bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance on a Spanish Picture-Identification Task Using a Multimedia Format
Authors: McCullough June Antablin , Wilson Richard H.
Published: March 2022

An option for estimating the word-recognition performance of patients who do not speak English as a first language involves using auditory materials, presented in the patient’s native language, in conjunction with a closed-set response mode incorporating pictures or written words. The advantage of this auditory/visual paradigm is that the audiologist is not required to know the foreign language and is therefore not required to judge the accuracy of an oral response to speech stimuli in a foreign language. Spanish auditory/visual materials, known as the Spanish Picture-Identification Task, were developed to be used in a computer- driven multimedia administration and scoring format. Performance data, both in open- (word-recognition) and closed-set (word-identification) response modes, were established for the Spanish Picture-Identification Task using subjects whose first language was Spanish. The results from the open-set paradigm indicate that the Spanish Picture-Identification Task word lists are essentially equivalent to conventional Spanish and English materials used for word recognition. Findings from the closed-set conditions indicate that the Spanish Picture- Identification Task materials are appropriate for estimating the word-identification abilities of Spanish-speaking adult listeners.
Suitcase Lab Measurement of Digital Cellphone Interference Levels on Hearing Aids
Authors: Killion Mead C. , Teder Harry , Thoma Russ
Published: March 2022

A low-cost, “real-life” method for measuring the interference caused by digital wireless (cellphones) telephones in hearing aids is proposed. Data would be valid for specific telephone and hearing aid models. The estimated equipment cost is $500.

Abbreviations: AGC = automatic gain control, ANSI = American National Standards Institute, BTE = behind the ear, CD = compact disc, CIC = completely in the canal, DLH = damped long horn, IRIL = input referred interference level, PCS = Personal Communication System, RF = radio frequency, TEM = transverse electromagnetic
The European Experience
Authors: Bisgaard Nikolai
Published: March 2022

This article presents an overview of past and current experiences with time division multiple assess-based (Global System for Mobil Communication) mobile telephones in Europe as seen by the European Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association. Initial fear of widespread interference problems for hearing aid users in general owing to use of a new generation of mobile telephones seems unjustified. The background for the International Electrotechnical Commission 118–13 standard for measuring interference is described. No solution to complete elimination of interference problems resulting from direct contact between hearing aids and mobile telephones has yet been found. Several reports on the subjects are cited, and new work on measurement standards for near-field situations is mentioned.

Abbreviations: BTE = behind the ear, DECT = digital European cordless telephony, EHIMA = European Hearing Instruments Manufacturers Association, EMC = electromagnetic compatibility, ETSI = European Telecommunication Standards Institute, EU = European Union, GSM = Global System for Mobile Communication, IEC = International Electrotechnical Commission, IRIL = input-related interference level, ITE = in the ear, TDMA = time division multiple access
Electrosynthesis of highly efficient WO3-x/graphene (photo-)electrocatalyst by two-electrode electrolysis system for oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Xiao He , Gao Jian-ru , Zhao Man , Cheng Xiao-ru , Xue Shou-feng , Wang Xiao-xia , Chen Wen-wen , Jia Jian-feng , Wu Hai-shun
Published: March 2022

Integration of non-noble transition metal oxides with graphene is known to construct high-activity electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reduction (OER). In order to avoid the complexity of traditional synthesis process, a facile electrochemical method is elaborately designed to engineer efficient WO3-x/graphene (photo-)electrocatalyst for OER by a two-electrode electrolysis system, where graphite cathode is exfoliated into graphene and tungsten wire anode evolves into VO-rich WO3-x profiting from formed reductive electrolyte solution. Among as-prepared samples, WO3-x/G-2 shows the best electrocatalytic performance for OER with an overpotential of 320 mV (without iR compensation) at 10 mA/cm2, superior to commercial RuO2 (341 mV). With introduction of light illumination, the activity of WO3-x/G-2 is greatly enhanced and its overpotential decreases to 290 mV, benefiting from additional reaction path produced by photocurrent effect and extra active sites generated by photogenerated carriers (h+). Characterization results indicate that both VO-rich WO3-x and graphene contribute to the efficient OER performance. The activity of WO3-x for OER is decided by the synergistic effect between VO concentration and particle size. The graphene could not only disperse WO3-x nanoparticles, but also improve the holistic conductivity and promote electron transmission. This work supports a novel method for engineering WO3-x/graphene composite for highly efficient (photo-)electrocatalytic performance for OER.
Systematical study on photodissociation dynamics of BrCN from 225 nm to 260 nm
Authors: Yin Tonghui , Ma Liying , Gao Hong , Cheng Min
Published: March 2022

The photodissociation dynamics of Br − C bond cleavage for BrCN in the wavelength region from 225 nm to 260 nm has been studied by our homebuilt time-slice velocity-map imaging setup. The images for both of the ground state Br(2P3/2) and spin-orbit excited Br*(2P1/2) channels are obtained at several photodissociation wavelengths. From the analysis of the translational energy release spectra, the detailed vibrational and rotational distributions of CN products have been measured for both of the Br and Br* channels. It is found that the internal excitation of the CN products for the Br* channel is colder than that for the Br channel. The most populated vibrational levels of the CN products are v=0 and 1 for the Br and Br* channels, respectively. For the Br channel, the photodissociation dynamics at longer wavelengths are found to be different from those at shorter wavelengths, as revealed by their dramatically different vibrational and rotational excitations of the CN products.
Architected hierarchical kirigami metallic glass with programmable stretchability
Authors: Han D. X. , Chen S. H. , Zhao L. , Tong X. , Chan K. C.
Published: March 2022

Despite the recent achievements in the stretchability of kirigami metallic glasses, relevant research is still mainly relying on the single-level kirigami structure. In our work, three different hierarchical levels of patterns were developed for kirigami metallic glass structures for both strip and square units. The degree of freedom that reflects the availability for morphing is shown to be a key factor affecting the mechanical response of the hierarchical metallic glasses. It is found that a high hierarchical order with a large degree of freedom leads to the high stretchability of kirigami metallic glasses. Kirigami metallic glasses, designed with square units, with a large degree of freedom show high stretchability compared to those designed with strip units, with a small degree of freedom, at the same hierarchical level. Our study, combining the degree of freedom in the hierarchical construction, highlights the potential for a multilevel architected structure as a programmable block for stretchable mechanical metamaterials.
Synthesis, crystal structure and characterisation of the complex {Ln(DHTA)1.5(H2O)3]·H2O}n (Ln = La, Ce, Nd)
Authors: Li Jia-Qi , Wang He , Li Chun , Zeng Fan-Ming , Li Chuan-Bi , Su Zhongmin
Published: March 2022

By introducing different metal ions, we present three new coordination polymers {[Ln(DHTA)1.5(H2O)3]·H2O}n (Ln = La 1, Ce 2, Nd 3, H2DHTA = 2,5-dihydroxyterephthalic acid) by using a hydrothermal technique. Structural analysis revealed that 1–3 are isostructural, displaying a one-dimensional structure along the a axis and a two-dimensional network along the b axis, which was stabilised by O–H⋯O intermolecular hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking interactions. The photoluminescent data of the three complexes have been studied in detail. Moreover, C and H elemental analysis, infrared (IR) spectroscopy in the range of 4000–400 cm−1, powder X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis (TG) of the three complexes have also been described.
Slang and verbal aggression
Authors: Mattiello Elisa
Published: March 2022

While lexical and discourse strategies of hate speech have widely been studied hitherto, there is limited research
devoted to the contribution of grammatical and morphological aspects to verbal aggression. This paper provides a corpus-assisted
analysis of slang morphological means used in verbal aggression. The focus is on four compound families (X-ass,
X-brain, X-face, X-head), which are often used in slang to form compound
words referring to specific groups, such as homosexuals, fools, or ineffectual people. The paper adopts a morphopragmatic approach
to investigate three pragmatic meanings/functions – namely, derisive, critical, and offensive – of slang words in situations of
conflict. The combination of quantitative and qualitative analyses of data drawn from the Corpus of Contemporary American
English (COCA) shows the frequency of the morphological processes, their privileged genres and contexts, as well as
their negative potential and face-threatening power.
National brands in hard discounters: market expansion and bargaining power effects
Authors: Bonnet Celine , Bouamra-Mechemache Zohra , Klein Gordon J
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we analyse the strategic role of the recent introduction of national brand (NB) products by hard discounters (HDs) in the French food retailing market and its impact both at the retail and manufacturer levels. We use a structural econometric model of vertical relationships and consider the competition between mainstream retailers (MSRs) and HDs, and between NBs and private labels (PLs). We apply this model to the French dairy dessert market, which is characterised by a high penetration of PLs and a high concentration at the manufacturer and retail levels. Using a counterfactual analysis, we show that the introduction of NBs by HDs clearly increases hard discounters’ profits. Consumers benefit from this strategy. Moreover, we find an increase in the profit of manufacturers of NBs but at the expense of MSRs. We also show that the introduction of NBs by HDs does not only act as a means to attract different consumer groups and extend their market share through a variety effect. It also serves to improve their bargaining position with respect to their PL providers.
The Divisors of Prym Semicanonical Pencils
Authors: Maestro Pérez Carlos , Rojas Andrés
Published: February 2022

In the moduli space ${{\mathcal {R}}}_g$ of double étale covers of curves of a fixed genus $g$, the locus of covers of curves with a semicanonical pencil decomposes as the union of two divisors—${{\mathcal {T}}}^e_g$ and ${{\mathcal {T}}}^o_g$. Adapting arguments of Teixidor for the divisor of curves having a semicanonical pencil, we prove that both divisors are irreducible and compute their divisor classes in the Deligne–Mumford compactification ${\overline {{\mathcal {R}}}}_g$.
Acute vital signs changes are underrepresented by a conventional electronic health record when compared with automatically acquired data in a single-center tertiary pediatric cardiac intensive care unit
Authors: Lowry Adam W , Futterman Craig A , Gazit Avihu Z
Published: February 2022

Objective

We sought to evaluate the fidelity with which the patient’s clinical state is represented by the electronic health record (EHR) flow sheet vital signs data compared to a commercially available automated data aggregation platform in a pediatric cardiac intensive care unit (CICU)

Methods

This is a retrospective observational study of heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), respiratory rate (RR), and pulse oximetry (SpO2) data archived in a conventional EHR and an automated data platform for 857 pediatric patients admitted postoperatively to a tertiary pediatric CICU. Automated data captured for 72 h after admission were analyzed for significant HR, SBP, RR, and SpO2 deviations from baseline (events). Missed events were identified when the EHR failed to reflect the events reflected in the automated platform

Results

Analysis of 132 054 622 data entries, including 264 966 (0.2%) EHR entries and 131 789 656 (99.8%) automated entries, identified 15 839 HR events, 5851 SBP events, 9648 RR events, and 2768 SpO2 events lasting 3–60 min; these events were missing in the EHR 48%, 58%, 50%, and 54% of the time, respectively. Subanalysis identified 329 physiologically implausible events (eg, likely operator or device error), of which 104 (32%) were nonetheless documented in the EHR

Conclusion

In this single-center retrospective study of CICU patients, EHR vital sign documentation was incomplete compared to an automated data aggregation platform. Significant events were underrepresented by the conventional EHR, regardless of event duration. Enrichment of the EHR with automated data aggregation capabilities may improve representation of patient condition
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopic, Spectrofluorimetric Assays of Canagliflozin, and Stability-Indicating UV-Spectrophotometric Method for the Simultaneous Determination of Canagliflozin and Metformin
Authors: Elnadi Sarah , Abdalsabour Samah , Farouk Maha , Trabik Yossra A
Published: February 2022

Background

Green Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, using potassium bromide (KBr) disc technique, eliminates the consumption of hazardous chemicals. Spectrofluorimetry for drugs that have native fluorescence. Mean centering of ratio spectra (MCRS) analysing overlapped spectra without preliminary separation.

Objective

Three simple, accurate, and sensitive methods have been developed and validated for the determination of canagliflozin (CANA); one is a stability-indicating method for CANA and metformin (MET) determination.

Methods

Method A is FTIR using a KBr disc for CANA determination measuring alkyl halide C–F peak area centered on 1230/cm. Method B is spectrofluorimetry using Δ λ = 50 nm synchronous mode at a peak maximum of 291.8 nm for CANA determination using methanol as solvent. Method C is a stability-indicating MCRS method measuring the peak amplitude of CANA and MET at 306.2 and 246.6 nm, respectively, in their mixture with complete CANA oxidation degradation.

Results

The linear ranges were: FTIR spectroscopy, 1.50–24.70 μg/mg CANA; spectrofluorimetry, 100.00–600.00 ng/mL CANA; and MCRS, 1.00–25.00 μg/mL CANA and 1–30 μg/mL MET.

Conclusion

All results were statistically compared with a reported method: no significant difference was observed.

Highlights

The proposed methods can be used efficiently for routine analysis in QC laboratories. A green FTIR method utilizes only one reagent, KBr. Spectrofluorimetry using a constant wavelength synchronous scan of CANA native fluorescence in nanogram concentrations overcomes conventional excitation/emission spectra drawbacks and proves that the solvent effect in the fluorescence intensity differs according to concentration used. Stability-indicating MCRS determines the studied drugs in bulk, pharmaceutical formulations, accelerated and long-term stability study samples.
Simultaneous Quantitation of Paracetamol and Lornoxicam in the Presence of Five Related Substances and Toxic Impurities by a Selective HPLC–DAD Method
Authors: El-Yazbi Amira F , Guirguis Karin M , Bedair Mona M , Belal Tarek S
Published: March 2022

Objective

This research describes the simultaneous quantitation of paracetamol (PRM) and lornoxicam (LRX) with five of their related substances and toxic impurities, including, 4-nitrophenol (NTP), 4-aminophenol (AMP), 4-chloroacetanilide (CAC), N-phenylacetamide (NPA), and 2-aminopyridine (APD) using a specific HPLC–diode array detector (DAD) method.

Methods

The chromatographic separation involves the use of a XTerra C18 column as the stationary phase and a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and 0.025 M phosphate buffer (pH 6). The separation was performed using gradient elution mode at 1.0 mL/min flow rate and detection at 260 nm for the determination of PRM and LRX. For detecting PRM and LRX in the presence of their toxic impurities, 270 nm was used. Validation of the suggested HPLC method was accomplished with regard to linearity, ranges, detection and quantitation limits, robustness, accuracy, precision, and specificity.

Results

Excellent resolution of the mixture components was accomplished at retention times 4.2, 4.8, 7.4, 11.1, 13.5, 14.7, and 15.3 min for APD, AMP, PRM, NPA, LRX, NTP, and CAC, respectively. Linearity was established for PRM and LRX within concentration ranges of 10–100 and 10–60 µg/mL, respectively. The correlation coefficients obtained were >0.9997. The suggested method was confirmed to be a specific stability-indicating through the selective separation of PRM and LRX from their related substances, degradants, and impurities.

Conclusion

The proposed method was successfully utilized for the sensitive and selective determination of PRM and LRX in their pharmaceutical formulation.

Highlights

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first impurity profiling assay method for this combination in the presence of five of their toxic related substances and impurities. Taking into consideration that at least two of the studied impurities (AMP and APD) are actually reported degradation products for the main drugs, the suggested method can be considered stability-indicating as well.
A Comprehensive and Spatially Explicit Regional Vulnerability Assessment of the Forest Industry to Climate Change
Authors: Soucy Alyssa , Rahimzadeh-Bajgiran Parinaz , De Urioste-Stone Sandra , Weiskittel Aaron , Duveneck Matthew J , McGreavy Bridie
Published: March 2022

We conducted a spatially explicit vulnerability assessment of the forest industry in Maine, USA, to climate change in an effort to (1) advance a spatial framework for assessing forest industry vulnerability and (2) increase our understanding of Maine’s specific vulnerabilities to climate change in order to guide decision-making. We applied a bottom-up indicator approach to evaluate exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity to climate change using both biophysical and social indicators, largely driven by participatory processes. Our approach enabled us to synthesize and aggregate indicators of regional importance to evaluate vulnerability, allowing us to simultaneously examine combinations of potential changes. We found that each Maine county had its own unique combination of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity indicators, with overall vulnerability highest in the rural northern and western parts of the state, where forest industry activities are most prevalent. However, results also indicate that although increased stress from climate-related changes can negatively affect Maine’s forest via high exposure, reduced sensitivities and increased adaptive capacity have the potential to largely decrease overall vulnerability in many parts of the state.
Measurements and determinants of children’s exposure to background gamma radiation in Switzerland
Authors: Folly Christophe L , Mazzei-Abba Antonella , Coste Astrid , Kreis Christian , Spycher Ben D
Published: February 2022

Epidemiological studies of children’s cancer risks associated with background gamma radiation exposure have used geographic exposure models to estimate exposure at their locations of residence. We measured personal exposure to background gamma radiation, and we investigated the extent to which it was associated with children’s whereabouts. We collected data on whereabouts and exposure to background gamma radiation over a 5-day period among children aged 4–15 years in Switzerland. We used D-Shuttle dosimeters to measure children’s exposure, and we asked parents to write their children’s activities in diaries. We used Poisson mixed-effects and linear regression models to investigate the association of hourly and overall doses, respectively, with children’s reported whereabouts. During the observed time, 149 participating children spent 66% indoors at home; 19% indoors away from home; and 15% outdoors. The mean personal exposure was 85.7 nSv/h (range 52.3 nSv/h–145 nSv/h). Exposure was 1.077 (95% CI 1.067, 1.087) times higher indoors than outdoors and varied by building material and (predicted) outdoor dose rates. Our study provides detailed information about children’s patterns of exposure to background gamma radiation in Switzerland. Dwelling building materials and outdoor dose rates are important determinants of children’s exposure. Future epidemiological studies may benefit from including information about building materials.
European hospitals as source of multidrug-resistant bacteria: analysis of travellers screened in Finland after hospitalization abroad
Authors: Kajova Mikael , Khawaja Tamim , Kantele Anu
Published: March 2022

Background

As hospitals have a high prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO), hospitalization abroad indicates for travellers an increased risk of acquiring MDRO—and carrying the strains home. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) rates are highest in the (sub)tropics, whereas Europe is considered a lower risk region. Since AMR prevalences vary within Europe, we aimed to gather country-specific data on the risks for hospitalized travellers.

Methods

At hospitals of the Helsinki and Uusimaa district in Finland, patients hospitalized abroad over the past 12 months are systematically screened for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-PE), carbapenemase-producing bacteria and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp. (VRE). Among patients screened 2010–19, we selected those hospitalized in Europe, recorded their MDRO findings, infections and mortality, and analysed MDRO-associated risk factors.

Results

Of the 1772 patients treated in 41 European countries, 16.6% (295) carried MDRO, 12.5% (221) ESBL-PE, 7.8% (138) solely ESBL-E. coli, 2.6% (46) MRSA, 2.2% (30) of those screened VRE and 2.2% (39) carbapenem-resistant Gram-negatives. Among those colonized, 9.8% (29) had symptomatic MDRO infections and 0.3% (one) died. Colonization was most frequently recorded for those treated in eastern and southern Europe, with Bulgaria, Cyprus and the Russian Federation scoring highest. MDRO colonization was associated with antibiotic treatment and showed a negative correlation with time from discharge to screening.

Conclusions

After hospitalization in European countries, ESBL-PE carriage was relatively common (12.5%), while other MDROs proved less frequent (<5%). Antibiotic treatment and short time since hospitalization abroad increased the risk of MDRO colonization. Clear differences between countries and regions were revealed, with highest rates in the east and the south.
Finding magnetic north: an extraordinary magnetic field detection in Polaris and first results of a magnetic survey of classical Cepheids
Authors: Barron J A , Wade G A , Evans N R , Folsom C P , Neilson H R
Published: March 2022

Classical Cepheids are essential objects in the study of stellar evolution and cosmology; however, we know little about their magnetic properties. We report the detection of Stokes V features interpreted as Zeeman signatures in four classical Cepheids using high-resolution spectropolarimetric observations obtained with ESPaDOnS at the Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope. Eight observations of η Aql were acquired in 2017 covering its 7.2 d pulsation period, and single observations of Polaris, ζ Gem, δ Cep, and RT Aur were obtained in 2020 as part of our ongoing systematic survey. We use mean circular polarization Stokes V profiles generated using the least-squares deconvolution procedure to diagnose Zeeman signatures and measure mean longitudinal field strengths 〈Bz〉. We detect magnetic signatures across all pulsation phases of η Aql (−0.89 ± 0.47 G$\, \lt \langle B_{z}\rangle \lt 1.27\pm 0.40$ G), as well as in the single observations of Polaris (0.59 ± 0.16 G), ζ Gem (0.41 ± 0.16 G), and δ Cep (0.43 ± 0.19 G). The Stokes V profile of Polaris is detected at extremely high signal-to-noise ratio and implies a complex magnetic field topology. It stands in stark contrast to all other detected Stokes V profiles, which show unusual approximately unipolar positive circular polarization lobes analogous to those observed in some Am stars.
Episodes of Diversification and Isolation in Island Southeast Asian and Near Oceanian Male Lineages
Authors: Karmin Monika , Flores Rodrigo , Saag Lauri , Hudjashov Georgi , Brucato Nicolas , Crenna-Darusallam Chelzie , Larena Maximilian , Endicott Phillip L , Jakobsson Mattias , Lansing J Stephen , Sudoyo Herawati , Leavesley Matthew , Metspalu Mait , Ricaut François-Xavier , Cox Murray P
Published: February 2022

Island Southeast Asia (ISEA) and Oceania host one of the world’s richest assemblages of human phenotypic, linguistic, and cultural diversity. Despite this, the region’s male genetic lineages are globally among the last to remain unresolved. We compiled ∼9.7 Mb of Y chromosome (chrY) sequence from a diverse sample of over 380 men from this region, including 152 first reported here. The granularity of this data set allows us to fully resolve and date the regional chrY phylogeny. This new high-resolution tree confirms two main population bursts: multiple rapid diversifications following the region’s initial settlement ∼50 kya, and extensive expansions <6 kya. Notably, ∼40–25 kya the deep rooting local lineages of C-M130, M-P256, and S-B254 show almost no further branching events in ISEA, New Guinea, and Australia, matching a similar pause in diversification seen in maternal mitochondrial DNA lineages. The main local lineages start diversifying ∼25 kya, at the time of the last glacial maximum. This improved chrY topology highlights localized events with important historical implications, including pre-Holocene contact between Mainland and ISEA, potential interactions between Australia and the Papuan world, and a sustained period of diversification following the flooding of the ancient Sunda and Sahul continents as the insular landscape observed today formed. The high-resolution phylogeny of the chrY presented here thus enables a detailed exploration of past isolation, interaction, and change in one of the world’s least understood regions.
Product Life Cycle, Learning, and Nominal Shocks
Authors: Argente David , Yeh Chen
Published: February 2022

This article documents a new set of stylized facts on how pricing moments depend on product age and emphasizes how this heterogeneity is crucial for the amplification of nominal shocks to the real economy. Exploiting information from a unique panel containing billions of transactions in the US consumer goods sector, we show that our empirical findings are consistent with a narrative in which firms face demand uncertainty and learn through prices. Such a mechanism of active learning from prices can strongly influence an economy’s aggregate price level and can thus be important for assessing the degree of monetary non-neutrality. To quantify this, we build a general equilibrium menu cost model with active learning and exogenous entry that features heterogeneity in pricing moments over the life cycle of products. Under this setup, firms engage in active learning to deal with uncertainty on their demand curves. Firms choose prices not only to maximize static profits but also to create signals to obtain valuable information on their demand. In the calibrated version of our model, the cumulative real effects of a nominal shock are approximately three times as large compared to a standard price-setting model. The main intuition behind this result is that active learning weakens the selection effect. Price changes are mainly determined by forces of active learning and, hence, become more orthogonal to aggregate shocks, which reduces the aggregate price flexibility of the economy.
Application of a Machine Learning Algorithm for Structural Brain Images in Chronic Schizophrenia to Earlier Clinical Stages of Psychosis and Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Multiprotocol Imaging Dataset Study
Authors: Zhu Yinghan , Nakatani Hironori , Yassin Walid , Maikusa Norihide , Okada Naohiro , Kunimatsu Akira , Abe Osamu , Kuwabara Hitoshi , Yamasue Hidenori , Kasai Kiyoto , Okanoya Kazuo , Koike Shinsuke
Published: February 2022

Background and Hypothesis

Machine learning approaches using structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be informative for disease classification; however, their applicability to earlier clinical stages of psychosis and other disease spectra is unknown. We evaluated whether a model differentiating patients with chronic schizophrenia (ChSZ) from healthy controls (HCs) could be applied to earlier clinical stages such as first-episode psychosis (FEP), ultra-high risk for psychosis (UHR), and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).

Study Design

Total 359 T1-weighted MRI scans, including 154 individuals with schizophrenia spectrum (UHR, n = 37; FEP, n = 24; and ChSZ, n = 93), 64 with ASD, and 141 HCs, were obtained using three acquisition protocols. Of these, data regarding ChSZ (n = 75) and HC (n = 101) from two protocols were used to build a classifier (training dataset). The remainder was used to evaluate the classifier (test, independent confirmatory, and independent group datasets). Scanner and protocol effects were diminished using ComBat.

Study Results

The accuracy of the classifier for the test and independent confirmatory datasets were 75% and 76%, respectively. The bilateral pallidum and inferior frontal gyrus pars triangularis strongly contributed to classifying ChSZ. Schizophrenia spectrum individuals were more likely to be classified as ChSZ compared to ASD (classification rate to ChSZ: UHR, 41%; FEP, 54%; ChSZ, 70%; ASD, 19%; HC, 21%).

Conclusion

We built a classifier from multiple protocol structural brain images applicable to independent samples from different clinical stages and spectra. The predictive information of the classifier could be useful for applying neuroimaging techniques to clinical differential diagnosis and predicting disease onset earlier.
Integrated physiological, proteome and gene expression analyses provide new insights into nitrogen remobilization in citrus trees
Authors: Xiong Huaye , Ma Haotian , Zhao Huanyu , Yang Linsheng , Hu Bin , Wang Jie , Shi Xiaojun , Zhang Yueqiang , Rennenberg Heinz
Published: February 2022

Nitrogen (N) remobilization is an important physiological process that supports the growth and development of trees. However, in evergreen broad-leaved tree species, such as citrus, the mechanisms of N remobilization are not completely understood. Therefore, we quantified the potential of N remobilization from senescing leaves of spring shoots to mature leaves of autumn shoots of citrus trees under different soil N availabilities and further explored the underlying N metabolism characteristics by physiological, proteome and gene expression analyses. Citrus exposed to low N had an approximately 38% N remobilization efficiency (NRE), whereas citrus exposed to high N had an NRE efficiency of only 4.8%. Integrated physiological, proteomic and gene expression analyses showed that photosynthesis, N and carbohydrate metabolism interact with N remobilization. The improvement of N metabolism and photosynthesis, the accumulation of proline and arginine, and delayed degradation of storage protein in senescing leaves are the result of sufficient N supply and low N remobilization. Proteome further showed that energy generation proteins and glutamate synthase were hub proteins affecting N remobilization. In addition, N requirement of mature leaves is likely met by soil supply at high N nutrition, thereby resulting in low N remobilization. These results provide insight into N remobilization mechanisms of citrus that are of significance for N fertilizer management in orchards.
Association of Gestational Age With Postpartum Hemorrhage: An International Cohort Study
Authors: Butwick A.J. , Liu C. , Guo N. , Bentley J. , Main E.K. , Mayo J.A. , Shaw G.M. , Stephansson O.
Published: March 2022

(Anesthesiology. 2021:874–886. doi: 10.1097/ALN:0000000000003730)

Although postpartum hemorrhage is a leading cause of preventable maternal death and morbidity in developed countries, 39% of women in the United States with severe postpartum hemorrhage do not have identified risk factors. All pregnant women are given risk assessment for common reasons of postpartum hemorrhage including preeclampsia, multiple gestations, labor induction, cesarean delivery, and chorioamnionitis. A factor not commonly used on risk assessments is gestational age at delivery. Data collected from previous in vitro studies showed inconsistent and conflicting associations between gestational age and postpartum hemorrhage. Some studies indicated there was a greater risk in women who delivered preterm, while others indicated postterm delivery posed the greatest risk. Differences in reporting methods between countries may also contribute to a lack of consistent data to show a strong relationship between gestational age and postpartum hemorrhage. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the association of gestational age and postpartum hemorrhage in the United States and Sweden.
General Anesthetic and Airway Management Practice for Obstetric Surgery in England: A Prospective, Multicenter Observational Study
Authors: Odor P.M. , Bampoe S. , Moonesinghe S.R. , Andrade J. , Pandit J.J. , Lucas D.N. ,   Pan-London Perioperative Audit and Research Network (PLAN), for the DREAMY Investigators Group
Published: March 2022

(Anaesthesia. 2021;76:460–471)

The use of general anesthesia (GA) in obstetrics is typically avoided due to concerns of increased risks, but is sometimes unavoidable. Accidental awareness during GA (AAGA) has been previously investigated by the Royal College of Anaesthetists and the Association of Anaesthetists in 2013. This study, the direct reporting of awareness in maternity patients (DREAMY) study aimed to determine the incidence, risk factors, and sequelae of AAGA. A secondary study within DREAMY sought to describe the provision of GA, including drugs and management techniques used in the United Kingdom.
Validation of a Bioabsorbable Device that Seals Perforations After Tuohy Needle Dural Puncture in an Ovine Model
Authors: García-Vitoria C. , García-Roselló M. , Reina M.A. , De Andres J. , Gutiérrez-Bautista Á.J. , Esteve V. , Boezaart A. , Redondo J.I.
Published: March 2022

(Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2021;46:389–396. doi: 10.1136/rapm-2020-102225. Epub January 27, 2021)

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak can lead to postdural puncture headaches (PDPH) and other adverse outcomes following an accidental dural puncture (ADP). The current “gold standard” treatment is an epidural blood patch, optimally performed at least 48 hours following ADP. No current therapy has yet been shown to prevent the onset of PDPH when applied prophylactically, immediately following an ADP. To address this, the authors designed a bioabsorbable device, in the form of a physical patch, which is inserted via the Tuohy needle immediately following an ADP, to seal the dural hole preventing further CSF leakage. The device consists of a patch which unfolds inside the subarachnoid space. A thread passes from the device, through the dural hole, ligamentum flavum, interspinous and supraspinous ligaments and into the subcutaneous tissues. By means of unidirectional barbs along the thread, traction is provided to hold the patch against the dura. The device is contained inside a flexometallic cannula, which is advanced through the Tuohy needle via an applicator, and introduces the device into the subarachnoid space. After placement, the flexometallic cannula, applicator, and epidural needle are removed in order, leaving only the patch and barbed thread in situ. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of the new device.
The Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology Coronavirus Disease 2019 Registry: An Analysis of Outcomes Among Pregnant Women Delivering During the Initial Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 Outbreak in the United States
Authors: Katz D. , Bateman B.T. , Kjaer K. , Turner D.P. , Spence N.Z. , Habib A.S. , George R.B. , Toledano R.D. , Grant G. , Madden H.E. , Butwick A.J. , Lynde G. , Minehart R.D. , Beilin Y. , Houle T.T. , Sharpe E.E. , Kodali B. , Bharadwaj S. , Farber M.K. , Palanisamy A. , Prabhu M. , Gonzales N.Y. , Landau R. , Leffert L.
Published: March 2022

(Anesth Analg. 2021;133:462–473. doi: 10.1213/ANE.0000000000005592)

From the beginning of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak to January 17, 2021, there was an interest concerning and growing research on pregnancy and SARS-CoV-2, but little data had been gathered and analyzed comparing obstetric patients with and without the virus with regards to anesthetic management. The Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology (SOAP) coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) registry was made primarily to better understand anesthetic management and obstetric outcomes in women with and without SARS-CoV-2 during hospital delivery at widespread-testing institutions.
Quality of Life After Maternal Near Miss: A Systematic Review
Authors: von Rosen I.E.W. , Shiekh R.M. , Mchome B. , Chunsen W. , Khan K.S. , Rasch V , Linde D.S.
Published: March 2022

(Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2021;100:704–714)

Annually, ~7 million women worldwide experience a maternal near miss (MNM), defined by the World Health Organization as nearly dying but surviving a complication in pregnancy, childbirth or within 42 days postpartum. A MNM can affect a patient’s health in a number of ways, but the extent of the impact on a woman’s quality of life is unclear. Previous systematic reviews on MNM and quality of life have not addressed the entire definition of QoL, but rather individual components. This systematic review aims to explore the association between MNM and overall QoL.
Predicting Vaginal Birth After Previous Cesarean: Using Machine-learning Models and a Population-based Cohort in Sweden
Authors: Lindblad Wollmann C. , Hart K.D. , Liu C. , Caughey A.B. , Stephansson O. , Snowden J.M.
Published: March 2022

(Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2021;100:513–520. doi: 10.1111/aogs.14020. Epub October 31, 2020)

There are risks and benefits to choosing a trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) or a repeat cesarean delivery (CD). When TOLAC is successful (international success rate is 40% to 80%) and the patient has a vaginal birth (VD) after cesarean (VBAC), a benefit is decreased epidemic CD rate and decreased risk for repeat CD maternal morbidity. However risks of TOLAC include unplanned repeat CD, uterine rupture, and greater likelihood of maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes. Due to these tradeoffs, it is important to make accurate predictions regarding potential TOLAC success, thus leading to improved clinical counseling, and outcomes for women. This study aims to evaluate individualized predictions using machine-learning models for TOLAC for women with no previous VD and only one previous CD. It also aims to compare machine-learning methods with established regression prediction models.
Association of Peripartum Management and High Maternal Blood Loss at Cesarean Delivery for Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS): A Multinational Database Study
Authors: Schwickert A. , van Beekhuizen H.J. , Bertholdt C. , Fox K.A. , Kayem G. , Morel O. , Rijken M.J. , Stefanovic V. , Strindfors G. , Weichert A. , Weizsaecker K. , Braun T. ,   International Society for Placenta Accreta Spectrum (IS-PAS)
Published: March 2022

(Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2021;100(suppl 1):29–40. doi: 10.1111/aogs.14103. Epub February 21, 2020)

Though there has been a global decline in maternal mortality rates, the cesarean delivery (CD) rate continues to rise, resulting in an increase of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS). PAS is associated with postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and cesarean hysterectomy, severely impacting maternal morbidity and mortality. PAS pregnancy and delivery management vary greatly between institutions. This study investigates which management and epidemiologic factors correspond with maternal outcomes, specifically high and extraordinarily high maternal blood loss during CD when PAS is present.
REGIONAL ANESTHESIA Ultrasound Increases the Success Rate of Spinal Needle Placement through the Epidural Needle During Combined Spinal-epidural Anesthesia
Authors: Tao B. , Liu K. , Ding M. , Xue H. , Li X. , Zhao P.
Published: March 2022

(Eur J Anaesthesiol. 2021;38:251–258. doi: 10.1097/EJA.0000000000001380)

Successful combined spinal-epidural anesthesia (CSEA) during cesarean section is important, and ultrasound-assisted placement may improve patient safety and satisfaction compared with placement using anatomic landmark palpation. This study specifically investigates whether ultrasound imaging before CSEA increases the first-pass success rate for spinal needle placement through the epidural needle.
Preferred Instructional Methods of Millennial Nursing Students
Authors: McAtee Brooke
Published: March 2022

The continuing nursing shortage requires nurse educators to understand how students best learn to maximize student success and retention. Millennial generation students in a midwestern community college associate degree in nursing program were interviewed to determine which instructional methods they identified as aiding learning and which were possible barriers to their education. It was found that lectures and interactive questions enhanced student learning, and group work was the least effective learning strategy. This study concluded that millennial students learn best when mixed instructional methods use active and passive strategies.
Regular Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.) Use and Its Association With Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Response
Authors: Fauzi Nurul Atiqahd Muhamad , Tan Mei Lan , Hamid Shahrul Bariyah Sahul , Singh Darshan , Abdullah Mohammad Farris Iman Leong Bin
Published: February 2022

Objectives

This study determined the association between expression of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress sensor mRNA in the peripheral leukocytes and the patterns of kratom use and evaluated the correlations between the levels of the ER stress sensor mRNA and the severity of kratom dependence and kratom induced depressive symptoms among people who use kratom (PWUK).

Methods

A total of 20 PWUK and 20 age matched non-kratom using healthy controls were recruited. Data collected from PWUK included patterns of kratom use, severity of kratom dependence, and severity of depressive symptoms during abstinence from kratom. The mRNA expression of binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP), X-box binding protein 1, activating transcription factor 4, and C/-EBP homologous protein (CHOP) (major indicators of ER stress response) were analyzed using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in leucocyte-derived total RNA sample of the participants.

Results

PWUK regardless of their pattern of kratom use recorded significantly higher expression of BiP mRNA compared with controls. Expression of CHOP mRNA was only significantly higher in those who first consumed kratom at the age of 18 years and above and those who have been using kratom for longer than 6 years, compared with controls. Higher expression of BiP, ATF4, and CHOP mRNA were significantly positive correlated with greater severity of kratom dependence. Although only higher expression of BiP and CHOP mRNA were significantly positively correlated with greater severity of depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

Regular kratom consumption may activate the ER stress pathway and there may be a link between altered ER stress response and kratom dependence and kratom induced depressive symptoms.
“Be Strong My Sista'”
Authors: Cousin Lakeshia , Johnson-Mallard Versie , Booker Staja Q.
Published: March 2022

The experience of chronic pain is influenced by gender, race, and age but is understudied in older Black women. Society and family alike expect Black older women to display superhuman strength and unwavering resilience. This qualitative study examined the narratives of 9 rural- and urban-dwelling Black older women to identify the ways in which they displayed strength while living with chronic osteoarthritis pain. Their “herstories” parallel the 5 characteristics of the Superwoman Schema/Strong Black Woman. Two additional characterizations emerged: spiritual submission for strength and code switching to suffering Black woman; these may be unique to Black Americans with pain.
Prevalence of Somatosensory Tinnitus in Veterans With Tinnitus
Authors: Theodoroff Sarah M. , McMillan Garnett P. , Frederick Melissa T. , Random Chan , Thielman Emily , Vergis Shiny , Cherian Kay , Cherian Neil
Published: March 2022

Objectives:

The primary objective was to estimate the prevalence of somatosensory tinnitus (ST) among Veterans with tinnitus.

Design:

Three hundred four Veterans with tinnitus were phone screened for ST by performing and reporting on a series of head/neck/jaw maneuvers. A random sample of 12 individuals who screened positive and five who screened negative attended an in-person visit to confirm the presence/absence of ST.

Results:

Of the 304 Veterans, 12 could not complete the screening maneuvers, 205 screened positive, and 87 screened negative. A Bayesian estimator that combines phone screening and in-person exam results establishes the prevalence of ST among Veterans with tinnitus at 56% with a 90% Bayesian confidence interval of 45% to 65%.

Conclusions:

At least half of Veterans with tinnitus have ST, suggesting that a sizable at-need population exists. Treatment addressing the biomechanical component has the potential to improve tinnitus symptoms.
Efficacy of automated electronic medical records (EMR) notification to promote provider intervention for severe depression: a retrospective record review
Authors: McKelvey Karma , Lindsey Caryn , Castro Marco , Vrahas Mark
Published: February 2022

Background:

Depressive symptoms as measured by the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Depression (D; PROMIS-D) score is a patient-specific independent predictor of decreased improvement after orthopaedic surgery. Despite evidence that depression predicts worse surgical outcomes, data show orthopaedic surgeons rarely address mental health with their patients.

Methods:

The authors conducted a retrospective chart review of all patient visit data from October 1, 2018 through December 31, 2020, at Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedic Center outpatient clinics to determine if a best practices alert built into the electronic medical record (EMR) notifying surgeons of their patients who had PROMIS-D scores of 70+ (severe depression) would be impetus enough for providers to intervene. Records with PROMIS-D scores of 70+ (N=361) were selected and reviewed; the authors examined how often the surgeons documented an action in the record in response to the depression notification.

Results:

Surgeons were found to take action in only 28.5% (N=103) of the visits with qualifying scores.

Conclusions:

Notification of patient depression status alone was insufficient to persuade most surgeons to discuss mental health with their severely depressed patients. To empower surgeons to have these important conversations, extant barriers need to be identified and addressed. The association with rates of intervention and individual-level factors of both patients and providers could be explored.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV.