bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Followers of the pied piper of pensioners
Authors: Cuevas Conrado , Bernhardt Dan , Sanclemente Mario
Published: September 2023

Using survey and administrative data, we study followers of H&L, a massively popular Chilean pension advisor, establishing that financial literacy is not a panacea for poor retirement decision‐making. We detail the dynamics of who followed H&L and why. H&L differentially drew financially sophisticated investors, and exposure to H&L causally increased financial sophistication. Nonetheless, followers earned mean annual returns below all buy‐and‐hold strategies and were aware of this underperformance. Moreover, performance did not materially affect renewal rates. Most followers renew, citing high returns, loss minimization and trust as reasons for following. We show followers gained information about financial matters that had clear, tangible value, and they acted on this information. We posit that followers attributed this to H&L's skill, thus continuing to follow despite the underperformance.
Dimensions of competition in urban cannabis markets
Authors: Childs Jason , MacDonald Calum
Published: September 2023

We report the results of a survey of legal cannabis retail operators in the two largest urban centres of a Canadian province that uses a fully private model to determine the dimensions of competition between retail outlets. We find that, in addition to expected price and location competition, customer loyalty is central in the opinion of retailers. Firms also did not see the illicit market as their primary competition, instead identifying nearby legal retailers as their main competitors. Restrictions on advertising loomed large in the minds of retailers as a policy‐based impediment to their success. These results are further supported by visual inspection of the exterior of all stores in one of the urban centres.
Efficacy and safety of zilucoplan in Japanese patients with generalized myasthenia gravis: A subgroup analysis of the phase III randomized RAISE study
Authors: Utsugisawa Kimiaki , Deguchi Kazushi , Konno Shingo , Masuda Masayuki , Minami Naoya , Murai Hiroyuki , Suzuki Shigeaki , Suzuki Yasushi , Tsujino Akira , Uzawa Akiyuki , Boroojerdi Babak , de la Borderie Guillemette , Brock Melissa , Duda Petra W. , Vanderkelen Mark , Howard James F.
Published: September 2023

Objectives

RAISE (NCT04115293) was a randomized, multicenter, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase III study of zilucoplan, a macrocyclic peptide and complement component 5 inhibitor with a dual mechanism of action, in patients with acetylcholine receptor autoantibody‐positive generalized myasthenia gravis (MG). RAISE showed clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvements in MG‐specific outcomes in the overall population. Here, we assess efficacy and safety of zilucoplan in patients with generalized myasthenia gravis in the Japanese patients enrolled in RAISE.

Methods

Adults with acetylcholine receptor autoantibody‐positive generalized MG (MGFA disease class II–IV) were randomized 1:1 to daily self‐administered subcutaneous zilucoplan 0.3 mg/kg or placebo injections for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was change from baseline to week 12 in the MG Activities of Daily Living score. Safety was assessed by the incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events. Efficacy and safety outcomes of a Japanese subgroup were prespecified.

Results

Overall, 16 Japanese patients were randomized to zilucoplan 0.3 mg/kg (n = 7) or placebo (n = 9). There was a clinically meaningful improvement in the MG Activities of Daily Living score at week 12 for zilucoplan versus placebo in the Japanese population, with least squares mean difference of −4.26 (95% confidence interval −7.40, −1.12), which was comparable with the overall population. The incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events was similar in both treatment arms, with 57.1% and 55.6% of patients in the zilucoplan and placebo groups, respectively, experiencing treatment‐emergent adverse events.

Conclusions

In a subgroup of Japanese patients, zilucoplan showed clinically meaningful improvement in MG‐specific outcomes with a favorable safety profile, consistent with the overall RAISE population.
Repeated endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle biopsy of solid pancreatic lesions after previous nondiagnostic or inconclusive sampling
Authors: Lisotti Andrea , Cominardi Anna , Conti Bellocchi Maria Cristina , Crinò Stefano Francesco , Larghi Alberto , Facciorusso Antonio , Arcidiacono Paolo Giorgio , De Angelis Claudio , Di Matteo Francesco Maria , Fabbri Carlo , Bertani Helga , Togliani Thomas , Rizzatti Gianenrico , Brancaccio Mario , Grillo Antonino , Fantin Alberto , Pezzoli Alessandro , D'Errico Francesca , Amato Arnaldo , Antonini Filippo , Montale Amedeo , Pisani Antonio , Forti Edoardo , Manno Mauro , Carrara Silvia , Petrone Maria Chiara , Binda Cecilia , Zagari Rocco Maurizio , Fusaroli Pietro ,   the REUBIO Study Group
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Repeated endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐guided tissue acquisition represents the standard practice for solid pancreatic lesions after previous nondiagnostic or inconclusive results. Since data are lacking, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of repeated EUS fine‐needle biopsy (rEUS‐FNB) in this setting. The primary outcome was diagnostic accuracy; sample adequacy, sensitivity, specificity, and safety were secondary outcomes.

Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing rEUS‐FNB for solid pancreatic lesions at 23 Italian centers from 2019 to 2021 were retrieved. Pathology on the surgical specimen, malignant histology together with ≥6‐month follow‐up, and benign pathology together with ≥12‐month follow‐up were adopted as gold standards.

Results

Among 462 patients, 56.5% were male, with a median age of 68 (59–75) years, malignancy prevalence 77.0%. Tumor size was 26 (20–35) mm. Second‐generation FNB needles were used in 89.6% cases. Diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of rEUS‐FNB were 89.2%, 91.4%, and 81.7%, respectively (19 false‐negative and 12 false‐positive results). On multivariate analysis, rEUS‐FNB performed at high‐volume centers (odds ratio [OR] 2.12; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10–3.17; P = 0.03) and tumor size (OR 1.03; 95% CI 1.00–1.06; P = 0.05) were independently related to diagnostic accuracy. Sample adequacy was 94.2%. Use of second‐generation FNB needles (OR 5.42; 95% CI 2.30–12.77; P < 0.001) and tumor size >23 mm (OR 3.04; 95% CI 1.31–7.06; P = 0.009) were independently related to sample adequacy.

Conclusion

Repeated EUS‐FNB allowed optimal diagnostic performance after nondiagnostic or inconclusive results. Patients' referral to high‐volume centers improved diagnostic accuracy. The use of second‐generation FNB needles significantly improved sample adequacy over standard EUS‐FNB needles.
Changes in serotonin neurotransmission as assayed by microdialysis after acute, intermittent or chronic ethanol administration and withdrawal
Authors: Dahchour Abdelkader , Ward Roberta J.
Published: September 2023

Background

The serotonergic neurotransmitter system is involved in many ethanol‐induced changes, including many behavioural alterations, as well as contributing to alcohol dependence and its withdrawal.

Aims

This review has evaluated microdialysis studies where alterations in the serotonin system, that is, serotonin, 5‐HT, or its metabolite 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid, 5‐HIAA, have been reported during different ethanol intoxication states, as well as in animals showing alcohol preference or not. Changes in 5‐HT receptors and the 5‐HT transporter are briefly reviewed to comprehend the significance of changes in microdialysate 5‐HT concentrations.

Materials and methods

Changes in 5‐HT content following acute, chronic and during ethanol withdrawal states are evaluated. In addition, the serotoninergic system was assessed in animals that have been genetically selected for alcohol preference to ascertain whether changes in this monoamine microdialysate content may contribute to alcohol preference.

Results and discussion

Changes occurred in 5‐HT signalling in the limbic brain regions, increasing after acute ethanol administration in specific brain regions, particularly at higher doses, while chronic alcohol exposure essentially decreased serotonergic transmission. Such changes may play a pivotal role in emotion‐driven craving and relapse. Depending on the dosage, mode of administration and consumption rate, ethanol affects specific brain regions in different ways, enhancing or reducing 5‐HT microdialysate content, thereby inducing behavioural and cognitive functions and enhancing ethanol consumption.

Conclusion

Microdialysis studies demonstrated that ethanol induces several alterations in 5‐HT content as well as its metabolites, 5‐HIAA and 5‐HTOL, not only in its release from a specific brain region but also in the modifications of its different receptor subtypes and its transporter.
Morphological differences between wild and hatchery‐reared Bloater (Coregonus hoyi) from Lake Michigan, USA
Authors: Honsey Andrew E. , Kao Yu‐Chun , Olds Chris , Bunnell David B.
Published: September 2023

Coregonines (ciscoes and whitefishes) are economically, ecologically, and culturally important fishes that are distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere. In the Laurentian Great Lakes, coregonines declined throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, and managers have prioritized their restoration. A key restoration tool is reintroduction via stocking. However, hatchery‐reared coregonines can display different morphologies than wild fish, which could affect their fitness. Unfortunately, our understanding of these differences is limited because previous work did not adequately remove allometric effects in morphological analyses. We compared morphologies between wild and hatchery‐reared Bloater (Coregonus hoyi) from the same stock using appropriate size corrections. Hatchery‐reared fish had shorter heads, shorter dorsal fins, and shallower bodies than wild fish. Moreover, some characters differed across wild fish collections. Our results improve our understanding of how artificial rearing can impact coregonine morphology, and we recommend future studies on what causes these differences and whether they impact fitness.
Pharmacological elevation of sphingosine‐1‐phosphate by S1P lyase inhibition accelerates bone regeneration after post‐traumatic osteomyelitis
Authors: Wagner Johannes M. , Wille Annalena , Fueth Maria , Weske Sarah , Lotzien Sebastian , Reinkemeier Felix , Wallner Christoph , Sogorski Alexander , Dittfeld Stephanie , Becerikli Mustafa , Schildhauer Thomas A. , Lehnhardt Marcus , Levkau Bodo , Behr Björn
Published: September 2023

Posttraumatic osteomyelitis and the ensuing bone defects are a debilitating complication after open fractures with little therapeutic options. We have recently identified potent osteoanabolic effects of sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) signalling and have now tested whether it may beneficially affect bone regeneration after infection. We employed pharmacological S1P lyase inhibition by 4‐deoxypyrodoxin (DOP) to raise S1P levels in vivo in an unicortical long bone defect model of posttraumatic osteomyelitis in mice. In a translational approach, human bone specimens of clinical osteomyelitis patients were treated in organ culture in vitro with DOP. Bone regeneration was assessed by μCT, histomorphometry, immunohistology and gene expression analysis. The role of S1P receptors was addressed using S1PR3 deficient mice. Here, we present data that DOP treatment markedly enhanced osteogenesis in posttraumatic osteomyelitis. This was accompanied by greatly improved osteoblastogenesis and enhanced angiogenesis in the callus accompanied by osteoclast‐mediated bone remodelling. We also identified the target of increased S1P to be the S1PR3 as S1PR3−/− mice showed no improvement of bone regeneration by DOP. In the human bone explants, bone mass significantly increased along with enhanced osteoblastogenesis and angiogenesis. Our data suggest that enhancement of S1P/S1PR3 signalling may be a promising therapeutic target for bone regeneration in posttraumatic osteomyelitis.
Sexual and gender minority health‐related content in geriatric fellowships
Authors: Burton Carl Henry , van Zuilen Maria H. , Primbas Angela , Young Megan E. , Swartz Kristine , Colburn Jessica , Kumar Chandrika , Klomhaus Alexandra , Chippendale Ryan , Streed Carl G.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Despite a growing number of older lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) adults in the United States, education on care for this vulnerable population has historically been inadequate across all levels of training. This research assessed the extent of LGBTQ education in geriatric medicine fellowship curricula across the United States.

Methods

We designed a survey to anonymously collect information from geriatric medicine fellowship programs on LGBTQ curricular content. Eligible participants included all 160 fellowship directors on record with the American Geriatrics Society. The survey addressed demographics of the fellowship program, current state of inclusion of LGBTQ content in didactic curricula and in clinical settings, and other available training opportunities.

Results

Out of those contacted, 80 (50%) completed the survey. Of the programs surveyed, 60 (75%) were housed in internal medicine, 19 (24%) were in family medicine, and one was in their own department. Forty‐seven fellowships (59%) reported some formal didactic session (e.g., lecture or case based), with the majority of these programs (72%) featuring 1–2 h of formal instruction. Forty‐five programs (56%) reported offering no formal clinical experiences. There was less than 50% coverage for all surveyed topics in the required curriculum (range 46% for discrimination to 9% for gender affirming care). Time and lack of expertise were cited as the main barriers to content inclusion.

Conclusions

Curricular content regarding care for LGBTQ older adults is inadequate in geriatric medicine fellowships. Faculty development of current educators and providing standardized guidelines and curricula are steps toward addressing this deficit.
Comparison of fine‐needle aspiration techniques
Authors: Dufour Jason P. , Allers Carolina , Schiro Faith , Falkenstein Kathrine P. , Gregoire Kayleigh K. , Glover Colin D. , Chamel Alayna N. , Woods Adrienne , Phillippi Jonah P. , Gideon Taylor M. , Kaur Amitinder
Published: September 2023

Background

Fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) has been reported since 1912 beginning with the use of trocars and other specialized instruments that were impractical. Since then, FNA has proven to be a successful alternative technique to excisional biopsy for some assays despite a few limitations.

Methods

In this study, we compared four different techniques for FNA in rhesus macaques by evaluating total live cells recovered and cell viability using a standard 6 mL syringe and 1.5‐inch 22‐gauge needle.

Results

Technique B which was the only technique in which the needle was removed from the syringe after collection of the sample to allow forced air through the needle to expel the contents into media followed by flushing of the syringe and needle resulted in the highest total cell count and second highest cell viability in recovered cells.

Conclusion

Based on our results, Technique B appears to be the superior method.
White matter abnormalities mediate the association between masticatory dysfunction and cognition among older adults
Authors: Hedberg Linn , Kumar Abhishek , Skott Pia , Smedberg Jan‐Ivan , Seiger Åke , Sandborgh‐Englund Gunilla , Nordin Love Engström , Kåreholt Ingemar , Tzortzakakis Antonios , Westman Eric , Trulsson Mats , Ekman Urban
Published: September 2023

Background

Masticatory parameters, such as reduced number of teeth and posterior contacts, have been shown to be associated with reduced cognitive status. The underlying mechanisms that affect these associations, are however, not well understood.

Objectives

The study aims to investigate the association between masticatory dysfunction and cognition and explore the mediating effect of brain structure.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, 45 older adults with subjective masticatory dysfunction (mean age 72.3 ± 4.0 years) were included. Mini‐Mental State Examination score <25, brain trauma, neurological disease, neurodegenerative disorders, depression or poor Swedish language skills were criteria for exclusion. Cognitive functions (executive function and episodic memory) and masticatory dysfunction defined by functional occluding status (FOS; the number of occluding units and number of remaining teeth) were analysed with partial correlation models. Structural magnetic resonance imaging was performed on 28 feasible participants. Multiple regression analyses were performed to evaluate the predictive value of brain structure and white matter hypointensities (WM‐hypo) on cognitive functions. A mediation analysis was applied to assess significant predictor/s of the association between FOS and cognition.

Results

Both episodic memory and executive functions were positively correlated with FOS. WM‐hypo predicted cognitive status (executive function, p ≤ .01). WM‐hypo mediated 66.6% (p = 0.06) of the association between FOS and executive functions.

Conclusion

Associations between FOS and cognitive functions are reported, where FOS, a potential modifiable risk factor, was related to both episodic memory and executive functions. The mediating effect of WM‐hypo on the association between FOS and executive functions highlights the impact of the vascularisation of the brain on the link between mastication and cognition. The present study provides increased knowledge that bridges the gap between masticatory dysfunction and cognition.
Maternal involvement and adolescents' psychological and academic adjustment after COVID‐19 return‐to‐school: A one‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Zhou Tong , Kong Xiaoxue , Bian Xiaohua , Wang Shuotian , Liu Junsheng , Schmidt Louis A.
Published: September 2023

The current study examined the idea that maternal involvement during the COVID‐19 school closure period could contribute to the development of adolescents' daily routines, which could ultimately associate with their psychological and academic adjustment after return‐to‐school. Data were collected from 520 Chinese adolescents (Mage = 12.75 years, SDage = 1.48 years) and their mothers during the COVID‐19 school closure and one year after return‐to‐school. Results indicated that maternal involvement in both education and leisure activities predicted more consistent adolescents' daily routines during the school closure period and then contributed to their more consistent daily routines after return‐to‐school, resulting in less psychological maladjustment and better academic outcomes. Findings highlight the importance of maternal involvement and daily routines in the context of COVID‐19.
Whole genome sequencing analysis demonstrates therapy‐induced echinocandin resistance in Candida auris isolates
Authors: Spruijtenburg Bram , Ahmad Suhail , Asadzadeh Mohammad , Alfouzan Wadha , Al‐Obaid Inaam , Mokaddas Eiman , Meijer Eelco F. J. , Meis Jacques F. , de Groot Theun
Published: September 2023

Candida auris is an emerging, multidrug‐resistant yeast, causing outbreaks in healthcare facilities. Echinocandins are the antifungal drugs of choice to treat candidiasis, as they cause few side effects and resistance is rarely found. Previously, immunocompromised patients from Kuwait with C. auris colonisation or infection were treated with echinocandins, and within days to months, resistance was reported in urine isolates. To determine whether the development of echinocandin resistance was due to independent introductions of resistant strains or resulted from intra‐patient resistance development, whole genome sequencing (WGS) single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis was performed on susceptible (n = 26) and echinocandin‐resistant (n = 6) isolates from seven patients. WGS SNP analysis identified three distinct clusters differing 17–127 SNPs from two patients, and the remaining isolates from five patients, respectively. Sequential isolates within patients had a maximum of 11 SNP differences over a time period of 1–10 months. The majority of isolates with reduced susceptibility displayed unique FKS1 substitutions including a novel FKS1M690V substitution, and nearly all were genetically related, ranging from only three to six SNP differences compared to susceptible isolates from the same patient. Resistant isolates from three patients shared the common FKS1S639F substitution; however, WGS analysis did not suggest a common source. These findings strongly indicate that echinocandin resistance is induced during antifungal treatment. Future studies should determine whether such echinocandin‐resistant strains are capable of long‐term colonisation, cause subsequent breakthrough candidiasis, have a propensity to cross‐infect other patients, or remain viable for longer time periods in the hospital environment.
Methods of Immobilization after Achilles Tendon Rupture Repair: A Comparative Study in Rat Model
Authors: Wang Tianliang , Wu Wenjie , Gu Jiaxiang , Hou Ruixing
Published: September 2023

Objective

The Achilles tendon (AT) is the most frequently ruptured in the human body. Literature describing different immobilization methods' impact on tendon healing after AT repair is lacking. We compare plaster cast, splint, and K‐wire to determine which is the most stable and has the fewest complications.

Methods

Sixty rats aged 5–6 months were selected to establish Achilles tendon injury in two hind legs model. After suturing the ends of the AT together with a modified “Kessler” method (Prolene 5–0). The skin incision was interrupted and sutured with 1–0 thread. Rats were divided into three immobilization methods (plaster cast group, splint group, and K‐wire group). In plaster cast group, the hind leg was cast with plaster in the extended position of the hip and knee joints, and the ankle joint was at 150°. Splint and K‐wire group used splints and 0.8‐mm K‐wires, separately. The fixed period was 4 weeks. The incidence of stability and complications (death, necrosis of the legs, necrosis of the skin, and incisional infection) were recorded. Differences were detected using the chi‐square test.

Results

Within 4 weeks observation, K‐wires showed better stability (90%) compared with the other two ways (40% in plaster cast group, 65% in splint group; p < 0.05). Rats immobilized with K‐wires (10%) suffered significantly lower complications compared with plaster cast and splint group (15%; p < 0.05).

Conclusion

K‐wire has better stability, lower complication rate than other methods. Immobilization with K‐wire may be a promising tool in future clinical Achilles tendon rupture applications.
Application of behavioral economic strategies to enhance recruitment into a pediatric randomized clinical trial for postoperative pain relief: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Karthic Anitra , Orgil Zandantsetseg , Tram Nguyen K. , Rice‐Weimer Julie , Stevens Jack , Olbrecht Vanessa A.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

A major challenge in conducting clinical trials is recruitment. Trial under‐enrollment leads to underpowered studies. Behavioral economics offers strategies that may enhance trial recruitment.

This study assessed the impact of behavioral economic strategies versus a standard biological approach to recruit children into a randomized clinical trial assessing a biofeedback‐based virtual reality intervention for postoperative pain management. We hypothesized the behavioral economics‐informed approach would increase enrollment into the future trial, intention to adhere to therapy, acceptability of the intervention, and perceived efficacy while decreasing perception of treatment burden and risk.

Methods

This single‐center, prospective, randomized trial recruited patients 12‐18 years old undergoing surgery requiring postoperative admission and narcotic administration. Patient‐parent dyads were randomized to watch a behavioral economics‐informed (n = 64) or standard biological (n = 66) recruitment video about a study designed to assess impact of a virtual reality pain management intervention.

Results

There was no difference in rates of intention to enroll in the study between groups (behavioral economics: 75%, control: 79%, p = 0.744) or in median response scores to questions regarding intention to adhere to therapy (4.0 [3.0, 4.0] vs. 4.0 [3.0, 4.0], p=0.084), acceptability of therapy (4.0 [3.0, 4.0] vs. 4.0 [3.0, 4.0], p = 0.376), perceptions of treatment burden (3.0 [3.0, 4.0] vs. 4.0 [3.0, 4.0], p=0.251), and efficacy (3.0 [3.0, 4.0] vs. 3.0 [3.0, 4.0], p = 0.914). Patients in the behavioral economics group were less likely to perceive risk associated with virtual reality versus the control group (behavioral economics: 2.0 [1.0, 2.0], control: 2.0 [2.0, 3.0], p = 0.023).

Discussion

A behavioral economics‐informed video did not increase patients’ intentions to enroll into a clinical trial assessing the impact of virtual reality intervention for postoperative pain management.

Conclusion

Either approach would be sufficient for patient recruitment for this type of clinical trial since the overall intention to enroll rate was 77%.
Seedling responses to moderate and severe herbivory: a field‐clipping experiment with a keystone Mediterranean palm
Authors: Garrote P. J. , Bugalho M. N. , Fedriani J. M.
Published: September 2023

Plant–ungulate interactions are critical in shaping the structure of Mediterranean plant communities. Nevertheless, there is a dearth of knowledge on how plant intrinsic and extrinsic factors mediate the sign and strength of plant–ungulate interactions. This is most relevant when addressing natural or assisted restoration of plant communities in human‐disturbed areas.

We conducted field‐clipping experiments simulating how different intensities of ungulate herbivory may affect the natural regeneration and establishment of the Mediterranean dwarf palm (Chamaerops humilis), a keystone species in Mediterranean ecosystems. We quantified seedling survival and size in two human‐disturbed sites (SW Spain) where wild and domestic ungulates exert high herbivory pressure on vegetation.

Severe clipping and seedling aging reduced rates of seedling survival. In contrast, moderate clipping did not affect seedling survival, suggesting a certain degree of C. humilis tolerance to herbivory. Severe clipping reduced seedling height strongly but not seedling diameter, and these effects seem to have decreased seedling survival. Nurse shrubs increased seedling size, which likely improved seedling survival. We also found seedling compensatory growth which varied between study sites.

Field‐clipping experiments can help disentangle effects of plant extrinsic and intrinsic factors on the sign and strength of plant–ungulate interactions and their ecological consequences on the dynamics of human‐disturbed ecosystems. We call attention to the importance of appropriately managing scenarios of severe herbivory and summer droughts, particularly frequent in Mediterranean ecosystems, as synergic effects of such key drivers can negatively affect the structure and dynamics of plant communities and endanger their conservation.
The Nationalization of Patriotism in Russian Literature during the Crimean War: Institutions, Everyday Nationalism, and Images of Peasants
Authors: Vdovin Alexey
Published: September 2023

This article explores the issue of Russian imperial nationalism in the early phase of its formation, namely the nationalization of patriotism in literature during the Crimean War, 1853–56. Using historical studies and theories of nationalism, the author shows how and why an acute discourse of a nationalistic experience of community uniting the elite with the common people arose in St. Petersburg society, theater, and literature. Drawing on many published and archival materials, the article describes the institutions of escalating nationalism (thick journals, newspapers, the Maritime Ministry, theater, salons, and circles), everyday rituals (wearing “Russian” clothes), and the images of peasants, who in the fiction of Aleksei Potekhin, Aleksei Pisemskii, Ivan Gorbunov, Ivan Turgenev, and Dmitrii Grigorovich acted as bearers of authentic “Russianness.” The growing popularity of these writers’ texts can be explained by the fact that they demonstratively linked the psychology and subjectivity of peasant characters with their ethnic identity. Contrary to official propaganda that portrayed peasants as loyal to the tsar, faith, and Fatherland, the new representation satisfied the demand of the elite and socially diverse theater audience for images of unity within a single national community and compensated for the disappointment of defeats at the front.
Functioning of the Ukrainian Language as State: The Role of New Media in Modern Conflicts
Authors: Movchun Larysa , Didenko Nataliia , Katerynych Petro , Deneka Mariia Th. , Yuldasheva Liudmyla
Published: September 2023

The relevance of the study lies in the fact that Ukraine is under the influence of military aggression, and ensuring the functioning of the Ukrainian language under such conditions is a fundamental guarantee of its national security and state sovereignty. The purpose of the study is to examine the peculiarities of the Ukrainian language as the state language in two aspects: as a sign and communication system and as a system that performs a practical social role in society. The subject of the study is the state language as an important element of the cultural heritage of the Ukrainian people and a prerequisite for the formation of its national identity. The methodological basis of the study is general (analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction) and special (methods of collecting information and processing it, methods of forecasting and modeling) means of scientific knowledge. The research resulted in the argumentation that an extremely important factor in solving the problem of achieving national unity is the national language, which should be spoken by the entire population of the country, since the language in which a person not only communicates but also thinks, at the subconscious level, also forms spiritual values corresponding to a particular language. It is the unity of language, spiritual values, and cultural heritage that is a prerequisite for ensuring the national unity of a country and the formation of its nation's identity. The conclusion of the study is that the State language is the most important part of the national wealth of Ukraine and therefore should be under special protection by the State as one of the objects of the system of ensuring the national security of the country.
Detection of cetacean and fish sounds using normalized summation of harmonics and spectrogram masking
Authors: van Wyk Jacques , Versfeld Jaco , du Preez Johan
Published: September 2023

There is a growing interest in the ability to detect and classify animal vocalizations in large scale bioacoustic databases for the purposes of conservation and research. To aid in this, two methods are proposed for the quick and accurate detection of harmonic cetacean and fish vocalizations: Normalized summation of sound harmonics and spectrogram masking. These methods utilize a normalization scheme that enables robust performance, achieving 30% more precision and recall than traditional spectrogram cross correlation in the presence of wideband noise and low signal-to-noise ratios. The proposed methods also perform up to 135 times faster than spectrogram cross correlation.
High thermoelectric performance in metallic NiAu alloys via interband scattering
Authors: Garmroudi Fabian , Parzer Michael , Riss Alexander , Bourgès Cédric , Khmelevskyi Sergii , Mori Takao , Bauer Ernst , Pustogow Andrej
Published: September 2023

Thermoelectric materials seamlessly convert thermal into electrical energy, making them promising for power generation and cooling applications. Although historically the thermoelectric effect was first discovered in metals, state-of-the-art research focuses on semiconductors. Here, we discover unprecedented thermoelectric performance in metals and realize ultrahigh power factors up to 34 mW m
−1
K
−2
in binary Ni

x

Au

1–
x

alloys, more than twice larger than in any bulk material above room temperature, reaching
zT
max
∼ 0.5. In metallic Ni

x

Au

1–
x

alloys, large Seebeck coefficients originate from electron-hole selective scattering of Au
s
electrons into more localized Ni
d
states. This intrinsic energy filtering effect owing to the unique band structure yields a strongly energy-dependent carrier mobility. While the metastable nature of the Ni-Au system as well as the high cost of Au pose some constraints for practical applications, our work challenges the common belief that good metals are bad thermoelectrics and presents an auspicious route toward high thermoelectric performance exploiting interband scattering.
Isolation and sequencing of the spoilage yeast
Kregervanrija delftensis
Authors: Collins Joseph H. , Cosio Amparo , Brogan Garrett , Chico Lucas , Rozen Alexandra , Thomson Ellen , Young Eric M.
Published: September 2023

New sequencing workflows can enable the genomics of microbes isolated from craft beverages. Here, we use hybrid, short, and long-read sequencing to assemble the genome of a yeast isolated from cider,
Kregervanrija delftensis
NCC-J. The
Kregervanrija
genus has few genomes available; thus, this contributes to yeast genomics.
Four complete genomes of human parvovirus B19 from amniotic fluid specimens
Authors: Alidjinou Enagnon Kazali , De Coninck Lander , Swinnen Jill , Lazrek Mouna , Hober Didier , Matthijnssens Jelle
Published: September 2023

We report the sequences of four complete genomes of parvovirus B19, extracted from human amniotic fluid specimens collected from pregnant women with abnormal ultrasound features in France. The genome sequences are 5,596 nucleotides long and include long terminal repeats. Several amino acid substitutions were observed in nonstructural protein (NS1).
The gut microbiota composition is linked to subsequent occurrence of ventilator-associated pneumonia in critically ill patients
Authors: Orieux Arthur , Enaud Raphaël , Imbert Sébastien , Boyer Philippe , Begot Erwan , Camino Adrian , Boyer Alexandre , Berger Patrick , Gruson Didier , Delhaes Laurence , Prevel Renaud
Published: September 2023

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most frequent nosocomial infection in critically ill-ventilated patients. Oropharyngeal and lung microbiota have been demonstrated to be associated with VAP occurrence, but the involvement of gut microbiota has not been investigated so far. Therefore, the aim of this study is to compare the composition of the gut microbiota between patients who subsequently develop VAP and those who do not. A rectal swab was performed at admission of every consecutive patient into the intensive care unit (ICU) from October 2019 to March 2020. After DNA extraction, V3-V4 and internal transcribed spacer 2 regions deep-sequencing was performed on MiSeq sequencer (Illumina) and data were analyzed using Divisive Amplicon Denoising Algorithm 2 (DADA2) pipeline. Among 255 patients screened, 42 (16%) patients with invasive mechanical ventilation for more than 48 h were included, 18 (43%) with definite VAP and 24 without (57%). Patients who later developed VAP had similar gut bacteriobiota and mycobiota α-diversities compared to those who did not develop VAP. However, gut mycobiota was dissimilar (β-diversity) between these two groups. The presence of
Megasphaera massiliensis
was associated with the absence of VAP occurrence, whereas the presence of the fungal genus
Alternaria
sp. was associated with the occurrence of VAP. The composition of the gut microbiota, but not α-diversity, differs between critically ill patients who subsequently develop VAP and those who do not. This study encourages large multicenter cohort studies investigating the role of gut-lung axis and oropharyngeal colonization in the development of VAP in ICU patients. Trial registration number: NCT04131569, date of registration: 18 October 2019.

IMPORTANCE

The composition of the gut microbiota, but not α-diversity, differs between critically ill patients who subsequently develop ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and those who do not. Investigating gut microbiota composition could help to tailor probiotics to provide protection against VAP.
Relapse of colchicine-intolerant, corticosteroid-dependent recurrent idiopathic pericarditis after perigestational discontinuation of anakinra: uncertain safety of anakinra in pregnancy and the need for shared decision-making
Authors: Saad Shaukat Muhammad Hamza , Fiegen Noah , Malik Muhammad Nauman , Petrasko Marian
Published: September 2023

A nulligravid woman in her mid-20s with colchicine-intolerant, steroid-dependent recurrent idiopathic pericarditis was in remission for 2 years on anakinra monotherapy when she had an unplanned pregnancy. Due to very limited and conflicting data, European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology and American College of Rheumatology guidelines are equivocal on the use of anakinra in pregnancy, emphasising an individualised approach. Anakinra was discontinued but a month later, in the second month of gestation, the patient had an acute pericarditis flare. A multidisciplinary, patient-centred discussion about the competing risks of infection, obstetric complications and fetal malformations with anakinra versus suboptimally managed recurrent acute pericarditis guided the patient to choosing improved symptom control. Chest pain resolved and CRP normalised after daily anakinra injections were resumed. In the second trimester, the patient had mild COVID-19 infection and streptococcal pharyngitis on anakinra. At 34 weeks gestation, the patient went into preterm labour and had a spontaneous vaginal delivery of a healthy neonate.
Bibliometric analysis of the uveitis literature and research trends over the past two decades
Authors: Gao Tingxiao , Monson Hayley , Felfeli Tina
Published: September 2023

Objective

This study aimed to examine the publication patterns and present a current view of the field of uveitis using a bibliometric analysis.

Design

Bibliometric analysis.

Methods and analysis

A comprehensive search of three databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane was conducted from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2022. Search results from all three databases were subjected to analysis by Bibliometrix, an R programme that analyses large literature dataset with statistical and mathematical models. Visualisation of collaboration networks and relevance between countries was presented with VOSviewer.

Results

A total of 26 296 articles were included in the analysis. The field of uveitis has undergone a significant exponential growth since 2000, with an average growth rate of 4.14%. The most substantial annual growth was between the years 2021 and 2022 (36%). According to the corresponding author’s countries, the three most productive countries were Turkey (3288, 12.6%), the USA (3136, 12%) and Japan (1981, 7.6%). The USA (243, 31.4%), England (117, 15%) and Germany (62, 8%) are the top three countries that contributed to clinical trials. The average international collaboration of all countries was 2.5%.

Conclusions

Uveitis literature has undergone significant growth in the past two decades. The demographic factors of publishing countries lead to their various productivity and types of these uveitis studies, which is closely associated with the countries’ scientific research resources and patient populations.
Design of a phase III, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial of BI 1015550 in patients with progressive pulmonary fibrosis (FIBRONEER-ILD)
Authors: Maher Toby M , Assassi Shervin , Azuma Arata , Cottin Vincent , Hoffmann-Vold Anna-Maria , Kreuter Michael , Oldham Justin M , Richeldi Luca , Valenzuela Claudia , Wijsenbeek Marlies S , Coeck Carl , Schlecker Christina , Voss Florian , Wachtlin Daniel , Martinez Fernando J
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF) includes any diagnosis of progressive fibrotic interstitial lung disease (ILD) other than idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, disease progression appears comparable between PPF and IPF, suggesting a similar underlying pathology relating to pulmonary fibrosis. Following positive results in a phase II study in IPF, this phase III study will investigate the efficacy and safety of BI 1015550 in patients with PPF (FIBRONEER-ILD).

Methods and analysis

In this phase III, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, patients are being randomised 1:1:1 to receive BI 1015550 (9 mg or 18 mg) or placebo twice daily over at least 52 weeks, stratified by background nintedanib use. Patients must be diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis other than IPF that is progressive, based on predefined criteria. Patients must have forced vital capacity (FVC) ≥45% predicted and haemoglobin-corrected diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide ≥25% predicted. Patients must be receiving nintedanib for at least 12 weeks, or not receiving nintedanib for at least 8 weeks, prior to screening. Patients on stable treatment with permitted immunosuppressives (eg, methotrexate, azathioprine) may continue their treatment throughout the trial. Patients with clinically significant airway obstruction or other pulmonary abnormalities, and those using immunosuppressives that may confound FVC results (cyclophosphamide, tocilizumab, mycophenolate, rituximab) or high-dose steroids will be excluded. The primary endpoint is absolute change from baseline in FVC (mL) at week 52. The key secondary endpoint is time to the first occurrence of any acute ILD exacerbation, hospitalisation for respiratory cause or death, over the duration of the trial.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial is being carried out in accordance with the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki, the International Council on Harmonisation Guideline for Good Clinical Practice and other local ethics committees. The study results will be disseminated at scientific congresses and in peer-reviewed publications.

Trial registration number

NCT05321082.
Liquefaction triggering and post-triggering behavior of biocemented loose sand
Authors: Lee Minyong , Gomez Michael G.
Published: September 2023

Biocementation is a biomediated ground improvement technique that can improve the engineering behavior of granular soils. The process has received significant attention as an earthquake-induced liquefaction mitigation technique; however, critical gaps have remained in our understanding of how liquefaction behaviors may shift with differences in loading magnitudes and cementation levels. In this study, direct simple shear tests were performed to examine the undrained shearing behaviors of biocemented loose Ottawa F-65 sand prepared to varying cementation levels corresponding to Vs increases up to 523 m/s. Significant increases in liquefaction triggering resistances were observed with added cementation across a broad range of loading magnitudes (CSR = 0.1–1.75) and exceeded improvements obtainable through densification alone. Following triggering, modest improvements in post-triggering strain accumulation and reconsolidation behaviors were observed that could be primarily attributed to the densification of specimens from added mineral solids at low cementation levels (Δ Vs < 150 m/s). At higher cementation magnitudes, however, post-triggering behavioral enhancements exceeded those that would be expected from densification alone. Outcomes from this study improve our understanding of the liquefaction behaviors of biocemented soils, the metrics by which these behaviors can be effectively characterized, and the mechanisms responsible for behavioral enhancements, ultimately furthering our understanding of how the technology may be employed for liquefaction mitigation.
Agata characterisation and pulse shape analysis
Authors: Boston A. J. , Crespi F. C. L. , Duchêne G. , Désesquelles P. , Gerl J. , Holloway F. , Judson D. S. , Korichi A. , Harkness-Brennan L. , Ljungvall J. , Quintana-Arnés B. , Reiter P. , Stezowski O.
Published: September 2023

The AGATA and GRETA spectrometers are large arrays of highly segmented HPGe detectors that use the technique of gamma ray tracking to reconstruct the scattering path of gamma rays interacting within the active material. A basic requirement is a precise reconstruction of the individual interaction locations within the detectors. This is possible through the use of pulse shape analysis which has to be conducted in real time due to the high data rates generated by the spectrometer. The methodologies that have been evaluated to perform this for AGATA are discussed along with the approaches used to calculate the pulse shape databases required by these algorithms. Finally, the performance and limitations of the existing approaches are reviewed.
Hp(3) vs TLD-100 for eye lens dosimetry in interventional radiology procedures: a preliminary study
Authors: Manna Francesco , De Nardellis Gianleonardo , Carmosino Patrizio Antonio , Ambrosino Fabrizio , Caruso Umberto , Correra Marco , Fiore Francesco , La Verde Giuseppe , Tarotto Luca , Pugliese Mariagabriella
Published: September 2023

Following the 2013/59/EURATOM Directive, the Italian 101/2020 Decree Law lowered the annual limit on the equivalent dose to eye lens from 150 to 20 mSv for exposed workers, in order to limit the risk of radiation-induced cataract. Such a drastic reduction makes it very important to perform accurate dose monitoring for medical staff that works with ionizing radiation as interventional radiologists and cardiologists. The standard for occupational eye lens dosimetry consists into Hp(3) calibrated dosimeters placed on physicians glasses, next to the eyes. However, this dosimetry system suffers calibration issues, and therefore, the dose is usually extrapolated from extremity or whole body measurements, leading to low accuracy. Chips of thermoluminescent dosimeters TLD-100 and dedicated Hp(3) calibrated dosimeters were placed over a plexiglas (PMMA) phantom to measure the Entrance Surface Air Kerma (Ke) and the eye lens equivalent dose (H) to physician, respectively, during simulated interventional radiology procedures. Values were all below the regulatory limit. Our results show that TLD-100’s response seems to be correlated with Hp(3) according to the relationship Ke = F × H, with an average factor F = 3.9 mGy/mSv, opening the possibility of using both dosimeters for accurate radiation protection of exposed workers.
Unsupervised BLSTM-Based Electricity Theft Detection with Training Data Contaminated
Authors: Liang Qiushi , Zhao Shengjie , Zhang Jiangfan , Deng Hao
Published: September 2023

Electricity theft can cause economic damage and even increase the risk of outage. Recently, many methods have implemented electricity theft detection on smart meter data. However, how to conduct detection on the dataset without any label still remains challenging. In this article, we propose a novel unsupervised two-stage approach under the assumption that the training set is contaminated by attacks. Specifically, the method consists of two stages: (1) a Gaussian mixture model is employed to cluster consumption patterns with respect to different habits of electricity usage, and with the goal of improving the accuracy of the model in the posterior stage; (2) an attention-based bidirectional long short-term memory encoder-decoder scheme is employed to improve the robustness against the non-malicious changes in usage patterns leveraging the process of encoding and decoding. Quantifying the similarity of consumption patterns and reconstruction errors, the anomaly score is defined to improve detection performance. Experiments on a real dataset show that the proposed method outperforms the state-of-the-art unsupervised detectors.