bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pituitary pseudo-adenoma from cerebrospinal fluid leak in patient with Marfan syndrome
Authors: Niedzialkowska Ewelina , Kelekar Arati
Published: August 2024

Intracranial hypotension may result in pituitary gland enlargement due to compensatory hyperaemia and venous engorgement. Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is frequently associated with connective tissue disorders predisposing patients to dural weakening including dural ectasia and meningeal diverticula. Symptoms of SIH typically include postural headache, dizziness and tinnitus. We present a case of a female in her 20s with Marfan syndrome and a history of pituitary adenoma, who reported intractable postural headaches. Hormonal workup revealed no abnormalities, whereas brain MRI showed sequelae of intracranial hypotension. Further MRI studies revealed thoracic and lumbar meningeal diverticula with significant dural sac ectasia at the L4–S2 level. Myelogram confirmed numerous lumbar spine diverticula with cerebrospinal fluid leak at the L5 and S1 right nerve roots. The patient underwent blood patch administrations at the level of the leak with improvement of symptoms.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of biomarkers predicting decompensation in patients with compensated cirrhosis
Authors: Gananandan Kohilan , Singh Rabiah , Mehta Gautam
Published: August 2024

Background and aims

The transition from compensated to decompensated cirrhosis is crucial, drastically reducing prognosis from a median survival of over 10 years to 2 years. There is currently an unmet need to accurately predict decompensation. We systematically reviewed and meta-analysed data regarding biomarker use to predict decompensation in individuals with compensated cirrhosis.

Methods

PubMed and EMBASE database searches were conducted for all studies from inception until February 2024. The study was carried out according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The Quality of Prognosis Studies framework was used to assess the risk of bias. The meta-analysis was conducted with a random effects model using STATA software.

Results

Of the 652 studies initially identified, 63 studies (n=31 438 patients) were included in the final review, examining 49 biomarkers. 25 studies (40%) were prospective with the majority of studies looking at all-cause decompensation (90%). The most well-studied biomarkers were platelets (n=17), Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (n=17) and albumin (n=16). A meta-analysis revealed elevated international normalised ratio was the strongest predictor of decompensation, followed by decreased albumin. However, high statistical heterogeneity was noted (l2result of 96.3%). Furthermore, 21 studies were assessed as having a low risk of bias (34%), 26 (41%) moderate risk and 16 (25%) high risk.

Conclusions

This review highlights key biomarkers that should potentially be incorporated into future scoring systems to predict decompensation. However, future biomarker studies should be conducted with rigorous and standardised methodology to ensure robust and comparable data.
Two-fractionated stereotactic magnetic resonance-guided adaptive radiation therapy for patients with prostate cancer (SMART PRO trial): protocol for a confirmatory clinical trial
Authors: Zenda Sadamoto , Kashihara Tairo , Saito Tetsuo , Okamoto Hiroyuki , Kadoya Noriyuki , Chiba Takahiro , Noda Shin-ei , Kawaguchi Takashi , Jingu Keiichi , Shibuya Keiko , Uno Takashi , Igaki Hiroshi
Published: August 2024

Introduction

In an MRI-guided linear accelerator (MR-LINAC) system, the planned doses for organs at risk and for tumours are assessed by MR imaging and re-contouring at every treatment. This allows treatment to be safer and more precise by ensuring that it is suitable for the state of the patient’s organs on that day, as well as by allowing images to be acquired during radiation therapy to prevent radiation while organs are in motion.

Here, we will conduct a confirmatory study of two-fractionated stereotactic magnetic resonance-guided adaptive radiation therapy for patients with localised prostate cancer.

Methods and analysis

This will be a single-arm study to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of ultra-hypofractionated radiation (26 Gy/2 Fr) using an MR-LINAC system in patients with very low-intermediate risk prostate cancer.

The primary endpoint will be the incidence of grade ≥2 acute urinary tract adverse events occurring within 90 days of the start of radiation therapy.

The sample size has been determined to be 58.

Ethics and dissemination

This study is performed in accordance with Ethical Guidelines for Medical and Health Research Involving Human Subjects, published by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and the modified act on the Protection of Personal Information as well as the Declaration of Helsinki. This study was approved by the institutional ethics committee of the National Cancer Center on 20 November 2021.

The findings of this trial will be submitted to an international peer-reviewed journal and the key findings will be presented at an international scientific conference.

Authorship will be ascribed in accordance with the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors guidance.

Trial registration number

UMIN000049746.
Longer-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)-related healthcare: a province-based study
Authors: Kendzerska Tetyana , Povitz Marcus , Gershon Andrea S , Ryan Clodagh M , Talarico Robert , Saymeh Mouaz , Robillard Rebecca , Ayas Najib T , Pendharkar Sachin R
Published: August 2024

Rationale

Following marked reductions in sleep medicine care early in the COVID-19 pandemic, there is limited information about the recovery of these services. We explored long-term trends in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) health services and service backlogs during the pandemic compared with pre-pandemic levels in Ontario (the most populous province of Canada).

Methods

In this retrospective population-based study using Ontario (Canada) health administrative data on adults, we compared rates of polysomnograms (PSGs), outpatient visits and positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy purchase claims during the pandemic (March 2020 to December 2022) to pre-pandemic rates (2015–2019). We calculated projected rates using monthly seasonal time series auto-regressive integrated moving-average models based on similar periods in previous years. Service backlogs were estimated from the difference between projected and observed rates.

Results

Compared with historical data, all service rates decreased at first during March to May 2020 and subsequently increased. By December 2022, observed service rates per 100 000 persons remained lower than projected for PSGs (September to December 2022: 113 vs 141, 95% CI: 121 to 163) and PAP claims (September to December 2022: 50 vs 60, 95% CI: 51 to 70), and returned to projected for outpatient OSA visits. By December 2022, the service backlog was 193 078 PSGs (95% CI: 139 294 to 253 075) and 57 321 PAP claims (95% CI: 27 703 to 86 938).

Conclusion

As of December 2022, there was a sustained reduction in OSA-related health services in Ontario, Canada. The resulting service backlog has likely worsened existing problems with underdiagnosis and undertreatment of OSA and supports the adoption of flexible care delivery models for OSA that include portable technologies.
fRAP 2.0: a community engagement method applied to cervical cancer disparities among Hispanic women
Authors: Kieber-Emmons Autumn M , Hansen Susan E , Topmiller Michael , Grewal Jaskaran , Jaen Carlos Roberto , Crabtree Benjamin F , Miller William L
Published: August 2024

focused Rapid Assessment Process (fRAP) 2.0 is a community engagement approach combining geospatial mapping with rapid qualitative assessment in cyclical fashion within communities to capture multifactorial and multilevel features impacting primary care problems. fRAP 2.0 offers primary care researchers a methodology framework for exploring complex community features that impact primary healthcare delivery and outcomes. The fRAP 2.0 study design expands the fRAP from a sequential design to a cyclical process of geospatial mapping and rapid qualitative assessment in search of modifiable contextual factors. Research participants are stakeholders from various socioecological levels whose perspectives inform study outcomes that they may use to then become the agents of change for the very problems they helped explore. Here, we present a proof-of-concept study for fRAP 2.0 examining disparities in cervical cancer mortality rates among Hispanic women in Texas. The primary outcomes of interest are features at the community level, medical health system level and regional government policy levels that offer opportunities for collaborative interventions to improve cervical cancer outcomes. In this study, geospatial mapping of county and ZIP code-level variables impacting postdiagnosis cervical cancer care at community, medical and policy levels were created using publicly available data and then overlaid with maps created with Texas Cancer Registry data for cervical cancer cases in three of the largest population counties. Geographically disparate areas were then qualitatively explored using participant observation and ethnographic field work, alongside 39 key informant interviews. Roundtable discussion groups and stakeholder engagement existed at every phase of the study. Applying the fRAP 2.0 method, we created an action-oriented roadmap of next steps to improve cervical cancer care disparities in the three Texas counties with emphasis on the high disparity county. We identified local change targets for advocacy and the results helped convene a stakeholder group that continues to actively create on-the-ground change in the high-disparity county to improve cervical cancer outcomes for Hispanic women.
Esophageal oxyhemoglobin saturation as a resuscitative metric in hemorrhagic shock
Authors: Garcia Mancebo Julia , Sack Kristen , Romfh Padraic , Peng Yifeng , Kheir John
Published: August 2024

Background

Mixed venous saturation (SvO2) is considered the gold standard to assess the adequacy of tissue oxygen delivery (DO2) in shock states. However, SvO2 monitoring is challenging as it requires an invasive catheter and frequent blood sampling. Non-invasive methods, including near-infrared spectroscopy, have demonstrated low sensitivity to tissue dysoxia.

Methods

We fabricated a new device that uses resonance Raman spectroscopy (RRS) to quantify oxyhemoglobin saturation (ShbO2) in the esophagus (eShbO2), tongue (tShbO2), and liver (hShbO2). In two rat models of hemorrhagic shock, we quantified (1) The correlation of RRS-measured ShbO2 to SvO2 during progressive hemorrhage (n=20) and (2) The value of these metrics to predict near-term mortality in fixed, severe hemorrhage (mean blood pressure =25 mm Hg; n=18).

Results

In model 1, eShbO2 (r=0.705, p<0.0001) and tShbO2 (r=0.724, p<0.0001) correlated well with SvO2 and with serum lactic acid (eShbO2-lactate r=0.708, p<0.0001; tShbO2-lactate r=0.830, p<0.0001). hShbO2 correlated poorly with both SvO2 and lactic acid. Using time-matched ShbO2-SvO2 pairs, the performance of ShbO2 to detect severe tissue hypoxia (SvO2<20%) was excellent (AUC 0.843 for eShbO2, 0.879 for tShbO2). In model 2, eShbO2 showed a maximized threshold of 40% with 83% of animals dying within 45 minutes of this cut-off, demonstrating accuracy as a monitoring device. This was similar for tShbO2, with a threshold of 50%, predicting death within 45 minutes in 76% of animals. ShbO2 showed superior sensitivity to invasive monitoring parameters, including MABP<30 mm Hg (sensitivity 59%), pulse pressure<15 mm Hg (sensitivity 50%), and heart rate>220 bpm (sensitivity 39%, p=0.004).

Conclusions

eShbO2 represents a new paradigm to assess the adequacy of DO2 to a tissue. It constitutes a promising monitoring method to evaluate tissue oxygen saturation in real time and non-invasively, correlating with SvO2 and time to death.

Level of evidence

Level III, therapeutic/care management.
Os Procuradores-Gerais do Ministério Público
Authors: Giovanella Treicy
Published: August 2024

Based on the historical look and the political sociology analytic tools, this text aims to discuss the establishment of rules for occupying the highest position in the hierarchy of the state Public Prosecutor’s Office: the position of Attorney General. By analyzing the trajectory of those who held this position from 1891 to after 1988, it was possible to understand the changes in the official and non-official rules regarding the morphological transformation of nominees. The study of 33 cases reveals the political and social tensions surrounding the Public Prosecutor’s Office’s high hierarchy until the 21st century
A second species in the polychaete-associated crab genus Gustavus Ahyong & Ng, 2009 (Decapoda: Brachyura: Aphanodactylidae)
Authors: NG PETER K. L. , ANKER ARTHUR
Published: August 2024

A second species of the previously monotypic aphanodactylid crab genus Gustavus Ahyong & Ng, 2009 is described from the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia. The new species, Gustavus holthuisae sp. nov., inhabits the tubes of terebellid polychaetes near mangrove roots. It can be distinguished from the type species from Guam, Gustavus mecognathus Ahyong & Ng, 2009, by the structure of the dorsal surface of the carapace, the proportions and form of the frontal margin, the shape of the third maxilliped, the armature of the basis-ischium and merus of the third and fourth ambulatory legs, and the structure of the male pleon and gonopods.
Egg morphology of six East Palaearctic species of the genus Ephemera Linnaeus (Ephemeroptera: Ephemeridae)
Authors: TIUNOVA TATIANA M.
Published: August 2024

The eggs of six East Palaearctic species in the subgenera Ephemera Linnaeus s.s. and Sinephemera Kluge from the Russian Far East are investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Eggs of the subgenus Ephemera have a thick adhesive layer ranging from 1.3 to 3.0 µm. In species of the subgenus Sinephemera, the adhesive layer is thin, amorphous, and 0.5 µm in E. (S.) shengmi Hsu, while in the other two species it is presented in the form of a thin film. All studied species have micropyles of the “tagenoform type,” with the exception of E. (S.) shengmi, in which the micropyle can be classified as linear. The shape of the sperm guide is species-specific and is clearly visible only on the adhesive layer. The structure of the chorion varies markedly among the species studied. So in E. (S.) japonica McLachlan, it is practically smooth; in E. (E.) transbajkalica Tshernova, it is reticulate; in E. (E.) orientalis McLachlan and E. (S.) strigata Eaton, it is finely wrinkled; and in E. (E.) sachalinensis Matsumura and E. (S.) shengmi, it is intermittently sinuous. The use of micropyle structure, size of eggs, along with chorion sculpturing, resulted useful in egg and species identification.
Vermiophis cangshanensis sp. nov., a new wormlion fly from Yunnan, China, with notes on its immature stages and biology (Diptera: Vermileonidae)
Authors: LI JIA-LING , ZHAO CAN-JUN , WANG JI-SHEN
Published: August 2024

Previously, the wormlion genus Vermiophis Yang, 1979 comprises seven known species, and all of them are endemic to China. We herein describe a new species, Vermiophis cangshanensis sp. nov. from Dali, Yunnan, China. The new species is closely similar to V. tibetensis Yang & Chen, 1987 in the general appearance, but can be differentiated from the latter by the wing venation and genitalia. In addition, the immature stages and biology of V. cangshanensis sp. n are described and briefly discussed. Keys are provided to separate the two genera of Vermileonidae recorded from China, and eight known species of Vermiophis. A distributional map is also presented for Vermiophis spp.
The oldest fossil record of Philopotinae (Diptera: Acroceridae) from the mid-Cretaceous amber of Northern Myanmar
Authors: FENG QI , ZHUANG JIALIANG , SHIH CHUNGKUN , REN DONG , WANG YONGJIE
Published: August 2024

A new genus and species of Acroceridae Leach, 1815, Burmophilopota wintertoni gen. et sp. nov., is identified from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber, representing the oldest member of Philopotinae Schiner 1868. Based on morphological comparisons, Burmophilopota wintertoni gen. et sp. nov. most likely represents a stem group of the Philopotinae. The new material with well-preserved details of mouthparts and complete wing venation suggests that the new species could possibly be a pollinator for the angiosperms. This finding enhances our understanding of early origin and evolution of pollinating flies during the Mesozoic period.
Synopsis of Akamboja (Coleoptera: Phengodidae): new species, synonym, new records and remarks on abdominal morphology for the genus
Authors: COELHO MATHEUS A. F. , MERMUDES JOSÉ RICARDO M. , ROZA ANDRÉ SILVA
Published: August 2024

Akamboja Roza et al., 2017 (Phengodidae: Mastinocerinae) was described to include five species, all from Atlantic Forest, which are characterized by having ten segmented antennae, biflabellate from antennomeres IV-VIII, and with fused flabellae on antennomere IX. The genus comprises six species today, including one from Ilha Grande (Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil) with the IX antennomere flabellae not fused. In this paper, we describe seven new species based on specimens from seven entomological collections: Akamboja ganhoae sp. nov., Akamboja kumagaiae sp. nov., Akamboja microphthalmus sp. nov., Akamboja peckorum sp. nov., Akamboja piauiensis sp. nov., Akamboja planautensis sp. nov., and Akamboja wittmeri sp. nov. These new species include new biome records for Brazil (Cerrado, Caatinga and Amazonia), and the first species of the genus from Venezuela and Argentina. The seven new species fit in the genus diagnosis, but presents an antennal morphological variation in the flabellae of the antennomere VIII-IX: fusion of flabellae in antennomeres IX, in both antennomeres VIII and IX, or the absence of any fusion in any flabellae. Based on this variation, we propose an updated diagnosis for the genus. We also discuss and propose Akamboja caparaoensis Roza et al., 2017 as a new junior synonym of Akamboja cleidae Roza et al., 2017, and provide new distributional records for A. minimum Roza et al., 2017 and A. insularis Roza et al., 2018. Additionally, we describe for the first time in the genus the abdominal membranous projection present in several Mastinocerinae, but previously ignored, as well as the morphology of tergites IX, and X, and sternite IX.
Timing Legitimacy: Identifying the Optimal Moment to Launch Technology in the Market
Authors: Robinson Thomas Derek , Veresiu Ela
Published: August 2024

How do managers time the launch of new technologies? Without actionable frameworks to ensure consumers and other stakeholders are ready, innovation releases remain a risky endeavor. Previous work on legitimacy has focused on stages following a product launch. However, launch timing involves shared expectations of when actions should occur prior to launch. This conceptual article evaluates the alignment between firm and stakeholder expectations regarding launch timing. It proposes that the market timing of new technology launches is structured by two dimensions: firm-led coordination and stakeholders’ willingness to change. Combining these dimensions, the authors map four types of market timing situations managers can encounter: antagonistic, synergistic, flexible, and inflexible timing. Temporal legitimacy is achieved when a firm and its key stakeholders share timing norms about the ideal moments when activities should occur in a market process. The authors conceptualize proto-markets as prefacing the well-known market legitimacy stages. This article concludes with a detailed managerial decision tree on how to create the optimal technology product launch moment and avenues of future research on market timing beyond technology launches.
How Listening Versus Reading Alters Consumers’ Interpretations of News
Authors: Melumad Shiri , Meyer Robert J.
Published: August 2024

This research investigates how listening to versus reading news alters its interpretation. A proposed theory argues that because listeners (vs. readers) are less able to regulate the rate of incoming information, they selectively attend to the more emotionally arousing elements in a story, such as those that are more negative. This selective attention leads listeners to form different interpretations of news than readers, the nature of which depend on the valence of the story. Six main experiments and three supplemental ones (N = 14,744) support the predicted effects on impression formation as well as the proposed mechanism. For example, participants who listened to (vs. read) a mixed-valence news story on the risks and benefits of a product processed its negative details more selectively, and in turn formed more pessimistic impressions of its safety. Moderators are also explored, showing that negativity biases similar to those observed for listeners arose among readers when their control over information flow was restricted, and that a positivity bias arose among listeners when the positive (vs. negative) information in a story was more surprising. Theoretical contributions to previous research on reading versus listening comprehension are discussed, as are the substantive implications for media firms and consumers.
Finding the Maximum Safe Treatment Interval for Patients With Chronic Conditions
Authors: DeRoos Luke , Lavieri Mariel , Stein Joshua
Published: August 2024

For patients diagnosed with a chronic condition, appropriately timing treatment is critically important. Many conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), have a maximum safe treatment interval (MSTI) in which treatment is required to prevent disease progression. We introduce a Markov decision process (MDP) with an ordinal action space as a way to quickly and safely identify the MSTI for an individual patient. The MDP’s ordinal action space allows users to update the expected outcomes of multiple actions with only a single decision. We solve the MDP and show how the expected outcomes of each action can be presented to clinicians as a menu of treatment options. We describe conditions under which the MDP is guaranteed to find the MSTI under uncertainty. We illustrate the model’s effectiveness through an application to AMD, and show that following the MDP can reduce patient exposure to symptoms by 38% and find the optimal interval 7% faster when compared to current clinical protocols.
Effectiveness of multimedia education on the childbearing intention in one-child women: a field trial study
Authors: Aghazadeh Nasrin , Jabbari Farooji Saber , Haghani Shima , Amini Leila
Published: August 2024

Background

childbearing is a key component of population movements and sustainable development in low-fertility nations. This study was conducted with the aim of determining the impact of multimedia education on the childbearing intention in One-child women of Maragheh city.

Method

In this intervention study in Maragheh in 2023, 94 women with one child were randomly selected and placed in two intervention and control groups. Before the intervention, people were examined using demographic information and Miller’s questionnaire of desire to have children. Then, For the intervention group, three 60-minute multimedia training videos were shown in person for three weeks, and the control group did not receive any training. The data were collected using the researcher’s demographic questionnaire and Miller’s childbearing questionnaire in three stages before the intervention, immediately after and six weeks after the intervention. Data analysis was done with SPSS version 16 software.

Results

There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the average score of desire to have children and demographic variables (p > 0.05). Before the intervention, there was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups in terms of the demographic characteristics of the subjects and the average score of women’s willingness to have children in the positive and negative dimensions. While after the multimedia educational intervention, the average score of desire to have children in positive and negative dimensions, immediately after the intervention and six weeks after the intervention, had a significant difference compared to before the intervention (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The findings of the study showed that carrying out multimedia educational interventions to single-child women can have a positive effect on their desire to have children. It seems that the implementation of such programs is effective in the conscious decision of families to have children and ultimately increases the intention of the individual to carry out the behavior.

Trial registration

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials: IRCT20230227057549N1. Date of registration: 16/04/2023. URL: https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/.
Extracellular vesicle therapy in neurological disorders
Authors: Putthanbut Napasiri , Lee Jea Young , Borlongan Cesario V.
Published: August 2024

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are vital for cell-to-cell communication, transferring proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids in various physiological and pathological processes. They play crucial roles in immune modulation and tissue regeneration but are also involved in pathogenic conditions like inflammation and degenerative disorders. EVs have heterogeneous populations and cargo, with numerous subpopulations currently under investigations. EV therapy shows promise in stimulating tissue repair and serving as a drug delivery vehicle, offering advantages over cell therapy, such as ease of engineering and minimal risk of tumorigenesis. However, challenges remain, including inconsistent nomenclature, complex characterization, and underdeveloped large-scale production protocols. This review highlights the recent advances and significance of EVs heterogeneity, emphasizing the need for a better understanding of their roles in disease pathologies to develop tailored EV therapies for clinical applications in neurological disorders.

Graphical abstract
Systematic review of phenotypes in McLeod syndrome and case report of a progressive supranuclear palsy in a female carrier
Authors: Braun Andreas Albert , Jung Hans Heinrich
Published: August 2024

Introduction

We present a systematic review of phenotypes of McLeod syndrome (MLS) and a case of a 73-year-old female carrier of the genetic alteration leading to MLS with the typical progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) phenotype.

Methods

To facilitate clinical reasoning and enable targeted diagnosis, we conducted a systematic review of the papers describing symptomatic cases of confirmed McLeod syndrome. This review follows the PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews (Page et al in Syst Rev 10(1):89, 2021).

Results

The average onset of MLS was at 40.2 years of age with chorea (46%), seizures and psychiatric changes (each 13%). Very common are weakened Kell antigen (100%), changes in muscle biopsy (100%), genetic alterations in XK (100%), elevated creatine kinase (97%), acanthocytes (96%), MRI changes (95%), chorea (84%) and hyporeflexia (82%).

Conclusion

This review of 65 males and 11 females gives a concise overview of clinical phenotypes in MLS, reinforcing our view that this female patient had PSP independent of MLS carrier status. This report highlights the pitfalls of anchoring in medical decision-making, particularly the possible diagnostic bias of a known genetic carrier status of a very rare disease.
Cemented in place: kyphoplasty-associated pulmonary cement embolism: a case report
Authors: Cho Sung Jun , Magale Hussein , Dimitrov Kiril
Published: August 2024

Background

Kyphoplasty-associated cement extravasation into surrounding tissue and vasculature can lead to life-threatening complications. We present a rare case of significant inferior vena cava cement burden that resulted in pulmonary embolism.

Case presentation

A 74-year-old Caucasian woman with a history of severe osteoporosis, recurrent falls, and spinal compression fracture status post-kyphoplasty of the L4–L5 vertebrae, presents to the emergency department 2 days post-vertebral kyphoplasty due to chest pain, back pain, and dyspnea. Computed tomography of the chest and abdomen showed a metallic density within the inferior vena cava extending superiorly approximately 10 cm from the vertebral L5 level. She was also found to have right lower lobe pneumonia. The patient finished a 10-day course of antibiotics and was discharged home with a 1-month long course of anticoagulation with apixaban per recommendations of a multidisciplinary team consisting of Hematology/Oncology, Interventional Radiology, Vascular Surgery, and Orthopedic Surgery. Unfortunately, the patient was readmitted a month later with shortness of breath. Work up was notable for an influenza type A infection and computed tomography findings of pulmonary cement embolism. The respiratory distress was resolved with supportive care. Despite pulmonary cement burden, the multidisciplinary care team recommended no further anticoagulation. Patient was discharged home with close clinical follow-up and 6 months has since passed at the time of this report without reported complications.

Conclusions

A large cement burden in the inferior vena cava leading to pulmonary cement embolism is a rare event. A high burden of cement predisposes development of pulmonary embolism. A short course of anticoagulation may only be needed for asymptomatic patients.
Influence of Steel Slag as a Partial Replacement of Aggregate on Performance of Reinforced Concrete Beam
Authors: Mekonen Tadese Birlie , Alene Temesgen Ejigu , Alem Yared Aklilu , Nebiyu Wallelign Mulugeta
Published: August 2024

Amidst the global pursuit of sustainable alternatives in concrete production, this study explores the viability of incorporating by-products or waste materials as aggregates to support the concrete construction industry, with a specific emphasis on steel slag. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of steel slag as a partial replacement for fine and coarse aggregates in concrete production. The experiment involved casting 30 cubes and 10 beams, replacing fine aggregate from 0 to 60%. Flexural and compressive strength tests at 7 and 28 days followed the ACI method. Results revealed that a 30% replacement of fine aggregate with steel slag led to higher compressive strength at both 7 and 28 days, while a 45% replacement showed superior flexural strength at 28 days. Further chemical analysis and optimization are recommended for deeper insights. The study concludes with marginal improvements in compressive and flexural strength with steel slag partial replacement, identifying 30% for fine aggregate and 45% for coarse aggregate as optimal replacements. In addition, the mineral composition of steel slag exhibits significant variability, with compounds, including silicon dioxide (SiO2), iron oxide (Fe2O3), manganese oxide (MnO), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and calcium oxide (CaO). Chemical analysis indicates high silicate content and minimal alkali content, contributing to enhanced strength during concreting. Higher steel slag replacement reduces workability, confirmed by slump tests. However, all mixes maintain a true slump, and unit weight increases with steel slag aggregate replacement. Compressive strength improves incrementally with higher steel slag content, echoing prior research. In addition, flexural strength rises with steel slag replacing both coarse and fine aggregates, suggesting enhanced performance in reinforced concrete structures. These findings highlight steel slag’s potential as a sustainable alternative in concrete production, aiming to advance its application in the construction industry, promoting environmental sustainability and economic viability.
Clinical cut-off scores for the Borderline Personality Features Scale for Children to differentiate among adolescents with Borderline Personality Disorder, other psychopathology, and no psychopathology: a replication study
Authors: Gecha Tess , McLaren Veronica , Sharp Carla
Published: August 2024

Background

Despite being one of the most popular measures of borderline pathology in adolescents, only one study has evaluated clinical cut-off scores for the Borderline Personality Features Scale for Children (BPFS-C) using a small sample without a healthy comparison group (Chang B, Sharp C, Ha C. The Criterion Validity of the Borderline Personality Features Scale for Children in an Adolescent Inpatient Setting. J Personal Disord. 2011;25(4):492–503. https://doi.org/10.1521/pedi.2011.25.4.492.). The purpose of the current study was to replicate and improve on the limitations of the prior study conducted by Chang et al. to more definitively establish clinical cut-off scores for the self- and parent-report versions of the BPFS-C to detect clinical and sub-clinical borderline personality disorder (BPD) in a large sample of adolescents with BPD, other psychopathology, and no psychopathology.

Methods

A total of 900 adolescents ranging from ages 12–17 participated in this study. The clinical sample consisted of 622 adolescents recruited from an inpatient psychiatric facility, and the healthy control sample consisted of 278 adolescents recruited from the community. All participants completed the BPFS-C and were administered the Child Interview for DSM-IV Borderline Personality Disorder (CI-BPD).

Results

Using three-way ROC analyses, cut-off scores on the self- and parent-report versions of the BPFS-C distinguishing adolescents with BPD from those with subclinical BPD, and those with subclinical BPD from healthy adolescents were established.

Conclusions

These findings support the use of both versions of the BPFS-C to detect adolescents with BPD and sub-clinical BPD.
A multi-disciplinary analysis of the Portrait of Philip the Good in Dijon
Authors: Verheyen Jan , Buti David , Cartechini Laura , Fontana Raffaella , Iwanicka Magdalena , Raffaelli Marco , Targowski Piotr
Published: August 2024

One of the finest fifteenth-century portraits of the Burgundian Duke Philip the Good resides in the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Dijon. This small yet exceptionally crafted panel holds significance for both historians and art historians alike. Surprisingly, prior to this study, the context, the dating and the authorship of the piece remained obscure, and the widely circulated hypothesis of it being “a copy of a lost portrait by Rogier van der Weyden” has never been corroborated by convincing arguments. Clarifying the context, dating and authorship of the painting were the primary objectives of the investigations discussed in the article. Therefore, this painting underwent a multidisciplinary investigation spanning both the positive and human sciences. Macro-XRF scans were conducted alongside hyperspectral reflectance scans, multispectral imaging in the visible and infrared range, and optical coherence tomography. These analyses were complemented by an art historical study. As a result, a precise delineation between authentic and retouched sections was achieved. This article does not merely present the various perspectives separately but constructs a coherent narrative based on all these foundations. This holistic multidisciplinary research methodology produced a clear account, albeit with some scope for future inquiry. The involvement of the painter Pieter Cristus was conclusively demonstrated. This painter, whether himself personally, an assistant in the workshop or a contemporary follower, is attributed to the genesis of this work, which is presumed to be not the original portrait but a contemporaneous copy, possibly commissioned by the Burgundian Duke himself. While we no longer remain in the dark and have lifted some veils, this study also paves the way for further investigation into this panel and the numerous other portraits of Philip the Good.
The importance of Haemophilus influenzae in community-acquired pneumonia: an emerging pathogen in the elderly regardless of comorbidities compared to Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Yamba Yamba Linda , Hansen Karin , Wasserstrom Lisa , Su Yu-Ching , Ahl Jonas , Riesbeck Kristian
Published: August 2024

Background

Haemophilus influenzae community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is common, and it is equally common to Streptococcus pneumoniae in some settings. The purpose of this study was to provide additional data on patients affected by H. influenzae CAP and their outcomes.

Methods

Streptococcus pneumoniae-caused CAP (111 cases) was compared to CAP with H. influenzae (53 cases). Patients were adults (≥ 18 years) from the prospective study “Etiology of community acquired pneumonia in Sweden” (ECAPS), which was established during the years 2016–2018.

Results

Cases with H. influenzae CAP were significantly older compared to S. pneumoniae CAP (median 77 vs 70 years, p = 0.037) albeit similar comorbidities. Haemophilus influenzae was generally absent in the bloodstream compared to S. pneumoniae (18% vs 2%, p = 0.01) but clinical presentations were comparable. Only a minority of patients, 34% with H. influenzae and 41% with S. pneumoniae CAP had underlying lung disease.

Conclusion

In the light of childhood immunization campaigns against S. pneumoniae and the increasing numbers of pneumococcal vaccinations among the elderly, coupled with an aging population, the incidence of CAP caused by H. influenzae may increase. Further research is needed to understand the impact of H. influenzae CAP and to a development of a vaccine against this emerging microbe.
Pengembangan Set Alat Praktikum Sistem Dua Cermin Datar Pada Konsep Optika untuk Peserta Didik Kelas IX
Authors: Diyanti Diyanti , Sahlan Sahlan , Alfarizi Zakaria
Published: August 2024

Penggunaan media pembelajaran yang inovatif merupakan alternatif pembelajaran yang dapat meningkatkan minat belajar peserta didik salah satunya adalah penggunaan alat praktikum fisika. Alat praktikum yang akan dikembangkan dalam penelitian ini adalah alat praktikum sistem dua cermin datar sederhana pada konsep optika. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan set alat praktikum sistem dua cermin datar pada konsep optika. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan Research and Development (RD) dengan menggunakan model 4-D. Teknik pengambilan data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah angket kelayakan media. Instrumen penelitian yang digunakan yaitu lembar validasi ahli media dan ahli materi. Analisis data yang digunakan adalah analisis deskripsi berbantuan MS. Excel. Hasil penelitian ini adalah alat praktikum sistem dua cermin datar dinyatakan layak digunakan setelah mendapatkan nilai rata-rata penilaian sebesar 89% dari ahli media dan 91% ahli materi.
Analisis Faktor-Faktor yang Mempengaruhi Tingkat Kesadaran Masyarakat Desa Paga terhadap Kepemilikan Sertifikat Tanah
Authors: Ratu Rikardus , Aswim Danar , Natsir Rodja Abdul
Published: August 2024

Permasalahan jumlah penduduk yang semakin meningkat menambah pentingnya kedudukan akan tanah dalam kehidupan setiap orang yang memiliki tanah dan bangunan. Sertifikat adalah surat yang diberi tanda tangan yang memuat peristiwa-peristiwa yang menjadi dasar pada suatu ha atau perikatan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi tingkat kesadaran masyarakat Desa Paga terhadap kepemilikan sertifikat tanah dan juga untuk mengetahui upaya yang dilakukan oleh masyarakat dan pemerintah Desa Paga dalam mengurus sertifikat tanah. pada penelitian ini penulis menggunakan metode kualitatif melalui wawancara dokumentasi dan observasi di mana dalam metode ini penulis ingin mengkaji kesadaran masyarakat Desa Paga tepatnya di RT/RW 017/008 tentang faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi tingkat kesadaran masyarakat terhadap kepemilikan sertifikat tanah. Pemahaman  sertifikat tanah bagi masyarakat Desa Paga adalah sebagai bukti hukum. Tetapi ada beberapa masyarakat yang belum memiliki sertifikat tanah dimana masih melihat dari Undang-undang dan peraturannya. Hal ini menyebabkan masyarakat enggan untuk mengurus sertifikat tanah karena dianggap masih hal yang biasa jika belum memiliki sertifikat tanah. Masyarakat masih berpegang pada aturan atau pedoman bahwa “batas tanah” atau dalam bahasa setempat disebut “Langi” maka itu sudah menjadi dasar hukum untuk mengklaim bahwa itu merupakan tanah mereka. Namun secara hukumnya tanah harus dibuat dengan sertifikat sebagai bukti hak atas tanah agar terhindar dari masalah-masalah yang akan timbul dalam masyarakat.
Perbandingan Model Pembelajaran PBL dan Investigasi Kelompok terhadap Kemampuan Pemecahan Masalah Siswa SMP 23 Kota Jambi pada Materi Energi dan Perubahannya
Authors: Gustian Gustian , Kurniawan Dwi Agus , Maison Maison
Published: August 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membandingkan kemampuan pemecahan masalah siswa SMP 23 Kota Jambi antara yang menggunakan model pembelajaran Problem Based Learning (PBL) dan model pembelajaran Investigasi Kelompok pada materi Energi dan Perubahannya. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif dengan desain eksperimen semu menggunakan post-test only nonequivalent control group design. Populasi penelitian adalah siswa kelas VII SMP 23 Kota Jambi dengan sampel sebanyak 60 siswa yang diambil dengan teknik cluster sampling dan terbagi menjadi kelas eksperimen A (model Investigasi Kelompok) dan kelas eksperimen B (model PBL). Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan memberikan pretest dan posttest. Analisis data menggunakan uji normalitas, homogenitas, dan uji t. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa tidak terdapat perbedaan yang signifikan pada kemampuan pemecahan masalah siswa kelas eksperimen A (sig. 0,641 0,05), namun terdapat perbedaan yang signifikan pada kemampuan pemecahan masalah siswa kelas eksperimen B (sig. 0,000 0,05). Dapat disimpulkan bahwa penerapan model PBL lebih mempengaruhi kemampuan pemecahan masalah siswa dibandingkan model Investigasi Kelompok pada materi Energi dan Perubahannya di SMP 23 Kota Jambi.
The relationship between oral health and dental care usage behavior and health-related quality of life (EQ-5D) in women who have experienced pregnancy and childbirth
Authors: Son Ju-Lee , Park Soo-Auk
Published: August 2024

Objectives: This study analyzed raw data from the 8th National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019-2021) to assess the impact of oral health problems and dental care usage patterns of women who have experienced pregnancy and childbirth. Methods: Out of the 2,389 participants with pregnancy and childbirth experience, 1,301 were included in the final analysis. Multiple regression analysis was conducted using to determine the influencing factors on EQ-5D. Results: Factors influencing EQ5D include general characteristics (age, family income (5 quintile), status of basic living subsistence, education level), oral health problems (chewing problems, complaints of chewing discomfort, speaking problems) (p<0.001). Conclusions: The oral health problems and dental care usage patterns of women who experience pregnancy and childbirth have a significant impact on their health-related quality of life. This study provides basic data for women’s ongoing oral care.
Copenhagen Chic: A Locational History of Copenhagen Fashion, Katrina Stark (2023)
Authors: Squires Emma
Published: August 2024

Review of: Copenhagen Chic: A Locational History of Copenhagen Fashion, Katrina Stark (2023)

Bristol: Intellect Books, 230 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-78938-783-4, p/bk, $29.95
Influence of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae-based probiotic complex on gut microbiota, serum biochemistry, and circulating trace element and mineral levels in lactating dairy cows
Authors: Sizova Elena A. , Yausheva Elena V. , Nechitailo Ksenia S. , Kamirova Aina M. , Ryazanceva Kristina V. , Shoshin Daniil E. , Skalny Anatoly V. , Tinkov Alexey A.
Published: August 2024

Background and Aim: The existing data demonstrate that gut microbiota is involved in regulating mineral metabolism in cattle, although the data are quite contradictory. The study aimed to evaluate Saccharomyces cerevisiae-based probiotic’s effects on gut microbiota, systemic metabolism, and dairy cows’ essential trace element and mineral body burden.

Materials and Methods: Fifteen cows received a daily supplement of a 50 g S. cerevisiae-based probiotic, fortified with methionine, choline, eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, and Capsicum oleoresin, for a month. 16S metagenomic sequencing was used to evaluate the taxonomic features of fecal microbiota. Serum trace elements and minerals levels were determined through inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

Results: Supplementation with S. cerevisiae-based probiotic complex significantly increased alpha and beta diversity, as well as the abundance of Mediterranea and Clostridium IV within the Bacillota phylum, whereas that of Bacteroidota and specifically unclassified Bacteroidales and unclassified Oscillospiraceae decreased. Following probiotic supplementation with the S. cerevisiae-based complex, gut microbiota modulation led to a significant boost in circulating levels of calcium, copper, selenium, and zinc. Creatinine levels decreased while total cholesterol levels increased within normal limits in the serum analysis.

Conclusion: The observed improvement in trace elements and minerals in dairy cows might be due to changes in intestinal microflora caused by supplementation. Therefore, probiotic supplementation in cattle may be considered a potential tool for improvement of mineral nutrition in cattle. However, the influence of probiotic treatment and modulation of mineral metabolism on milk productivity and overall performance in cattle is yet to be estimated.

Keywords: gut microbiota, minerals, probiotic, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, trace elements.
Rhodamine-B for the mark, release, and recapture experiments in gamma-irradiated male Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae): Persistence, dispersal, and its effect on survival
Authors: Sasmita Hadian Iman , Ernawan Beni , Ramadhani Tri , Sunaryo Sunaryo , Mujiyanto Mujiyanto , Benariva Alfa Putra , Sasaerila Yorianta Hidayat
Published: August 2024

Background and Aim: Rhodamine-B (Rh-B) marking shows a great potential for use in mark-release-recapture (MRR) studies for rear-and-release mosquito control strategies, including the radiation-based sterile insect technique. However, its applicability and evaluation in body-stain-irradiated males of Aedes aegypti have received little attention. The present study evaluated the use of Rh-B to mark gamma-irradiated male A. aegypti.

Materials and Methods: Male A. aegypti were irradiated at the pupal stage at a dose of 70 Gy. After emergence, males were fed 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, or 0.4% Rh-B in 10% glucose solution for 4 days. Groups of unirradiated males that received the same feeding treatments were used as control groups. We evaluated the persistence of Rh-B and the longevity of males after Rh-B feeding. Furthermore, the use of Rh-B in irradiated A. aegypti for MRR experiments was evaluated at an urban site.

Results: No difference was observed in the Rh-B persistence among all concentrations at the 24-h postmarking period ranging from 91.25 ± 1.61% to 96.25 ± 1.61% and from 90.00 ± 2.28% to 93.13 ± 2.77% for the unirradiated and irradiated groups, respectively. Rh-B persistence significantly decreased over time, and persistence was significantly longer with increased concentrations in both the unirradiated and irradiated groups. Longevity was considerably decreased by Rh-B feeding and irradiation. However, no significant difference in longevity was found among males fed various concentrations of Rh-B. Through MRR experiments, irradiated-Rh-B marked males were mostly detected within a radius of 20 m and 40 m from the center-release point. The mean distance traveled of the released males from the three MRR events was calculated to be 42.6 m.

Conclusion: This study confirms that Rh-B body marking through sugar feeding is applicable for irradiated male A. aegypti, with only a slight effect on longevity. Furthermore, considering the significant reduction in persistence over time, further study is needed to assess the impact of this reduction on the calculation of field biological parameters resulting from MRR experiments.

Keywords: irradiated males, mark-release-recapture, rhodamine-B, sterile insect technique.