bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Histomorphometric comparison of left and right oviduct structure from alpaca (Vicugna pacos)
Authors: Sánchez‐Caycho Katherine , Chávez‐Quispe Renzo , Mellisho Edwin 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAlpacas are species of induced ovulation and with foetal development only in the left uterine horn (98%). The histoarchitecture of the oviductal regions determine a spatio‐temporal interaction between the gametes/embryos and the oviduct. This study compares the morphometric changes of the left and right oviducts in alpaca during the follicular phase. Five oviducts (n = 05), from adult alpacas with dominant follicle in the right ovary were recovered, dissected, and processed by histological technique with H&E and PAS stain for measurement of morphometric parameters and cell characteristics, respectively. Also, a 3D image reconstruction was performed (by reconstruct software). Resin moulds (polyurethane PU4ii) were applied for visualization of oviductal lumen. The multivariable data of parameters were analysed with ANOVA and principal component analysis (PCA). The histomorphometric parameters of left and right oviducts did not show statistically significant differences (p ≥ 0.05), although PCA showed morphometric differences between regions of the oviduct. No differences were observed between the 3D reconstruction of the left and right oviducts, as well as in the luminal spaces examined in the resin moulds. In conclusion, the histomorphometry of the oviduct is not affected by its location on either the left or right side; therefore, it cannot explain why 98% of foetuses implant in the left uterus.
Clear and present danger: Mechanical heart valves in pregnancy
Authors: Pavord Sue , Orchard Liz 
Published: May 2023

Specialists in Obstetric Haematology continue to be challenged by pregnant women with mechanical heart valves, who are at high risk of death or severe morbidity. Effective anticoagulation to reduce valve thrombosis inevitably increases risk of obstetric haemorrhage and fetal loss or harm, and difficult decisions need to be made. Lester and mulitdisciplinary colleagues on behalf of the British Society for Haematology review available evidence and provide comprehensive recommendations to guide management in this difficult area.Commentary on: Lester et al. British Society for Haematology guideline for anticoagulant management of pregnant individuals with mechanical heart valves. Br J Haematol 2023;202:465–478.
Serum, interstitial and sweat ATP in humans exposed to heat stress: Insights into roles of ATP in the heat loss responses
Authors: Fujii Naoto , Tanabe Yoko , Amano Tatsuro , Watanabe Koichi , Kondo Narihiko , Nishiyasu Takeshi , Kenny Glen P. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractHyperthermia increases intravascular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and is associated with greater hyperthermia‐induced cutaneous vasodilation. Hyperthermia may also increase skin interstitial fluid ATP thereby activating cutaneous vascular smooth muscle cells and sweat glands. We evaluated the hypothesis that whole‐body heating would increase skin interstitial fluid ATP, and this response would be associated with an increase in cutaneous vasodilation and sweating. Nineteen (8 females) young adults underwent whole‐body heating using a water‐perfusion suit to increase core temperature by ~1°C during which time cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC, ratio of laser‐Doppler blood flow to mean arterial pressure) and sweat rate (ventilated capsule technique) were measured at four forearm skin sites to minimize between‐site variations. Dialysate from the skin sites were collected via intradermal microdialysis. Heating increased serum ATP, CVC, and sweat rate (all p ≤ 0.031). However, heating did not modulate dialysate ATP (median, baseline vs. end‐heating: 2.38 vs. 2.70 nmol/ml) (p = 0.068), though the effect size was moderate (Cohen's d = 0.566). While the heating‐induced increase in CVC was not correlated with changes in serum ATP (r = 0.439, p = 0.060), we observed a negative correlation (rs = −0.555, p = 0.017) between dialysate ATP and CVC. We did not observe a significant correlation between the heating‐induced sweating and serum, dialysate, or sweat ATP (rs = 0.091 to −0.322, all p ≥ 0.222). Altogether, we showed that passive heating increases ATP in blood and possibly skin interstitial fluid, with the latter potentially blunting cutaneous vasodilation. However, ATP does not appear to modulate sweating.
Did the cannabis recreational use law affect traffic crash outcomes in Toronto? Building evidence for the adequate number of authorised cannabis stores' thresholds
Authors: Nazif‐Munoz José Ignacio , Domínguez‐Cancino Karen A. , Ouimet Marie Claude , Brown Thomas G. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIntroductionIn the past decade, a group of studies has begun to explore the association between cannabis recreational use policies and traffic crashes. After these policies are set in place, several factors may affect cannabis consumption, including the number of cannabis stores (NCS) per capita. This study examines the association between the enactment of Canada's Cannabis Act (CCA) (18 October 2018) and the NCS (allowed to function from 1 April 2019) with traffic injuries in Toronto.MethodsWe explored the association of the CCA and the NCS with traffic crashes. We applied two methods: hybrid difference‐in‐difference (DID) and hybrid‐fuzzy DID. We used generalised linear models using CCA and the NCS per capita as the main variables of interest. We adjusted for precipitation, temperature and snow. Information is gathered from Toronto Police Service, Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, and Environment Canada. The period of analysis was from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2019.ResultsRegardless of the outcome, neither the CCA nor the NCS is associated with concomitant changes in the outcomes. In hybrid DID models, the CCA is associated with non‐significant decreases of 9% (incidence rate ratio 0.91, 95% confidence interval 0.74,1.11) in traffic crashes and in the hybrid‐fuzzy DID models, the NCS are associated with nonsignificant decreases of 3% (95% confidence interval − 9%, 4%) in the same outcome.Discussion and ConclusionsThis study observes that more research is needed to better understand the short‐term effects (April to December 2019) of NCS in Toronto on road safety outcomes.
Impact of severe hypoglycaemia requiring hospitalization on mortality in people with type 1 diabetes: A national retrospective observational cohort study
Authors: Moser Othmar , Rafferty James , Eckstein Max L. , Aziz Faisal , Bain Stephen C. , Bergenstal Richard , Sourij Harald , Thomas Rebecca L. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAimsTo assess if the risk of all‐cause mortality increases in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) with increasing number of severe hypoglycaemia episodes requiring hospitalization.Materials and methodsWe conducted a national retrospective observational cohort study in people with T1D (diagnosed between 2000 and 2018). Clinical, comorbidity and demographic variables were assessed for impact on mortality for people with no, one, two and three or more episodes of severe hypoglycaemia requiring hospitalization. The time to death (all‐cause mortality) from the timepoint of the last episode of severe hypoglycaemia was modelled using a parametric survival model.ResultsA total of 8224 people had a T1D diagnosis in Wales during the study period. The mortality rate (95% confidence interval [CI]) was 6.9 (6.1‐7.8) deaths/ 1000 person‐years (crude) and 15.31 (13.3‐17.63) deaths/ 1000 person‐years (age‐adjusted) for those with no occurrence of severe hypoglycaemia requiring hospitalization. For those with one episode of severe hypoglycaemia requiring hospitalization the mortality rate (95% CI) was 24.9 (21.0‐29.6; crude) and 53.8 (44.6‐64.7) deaths/ 1000 person‐years (age‐adjusted), for those with two episodes of severe hypoglycaemia requiring hospitalization it was 28.0 (23.1‐34.0; crude) and 72.8 (59.2‐89.5) deaths/ 1000 person‐years (age‐adjusted), and for those with three or more episodes of severe hypoglycaemia requiring hospitalization it was 33.5 (30.0‐37.3; crude) and 86.3 (71.7‐103.9) deaths/ 1000 person years (age‐adjusted; P < 0.001). A parametric survival model showed that having two episodes of severe hypoglycaemia requiring hospitalization was the strongest predictor for time to death (accelerated failure time coefficient 0.073 [95% CI 0.009‐0.565]), followed by having one episode of severe hypoglycaemia requiring hospitalization (0.126 [0.036‐0.438]) and age at most recent episode of severe hypoglycaemia requiring hospitalization (0.917 [0.885‐0.951]).ConclusionsThe strongest predictor for time to death was having two or more episodes of severe hypoglycaemia requiring hospitalization.
Addressing deadlock in large‐scale, complex rail networks via multi‐agent deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Bretas A. M. C. , Mendes A. , Chalup S. , Jackson M. , Clement R. , Sanhueza C. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractRail freight planning problems pose specific challenges that have attracted the attention of academics and industry professionals for many decades. They involve multiple types of assets (trains, stations, terminals, etc.) and are subjected to structural, operational and safety constraints. Even though various approaches have been proposed, few can address the complexity and size of real‐world scenarios, and decentralized techniques, like multi‐agent systems (MAS), have become more prevalent. The current state of the art in disciplines such as agent technology, reinforcement learning and discrete‐event simulation allows the implementation of complex architectures, with multiple actors interacting and learning simultaneously. Therefore, this study takes advantage of these current advances and proposes an innovative approach to real‐time traffic management problems in freight railway networks through multi‐agent deep reinforcement learning (MADRL). This study was motivated by the decision‐making scheduling problems arising in the Hunter Valley Coal Chain (HVCC), located in New South Wales, Australia. The MADRL algorithm uses as the training environment the simulation model currently utilized for capacity planning of the HVCC, allowing experiments with actual data. Thus, we enhanced the simulation model to accommodate a MAS with intelligent agents representing system elements, such as trains, dump stations, and load points. Furthermore, these agents act in a decentralized fashion based on local observations, constituting a partially‐observed Markov decision process (dec‐POMDP). Three variations of the MADRL approach are presented: a baseline model, an extended model, and one that directly addresses deadlocks. Finally, we present a transfer learning method that improves deadlock resolution and leverages performance. In the experiments, we explore specific, complex scenarios arising in the HVCC, where trains frequently face deadlock conditions. The baseline model outperforms a first‐come‐first‐serve (FCFS) based heuristic used by HVCC's simulation model and a genetic algorithm in instances with up to 60 trains – but fails in more complex scenarios. On the other hand, the most advanced model, which addresses deadlocks via transfer learning, always finds feasible solutions and produces policies that outperform the FCFS‐based heuristic in 94% of the instances.
Biopsy prostate cancer perineural invasion and tumour load are associated with positive posterolateral margins at radical prostatectomy: implications for planning of nerve‐sparing surgery
Authors: van der Slot Margaretha A , Remmers Sebastiaan , Kweldam Charlotte F , den Bakker Michael A , Nieboer Daan , Busstra Martijn B , Gan Melanie , Klaver Sjoerd , Rietbergen John B W , van Leenders Geert J L H ,   the Anser Prostate Cancer Network
Published: May 2023

AimsRadical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer is frequently complicated by erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence. However, sparing of the nerve bundles adjacent to the posterolateral sides of the prostate reduces the number of complications at the risk of positive surgical margins. Preoperative selection of men eligible for safe, nerve‐sparing surgery is therefore needed. Our aim was to identify pathological factors associated with positive posterolateral surgical margins in men undergoing bilateral nerve‐sparing RP.Methods and resultsProstate cancer patients undergoing RP with standardised intra‐operative surgical margin assessment according to the NeuroSAFE technique were included. Preoperative biopsies were reviewed for grade group (GG), cribriform and/or intraductal carcinoma (CR/IDC), perineural invasion (PNI), cumulative tumour length and extraprostatic extension (EPE). Of 624 included patients, 573 (91.8%) received NeuroSAFE bilaterally and 51 (8.2%) unilaterally, resulting in a total of 1197 intraoperative posterolateral surgical margin assessments. Side‐specific biopsy findings were correlated to ipsilateral NeuroSAFE outcome. Higher biopsy GG, CR/IDC, PNI, EPE, number of positive biopsies and cumulative tumour length were all associated with positive posterolateral margins. In multivariable bivariate logistic regression, ipsilateral PNI [odds ratio (OR) = 2.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.62–5.48; P < 0.001] and percentage of positive cores (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.08–1.29; P < 0.001) were significant predictors for a positive posterolateral margin, while GG and CR/IDC were not.ConclusionsIpsilateral PNI and percentage of positive cores were significant predictors for a positive posterolateral surgical margin at RP. Biopsy PNI and tumour volume can therefore support clinical decision‐making on the level of nerve‐sparing surgery in prostate cancer patients.
Species‐specific functional traits rather than phylogenetic relatedness better predict future range‐shift responses of odonates
Authors: Viza Aida , Garcia‐Raventós Aina , Ll. Riera Joan , Maynou Xavier , Martín Ricard , Prunier Florent , El Haissoufi Mohamed , Múrria Cesc 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Climate change has the potential to modify habitat characteristics and, consequently, induce species responses to ongoing environmental changes. Functional traits determine both if a species can persist and maintain stable population sizes in particular ecological conditions, and its capacity to disperse to more favourable habitats.
Given that functional traits evolve over time, one could expect closely related species to show similar responses to climate change, which should identify vulnerable lineages. Alternatively, species‐specific functional traits may anticipate species responses to climate change, and therefore, trait composition should be a strong predictor.
We compiled a comprehensive dataset of functional traits of 84 Iberian and Moroccan odonates species and built a phylogenetic tree to determine if dissimilarity of traits and phylogenetic relatedness are relevant to better discriminate species range‐shift responses to climate change.
Modelling results for 66 species showed clear impacts of the increase in temperature and drought events on their potential distribution. The traits that best‐discriminated species that expanded their ranges were multivoltinism, short‐life cycles and preference for temporary habitats, whereas species with a reduced and displaced potential distribution were mostly semivoltine, with a short flying season, oviposition on gravel and restricted to permanent streams, small rivers or oligotrophic lakes. Trait conservatism was rejected and phylogenetic relatedness was a poor predictor of range shifts.
Considering odonates as model organisms, traits such as voltinism, beginning and prolongation of flight period and preference of temporal habitats should be examined to anticipate range‐shift responses of freshwater insects to climate change.
Intragranular nanocomposite powders as building blocks for ceramic nanocomposites
Authors: Dempsey Ryan D. , He Xiaoqing , Scott Jonathan A. , Lipke David W. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractA powder‐based bottom‐up processing scheme is introduced for the production of ceramic nanocomposites. Internal displacement reactions between solid solution powders and metallic reactants proceeding via gaseous intermediates are utilized to generate nanostructured building blocks for the synthesis of ceramic nanocomposites. Subsequent rapid sintering results in ceramic nanocomposites, whose microstructures are inherited from the building blocks. This processing scheme is demonstrated for the production of titanium carbide nanocomposites featuring up to 28 wt.% intragranular tungsten inclusions derived from titanium‐tungsten mixed carbide powders. Heat treatment of mixed carbide powders in evacuated ampoules containing titanium sponge and iodine at 1000°C for 24 h resulted in nanocomposite powders featuring tungsten precipitates within titanium carbide grains that were subsequently consolidated via spark plasma sintering at 1300°C for 10 min to produce titanium carbide/metallic tungsten nanocomposites. Transformation of mixed titanium–tungsten carbide powders to titanium carbide/metallic tungsten nanocomposite powders was analyzed via X‐ray diffraction. Electron microscopy observations of microstructures pre‐ and post‐ sintering showed that the intragranular character of nanocomposite powders can be retained in sintered ceramic nanocomposites. The building block approach demonstrated in this work represents an improved method to make ceramic nanocomposites with majority intragranular character.
Molten salt synthesis and formation mechanism of Ti3AlC2: A new path from Ti2AlC to Ti3AlC2
Authors: Zhong Yi , Liu Ying , Jin Na , Lin Zifeng , Ye Jinwen 
Published: May 2023

AbstractFine, pure Ti3AlC2 powder is prepared in a very mild condition via Ti3Al alloy and carbon black with the assistance of molten salts. X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, TG‐DSC, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterizations show that the high purity, nanosized Ti3AlC2 can be obtained at 900°C with the 1:1 salt‐to‐material ratio. The formation mechanism of Ti3AlC2 through this strategy of alloy raw material is fully studied under further TEM investigations, showing that the reaction process can basically be described as Ti3Al and C → TiAl and TiC → Ti2AlC and TiC → ψ and TiC → Ti5Al2C3 and TiC → Ti3AlC2, where the key ψ, a modulated Ti2AlC structure, is determined for the first time containing alternate‐displacement Al layers along (0 0 0 2) of Ti2AlC phase with a distinct selected area electron diffraction pattern. Such alternant displacement is considered a precondition of forming Ti5Al2C3 through topotactic transition, followed by Ti5Al2C3 converting into Ti3AlC2 by the diffusion of Ti, C atoms in the outside TiC. Several parallel orientations can be observed through the phase transition process: Ti2AlC (0 0 0 2)//ψ (0 0 0 1), ψ (0 0 0 1)//Ti5Al2C3 (0 0 0 3), Ti5Al2C3 (0 0 0 3)//Ti3AlC2 (0 0 0 2). Such parallel orientations among these phases apply an ideal condition for the topotactic reaction. The distinct path of the phase transition brings a significant change of heat effect compared with the traditional method, leading to a fast reaction rate and a mild reaction condition.
Sudden lockdown repeals, social mobility, and COVID‐19: Evidence from a judicial natural experiment
Authors: Dave Dhaval , Friedson Andrew I. , Matsuzawa Kyutaro , McNichols Drew , Sabia Joseph J. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe imposition and lifting of COVID‐19 lockdown orders were among the most heatedly debated policies during the pandemic. Credible empirical evaluations of the effects of reopening policies are difficult because policymakers often explicitly linked sustained reductions in COVID‐19 cases to the lifting of lockdown orders. This hardwired policy endogeneity creates challenges in isolating the causal effects of lifting of lockdown orders on social mobility and public health. To overcome simultaneity bias, we exploit a natural experiment generated by the Wisconsin Supreme Court when it abolished Wisconsin's “Safer at Home” order on separation‐of‐powers grounds. We capitalize on this sudden, dramatic, and largely unanticipated termination of a statewide lockdown order to estimate its effect—relative to a more gradual scaling back of restrictions—on social mobility and COVID‐19 case growth. First, using anonymized smartphone data from SafeGraph and a synthetic control design, we find that termination of COVID‐related restrictions had small and short‐lived negative impacts on social distancing. Then, using data on case and mortality rates, we find no evidence that the Wisconsin Supreme Court decision impacted COVID‐19 growth up to a month following the repeal. These findings suggest that in the absence of carrying new information, sudden lockdown repeals may generate smaller behavioral responses than policymakers anticipate.
Interaction among health workers and trans men: Findings from a qualitative study in Chile
Authors: Bernales M. , Cordón P. , Gonzalez S. , Pedrero V. , Ferrer L. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractPurposeTo explore trans men's access and use of healthcare services in Chile, based on the experiences of the trans men themselves, as well as of healthcare professionals.MethodsA qualitative study with an ethnographic approach was carried out with 30 participants: 14 trans men and 16 healthcare professionals. Semi‐structured one‐on‐one interviews with open‐ended questions were used to collect the data. A thematic analysis was carried out with the NVivo Software.ResultsThree main themes were identified: (1) failures in the recognition of trans identity, (2) challenges with patient‐centered care, and (3) use of other (“non‐trans”) health services.ConclusionsThe results suggest that not all transition processes are the same, individuals seek different ways; therefore, it is necessary to consider different body types and identities when planning programs and care for men in transition. Moreover, the accompaniment provided during the gender transition process should contemplate emotional and mental support.Clinical RelevanceThe study outlines the need for all healthcare professionals to have training and knowledge about the transgender population, regardless of whether they are part of the teams supporting gender transition processes. The role of nurses and the contributions that can be made from nursing discipline in this research field are fundamental.
The role of transperineal ultrasonography for perinatal management: A review
Authors: Kido Koichiro , Barbera Antonio , Nagasaka Kazunori 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundTransperineal ultrasound (TPUS) has become an increasingly popular tool in obstetrics due to its objective, non‐invasive, and real‐time imaging capabilities.AimThis review aims to describe the basic approaches, current utilization, and potential future applications of TPUS.Materials & MethodA comprehensive literature review on TPUS was conducted. In addition, discussions at academic meetings and congress focused on TPUS were also considered.ResultsTPUS was initially used in prostate biopsies and is currently applied to evaluating fetal head descent in labor, with the angle of progression being the most widely used parameter. It is more tolerated than conventional invasive or expensive methods, such as digital vaginal examinations or MRIs. Additionally, TPUS can assess the internal rotation of the fetal head in the birth canal.DiscussionCompared to other imaging modalities like MRI and CT scans, TPUS is easier to perform and more cost‐effective. It also provides real‐time imaging, allowing for quick and accurate assessments. It also help clinicians make critical decisions regarding the mode of delivery and identify patients at high risk for fecal incontinence postpartum. With its many benefits, TPUS has the potential to become a standard tool in urogynecology and obstetrics.ConclusionsTransperineal ultrasound is a non‐invasive imaging modality that is well‐tolerated and easy to understand for patients and their family and help medical staff support the patients. Transperineal ultrasound can be applied in real‐time monitoring of labor progress, helping predict the possibility of vaginal delivery during labor, and further research in this area is warranted.