bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential Effects Of Lorazepam Dosages On Manic Symptoms In Bipolar Disorder: Observations On Agitation, Aggression, And Sedation Outcomes
Authors: Hamed Khaled
Published: January 2025

Objective:
This study evaluates the differential effectiveness of two lorazepam dosages (1 mg and 2 mg) on managing acute
manic symptoms in patients with bipolar disorder. The research focuses on the impact of these dosages on
sedation, agitation, and aggression and examines the need for emergency interventions.
Methods:
An observational cohort study was conducted in two inpatient psychiatric facilities, involving 284 patients with
bipolar disorder in acute manic phases. Participants were divided into two groups based on prescribed lorazepam
dosages: 1 mg every 6 hours (4 mg/day) and 2 mg every 8 hours (6 mg/day). Primary outcomes included sedation
effectiveness (measured using the Ramsay Sedation Scale), changes in agitation and aggression (using the
Modified Overt Aggression Scale), and the frequency of emergency interventions. Data were analyzed using chisquare tests and t-tests to compare outcomes between dosage groups.
Results:
Patients receiving 2 mg of lorazepam showed slightly higher sedation and reduced aggression compared to the
1 mg group. However, both dosages required frequent emergency interventions to manage persistent agitation
and psychological restlessness. Specifically, 84.52% of females and 75.64% of males in the 1 mg group required
additional emergency medication, compared to 69.23% of females and 72.29% of males in the 2 mg group. As
measured by the Ramsay Sedation Scale, Sedation levels did not differ significantly between the groups (p >
0.05).
Conclusions:
While the 2 mg dosage offers marginally improved sedation and aggression control, neither dosage alone is
sufficient to manage the comprehensive symptoms of acute mania. These findings highlight the necessity of adjunctive therapy with antipsychotics or mood stabilizers for optimal symptom management
A Case Series Of Primary Adrenal Insufficiency Of Infectious Etiology (Tuberculous Adrenalitis) Presenting As Gastrointestinal, Systemic And Cutaneous Manifestations -A Single Center Experience From Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Ratnagiri B.S.V.V. , Padmaja Lella , Dasari Sai Bhavishya , Anireddy Srivani Reddy , Nikhil Chitte Hema
Published: January 2025

Addison's disease presents with chronic and progressive fatigue, muscle weakness, lightheadedness with
gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss) and hypotension and hyperpigmentation
with lab abnormalities such as hyponatremia and hyperkalemia with normal anion gap metabolic acidosis with
low cortisol and raised ACTH, that even after receiving cosyntropin stays low. The most common etiologies are
autoimmune adrenalitis in developed countries and TB in developing countries. We present a case series of 2
different case reports with various manifestations of primary adrenal insufficiency of infectious
etiology(extrapulmonary tuberculosis). The importance lies in the fact that extrapulmonary TB can present with
a wide range of symptoms mimicking other diseases. Primary adrenal insufficiency is rare but one such
presentation often leading to late diagnosis increasing morbidity and mortality. This case series highlights the importance of considering TB as one of the differential diagnoses for unexplained adrenal insufficiency even in the absence of a history of tuberculosis.
Clinical And Microbiological Spectrum Of Corneal Ulcer In Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Barik Dr Monisha , Nanda Dr. Prasanta Kumar , Barik Dr Monika
Published: January 2025

Aim: To find clinical microbiological spectrum and predisposing factors of corneal ulcer in Tertiary care centre.
Materials and Methods: This was a hospital based prospective study conducted in Hitech Medical and Hospital
Bhubaneswar. Suspected microbial keratitis were stained with fluorescent paper strip and examined under cobalt
blue light. Scraping of the edge and bases were directly inoculated on Sabouraud’s Dextrose Agar and Blood
Agar. Plates were examined daily in 1st week then every 3rd day for next 3 weeks.
Results: Maximum cases were seen in the age group of 25-50 years (63.79%), with male preponderance (60.30%).
Trauma to the affected eye was major predisposing factor for microbial keratitis (74.10%). The major etiological
agent in our study was fungal corneal ulcers followed by bacterial ulcer. Aspergillus spp. (53.84%) was most
common filamentous fungi followed by Fusarium spp. (23.07%). Among bacteria most common species was
Staphylococcus aureus 57.89% followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa present in
21.05% and 15.78% respectively.
Conclusions: The major aetiological agent in our study was fungal corneal ulcers followed by bacteria ulcer. Filamentous fungi were most common cause of fungal corneal ulcer with Hyaline fungi (80.76%) and Phaeoid fungi (11.53%)
Comparison Between The Adoption Of Traditional And Agile Project Management Methodologies And Their Motivations
Authors: Júnior Nilson José De Oliveira , Lima Orlem Pinheiro De
Published: January 2025

Este artigo analisa as metodologias de gestão de projetos mais frequentemente adotadas em diferentes tipos de
organizações na cidade de Manaus-AM, com foco em identificar as motivações que guiam essas escolhas.
Utilizando uma abordagem quantitativa, survey, a pesquisa baseou-se na aplicação de um questionário
direcionado a organizações de diferentes setores, abrangendo abordagens ágeis, tradicionais e híbridas. Os
resultados indicam que metodologias ágeis, como Kanban e Scrum, são predominantes em ambientes dinâmicos,
enquanto abordagens tradicionais, como PMBOK e Waterfall, permanecem relevantes em contextos mais
estáveis e regulados. Fatores como cultura organizacional, natureza e complexidade do projeto foram destacados
como determinantes na escolha da metodologia. Este trabalho contribui para a literatura ao preencher lacunas
relacionadas às motivações por trás da adoção de metodologias e ferramentas em diferentes contextos
organizacionais. Por fim, sugere-se que futuras pesquisas explorem práticas híbridas e analisem em maior profundidade o impacto das tecnologias emergentes no sucesso dos projetos
Etude De L’influence De La Gestion Integree De La Fertilisation Du Sol Sur Le Rendement De Soja (Glycine Max) A Oicha
Authors: Emmanuel Par Mumbere Ndianabo , Philemon Paluku Ndina , Patrick Kambale Thawithe , Kalume Muhindo Manusi Josué Et Kambale
Published: January 2025

La présente étude poursuit l’objectif de chercher le moyen de rehausser les rendements de la culture du soja à
de surface réduite sans détériorer le sol cultivable. Pour la réalisation de ce travail, nous avons adapté un
dispositif expérimental en bloc randomisé comprenant chacun quatre parcelles où traitements répartis de façon
complètement aléatoire.
Dans ce fait, il revient de dire d’après cette étude que la production et la rentabilité de soja à de surface réduite
sans détériorer le sol sont optimales avec l’apport des matières organiques combinées aux apports des engrains
N17 ; P17 ; K17
Dans les conditions de cet essai, l’amendement organique et minéral peut être utilisé pour élever la production
de sols pauvres en nutriments utiles à la croissance, développement et rendement de la culture. De résultats
obtenus à partir de moyenne de traitements, il ressort de qui suit: T0=190, T1=1680, T2=2 240 et T3= 2 890.
De ce fait le traitement les plus rendables est T3 pour son rendement en graines en kilogramme par are étant
2 890. Les planteurs du soja peuvent avoir courage de pratiquer la GIF car elle sauvegarde le sol et augmente
leur production de culture.
Mots clés
Engrais: fumier minéral ou chimique qu’on répand sur la terre cultivée dans le but d’augmenter son potentiel
productif, ceci correspond au nutriment minéral.
Fertilisant: engrais pour les cultures au champ.
Gestion intégrée de la fertilité du sol: est la pratique d’application d’engrais combiné à celle des matières
organiques dans une culture en vue d’accroitre son rendement.
Gousse: fruit sec à deux fentes déhiscentes garni d’une rangée de graines, ceci se dit surtout pour les fruits de
légumineuses.
Matières organiques: ensemble des matières décomposées issues de des êtres vivants ou ensemble des produits
de décomposition des êtres vivants dans un sol.
Rameaux fructifères: ensemble de rameaux porteurs des organes reproducteurs notamment les fleurs pouvant
donner les fruits.
Rendement: production obtenue d’une culture relativement à la surface. Soja: légumineuse de la famille de fabacées dont les graines sont consommées cuites ou fermentée pour donner le lait de soja, tofu, sauce de soja.
Educação Continuada Em Saúde No Contexto Dos Profissionais Atuantes Em UTI’s
Authors: Riograndense Cíntia , Rocha Hellen Christiny De Miranda , Silva Renata Costa , Vieira Carolina Sena , Carvalho Lisa Antunes
Published: January 2025

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo investigar a percepção dos profissionais de saúde atuantes nas Unidades de
Terapia Intensiva (UTIs) sobre a Educação Continuada em Saúde (ECS), identificando os benefícios,
dificuldades e impactos dessa prática no contexto assistencial. A pesquisa foi de caráter descritivo e de campo,
com uma amostra composta por 27 profissionais de diferentes áreas da saúde, sendo a coleta de dados realizada
por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas. Os resultados revelaram que, embora os profissionais reconheçam a
importância da ECS para a atualização de conhecimentos e aprimoramento de habilidades, enfrentam
dificuldades como a carga de trabalho intensa, falta de tempo e apoio institucional insuficiente. Além disso, os
programas de ECS oferecidos nem sempre atendem às necessidades práticas do ambiente de UTI, sendo vistos
como superficiais e pouco focados na aplicação real do conhecimento adquirido. A conclusão aponta que a ECS
tem um grande potencial para melhorar a qualidade do atendimento nas UTIs, mas seu impacto depende da integração mais eficaz dos programas educacionais à rotina dos profissionais, bem como do apoio institucional para garantir a participação contínua nas atividades de formação.
Profissão Contábil: Análise E Reflexões Acerca Do Perfil Dos Profissionais Da Contabilidade Registrados Junto Aos Conselhos Regionais De Contabilidade No Brasil
Authors: Medeiros Thiago Vinícius Silva De , Repolho Ana Paula Pereira , Prado Nívily Simukaua , Kruger Juliano Milton
Published: January 2025

Este estudo tem como tema central a profissão contábil, com foco na análise e reflexões sobre o perfil dos
profissionais registrados nos Conselhos Regionais de Contabilidade (CRCs) do Brasil. A pesquisa busca
responder à pergunta: "Qual é o perfil dos profissionais da contabilidade registrados junto aos CRCs no Brasil?".
O objetivo geral foi analisar e refletir sobre esse perfil, considerando variáveis como o tipo de profissional
(contador ou técnico), gênero, distribuição regional e tipos de organização contábil. A metodologia adotada
segue a classificação proposta por Kruger [19] e caracteriza-se como uma pesquisa exploratório-descritiva. Esta
abordagem é adequada para investigar e descrever o perfil dos profissionais da contabilidade registrados nos
CRCs, proporcionando uma compreensão detalhada e abrangente do tema. O estudo utiliza uma abordagem
mista, combinando métodos qualitativos e quantitativos. Os resultados do estudo revelam uma concentração
significativa de profissionais em centros econômicos como São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro e Minas Gerais,
evidenciando a desigualdade regional. Em contrapartida, estados como Roraima, Acre e Amapá apresentam
baixa representatividade tanto de profissionais quanto de organizações contábeis. Além disso, foi observada uma
predominância de profissionais do sexo masculino na profissão, embora essa diferença não seja significativa. Essas disparidades indicam a necessidade de políticas direcionadas que incentivem o desenvolvimento econômico e a capacitação profissional nas regiões menos representadas
Patterns in the Economic Burden of Acute Kidney Injury in Hospitalized Children, 2019-2021
Authors: Raina Rupesh , Soundararajan Anvitha , Menassa Natalie , Pandya Aadi , Nemer Carla , Tibrewal Abhishek , Sethi Sidharth Kumar
Published: June 2023

This economic evaluation uses data from the Pediatric Health Information System to assess patterns in the economic burden of acute kidney injury and variables correlated with mortality and length of stay among hospitalized US children with acute kidney injury between 2019 and 2021.
Association of Sickle Cell Disease With Racial Disparities and Severe Maternal Morbidities in Black Individuals
Authors: Boghossian Nansi S. , Greenberg Lucy T. , Saade George R. , Rogowski Jeannette , Phibbs Ciaran S. , Passarella Molly , Buzas Jeffrey S. , Lorch Scott A.
Published: June 2023

Importance

Little is known about the association between sickle cell disease (SCD) and severe maternal morbidity (SMM).

Objective

To examine the association of SCD with racial disparities in SMM and with SMM among Black individuals.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study was a retrospective population-based investigation of individuals with and without SCD in 5 states (California [2008-2018], Michigan [2008-2020], Missouri [2008-2014], Pennsylvania [2008-2014], and South Carolina [2008-2020]) delivering a fetal death or live birth. Data were analyzed between July and December 2022.

Exposure

Sickle cell disease identified during the delivery admission by using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision and Tenth Revision codes.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcomes were SMM including and excluding blood transfusions during the delivery hospitalization. Modified Poisson regression was used to estimate risk ratios (RRs) adjusted for birth year, state, insurance type, education, maternal age, Adequacy of Prenatal Care Utilization Index, and obstetric comorbidity index.

Results

From a sample of 8 693 616 patients (mean [SD] age, 28.5 [6.1] years), 956 951 were Black individuals (11.0%), of whom 3586 (0.37%) had SCD. Black individuals with SCD vs Black individuals without SCD were more likely to have Medicaid insurance (70.2% vs 64.6%), to have a cesarean delivery (44.6% vs 34.0%), and to reside in South Carolina (25.2% vs 21.5%). Sickle cell disease accounted for 8.9% and for 14.3% of the Black-White disparity in SMM and nontransfusion SMM, respectively. Among Black individuals, SCD complicated 0.37% of the pregnancies but contributed to 4.3% of the SMM cases and to 6.9% of the nontransfusion SMM cases. Among Black individuals with SCD compared with those without, the crude RRs of SMM and nontransfusion SMM during the delivery hospitalization were 11.9 (95% CI, 11.3-12.5) and 19.8 (95% CI, 18.5-21.2), respectively, while the adjusted RRs were 3.8 (95% CI, 3.3-4.5) and 6.5 (95% CI, 5.3-8.0), respectively. The SMM indicators that incurred the highest adjusted RRs included air and thrombotic embolism (4.8; 95% CI, 2.9-7.8), puerperal cerebrovascular disorders (4.7; 95% CI, 3.0-7.4), and blood transfusion (3.7; 95% CI, 3.2-4.3).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this retrospective cohort study, SCD was found to be an important contributor to racial disparities in SMM and was associated with an elevated risk of SMM among Black individuals. Efforts from the research community, policy makers, and funding agencies are needed to advance care among individuals with SCD.
Comments on single-trace $$ T\overline{T} $$ holography
Authors: Chakraborty Soumangsu , Giveon Amit , Kutasov David
Published: June 2023

Abstract

We explore the holographic duality between string theory in backgrounds that interpolate between asymptotically linear dilaton spacetime in the UV and AdS3 in the IR, and single-trace $$ T\overline{T} $$
T

T
¯

deformed CFT. In particular, we explain how the deformation of states in the boundary theory is reflected in the bulk geometry, and show that the coupling above which the deformed energy of the SL(2, ℝ) invariant ground state of the IR CFT becomes complex is a maximal coupling.
Energy-peak based method to measure top quark mass via B-hadron decay lengths
Authors: Agashe Kaustubh , Airen Sagar , Franceschini Roberto , Incandela Joseph , Kim Doojin , Sathyan Deepak
Published: June 2023

Abstract

We develop a method for the determination of the top quark mass using the distribution of the decay length of the B-hadrons originating from its decay. This technique is based on our earlier observation regarding the location of the peak of the b quark energy distribution. Such “energy-peak” methods enjoy a greater degree of model-independence with respect to the kinematics of top quark production compared to earlier proposals. The CMS experiment has implemented the energy-peak method using associated b-jet energy as an approximation for b quark energy. The new method uses B-hadron decay lengths, which are related to b quark energies by convolution. The advantage of the new decay length method is that it can be applied in a way that evades jet-energy scale (JES) uncertainties. Indeed, CMS has measured the top quark mass using B-hadron decay lengths, but they did not incorporate the energy-peak method. Therefore, mismodeling of top quark transverse momentum remains a large uncertainty in their result. We demonstrate that, using energy-peak methods, this systematic uncertainty can become negligible. We show that with the current LHC data set, a sub-GeV statistical uncertainty on the top quark mass can be attained with this method. To achieve a comparable systematic uncertainty as is true for many methods based on exclusive or semi-inclusive observables using hadrons, we find that the quark-hadron transition needs to be described significantly better than is the case with current fragmentation functions and hadronization models.
Charpy absorbed energy in simulated heat-affected zone of laser-arc hybrid welded joints by high-strength steel for bridge structures
Authors: Chen Gang , Hirohata Mikihito , Sakai Natsumi , Hyoma Kengo , Matsumoto Naoyuki , Inose Koutarou
Published: June 2023

The application of laser-arc hybrid welding (so-called, hybrid welding) to the fabrication of steel bridge members has recently been investigated. One-pass full-penetration butt joints of steels for bridge high-performance structure (SBHS400 and SBHS500) with a thickness of 15 mm were performed by hybrid welding. The sound butt joints by hybrid welding were confirmed by a series of tests. The Charpy impact test was performed on the test pieces extracted from the hybrid welded butt joints with specified test temperatures. A phenomenon known as fracture path deviation (FPD) occurred in most test pieces, due to a large variation in material properties of the heat-affected zone (HAZ), resulting in the difficulty of estimating the toughness of HAZ in hybrid welded joints. Therefore, the Charpy impact test was conducted on the test pieces subjected to the welding thermal cycle tests of hybrid welding, which can exclude the heterogeneity of material properties and obtain the Charpy absorbed energy of the HAZ with high accuracy. The test results indicated that FPD was not observed in all thermal cycle simulated test pieces because the uniform metallographic structures in the vicinity of the notch were formed by the simulated thermal cycle tests, and all thermal cycle simulated test pieces satisfied 47 J at the specified test temperatures, a value that prevents brittle fracture for SBHS. Besides, for investigating the effect of the high Charpy absorbed energy guaranteed by SBHS on the toughness of hybrid welded joints, the Charpy absorbed energy of the thermal cycle simulated test pieces of SBHS and those of conventional steel (SM400B) were compared. The results showed that some of the thermal cycle simulated test pieces of SM400B failed to satisfy 27 J, suggesting that SBHS may ensure a Charpy absorbed energy of 47 J or more in the HAZ of hybrid welded joints.
Prognosis in home dental bleaching: a systematic review
Authors: Fioresta Rossella , Melo María , Forner Leopoldo , Sanz José Luis
Published: June 2023

Objectives

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the prognosis of at-home dental bleaching using low concentration bleaching products.

Materials and methods

This review was conducted was performed following the recommendations of the 2020 PRISMA statement and was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO-CRD42022360530). The PICO question was “What is the prognosis of home teeth whitening treatment?”. An advanced electronic search was made in three databases: PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase.

Results

The database search led to the retrieval of 225 articles. After elimination of duplicate references, the titles and abstracts of the articles were analyzed with respect to the eligibility criteria, and 24 studies were included for the development of the systematic review.

Conclusions

Most authors state that the color remains stable between 1 and 2.5 years regardless of the type of bleaching agent or the forms of administration, and color stability in cases of severe discolorations presents a higher degree of recurrence.

Clinical relevance

Given the growing demand for dental cosmetic treatments, the following systematic review may aid the clinician’s continuing education and evidence-based practice by providing knowledge on the field of at-home dental bleaching agents and their long-term effects.
“I just wanted money for food”: a qualitative study of the experiences of Australians during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Green Heidi , MacPhail Catherine , Fernandez Ritin
Published: June 2023

Aim

The social and economic impacts that have occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic can disproportionally affect those already experiencing poverty or at risk of poverty. Therefore, this study sought to explore the relationship between well-being and social determinants of health among Australian adults during the pandemic.

Subject and Methods

Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 20 participants, aged 21–65 years, from various socioeconomic areas.

Results

Three main themes emerged from the analysis of the data: food security; housing outcomes; and psychological and emotional impact. Participants in low socioeconomic areas struggled with food security, having to access food banks, which was precipitated by employment loss during the pandemic. Some female participants experienced worsening inequalities and lack of financial and housing stability, affecting their overall well-being.

Conclusion

This study identified that there was a clear social divide between adults living in low socioeconomic areas compared with those living in high socioeconomic areas, with participants in low socioeconomic areas faring worse in terms of exacerbated social determinants of health and consequent impacts on well-being.
Characteristics of the phenotype of mixed cardiomyopathy in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators
Authors: Raja Deep Chandh , Samarawickrema Indira , Menon Sarat Krishna , Singh Rikvin , Mehta Abhinav , Tuan Lukah Q. , Pandurangi Ulhas , Jain Sanjiv , Callans David J. , Marchlinski Francis E. , Abhayaratna Walter P. , Sanders Prashanthan , Pathak Rajeev K.
Published: June 2023

Background or Purpose

The prognosis of m
ixed cardiomyopathy (CMP) in patients with implanted cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) has not been investigated. We aim to study the demographic, clinical, device therapies and survival characteristics of mixed CMP in a cohort of patients implanted with a defibrillator.

Methods

The term mixed CMP was used to categorise patients with impaired left ventricular ejection fraction attributed to documented non-ischemic triggers with concomitant moderate coronary artery disease. This is a single center observational cohort of 526 patients with a mean follow-up of 8.7 ± 3.5 years.

Results

There were 42.5% patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM), 26.9% with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) and 30.6% with mixed CMP. Mixed CMP, compared to NICM, was associated with higher mean age (69.1 ± 9.6 years), atrial fibrillation (55.3%) and greater incidence of comorbidities. The proportion of patients with mixed CMP receiving device shocks was 23.6%, compared to 18.4% in NICM and 27% in ICM. The VT cycle length recorded in mixed CMP (281.6 ± 43.1 ms) was comparable with ICM (282.5 ± 44 ms; p = 0.9) and lesser than NICM (297.7 ± 48.7 ms; p = 0.1). All-cause mortality in mixed CMP (21.1%) was similar to ICM (20.1%; p = 0.8) and higher than NICM (15.6%; p = 0.2). The Kaplan–Meier curves revealed hazards of 1.57 (95% CI: 0.91, 2.68) for mixed CMP compared to NICM.

Conclusion

In a cohort of patients with ICD, the group with mixed CMP represents a phenotype predominantly comprised of the elderly with a higher incidence of comorbidities. Mixed CMP resembles ICM in terms of number of device shocks and VT cycle length. Trends of long-term prognosis of patients with mixed CMP are worse than NICM and similar to ICM.
The role of filler aspect ratio in the reinforcement of an epoxy resin with graphene nanoplatelets
Authors: Guest James , Kinloch Ian A. , Young Robert J.
Published: June 2023

The mechanisms of reinforcement of an epoxy resin by the addition of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) has been studied in detail. It is found that the addition of GNPs increases both the stiffness and fracture toughness of the epoxy resin. The dependence of the flexural modulus upon the volume fraction of the GNPs has been modelled using a combination of the rule of mixtures and shear lag analysis and it is shown that the reinforcement is controlled principally by the aspect ratio (length/thickness) of the GNPs. The dependence of the fracture energy upon the GNP volume fraction has been modelled assuming failure takes place through the debonding of the GNP particles followed by their pull-out and it is again shown that the aspect ratio of the GNPs is a vital parameter in controlling the level of toughening. It is found that the behaviour can be modelled using a similar value of GNP aspect ratio to model both the flexural stiffness and fracture behaviour, demonstrating the importance of this parameter in controlling the mechanical properties of GNP/epoxy resin nanocomposites.

Graphical abstract
Optimizing the seeded CVD-growth of uniform graphene films on silicon
Authors: Yan Zhichen , Wang Shuangyue , Chen Xianjue , Poduval Geedhika K. , Stride John A.
Published: June 2023

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) has great potential to produce graphene films at large-scale. However, CVD production of graphene films usually requires a catalytic metal substrate, such as copper. Recently we have developed a new method to grow graphene films directly on crystalline silicon wafers with a thermally grown 300 nm oxide layer, using a seeded-CVD growth approach. The use of methane as the feedstock and optimized graphene seeds has led to enhanced film formation, which SEM, X-ray photo-electron and Raman spectroscopies indicate consist of graphene layers formed by the coalescence of expanding “graphene seeds”. The resultant films have regions of single graphene crystallites within them as a result of lateral growth of the seeds. In addition, we have observed that the unilateral conductivity of the graphene films is consistent with the presence of graphene nanoribbons and as such has potential application in device fabrication.
New Dominant-Negative IL6ST Variants Expand the Immunological and Clinical Spectrum of GP130-Dependent Hyper-IgE Syndrome
Authors: Arlabosse Tiphaine , Materna Marie , Riccio Orbicia , Schnider Caroline , Angelini Federica , Perreau Matthieu , Rochat Isabelle , Superti-Furga Andrea , Campos-Xavier Belinda , Héritier Sébastien , Pereira Anaïs , Deswarte Caroline , Lévy Romain , Distefano Marco , Bustamante Jacinta , Roelens Marie , Borie Raphaël , Le Brun Mathilde , Crestani Bruno , Casanova Jean-Laurent , Puel Anne , Hofer Michaël , Fieschi Claire , Theodoropoulou Katerina , Béziat Vivien , Candotti Fabio
Published: June 2023

Patients with autosomal dominant (AD) hyper-IgE syndrome (HIES) suffer from a constellation of manifestations including recurrent bacterial and fungal infections, severe atopy, and skeletal abnormalities. This condition is typically caused by monoallelic dominant-negative (DN) STAT3 variants. In 2020, we described 12 patients from eight kindreds with DN IL6ST variants resulting in a new form of AD HIES. These variants encoded truncated GP130 receptors, with intact extracellular and transmembrane domains, but lacking the intracellular recycling motif and the four STAT3-binding residues, resulting in an inability to recycle and activate STAT3. We report here two new DN variants of IL6ST in three unrelated families with HIES-AD. The biochemical and clinical impacts of these variants are different from those of the previously reported variants. The p.(Ser731Valfs*8) variant, identified in seven patients from two families, lacks the recycling motif and all the STAT3-binding residues, but its levels on the cell surface are only slightly increased and it underlies mild biological phenotypes with variable clinical expressivity. The p.(Arg768*) variant, identified in a single patient, lacks the recycling motif and the three most distal STAT3-binding residues. This variant accumulates at the cell surface and underlies severe biological and clinical phenotypes. The p.(Ser731Valfs*8) variant shows that a DN GP130 expressed at near normal levels on the cell surface can underlie heterogeneous clinical presentations, ranging from mild to severe. The p.(Arg768*) variant demonstrates that a truncated GP130 protein retaining one STAT3-binding residue can underlie severe HIES.
Burst Phase Analysis of the Aggregation Prone α-synuclein Amyloid Protein
Authors: Saraiva Marco A. , Florêncio M. Helena
Published: June 2023

While some studies inferred that valid information can be retrieved for the refolding of proteins and consequent identification of folding intermediates in the stopped-flow spectrometry collapse phase, other studies report that these burst phase folding intermediates can be questioned, implying a solvent-dependent modification of the still unfolded polypeptide chain. We therefore decided to investigate the burst phase occurring for the α-synuclein (Syn) amyloid protein by stopped-flow spectrometry. Solvent-dependent modification effects indeed occurred for the Nα-acetyl-L-tyrosinamide (NAYA) parent small compound and for the folded monomeric ubiquitin protein. More complex was the burst phase analysis of the disordered Syn amyloid protein. While this amyloid protein was determined to be aggregated at pH 7 and pH 2, in particular, this protein at pH 3 appears to be in a monomeric state in the burst phase analysis performed. In addition, the protein at pH 3 appears to suffer a hydrophobic collapse with the formation of a possible folded intermediate. This folded intermediate seems to result from a fast contraction of the disordered amyloid polypeptide chain, which is proceeded by an expansion of the protein, due to the occurrence of solvent-dependent modification effects in a milliseconds time scale of the burst phase. Generally, it can be argued that both literature criteria of solvent-dependent modifications of the disordered Syn amyloid protein and of the formation of its possible folded intermediate are very likely to occur in the burst phase.
Binge Drinking and Depression Symptoms as Risk Factors for Teen Dating Violence Among Sexual Minority Youth
Authors: Thaxton Taylor , Nguyen Angela-Maithy , Prata Ndola
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Given sexual minority youth (SMY) are disproportionately impacted by teen dating violence (TDV), this study assessed binge drinking and depression symptoms as possible risk factors contributing to this disparity.

Methods

Cross-sectional survey data collected from a nationally representative sample of SMY high school students in the United States in 2017 and 2019 through the national Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) (n = 3,424) was used to create 3 logistic regression models. The models estimated the associations between the exposures, binge drinking and depression symptoms, and TDV, including physical TDV, sexual TDV, or both. Additionally, we hypothesized that these associations would be stronger in SMY than heterosexual youth. Therefore, we expanded the study population to include SMY and heterosexual youth (n = 22,798) and tested for interaction.

Results

Both binge drinking (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.6, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.8–3.8) and symptoms of depression (aOR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.8–4.02) were positively associated with TDV among SMY. Additionally, binge drinking was associated with a significantly greater risk of victimization for SMY (aOR = 2.7, 95% CI 1.9–3.9) than heterosexual youth (aOR = 1.5, 95% CI 1.2–2.0).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that while both exposures are associated with an increased risk of both physical and sexual TDV, binge drinking may contribute to the disparate rates of dating violence impacting SMY.
Radiolabeling and evaluation of fonturacetam hydrazide as a radiotracer for visualization of brain function
Authors: El-Kawy O. A. , Shweeta H. A. , Sallam Kh. M.
Published: June 2023

[99mTc] fonturacetam hydrazide was radiosynthesized to assess neuropsychiatric disorders by targeting the brain. The nootropic drug was labeled with technetium-99m, and factors affecting the labeling yield were studied. At optimum conditions, the radiocomplex was obtained at a high radiochemical yield (98.9%) and was stable in saline for up to 36 h and serum for more than 24 h. Labeled fonturacetam hydrazide was characterized and assessed in silico. Biodistribution studies in mice showed that the brain uptake of the complex was 8.8% injected dose per gram (% ID/g) at 5 min post-injection, surpassing the commercially available [99mTc] ECD (4.7% ID/g) and [99mTc] HMPAO (2.25% ID/g). All results suggested that the tracer is a good candidate to image the human brain for assessing neuropsychiatric disorders.
Black Women’s Perceptions Towards Infant and Child Male Circumcision
Authors: Palmer Eurica , Marais Lochner , Engelbrecht Michelle
Published: June 2023

Objective

The objective of this article was to analyse women’s perceptions of ICMC and to propose a framework for ICMC decision-making that can inform ICMC policies.

Method

Using qualitative interviews, this study investigated twenty-five Black women’s perceptions of ICMC decisionmaking in South Africa. Black women who had opted not to circumcise their sons, were selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Underpinned by the Social Norms Theory, their responses were analysed through in-depth interviews and a framework analysis. We conducted the study in the townships of Diepsloot and Diepkloof, Gauteng, South Africa.

Results

Three major themes emerged: medical mistrust, inaccurate knowledge leading to myths and misconceptions, and cultural practices related to traditional male circumcision. Building Black women’s trust in the public health system is important for ICMC decision-making.

Conclusions for Practice

Policies should address misinformation through platforms that Black women share. There should be an acknowledgement of the role that cultural differences play in the decision-making process. This study developed an ICMC perception framework to inform policy.
Black-box assisted medical decisions: AI power vs. ethical physician care
Authors: Chan Berman
Published: June 2023

I raise an ethical problem with physicians using “black box” medical AI algorithms, arguing that its use would compromise proper patient care. Even if AI results are reliable, my contention is that without being able to explain medical decisions to patients, physicians’ use of black box AIs would erode the effective and respectful care they provide patients. In addition, I argue that physicians should use AI black boxes only for patients in dire straits, or when physicians use AI as a “co-pilot” (analogous to a spellchecker) but can independently confirm its accuracy. My argument will be further sharpened when, lastly, I give important attention to Alex John London’s objection that physicians already sometimes prescribe treatment, such as lithium drugs, even though neither researchers nor doctors can explain why the treatment works.
Future dynamic multimedia content access via aerial computing system
Authors: Periola Ayodele , Alonge Akintunde , Ogudo Kingsley
Published: June 2023

Multimedia content access sovereignty arises due to the intention of producers to enable subscribers from pre–defined regions access multimedia content. This limits the number of locations (with subscribers) that can access producer content. Therefore, the ability to access multimedia content across previously unconsidered locations is limited. The presented research addresses this challenge and focuses on multimedia content sharing among subscribers in arid and hyper–arid regions. The use of stratosphere based data centres (SBDCs) is proposed. The paper also presents multi–tier network architecture for network traffic management. This ensures that network traffic congestion does not limit access to multimedia content by subscribers across multiple regions. The use of SBDCs increases the number of locations that engage in the sharing of multimedia content. Evaluation shows that the proposed solution increases the number of data sharing locations by (75.8 – 88.2) % on average.
Analysis of layered information dissemination model and caching strategy in Social Internet of Things
Authors: Zhang Yuexia , Pan Dawei , Fan Shaoshuai
Published: June 2023

In recent years, the social Internet of Things (SIoT) and its applications have developed rapidly and introduced convenience to people’s lives. In view of the massive amount of information generated by the SIoT, it is necessary to model and analyze the communication among smart devices and study the impact of social attributes of smart devices on information dissemination. Therefore, in this study, we propose a layered information dissemination model for SIoT that abstracts the communication process in SIoT as the information dissemination process among nodes, describes the process of wireless communication in SIoT using the microscopic Markov chain method, and derives the information dissemination threshold based on theoretical analyses. In addition, this study proposes a dynamic cache strategy considering the influence of social attributes, such as user interestingness, information popularity, and the interaction between messages on communication. Finally, the correctness of the model and propagation threshold and the effectiveness of the caching strategy are verified by simulation experiments in artificial networks and real networks.
Rhizobial benefits to an herbaceous invader depend on context and symbiotic strain
Authors: Ramula Satu , Mousavi Seyed Abdollah , Kalske Aino
Published: June 2023

Background and aims

For invasive plant species that associate with mutualistic symbionts, partner quality can be critical to their invasion success. This might be particularly true for legumes that host nitrogen-fixing bacteria (rhizobia). Here, we examined the relative effectiveness of rhizobial strains on the invasive legume Lupinus polyphyllus.

Methods

We isolated rhizobia from field populations of L. polyphyllus and conducted inoculation experiments in which we quantified plant growth in greenhouse and common-garden conditions.

Results

Differences in nodulation and effectiveness in terms of increasing plant growth among rhizobial strains of the genus Bradyrhizobium were more pronounced in the greenhouse than in the common garden. All six rhizobial strains nodulated the host plant in greenhouse conditions, but one failed to nodulate in the common garden. Under greenhouse conditions, five rhizobial strains increased plant biomass by 66–110%, while one provided negligible benefits compared to control plants without rhizobia, suggesting that rhizobial identity might be critical to the invader’s performance. However, the common-garden experiment revealed no differences in the effectiveness of rhizobial strains in terms of plant biomass, number of leaflets per leaf, height, root:shoot ratio, or survival. Moreover, the performance of rhizobia-inoculated plants in the common garden did not differ from plants without rhizobia, which may call into question the fitness benefits of rhizobia to field populations of this species.

Conclusions

The discrepancies observed between the two environments highlight the importance of considering field-realistic growing conditions and multiple plant traits when assessing the potential growth benefits of symbiotic partners to host plants.
Positive weights in data envelopment analysis
Authors: Hasannasab Maryam , Margaritis Dimitris , Roshdi Israfil , Rouse Paul
Published: June 2023

Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) models give each decision making unit freedom to assign values to the input-output weights maximising its efficiency score. However, there is no guarantee that the optimal weights obtained from a DEA model are always positive which poses a problem, in both theory and practice. This paper offers new linear programming models to deal with the zero weights problem without restricting the weights or placing prior value judgments on them while maintaining the original DEA frontier. These models generate a profile of weights with the maximum number of positive weights applicable to both envelopment and multiplier DEA settings. These linear programs still allow weight flexibility and are independent of the solver. We show how these models can be modified to provide unit-specific positive weights. We illustrate the relevance of our approach using artificial and real world data.
A novel text representation which enables image classifiers to also simultaneously classify text, applied to name disambiguation
Authors: Petrie Stephen M. , Julius T’Mir D.
Published: June 2023

We introduce a novel method for converting text data into abstract image representations, which allows image-based processing techniques (e.g. image classification networks) to be applied to text-based comparison problems. We apply the technique to entity disambiguation of inventor names in US patents, obtaining a list of IDs which identify individual inventors with high accuracy. The method involves converting text from each pairwise comparison between two inventor name records into a 2D RGB (stacked) image representation. We then train an image classification neural network to discriminate between such pairwise comparison images. The trained neural network then labels each pair of records as either matched (same inventor) or non-matched (different inventors), producing highly accurate results. Our new text-to-image representation method could also be used more broadly for other text comparison problems, such as entity disambiguation of academic publications, or for problems that require simultaneous classification of both text and image datasets.
Distinctive substantial self-knowledge and the possibility of self-improvement
Authors: Corbí Josep E.
Published: June 2023

Quassim Cassam distinguishes between trivial and substantial cases of self-knowledge. At first sight, trivial cases are epistemically distinctive insofar as the agent needn't provide any sort of evidence to ground her claim to knowledge. Substantial cases of self-knowledge such as ‘I know I want to have a second child’ do not seem to bear this distinctive relation to evidence. I will argue, however, that substantial cases of self-knowledge are often epistemically distinctive and, to this end, I will challenge a crucial assumption in the current debate about self-knowledge, namely: if a piece of self-knowledge is based on evidence, it must have been delivered by a detached, theoretical attitude toward oneself (The Detachment Assumption).

My case against the Detachment Assumption combines a negative and a positive programme. Regarding the negative aspect, I will first present Cassam's case for Inferentialism; second, I will argue that this view about self-knowledge is at odds with the sort of self-improvement that he vindicates in his analysis of epistemic vices and, third, I will conclude that only by allowing for an engaged relation to evidence, can we make sense of that sort of self-improvement. Regarding the positive programme, I will first examine the sensitivity to the music that is specific of a graceful dancer and, on this basis, outline an attitude toward oneself that, despite involving evidence, is not detached or theoretical but engaged, so that it gives rise to a kind of substantial self-knowledge that is both transformative and epistemically distinctive.
Water Harvesting by Molecular Sieves Using Self-sustained Continuous Flow
Authors: Torres-Herrera Ulises , Ballesteros-Rivas María Fernanda , Varela-Guerrero Víctor , Balmaseda Jorge
Published: June 2023

A way of harvesting water from the air that avoids the discontinuity of the adsorption/desorption cycles is theoretically analyzed. A rectangular prism-shaped adsorbent bed is immersed in low-humidity air, at an angle to the horizontal and subject to a temperature gradient between two opposite and open faces. The other four faces of the prism remain isolated. Water is adsorbed on the adsorbent colder face, causing a density gradient in the surrounding air, parallel to the surface, that results in a self-sustained continuous air flow. On the opposite face, a self-sustained continuous air flow parallel to the surface also arises, but this time due to a temperature gradient in the air surrounding the hot bed face. In addition, its higher temperature causes the desorption of water from the adsorbent. This overall water exchange produces the enrichment of water content in one of the air streams that is crucial to produce water harvesting. The performance of Al-Fumarate, MOF-303, SAPO-34 and Zeolite 13X is tested, unveiling the key factors that increase flow rate and water concentration at the enriched phase. It has been found that the diffusive mass transport at the air-solid interphase is the bottleneck of water harvesting in continuous flow conditions. Therefore, if high concentration of water is desired, it is necessary to use porous materials with very high diffusitivities. These findings provide the foundations for the design of continuous water harvesting devices.
Endocrine immune-related adverse events in patients with metastatic renal and urothelial cancer treated with immune checkpoint-inhibitors
Authors: Oppolzer Immanuel Augustin , Riester Josef , Büttner Roland , Burger Maximilian , Schnabel Marco Julius
Published: June 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the incidence, diagnosis and treatment of immune-related adverse events (e-irAE) of checkpoint inhibition (ICI) in metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) and metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).

Methods

A retrospective, single-center study was conducted to identify a cohort that received ICI for mUC or mRCC. e-irAE were classified according to the CTCAE V.5.0. Patients received ICI for mUC or mCC between 01/2017 and 03/2021. A retrospective chart review was performed. T-Test, the chi-squared test, and Fisher's exact test were performed.

Results

102 Patients received ICI [mUC: 40 (39%), mRCC: 62 (61%)]. 64 (63%) received an ICI monotherapy, 27 (27%) a dual ICI therapy, 11 (11%) a combination with VEGFi. e-irAE occurred in 19 (19%) patients [grade 1–2: 17 (84%), grade 3: 3 (16%)]. The median time until e-irAE was 42 days (range 11–211 days). 14 Patients developed thyroidism (14%), 4 (4%) a hypophysitis, 1 (1%) an adrenal insufficiency (AI). 7 patients (7%) had to discontinue ICI therapy [hypophysitis (100%), AI (100%), thyroidism (14%)]. 6 (86%) received cortisone. After a median range of 34 days 5 patients (71%) restarted ICI therapy. All patients (n = 4) with hypophysitis continued ICI [4 (100%) prednisone, 3 (75%) levothyroxine]. 11 (79%) presented with hyperthyroidism. 4 (37%) needed therapy (1 (7%) prednisone, 3 (21%) thiamazole, 2 (14%) beta blocker). The 9 (64%) patients with hypothyroidism received levothyroxine. Hypophysitis appears only on dual ICI (CTLA-4/PD-1) inhibition (p 0.007).

Conclusion

This study shows the importance of adequate diagnosis and therapy of e-irAEs.