bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Admission plasma potassium and length of hospital stay: a meta-analysis
Authors: Logan Ellis Hugh , Llewellyn David , Mendis Jeewaka , Whyte Martin
Published: August 2023

Objective

Hypokalaemia and hyperkalaemia (‘dyskalaemia’) are commonly seen in patients requiring emergency hospital admission. The adverse effect of dyskalaemia on mortality is well described but there are few data for the effect on hospital length of stay. We sought to determine the association of serum potassium concentration with in-hospital length of stay.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

A structured search of MEDLINE, PubMed and SCOPUS databases to 19 March 2021.

Eligibility criteria

Observational cohort studies defining exposure of interest as serum potassium levels (at admission or within the first 72 hours) and with outcome of interest as length of hospital stay. Studies had to provide estimates of length of stay as a comparison between normokalaemia and defined ranges of hyperkalaemia or hypokalaemia.

Data extraction and synthesis

We identified 39 articles published to March 2021 that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Study selection, data extraction and quality assessment were carried out by two reviewers working independently and in duplicate, to assessed eligibility and risk of bias, and extract data from eligible studies. Random effects models were used to pool estimates across the included studies. Meta-analyses were performed using Cochrane-RevMan.

Results

Five studies were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with the reference group (3.5–5.0 mmol/L), the pooled raw differences of medians were 4.45 (95% CI 2.71 to 6.91), 1.99 (95% CI 0.03 to 3.94), 0.98 (95% CI 0.91 to 1.05), 1.51 (95% CI 1.03 to 2.0), 1 (95% CI 0.75 to 1.25) and 2.76 (95% CI 1.24 to 4.29) for patients with potassium levels of <2.5, 2.5 to <3.0, 3.0 to <3.5, <5 to 5.5, <5.5 to 6 and >6.0 mmol/L, respectively.

Conclusion

Hospital length of stay follows a U-shaped distribution, with duration of admission being twofold greater at the extremes of the potassium range.
Investigating the factors associated with meaningful improvement on the SF-36-PFS and exploring the appropriateness of this measure for young people with ME/CFS accessing an NHS specialist service: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Gaunt Daisy , Brigden Amberly , Metcalfe Chris , Loades Maria , Crawley Esther
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Paediatric myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is relatively common and disabling, but little is known about the factors associated with outcome. We aimed to describe the number and characteristics of young people reaching the 10-point minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of SF-36-Physical Function Subscale (SF-36-PFS) and to investigate factors associated with reaching the MCID.

Design

Prospective observational cohort study.

Setting

A specialist UK National Health Service ME/CFS service, Southwest England; recruitment between March 2014 and August 2015.

Participants

193 eligible patients with ME/CFS aged 8–17 years reported baseline data. 124 (65%) and 121 (63%) with outcome data at 6 and 12 months, respectively.

Outcome measures

SF-36-PFS (primary outcome). Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire, school attendance, visual analogue pain scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Spence Young People Anxiety Scale, Clinical Global Impression scale and EQ-5D-Y (secondary).

Results

At 6 months 48/120 (40%) had reached the MCID for SF-36-PFS. This had increased to 63/117 (54%) at 12 months. On the Clinical Global Impressions, 77% and 79% reported feeling either a little better, much better or very much better. Those with worse SF-36-PFS at baseline assessment were more likely to achieve the MCID for SF-36-PFS at 6 months (odds ratio 0.97, 95% confidence interval 0.96 to 0.99, p value 0.003), but there was weaker evidence of effect at 12 months (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.00, p value 0.038). No other factors at baseline were associated with the odds of reaching the MCID at 6 months. However, at 12 months, there was strong evidence of an effect of pain on MCID (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95 to 0.99, p value 0.001) and SF-36-PFS on MCID (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94 to 0.98, p value 0.001).

Conclusions

40% and 54% of young people reached the MCID at 6 and 12 months, respectively. No factors at assessment (other than SF-36-PFS at 6 months, and pain and SF-36-PFS at 12 months) are associated with MCID of SF-36-PFS at either 6 or 12 months. Further work is needed to explore the most appropriate outcome measure for capturing clinical meaningful improvement for young people with ME/CFS.
Efficacy of an innovative Herbst appliance with TADs for patients with hyperdivergent class II malocclusion: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wang Yuhui , Xu Yichen , Gong Zhicheng , Pan Jie , Liu Yuehua
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Class II treatment with mandibular retrusion often involves the Herbst appliance due to its efficiency and low requirement of cooperation. Despite its advantages, it causes side effects concerning the occlusal plane and pogonion in terms of clockwise rotation that hinder the desired mandibular advancement for hyperdivergent patients. In this study, we will use a newly designed Herbst appliance, and a protocol that is accompanied by TADs for vertical control to avoid maxillary clockwise rotation. We hypothesise that the effect of the Herbst appliance with the vertical control approach will be beneficial for maintaining or even decreasing the skeletal divergence in hyperdivergent class II patients compared with conventional Herbst treatment.

Methods and analysis

This study is a randomised, parallel, prospective controlled trial that will study the efficacy of Herbst with or without vertical control in children with hyperdivergent skeletal class II malocclusion. A total of 44 patients will be enrolled and randomised in a ratio of 1:1 to either Herbst treatment or Herbst treatment with vertical control. Participants will be recruited at the Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Shanghai, China. The primary endpoint is the change in the angle indicating the occlusal plane and Sella-Nasion plane from baseline (T0) to the primary endpoint (T2) on cephalometric measurements by lateral X-ray examination. Important secondary outcomes include the root length of the anterior teeth, and the assessment score of the Visual Analogue Scale Questionnaire, etc. Safety endpoints will also be evaluated.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the ethics committee of the Shanghai Stomatological Hospital (Approval No. (2021) 012). Before enrolment, a qualified clinical research assistant will obtain written informed consent from both the participants and their guardians after full explanation of this study. The results will be presented at national or international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2100049860, Chinese Clinical Trial Registry
Symptom profiles and their influencing factors among people with subjective cognitive decline: a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from the 2019 Korea Community Health Survey using latent class analysis
Authors: Seong Hohyun , Park Jongmin
Published: August 2023

Objective

Subjective cognitive decline, self-perceived cognitive deterioration without objective impairment, is becoming a vital health indicator, especially due to its intermediate stage between normal function and mild cognitive impairment. Cognitive decline often coexists with various symptoms that may interact with each other, serve as prognostic indicators and influence the progression of cognitive decline. This study aims to identify symptom clusters among individuals with subjective cognitive decline, using latent class analysis, and to identify factors affecting these symptom clusters, offering insights into understanding and potentially preventing cognitive decline progression.

Design and setting

A secondary data analysis of the nationally representative cross-sectional data obtained from the 2019 Korea Community Health Survey.

Outcomes

We performed latent class analysis using six symptoms (pain, sleep deprivation, depression, fatigue, restlessness and apathy) to determine the distinct symptom clusters. After selecting the best latent class model, we identified factors influencing those symptom clusters using multinomial logistic regression analyses.

Results

We found that a three-latent-class model best fitted the data: a low symptom-burden group (39.9%), a moderate symptom-burden group (44.8%) and a high symptom-burden group (15.3%). Male gender, higher age, higher perceived health status and lower perceived stress status, were strongly associated with lesser odds of being in the moderate (OR: 0.37 (95% CI: 0.33 to 0.41)) to OR: 2.20 (95% CI: 2.03 to 2.39)) and high symptom-burden groups (OR: 0.18 (95% CI: 0.15 to 0.21)) to OR: 8.53 (95% CI: 7.68 to 9.49)) as compared with being in the low symptom-burden group.

Conclusion

Findings may contribute to improving clinical practitioners’ understanding of the unique symptom patterns experienced by people with subjective cognitive decline and their influencing factors. Furthermore, we recommend that formal caregivers screen and manage prevalent symptoms considering the factors affecting the symptoms of people with subjective cognitive decline in clinical practice.
Impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on postoperative complications of patients undergoing surgery after general outbreak in China: a protocol for multicentre prospective cohort study
Authors: Zheng Ziyu , Gao Baobao , Luo Gang , Wang Lini , Lei Chong
Published: August 2023

Introduction

There is currently limited evidence addressing perioperative prognosis of surgical patients during COVID-19 pandemic; especially targeting on the Chinese population since the wave in 2022. Considering a distinct feature from the rest of the world demonstrated and the fast mutation and spread of the virus, evidence most relevant to China is urgently in need. The objective of this study is to seek for supporting evidence via evidence-based risk evaluations for postoperative complications to accumulate experience for coming infection waves.

Methods and analysis

This protocol proposes a multicentral, prospective, observational cohort study aiming to explore the link between SARS-CoV-2 infection and postoperative complications among surgical patients under general or regional anaesthesia between 16 January 2023 and 31 December 2023. A retrospective cohort covering the same period in 2019 is extracted for historic reference. Data are extracted from the health information system and anaesthesia information management system. The COVID-19 information is collected via an online survey. Missing values in weight or height will be imputed by each other with age and gender via multiple imputation. Other missing values will not be handled specially. Standard descriptive statistics will be reported followed by statistical modelling. Binomial regression with logit link is used for binary outcome. The time-to-event outcome is analysed using Cox regression with discharge from hospital further treated as a competing state. Hierarchical models will be assessed to account for temporal or central random effects. Temporal trends will be displayed with future expectations.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is obtained from the ethical committee in Xijing Hospital (No. KY20232002-C-1); approvals are expected for each participating institute. Verbal consent will be informed and obtained prior to online survey collection. Personal information remains confidential, and publications will be deidentified.

Trial registration number

NCT05677815.
PeRiOperative Glucose PRAgMatic (PROGRAM) trial protocol and statistical analysis plan for comparing automated intraoperative reminders to standardise insulin administration in surgical patients at high risk of hyperglycaemia
Authors: Zapf Matthew , Patel Dev , Henson Patrick , McEvoy Matthew D , Huang Eunice , Wanderer Jonathan P , Fowler Leslie , Mccarthy Karen , Freundlich Robert E , Eden Svetlana , Shotwell Matthew S , Kertai Miklos D
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Studies finding perioperative hyperglycaemia is associated with adverse patient outcomes in surgical procedures spurred the development of blood glucose guidelines at many institutions. In this trial, we will assess the implementation of a clinical decision support tool that is integrated into the intraoperative portion of our electronic health record and provides real-time best practice recommendations for intraoperative insulin dosing in surgical patients at high risk for hyperglycaemia.

Methods and design

We will assess this intervention using a sequential and repeated cross-over design at the institutional level with periods of time for wash-out, control and study intervention. The unit of analysis will be the surgical case. The primary outcome will be the frequency of hyperglycaemia (>180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L)) at first postoperative anaesthesia care unit measurement. There are several prespecified secondary analyses focused on perioperative glycaemic control.

Discussion

This protocol and statistical analysis plan describes the methodology, primary and secondary analyses. The PeRiOperative Glucose PRAgMatic (PROGRAM) trial was approved by the Vanderbilt University Institutional Review Board (IRB), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA (IRB, 220991). The study results will be disseminated via publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at national scientific conferences. The results of PROGRAM trial will inform best practice for perioperative standardised insulin administration in surgical patients at high risk of hyperglycaemia.

Trial registration number

NCT05426096.
Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of an integrated telerehabilitation platform for home-based cardiac REHABilitation in patients with heart failure (E-REHAB): protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Chimura Misato , Koba Shinji , Sakata Yasushi , Ise Takayuki , Miura Hiroyuki , Murai Ryosuke , Suzuki Hiroshi , Maekawa Emi , Kida Keisuke , Matsuo Koki , Kondo Hirokazu , Takabayashi Kensuke , Fujimoto Wataru , Tamura Yuichi , Imai Shunsuke , Miura Shin-ichiro , Origuchi Hideki , Goda Akiko , Saita Ryotaro , Kikuchi Atsushi , Taniguchi Tatsunori
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is strongly recommended as a medical treatment to improve the prognosis and quality of life of patients with heart failure (HF); however, participation rates in CR are low compared with other evidence-based treatments. One reason for this is the geographical distance between patients’ homes and hospitals. To address this issue, we developed an integrated telerehabilitation platform, RH-01, for home-based CR. We hypothesised that using the RH-01 platform for home-based CR would demonstrate non-inferiority compared with traditional centre-based CR.

Methods and analysis

The E-REHAB trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of RH-01 for home-based CR compared with traditional centre-based CR for patients with HF. This clinical trial will be conducted under a prospective, randomised, controlled and non-inferiority design with a primary focus on HF patients. Further, to assess the generalisability of the results in HF to other cardiovascular disease (CVD), the study will also include patients with other CVDs. The trial will enrol 108 patients with HF and 20 patients with other CVD. Eligible HF patients will be randomly assigned to either traditional centre-based CR or home-based CR in a 1:1 fashion. Patients with other CVDs will not be randomised, as safety assessment will be the primary focus. The intervention group will receive a 12-week programme conducted two or three times per week consisting of a remotely supervised home-based CR programme using RH-01, while the control group will receive a traditional centre-based CR programme. The primary endpoint of this trial is change in 6 min walk distance.

Ethics and dissemination

The conduct of the study has been approved by an institutional review board at each participating site, and all patients will provide written informed consent before entry. The report of the study will be disseminated via scientific fora, including peer-reviewed publications and presentations at conferences.

Trial registration number

jRCT:2052200064.
How is transition to medical practice shaped by a novel transitional role? A mixed-methods study
Authors: Burford Bryan , Mattick Karen , Carrieri Daniele , Goulding Anna , Gale Thomas , Brennan Nicola , Vance Gillian
Published: August 2023

Objectives

This study considered a novel ‘interim’ transitional role for new doctors (termed ‘FiY1’, interim Foundation Year 1), bridging medical school and Foundation Programme (FP). Research questions considered effects on doctors’ well-being and perceived preparedness, and influences on their experience of transition. While FiY1 was introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, findings have wider and ongoing relevance.

Design

A sequential mixed-methods study involved two questionnaire phases, followed by semi-structured interviews. In phase 1, questionnaires were distributed to doctors in FiY1 posts, and in phase 2, to all new FP doctors, including those who had not undertaken FiY1.

Setting and participants

Participants were newly qualified doctors from UK medical schools, working in UK hospitals in 2020. 77% (n=668) of all participants across all phases had undertaken FiY1 before starting FP in August. The remainder started FP in August with varying experience beforehand.

Outcome measures

Questionnaires measured preparedness for practice, stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, identity, and tolerance of ambiguity. Interviews explored participants’ experiences in more depth.

Results

Analysis of questionnaires (phase 1 n=441 FiY1s, phase 2 n=477 FiY1s, 196 non-FiY1s) indicated that FiY1s felt more prepared than non-FiY1 colleagues for starting FP in August (β=2.71, 95% CI=2.21 to 3.22, p<0.0001), which persisted to October (β=1.85, CI=1.28 to 2.41, p<0.0001). Likelihood of feeling prepared increased with FiY1 duration (OR=1.02, CI=1.00 to 1.03, p=0.0097). Despite challenges to well-being during FiY1, no later detriment was apparent. Thematic analysis of interview data (n=22) identified different ways, structural and interpersonal, in which the FiY1 role enhanced doctors’ emerging independence supported by systems and colleagues, providing ‘supported autonomy’.

Conclusions

An explicitly transitional role can benefit doctors as they move from medical school to independent practice. We suggest that the features of supported autonomy are those ofinstitutionalised liminality—a structured role ‘betwixt and between’ education and practice—and this lens may provide a guide to optimising the design of such posts.
Impact of areal socioeconomic status on prehospital delay of acute ischaemic stroke: retrospective cohort study from a prefecture-wide survey in Japan
Authors: Fukuda Hitoshi , Hyohdoh Yuki , Ninomiya Hitoshi , Ueba Yusuke , Ohta Tsuyoshi , Kawanishi Yu , Kadota Tomohito , Hamada Fumihiro , Fukui Naoki , Nonaka Motonobu , Kawada Kei , Fukuda Maki , Nishimoto Yo , Matsushita Nobuhisa , Nojima Yuji , Kida Namito , Hayashi Satoru , Izumidani Tomohiko , Nishimura Hiroyuki , Moriki Akihito , Ueba Tetsuya
Published: August 2023

Objectives

To examine whether the Areal Deprivation Index (ADI), an indicator of the socioeconomic status of the community the patient resides in, is associated with delayed arrival at the hospital and poor outcomes in patients with acute ischaemic stroke from a prefecture-wide stroke database in Japan.

Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

Twenty-nine acute stroke hospitals in Kochi prefecture, Japan.

Participants

Nine thousand and six hundred fifty-one patients with acute ischaemic stroke who were urgently hospitalised, identified using the Kochi Acute Stroke Survey of Onset registry. Capital and non-capital areas were analysed separately.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Prehospital delay defined as hospital arrival ≥4-hour after stroke onset, poor hospital outcomes (in-hospital mortality and discharge to a nursing facility) and the opportunities of intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) and endovascular reperfusion therapy.

Results

In the overall cohort, prehospital delay was observed in 6373 (66%) patients. Among individuals residing in non-capital areas, those living in municipalities with higher ADI (more deprived) carried a significantly higher risk of prehospital delay (per one-point increase, OR (95% CI) 1.45 (1.26 to 1.66)) by multivariable logistic regression analysis. In-hospital mortality (1.45 (1.02 to 2.06)), discharge to a nursing facility (1.31 (1.03 to 1.66)), and delayed candidate arrival ≥2-hour of intravenous rt-PA (2.04 (1.30 to 3.26)) and endovascular reperfusion therapy (2.27 (1.06 to 5.00)), were more likely to be observed in the deprived areas with higher ADI. In the capital areas, postal-code-ADI was not associated with prehospital delay (0.97 (0.66 to 1.41)).

Conclusions

Living in socioeconomically disadvantaged municipalities was associated with prehospital delays of acute ischaemic stroke in non-capital areas in Kochi prefecture, Japan. Poorer outcomes of those patients may be caused by delayed treatment of intravenous rt-PA and endovascular reperfusion therapy. Further studies are necessary to determine social risk factors in the capital areas.

Trial registration number

This article is linked to a clinical trial to UMIN000050189, No.: R000057166 and relates to its Result stage.
Gastrointestinal syndromes preceding a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease: testing Braak’s hypothesis using a nationwide database for comparison with Alzheimer’s disease and cerebrovascular diseases
Authors: Konings Bo , Villatoro Luisa , Van den Eynde Jef , Barahona Guillermo , Burns Robert , McKnight Megan , Hui Ken , Yenokyan Gayane , Tack Jan , Pasricha Pankaj Jay
Published: August 2023

Objective

Braak’s hypothesis states that Parkinson’s disease (PD) originates in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and similar associations have been established for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and cerebrovascular diseases (CVD). We aimed to determine the incidence of GI syndromes and interventions preceding PD compared with negative controls (NCs), AD and CVD.

Design

We performed a combined case-control and cohort study using TriNetX, a US based nationwide medical record network. Firstly, we compared subjects with new onset idiopathic PD with matched NCs and patients with contemporary diagnoses of AD and CVD, to investigate preceding GI syndromes, appendectomy and vagotomy. Secondly, we compared cohorts with these exposures to matched NCs for the development of PD, AD and CVD within 5 years.

Results

We identified 24 624 PD patients in the case-control analysis and matched 18 cohorts with each exposure to their NCs. Gastroparesis, dysphagia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) without diarrhoea and constipation showed specific associations with PD (vs NCs, AD and CVD) in both the case-control (odds ratios (ORs) vs NCs 4.64, 3.58, 3.53 and 3.32, respectively, all p<0.0001) and cohort analyses (relative risks (RRs) vs NCs 2.43, 2.27, 1.17 and 2.38, respectively, all p<0.05). While functional dyspepsia, IBS with diarrhoea, diarrhoea and faecal incontinence were not PD specific, IBS with constipation and intestinal pseudo-obstruction showed PD specificity in the case-control (OR 4.11) and cohort analysis (RR 1.84), respectively. Appendectomy decreased the risk of PD in the cohort analysis (RR 0.48). Neither inflammatory bowel disease nor vagotomy were associated with PD.

Conclusion

Dysphagia, gastroparesis, IBS without diarrhoea and constipation might specifically predict Parkinson’s disease.
Contribution to the taxonomic elucidation of the Geonoma maxima complex (Arecaceae) in Central Amazonia, Brazil
Authors: de Souza Maria Cristina , de Mendonça Maria Silvia , Hopkins Michael John Gilbert , Pinheiro Fabio , Salatino Antonio , Brasileiro-Vidal Ana Christina , Vasconcelos Santelmo , Ferreira Evandro Jose Linhares
Published: August 2023

Geonoma maxima (Poit.) Kunth is an example of a species complex, among many others restricted to Neotropical rain forests, which contribute to their high species diversity. Using environmental, morphological, karyological, and molecular data, we aim to test the taxonomic circumscription of 3 of the 11  G. maxima subspecies defined in the latest taxonomic treatment. We evaluated 217 samples of G. maxima complex from Ducke Reserve in the state of Amazonas, Brazil. Environmental preferences were significant at the 0.1% level. Subspecies maxima occurred in the slope, subsp. chelidonura in the floodplain, and subsp. spixiana in the plateau. Leaf morphology and height were different for each subspecies, but not leaf anatomy. The karyotypes of subspp. c helidonura and maxima were symmetrical with 2 n = 28 chromosomes, 16 metacentric and 12 submetacentric. Molecular analysis revealed two groups, one comprised subspp. maxima and chelidonura, and the other formed exclusively by subsp. spixiana. At Ducke Reserve, it is clear that the three subspecies are easily recognizable morphologically and ecologically, and it is likely that they do not interbreed locally. However, if these subspecies are analyzed on a larger geographic scale, it may not be possible to separate them.
The Acadian Forest of New Brunswick in the 21st century: what shifting heat and water balance imply for future stand dynamics and management
Authors: Albert Cédric , Taylor Anthony R. , Logan Travis , D’Orangeville Loïc
Published: August 2023

Climate change is altering the dynamics of New Brunswick’s forests. To mitigate the effects of climate change, it is crucial to account for future uncertainties in climate projections and natural disturbance trajectories when designing forestry practices. This paper presents the projected changes in key climatic drivers for New Brunswick’s forests, examines the impacts of climate change on forest stand dynamics, and reviews adaptive silviculture tools for climate change adaptation. By 2071–2100, a projected 4–6 °C increase in mean annual temperature will lead to a 39%–77% rise in growing degree-days and a reduction in summer atmospheric water balance by 48–79 mm across New Brunswick. Foresters should anticipate a doubling of annual area burned, the northward migration of spruce budworm ( Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens)), and the introduction of novel insects and diseases. Forest simulation models project a severe decline in boreal tree species abundance, including a 50% decline in balsam fir ( Abies balsamea (L.) Mill) and black spruce ( Picea mariana (Mill.) Britton et al.), offset by an increase in temperate species, notably red maple ( Acer rubrum L.; +200%) and American beech ( Fagus grandifolia Ehrh; +135%). Forests in the highlands and lowlands ecoregions, with 40%–50% and 15%–30% spruce and balsam fir composition, respectively, are particularly vulnerable. To limit climate change effects on forest values, foresters must prioritize climate resiliency in their management plans. Strategies should ensure the steady provision of forest goods and services under changing climatic conditions. Forest thinning enhances stand productivity and resilience, while shelterwood and two-age harvest balances timber production with diversity. Clearcutting, despite drawbacks, establishes younger, more vigorous forests with higher carbon sequestration potential. Assisted migration offers promise in helping threatened tree species adapt. Climate change will have a significant impact on New Brunswick’s forests, leading to changes in key climatic drivers, increased risks of disturbances, and a shift toward more temperate tree species. However, there are existing adaptation strategies available. It is crucial to consider future uncertainties when designing and evaluating forestry practices, as this is essential for mitigating the effects of climate change on forest values and ensuring the continued provision of forest goods and services over time.
Advances in laser-driven neutron sources and applications
Authors: Yogo A. , Arikawa Y. , Abe Y. , Mirfayzi S. R. , Hayakawa T. , Mima K. , Kodama R.
Published: August 2023

Laser-driven neutron source (LDNS) is attracting interest for several reasons including (i) compactness of the source, (ii) neutron pulse shortness and (iii) transportability of laser beam. Through reviewing recent activities, we discuss the characteristics of LDNS in a comparison with accelerator-based neutron facilities (ABNF). Especially, we discuss the potential and limit of LDNS by showing that neutrons ranging from meV to MeV in energy were generated by LDNS and applied to neutron analysis and fundamental science.
Study of damped oscillating structures from charged and neutral K-meson electromagnetic form factors data
Authors: Dubnička Stanislav , Dubničková Anna Zuzana , Holka Lukáš , Liptaj Andrej
Published: August 2023

The damped oscillating structures were recently revealed in the proton “effective” form factor data. For the time being they can neither be confirmed nor disproved by investigations of the individual proton form factors data because the data have not yet achieved the required level of precision. On the other hand, conjectures that the oscillating structures are direct manifestations of the quark-gluon structure of the proton indicate that they should not be specific only to the proton and neutron. This opens a possibility to find these structures also in the data of other hadrons by the same procedure as for the proton. In this paper the oscillatory structures are investigated in the electromagnetic form factor data of the charged and neutral K-mesons. If the charged and neutral K-meson data are described by the three parametric formula by means of which the oscillating structures have been revealed for the proton (although with a large value of $$\chi ^2/ndf$$

χ
2

/
n
d
f

) then oscillating structures appear. On the other hand, if the physically well founded Unitary and Analytic model of the K-meson electromagnetic structure is used for the description of the charged K-meson data, no damped oscillating structures are visible. However, in the case of the neutral K-meson data one cannot make a definite conclusion, and more precise data are needed. These results indicate that also the damped oscillating structures obtained from the “effective” proton form factor data are likely an artefact of the three parametric formula, which cannot describe the data with sufficient precision.
Strongly-coupled anisotropic gauge theories and holography in 5D Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity
Authors: Sajadi S. N. , Safari H. R.
Published: August 2023

In this paper we study uncharged, non-conformal and anisotropic systems with strong interactions using the gauge-gravity duality by considering Einstein-Quadratic-Axion-Dilaton action in five dimension. In fact we would like to gain insight into the influence of higher derivative gravity on the QCD system. At finite temperature, we obtain an anisotropic black brane solution to a 5D Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet-Axion-Dilaton system. The system has been investigated and the effect of the parameter of theory has been considered. The blackening function supports the thermodynamical phase transition between small/large and AdS/large black brane for suitable parameters. We also study transport and diffusion properties, and observe in particular that the butterfly velocity that characterizes both diffusion and growth of chaos transverse to the anisotropic direction saturates a constant value in the IR which can exceed the bound given by the conformal value. We also determine the imaginary part of the heavy quark potential in a strongly coupled plasma dual to Gauss–Bonnet gravity.
Key Technology of Distributed Memory File System Based on High-Performance Computer
Authors: Liu Mingxing
Published: August 2023

With the rapid development of computer technology, distributed systems have become an indispensable part of the field of information storage and management. In the process of large-scale data processing, it is an important issue to compress or replay files to ensure their integrity. In order to solve the problem of large-scale computing resources and data storage, the distributed file system emerged as a new system structure. The purpose of this paper to is study the key technologies of the distributed memory file system of high-performance computers is to improve the capability and efficiency of the distributed system. This paper mainly uses the experimental method and the comparative method to analyze the key technology of the distributed memory file system of the high-performance computer. Experimental results show that the maximum bandwidth value of DFMS in file memory processing can reach more than 2000, and the value becomes more stable as the file increases.
Effectiveness of motor imagery on sports performance in football players: A randomised control trial
Authors: Prasomsri Jaruwan , Thueman Bunthita , Yuenyong Pichamon , Thongnoon Chayanon , Khophongphaibun Naruepa , Ariyawatcharin Suppakorn
Published: August 2023

Background: Nowadays, the development of training programs for speed, agility and reaction time responses in football players is increasing widely. Motor imagery is a new method that uses collateral with physical training. However, there is still a scarcity of evidence concerning the addition of motor imagery protocol to routine training programs.

Objective: The main objective was to compare speed, agility and reaction time after motor imagery training in university athletes and amateur athletes who received and did not receive motor imagery training for 2 weeks.

Methods: Participants were divided into 4 subgroups as follows: university athlete group with motor imagery training and control group, amateur athlete group with motor imagery training and control group. This study collected the training effects of speed, agility and reaction time. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the Mann–Whitney U test were selected to analyse the differences within and between groups, respectively.

Results: The result presented positive changes in all variables after training sessions for 2 weeks in all groups. Speed at 20[Formula: see text]m, agility, and reaction time were found to be significantly different after motor imagery training in both university athletes and amateur athletes.

Conclusion: This finding demonstrated that the addition of the motor imagery training along with routine physical training promotes physical performance in athletes at all experience levels. In further studies, the retention effect after practice should be considered.
The United States, China and the Gulf Arab States in the Era of Great Power Competition
Authors: CALABRESE John
Published: August 2023

The Gulf is now a focal point in the strategic rivalry between the United States and China. US China policy has shifted from engagement to strategic competition. US and China engagement in the Gulf is characterised by overlapping interests, distinctive roles and changing patterns. This article proposes ways for the United States to manage strategic competition in the Gulf responsibly, thereby moving away from nascent competition and further mutual distrust and hostility in the region.
The Q-Measure Dynamics of Forward Rates
Authors: Rebonato Riccardo
Published: August 2023

I review how the theoretical modeling of the dynamics of forward rates in the context of derivatives pricing has evolved over time. I review the theoretical developments from the short rate models of the 1980s to the stochastic-volatility extensions of the SABR model. I argue that how the theory developed can be understood only by taking into account the institutional setting of derivatives trading and that the modeling choices were motivated to a surprisingly large extent by how the market evolved. I conclude with an assessment of which of these theoretical contributions have had a lasting and meaningful effect on the financial theory of asset pricing.
Designing More Informative Multiple-Driver Experiments
Authors: Thomas Mridul K. , Ranjan Ravi
Published: August 2023

For decades, multiple-driver/stressor research has examined interactions among drivers that will undergo large changes in the future: temperature, pH, nutrients, oxygen, pathogens, and more. However, the most commonly used experimental designs—present-versus-future and ANOVA—fail to contribute to general understanding or predictive power. Linking experimental design to process-based mathematical models would help us predict how ecosystems will behave in novel environmental conditions. We review a range of experimental designs and assess the best experimental path toward a predictive ecology. Full factorial response surface, fractional factorial, quadratic response surface, custom, space-filling, and especially optimal and sequential/adaptive designs can help us achieve more valuable scientific goals. Experiments using these designs are challenging to perform with long-lived organisms or at the community and ecosystem levels. But they remain our most promising path toward linking experiments and theory in multiple-driver research and making accurate, useful predictions.
Variable Importance Without Impossible Data
Authors: Mase Masayoshi , Owen Art B. , Seiler Benjamin B.
Published: August 2023

The most popular methods for measuring importance of the variables in a black-box prediction algorithm make use of synthetic inputs that combine predictor variables from multiple observations. These inputs can be unlikely, physically impossible, or even logically impossible. As a result, the predictions for such cases can be based on data very unlike any the black box was trained on. We think that users cannot trust an explanation of the decision of a prediction algorithm when the explanation uses such values. Instead, we advocate a method called cohort Shapley, which is grounded in economic game theory and uses only actually observed data to quantify variable importance. Cohort Shapley works by narrowing the cohort of observations judged to be similar to a target observation on one or more features. We illustrate it on an algorithmic fairness problem where it is essential to attribute importance to protected variables that the model was not trained on.
Anode Electrolysis of Copper Matte to Produce Copper and Iron
Authors: Qu Jiakang , Chen Xiang , Xie Hongwei , Guo Yanyang , Wang Dihua , Yin Huayi
Published: August 2023

Electrochemically splitting sulfides to metals and sulfur gas is a promising clean method to reduce energy consumption and environmental burden. Anode electrolysis has been proven to break metal-sulfur bonds at the anode in molten salts, but the electrolysis of complex sulfides has not been investigated. Herein, the selective extraction of Fe, Cu and S in copper matte (the mixture of FeS and Cu2S) by anode electrolysis was thoroughly studied by both thermodynamics and electrochemical tests. The FeS component was preferentially oxidized from copper matte on the anode while releasing sulfur gas, and the Fe powder as the main product was first collected from the cathode and then Cu was obtained. During potentiostatic electrolysis of copper matte on the anode, the content of Fe element was reduced from 49.1% to 18.6%, and the content of Cu element was enriched from 1.8% to 41.2%, showing the potential for not only achieving the clean sulfide electrochemical metallurgy but also effective separation. Thus, anode electrolysis could be applied to extract various complex sulfide ores.
Dependence of Device Performances on Fin Ratios of AlGaN/GaN Nanoscale Fin-HEMTs
Authors: Lai Yu-Jun , Lin Hong-Che , Liu Yu-Chen , Chen Chii-Wen , Wu Meng-Chyi
Published: August 2023

In this article, we report the fabrication and characterization of AlGaN/GaN fin-type high electron mobility transistors (Fin-HEMTs) grown on high-resistance silicon substrates. The Fin-HEMTs have a gate length of 125 nm by using electron-beam lithography with various fin ratios, which are defined as the total effective periodic gate widths over the gate width, along the whole gate width. The Fin-HEMTs are designed with three fin ratios of 0.5, 0.3, and 0.25. The on-resistance decreases with reducing the fin ratio and reaches 1.1 Ω mm at the fin ratio of 0.25. In addition, the Fin-HEMT with a fin ratio of 0.25 still exhibits a 14% higher drain current density than the planar device. With tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) etching, the current collapse caused by surface traps on the fin’s sidewalls is significantly reduced from 28.9% to 2.4% by the pulse I-V measurement. The Fin-HEMTs also can improve the gate control capability through the analyses of small-signal and large-signal measurements.
Always enough but never too much: the how and why of downregulating tissue oxygenation
Authors: Olson Kenneth R.
Published: August 2023

Cardiovascular regulation of tissue oxygenation is generally viewed as an anti-drop process that prevents tissue oxygen concentration from falling below some minimum. I propose that cardiovascular regulation is predominately an anti-rise process designed to downregulate oxygen delivery. This maintains an evolutionarily conserved, reduced intracellular environment to prevent oxidation of redox-sensitive regulatory protein thiols. A number of points support this hypothesis. First, oxygen is the only nutrient with a positive, fourfold diffusion gradient from the environment to systemic tissues, minimizing the likelihood that oxygen delivery is limited. Second, hemoglobin (Hb) retains oxygen unless offloading is absolutely necessary. The allosteric properties of Hb keep oxygen tightly bound until absolutely needed, and the Bohr shift, which favors offloading, is only transient and lost when metabolism is restored. Third, a myoglobin-like Hb (xHb) would offload all of its oxygen and could easily have evolved, but it did not. Fourth, oxygen-sensitive vasoconstrictors and hyperoxic-rarefaction prevent acute and chronic over perfusion. Fifth, Fåhraeus and Fåhraeus–Lindqvist effects reduce capillary hematocrit to minimize microcirculatory oxygen content. Sixth, venous blood remains 75% saturated, wasting 75% of cardiac output were an oxygen reserve not needed. Finally, xHb-containing red blood cells could be considerably smaller and thereby decrease Fåhraeus and Fåhraeus–Lindqvist effects and cardiac load. In summary, the capacity of the cardiovascular system to deliver oxygen to the tissues generally exceeds demand, and although maintenance of an oxygen delivery reserve is important, it is more important to prevent excess oxygen delivery.
Addressing the decline in graduate students’ mental well-being
Authors: SenthilKumar Gopika , Mathieu Natalia M. , Freed Julie K. , Sigmund Curt D. , Gutterman David D.
Published: August 2023

At the American Physiology Summit 2023 session entitled, “Mental Health for Graduate Students,” numerous students expressed struggling with poor mental well-being primarily because of negative experiences during their graduate training. In fact, studies show that up to 50% of graduate students report symptoms of depression, anxiety, or burnout during their training, and poor mental well-being is a major contributor to students’ decision to leave academia. Most of the current solutions focus on treatment or wellness strategies; while these are important and necessary, the training environment or culture that often contributes to worsening well-being continues to persist. In this collaborative article between trainees and mentors across various career stages, we discuss how the pace of scientific advancements and the associated competition, lack of sufficient support for students from diverse backgrounds, and mentor-mentee relationships crucially influence graduate students’ mental well-being. We then offer specific solutions at the individual, institutional, and national levels that can serve as a starting point for improving graduate students’ mental health and overall training experience.
Brain Areas Predisposing to the Stroke-Related Epilepsy Development
Authors: Weiss Viktor , Říha Pavel , Doležalová Irena , Kojan Martin , Červeňák Vladimír , Šimko Julius , Herzig Roman , Rektor Ivan
Published: August 2023

Background. Stroke-related epilepsy (STRE) represents a significant health problem. We focused on identifying brain areas, which involvement in ischemia predisposes a patient to STRE development. Methods. We retrospectively identified a group of patients with STRE consisting of 33 subjects. Subsequently, age-, sex-, and territory-matched controls who underwent stroke but did not develop STRE (control group (CG)) were identified. The CG was composed of 37 patients. The total ischemia volume and distribution of ischemic changes were compared between STRE and CG. We also analyzed multivariate statistics to identify independent variables predisposing to STRE development. Results. The patients with STRE exhibited a bigger volume of ischemia than CG (average volume of ischemia in STRE 60.8 cm3, in CG 42.4 cm3,

p
=
0.029

). When comparing STRE and CG, there were differences in the distribution of ischemic changes in the temporal lobe (transverse (Heschl’s) temporal gyri, superior temporal gyrus, and middle temporal gyrus) and parietooccipital region (postcentral gyrus, supramarginal gyrus, angular gyrus, parietal operculum, lingual gyrus, and superior occipital gyrus). The involvement of transverse temporal (Heschl’s) gyri (

p
=
0.0222

, odds ratio 30.0767), age (

p
=
0.0110

, odds ratio 1.0745), and SeLECT score (

p
=
0.0480

, odds ratio 1.8682) were identified as independent predictors for STRE development. Conclusion. The higher volume of ischemia correlates with a higher risk of STRE development. Some areas, particularly in the temporal and parietal neocortex, predispose the brain to generate epilepsy after the stroke.