bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hearing rehabilitation in patients with congenital aural atresia: an observational study in a tertiary center
Authors: Lim Rachel , Abdullah Asma , Wan Hashim Wan Fazlina , Goh Bee See
Published: May 2023

Background

Congenital aural atresia (CAA) and stenosis is a rare defect affecting the external auditory canal which causes varying degrees of hearing impairment. This malformation may be unilateral or bilateral. Timely hearing rehabilitation in these patients is paramount to ensure appropriate speech and language development. Thus, early detection and hearing assessment with timely intervention in the form of hearing device is crucial. There is a wide range of hearing amplification devices available for these patients, catering to individual needs and preferences. This study investigated the options and choices of hearing rehabilitation among patients with CAA in our center. This study also compared the hearing gain of different types of hearing devices and patient satisfaction levels.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of 55 patients with congenital aural atresia or stenosis under follow-up at the Otorhinolaryngology and Audiology Clinic of a tertiary academic institution. Data on the timing of hearing loss diagnosis and intervention, type of hearing rehabilitation, hearing gain, Jahrsdoerfer score from temporal bone computed tomography, and patient satisfaction level was collected and analyzed.

Results

Fifty-five patients were recruited with ages between 3.6 months to 58 years old. The majority of patients (63.6%) had moderate hearing loss, followed by severe hearing loss (18.2%), mild hearing loss (9.1%) and profound hearing loss (7.3%). 32.7% of patients had early hearing loss diagnosed by 3 months old, while 67.3% were diagnosed after 3 months of age. Bone anchored hearing implant (BAHA Attract/Connect) gave the highest mean hearing gain of 35.23 dB (SD ± 9.75) compared to air conduction hearing aid, bone conduction hearing aid, and canalplasty. Patients implanted with BAHA Attract/Connect reported the highest average satisfaction scores of 7.74.

Conclusion

A significant proportion of patients have delayed diagnosis and intervention. Bone-anchored hearing implants provide excellent hearing improvements in patients with CAA with good patient satisfaction.
Lactobacillus plantarum A3 attenuates ulcerative colitis by modulating gut microbiota and metabolism
Authors: Qin Songkang , Wang Yingli , Yang Mengjie , Wang Pengpeng , Iqbal Mudassar , Li Jinquan , Shen Yaoqin
Published: May 2023

Antibiotics are widely used to treat various diseases. However, growing evidence indicates that antibiotic therapy in human life increases the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Therefore, we need appropriate methods to reduce the incidence or symptoms of IBD. In this study, we used lincomycin hydrochloride to construct a gut microbial dysbiosis model in mice, and then, constructed an ulcerative colitis (UC) model. Meanwhile, we used Lactobacillus plantarum A3 from equine to treat UC in mice with gut microbial dysbiosis. The results showed that lincomycin hydrochloride had little effect on the small gut microbiota in mice, but had a more destructive effect on the large intestin. Lactobacillus plantarum A3 alleviated the symptoms of UC in mice, which was reflected in its significantly reduced spleen index and disease activity index (DAI) (p < 0.05), inhibited the shortening of colon and alleviated the invasion of inflammatory cells in the colon. Moreover, we found that it played a mitigatory role by inhibiting oxidative stress and regulating inflammatory cytokines in mice. At the same time, it restored the diversity and composition of the colonic microbiota and significantly increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Blautia and Akkermansia (p < 0.05); Notably, it significantly increased the concentrations of arachidonoyl ethanolamide phosphate (AEA-P) and cortisone (p < 0.05) which have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. In conclusion, our study found that Lactobacillus plantarum A3 has the potential to regulate UC in mice with gut microbial dysbiosis.
Digital psychological self-care for problematic alcohol use: feasibility of a new clinical concept
Authors: Kraepelien Martin , Sundström Christopher , Johansson Magnus , Ivanova Ekaterina
Published: May 2023

Background

Digital interventions based on cognitive–behavioural therapy and relapse prevention can increase treatment access for people with problematic alcohol use, but for these interventions to be cost-effective, clinician workload needs to remain low while ensuring patient adherence and effects. Digital psychological self-care is the provision of a self-guided digital intervention within a structured care process.

Aims

To investigate the feasibility and preliminary effects of digital psychological self-care for reducing alcohol consumption.

Method

Thirty-six adults with problematic alcohol use received digital psychological self-care during 8 weeks, including telephone assessments as well as filling out self-rated questionnaires, before, directly after and 3 months after the intervention. Intervention adherence, usefulness, credibility and use of clinician time were assessed, along with preliminary effects on alcohol consumption. The study was prospectively registered as a clinical trial (NCT05037630).

Results

Most participants used the intervention daily or several times a week. The digital intervention was regarded as credible and useful, and there were no reported adverse effects. Around 1 h of clinician time per participant was spent on telephone assessments. At the 3-month follow-up, preliminary within-group effects on alcohol consumption were moderate (standardised drinks per week, Hedge's g = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.19–1.21; heavy drinking days, Hedge's g = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.09–1.11), reflecting a decrease from 23 to 13 drinks per week on average.

Conclusions

Digital psychological self-care for reducing alcohol consumption appears both feasible and preliminarily effective and should be further optimised and studied in larger trials.
Antibody-Drug Conjugates in Lung Cancer: Recent Advances and Implementing Strategies
Authors: Passaro Antonio , Jänne Pasi A. , Peters Solange
Published: May 2023

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are one of the fastest-growing oncology therapeutics, merging the cytotoxic effect of conjugated payload with the high specific ability and selectivity of monoclonal antibody targeted on a specific cancer cell membrane antigen. The main targets for ADC development are antigens commonly expressed by lung cancer cells, but not in normal tissues. They include human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, human epidermal growth factor receptor 3, trophoblast cell surface antigen 2, c-MET, carcinoembryonic antigen–related cell adhesion molecule 5, and B7-H3, each with one or more specific ADCs that showed encouraging results in the lung cancer field, more in non–small-cell lung cancer than in small-cell lung cancer histology. To date, multiple ADCs are under evaluation, alone or in combination with different molecules (eg, chemotherapy agents or immune checkpoint inhibitors), and the optimal strategy for selecting patients who may benefit from the treatment is evolving, including an improvement of biomarker understanding, involving markers of resistance or response to the payload, besides the antibody target. In this review, we discuss the available evidence and future perspectives on ADCs for lung cancer treatment, including a comprehensive discussion on structure-based drug design, mechanism of action, and resistance concepts. Data were summarized by specific target antigen, biology, efficacy, and safety, differing among ADCs according to the ADC payload and their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics properties.
Survey Validation for Measuring Perceptions of Work-Related Factors That Influence Career Paths of Men and Women in Academic Anesthesiology
Authors: Hastie Maya Jalbout , Kim Minjae , Katz Daniel , Lin Meiko , Chatterji Madhabi
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND:

Women’s underrepresentation in positions of leadership in medicine has been attributed to environmental, structural, motivational, and situational factors. The purpose of this study was to design and validate a survey instrument based on these constructs, using a sample of men and women anesthesiologists from 3 urban academic medical centers.

METHODS:

Following institutional review board review, survey domains were defined based on a literature review. Items were developed, and content validation was performed by external experts. Anesthesiologists at 3 academic institutions were invited to complete the anonymous survey. Validation measures were performed on the collected responses, including reliability, convergent, and discriminant validity. In addition, differences between men and women respondents were evaluated.

RESULTS:

Content validation by external experts yielded 38 items with 5-point Likert scales, defining 3 constructs: environmental (14 items), structural (13 items), and motivational (11 items) factors, with single-item measures on situational factors. Content validity indices used Cohen’s Kappa coefficients, with 0.85 as the acceptance cutoff. Two hundred seventy-four anesthesiologists in 3 academic institutions received the online survey. One hundred fifteen responses were received (42% response rate), yielding 103 complete survey responses, of which 86 cases included gender. Cronbach’s α reliability estimates for the environmental, structural, and motivational scale scores were .88, .84, and .64, respectively, after scale revision. Evidence of convergent (Pearson’s r = 0.68; P < .001) and discriminant validity (Pearson’s r = 0.017; P = .84) confirmed theoretical expectations. Gender group differences showed statistically significant differences in perceptions toward environmental but not toward structural and motivational factors.

CONCLUSIONS:

The iterative design and validation processes yielded a 3-scale survey instrument with parsimonious item sets. The preliminary evidence of construct validity and reliability fills a gap in the instrumentation literature for assessing gender issues in medicine. Findings were consistent with theoretical expectations. Women are more likely than men to experience challenges in the work environment for career advancement. No differences were found between men and women on perceived resources and overall motivation factors. Investigations should continue with larger and more diverse samples and medical specialties.
The Effect of Intravenous Lidocaine, Ketamine, and Lidocaine–Ketamine Combination in Colorectal Cancer Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ostović Helena , Šimac Brankica , Pražetina Marko , Bradić Nikola , Peršec Jasminka
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND:

Colorectal resections are associated with a pronounced inflammatory response, severe postoperative pain, and postoperative ileus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the main effects of lidocaine and ketamine, and their interaction in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients after open surgery. The interaction could be additive if the effect of 2 drugs given in combination equals the sum of their individual effects, or multiplicative if their combined effect exceeds the sum of their individual effects. We hypothesized that the combination of lidocaine and ketamine might reduce the inflammatory response additively or synergistically.

METHODS:

Eighty-two patients undergoing elective open colorectal resection were randomized to receive either lidocaine or placebo and either ketamine or placebo in a 2 × 2 factorial design. After induction of general anesthesia, all subjects received an intravenous bolus (lidocaine 1.5 mg/kg and/or ketamine 0.5 mg/kg and/or a matched saline volume) followed by a continuous infusion (lidocaine 2 mg·kg−1·h−1 and/or ketamine 0.2 mg·kg−1·h−1 and/or a matched saline volume) until the end of surgery. Primary outcomes were serum levels of white blood cell (WBC) count, interleukins (IL-6, IL-8), and C-reactive protein (CRP) measured at 2 time points: 12 and 36 hours after surgery. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative opioid consumption; visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores at 2, 4, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours postoperatively; cumulative analgesic consumption within 48 hours after surgery; and time to first bowel movement. We assessed the main effects of each of lidocaine and ketamine and their interaction on the primary outcomes using linear regression analyses. A Bonferroni-adjusted significance level was set at .05/8 = .00625 for primary analyses.

RESULTS:

No statistically significant differences were observed with either lidocaine or ketamine intervention in any of the measured inflammatory markers. No multiplicative interaction between the 2 treatments was confirmed at 12 or 36 hours after surgery: WBC count, P = .870 and P = .393, respectively; IL-6, P = .892 and P = .343, respectively; IL-8, P = .999 and P = .996, respectively; and CRP, P = .014 and P = .445, respectively. With regard to inflammatory parameters, no evidence of additive interactions was found. Lidocaine and ketamine, either together or alone, significantly reduced intraoperative opioid consumption versus placebo, and, except for lidocaine alone, improved pain scores. Neither intervention significantly influenced gut motility.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our study results do not support the use of an intraoperative combination of lidocaine and ketamine in patients undergoing open surgery for CRC.
Automated Alert System of Second-Line Uterotonic Drug Administration
Authors: Abir Gillian , Riley Edward T. , Oakeson Ann Marie , Judy Amy , Wang Ellen , Carvalho Brendan
Published: May 2023

Multidisciplinary team management of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is needed to optimize care and improve outcomes. Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, Stanford, is a tertiary referral center with 4600 deliveries/y (>70% high-risk deliveries), and there have been times when the obstetric anesthesia team was alerted late or not at all for PPHs. Introduction of an automated alert process to the obstetric anesthesia team when a second-line uterotonic drug was administered has ensured prompt evaluation. Utilization of this automated drug alert system has improved communication and reduced failure to inform the obstetric anesthesiology team of PPH after vaginal and cesarean deliveries.
Trends of Axillary Treatment in Sentinel Node-Positive Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Mastectomy
Authors: Verreck Eline E. F. , van Steenhoven Julia E. C. , Kuijer Anne , van Maaren Marissa C. , Simons Janine M. , Siesling Sabine , van Dalen Thijs
Published: May 2023

Background

The ACOSOG-Z0011- and the AMAROS-trial obviated the need for axillary surgery in most sentinel node-positive (SLN+) breast cancer patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery (BCS). Data for patients who undergo mastectomy is scarce. The purpose of this study was to investigate patterns of axillary treatment in SLN+ patients treated by mastectomy in the years after the publication of landmark studies regarding axillary treatment in SLN+ breast cancer patients undergoing BCS.

Methods

This was a population-based study in cT1-3N0M0 breast cancer patients treated by mastectomy and staged as SLN+ between 2009 and 2018. The performance of an axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) and/or administration of postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) were primary outcomes and were studied over time.

Results

The study included 10,633 patients. The frequency of ALND performance decreased from 78% in 2009 to 10% in 2018, whereas PMRT increased from 4 to 49% (P < 0.001). In ≥N1a patients, ALND performance decreased from 93 to 20%, whereas PMRT increased to 70% (P < 0.001). In N1mi and N0itc patients, ALND was abandoned during the study period, whereas PMRT increased to 38% and 13% respectively (P < 0.001), respectively. Age, tumor subtype, N-stage, and hospital type affected the likelihood that patients underwent ALND.

Conclusions

In this study in SLN+ breast cancer patients undergoing mastectomy, use of ALND decreased drastically over time. By the end of 2018 most ≥N1a patients received PMRT as the only adjuvant axillary treatment, whereas the majority of N1mi and N0itc patients received no additional treatment.
A agenda de pesquisa da burocracia de nível de rua no contexto da pandemia: Uma revisão integrativa
Authors: Guilarducci Fonseca Carlos Eduardo , Emmendoerfer Magnus Luiz , Lopes Valadares Josiel
Published: May 2023

A implementação das políticas públicas em situações de crise é um campo de estudo escasso, sobretudo no nível de rua, em que há a interação entre o Estado e o cidadão. A pandemia enquanto crise afetou a autonomia dos profissionais da linha de frente e moldou seu comportamento, sobretudo por fatores organizacionais e relacionais. Dessa forma, o estudo explora a agenda de pesquisa no contexto da pandemia disponível na base de dados da Web of Science, buscando compreender a sua influência para a implementação das políticas públicas no nível de rua, utilizando para esse fim o método de revisão integrativa. Adicionalmente, empreendeu-se entender de que forma o uso de softwares contribui com a análise dos dados, apontando suas vantagens e limitações. Para isso, utilizou-se o VOSviewer 1.6.17. Os principais resultados revelaram que contextos de crise como a pandemia influenciam profundamente a implementação das políticas públicas no nível de rua com impactos negativos para o atendimento do usuário. O trabalho possui limitações do recorte definido, que carece de avanços no número de dados analisados, mas contribui para a melhor compreensão da influência das crises para a implementação no nível de rua. Indicam-se investigações sobre as consequências emocionais da linha de frente e a abordagem da atuação durante a crise dos profissionais que lidam diariamente com situações de emergência, como os bombeiros e os profissionais de veículos móveis das redes de urgência e emergência médicas.
Curating and extending data for language comparison in Concepticon and NoRaRe
Authors: Tjuka Annika , Forkel Robert , List Johann-Mattis
Published: May 2023

Language comparison requires user-friendly tools that facilitate the standardization of linguistic data. We present two resources built on the basis of a standardized cross-linguistic format and show how the data is curated and extended. The first resource, the Concepticon, is a reference catalog for standardized concepts from linguistic research. While curating the Concepticon, we found that a variety of studies in distinct research fields collected information on word properties. However, until recently, no resource existed that contained these data to enable the comparison of the different word properties across languages. This gap was filled by the Database of Norms, Ratings, and Relations (NoRaRe), which is an extension of the Concepticon. Here, we present the major release of both resources - Concepticon Version 3.0 and NoRaRe Version 1.0 - which represents an important step in our data development. We show that extending and adapting the data curation workflow in Concepticon to NoRaRe is useful for the standardization of cross-linguistic datasets. In addition, combining datasets from different research fields enables studies grounded in language comparison. Concepticon and NoRaRe include lexical data for various languages, tools for test-driven data curation, and the possibility for data reuse. The first major release of NoRaRe is also accompanied by a new web application that allows convenient access to the data.
Therapeutic monitoring of anti-seizure medications in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review
Authors: Odhiambo Mercy , Kariuki Symon M. , Newton Charles R.
Published: May 2023

Background: The treatment gap for epilepsy is large in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and the effectiveness and safety of the available anti-seizure medication (ASMs) is not fully understood. We systematically reviewed available evidence on therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of ASM in LMIC.

Methods: We searched four main databases (PubMed, Psych-Info, CINAHL and Embase) up to 31st December 2020, with eligible articles screened using a PRISMA checklist and a set of exclusion and inclusion criteria. Full texts were examined to evaluate the extent and practice of TDM in LMICs. Analyses were performed using Stata 13 and descriptive statistics were used to pool median distribution of TDM across studies.

Results: Of the 6,309 articles identified in the initial search, 65 (1.0%) met the eligibility criteria. TDM of ASMs was mostly done to assess toxicity (42.8%), but rarely to monitor adherence (9.0%). TDM differed by economic status and infrastructural status with majority of the studies coming from Europe (53.8%) and upper-middle-income countries (87.6%). First generation ASMs (82.3%) were more likely to be monitored than second generation ASMs (17.6%) and carbamazepine was the most frequently monitored drug. Fluorescence Polarization Immunoassay (FPIA) was the most common technique used for TDM (41.5%) followed by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) (16.9%). In addition, FPIA was the cheapest method of TDM based on approximated costs ($1000, TDx system). Assay validation and quality control were reported variably, and reference ranges used during TDM of ASMs were relatively uniform.

Conclusions: TDM is mostly done to evaluate ASM toxicity, but rarely for other reasons such as evaluating adherence or assessing clinical efficacy. There is a need for more investment in comprehensive and targeted TDM in LMICs when initiating treatment, switching therapies, adding or removing ASM and evaluating treatment response and safety of both first generation and second generation ASMs.
Case Report: Intrahepatic cholestasis: a diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Acharya Udit , Panthi Ram Chandra , Shrestha Roshan , Pandey Bimal , Adhikari Sudeep , Koirala Janak , Basnyat Buddha
Published: May 2023

Cholestasis is an impairment of bile formation or bile flow. The mechanisms of cholestasis can be broadly classified into intrahepatic and extrahepatic. Most of the time, etiology can be determined with proper history, physical examination and diagnostic testing including laboratory and imaging tests. This is a case report of a patient with severe cholestasis who underwent extensive evaluation to determine the etiology of intrahepatic cholestasis.

This Case Report details a 28-year-old male who presented with seven days’ history of yellowish discoloration of eyes, passage of dark colored urine, generalized body itching, and passage of clay colored stool. Patient had no similar episode in the past. Laboratory investigations showed unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia and increased alkaline phosphatase. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreaticography was unremarkable and liver biopsy was suggestive of cholestatic pattern and negative for acute hepatitis. The bilirubin level started decreasing after a month.

The etiology of intrahepatic cholestasis remained unknown. Genotyping could not be done due to limited available resources. It may have helped to diagnose familial hepatocellular cholestasis such as benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis (BRIC) and progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis. Gamma glutamyl transferase is normal or mildly elevated in patients with BRIC. A similar picture was seen in our case as well. If the patient presents again with similar symptoms and findings, we can consider the diagnosis of BRIC.
The genome sequence of the surf clam, Spisula solida (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Holmes Anna ,   Marine Biological Association Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: May 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual Spisula solida (the surf clam; Mollusca; Bivalvia; Venerida; Mactridae). The genome sequence is 932.1 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 19 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 19.3 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 13,833 protein coding genes.
Further considerations on semiosis in evolution: Arbitrarity plus semiotic fitting, and/or mutability plus natural selection
Authors: Kull Kalevi
Published: May 2023

This essay attempts to combine some recent theoretical results in (bio)semiotics on arbitrariness, semiotic fitting, umwelt, choice, and extended theory of evolution into a more coherent whole. The proposed model describes a living being through its subjectivity and the ability to create meaning, which are often overlooked in models based on replicability. The concept of the umwelt is divided into two – the synchronic umwelt and the distributed or diachronic umwelt. For the latter, a new term ‘umweb’ is introduced. A mechanism of evolution is described in which arbitrary relating followed by semiotic fitting is somewhat analogous to the neo-Darwinian mechanism of random mutations followed by natural selection. The paper proceeds to discuss the alternativity and coexistence of these two radically different ways of evolution and learning.
sostenibilidad en Colombia frente al desarrollo sostenible en el mundo. Una revisión bibliométrica para el análisis del entorno
Authors: Bossa-Benavidez Jarol , David Meza Jesús , Ramos-Franco Darwin , Cohen-Padilla Harold
Published: May 2023

En el presente estudio, se utiliza el metaanálisis para contrastar investigaciones realizadas sobre el desarrollo sostenible y su medición al interior de empresas colombianas y otras alrededor del mundo. El contraste se realiza utilizando criterios de selección bibliográfica, proponiendo un Esquema de Clasificación Conceptual (ECC), utilizando un arqueo bibliográfico con la selección de artículos relevantes, con ecuaciones de búsqueda, aplicando operadores booleanos, que permitan llegar a una conclusión para responder las cinco preguntas planteadas en el ECC. Se utilizaron artículos de los últimos 10 años y un análisis de tendencia de investigación del tema planteado, que evidencia la concordancia de los resultados y tiene en cuenta criterios de selección con el ECC. El estudiodemo stró que los países asiáticos y europeos son los principales investigadores del tema tratado, lo cual indica su preocupación por la sostenibilidad ambiental, su compromiso social y su interés por una inversión económica en el desarrollo tecnológico; en contraste, los países latinoamericanos han hecho pocas investigaciones sobre sostenibilidad ambiental y las empresas se enfocan más en el crecimiento financiero que en los impactos ambientales o sociales, lo cual va en detrimento del desarrollo sostenible.
Nonprofit Organizations’ Financial Obligations and the Paycheck Protection Program
Authors: Neely Daniel G. , Saxton Gregory D. , Wong Paul A.
Published: May 2023

We examine nonprofit organizations’ involvement in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The PPP provided participants with forgivable loans to pay employee salaries, increasing participants’ financial flexibility during the pandemic. We examine the associations between nonprofits’ prepandemic financial obligations (e.g., long-term debt and donor-restricted net assets) and PPP participation and participants’ loan characteristics. First, we find nonprofit organizations participated at a lower rate than other small business industries and that nonprofits with greater financial obligations were more likely to participate in the program. Second, we find financial obligations were positively associated with the loan amount received as a percentage of total payroll costs. Last, although approximately 11% of nonprofits failed to obtain loan forgiveness, we find nonprofits with restricted net assets were more likely to have their loans forgiven. Our results suggest nonprofits with greater debt and donor obligations used the PPP to increase their financial flexibility.

This paper was accepted by Ranjani Krishnan, accounting.

Supplemental Material: The data files and online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4804 .
The Reconnection Process: Mobilizing the Social Capital of Dormant Ties
Authors: Rondi Emanuela , Levin Daniel Z. , De Massis Alfredo
Published: May 2023

Prior research has identified the value of reconnecting dormant ties (i.e., people you used to know), allowing individuals to refresh relationships and mobilize the value inherent in a tie (i.e., its social capital). However, less well understood is how this reconnection process occurs, including how it can be done well or poorly. To address this lack of knowledge, we conducted multi-organizational research combining an inductive, qualitative field study of professional reconnections by individuals in the North Italian textile district (Study 1) and, to validate our findings, a vignette-based experiment with U.S. workers (Study 2). We find that the process of reconnecting dormant ties can and does fail, sometimes dramatically, when people do not refresh the tie and, as a result, do not trust where they stand with each other. Specifically, we find that three elements—remembering, catching up, and perceiving the tie similarly—are key to successfully mobilizing the value of a dormant tie.
The need of patients living with cancer for palliative care
Authors: Alnajar Malek Kh , Abdalrahim Maysoon S , Mosleh Sultan M , Farhan Mohammad , Amro Khadijah , Darawad Muhammad W
Published: May 2023

Background:

A comprehensive assessment of patients' problems and needs is essential for all patients with chronic diseases, including cancer.

Aim:

This study assesses the problems, unmet needs and requirement for palliative care (PC) among patients with cancer.

Method:

A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed using a valid self-reported questionnaire.

Results:

On average, 62% of patients had problems that were unresolved. The need for patients to have more information about their health was identified (75.1%), followed by financial problems because of the illness and ability to afford healthcare (72.9%), and psychological issues, such as depression, anxiety and stress (67.1%). Patients stated that their spiritual needs were not being met (78.8%), and that they were experiencing psychological distress and problems with daily living that needed to be addressed through PC (78%, 75.1%, respectively). A chi-square test revealed that all problems are significantly associated with the need for PC (P<.001).

Conclusion:

Patients needed more assistance in psychological, spiritual, financial and physical domains, and this can be provided by palliative care. Palliative care in low-income countries is a human right for patients with cancer.
Obstacles and Challenges in Implementing STEM Education in High Schools: A Case Study in the Northern Mountains of Vietnam
Authors: Hai Tuong Duy , Linh Nguyen Quang , Bich Nguyen Thi
Published: May 2023

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education has been successfully implemented in many countries around the world, including Vietnam. Admittedly, it appears that Vietnamese teachers are encountering several obstacles and challenges as they adopt STEM education in their classrooms. The purpose of this study was to use the Delphi method to figure out the obstacles and challenges that teachers in six northern mountainous provinces of Vietnam encounter when teaching STEM education. As per research findings, teachers confront 11 obstacles and challenges when integrating STEM education in their classrooms, including: Teacher competency, time consumption in lesson planning and guiding students to produce STEM products, teachers' beliefs regarding STEM education, inflexible programs, insufficient facilities, examination pressures, lack of timely rewards and encouragement for effective teachers, teachers’ self-funding teaching STEM, students’ competence, students’ cultural, economic and social background, and disagreements from student’s parents. These findings assist administrators and teachers in developing future strategies for successfully implementing STEM education in Vietnam.
Reconfigurable VO2 metasurfaces with hybrid electro-optical control: manipulating THz radiation with 0.3  W/cm2 light
Authors: Kaydashev Vladimir , Slavich Aleksandr , Domaratskiy Ivan , Zhukov Sergey , Kirtaev Roman , Mylnikov Dmitry , Alymov Georgy , Kutepov Maxim , Kaidashev Evgeny
Published: May 2023

Dynamicallyprogrammable metasurfaces capable of manipulating terahertz (THz) wavefronts in various manners depending on external controls are highly desired for next-generation wireless communication systems and new tools for THz diagnostics. Such metasurfaces may utilize the insulator-to-metal transition in VO2, which can be induced both electrically and optically. Optical control is especially convenient for individual addressing to each meta-atom, but it is hampered by the high optical switching threshold of VO2. We experimentally realize VO2-based THz metasurfaces with hybrid electro-optical control when the metasurface is brought close to the transition point by an almost-threshold current, and then is easily switched by unfocused continuous-wave light. We were able to control the metasurface THz transmission by 0.4W/cm2 near-IR light, while purely optical switching required tightly focused light with an intensity of >3×105W/cm2. After correcting for the fact that a tightly focused spot dissipates heat easier, we estimate that the optical switching threshold reduction due to the electric current alone is ∼2 orders of magnitude. Finally, coating the metasurface with Au nanoparticles further reduced the threshold by 30% due to plasmonic effects.
Evolution of the time delay signature of chaos generated in three types of optical injection systems
Authors: Wang Biao , Qiao Lijun , Wei Xiaojing , Chai Mengmeng , Zhang Mingjiang
Published: May 2023

The time delay signature (TDS) of chaos generated in three schemes of optical injection has been investigated, and the mechanism of TDS suppression (TDSS) is revealed. The first scheme is a continuous-wave (CW) laser unidirectionally injecting into a chaotic laser, and the TDS of the chaotic laser is suppressed below 0.08 in this structure. The second scheme is a chaotic laser unidirectionally injecting into a CW laser, where the parameter range of TDSS lower than 0.06 of this structure is the largest among the three schemes. The third scheme is two CW lasers coupling to each other, and two chaotic lasers with TDS (TDS<0.1) suppression can be obtained simultaneously. For the further analysis of the mechanism of TDSS, the quasi-linear relationship between the synchronization coefficient and TDS is revealed. This study will provide insight into the generation of chaotic lasers by optical injection and promote the application of chaotic lasers.
One-shot colored reflectance direction field imaging system for optical inspection
Authors: Ohno Hiroshi
Published: May 2023

Detecting microscale defects on the surface of an object is often difficult with conventional cameras. Microscale defects are known to greatly affect the bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) of light rays reflected from the surface. Therefore, an imaging system for capturing the reflectance direction field by color mapping using a multicolor filter placed in front of an imaging lens is proposed, which can have a simple structure. From the color variations of light rays passing through several different color regions of the multicolor filter, this imaging system can detect the extent of broadening of the BRDF. The effectiveness of the imaging system for optical inspection is experimentally validated by testing it on a plastic surface that has a shallow scratch with a depth of a few micrometers.
Extending the diatom’s color palette: non-iridescent, disorder-mediated coloration in marine diatom-inspired nanomembranes
Authors: Shapturenka Pavel , Isaac Zakaria N. , Birkholz Fabian , Gordon Michael J.
Published: May 2023

The intricate, siliceous exoskeleton of many marine diatoms (single-celled phytoplankton) is decorated with an array of sub-micron, quasi-ordered pores that are known to provide protective and multiple life-sustaining functions. However, the optical functionality of any given diatom valve is limited because valve geometry, composition, and ordering are genetically programmed. Nonetheless, the near- and sub-wavelength features of diatom valves provide inspiration for novel photonic surfaces and devices. Herein, we explore the optical design space for optical transmission, reflection, and scattering in diatom-like structures by computationally deconstructing the diatom frustule, assigning and nondimensionalizing Fano-resonant behavior with configurations of increasing refractive index contrast (Δn), and gauging the effects of structural disorder on the resulting optical response. Translational pore disorder, especially in higher-index materials, was found to evolve Fano resonances from near-unity reflection and transmission to modally confined, angle-independent scattering, which is key to non-iridescent coloration in the visible wavelength range. High-index, frustule-like TiO2 nanomembranes were then designed to maximize backscattering intensity and fabricated using colloidal lithography. These synthetic diatom surfaces showed saturated, non-iridescent coloration across the visible spectrum. Overall, this diatom-inspired platform could be useful in designing tailored, functional, and nanostructured surfaces for applications in optics, heterogeneous catalysis, sensing, and optoelectronics.
SNR-Net OCT: brighten and denoise low-light optical coherence tomography images via deep learning
Authors: Huang Shaoyan , Wang Rong , Wu Renxiong , Zhong Junming , Ge Xin , Liu Yong , Ni Guangming
Published: May 2023

Low-light optical coherence tomography (OCT) images generated when using low input power, low-quantum-efficiency detection units, low exposure time, or facing high-reflective surfaces, have low bright and signal-to-noise rates (SNR), and restrict OCT technique and clinical applications. While low input power, low quantum efficiency, and low exposure time can help reduce the hardware requirements and accelerate imaging speed; high-reflective surfaces are unavoidable sometimes. Here we propose a deep-learning-based technique to brighten and denoise low-light OCT images, termed SNR-Net OCT. The proposed SNR-Net OCT deeply integrated a conventional OCT setup and a residual-dense-block U-Net generative adversarial network with channel-wise attention connections trained using a customized large speckle-free SNR-enhanced brighter OCT dataset. Results demonstrated that the proposed SNR-Net OCT can brighten low-light OCT images and remove the speckle noise effectively, with enhancing SNR and maintaining the tissue microstructures well. Moreover, compared to the hardware-based techniques, the proposed SNR-Net OCT can be of lower cost and better performance.
Non-local generative machine learning-based inverse design for scattering properties
Authors: Guo Boyan , Deng Li , Zhang Hongtao
Published: May 2023

Metamaterials are created by arranging small scatterers in a regular array throughout a space to manipulate electromagnetic waves. However, current design methods view metasurfaces as independent meta-atoms, which limits the range of geometrical structures and materials used, and prevents the generation of arbitrary electric field distributions. To address this issue, we propose an inverse design method based on generative adversarial networks (GANs), which includes both a forward model and an inverse algorithm. The forward model utilizes dyadic Green’s function to interpret the expression of non-local response, realizing the mapping from scattering properties to generated electric fields. The inverse algorithm innovatively transforms the scattering properties and electric fields into images and generates datasets with methods in computer vision (CV), proposing an architecture of GAN with ResBlock to achieve the design for the target electric field pattern. Our algorithm improves upon traditional methods, as it achieves greater time efficiency and generates higher quality electric fields. From a metamaterial perspective, our method can find optimal scattering properties for specific generated electric fields. Training results and extensive experiments demonstrate the algorithm’s validity.
Metal-free design of a multilayered metamaterial with chirped Bragg grating for enhanced radiative cooling
Authors: Osuna Ruiz D. , Lezaun C. , Torres-García A. E. , Beruete M.
Published: May 2023

A wideband, all-dielectric metamaterial structure for enhancing radiative cooling is investigated. The structure is optimized to reflect most of the solar irradiance window (between 0.3 µm–3 µm), which is one of the biggest challenges in highly efficient radiative cooling coatings. The design is based on the principles of Bragg gratings, which constitutes a simple synthesis procedure to make a broadband reflector of reduced dimensions, without metallic layers, while keeping a flat enough response in the entire bandwidth. Numerical results show that reflection of solar irradiation can be easily tailored and maximized using this method, as well as the net cooling power of the device, about ∼79 W/m2 at daytime (about double at night-time) and a temperature reduction of 23 K (assuming no heat exchange) and 7 K assuming a heat exchange coefficient of 10 W/m2/K, for a device and ambient temperatures of 300 K and 303 K, respectively. This occurs even in detriment of absorption in the atmospheric window (8 µm–13 µm). Results also show the importance of efficiently reflecting solar irradiance for such technologies and its relevance in synthesis and design without using metallic components.
Optical nanofiber stretcher
Authors: Matic Alexandre , Chrétien Jacques , Godet Adrien , Phan Huy Kien , Beugnot Jean-Charles
Published: May 2023

Piezoelectric stretching of optical fiber is a technique that enables the creation of optical delays of a few picoseconds; this is useful in a variety of applications in interferometry or optical cavities. Most commercial fiber stretchers involve lengths of fiber of a few tens of meters. Using a 120-mm-long optical micro-nanofiber, we can create a compact optical delay line that achieves tunable delays of up to 19 ps at telecommunication wavelengths. The high elasticity of silica and the micron-scale diameter allow this significant optical delay to be achieved with low tensile force while keeping the overall length short. We successfully report both static and dynamic operation of this novel, to the best of our knowledge, device. It could find application in interferometry and laser cavity stabilization, where short optical paths and strong resistance to the environment would be required.
Solar-pumped fiber laser using a solid-state luminescent solar collector
Authors: Endo Masamori , Yamamoto Kohei , Dottermusch Stephan , Howard Ian , Richards Bryce , Tomizawa Ryota , Masuda Taizo
Published: May 2023

We have developed a fully planar solar-pumped fiber laser using a solid-state luminescent solar collector (LSC). This laser does not use any focusing device, such as a lens or mirror; thus, it can lase without tracking the sun. Our developed device with an aperture of 30 cm emits 15 mW, corresponding to an optical-to-optical conversion efficiency of 0.023% and a collection efficiency of 0.21 W/m2. A 12-fold improvement over a previously developed liquid LSC is achieved by combining the total internal reflection of the solid-state LSC with dielectric multilayer mirrors. The observed laser power is in good agreement with that predicted via numerical simulation, demonstrating the effectiveness of our proposed method.
“I feel good because I have saved their lives”: Acceptability of assisted partner services among female index clients and male sexual partners in Kenya
Authors: Naughton Brienna , Owuor Mercy , Wamuti Beatrice , Katz David A. , Sharma Monisha , Liu Wenjia , Lagat Harison , Kariithi Edward , Mugambi Mary , Bosire Rose , Masyuko Sarah , Farquhar Carey , Weiner Bryan J.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Assisted partner services (APS), or notification for sexual partners of people diagnosed with HIV, is an efficient, effective, and high yield strategy to identify people living with HIV and is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, there remains a need to further understand the acceptability of APS qualitatively from a client lens, particularly when APS is integrated into the national health system. We investigated acceptability of APS when integrated into HIV services in Kenya.

Methods

Starting in May 2018, APS was implemented in 31 health facilities in Kisumu and Homa Bay counties in western Kenya. From January to December 2019, we conducted in-depth interviews (IDIs) with female index clients (n = 16) and male sexual partners (n = 17) in 10 facilities participating in an APS scale up study. Interviews assessed APS satisfaction, perceived benefits of the intervention, and challenges that may affect delivery or uptake. We applied the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability by Sekhonet al. (2017) as a guide to organize our findings.

Results

We find that views of APS are often guided by an individual’s trust in the intervention’s design and implementation, and an interest to preserve one’s health and that of one’s family and children. There were strong and consistent acceptable views of APS as “doing good” and “saving a life” and as a means of showing love towards one’s partner(s). The initial acceptability framing of individuals engaging with APS was predicated either on a feeling of comfort with the intervention, or a wariness of divulging sex partner personal information. Health care workers (HCWs) were seen to play an important role in mitigating participant fears linked with the intervention, particularly around the sensitive nature of HIV disclosure and sexual partners. Clients noted considerable challenges that affected acceptability, including the risk to the relationship of disclosing one’s HIV status, and the risk of intimate partner violence.

Discussion

We found that APS is acceptable as a strategy to reach male sexual partners of females diagnosed with HIV, and these findings provide opportunities to inform recommendations for further scale-up. Opportunities such as focusing on intervention confidentiality and appropriate counseling, excluding female clients at risk of IPV from this intervention, and highlighting the altruistic benefits of APS to potential clients. Understanding the perspectives of clients receiving APS in a real-world setting may be valuable to policy-makers and stakeholders interested in scaling up or enhancing APS within health systems.