bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ACUTE ACALCULOUS CHOLECYSTITIS IN CHINA
Authors: Li J , Wang W , Luo HS
Published: April 2023

In order to study the clinical characteristics of patients with acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) in China, we retrospectively analysed the epidemiology, clinical manifestations and treatment of hospitalised cases with AAC in our hospital between January 1991 and October 1998, and compared the results with western reports. Most AAC cases in our series were younger than 60 years, and there was no significant difference between males and females. Their clinical manifestations were usually not serious. Only one patient suffered complications. The rate of complications and mortality was lower than those in western countries. All patients were treated and recovered; none needed an emergency operation and there were no deaths.
SLEEP DISORDERS IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Authors: Abdelgabar A , Sharma J
Published: April 2023

Sleep quality is one of the major sources of dissatisfaction among patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Insomnia, parasomnia and daytime sleep disorders are all common. The motor problems accompanying PD are well studied and documented, yet little is known about sleep and the other non‐motor problems. Dopaminergic medications, the neurochemical and neurodegenerative changes may all contribute to the pathogenesis of sleep disorders in PD. Subjective or objective sleepiness assessment should routinely be performed by physicians looking after PD patients. Patients should be informed of the risks associated with excessive daytime sleepiness. Management is difficult and should be targeted to the specific sleep disorder and its likely cause. Simple sleep measures such as sleep hygiene should be tried first before pharmacological treatment is initiated.
THE COST‐EFFECTIVENESS OF A NEW STATIN (ROSUVASTATIN) IN THE UK NHS
Authors: Palmer SJ , Brady AJ , Ratcliffe AE
Published: April 2023

Statins are central to the government's National Service Framework (NSF) for coronary heart disease (CHD). NHS spending on statins is currently about £500 million per annum and rising at an annual rate of 30%. Although generally considered to be a cost‐effective treatment for hyperlipidaemia and cardiovascular disease, given the high and rising expenditure on statins in the UK, there is a pressing need to ensure that the choice between available statins reflects cost‐effectiveness considerations. A decision model was developed to establish the cost‐effectiveness of treating new hypercholesterolaemic patients to UK and European target levels of blood total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (LDL‐C), using rosuvastatin, atorvastatin, simvastatin, pravastatin or fluvastatin. The model was used to estimate the proportion of patients reaching target and the associated costs over a one‐year period from the perspective of the NHS. The effectiveness of the alternative statins were modelled using data from the Statin Therapies for Elevated Lipid Levels compared Across doses to Rosuvastatin (STELLAR) trial. Monte Carlo simulation was used to reflect uncertainty in the parameter estimates applied in the model. Rosuvastatin is demonstrated to dominate (i.e. lower costs and a higher number of patients treated to target) atorvastatin, simvastatin and pravastatin. Compared with fluvastatin, the incremental cost per additional patient to target (PTT) for rosuvastatin was £24 using LDL‐C and £83 using TC. The probability that rosuvastatin is cost‐effective exceeds 95%, provided the NHS is prepared to pay at least £35 per PTT to achieve target LDL‐C cholesterol levels (£160 for TC). The analysis demonstrates rosuvastatin is more cost‐effective than the other statins in achieving UK and European cholesterol targets.
PATIENT SATISFACTION WITH CONVENTIONAL AND NURSE‐LED TELEPHONE FOLLOW‐UP AFTER NASAL SEPTAL SURGERY
Authors: Uppal S , Nadig S , Mielcarek MW , Smith L , Jose J , Coatesworth AP
Published: April 2023

The need to bring down costs while maintaining a high standard of care has led to the expansion in the role of nurses in recent years. We present results of an audit of patient satisfaction with conventional and nurse‐led telephone follow‐up after nasal septal surgery. Our results indicate that patient satisfaction with nurse‐led telephone follow‐up is significantly higher than conventional follow‐up (p=0.001, two‐tailed). More patients in the conventional follow‐up group felt that a follow‐up appointment with an ENT doctor was essential compared with the patients in the nurse‐led telephone follow‐up group (p<0.001, two‐tailed). We conclude that nurse‐led telephone follow‐up avoids unnecessary outpatient appointments, while identifying patients who require further care. It makes more appointment slots available for patients with pressing clinical problems and has the potential to reduce outpatient access times in the NHS.
EFFICACY AND TOLERABILITY OF FORMOTEROL TURBUHALER® IN CHILDREN
Authors: Von Berg A , Papageorgiou Saxoni F , Wille S , Carrillo T , Kattamis C , Helms P‐J
Published: April 2023

A randomised, double‐blind trial was undertaken to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of formoterol Turbuhaler® in children with mild to moderate asthma. After a two‐week run‐in, 248 children aged 6–17 years were randomised to receive formoterol 4.5 and 9 ug b.i.d. or placebo for 12 weeks. Morning PEF (primary variable), was significantly improved versus placebo only in the formoterol 9 ug b.i.d. group (13 l/min, 95% CI: 1.9, 24.2%; p=0.02). Both formoterol 4.5 and 9 ug significantly increased the pre‐bronchodilator FEV1 by 5.2–6.7% (p<0.05) and reduced use of daytime relief medication versus placebo (p<0.05). Formoterol 9 ug significantly reduced night‐time reliever use and awakenings due to asthma versus placebo (p<0.05). Both doses of formoterol were as well tolerated as placebo. In conclusion, formoterol 4.5 and 9 μg b.i.d. is effective and well tolerated as maintenance therapy in children with mild to moderate asthma.
THE ADJUNCTIVE EFFECT OF TELMISARTAN IN PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSION UNCONTROLLED ON CURRENT ANTIHYPERTENSIVE THERAPY
Authors: Gil‐Extremera B , Ma PTS , Yulde J , Kalnins U , Harkin N , Williams L
Published: April 2023

This prospective, double‐blind, randomised, parallel‐group, multicentre study assessed the adjunctive effect of telmisartan monotherapy versus placebo in controlling blood pressure during the last six hours of the 24‐hour dosing period. After a two‐week run‐in phase, 375 patients with essential hypertension uncontrolled on existing therapy were randomised to either placebo or telmisartan (40 mg uptitrated to 80 mg after four weeks, if needed) for eight weeks. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) was conducted at randomisation (baseline) and treatment end. The change from baseline in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) over the last six hours (primary endpoint) was significantly greater with telmisartan than placebo (adjusted mean treatment difference in favour of telmisartan: −3.7 mmHg, 95% confidence interval (CI) −5.5, −1.9 mmHg, p≤0.001, n=350), as was the reduction in 24‐hour DBP (adjusted mean treatment difference: −5.0 mmHg, 95% CI −6.5, −3.5 mmHg, p≤0.001). Telmisartan also reduced mean systolic blood pressure significantly more than placebo over the last six hours and the entire 24‐hour dosing interval. Responder rates (ABPM DBR seated DBR and overall [seated SBP/DBP]) at 8 weeks were significantly higher with telmisartan than with placebo (p≤0.01). All treatments were well tolerated. When added to existing antihypertensive regimens, telmisartan offers additional effectiveness while maintaining placebo‐like tolerability
TRIMETAZIDINE IN GERIATRIC PATIENTS WITH STABLE ANGINA PECTORIS: THE TIGER STUDY
Authors: Kölbel F , Bada V
Published: April 2023

This study aims to assess the efficacy and tolerance of the metabolic antianginal agent trimetazidine, a 3‐KAT inhibitor, in 141 stable angina patients aged 65–86 years. Efficacy was assessed with exercise tests and clinical evaluation after 12 weeks of treatment. The main outcome was an increase in exercise duration by 52±92 sec (p<0.001). Other exercise test parameters also improved, with no change in rate‐pressure product. Angina attacks and short‐acting nitrate consumption significantly decreased, indicating an improvement in quality of life. Two adverse events were reported (gastric pain and dyspepsia) but they were mild and transient. In conclusion, in elderly stable angina patients, trimetazidine improves exercise stress tests and angina symptoms. Because of its metabolic effect, free from any haemodynamic action, trimetazidine proved to be beneficial in elderly patients and with an excellent tolerance profile.
BRONCHIAL ENTRAPMENT OF A CHICKEN BONE FOR 14 YEARS
Authors: Lee SW , Fang TJ , Hsu CW , Li HY
Published: April 2023

Prolonged airway entrapment of a foreign body is a rare occurrence. We report a case of a chicken bone retained in the right main bronchus for 14 years and highlight the importance of a foreign body in the airway in the differential diagnosis of chronic and intractable cough.
Informal caregiver and nurse perceptions of access to culturally appropriate health care for ethnic minority persons with dementia: A qualitative study
Authors: Duran‐Kiraç Gözde , Uysal‐Bozkir Özgül , Uittenbroek Ronald , van Hout Hein , Broese van Groenou Marjolein I.
Published: April 2023

Aims

This study explored what informal caregivers of ethnic minority (EM) persons with dementia in the Netherlands perceive as culturally accessible health care and nurses' perceptions of how cultural competence can be improved to facilitate access to health care for EM persons with dementia and their informal caregivers.

Design

Qualitative description research with semi‐structured individual interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs).

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews with 15 nurses and 6 informal caregivers provided input for two FGDs with nurses about the need to strengthen their cultural competence to improve access to health care for EM persons with dementia and their informal caregivers. Interview data were collected between September 2020 and April 2021 in the Netherlands. Focus group discussion data were collected between June and September 2021 in the Netherlands.

Results

Nurses and informal caregivers experienced difficulty building and maintaining a relationship. Contrary to informal caregivers' experiences, nurses felt a shared cultural background with the persons with dementia and informal caregiver is necessary. Although nurses acknowledged the importance of cultural knowledge, cultural skills, in particular, were mentioned as needing improvement. Examples are mapping involved family members and their roles, asking the right questions and letting go of personal judgements. Nurses frequently mentioned stereotypical thinking and seeing ‘the other’ as different, and collaboration with(in) family proved difficult for informal caregivers and nurses.

Conclusion

Strengthening cultural skills will contribute to facilitating better access to cultural appropriate health care for EM persons with dementia and their informal caregivers.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Impact

This study explores what is perceived as culturally accessible health care and what nurses need to improve their cultural competence. We show that strengthening nurses' cultural competence by addressing which skills should be improved can improve access to health care for EM persons with dementia and their informal caregivers.
Nowhere to escape: the cross‐age avian haemosporidian exposure of migrants in northeast China
Authors: Yang Guocheng , Peng Yangyang , Wang Haitao , Huang Xi , Dong Lu
Published: April 2023

Pathogen infection has been progressively recognized as a potential driver of animal migration, and the infection pattern in a certain host may be related to its migration status. Nestling viability can be a crucial life stage in the evolution of the migration cycle but have been irregularly studied to date. In this study, we tested the ‘migratory exposure' hypothesis by comparing the prevalence and diversity of avian haemosporidian parasites in the breeding area between two dominant species including adults and nestlings: yellow‐rumped flycatcher Ficedula zanthopygia, which is a summer migratory species, and Japanese tit Parus minor, which is a local resident species. The yellow‐rumped flycatcher harboured more diverse parasite lineages than the Japanese tit, which is in line with the expectation of the ‘migratory exposure' hypothesis, while nestlings present a similar but more applicable pattern. Among the 40 unique identified parasite lineages, only one was shared between host species and three between age classes. Nestlings suffered a high parasite diversity with plenty of age‐specific lineages in the breeding area, mainly Leucocytozoon, which may suggest an extraordinary selection pressure in early life‐stages during migration. However, the most common lineages in adults were not detected in nestlings, and the prevalence of infection is significantly lower in nestlings than in adults. Our results suggest that migratory birds may have suffered from more frequent parasite infections during migration, but escaped from more virulent lineages at the same time. The difference in susceptibility and parasite assembly between adults and nestlings in migrants may result from an intricate interaction along the evolution of life history. Our investigations have revealed the significance of avian haemosporidian parasite infection patterns in nestlings in breeding areas, and provide a novel insight into the driving forces of migration.
Efficacy of imiquimod in the management of lentigo maligna
Authors: Daude Marie , Dinulescu Monica , Nguyen Jean‐Michel , Maillard Hervé , Le Duff Florence , Machet Laurent , Beylot‐Barry Marie , Legoupil Delphine , Wierzbicka‐Hainaut Ewa , Bedane Christophe , Leccia Marie Thérèse , Debarbieux Sébastien , Meyer Nicolas , Monestier Sandrine , Bens Guido , Denis Marc G. , Bossard Celine , Vergier Beatrice , Khammari Amir , Dréno Brigitte
Published: April 2023

Background

Lentigo maligna (LM) is a melanocytic proliferation occurring on photo‐exposed skin that may progress to LM melanoma. Surgery is recommended as first‐line treatment. Excision margins of 5–10 mm remain, without international consensus. Several studies have shown that imiquimod, an immunomodulator, induces LM regression. This study investigated the effect of imiquimod versus placebo in neoadjuvant settings.

Patients and Methods

We performed a prospective, randomized, multicentre, phase III clinical study. Patients were randomly assigned in 1:1 ratio to receive imiquimod or placebo for 4 weeks, followed by LM excision 4 weeks after the last application of imiquimod or placebo. The primary endpoint was extra‐lesional excision, with a 5 mm margin from the residual pigmentation after imiquimod or vehicle. Secondary endpoints included the gain on the surface removed between the two groups; number of revision surgeries to obtain extra‐lesional excisions; relapse‐free time; and number of complete remissions after treatment.

Results

A total of 283 patients participated in this study; 247 patients, 121 patients in the placebo group and 126 in the imiquimod group, accounted for the modified ITT population. The first extralesional extirpation was performed in 116 (92%) imiquimod patients and in 102 (84%) placebo patients; the difference was not significant (p = 0.0743). Regarding the surface of LM, imiquimod reduced the LM surface (4.6–3.1 cm2) significantly (p < 0.001) more compared to the placebo (3.9–4.1 cm2).

Conclusion

Imiquimod reduces the lentigo maligna surface after 1 month of treatment, without a higher risk of intralesional excision and with a positive aesthetic outcome.
Effective prognostic and clinical risk stratification in COVID‐19 using multimodality biomarkers
Authors: Liu Alexander , Hammond Robert , Donnelly Peter D. , Kaski Juan Carlos , Coates Anthony R. M.
Published: April 2023

In acute coronavirus disease 19 (COVID‐19) patients, effective clinical risk stratification has important implications on treatment and therapeutic resource distribution. This article reviews the evidence behind a wide range of biomarkers with prognostic value in COVID‐19. Patient characteristics and co‐morbidities, such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, are associated with increased mortality risk. Peripheral oxygen saturation and arterial oxygenation are predictive of severe respiratory compromise, whereas risk scores such as the 4C‐score enable multi‐factorial prognostic risk estimation. Blood tests such as markers of inflammation, cardiac injury and d‐dimer and abnormalities on electrocardiogram are linked to inpatient prognosis. Of the imaging modalities, lung ultrasound and echocardiography enable the bedside assessment of prognostic abnormalities in COVID‐19. Chest radiograph (CXR) and computed tomography (CT) can inform about prognostic pulmonary pathologies, whereas cardiovascular CT detects high‐risk features such as coronary artery and aortic calcification. Dynamic changes in biomarkers, such as blood tests, CXR, CT and electrocardiogram findings, can further inform about disease severity and prognosis. Despite the vast volumes of existing evidence, several gaps exist in our understanding of COVID‐19 biomarkers. First, the pathophysiological basis on which these markers can foretell prognosis in COVID‐19 remains poorly understood. Second, certain under‐explored tests such as thoracic impedance assessment and cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging deserve further investigation. Lastly, the prognostic values of most biomarkers in COVID‐19 are derived from retrospective analyses. Prospective studies are required to validate these markers for guiding clinical decision‐making and to facilitate their translation into clinical management pathways.
Self‐reported periodontitis association with impaired smell and taste: A multicenter survey
Authors: Schertel Cassiano Luisa , Ribeiro Ana Paula , Peres Marco Anselmo , Lopez Rodrigo , Fjældstad Alexander , Marchini Leonardo , Nascimento Gustavo G.
Published: April 2023

Objectives

To investigate the association between self‐reported periodontitis and the senses of taste and smell among employees of one Danish and two American universities.

Materials and Methods

Data were collected through a digital survey. A total of 1239 individuals from Aarhus University – Denmark, the University of Iowa, and the University of Florida – USA were included. Self‐reported periodontitis was the exposure. The perceived senses of taste and smell were the outcomes and were measured through a visual analog scale (VAS). Self‐perceived halitosis was the mediator. Confounders were age, sex, income, education, xerostomia, COVID‐19, smoking, body mass index, and diabetes. The total effect was decomposed into direct and indirect using a counterfactual approach.

Results

The total effect of periodontitis on an impaired sense of taste was OR 1.56 (95% CI [1.02, 2.09]), of which 23% was mediated by halitosis (OR 1.13; 95% CI [1.03, 1.22]). Additionally, individuals with self‐reported periodontitis had a 53% higher chance of having impaired smell (OR 1.53; 95% CI [1.00, 2.04]), with halitosis mediating 21% of the total effect (OR 1.11; 95% CI [1.02, 1.20]).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that periodontitis is associated with distorted senses of taste and smell. Additionally, this association appears to be mediated by halitosis.
Challenges and stressors in intimate intercultural relationships: A systematic research synthesis
Authors: Su Tom
Published: April 2023

Globalization has facilitated increasing cross‐cultural interactions and the formation of intimate intercultural relationships. This study systemically screened and reviewed fifteen quantitative studies that included participants in a current intimate intercultural relationship, synthesizing their research methods and findings with a focus on investigating stressors and challenges. The results revealed that intercultural couples could face various external challenges like marginalization and family disapproval and internal challenges such as conflicting cultural values. When these challenges and stressors are present, couples are more likely to experience lower relationship satisfaction and more negative relational interactions. This study provides an overview of the state of quantitative research on intercultural relationships, highlighting its limitations and future directions. The findings of this critical analysis can also inform clinical practices with distressed intercultural couples.
Crowdsourcing in patent examination: overcoming patent examiners' local search bias
Authors: Lampe Hannes W.
Published: April 2023

This article investigates how crowdsourcing for knowledge creation in a crucial knowledge‐intense task – patent application examination – informs decision‐making. It is hypothesized that patent examiners' views underly a local search bias (i.e., they rely on locally preferred and conveniently available local information), which may be overcome through crowdsourcing. To analyze this potential effect of crowdsourcing, this study analyzes USPTO's Peer To Patent initiative, opening the patent examination process to public participation for the first time. The data from this initiative is further enhanced with data from the PatentsView database and the Patent Examination Research Database. The study results provide the first empirical evidence that crowdsourcing aids a patent examination process in overcoming the examiner's local search bias – their over‐reliance on internal knowledge. In particular, it is found that crowdsourcing in patent examination increases examiners' reliance on atypical and less formalized knowledge. Overall, these findings enable several theoretical and practical recommendations.
Differences between Registered Nurses and nurse assistants around missed nursing care—An observational, comparative study
Authors: Nymark Carolin , Falk Ann‐Charlotte , von Vogelsang Ann‐Christin , Göransson Katarina E.
Published: April 2023

Background

From a nursing perspective, tasks that are not carried out, and the consequences of this, have been studied for over a decade. The difference between Registered Nurses (RNs) and nurse assistants (NAs) regarding qualifications and work tasks, and the profound knowledge around RN‐to‐patient ratios, warrants investigating missed nursing care (MNC) for each group rather than as one (nursing staff).

Aim

To describe and compare RNs and NAs ratings of and reasons for MNC at in‐hospital wards.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study with a comparative approach. RNs and NAs at in‐hospital medical and surgical wards for adults were invited to answer the MISSCARE Survey‐Swedish version, including questions on patient safety and quality of care.

Results

A total of 205 RNs and 219 NAs answered the questionnaire. Quality of care and patient safety was rated as good by both RNs and NAs. Compared to NAs, RNs reported more MNC, for example, in the item ‘Turning patient every 2 h’ (p < 0.001), ‘Ambulation three times per day or as ordered’ (p = 0.018), and ‘Mouth care’ (p < 0.001). NAs reported more MNC in the items ‘Medications administered within 30 min before or after scheduled time’ (p = 0.005), and ‘Patient medication requests acted on within 15 min’ (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found between the samples concerning reasons for MNC.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that RNs' and NAs' ratings of MNC to a large extent differed between the groups. RNs and NAs should be viewed as separate groups based on their different knowledge levels and roles when caring for patients. Thus, viewing all nursing staff as a homogenous group in MNC research may mask important differences between the groups. These differences are important to address when taking actions to reduce MNC in the clinical setting.
Clinical, immunological and molecular findings of patients with DOCK‐8 deficiency from India
Authors: Gowri Vijaya , Chougule Akshaya , Gupta Maya , Taur Prasad , Iyengar Vaishnavi V. , Sivasankaran Meena , Munirathnam Deenadayalan , Krishna Sushma , Bargir Umair A. , Dalvi Aparna , Setia Priyanka , Jodhawat Neha , Shinde Shweta , Prabhu Shakuntala S. , Bodhanwala Minnie , Madkaikar Manisha R. , Desai Mukesh M.
Published: April 2023

DOCK8 deficiency affects various cell subsets belonging to both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Clinical diagnosis is challenging, as many cases present with severe atopic dermatitis as the only initial manifestation. Though flow cytometry helps in the presumptive diagnosis of DOCK8‐deficient patients by evaluating their DOCK8 protein expression, it requires subsequent confirmation by molecular genetic analysis. Currently, haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the only curative treatment option available for these patients. There is a paucity of data from India on the clinical diversity and molecular spectrum of DOCK8 deficiency. In the present study, we report the clinical, immunological and molecular findings of 17 DOCK8‐deficient patients from India diagnosed over the last 5 years.
“THE MYSTERY OF HUMAN UNIQUENESS”: COMMON SENSE, SCIENCE, AND JUDAISM
Authors: Mittleman Alan
Published: April 2023

Uniqueness implies singularity, incomparability. Nonetheless, as applied to everything within the human lifeworld, including ourselves, uniqueness is relativized. This becomes clear in the tension between “commonsensical” and “scientific” perspectives on the human. Our commonsense approach posits that human beings are unique among animals—unique because of our properties, most especially our consciousness, as well as because of our significance and value. From a scientific perspective, however, the uniqueness of the human—if it can be affirmed at all—is possibly a matter of degree, not kind. Additionally, the scientific perspective prescinds from judgments of the value of the human. To join these perspectives, without giving up on the importance of either one, is a philosophical and theological challenge. A Jewish approach to the challenge is offered here.
On the Benefits and Limitations of Modulated Damping With Passive Motor Control
Authors: Vailati Léo G. , Goldfarb Michael
Published: April 2023

Conventional emulated damping, in which velocity feedback is employed in combination with motor current control to emulate damping, is used in a number of mechatronic applications. As known in the field, although such damping should be strictly passive, several implementation factors render this emulation nonpassive and subject to instability, especially with increasing damping ratios. This paper describes an alternative implementation of emulated damping that employs passive motor control, which does not draw energy from a battery or any other power source. The method is specifically described in the context of a brushless direct-current (BLDC) motor; an unique controller architecture is used along with a particular MOSFET switching scheme which employs only a subset of the standard BLDC motor driver and does not require electronic commutation. This paper employs analytical and experimental means to compare damping control with the described passive motor approach, relative to using a conventional BLDC motor control approach. Stability considerations for each scheme are discussed. Benchtop testing demonstrates the advantage of the passive control scheme in terms of providing smooth behavior, enhancing control robustness, preventing energy leaks, and providing accurate behavior. The special cases of unilateral and asymmetric behaviors (i.e., different damping command for each direction of rotation) are also considered.
Programming High-Speed and Sprint Running Exposure in Football: Beliefs and Practices of More Than 100 Practitioners Worldwide
Authors: Dello Iacono Antonio , Beato Marco , Unnithan Viswanath B. , Shushan Tzlil
Published: April 2023

Purpose: To gain knowledge on the beliefs and practices of football practitioners applying high-speed and sprint running exposure programming strategies. Methods: One hundred two football practitioners from 22 different countries participated in a study consisting of a survey including 5 domains: demographic and professional characteristics (Who); importance of high-speed and sprint running exposure for physical-capability development, preparation for competition, and injury-prevention strategies (Why); exposure timing (When); methodological procedures for exposure monitoring and training scheduling (What); and effectiveness of common training practices (How). Data were analyzed using a combination of descriptive statistics, generalized mixed effects, and multinomial logistic regression models. Results: Data revealed 5 main findings: (1) overall agreement on the importance of exposure for physical-capability development, preparation for competition, and injury-prevention strategies; (2) different exposure timing and selective training scheduling for starting and nonstarting players across typical and congested weeks; (3) lack of consensus on the conceptual constructs defining high-speed and sprint running metrics and the methodological procedures used for monitoring; (4) a probable association between match-related outcomes and exposure strategies used in training; and (5) a broad range of training methods considered effective to elicit exposure. Conclusions: This study provides actionable insights into the planning, implementing, and monitoring strategies for high-speed and sprint running exposure in football. While some conform with the evidence on high-speed and sprint running training in football, further research and professional debate are warranted to develop empirical knowledge and provide pragmatic recommendations to help practitioners in adopting evidence-informed decisions.
The genomic landscape of familial glioma
Authors: Choi Dong-Joo , Armstrong Georgina , Lozzi Brittney , Vijayaraghavan Prashanth , Plon Sharon E. , Wong Terence C. , Boerwinkle Eric , Muzny Donna M. , Chen Hsiao-Chi , Gibbs Richard A. , Ostrom Quinn T. , Melin Beatrice , Deneen Benjamin , Bondy Melissa L. ,   The Gliogene Consortium,   Genomics England Research Consortium, Bainbridge Matthew N. , Amos Christopher I. , Barnholtz-Sloan Jill S. , Bernstein Jonine L. , Claus Elizabeth B. , Houlston Richard S. , Il'yasova Dora , Jenkins Robert B. , Johansen Christoffer , Lachance Daniel , Lai Rose , Melin Beatrice S. , Merrell Ryan T. , Olson Sara H. , Sadetzki Siegal , Schildkraut Joellen , Shete Sanjay , Ambrose J. C. , Arumugam P. , Bevers R. , Bleda M. , Boardman-Pretty F. , Boustred C. R. , Brittain H. , Brown M. A. , Caulfield M. J. , Chan G. C. , Giess A. , Griffin J. N. , Hamblin A. , Henderson S. , Hubbard T. J. P. , Jackson R. , Jones L. J. , Kasperaviciute D. , Kayikci M. , Kousathanas A. , Lahnstein L. , Lakey A. , Leigh S. E. A. , Leong I. U. S. , Lopez F. J. , Maleady-Crowe F. , McEntagart M. , Minneci F. , Mitchell J. , Moutsianas L. , Mueller M. , Murugaesu N. , Need A. C. , O'Donovan P. , Odhams C. A. , Patch C. , Perez-Gil D. , Pereira M. B. , Pullinger J. , Rahim T. , Rendon A. , Rogers T. , Savage K. , Sawant K. , Scott R. H. , Siddiq A. , Sieghart A. , Smith S. C. , Sosinsky A. , Stuckey A. , Tanguy M. , Taylor Tavares A. L. , Thomas E. R. A. , Thompson S. R. , Tucci A. , Welland M. J. , Williams E. , Witkowska K. , Wood S. M. , Zarowiecki M.
Published: April 2023

Glioma is a rare brain tumor with a poor prognosis. Familial glioma is a subset of glioma with a strong genetic predisposition that accounts for approximately 5% of glioma cases. We performed whole-genome sequencing on an exploratory cohort of 203 individuals from 189 families with a history of familial glioma and an additional validation cohort of 122 individuals from 115 families. We found significant enrichment of rare deleterious variants of seven genes in both cohorts, and the most significantly enriched gene was
HERC2
(
P
 = 0.0006). Furthermore, we identified rare noncoding variants in both cohorts that were predicted to affect transcription factor binding sites or cause cryptic splicing. Last, we selected a subset of discovered genes for validation by CRISPR knockdown screening and found that
DMBT1, HP1BP3
,
and ZCH7B3
have profound impacts on proliferation. This study performs comprehensive surveillance of the genomic landscape of familial glioma.
Targeting IRG1 reverses the immunosuppressive function of tumor-associated macrophages and enhances cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Chen Yu-Jia , Li Guan-Nan , Li Xian-Jing , Wei Lin-Xing , Fu Min-Jie , Cheng Zhou-Li , Yang Zhen , Zhu Gui-Qi , Wang Xu-Dong , Zhang Cheng , Zhang Jin-Ye , Sun Yi-Ping , Saiyin Hexige , Zhang Jin , Liu Wei-Ren , Zhu Wen-Wei , Guan Kun-Liang , Xiong Yue , Yang Yong , Ye Dan , Chen Lei-Lei
Published: April 2023

Immune-responsive gene 1 (IRG1) encodes aconitate decarboxylase (ACOD1) that catalyzes the production of itaconic acids (ITAs). The anti-inflammatory function of IRG1/ITA has been established in multiple pathogen models, but very little is known in cancer. Here, we show that IRG1 is expressed in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in both human and mouse tumors. Mechanistically, tumor cells induce
Irg1
expression in macrophages by activating NF-κB pathway, and ITA produced by ACOD1 inhibits TET DNA dioxygenases to dampen the expression of inflammatory genes and the infiltration of CD8
+
T cells into tumor sites. Deletion of
Irg1
in mice suppresses the growth of multiple tumor types and enhances the efficacy of anti–PD-(L)1 immunotherapy. Our study provides a proof of concept that ACOD1 is a potential target for immune-oncology drugs and
IRG1
-deficient macrophages represent a potent cell therapy strategy for cancer treatment even in pancreatic tumors that are resistant to T cell–based immunotherapy.
Revealing the reversible solid-state electrochemistry of lithium-containing conjugated oximates for organic batteries
Authors: Wang Jiande , Apostol Petru , Rambabu Darsi , Guo Xiaolong , Liu Xuelian , Robeyns Koen , Du Mengyuan , Zhang Yan , Pal Shubhadeep , Markowski Robert , Lucaccioni Fabio , Lakraychi Alae Eddine , Morari Cristian , Gohy Jean-François , Gupta Deepak , Vlad Alexandru
Published: April 2023

In the rising advent of organic Li-ion positive electrode materials with increased energy content, chemistries with high redox potential and intrinsic oxidation stability remain a challenge. Here, we report the solid-phase reversible electrochemistry of the oximate organic redox functionality. The disclosed oximate chemistries, including cyclic, acyclic, aliphatic, and tetra-functional stereotypes, uncover the complex interplay between the molecular structure and the electroactivity. Among the exotic features, the most appealing one is the reversible electrochemical polymerization accompanying the charge storage process in solid phase, through intermolecular azodioxy bond coupling. The best-performing oximate delivers a high reversible capacity of 350 mAh g
−1
at an average potential of 3.0 versus Li
+
/Li
0
, attaining 1 kWh kg
−1
specific energy content at the material level metric. This work ascertains a strong link between electrochemistry, organic chemistry, and battery science by emphasizing on how different phases, mechanisms, and performances can be accessed using a single chemical functionality.
Study protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial evaluating the feasibility and effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions to recover functionality after a transient ischaemic attack or a minor stroke: the ‘Back to Normal’ trial
Authors: Gonçalves Micaela , Lima Maria João , Fonseca Ângelo , Duque Cristina , Costa Ana Rute , Cruz Vitor Tedim
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and minor stroke are frequently assumed as temporary or non-disabling events. However, evidence suggests that these patients can experience relevant impairment and functional disability. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a 3-month multidomain intervention programme, composed of five non-pharmacological strategies, aimed at accelerating return to pre-event level of functionality in patients with TIA or minor stroke.

Methods and analysis

Patients diagnosed with a TIA or a minor stroke are being recruited at the emergency or neurology departments of the Hospital Pedro Hispano, located in Matosinhos, Portugal (n=70). Those who accept to participate will be randomly allocated to two groups (1:1): (a) Intervention—receives a 3 months combined approach, initiating early post-event, composed of cognitive training, physical exercise, nutrition, psychoeducation and assessment/correction of hearing loss; (b) Control—participants will not be subject to any intervention. Both groups will receive the usual standard of care provided to these diseases. Recruitment began in May 2022 and is expected to continue until March 2023. Socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyles, health status, cognitive function, symptoms of anxiety and depression and quality of life will be assessed; as well as anthropometry, blood pressure and physical condition. Time to complete or partial recovery of instrumental activities of daily living will be assessed using an adapted version of the Frenchay Activities Index. All participants will be evaluated before the intervention and after 3 months.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Local Health Unit of Matosinhos (Ref. 75/CES/JAS). Written informed consent will be required from all the participants; data protection and confidentiality will be also ensured. The findings of this project are expected to be submitted for publication in scientific articles, and the main results will be presented at relevant scientific meetings.

Trial registration number

NCT05369637.
A survey of broiler breast meat quality in the retail market of Quebec
Authors: Sammari Hajer , Askri Amani , Benahmed Sahar , Saucier Linda , Alnahhas Nabeel
Published: April 2023

In this study, 206 breast fillets were purchased from grocery stores in the province of Quebec and evaluated for the presence of different quality defects. Of these fillets, 48.5% showed breast muscle myopathies (BMM), 19.4% showed pale, soft, and exudative (PSE), and 6.8% showed dark, firm, and dry (DFD) attributes. BMM were equally present ( P > 0.05) in fillets of economical, commercial, and high-quality brands, while PSE-like fillets were more present in economical brands ( P < 0.0001). The combined effect of BMM and DFD induced significantly higher counts of Salmonella ( P = 0.03) and Enterobacteriaceae ( P = 0.03) in myopathic than in unaffected fillets. These quality defects also altered the nutritional quality of breast meat: BMM-affected fillets had greater fat content ( P < 0.0001) and DFD fillets had lower protein content ( P = 0.041) than normal fillets. The technological quality was only slightly impacted by BMM, while PSE-like fillets had higher cooking loss ( P = 0.009) and a tougher texture after cooking ( P < 0.0001) than DFD fillets. For the first time, this study confirmed the presence of multiple quality issues in the Quebec poultry supply chain, and provided valuable data to support future research efforts.
A new approach to project stand tables
Authors: Cao Quang V.
Published: April 2023

Recent research studies have shown that an integrated system can be constructed to provide future predictions when the inputs are from plot summary, a tree list, or a diameter distribution. The current study addresses the missing link, allowing this integrated system to also accept inputs from a stand table. In this study, different existing techniques were employed to process data in stand table format. Trees in each diameter class were modeled with a truncated Weibull distribution. A tree list was generated by dividing each diameter class into 0.2-cm sub-classes, the midpoint diameter of which represented diameter of an individual tree. Projecting the stand table was equivalent to growing trees in the tree list. Future tree survival and diameter growth were predicted by use of an individual-tree model, which was derived from a whole-stand model. This new method outperformed three existing stand table projection models, based on two error indices.
Exact special solutions of space–time fractional Cahn–Allen equation by beta and M-truncated derivatives
Authors: Sadaf Maasoomah , Akram Ghazala , Inc Mustafa , Dawood Mirfa , Rezazadeh Hadi , Akgül Ali
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we consider the nonlinear space–time fractional form of Cahn–Allen equation (FCAE) with beta and M-truncated derivatives. Cahn–Allen equation (CAE) is commonly used in many problems of physics and engineering, such as, solidification problems, phase separation in iron alloys and others. We apply the improved [Formula: see text]-expansion method (ITEM). We obtain four types of traveling wave solutions, including, trigonometric, hyperbolic, rational and exponential function solutions. We demonstrate some of the extracted solutions using definitions of the beta (BD) and M-truncated derivatives (MTD) to understand their dynamical behavior. We observe the fractional effects of the aforementioned derivatives on the related physical phenomena up to possible extent.
Numerical treatment of MHD Al2O3–Cu/engine oil-based nanofluid flow in a Darcy–Forchheimer medium: Application of radiative heat and mass transfer laws
Authors: Rasool Ghulam , Shafiq Anum , Wang Xinhua , Chamkha Ali J. , Wakif Abderrahim
Published: April 2023

This computational study was designed to examine the effect of alumina and copper on the flow of a nanofluid based on engine oil through a Darcy–Forchheimer porous media. The flow model incorporates the generalized radiative heat and mass transport rules. The Darcy–Forchheimer terms in the momentum equation and radiation term in the energy equation are integral parts of the governing nonlinear Navier–Stokes equations, which are two-dimensional partial differential equations. Under the constraint of the convective boundary, the stated PDEs are transformed into highly nonlinear versions of the ordinary differential equations. In order to solve the final ODEs, the numerical RK-45 approach is combined with the shooting methodology. Important aspects of the governing model include porosity, magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), a convective boundary, thermal radiation, and viscous dissipation. The final findings show that when the Forchheimer number increases, the velocity decreases because of the inertial effect included in the flow model. In addition, the velocity profile is improved due to the increased volume percentage of both kinds of nanoparticles. The temperature varies greatly depending on the volume fraction. A higher Biot number and the resulting convective border cause a greater heat flow than a non-convective barrier. For two particular examples, with and without MHD influence, interesting streamlines and contour graphs are produced.
Quantum control of quantum triple collisions in a maximally symmetric three-body Coulomb problem
Authors: Mendes R. Vilela
Published: April 2023

In Coulomb three-body problems, configurations of close proximity of the particles are classically unstable. In confined systems they might however exist as excited quantum states. By studying a maximally symmetric subspace of the three-body problem one obtains strong evidence for the existence of excited states for which the wavefunction is nonzero for triple collision configurations. Quantum control of such states by time-changing electromagnetic fields is discussed, with particular emphasis on the nature of the required controls.
On ring-like event systems in quantum logic
Authors: Dorninger Dietmar , Länger Helmut
Published: April 2023

A class of ring-like structures of events (RLSEs) is studied that generalizes Boolean rings. Quantum logics represented by orthomodular lattices are characterized within this class and the correspondence between Boolean algebras and Boolean rings is enlarged to orthomodular lattices. The structure of RLSEs and various subclasses is analyzed and classical logics are especially identified. Moreover, sets of numerical events within different contexts of physical problems are described. A numerical event is defined as a function [Formula: see text] from a set [Formula: see text] of states of a physical system to [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] is the probability of the occurrence of an event when the system is in state [Formula: see text]. In particular, the question is answered whether a given (small) set of numerical events will give rise to the assumption that one deals with a classical physical system or a quantum-mechanical one.
FeDDkw – Federated Learning with Dynamic Kullback–Leibler-divergence Weight
Authors: Li Boyuan , Chen Shengbo , Yu Keping
Published: April 2023

Federated learning (FL) has emerged as a promising framework for collaborative machine learning. As one of the most well-known bottlenecks of FL, data heterogeneity, i.e., non-IID data, has seriously hampered the convergence rate and model accuracy of FL. Although there are many works that aim to deal with this problem, none of them have directly exploited the data heterogeneity information, and thus cannot handle the problem effectively in general. In this paper, we try to answer the following fundamental question, whether this data heterogeneity information can be utilized to enhance the system performance. To this end, we propose
FedDkw
– Federated Learning with Dynamic KL-divergence Weight. Specifically, in every round, while uploading the model to the server, each participated client also piggybacks the distribution of the training data. The server maintains a global distribution, which is updated after receiving the distributions of all clients in each round. Then the weight of each client
i
is proportional to the

\(\frac{1}{KL(i)} \)

, where
KL
(
i
) is the Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence between the client’s distribution and the global counterpart. This indicates that the clients whose distribution is closer to the global one should be assigned with a larger weight, which coincides with our intuition. Furthermore, since uploading the clients’ data distribution in
FedDkw
may bring about potential security risks, we further propose
FedDkw++
to avoid this procedure. In particular, after each client uploads its model, the server uses its local data as the input to the model, and the obtained outcome is used as an estimation of the client’s distribution (we name this method “data distribution inference”). We have conducted extensive experiments in various scenarios. The results show that our algorithm can significantly accelerate the convergence rate than the current state-of-art algorithms under heterogeneous data.