bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond resilience: A scoping review of Indigenous survivance in the health literature
Authors: Wilbur Rachel E. , Gone Joseph P.
Published: July 2023

Health inequity scholars, particularly those engaged with questions of structural and systemic racism, are increasingly vocal about the limitations of “resilience.” This is true for Indigenous health scholars, who have pushed back against resilience as a descriptor of modern Indigeneity and who are increasingly using the term survivance. Given the growing frequency of survivance in relation to health, we performed a scoping review to understand how survivance is being applied in health scholarship, with a particular interest in its relationship to resilience. Results from 32 papers indicate that health scholars are employing survivance in relation to narrative, temporality, community, decolonization, and sovereignty, with varying degrees of adherence to the term’s original conception. Overwhelmingly, authors employed survivance in relation to historical trauma, leading us to propose the analogy: as resilience is to trauma, so survivance is to historical trauma. There may be value in further operationalizing survivance for health research and practice through the development of a unified definition and measurement tool, ensuring comparability across studies and supporting future strengths-based Indigenous health research and practice.
Perspectives in preparedness of family caregivers of patients with cancer providing end-of-life care in the home: A narrative review of qualitative studies
Authors: Ongko Emily , Philip Jennifer , Zomerdijk Nienke
Published: July 2023

Background

Many patients with advanced cancer identify home as being their preferred place of death. A critical component in achieving a home death is the support of family members, who often take on responsibilities for which they feel insufficiently prepared with subsequent impacts upon their health and well-being.

Objectives

This study sought to review existing qualitative literature on family carers’ experiences in providing end-of-life care at home for patients with advanced cancer, with an emphasis on exploring factors that influence how prepared they feel for their role.

Methods

A narrative review was chosen to provide an overview and analysis of qualitative findings. MEDLINE, PubMed, PsychINFO, and EMBASE databases were searched with the following search terms: “Cancer,” “Caregiver,” “End of Life Care,” “Home,” and “Qualitative.” Inclusion criteria were as follows: English language, empirical studies, adult carers, and articles published between 2011 and 2021. Data were abstracted, and study quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist for qualitative research.

Results

Fourteen relevant articles were included. Three overarching themes reflecting the factors influencing family preparedness for their role were identified: “motivations for providing care,” “interactions with health-care professionals,” and “changes during the caring process.”

Significance of results

Inadequate preparation of family carers is apparent with regard to their role in providing end-of-life care at home for patients with advanced cancer. There is a need for health-care workers to more effectively identify the information and support needs of families, and utilize evidence-based strategies that have emerged to address these needs.
What can cause cancer patients to attempt suicide? Thiamine deficiency mimicking the symptoms of major depressive disorder
Authors: Ishida Mayumi , Sato Sho , Sato Izumi , Yoshioka Akira , Uchida Nozomu , Mizunuma Naoki , Hasegawa Kosei , Onishi Hideki
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Thiamine deficiency (TD) presents with various physical and psychiatric symptoms, but no cases with depression-like symptoms have been reported.

Methods

We report a patient with cancer who appeared to attempt suicide as a consequence of depressive mood likely related to TD.

Results

The patient was a 58-year-old woman diagnosed with recurrent endometrial cancer, with lung metastasis and pelvic dissemination. The patient apparently attempted suicide was referred to the psycho-oncology department.

At the time of the examination, major depressive disorder was suspected based on her mental symptoms, but when thiamine was administered intravenously in response to her poor dietary intake, her palpitations, dyspnea, anorexia, and insomnia improved, and her suicidal ideation disappeared at her reexamination 1 hour later after thiamine administration.

Significance of results

It is likely that the observed palpitations, dyspnea, anorexia, and insomnia, as well as the severe depression and the attempted suicide, which were thought to be physical symptoms associated with depression, were actually related to TD. Suicidal ideation and attempted suicide are conspicuous as psychiatric symptoms. However, in such cases, rather than simply starting treatment for depression, it is necessary to consider reversible TD as a cause of these symptoms and perform differential diagnosis to confirm the physical illness.
Explaining Political Polarization Over Abortion
Authors: Jędryczka Wiktoria , Misiak Michal , Whitehouse Harvey
Published: July 2023

Abstract. Why are antiabortion attitudes more prevalent among conservatives? We show that people who prioritize courage, deference to authority, and caring for kin are more likely to oppose abortion and that these associations are mediated by conservatism. However, group loyalty, which is usually associated with conservatism, surprisingly predicts proabortion attitudes. In two studies ( N = 525), we disambiguate the effects of social dominance orientation and fusion from conservative ideology. These findings suggest that attitudes toward abortion are shaped by moral concerns that are then recruited by political ideologies. Understanding the relationships between morality and political ideology is crucial to managing the effects of divisive social issues on polarization.
Meltwater from Antarctic Glaciers Is Slowing Deep-Ocean Currents
Authors: Meduna Veronika
Published: July 2023

Antarctic ice drives crucial deep-ocean currents that help regulate Earth’s climate. But the system is slowing down.
A novel RIP1-mediated canonical WNT signaling pathway that promotes colorectal cancer metastasis via β -catenin stabilization-induced EMT
Authors: Kang A-Ram , Kim Jung-Lim , Kim YoungHa , Kang Sanghee , Oh Sang-Cheul , Park Jong Kuk
Published: July 2023

RIP1 (receptor-interacting protein kinase 1) is an important component of TNF-α signaling that contributes to various pathological effects. Here, we revealed new potential roles of RIP1 in controlling WNT/β-catenin canonical signaling to enhance metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC). First, we showed that WNT3A treatment sequentially increased the expression of RIP1 and β-catenin. Immunohistochemical analyses of human CRC tissue arrays consisting of normal, primary, and metastatic cancers indicated that elevated RIP1 expression might be related to β-catenin expression, carcinogenesis, and metastasis. Intravenous injection of RIP1 over-expressed CRC cells into mice has demonstrated that RIP1 may promote metastasis. Immunoprecipitation (IP) results indicated that WNT3A treatment induces direct binding between RIP1 and β-catenin, and that this stabilizes the β-catenin protein in a manner that depends on the regulation of RIP1 ubiquitination via downregulation of the E3 ligase, cIAP1/2. Elimination of cIAP1/2 expression and inhibition of its ubiquitinase activity enhance WNT3A-induced RIP1 and β-catenin protein expression and binding, which stimulates endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induction to enhance the migration and invasion of CRC cells in vitro. The results of the in vitro binding assay and IP of exogenous RIP1-containing CRC cells additionally verified the direct binding of RIP1 and β-catenin. RIP1 expression can destroy the β-catenin–β-TrCP complex. Taken together, these results suggest a novel EMT-enhancing role of RIP1 in the WNT pathway and suggest a new canonical WNT3A–RIP1–β-catenin pathway that contributes to CRC malignancy by promoting EMT.
PME-1 sensitizes glioblastoma cells to oxidative stress-induced cell death by attenuating PP2A-B55α-mediated inactivation of MAPKAPK2-RIPK1 signaling
Authors: Guffens Liesbeth , Derua Rita , Janssens Veerle
Published: July 2023

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumor in adults. Current standard therapy is surgery followed by radiotherapy, with concurrent and adjuvant temozolomide chemotherapy. GBM is characterized by almost uniformly fatal outcomes, highlighting the unmet clinical need for more efficient, biomarker-guided treatments. Protein phosphatase methylesterase-1 (PME-1), a regulator of the tumor suppressive phosphatase PP2A, promotes PP2A demethylation and inactivation, and is overexpressed in 44% of GBM, associated with increased tumor grade and cellular proliferation. Here, we aimed to investigate how reactive oxygen species (ROS), a frequent by-product of radiotherapy and temozolomide chemotherapy, regulate PP2A function via its methylesterase PME-1, and how PME-1 overexpression impacts the response of GBM cells to oxidative stress. We found that in two glioblastoma cell lines, U87MG and U251MG, expression of PME-1 is positively correlated with the sensitivity of the cells to H2O2 or t-BHP-induced oxidative stress. Experiments using the irreversible pharmacologic PME-1 inhibitor, AMZ30, and different PME-1 mutants, revealed that the methylesterase function, the PP2A binding capacity, and the nuclear localization of PME-1 are all important for the sensitizing effect of PME-1 expression. Furthermore, we identified increased nuclear localization of the PP2A-B55α subunit, increased binding of PP2A-B55α to PME-1, and increased B55α-bound PP2A-C demethylation upon oxidative stress. Lastly, we uncovered increased stress-induced phosphorylation and activity of MAPKAPK2 and RIPK1 in PME-1 overexpressing U87MG cells, which caused the observed sensitization to t-BHP treatment. Our data reveal a novel role for PME-1 in oxidative stress-induced GBM cell death, regulating nuclear PP2A-B55α activity and MAPKAPK2-RIPK1 signaling. Patients with GBM tumors overexpressing PME-1, although having a worse prognosis due to increased cellular proliferation of the tumor, could actually be more responsive to oxidative stress-inducing therapies.
Ion selectivity and rotor coupling of the Vibrio flagellar sodium-driven stator unit
Authors: Hu Haidai , Popp Philipp F. , Santiveri Mònica , Roa-Eguiara Aritz , Yan Yumeng , Martin Freddie J. O. , Liu Zheyi , Wadhwa Navish , Wang Yong , Erhardt Marc , Taylor Nicholas M. I.
Published: July 2023

Bacteria swim using a flagellar motor that is powered by stator units. Vibrio spp. are highly motile bacteria responsible for various human diseases, the polar flagella of which are exclusively driven by sodium-dependent stator units (PomAB). However, how ion selectivity is attained, how ion transport triggers the directional rotation of the stator unit, and how the stator unit is incorporated into the flagellar rotor remained largely unclear. Here, we have determined by cryo-electron microscopy the structure of Vibrio PomAB. The electrostatic potential map uncovers sodium binding sites, which together with functional experiments and molecular dynamics simulations, reveal a mechanism for ion translocation and selectivity. Bulky hydrophobic residues from PomA prime PomA for clockwise rotation. We propose that a dynamic helical motif in PomA regulates the distance between PomA subunit cytoplasmic domains, stator unit activation, and torque transmission. Together, our study provides mechanistic insights for understanding ion selectivity and rotor incorporation of the stator unit of the bacterial flagellum.
Enrichment and sensing tumor cells by embedded immunomodulatory DNA hydrogel to inhibit postoperative tumor recurrence
Authors: Wang Danyu , Liu Jingwen , Duan Jie , Yi Hua , Liu Junjie , Song Haiwei , Zhang Zhenzhong , Shi Jinjin , Zhang Kaixiang
Published: July 2023

Postoperative tumor recurrence and metastases often lead to cancer treatment failure. Here, we develop a local embedded photodynamic immunomodulatory DNA hydrogel for early warning and inhibition of postoperative tumor recurrence. The DNA hydrogel contains PDL1 aptamers that capture and enrich in situ relapsed tumor cells, increasing local ATP concentration to provide a timely warning signal. When a positive signal is detected, local laser irradiation is performed to trigger photodynamic therapy to kill captured tumor cells and release tumor-associated antigens (TAA). In addition, reactive oxygen species break DNA strands in the hydrogel to release encoded PDL1 aptamer and CpG, which together with TAA promote sufficient systemic antitumor immunotherapy. In a murine model where tumor cells are injected at the surgical site to mimic tumor recurrence, we find that the hydrogel system enables timely detection of tumor recurrence by enriching relapsed tumor cells to increase local ATP concentrations. As a result, a significant inhibitory effect of approximately 88.1% on recurrent tumors and effectively suppressing metastasis, offering a promising avenue for timely and effective treatment of postoperative tumor recurrence.
Rapid prototyping of high-resolution large format microfluidic device through maskless image guided in-situ photopolymerization
Authors: Paul Ratul , Zhao Yuwen , Coster Declan , Qin Xiaochen , Islam Khayrul , Wu Yue , Liu Yaling
Published: July 2023

Microfluidic devices have found extensive applications in mechanical, biomedical, chemical, and materials research. However, the high initial cost, low resolution, inferior feature fidelity, poor repeatability, rough surface finish, and long turn-around time of traditional prototyping methods limit their wider adoption. In this study, a strategic approach to a deterministic fabrication process based on in-situ image analysis and intermittent flow control called image-guided in-situ maskless lithography (IGIs-ML), has been proposed to overcome these challenges. By using dynamic image analysis and integrated flow control, IGIs-ML provides superior repeatability and fidelity of densely packed features across a large area and multiple devices. This general and robust approach enables the fabrication of a wide variety of microfluidic devices and resolves critical proximity effect and size limitations in rapid prototyping. The affordability and reliability of IGIs-ML make it a powerful tool for exploring the design space beyond the capabilities of traditional rapid prototyping.
MSBooster: improving peptide identification rates using deep learning-based features
Authors: Yang Kevin L. , Yu Fengchao , Teo Guo Ci , Li Kai , Demichev Vadim , Ralser Markus , Nesvizhskii Alexey I.
Published: July 2023

Peptide identification in liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) experiments relies on computational algorithms for matching acquired MS/MS spectra against sequences of candidate peptides using database search tools, such as MSFragger. Here, we present a new tool, MSBooster, for rescoring peptide-to-spectrum matches using additional features incorporating deep learning-based predictions of peptide properties, such as LC retention time, ion mobility, and MS/MS spectra. We demonstrate the utility of MSBooster, in tandem with MSFragger and Percolator, in several different workflows, including nonspecific searches (immunopeptidomics), direct identification of peptides from data independent acquisition data, single-cell proteomics, and data generated on an ion mobility separation-enabled timsTOF MS platform. MSBooster is fast, robust, and fully integrated into the widely used FragPipe computational platform.
The intensities of canonical senescence biomarkers integrate the duration of cell-cycle withdrawal
Authors: Ashraf Humza M. , Fernandez Brianna , Spencer Sabrina L.
Published: July 2023

Senescence, a state of irreversible cell-cycle withdrawal, is difficult to distinguish from quiescence, a state of reversible cell-cycle withdrawal. This difficulty arises because quiescent and senescent cells are defined by overlapping biomarkers, raising the question of whether these states are truly distinct. To address this, we use single-cell time-lapse imaging to distinguish slow-cycling cells that spend long periods in quiescence from cells that never cycle after recovery from senescence-inducing treatments, followed by staining for various senescence biomarkers. We find that the staining intensity of multiple senescence biomarkers is graded rather than binary and reflects the duration of cell-cycle withdrawal, rather than senescence per se. Together, our data show that quiescent and apparent senescent cells are nearly molecularly indistinguishable from each other at a snapshot in time. This suggests that cell-cycle withdrawal itself is graded rather than binary, where the intensities of senescence biomarkers integrate the duration of past cell-cycle withdrawal.
The Gram-positive bacterium Romboutsia ilealis harbors a polysaccharide synthase that can produce (1,3;1,4)-β-d-glucans
Authors: Chang Shu-Chieh , Kao Mu-Rong , Saldivar Rebecka Karmakar , Díaz-Moreno Sara M. , Xing Xiaohui , Furlanetto Valentina , Yayo Johannes , Divne Christina , Vilaplana Francisco , Abbott D. Wade , Hsieh Yves S. Y.
Published: July 2023

(1,3;1,4)-β-d-Glucans are widely distributed in the cell walls of grasses (family Poaceae) and closely related families, as well as some other vascular plants. Additionally, they have been found in other organisms, including fungi, lichens, brown algae, charophycean green algae, and the bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti. Only three members of the Cellulose Synthase-Like (CSL) genes in the families CSLF, CSLH, and CSLJ are implicated in (1,3;1,4)-β-d-glucan biosynthesis in grasses. Little is known about the enzymes responsible for synthesizing (1,3;1,4)-β-d-glucans outside the grasses. In the present study, we report the presence of (1,3;1,4)-β-d-glucans in the exopolysaccharides of the Gram-positive bacterium Romboutsia ilealis CRIBT. We also report that RiGT2 is the candidate gene of R. ilealis that encodes (1,3;1,4)-β-d-glucan synthase. RiGT2 has conserved glycosyltransferase family 2 (GT2) motifs, including D, D, D, QXXRW, and a C-terminal PilZ domain that resembles the C-terminal domain of bacteria cellulose synthase, BcsA. Using a direct gain-of-function approach, we insert RiGT2 into Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and (1,3;1,4)-β-d-glucans are produced with structures similar to those of the (1,3;1,4)-β-d-glucans of the lichen Cetraria islandica. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that putative (1,3;1,4)-β-d-glucan synthase candidate genes in several other bacterial species support the finding of (1,3;1,4)-β-d-glucans in these species.
DNA framework-engineered chimeras platform enables selectively targeted protein degradation
Authors: Zhou Li , Yu Bin , Gao Mengqiu , Chen Rui , Li Zhiyu , Gu Yueqing , Bian Jinlei , Ma Yi
Published: July 2023

A challenge in developing proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) is the establishment of a universal platform applicable in multiple scenarios for precise degradation of proteins of interest (POIs). Inspired by the addressability, programmability, and rigidity of DNA frameworks, we develop covalent DNA framework-based PROTACs (DbTACs), which can be synthesized in high-throughput via facile bioorthogonal chemistry and self-assembly. DNA tetrahedra are employed as templates and the spatial position of each atom is defined. Thus, by precisely locating ligands of POI and E3 ligase on the templates, ligand spacings can be controllably manipulated from 8 Å to 57 Å. We show that DbTACs with the optimal linker length between ligands achieve higher degradation rates and enhanced binding affinity. Bispecific DbTACs (bis-DbTACs) with trivalent ligand assembly enable multi-target depletion while maintaining highly selective degradation of protein subtypes. When employing various types of warheads (small molecules, antibodies, and DNA motifs), DbTACs exhibit robust efficacy in degrading diverse targets, including protein kinases and transcription factors located in different cellular compartments. Overall, utilizing modular DNA frameworks to conjugate substrates offers a universal platform that not only provides insight into general degrader design principles but also presents a promising strategy for guiding drug discovery.
Like-minded sources on Facebook are prevalent but not polarizing
Authors: Nyhan Brendan , Settle Jaime , Thorson Emily , Wojcieszak Magdalena , Barberá Pablo , Chen Annie Y. , Allcott Hunt , Brown Taylor , Crespo-Tenorio Adriana , Dimmery Drew , Freelon Deen , Gentzkow Matthew , González-Bailón Sandra , Guess Andrew M. , Kennedy Edward , Kim Young Mie , Lazer David , Malhotra Neil , Moehler Devra , Pan Jennifer , Thomas Daniel Robert , Tromble Rebekah , Rivera Carlos Velasco , Wilkins Arjun , Xiong Beixian , de Jonge Chad Kiewiet , Franco Annie , Mason Winter , Stroud Natalie Jomini , Tucker Joshua A.
Published: July 2023

Many critics raise concerns about the prevalence of ‘echo chambers’ on social media and their potential role in increasing political polarization. However, the lack of available data and the challenges of conducting large-scale field experiments have made it difficult to assess the scope of the problem1,2. Here we present data from 2020 for the entire population of active adult Facebook users in the USA showing that content from ‘like-minded’ sources constitutes the majority of what people see on the platform, although political information and news represent only a small fraction of these exposures. To evaluate a potential response to concerns about the effects of echo chambers, we conducted a multi-wave field experiment on Facebook among 23,377 users for whom we reduced exposure to content from like-minded sources during the 2020 US presidential election by about one-third. We found that the intervention increased their exposure to content from cross-cutting sources and decreased exposure to uncivil language, but had no measurable effects on eight preregistered attitudinal measures such as affective polarization, ideological extremity, candidate evaluations and belief in false claims. These precisely estimated results suggest that although exposure to content from like-minded sources on social media is common, reducing its prevalence during the 2020 US presidential election did not correspondingly reduce polarization in beliefs or attitudes.
A reinforcement learning model for AI-based decision support in skin cancer
Authors: Barata Catarina , Rotemberg Veronica , Codella Noel C. F. , Tschandl Philipp , Rinner Christoph , Akay Bengu Nisa , Apalla Zoe , Argenziano Giuseppe , Halpern Allan , Lallas Aimilios , Longo Caterina , Malvehy Josep , Puig Susana , Rosendahl Cliff , Soyer H. Peter , Zalaudek Iris , Kittler Harald
Published: July 2023

We investigated whether human preferences hold the potential to improve diagnostic artificial intelligence (AI)-based decision support using skin cancer diagnosis as a use case. We utilized nonuniform rewards and penalties based on expert-generated tables, balancing the benefits and harms of various diagnostic errors, which were applied using reinforcement learning. Compared with supervised learning, the reinforcement learning model improved the sensitivity for melanoma from 61.4% to 79.5% (95% confidence interval (CI): 73.5–85.6%) and for basal cell carcinoma from 79.4% to 87.1% (95% CI: 80.3–93.9%). AI overconfidence was also reduced while simultaneously maintaining accuracy. Reinforcement learning increased the rate of correct diagnoses made by dermatologists by 12.0% (95% CI: 8.8–15.1%) and improved the rate of optimal management decisions from 57.4% to 65.3% (95% CI: 61.7–68.9%). We further demonstrated that the reward-adjusted reinforcement learning model and a threshold-based model outperformed naïve supervised learning in various clinical scenarios. Our findings suggest the potential for incorporating human preferences into image-based diagnostic algorithms.
A pipeline to further enhance quality, integrity and reusability of the NCCID clinical data
Authors: Breger Anna , Selby Ian , Roberts Michael , Babar Judith , Gkrania-Klotsas Effrossyni , Preller Jacobus , Escudero Sánchez Lorena ,   AIX-COVNET Collaboration, Dittmer Sören , Thorpe Matthew , Gilbey Julian , Korhonen Anna , Jefferson Emily , Langs Georg , Yang Guang , Xing Xiaodan , Nan Yang , Li Ming , Prosch Helmut , Jan Stanczuk  , Tang Jing , Teare Philip , Patel Mishal , Wassink Marcel , Holzer Markus , Solares Eduardo González , Walton Nicholas , Liò Pietro , Shadbahr Tolou , Rudd James H. F. , Aston John A. D. , Weir-McCall Jonathan R. , Sala Evis , Schönlieb Carola-Bibiane
Published: July 2023

The National COVID-19 Chest Imaging Database (NCCID) is a centralized UK database of thoracic imaging and corresponding clinical data. It is made available by the National Health Service Artificial Intelligence (NHS AI) Lab to support the development of machine learning tools focused on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). A bespoke cleaning pipeline for NCCID, developed by the NHSx, was introduced in 2021. We present an extension to the original cleaning pipeline for the clinical data of the database. It has been adjusted to correct additional systematic inconsistencies in the raw data such as patient sex, oxygen levels and date values. The most important changes will be discussed in this paper, whilst the code and further explanations are made publicly available on GitLab. The suggested cleaning will allow global users to work with more consistent data for the development of machine learning tools without being an expert. In addition, it highlights some of the challenges when working with clinical multi-center data and includes recommendations for similar future initiatives.
Cardiac defibrillator implantation in patients with syncope and inducible ventricular arrhythmia: insights from the German Device Registry
Authors: Kahle Ann-Kathrin , Senges Jochen , Hochadel Matthias , Brachmann Johannes , Thomas Dierk , Straube Florian , Bonaventura Klaus , Larbig Robert , Werner Nikos , Butter Christian , Alken Fares-Alexander , Meyer Christian
Published: July 2023

History of syncope is an independent predictor for sudden cardiac death. Programmed stimulation may be considered for risk stratification, but data remain sparse among different populations. Here, we analyzed the prognostic value of inducible ventricular arrhythmia (VA) regarding clinical outcome in patients with syncope undergoing defibrillator implantation. Among 4196 patients enrolled in the prospective, multi-center German Device Registry, patients with syncope and inducible VA (n = 285, 6.8%) vs. those with a secondary preventive indication (n = 1885, 45.2%), defined as previously documented sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, serving as a control group were studied regarding demographics, device implantation and post-procedural adverse events. Patients with syncope and inducible VA (64.9 ± 14.4 years, 81.1% male) presented less frequently with congestive heart failure (15.1% vs. 29.1%; p < 0.001) and any structural heart disease (84.9% vs. 89.3%; p = 0.030) than patients with a secondary preventive indication (65.0 ± 13.8 years, 81.0% male). Whereas dilated cardiomyopathy (16.8% vs. 23.8%; p = 0.009) was less common, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (5.6% vs. 2.8%; p = 0.010) and Brugada syndrome (2.1% vs. 0.3%; p < 0.001) were present more often. During 1-year-follow-up, mortality (5.1% vs. 8.9%; p = 0.036) and the rate of major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events (5.8% vs. 10.0%; p = 0.027) were lower in patients with syncope and inducible VA. Among patients with inducible VA, post-procedural adverse events including rehospitalization (27.6% vs. 21.7%; p = 0.37) did not differ between those with vs. without syncope. Taken together, patients with syncope and inducible VA have better clinical outcomes than patients with a secondary preventive defibrillator indication, but comparable outcomes to patients without syncope, which underlines the relevance of VA inducibility, potentially irrespective of a syncope.
Industrial washing conditions as factor that influence the cellulose structure and mechanical strength of bed linens
Authors: Jasińska Izabela
Published: July 2023

It is crucial for companies providing rental and maintenance services to hotels and hospitals to tackle the problem of decreased physical longevity caused by frequent laundering procedures in the industrial textile sector. Proper maintenance of bed linens is vital as they undergo multiple rigorous preservation techniques, such as being treated with chlorine to remove tough stains and sanitize the fabrics. The mechanical strength of fabric made of 100% cotton fibre products greatly relies on the degree of polymerization of cellulose-cotton fibre material. The study evaluated the washing performance of five cotton fabrics. Two weaving pattern variations were used and the fabrics were composed either of 100% cotton or a blend of 50% cotton and 50% polyester fibres. The washing methods included commercial and chlorine-based laboratory washing. 100% cotton fabrics, especially in plain weave show higher tensile strength falls then blended ones. The pure cotton fabric loss much more of its initial strength after only few chlorine-based washings than after hundred commercial ones. Limiting viscosity number values drop in half after hundred commercial washings for cotton fibres taken from tested woven fabrics. In comparison, decline of this parameter after only ten chlorine-based washings is more than 80% of their initial values. Performing the maintenance process without free chlorine, while still retaining its high effectiveness, can notably augment the frequency of maintenance procedures and preserve the mechanical durability of cotton fabrics over a longer time span. This leads to a reduction in textile waste residues.
Association between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and coronary atherosclerosis in a general middle-aged population
Authors: Cederström Sofia , Lundman Pia , Alfredsson Joakim , Hagström Emil , Ravn-Fischer Annica , Söderberg Stefan , Yndigegn Troels , Tornvall Per , Jernberg Tomas
Published: July 2023

Despite abundant knowledge about the relationship between inflammation and coronary atherosclerosis, it is still unknown whether systemic inflammation measured as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is associated with coronary atherosclerosis in a general population. This study aimed to examine the association between hsCRP and coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA)-detected coronary atherosclerosis in a population-based cohort. Out of 30,154 randomly invited men and women aged 50 to 64 years in the Swedish Cardiopulmonary Bioimage Study (SCAPIS), 25,408 had a technically acceptable CCTA and analysed hsCRP. Coronary atherosclerosis was defined as presence of plaque of any degree in any of 18 coronary segments. HsCRP values were categorised in four groups. Compared with hsCRP below the detection limit, elevated hsCRP (≥ 2.3 mg/L) was weakly associated with any coronary atherosclerosis (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.07–1.24), coronary diameter stenosis ≥ 50% (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.09–1.47), ≥ 4 segments involved (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.01–1.26 ) and severe atherosclerosis (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.05–1.69) after adjustment for age, sex and traditional risk factors. The associations were attenuated after further adjustment for body mass index (BMI), although elevated hsCRP still associated with noncalcified plaques (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.02–1.32), proposed to be more vulnerable. In conclusion, the additional value of hsCRP to traditional risk factors in detection of coronary atherosclerosis is low. The association to high-risk noncalcified plaques, although unlikely through a causal pathway, could explain the relationship between hsCRP and clinical coronary events in numerous studies.
Transition of deformation modes from bending to auxetic compression in origami-based metamaterials for head protection from impact
Authors: Tomita Sunao , Shimanuki Kento , Oyama Shin , Nishigaki Hidekazu , Nakagawa Toshiaki , Tsutsui Masakazu , Emura Youhei , Chino Masahiko , Tanaka Hirokazu , Itou Yoshinobu , Umemoto Kazuhiko
Published: July 2023

For the protection of the human head by energy absorption structures, a soft mechanical response upon contact with the head is required to mitigate the effect of impact, while a hard mechanical response for highly efficient energy absorption is required to stop the movement of the head. This study realized the opposite mechanical properties during head protection by transitioning the deformation mode from bending to auxetic compression. First, non-linear finite element (FE) models were constructed to numerically reproduce the bending behavior. The calculated force responses agreed well with forces in bending tests. Using the FE models, the EA structures with proper transition of deformation modes were designed and installed in the seat headrests of real vehicles. Head protection was evaluated by dynamic loading in sled testing, in which the force on the head of the crash test dummy was measured. The head injury criterion improved from 274 to 155, indicating the superior performance of the tested structures compared to that achieved by energy absorption structures based on steel plates. Moreover, the deformation of auxetic structures prevented neck bending by holding the head. These findings present new possibilities for effectively protecting the human body by mitigating impact, facilitating energy absorption, and ensuring head stability.
Theory of localization-hindered thermalization in nonlinear multimode photonics
Authors: Ramos Alba Y. , Shi Cheng , Fernández-Alcázar Lucas J. , Christodoulides Demetrios N. , Kottos Tsampikos
Published: July 2023

Our society’s appetite for ultra-high bandwidth communication networks and high-power optical sources, together with recent breakthroughs in mode multiplexing/demultiplexing schemes, forced the photonics community to reconsider the deployment of nonlinear multimode systems. These developments pose fundamental challenges stemming from the complexity of nonlinear mode-mode mixing by which they exchange energy in the process towards an equilibrium Rayleigh-Jeans (RJ) distribution. Here we develop a universal one-parameter scaling theory for the relaxation rates of out-of-equilibrium excitations towards their RJ thermal state. The theory predicts an exponential suppression of the rates with increasing disorder due to the formation of stable localization clusters resisting the nonlinear mode-mode interactions that tend to separate them. For low optical temperatures, the rates experience a crossover from linear to nonlinear temperature dependence which reflects a disorder-induced reorganization of the low frequency eigenmodes. Our theory will guide the design of nonlinear multimode photonic networks with tailored relaxation-scales.
Nitrogen carrier gas for the separation of trace explosives on CI-GC/MS
Authors: Fulton Ashley C. , Katilie Christopher J. , Giordano Braden C.
Published: July 2023

Method development for the separation of trace explosives using nitrogen as an alternative carrier gas on CI-GC/MS.
A SIFSIX-MOF constructed from a metalloligand yields enhanced stability for selective CO2 adsorption
Authors: Tous-Granados Alberto M. , Hernandez-Maldonado Arturo J.
Published: July 2023

A metalloligand(ML)-based SIFSIX MOF [Cu(ML)2(SiF6)]n (ML = Cu(pyac)2 = bis[3-(4-pyridyl)pentane-2,4-dionato]copper(ii)) possesses one-dimensional (1D) channels with accessible Cu2+ sites that provide superior CO2 uptake and water vapor stability.
Development of regiodivergent asymmetric reductive coupling reactions of allenamides to access heteroatom-rich organic compounds
Authors: Collins Stephen , Sieber Joshua D.
Published: July 2023

This feature article describes the application of N-substituted allenes in regiodivergent reductive coupling strategies in the context of new methods for the synthesis of heteroatom-rich organic compounds.
Significantly improved thermoelectric performance of SnSe originating from collaborative adjustment between valence and conduction bands, mass fluctuations, and local strain
Authors: Wang Shuai , Yuan Hang , Li Chunhui , Liu HongQuan , Gu Yi-jie , Wang YanFang
Published: July 2023

In this investigation, environmentally friendly, low cost, and easy to synthesize InSn and VSn co-doped SnSe was designed, which achieves 1.3 of ZT at 773K via quality fluctuation, local strain and dual regulation of valence and conduction band.
The role of agostic interaction in the mechanism of ethylene polymerisation using Cr(iii) half-sandwich complexes: What dictates the reactivity?
Authors: Rana Thakur Rochak Kumar , Swain Abinash , Rajaraman Gopalan
Published: July 2023

An ethylene polymerisation reaction using Cr(iii) half-sandwich complexes was explored using DFT and ab initio methods, revealing the role of agostic interactions that are found to control the molecular weight of the produced polymer.
A rapid electrochemical method to recycle carbon fiber composites using methyl radicals
Authors: Yu Zehan , Lim Y. Justin , Williams Travis , Nutt Steven
Published: July 2023

We report an electrochemical system for selective deconstruction and re-manufacture of epoxy-carbon fiber composite using a Kolbe-like mechanism for generating methyl radicals from CH3COOH. These cleave C–N bonds via hydrogen atom abstraction.
Status check: biocatalysis; its use with and without chemocatalysis. How does the fine chemicals industry view this area?
Authors: Gallou Fabrice , Gröger Harald , Lipshutz Bruce H.
Published: July 2023

Stages of the penetration of catalytic technology and the necessity for fruitful collaboration.
Coupling agents with 2,4,6,8-tetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane core – synthesis and application in styrene–butadiene rubber production
Authors: Sokolnicki Tomasz , Franczyk Adrian , Kozak Radosław , Walkowiak Jędrzej
Published: July 2023

New coupling agents for fuel-saving “Green Tires” were synthesized by selective hydrosilylation of olefins or alkynes with 2,4,6,8-tetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane.
A transient vesicular glue for amplification and temporal regulation of biocatalytic reaction networks
Authors: Kamra Alisha , Das Sourav , Bhatt Preeti , Solra Manju , Maity Tanmoy , Rana Subinoy
Published: July 2023

A transient vesicular assembly enables gluing of enzymes, with augmented catalysis. Efficient temporal control of the enzyme activities is achieved even in complex reaction networks.
Biometric privacy protection: What is this thing called privacy?
Authors: Mordini Emilio
Published: July 2023

We are at the wake of an epochal revolution, the Information Revolution. The Information Revolution has been accompanied by the rise of a new commodity, digital data, which is changing the world including methods for human recognition. Biometric systems are the recognition technology of the new age. So, privacy scholars tend to frame biometric privacy protection chiefly in terms of biometric data protection. The author argues that this is a misleading perspective. Biometric data protection is an extremely relevant legal and commercial issue but has little to do with privacy. The notion of privacy, understood as a personal intimate sphere, is hardly related to what is contained in this private realm (data or whatever else), rather it is related to the very existence of a secluded space. Privacy relies on having the possibility to hide rather than in hiding anything. What really matters is the existence of a private sphere rather than what is inside. This also holds true for biometric privacy. Biometric privacy protection should focus on bodily and psychological integrity, preventing those technology conditions and operating practices that may lead to turn biometric recognition into a humiliating experience for the individual.
Multi‐objective digital circuit block optimisation based on cell mapping in an industrial electronic design automation flow
Authors: Cao Linan , Bale Simon J. , Trefzer Martin A.
Published: July 2023

Modern electronic design automation (EDA) tools can handle the complexity of state‐of‐the‐art electronic systems by decomposing them into smaller blocks or cells, introducing different levels of abstraction and staged design flows. However, throughout each independently optimised design step, overheads and inefficiencies can accumulate in the resulting overall design. Performing design‐specific optimisation from a more global viewpoint requires more time due to the larger search space but has the potential to provide solutions with improved performanc. In this work, a fully‐automated, multi‐objective (MO) EDA flow is introduced to address this issue. It specifically tunes drive strength mapping, prior to physical implementation, through MO population‐based search algorithms. Designs are evaluated with respect to their power, performance and area (PPA). The proposed approach is aimed at digital circuit optimisation at the block level, where it is capable of expanding the design space and offers a set of trade‐off solutions for different case‐specific utilisation. We have applied the proposed multi‐objective electronic design automation flow (MOEDA) framework to ISCAS‐85 and EPFL benchmark circuits by using a commercial 65 nm standard cell library. The experimental results demonstrate how the MOEDA flow enhances the solutions initially generated by the standard digital flow and how simultaneously a significant improvement in PPA metrics is achieved.
Eudaimonic Leadership: The Why and How of building a company that nudges towards being the best version of oneself
Authors: Camiña Ceballos Gonzalo , Casanueva Carlos
Published: July 2023

In a day and age where remote or hybrid work is becoming the norm, we need to find better ways of creating cohesive human structures built upon empathy, trust, and excellence. To do that, we need to be able to generate the appropriate working ecosystems that are capable of fostering eudaimonic growth in all the hierarchical levels of the organisation. In this paper we give way to the toolkit that has allowed BeWay to grow from four individuals in the beginning of 2021 up to over 70 professionals by May 2023, becoming the global leader of Applied Behavioral Science in the private sector.
People-first PPPs for services: Operational needs
Authors: Chevalier Doris
Published: July 2023

The public-private partnership is a public procurement tool that accelerates the implementation of major projects and contributes to the recovery of the economy. Based on precise and regulated principles, it is a complex tool that requires significant expertise to use. As such, digitalization can facilitate its use at each stage of its realization.
Coagulation Parameter Thresholds Associated with Non-Bleeding in the Eighth Hour of Adult Cardiac Surgical Post-Cardiotomy Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Riley Jeffrey B. , Schears Gregory J. , Nuttall Gregory A. , Oliver William C. , Ereth Mark H. , Dearani Joseph A.
Published: July 2023

Excessive bleeding and allogeneic transfusion during adult post-cardiotomy venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are potentially harmful and expensive. Balancing the inhibition of clotting and distinguishing surgical from non-surgical bleeding in post-operative period is difficult. The sensitivity of coagulation tests including Thromboelastography®(TEG) to predict chest tube drainage in the early hours of ECMO was examined with the use of receiver-operating characteristics (ROC). The results are useful to incorporate in clinical evidence-based algorithms to guide management decisions. In the eighth hour of ECMO, 26 of the 53 adult patients (49%) studied were identified as non-bleeders (less than 2.0 mL/kg/h). All had experienced various types of cardiac surgical procedures. Fifty-two percent were female and the group was 54 ± 19 (mean ± 1 SD) years old. The coagulation parameter threshold with the maximum sensitivity and specificity to predict non-bleeding at 8 hours on ECMO was the kaolin plus heparinase TEG maximum amplitude (KH-TEG MA) at a significant ROC threshold (t) > 50 mm. The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)t< 49 seconds, KH-TEG alpha-anglet> 51°, and the kaolin activated clotting time (ACT)t< 148 seconds were sensitive predictors of non-bleeders. The whole-blood KH-TEG MA was superior to the plasma-based aPTT or International Normalization Ratio (INR) to predict bleeding in the eighth hour of ECMO. Using coagulation laboratory thresholds that predict non-bleeding can begin a process of identifying patients earlier that are likely to bleed. Awareness of these parameter thresholds may improve care through patient protection from unnecessary transfusion and prolonging the life of the ECMO circuit. An algorithm incorporating the ROC thresholds was created to help recognize surgical bleeding to minimize unnecessary transfusions.
Results of the 2015 Perfusionist Salary Study
Authors: Lewis Doreen M. , Dove Steven , Jordan Ralph E.
Published: July 2023

Presently, there exists no published valid and reliable salary study of clinical perfusionists. The objective of the 2015 Perfusionist Salary Study was to gather verifiable employee information to determine current compensation market rates (salary averages) of clinical perfusionists working in the United States. A salary survey was conducted between April 2015 and March 2016. The survey required perfusionists to answer questions about work volume, scheduling, and employer-paid compensation including benefits. Participants were also required to submit a de-identified pay stub to validate the income they reported. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all survey questions (e.g., percentages, means, and ranges). The study procured 481 responses, of which 287 were validated (i.e., respondents provided income verification that matched reported earnings). Variables that were examined within the validated sample population include job title, type of institution of employment, education level, years of experience, and geographic region, among others. Additional forms of compensation which may affect base compensation rates were also calculated including benefits, call time, bonuses, and pay for ancillary services (e.g., extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and ventricular assist device). In conclusion, in 2015, the average salary for all perfusionists is $127,600 with 19 years' experience. This research explores the average salary within subpopulations based on other factors such as position role, employer type, and geography. Information from this study is presented to guide employer compensation programs and suggests the need for further study in consideration of attrition rates and generational changes (i.e., perfusionists reaching retirement age) occurring alongside the present perfusionist staffing shortage affecting many parts of the country.