The median postoperative stay post‐IPAA was 11 (range of 5 to 67) days. Pouchitis was the most common late complication (22.1%), bleeding pouch (3.5%) the earliest, with a 6.8% rate of symptomatic anastomotic leak. Visual analogue scale QOL measure (P‐value <0.001), St Marks incontinence score (P‐value = 0.001) and Cleveland clinic score (P‐value = 0.002) all revealed significant improvement in functional outcomes and QOL.

Conclusion

QOL and functional outcomes following RP with IPAA in patients at our institution are excellent and comparable to institutions with larger patient numbers.
Feasibility of a cannabidiol‐dominant cannabis‐based medicinal product for the treatment of long COVID symptoms: A single‐arm open‐label feasibility trial
Authors: Thurgur Hannah , Lynskey Michael , Schlag Anne Katrin , Croser Carol , Nutt David John , Iveson Elizabeth
Published: December 2023

Aims

To conduct a single‐arm open‐label feasibility trial of the safety and tolerability of a full‐spectrum cannabidiol (CBD)‐dominant cannabis‐based medicinal product for treating the symptoms of long COVID.

Methods

The treatment phase ran for a total of 21 weeks, followed by ~3 weeks without the study drug. Participants received up to 3 mL of MediCabilis 5% CBD Oil (50 mg CBD/mL, <2 mg δ‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol/mL) per day orally. Monthly patient‐reported outcome measures of common symptoms and daily self‐report of symptoms were collected via a smartphone app. Key measures of heart rate, activity, sleep and oxygen saturation were assessed using wearable technology.

Results

Twelve (1 male, 11 female) individuals diagnosed with long COVID were recruited into the trial. All participants adhered to the treatment protocol for the duration of the study and there were no serious adverse events. Response rates for the research assessments were high with over 90% completion of patient‐reported outcome measures and daily self‐report.

Conclusion

The study drug was safe and well‐tolerated, demonstrating feasibility of CBD‐dominant cannabis‐based medicinal products in individuals diagnosed with long COVID. However, there were limitations in research design related to recruitment strategy demonstrating a lack of feasibility in the approach implemented in this study. Future work with larger samples and incorporating a control group are required to test the efficacy of this treatment.
Binder jetting 3D printing in fabricating pharmaceutical solid products for precision medicine
Authors: Wang Yingya , Genina Natalja , Müllertz Anette , Rantanen Jukka
Published: December 2023

Current treatment strategies are moving towards patient‐centricity, which emphasizes the need for new solutions allowing for medication tailored to a patient. This can be realized by precision medicine where patient diversity is considered during treatment. However, the broader use of precision medicine is restricted by the current technological solutions and rigid manufacturing of pharmaceutical products by mass production principles. Additive manufacturing of pharmaceutical products can provide a feasible solution to this challenge. In this review, a particular subtype of additive manufacturing, that is, binder jetting 3D printing, is introduced as a solution for fabricating pharmaceutical solid products that can be considered as precision medicine. Technical aspects, practical applications, unique advantages and challenges related to this technique are discussed, indicating that binder jetting 3D printing possesses the potential for fabricating already new product prototypes, where diversity in patient treatment in terms of the needs for specific drug type, dose and drug release can be accounted. To further advance this type of mass customization of pharmaceuticals, multidisciplinary research initiatives are needed not only to cover the engineering aspects but also to bridge these innovations with patient‐centric perspectives.
Serious game the Emotion Detectives helps to improve social–emotional skills of children with neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Löytömäki Joanna , Ohtonen Pasi , Huttunen Kerttu
Published: December 2023

Children with neurodevelopmental disorders often have social–emotional difficulties. Serious games can be used to support their social–emotional learning. This study investigated if 6–10‐year‐old children with autism spectrum condition, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and developmental language disorder would improve their emotion discrimination skills by playing a serious game. Intervention (n = 30) and control groups (n = 20), comprising children with neurodevelopmental disorders, and a group of typically developing (TD) age peers (n = 106), completed six emotion discrimination tasks. ABA research design was applied in this study. Prior to the game intervention, children with neurodevelopmental disorders were significantly delayed in relation to their TD age peers in all tasks. After playing the game for two months, the children in the intervention group had significantly improved their emotion discrimination skills in four tasks, whereas the control group had significantly advanced in only one task without practice. Intervention gains were maintained at the one‐month follow‐up. Parents reported that the children in the intervention group somewhat improved their emotion recognition and behavioural skills in daily life in comparison to the control group. Implications for practice are discussed.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

Children with neurodevelopmental disorders often exhibit various social–emotional symptoms.

Within the field of social–emotional learning, many serious games have a narrow focus on specific skills, and they often only provide possibilities for observing target behaviours, not actual skill training.

There are mixed results on the efficacy of game‐based interventions targeted at improving social–emotional skills.

What this paper adds

The Emotion Detectives game used in this study offers a well‐designed learning environment that provides adaptive learning and feedback systems.

The participating children's social–emotional skills were assessed with versatile methods and via triangulation.

Intervention with the Emotion Detectives game helped to decrease some emotion and behavioural symptoms of the players.

Implications for practice

This study provides information about the efficacy of a web‐based game that is freely available for supporting children's social–emotional learning.

Improvements in emotion discrimination and recognition, as well as behavioural skills, can be gained by playing serious games.

For optimal intervention outcomes, multimodal training should be utilized in serious games targeting social–emotional learning.
Children's distinct drive to reproduce costly rituals
Authors: Zhao Mingxuan , Fong Frankie T. K. , Whiten Andrew , Nielsen Mark
Published: December 2023

Costly rituals are ubiquitous and adaptive. Yet, little is known about how children develop to acquire them. The current study examined children's imitation of costly rituals. Ninety‐three 4–6 year olds (47 girls, 45% Oceanians, tested in 2022) were shown how to place tokens into a tube to earn stickers, using either a ritualistic or non‐ritualistic costly action sequence. Children shown the ritualistic actions imitated faithfully at the expense of gaining stickers; conversely, those shown the non‐ritualistic actions ignored them and obtained maximum reward. This highlights how preschool children are adept at and motivated to learn rituals, despite significant material cost. This study provides insights into the early development of cultural learning and the adaptive value of rituals in group cognition.
Disrupted topological organization of the default mode network in mild cognitive impairment with subsyndromal depression: A graph theoretical analysis
Authors: Du Yang , Nie Jing , Zhang Jian‐Ye , Fang Yuan , Wei Wen‐Jing , Wang Jing‐Hua , Zhang Shao‐Wei , Wang Jin‐Hong , Li Xia
Published: December 2023

Aims

Subsyndromal depression (SSD) is common in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, the neural mechanisms underlying MCI with SSD (MCID) are unclear. The default mode network (DMN) is associated with cognitive processes and depressive symptoms. Therefore, we aimed to explore the topological organization of the DMN in patients with MCID.

Methods

Forty‐two MCID patients, 34 MCI patients without SSD (MCIND), and 36 matched healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. The resting‐state functional connectivity of the DMN of the participants was analyzed using a graph theoretical approach. Correlation analyses of network topological metrics, depressive symptoms, and cognitive function were conducted. Moreover, support vector machine (SVM) models were constructed based on topological metrics to distinguish MCID from MCIND. Finally, we used 10 repeats of 5‐fold cross‐validation for performance verification.

Results

We found that the global efficiency and nodal efficiency of the left anterior medial prefrontal cortex (aMPFC) of the MCID group were significantly lower than the MCIND group. Moreover, small‐worldness and global efficiency were negatively correlated with depressive symptoms in MCID, and the nodal efficiency of the left lateral temporal cortex and left aMPFC was positively correlated with cognitive function in MCID. In cross‐validation, the SVM model had an accuracy of 0.83 [95% CI 0.79–0.87], a sensitivity of 0.88 [95% CI 0.86–0.90], a specificity of 0.75 [95% CI 0.72–0.78] and an area under the curve of 0.88 [95% CI 0.85–0.91].

Conclusions

The coexistence of MCI and SSD was associated with the greatest disrupted topological organization of the DMN. The network topological metrics could identify MCID and serve as biomarkers of different clinical phenotypic presentations of MCI.
Lessons From the Field. Chronic disease: Action for post‐pandemic wellness and health
Authors: Contreras Dawn A. , Dalimonte‐Merckling Danielle , Demitz Christi R. , Anderson Laura , Carter Anita , Cudney Abigail , Derror Tanner , Felix‐Mottley Zelda , Gritter Kai N. , Hebert Sheilah , Persing‐Wethington Nicole , Tiret Holly B. , Williams Elizabeth
Published: December 2023

Objective

We aim to share practical insight acquired while implementing the Chronic Disease Self‐Management Program (CDSMP), offering strategies to reach and support diverse individuals with chronic diseases.

Background

In light of a global rise in chronic diseases, existing health disparities, and increasingly limited health care access, exacerbated by COVID‐19, empowering individuals through self‐management becomes important to alleviate burdens for families, individuals, and healthcare systems.

Methods

Uptake and effectiveness of CDSMP were quantified via enrollment data and evaluation instruments. Qualitative exploration of instructor feedback provided lessons learned.

Results

Participation in CDSMP courses increased during the pandemic with participants reporting greater confidence and frequency of engagement in self‐management activities. Strategic efforts including partnership‐building, targeted marketing, and innovative delivery methods played a pivotal role in recruitment success. Inclusivity measures, such as use of electronic platforms and varied engagement options, broadened program accessibility. Addressing social isolation emerged as a key factor, both as an end in itself and as a motivator for course engagement and retention.

Conclusion

Reducing barriers related to program accessibility, inclusivity, and social isolation are important factors influencing program enrollment both in total number and in diversity of participants, course engagement and retention, and program effectiveness.

Implications

Lessons learned can inform future implementation as family educators seek to uplift and improve the well‐being and health of diverse families coping with chronic diseases.
Significant delayed conduction and characteristic ventricular tachycardias in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis and electrical storm
Authors: Morita Hiroshi , Nakagawa Koji , Ueoka Akira , Mizuno Tomofumi , Masuda Takuro , Asada Saori , Miyamoto Masakazu , Kawada Satoshi , Nishii Nobuhiro , Nakamura Kazufumi
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Electrical storm (ES) of ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VTAs) is an important cause of sudden death in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis (CS). VTAs in CS are associated with myocardial scarring and inflammation. However, little is known about the risk factors of ES in patients with CS and VTAs. The objective of this study is to clarify the characteristics and risk factors for the development of ES in patients with CS.

Methods

The study population included consecutive 52 patients with CS and sustained VTA. Twenty‐five out of 52 patients experienced ES. We evaluated clinical characteristics, imaging modalities, and electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters to determine the risk factors associated with ES.

Results

Half of the patients experienced VTAs as the initial symptom of sarcoidosis, and eight patients had ES as the initial VTA episode. There were no differences in cardiac imaging abnormalities between patients with and without ES. Among ECG markers, significant QRS fragmentation (odds ratio [OR]: 7.9, p = .01) and epsilon waves (OR: 12.24, p = .02) were associated with ES. Among the ventricular tachycardia (VT) characteristics, multiple morphologies of monomorphic VTs (OR: 10.9, p < .01), short VT cycle lengths (OR: 12.5, p < .01), and polymorphic VT (OR: 13.5, p < .01) were associated with ES. Bidirectional VTs were detected in 10 patients with ES and one patient without ES. Immunosuppressive therapy relieved ES in some patients.

Conclusions

ES was common in patients with CS and VTAs. Significant depolarization abnormalities that appeared as QRS fragmentation, epsilon waves, and specific VT characteristics were associated with ES.
Myocardial injury and inflammation following pulsed‐field ablation and very high‐power short‐duration ablation for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Popa Miruna A. , Bahlke Fabian , Kottmaier Marc , Foerschner Leonie , Bourier Felix , Lengauer Sarah , Telishevska Marta , Krafft Hannah , Englert Florian , Reents Tilko , Lennerz Carsten , Caluori Guido , Jaïs Pierre , Hessling Gabriele , Deisenhofer Isabel
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) using radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an established treatment strategy for atrial fibrillation (AF). To improve PVI efficacy and safety, high‐power short‐duration (HPSD) ablation and pulsed‐field ablation (PFA) were recently introduced into clinical practice. This study aimed to determine the extent of myocardial injury and systemic inflammation following PFA, HPSD, and standard RFA using established biomarkers.

Methods

We included 179 patients with paroxysmal AF receiving first‐time PVI with different ablation technologies: standard RFA (30–40 W/20–30 s, n = 52), power‐controlled HPSD (70 W/5–7 s, n = 60), temperature‐controlled HPSD (90 W/4 s, n = 32), and PFA (biphasic, bipolar waveform, n = 35). High‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs‐cTnT), creatine kinase (CK), CK MB isoform (CK‐MB), and white blood cell (WBC) count were determined before and after ablation.

Results

Baseline characteristics were well‐balanced between groups (age 63.1 ± 10.3 years, 61.5% male). Postablation hs‐cTnT release was significantly higher with PFA (1469.3 ± 495.0 ng/L), HPSD‐70W (1322.3 ± 510.6 ng/L), and HPSD‐90W (1441.2 ± 409.9 ng/L) than with standard RFA (1045.9 ± 369.7 ng/L; p < .001). CK and CK‐MB release was increased with PFA by 3.4‐fold and 5.8‐fold, respectively, as compared to standard RFA (p < .001). PFA was associated with the lowest elevation in WBC (Δ1.5 ± 1.5 × 109/L), as compared to standard RFA (Δ3.8 ± 2.5 × 109/L, p < .001), HPSD‐70W (Δ2.7 ± 1.7 × 109/L, p = .037), and HPSD‐90W (Δ3.6 ± 2.5 × 109/L, p < .001).

Conclusion

Among the four investigated ablation technologies, PFA was associated with the highest myocardial injury and the lowest inflammatory reaction.
Does increasing vertical dimension of occlusion in centric relation affect muscular activity? An electromyographic study
Authors: Poggio Carlo E. , Manfredini Daniele
Published: December 2023

Objective

In many esthetic treatments, clinicians may consider the option to modify the maxillo mandibular position. A raise of the vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) may help restore esthetics, increase the space for dental materials, and reduce the invasiveness of dental procedures. Traditionally, VDO increases are done by using the centric relation (CR) position. Despite a long history of use, the neuromuscular effects of different maxillo mandibular relations are not fully studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of alterations of maxillo‐mandibular relation from maximal intercuspal position (MIP) to a raised VDO CR position on jaw‐elevator muscle activity.

Materials and Methods

Fifteen healthy individuals were asked to carry out maximal voluntary clenching (MVC) in MIP and in CR on individual splints. Electromyographic (EMG) activity of the masseter and anterior temporalis muscles was assessed in μV as the root mean square of the amplitude. Specific indexes and ratios were also computed. Data analyzed in MIP and CR were compared by paired student's t‐tests.

Results

MVC levels were not negatively affected by a VDO increase in CR position. On the contrary masseter muscles showed a statistically significant increase (p < 0.005). No significant effect on the anterior temporalis was observed.

Conclusion

These results suggest that no immediate negative effect on maximum voluntary clenching was induced by a VDO increase in CR position. A slight increase observed in EMG clenching levels could be explained by the increase in VDO when clenching on the splint.

Clinical Implications

The results of this study support the use of CR position as a pragmatic reference position due to the absence of relevant or negative changes in neuromuscular function.
Decision making in continuing professional development organisations during a crisis
Authors: Paton Morag , Zakeri Bita , Rowland Paula , Tavares Walter , Williams Betsy White , Schneeweiss Suzan , Wiljer David
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Early in COVID‐19, continuing professional development (CPD) providers quickly made decisions about program content, design, funding and technology. Although experiences during an earlier pandemic cautioned providers to make disaster plans, CPD was not entirely prepared for this event. We sought to better understand how CPD organisations make decisions about CPD strategy and operations during a crisis.

Methods

This is a descriptive qualitative research study of decision making in two organisations: CPD at the University of Toronto (UofT) and the US‐based Society for Academic Continuing Medical Education (SACME). In March 2021, using purposive and snowball sampling, we invited faculty and staff who held leadership positions to participate in semi‐structured interviews. The interview focused on the individual's role and organisation, their decision‐making process and reflections on how their units had changed because of COVID‐19. Transcripts were reviewed, coded and analysed using thematic analysis. We used Mazmanian et al.'s Ecological Framework as a further conceptual tool.

Results

We conducted eight interviews from UofT and five from SACME. We identified that decision making during the pandemic occurred over four phases of reactions and impact from COVID‐19, including shutdown, pivot, transition and the ‘new reality’. The decision‐making ability of CPD organisations changed throughout the pandemic, ranging from having little or no independent decision‐making ability early on to having considerable control over choosing appropriate pathways forward. Decision making was strongly influenced by the creativity, adaptability and flexibility of the CPD community and the need for social connection.

Conclusions

This adds to literature on the changes CPD organisations faced due to COVID‐19, emphasising CPD organisations' adaptability in making decisions. Applying the Ecological Framework further demonstrates the importance of time to decision‐making processes and the relational aspect of CPD. To face future crises, CPD will need to embrace creative, flexible and socially connected solutions. Future scholarship could explore an organisation's ability to rapidly adapt to better prepare for future crises.
The small protein MntS evolved from a signal peptide and acquired a novel function regulating manganese homeostasis in Escherichia coli
Authors: Wright Zachary , Seymour Mackenzie , Paszczak Kalista , Truttmann Taylor , Senn Katherine , Stilp Samuel , Jansen Nickolas , Gosz Magdalyn , Goeden Lindsay , Anantharaman Vivek , Aravind L. , Waters Lauren S.
Published: December 2023

Small proteins (<50 amino acids) are emerging as ubiquitous and important regulators in organisms ranging from bacteria to humans, where they commonly bind to and regulate larger proteins during stress responses. However, fundamental aspects of small proteins, such as their molecular mechanism of action, downregulation after they are no longer needed, and their evolutionary provenance, are poorly understood. Here, we show that the MntS small protein involved in manganese (Mn) homeostasis binds and inhibits the MntP Mn transporter. Mn is crucial for bacterial survival in stressful environments but is toxic in excess. Thus, Mn transport is tightly controlled at multiple levels to maintain optimal Mn levels. The small protein MntS adds a new level of regulation for Mn transporters, beyond the known transcriptional and post‐transcriptional control. We also found that MntS binds to itself in the presence of Mn, providing a possible mechanism of downregulating MntS activity to terminate its inhibition of MntP Mn export. MntS is homologous to the signal peptide of SitA, the periplasmic metal‐binding subunit of a Mn importer. Remarkably, the homologous signal peptide regions can substitute for MntS, demonstrating a functional relationship between MntS and these signal peptides. Conserved gene neighborhoods support that MntS evolved from the signal peptide of an ancestral SitA protein, acquiring a life of its own with a distinct function in Mn homeostasis.
The potential influence of the digital food retail environment on health: A systematic scoping review of the literature
Authors: Bennett Rebecca , Keeble Matthew , Zorbas Christina , Sacks Gary , Driessen Christine , Grigsby‐Duffy Lily , Adams Jean , Burgoine Thomas , Backholer Kathryn
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The digital food retail environment (defined in this study as a digital platform, app or website where food can be purchased by individuals for personal consumption) is an emerging component of the wider food system. We aimed to systematically search and review the literature to understand the potential influence of the digital food retail environment on population diets and health.

Methods

Four databases (across health, business, and marketing) and grey literature were searched using terms relating to “food and beverages,” “digital,” and “purchasing.” Identified studies were included if they examined any aspect of the digital food retail environment where outcomes were examined with a health‐related focus and were published before September 2023. All study designs were included (quantitative, qualitative, observational, and experimental). Reviews and conference abstracts were excluded.

Results

We identified 21,382 studies, of which 57 articles were eligible for inclusion.

Of the 57 included studies, 30 studies examined online grocery retail, 22 examined online food delivery platforms, and five examined meal kit subscription services.

Of the 30 studies examining online grocery retail, six studies reported that customers believed they purchased fewer unhealthy food and beverages when shopping online, compared with shopping in‐store. Nevertheless, customers also reported that their ability to choose healthy foods and beverages was reduced when shopping online due to difficulty in product comparison. Studies that examined online food delivery platforms primarily found that they promoted unhealthy foods and beverages more often than healthy options, through extensive use of marketing practices such as price discounts and images, and that unhealthy food offerings on these platforms dominate. Meal kit subscription services offered mostly healthy meals, with studies suggesting that these types of services may help individuals alleviate some of their “mental load” and stress related to cooking meals for their families.

Conclusions

The literature describing the digital food retail environment was found to be diverse, with different aspects having potential to impact health in different ways. Some evidence suggests that online grocery retail and meal kit subscription services may have positive population dietary impacts, whereas online food delivery platforms appear likely to promote unhealthy food purchasing. However, the current evidence base is fragmented, with many knowledge gaps. Further research is required to understand the influence of the digital food retail environment on population diets and how these environments can be designed to support healthy food choices.
Machine‐learning‐based morphological analyses of leaf epidermal cells in modern and fossil ginkgo and their implications for palaeoclimate studies
Authors: Zhang Li , Wang Yongdong , Ruhl Micha , Xu Yuanyuan , Zhu Yanbin , An Pengcheng , Chen Hongyu , Yan Defei
Published: December 2023

Leaf stomata form an essential conduit between plant tissue and the atmosphere, thus presenting a link between plants and their environments. Changes in their properties in fossil leaves have been studied widely to infer palaeo‐atmospheric‐CO2 in deep time, ranging from the Palaeozoic to the Cenozoic. Epidermal cells of leaves, however, have often been neglected for their usefulness in reconstructing past‐environments, as their irregular shape makes the manual analyses of epidermal cells a challenging and error‐prone task. Here, we used machine‐learning (using the U‐Net architecture, which evolved from a fully convolutional network) to segment epidermal cells automatically, to efficiently reduce artificial errors. We furthermore applied minimum bounding rectangles to extract length‐to‐width ratios (RL/W) from the irregularly shaped cells. We applied this to a dataset including over 21 000 stomata and 170 000 epidermal cells in 114 Ginkgo leaves from 16 locations spanning three climate zones in China. Our results show negative correlations between the RL/W and specific climatic parameters, suggesting that local temperature and precipitation conditions may have affected the RL/W of epidermal cells. We subsequently tested this methodology and the observations from the modern dataset on 15 fossil ginkgoaleans from the Lower to the Middle Jurassic (China). It suggested that the RL/W values of fossil ginkgo generally had a similar negative response to warmer climatic backgrounds as modern G. biloba. The automated analyses of large palaeo‐floral datasets provide a new direction for palaeoclimate reconstructions and emphasize the importance of hidden morphological characters of epidermal cells in ginkgoaleans.
Prevalence of sarcopenia and depressive symptoms among older adults: a scoping review
Authors: Ganggaya Keerthana Sree , Vanoh Divya , Ishak Wan Rosli Wan
Published: December 2023

Sarcopenia causes a loss of skeletal muscle mass and decreases muscle strength and function. Depressive symptoms are a common cause of distress among geriatrics, significantly affecting the quality of life of older adults. Recently, studies have shown that a correlation exists between sarcopenia and depression. To determine the prevalence of sarcopenia and depressive symptoms and identify the factors associated with sarcopenia, we systematically searched the SCOPUS, Science Direct, and PubMed databases for papers on sarcopenia and depressive symptoms published from 2012 to 2022. We reviewed the literature on sarcopenia, depressive symptom prevalence, the prevalence of subjects with both sarcopenia and depressive symptoms, and the factors associated with sarcopenia. Only cross‐sectional studies were included. Nineteen articles met the inclusion criteria for review, with overall sarcopenia prevalence ranging from 3.9% to 41.7%. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was reported in seven studies, ranging from 8.09% to 40%. The most commonly used tools to diagnose sarcopenia and depressive symptoms were the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People consensus and the Geriatric Depression Scale, respectively. Being aged, malnourished, obese, having comorbidities (hypertension and diabetes), having impaired cognitive function, and having polypharmacy were found to be the factors associated with sarcopenia. Sarcopenia and depressive symptoms have been found to cause adverse health outcomes among older people. Appropriate nutritional assessments and interventions should be taken to manage these two geriatric conditions. Further studies should be planned, considering multidomain intervention strategies to improve sarcopenia and older people's mental health.
Hemophilia A in a litter of Border Collies caused by a one base pair deletion in the F8 gene
Authors: Brockmann Maria , Mensing Niels , von Luckner Jennifer , Müller Elisabeth , Kehl Alexandra
Published: December 2023

In dogs, hemophilia A is known to affect different breeds. This is a case report describing hemophilia A in a litter of Border Collies. A privately owned bitch and her puppies (n = 7) were presented to the referring veterinarian after acute hematoma formation in the male offspring (n = 3) following microchip implantation. Global coagulation testing, as well as determination of factor VIII and IX activity, were carried out. Based on the results, factor VIII deficiency was suspected. Two of the affected male puppies were euthanized within a few days. Genetic testing of the mother and the surviving male puppy resulted in the description of a deletion in exon 14 of the F8 gene. This c.3206delA variant leads to a frameshift in amino acid sequence and a premature stop codon (p.Asn1069IlefsTer7). The detection of the mutation and consequent testing of related dogs revealed that the deletion most likely had occurred spontaneously in the mother and had been transmitted to several of her offspring in different litters. Identified carriers were taken out of the breeding scheme. It is concluded that genetic testing in the context of suspected genetic disease can lead to preventive measures, including timely exclusion of carriers from breeding.
Families of rational curves on holomorphic symplectic varieties and applications to 0-cycles
Authors: Charles François , Mongardi Giovanni , Pacienza Gianluca
Published: December 2023

We study families of rational curves on irreducible holomorphic symplectic varieties. We give a necessary and sufficient condition for a sufficiently ample linear system on a holomorphic symplectic variety of $K3^{[n]}$-type to contain a uniruled divisor covered by rational curves of primitive class. In particular, for any fixed $n$, we show that there are only finitely many polarization types of holomorphic symplectic variety of $K3^{[n]}$-type that do not contain such a uniruled divisor. As an application, we provide a generalization of a result due to Beauville–Voisin on the Chow group of $0$-cycles on such varieties.
Electric Heating of Molds
Authors: White Harold E.
Published: December 2023

In forming parts made from hard rubber and the various phenolic condensation products now available, the standard procedure has been to employ metal molds filled with the material which are placed between steam-heated plates attached respectively to the upper and lower platens of a hydraulic press.

Difficulties encountered by the author in the use of this method led him to devise the one described in the paper, in which the heating is done electrically. Briefly, it consists in magnetizing the molds with alternating current at 60 cycles. As the molds are of steel and generally hardened, they heat up rapidly due to induced electric currents and also in part to hysteresis losses.

Various advantages of the new method are pointed out, and it is stated that it can probably be utilized to advantage in the production of die castings of readily fusible metal, and also in drawing the temper of hardened-steel parts.
Efficiency and Democracy
Authors: Gantt H. L.
Published: December 2023

The author raises the question as to why the word “efficiency” has fallen into disrepute in connection with industry when, as a matter of fact, efficiency, both individual and collective, is more needed now than ever before.

The reason seems plain — that in the past efficiency has been measured by the dollars acquired rather than by the goods produced.

The product of a factory should bear only the expense used to produce it. It cannot bear the expense of idle machinery which did not contribute to its production. Although the owner may feel that he is entitled to interest on money invested, even if not producing, it is coming to be understood that idle capital is no more entitled to wages than idle labor and the manufacturer should consider the elimination of idleness as essential and the production of goods at full capacity as a necessity. This is in accord with the democratic spirit of the times which demands that goods be produced in a way to benefit the community rather than those who control the industries.
Non-Financial Incentives
Authors: Wolf Robert B.
Published: December 2023

The author contends that creative work by the workmen in the industries is not only possible, but that with it there can be introduced a personal interest in the work alike beneficial to the employee and employer.

Accounts are given of instances where this has been accomplished, through supplying foremen and workmen with information upon costs, methods of operation, possibilities in the direction of economy and efficiency, etc. Progress records are also furnished so that the employee will know from day to day how he is improving in the mastery of the process upon which he is engaged.

Freedom to express one’s individuality in constructive work, properly restrained by law, is considered by the author to be essential.
The Relative Corrosion of Alloys
Authors: Fehr R. B.
Published: December 2023

The paper opens with a discussion of the many factors and difficulties encountered in studying the problem of the corrosion of alloys, and the lack of properly standardized tests for obtaining relative corrodibilities. The various methods of expressing the results of corrosion tests are noted and their limitations pointed out. The author proposes a new method, in which the results are expressed as the per cent loss of unit volume for each unit of surface. The data obtained by different experimenters using different sizes of specimens, and materials of different densities, can thus be made fairly comparable, provided the other conditions of testing are essentially the same.

The results of some recent relative corrosion tests of various alloys show that in tap water and solutions of sea salt certain iron-nickel, copper-aluminum, and nickel-copper alloys are much superior to carbon steels and commercially pure iron, and that the corrosion decreases as the concentration of the salt solution increases.

The most important conclusion is that careful, refined laboratory tests involving a duration of several days to several weeks, may serve as a satisfactory compromise between the one- or two-hour “acceleration” tests and the long-time service tests.
Determination of Stresses in Wire Rope as Applied to Modern Engineering Problems
Authors: Howe James F.
Published: December 2023

Derivation of formulæ to compute direct and induced stresses developed in wire ropes by static or moving tension, bending, and horizontally suspended loads.

The values for the bending stresses produced in ropes that are passed over sheaves, as determined by the formulæ of Reuleaux, Rankine, Unwin and Hewitt are correct only for ropes composed of straight wires. Owing to the twisting of the wires in the formation of modern rope, the actual bending stress in it is much smaller than in a solid bar, and its true value, S, may be computed by replacing in the fundamental assumptions the modulus of elasticity of a solid bar, with ER, the experimental value or the modulus of elasticity of the rope as a whole; thus the Reuleaux formula becomes

S = ER (d/D)

where d is the diameter of the wire in the rope, and D the diameter of the bend.

The author develops a method for determining the moduli of elasticity of both strands and rope in cases where experimental data are not available.

In regard to the customary practice followed in specifications, general remarks are offered on the required proportionality between the sheave diameters and the size of the rope, the manner of classifying strengths in the manufacturer’s rope catalog, and the special requirements in the physical properties of the wire forming the rope.
Metal Planers and Methods of Production
Authors: Meier Charles
Published: December 2023

Planer Design: High-speed steel and the desire to obtain the highest possible speeds in both directions have rendered changes in planer design imperative.

One of the objections to speeding up the machine has been the difficulty encountered at the reverse. This was at first partly overcome by lightening the driving pulleys, and has been now most satisfactorily met by the reversible motor drive.

To eliminate fatigue of the operator and save time, rapid power traverse is now generally used. This is quite a departure from the standard construction, in which the heads are operated by hand.

Production: Comparatively little thought has been given to handling work on the planer. An analysis shows that the machine itself is engaged only a small part of the time required for the complete operation.

Jigs, gang tools and double-ended cutters have assisted greatly in cutting down lost time; in a case cited the proper jig cut down the total time from 28 to 4 hours.
The Problem of Aeroplane-Engine Design
Authors: Lucke Charles E.
Published: December 2023

The aeronautical engine is emerging from the stage of invention to the stage of design, and this paper suggests steps to be taken towards the satisfactory solution of the problem.

It resolves the engine into a light, high-tensioned steel structure, consisting of seamless tubing and forged or welded steel parts, possibly formed in drop-forge dies. To this steel stress structure are added certain members, such as the piston, exhaust valve and guide, designed primarily for heat-flow conditions and not for stresses; and certain closing members, such as the ports for the intake and exhaust, which can be very properly cast in aluminum, and the water jacket; and the oil crankcase closure, which can be made of any material desired.
A Commercial Analysis of the Small-Turbine Situation
Authors: London W. J. A.
Published: December 2023

This paper is devoted to a commercial analysis of the four types of small steam turbines now on the market and used for the driving of auxiliary machinery, dealing principally with non-condensing units.

In these, high thermal efficiency is in many cases unnecessary on account of economic utilization of the exhaust steam, and as economy bears a definite relation to first cost, a highly efficient machine is often a mistaken investment. Moreover, operating conditions are generally such that the designer must sacrifice considerations of efficiency if they interfere in any measure with simplicity and durability.

The theoretical design, according to the author, presents no difficulties, but the mechanical design is what determines success or absolute failure; and some of the problems involved and the methods that have been employed in solving them successfully are indicated.

The average specification calls for very rigid guarantees as to steam consumption, speed regulation and load requirements that, in the opinion of the author, are in most cases unnecessarily severe and merely tend to increase the cost of installation. After an extended survey of the situation, he has been led to formulate a Code of Practice, given in an appendix to the paper. The adoption of this code would, he believes, bring about a reduction in selling prices, eliminate many of the unpleasant experiences which now often arise between manufacturers and customers, and thereby increase the popularity of the turbine-driven unit.
The Cooling of Water for Power-Plant Purposes: Results of an Experimental Investigation and Description of an Adjustable Spray Nozzle
Authors: Thomas C. C.
Published: December 2023

This paper presents the results of an extended experimental investigation into the conditions governing the cooling of the condensing water of power plants by means of spray ponds. This investigation involves determining the efficiency of the cooling process under varying conditions of pressure at the spray nozzles, the temperature of the water to be cooled, the power required to circulate the water, the height of sprays above the pond surface, the effect of wind velocity on the cooling range, etc., and the work has resulted in a large collection of data, much of which is presented in the text.

As a result of his experiments the author has developed a new form of spray head or nozzle which is so adjustable that the film of water discharged may be broken into either a uniformly fine spray, a mist, or a large number of small drops, as desired. This method of spraying is particularly applicable to low-pressure work, a pressure of 10 in. of mercury giving an exceedingly fine spray, and 8 in. usually sufficing.

Probably the most completely controlled means for cooling water in large quantities is found in the forced-draft cooling tower. The newly developed spray head, however, provides for control of the system in a manner which, while somewhat less complete than in the case of the cooling tower, yields results comparing very favorably with those for the tower, and can be installed and operated at a much lower cost.
A Study of Surface Resistance with Glass as the Transmission Medium
Authors: Hammond H. R. , Holmberg C. W.
Published: December 2023

In heat-transmission work the majority of coefficients used at present are combined coefficients, that is, no attempt is made at discriminating between the conduction of the material itself and the conductions of the two air spaces which exist adjacent to it. Consequently there are no standards by which surface resistance may be obtained.

The authors describe an investigation carried out in the thermal testing plant of The Pennsylvania State College and give a formula by which the combined transmission coefficients, as well as the conduction values for the glass inside air surface and outside air surface, may be calculated.

The results of the tests made demonstrate that the greater part of the air-layer resistance occurs at the outside and within the first half inch of the surface; and that whenever glass or any other good material is used as the transmission medium, the resistances of the inside and outside air surfaces play the major part in determining the combined transmission coefficient.
Recent Developments in Balancing Apparatus
Authors: Akimoff N. W.
Published: December 2023

Improvements have been made by the author upon the balancing machine described by him in a paper presented before the Society in 1916. Also a complete revision of the usual method for securing static balance in a body used as a step in the process of determining its dynamic balance. Two formulae are given to estimate numerically the lack of precision in ordinary methods for obtaining such static balance.

The author now uses a clamp attached to the body to be balanced, whereby a known centrifugal force is introduced when the body is rotated, for the purpose of neutralizing the static or dynamic unbalance of the body. By suitably constraining the motion of the rotating body, either the static or dynamic unbalance, or the combination of both may be accurately measured through the adjustment of the clamp.
By-Product Coke and Coking Operations
Authors: Ramsburg C. J. , Sperr F. W.
Published: December 2023

After discussing the notable events in the history of by-product coke making in the United States since the introduction of the process in 1906, the authors give a brief account of the generally accepted theory upon which the latter is based. They then take up the subjects of shape and structure, and present a standard method which they have devised for the grading of coke according to its cell structure. Photographs are included which show the structure of cokes that have given successful results in blast furnaces and foundries in various parts of the country. The combustion of coke in the blast furnace is then considered with reference to the size and grade of the fuel, and the paper concludes with a description of methods employed in eliminating sponge and in overcoming too great density in cell structure.
Labor-Turnover Records and the Labor Problem
Authors: Gregg Richard B.
Published: December 2023

The application of rational methods of analysis to the conduct of the operative details of industrial establishments has long been accepted as an effective means of approaching the maximum efficiency of output, and in recent years production problems of all kinds have been studied and solved by such methods. In this paper the author advocates the application of a similar mode of analysis to an increasingly important phase of the labor problem, namely, the labor turnover, or the shifting of workers from one place of employment to another. He considers various causes that have given rise to the problem and suggests other aspects of the subject that still remain to be explored, leaving a discussion of the remedies which have proved successful for future treatment.