bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of dentures on pharyngeal swallowing function in patients with dysphagia
Authors: Takagi Daisuke , Ohno Tomohisa , Moriwaki Motoki , Katagiri Norimasa , Umeda Yoshiko , Tohara Haruka , Nomoto Akiko , Fujishima Ichiro
Published: August 2021

Aim

Dentures play an important role in improving masticatory and oropharyngeal swallowing functions in some edentulous patients without dysphagia. However, few studies have been conducted on patients with dysphagia. This study investigated the effect of dentures on pharyngeal swallowing function in patients with dysphagia.

Methods

Older inpatients with dysphagia who used well‐fitting dentures were included in the study. Videofluoroscopic swallowing study findings with and without dentures were compared. Pharyngeal residue and area as spatial, the distance between the maxilla and mandible, hyoid bone/laryngeal displacement, and upper esophageal sphincter opening as kinematics, oral/pharyngeal transit time as temporal measurements, and patient‐reported symptoms were evaluated. The primary outcome was the pharyngeal residue measured using the normalized residue ratio scale. Comparisons were made using the paired t‐test, Wilcoxon signed‐rank test and Fisher's exact test.

Results

The mean age of the 27 participants was 86.1 ± 6.8 years. The vallecular residue was more in those without dentures (with dentures: 0.01 [0–0.02], without dentures: 0.03 [0–0.08]; P = 0.003). The pyriform sinus residue showed no significant difference. Denture removal significantly increased the pharyngeal area. The distance between the maxilla and mandible decreased in the absence of dentures, and other kinematic measurements showed no significant differences. Oral/pharyngeal transit time was prolonged without dentures.

Conclusions

Morphological changes caused by the removal of dentures led to pharyngeal expansion, which may result in increased vallecular residue. A treatment plan that considers the effect of dentures on pharyngeal swallowing function may provide rehabilitation that is more effective. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 907–912.
Calcium hydroxide‐loaded PLGA biodegradable nanoparticles as an intracanal medicament
Authors: Elmsmari Firas , González Sánchez José Antonio , Duran‐Sindreu Fernando , Belkadi Roumaissa , Espina Marta , García Maria Luisa , Sánchez‐López Elena
Published: August 2021

Aim

To develop a formulation in which calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) was successfully loaded into poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) biodegradable nanoparticles (NPs) to be used in the field of endodontics as an intracanal medicament, including NP optimization and characterization, plus drug release profile of the NPs compared with free Ca(OH)₂. Additionally, the depth and area of penetration of the NPs inside the dentinal tubules of extracted teeth were compared with those of the free Ca(OH)₂.

Methodology

Ca(OH)₂ NPs were prepared using the solvent displacement method. NPs was optimized with a central composite design to obtain a final optimized formulation. The morphology of the NPs was examined under transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and characterization was carried out using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The drug release profile of the Ca(OH)₂ NPs and free Ca(OH)₂ was evaluated up to 48 h. Finally, the depth and area of penetration inside the dentinal tubules of extracted teeth were examined for both the Ca(OH)₂ NPs and free Ca(OH)₂ using the Mann–Whitney U test to determine any significant differences.

Results

Utilizing the optimized formulation, the Ca(OH)₂ NPs had an average size below 200 nm and polydispersity index lower than 0.2, along with a highly negative zeta potential and suitable entrapment efficiency percentage. The spherical morphology of the Ca(OH)₂ NPs was confirmed using TEM. The results of the XRD, FTIR and DSC revealed no interactions and confirmed that the drug was encapsulated inside the NPs. The drug release profile of the Ca(OH)₂ NPs exhibited a prolonged steady release that remained stable up to 48 h with higher concentrations than the free Ca(OH)₂. After examination by confocal laser scanning microscopy, Ca(OH)₂ NPs had a significantly greater depth and area of penetration inside dentinal tubules compared with the free drug.

Conclusions

Ca(OH)₂‐loaded PLGA NPs were successfully optimized and characterized. The NPs exhibited a prolonged drug release profile and superior penetration inside dentinal tubules of extracted teeth when compared to Ca(OH)2.
Trends in risk classification at diagnosis and choice of primary therapy for prostate cancer: An analysis of 10 839 patients from the Nara Urological Research and Treatment Group registry between 2004 and 2015
Authors: Nakai Yasushi , Tanaka Nobumichi , Fujii Tomomi , Miyake Makito , Anai Satoshi , Hori Shunta , Shimizu Takuto , Onishi Mikiko , Ichikawa Kazuki , Onishi Kenta , Fujimoto Kiyohide
Published: August 2021

Objective

To evaluate trends in risk classification at diagnosis and choice of primary therapy in patients diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Methods

This retrospective study included 10 839 patients who were newly diagnosed with prostate cancer between 2004 and 2015 at 23 Japanese institutions. Risk classification and primary therapies between 2004 and 2015 were evaluated. The trends in risk classification and primary therapy were evaluated using chi‐squared tests for trend during four periods (2004–2006; 2007–2009; 2010–2012; and 2013–2015). Binary logistic analysis was used to evaluate the extent to which factors such as age, risk classification, and institution influenced primary therapy choice in the 2013–2015 cohort.

Results

The number of patients with very‐low or low‐risk classification (P < 0.001) and metastasis (P = 0.04) decreased and the number with intermediate‐risk classification (P < 0.001) increased during the four periods. A tendency to choose radical prostatectomy as primary therapy for prostate cancer was not observed during the four periods (P = 0.90). The number of patients who chose radiation therapy (P < 0.001) and active surveillance/watchful waiting (P < 0.001) as primary therapies increased during the four periods and the number of patients who chose androgen deprivation therapy (P < 0.001) decreased. Age, institution, and risk classification significantly influenced primary therapy choice.

Conclusions

We have shown the trends in risk classification of prostate cancer and primary therapy choices between 2004 and 2015 in Japan. Age, institution, and risk classification significantly influenced the decision on primary therapy for prostate cancer.
Neuroimmunology of cancer and associated symptomology
Authors: Scheff Nicole N , Saloman Jami L
Published: August 2021

Evolutionarily, the nervous system and immune cells have evolved to communicate with each other to control inflammation and host responses against injury. Recent findings in neuroimmune communication demonstrate that these mechanisms extend to cancer initiation and progression. Lymphoid structures and tumors, which are often associated with inflammatory infiltrate, are highly innervated by multiple nerve types (e.g. sympathetic, parasympathetic, sensory). Recent preclinical and clinical studies demonstrate that targeting the nervous system could be a therapeutic strategy to promote antitumor immunity while simultaneously reducing cancer‐associated neurological symptoms, such as chronic pain, fatigue and cognitive impairment. Sympathetic nerve activity is associated with physiological or psychological stress, which can be induced by tumor development and cancer diagnosis. Targeting the stress response through suppression of sympathetic activity or activation of parasympathetic activity has been shown to drive activation of effector T cells and inhibition of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells within the tumor. In addition, there is emerging evidence that sensory nerves may regulate tumor growth and metastasis by promoting or inhibiting immunosuppression in a tumor‐type specific manner. Because neural effects are often tumor‐type specific, further study is required to optimize clinical therapeutic strategies. This review examines the emerging evidence that neuroimmune communication can regulate antitumor immunity as well as contribute to development of cancer‐related neurological symptoms.
Impact of early childhood caries severity on oral health‐related quality of life among preschool children in Mexico: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Lara Juan Sebastian , Romano Ariadna , Murisi Pedroza Uribe , Tedesco Tamara Kerber , Mendes Fausto Medeiros , Soto‐Rojas Armando E. , Alonso Celina , Campus Guglielmo
Published: August 2021

Background

Information is scarce on Early Childhood Caries (ECC) in Mexican preschool children and its impact on quality of life.

Aim

To evaluate the ECC prevalence and its impact on OHRQoL in 3–5 years‐old Mexican children according to disease severity.

Design

Caries was determined at two thresholds: (1) children with at least one caries lesion (ICDAS‐1‐6) and (2) children with at least one lesion in dentin (ICDAS‐3‐6). OHRQoL was assessed through the Mexican Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (M‐ECOHIS). Associations among caries severity, M‐ECOHIS, and other variables were assessed by ordinal logistic regression.

Results

A total of 409 children participated (53.8% girls, 46.2% boys). Caries prevalence was 82.2% considering all lesions, and 45.0% for dentinal lesions. Significant linear trends (p < .05) among caries levels and categories of exposure were found for socioeconomic variables, dietary habits, and toothbrushing habits. Attending rural private schools (OR = 1.39, 95%CI = 1.11–1.72; p < .01), two main meals/day (OR = 2.75, 95%CI = 1.26–6.03; p = .01) and unsupervised toothbrushing (OR = 3.20, 95%CI = 1.96–5.24; p < .01) increased the risk to have high caries severity levels. M‐ECOHIS scores were statistically significant associated with caries levels (χ2(4) = 175.85, p < .01; trend across groups z = 12.63 Prob > |z| < 0.01).

Conclusions

M‐ECOHIS was significantly associated with caries severity. Type of school, age groups, parents’ educational level, family income, and living conditions were correlated with caries, showing how distinctive risk indicators were associated with different caries stages.
Reduction of Salmonella enterica in Turkey breast slices kept under aerobic and vacuum conditions by application of lactic acid, a bacteriophage, and ultrasound
Authors: Aykın‐Dinçer Elif , Ergin Firuze , Küçükçetin Ahmet
Published: August 2021

The effects of different antimicrobial applications against Salmonella enterica subs. enterica DSM 18522 strain in turkey breast slices kept under either aerobic or anaerobic‐vacuum conditions for different keeping times of 30 min and 6 hr at 4°C were evaluated. In this study, it was aimed to compare chemical (lactic acid, 3%), biopreservation (bacteriophage Felix O1, 1 × 108 pfu/ml), and physical (ultrasound, 20 kHz) antimicrobial applications in reducing a high initial S. enterica DSM 18522 count (~6 log cfu/g) in turkey breast slices at different conditions. The highest reduction in S. enterica DSM 18522 counts (1.62 log units) was observed in turkey breast slices kept under aerobic condition for 6 hr after being treated with lactic acid. The bacteriophage application significantly (p < .05) reduced S. enterica DSM 18522 counts 1.22 and 1.41 log cfu/g in turkey breast slices that kept under aerobic and anaerobic‐vacuum conditions for 30 min, respectively. There was no significant effect of keeping time under aerobic or anaerobic‐vacuum conditions on S. enterica DSM 18522 counts in turkey breast slices treated with bacteriophage or ultrasound. However, the reduction of S. enterica DSM 18522 counts in turkey breast slices treated with lactic acid increased with keeping time under aerobic or anaerobic‐vacuum conditions. Regardless of keeping conditions, the lowest reductions in S. enterica DSM 18522 counts were detected in turkey breast slices treated with ultrasound. The results of this study show that lactic acid and bacteriophage applications are effective in reducing S. enterica DSM 18522 counts in turkey breast slices.
Hippocampal volume is related to olfactory impairment in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Roh Haewon , Kang June , Koh Seong‐Beom , Kim Jong Hyun
Published: August 2021

Background and Purpose

Recent evidence has suggested that hyposmia in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) may be due to impaired central processing. Furthermore, the hippocampus has been regarded as a critical structure linking olfactory impairment and cognitive impairment in PD patients. This study aimed to identify significant structural alterations of the hippocampus in PD patients with hyposmia, and to determine whether these structural changes are significantly associated with olfactory impairment severity.

Methods

Eighteen idiopathic PD patients with hyposmia and 18 age‐ and sex‐matched PD patients without hyposmia were enrolled. Hippocampal volume and its subfields were measured using FreeSurfer software and compared between hyposmic and normosmic PD patients. We also compared hippocampal substructures’ volumes and correlated the hippocampal volumes with hyposmia severity.

Results

PD patients with hyposmia had significantly smaller hippocampal volumes. Among the three components of the hippocampus, the hippocampal body showed a markedly lower volume, which correlated significantly with the cross‐cultural smell identification test score that represents olfactory function status. Hippocampal subfield analysis showed that substructures (subiculum, molecular layer) that constitute the hippocampal body showed the most significant volume difference.

Conclusions

We suggest that atrophy of the bilateral hippocampus implies underlying problems in the central olfaction process in PD patients. In particular, the hippocampus might not only play a critical role in olfaction but could also be important for elucidating possible mechanisms of broad nonmotor symptoms in PD patients.
Automatic classification and detection of oral cancer in photographic images using deep learning algorithms
Authors: Warin Kritsasith , Limprasert Wasit , Suebnukarn Siriwan , Jinaporntham Suthin , Jantana Patcharapon
Published: August 2021

Background

Oral cancer is a deadly disease among the most common malignant tumors worldwide, and it has become an increasingly important public health problem in developing and low‐to‐middle income countries. This study aims to use the convolutional neural network (CNN) deep learning algorithms to develop an automated classification and detection model for oral cancer screening.

Methods

The study included 700 clinical oral photographs, collected retrospectively from the oral and maxillofacial center, which were divided into 350 images of oral squamous cell carcinoma and 350 images of normal oral mucosa. The classification and detection models were created by using DenseNet121 and faster R‐CNN, respectively. Four hundred and ninety images were randomly selected as training data. In addition, 70 and 140 images were assigned as validating and testing data, respectively.

Results

The classification accuracy of DenseNet121 model achieved a precision of 99%, a recall of 100%, an F1 score of 99%, a sensitivity of 98.75%, a specificity of 100%, and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 99%. The detection accuracy of a faster R‐CNN model achieved a precision of 76.67%, a recall of 82.14%, an F1 score of 79.31%, and an area under the precision‐recall curve of 0.79.

Conclusion

The DenseNet121 and faster R‐CNN algorithm were proved to offer the acceptable potential for classification and detection of cancerous lesions in oral photographic images.
Effect of tyrosine kinase inhibitors on cell migration and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition in Asian head and neck cancer cell lines
Authors: Thwe Aye Myat , Mossey Peter , Ellis Ian R.
Published: August 2021

Background

We investigated the role of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor α (TGFα) on Asian head and neck cancer patient cell lines; in terms of epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell migration to determine whether these changes could be reversed using tyrosine kinase inhibitors (Gefitinib and Erlotinib).

Methods

Cell migration, protrusion and EMT were assessed using both Scatter assay and Scratch assay. Protein expression and localisation were evaluated using immunofluorescence, SDS‐PAGE and Western blotting techniques to identify the involvement of phosphorylated MAPK (Thr202/Tyr204), phosphorylated EGFR (Y1068) and phosphorylated AKT (Ser473) protein expression.

Results

EGF and TGFα induced an EMT‐like phenotypical change, cellular protrusion and cell migration while Gefitinib and Erlotinib blocked these morphological changes and cell migration. We also examined the effect of EGF/TGF α± tyrosine kinase inhibitors on phosphorylation sites Y1068 of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Y1068 was phosphorylated in all test conditions, and all tested concentrations of inhibitors did not inhibit Y1068 phosphorylation.

EGF and TGFα increased phosphorylation of MAPK (Thr202/Tyr204) residues compared with serum‐free control while a one‐hour pre‐treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitor(s) before addition of growth factors completely blocked this phosphorylation. Phosphorylation of Akt Ser 473 was also induced by EGF and TGFα, and a one‐hour pre‐treatment with the tyrosine kinas inhibitor(s) reduced this phosphorylation.

Conclusion

These data suggest that Gefitinib and Erlotinib prevent activation of downstream signalling proteins MAPK (Thr202/Tyr204) and Akt (Ser473) thereby blocking phenotypic change and cell migration. This study supports the potential therapeutic value of Gefitinib and Erlotinib in targeting head and neck cancer.
H3K27ac‐induced FOXC2‐AS1 accelerates tongue squamous cell carcinoma by upregulating E2F3
Authors: Chen Cuiting , Chen Qiongyu , Wu Jian , Zou Han
Published: August 2021

Background

The important roles of lncRNAs have been reported in cancers, including tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC). Here, we investigated the functional role and molecular mechanisms of lncRNA FOXC2‐AS1 in TSCC.

Methods

The expression level of FOXC2‐AS1 in TSCC was determined by RT‐qPCR. Its biological role was evaluated through colony formation assay, flow cytometry, wound healing, transwell, and Western blot analyses. The interactions among gene were tested by mechanistic investigations.

Results

FOXC2‐AS1 expression was high in TSCC tissues and cells. Functional assays in vitro showed that silencing FOXC2‐AS1 restrained cell proliferation, cell cycle, migration, invasion, and EMT. In the mechanism, it was verified that H3K27 acetylation (H3K27ac) triggered an increase in FOXC2‐AS1 expression. Furthermore, FOXC2‐AS1 was identified as a cytoplasmic lncRNA and served as a ceRNA to upregulate E2F3 expression via sponging miR‐6868‐5p.

Conclusion

H3K27ac‐induced FOXC2‐AS1 exhibits carcinogenic property in TSCC by the miR‐6868‐5p/E2F3 axis.
Disparities in digital access among American rural and urban households and implications for telemedicine‐based services
Authors: Curtis Megan E. , Clingan Sarah E. , Guo Huiying , Zhu Yuhui , Mooney Larissa J. , Hser Yih‐Ing
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To examine characteristics associated with disparities in digital access (i.e., access to high‐speed Internet via a computer or smartphone) in American rural and urban households given that digital access has a direct impact on access to telemedicine‐based services.

Methods

Using the 2019 American Community Survey, we analyzed the proportions of geographic area, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status according to device and high‐speed Internet access. Maximum likelihood logit estimators estimated how these factors influenced device and high‐speed Internet access.

Findings

Of 105,312,959 households, 32.29% were without a desktop or laptop computer with high‐speed Internet (WDW), 21.51% were without a smartphone with a data plan for wireless Internet (WSW), and 14.02% were without any digital access (WDA). Nonmetropolitan households were significantly more likely to be WDA than metropolitan households (odds ratio [OR] = 1.87; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.83‐1.91). Relative to non‐Hispanic Whites, non‐Hispanic Blacks (OR = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.56‐1.64), American Indian or Alaska natives (OR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.82‐2.19), or Hispanics (OR = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.66‐1.74) were significantly more likely to be WDA. When compared to households with private health insurance coverage, households WDA were significantly more likely to have no insurance (OR = 2.44; 95% CI: 2.36‐2.53) or public insurance coverage (OR = 3.78; 95% CI: 3.70‐3.86). Households with any digital access reported higher income and more family members living at home. Using the same predictors, similar findings were reported for households WDW or WSW.

Conclusions

Significant disparities in digital access exist among nonmetropolitan households, racial/ethnic minority households, and lower‐income households. The lack of digital access has implications for the accessibility of health care services via telemedicine and thus could exacerbate health disparities.
Prevalence and overlap of known undernutrition risk factors in children in Nairobi Kenya
Authors: Mutoro Antonina N. , Garcia Ada L. , Kimani‐Murage Elizabeth W. , Wright Charlotte M.
Published: August 2021

We aimed to describe the co‐occurrence of known risk factors for undernutrition and the prevalence of modifiable risks in wasted, stunted and healthy children. Quota sampling was used to recruit healthy [weight for age Z scores (WAZ) > −2 SD] and undernourished [weight for length (WLZ) or WAZ scores ≤ −2 SD] children aged 6–24 months from seven clinics in low‐income areas of Nairobi. Structured interviews were used to identify exposure to socioeconomic, water and hygiene, infant feeding, dietary and behavioural risks (low interest in food, high food refusal and force feeding). We recruited 92 wasted WLZ ≤ −2 SD, 133 stunted (length for age Z scores LAZ ≤ −2 SD) and 172 healthy (LAZ and WLZ > 2SD) children. Nearly all children were exposed to hygiene risks (90%) and low dietary diversity (95%) regardless of nutritional status. Stunted children were more likely to be exposed to socio‐economic risks (54% healthy, 64% wasted and 72% stunted; P = 0.001). Compared with healthy children, wasted and stunted children were more likely to be exposed to infant feeding (25% healthy, 40% wasted and 41% stunted; P = 0.02) and behaviour risks (24% healthy, 49% wasted, and 44% stunted; P = 0.004). Overall, wasted and stunted children were twice as likely to be exposed to more than three risks (23% healthy, 48% wasted, and 50% stunted; P = <0.001). They were also more likely to be exposed to more than three modifiable risks (dietary, handwashing and behaviour risks). Wasting and stunting are associated with exposure to multiple risk factors, many of which are potentially modifiable using targeted advice.
Prevention of racialized medicine in pediatric dermatology: A call to re‐examine skin tone typing
Authors: Khosla Natalia N. , Grullon Karina , Rosenblatt Adena E.
Published: August 2021

The Fitzpatrick skin phototype (FSPT), a biologic concept originally constructed in light‐skinned patients to measure UVA sensitivity, is widely used today across pediatric dermatology as a proxy for race, a social and political construct. We outline why this is problematic and could contribute to racially inequitable care and discuss the broader question of whether skin tone is relevant to measure in all cases. We propose that, instead of indiscriminately measuring skin tone in all clinical cases, pediatric dermatologists choose the skin characterization variable most relevant to their patient's condition. This both avoids conflating skin tone with race and more broadly quells the myth of racial essentialism and the resultant practice of racialized medicine, which history has shown is used as justification for discriminatory and harmful practices toward racially marginalized groups.
Tricyclic antidepressant‐induced photosensitivity; A case report and systematic review
Authors: Boontaveeyuwat Einapak , Steyn Mia , Rickaby William , Mcfadden John P , Sarkany Robert P. E. , Fityan Adam
Published: August 2021

Background/Purpose

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are still widely used and are available to purchase without prescription in some countries. Awareness of adverse cutaneous drug reactions is essential.

Method

We reported a case of photo‐distributed hyperpigmentation due to imipramine and carried out a systematic search of the related articles using the search terms “tricyclic antidepressants” or “tricyclic antidepressive agents”, and “hyperpigmentation” or “photosensitivity disorder”. Fifty non‐duplicate citations were identified of which 28 articles which were independently assessed in full. The review was registered in PROSPERO, CRD42018107338.

Results

The remaining 25 articles met our inclusion criteria. Photo‐distributed hyperpigmentation tricyclic antidepressant‐induced photosensitivity reactions (TIPs) was the most common presentation. In 21 cases, this presented as an asymptomatic discolouration of exposed sites. Imipramine (81%), amitriptyline (9.5%), desipramine hydrochloride (4.8%) and mirtazapine (4.8%) were reported to be the culprit drugs. Nineteen were female with a mean age at presentation of 55 years. Mean duration from commencing the culprit drug until the development of discolouration was 10.4 years. Mean daily dose was 222.7 mg for imipramine. Histology was characteristic with golden‐brown or brownish granules deposited in dermis. Staining for Masson‐Fontana and MEL‐5 was positive in all cases. Phototesting had not been done in cases prior to ours (negative 3 months after discontinuation of imipramine). Three further reports of suspected TIP presented with non‐specific and eczematous eruption. The two presentations were reported along with systemic problems (thrombocytopenia and hepatic injury).

Conclusions

This systematic review highlights the characteristic features of exposed site hyperpigmentation of TCA‐induced photosensitivity occurring after prolonged drug exposure in many cases.
Elicitation of Preference among Multiple Criteria in Food Distribution by Food Banks
Authors: Hasnain Tanzid , Sengul Orgut Irem , Ivy Julie Simmons
Published: August 2021

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals provide a road map for countries to achieve peace and prosperity. In this study, we address two of these sustainable development goals: achieving food security and reducing inequalities. Food banks are nonprofit organizations that collect and distribute food donations to food‐insecure populations in their service regions. Food banks consider three criteria while distributing the donated food: equity, effectiveness, and efficiency. The equity criterion aims to distribute food in proportion to the food‐insecure households in a food bank's service area. The effectiveness criterion aims to minimize undistributed food, whereas the efficiency criterion minimizes the total cost of transportation. Models that assume predetermined weights on these criteria may produce inaccurate results as the preference of food banks over these criteria may vary over time, and as a function of supply and demand. In collaboration with our food bank partner in North Carolina, we develop a single‐period, weighted multi‐criteria optimization model that provides the decision‐maker the flexibility to capture their preferences over the three criteria of equity, effectiveness, and efficiency, and explore the resulting trade‐offs. We then introduce a novel algorithm that elicits the inherent preference of a food bank by analyzing its actions within a single‐period. The algorithm does not require direct interaction with the decision‐maker. The non‐interactive nature of this algorithm is especially significant for humanitarian organizations such as food banks which lack the resources to interact with modelers on a regular basis. We perform extensive numerical experiments to validate the efficiency of our algorithm. We illustrate results using historical data from our food bank partner and discuss managerial insights. We explore the implications of different decision‐maker preferences for the criteria on distribution policies.
Interplay between Competing and Coexisting Policy Regimens within Supply Chain Configurations
Authors: Srai Jagjit Singh , Joglekar Nitin , Tsolakis Naoum , Kapur Sandeep
Published: August 2021

Competing and coexisting policies (CACPs) may arise from the incompatibility of incentives, standards, and regulatory models between a local state and a federal government, or between two government jurisdictions across which supply networks operate. Traditional studies of supply chain dynamics typically explore the impact of policy regimens as standalone instruments. This study explores how the interplay between CACP regimens can affect the supply dynamics between producers, customers, and their intermediaries. We use a supply network configuration lens to assess implications for supply chain actors and system‐level outcomes. Our work is motivated by the federal‐state dissonance in the current dispute between India's farmers and the federal government regarding new laws that impact agricultural supply chains in India. In this case, alternative and coexisting policy interventions, ostensibly aimed at modernizing and transforming production and distribution, can lead to significant supply chain netting and inventory pooling reconfigurations in terms of material, information, and financial flows among Indian agricultural stakeholders, along with inventory repositioning and market creation options. In addition, of significance is the consequent shift in the balance between state/nation and federal/supranational equity and bargaining power, an increasingly relevant context where supply chains operate across a common but multi‐jurisdictional territory, and implications for system‐level outcomes, in this particular case equity, welfare economics, and food security. We conclude by pointing to the implications of CACP regimens, and their interplay, for the broader field of operations management and supply chain research.
The Signaling Effect of Sampling Size in Physical Goods Sampling Via Online Channels
Authors: Liu Zibo , Lin Zhijie , Zhang Ying , Tan Yong
Published: August 2021

Prior literature has focused primarily on offline sampling of physical goods and online sampling of information goods, whereas a new form of sampling campaign—physical goods sampling via online channels—receives little attention. Leveraging a rich data set from Taobao, a large e‐commerce platform in China, this study strives to understand the mechanisms of physical goods sampling via online channels. Specifically, we investigate (1) how the sampling size (number of free samples provided) acts as a signal of product quality and (2) how the signaling effect of sampling size varies across product types (i.e., search, experience, and credence products). We use a structural model to characterize the e‐tailers' decision process as a trade‐off between the incurred cost of free sampling at present and the economic returns in future. We find that a 1% increase in sampling size leads to a total sales increase of 5.34% daily sales over a month. Of all product types, experience products benefit the most from the signaling effect of sampling size, whereas search products benefit the least. We further perform a policy simulation on the sampling threshold, that is, the minimum total value of the sampling product required to join the sampling campaign. Our results show that increasing the threshold leads to decreases in average sales and the number of e‐tailers involved, and vice versa. As one of the first studies focusing on the mechanisms of physical goods sampling in the online context, our study provides empirical evidence of the signaling effect of sampling size.
An Integrative Review of Team Nursing and Delegation: Implications for Nurse Staffing during COVID‐19
Authors: Beckett Cynthia D. , Zadvinskis Inga M. , Dean Jennifer , Iseler Jackeline , Powell Julie M. , Buck‐Maxwell Betty
Published: August 2021

Background

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, providing care for critically ill patients has been challenging due to the limited number of skilled nurses, rapid transmission of the virus, and increased patient acuity in relation to the virus. These factors have led to the implementation of team nursing as a model of nursing care out of necessity for resource allocation. Nurses can use prior evidence to inform the model of nursing care and reimagine patient care responsibilities during a crisis.

Purpose

To review the evidence for team nursing as a model of patient care and delegation and determine how it affects patient, nurse, and organizational outcomes.

Methods

We conducted an integrative review of team nursing and delegation using Whittemore and Knafl’s (2005) methodology.

Results

We identified 22 team nursing articles, 21 delegation articles, and two papers about U.S. nursing laws and scopes of practice for delegation. Overall, team nursing had varied effects on patient, nursing, and organizational outcomes compared with other nursing care models. Education regarding delegation is critical for team nursing, and evidence indicates that it improves nurses’ delegation knowledge, decision‐making, and competency.

Linking evidence to action

Team nursing had both positive and negative outcomes for patients, nurses, and the organization. Delegation education improved team nursing care.
A Systematic Review of Compliant Mechanisms as Orthopedic Implants
Authors: Huxman Connor , Butler Jared
Published: August 2021

Currently available motion-preserving orthopedic implants offer many advantages but have several limitations to their use, including short device lifetime, high part count, loss of natural kinematics, and wear-induced osteolysis and implant loosening. Compliant mechanisms have been used to address some of these problems as they offer several potential advantages - namely, wear reduction, reduced part count, and the ability to achieve complex, patient-specific motion profiles. This article provides a systematic review of compliant mechanisms as orthopedic implants. Based on the PRISMA guidelines for an efficient review, this work identified fourteen implantable orthopedic devices that seek to restore anatomical motion by utilizing mechanical compliance. From reviewing these implants and their results, advantages and consequences for each are summarized. Trends were also identified in how these devices are capable of mitigating common challenges found in orthopedic design. Design considerations for the development of future compliant orthopedic implants are proposed and discussed.
CO Emission Modeling in a Heavy Duty Annular Combustor Operating With Natural Gas
Authors: Meloni R. , Gori S. , Andreini A. , Nassini P. C.
Published: August 2021

This paper summarizes the development of a large-eddy simulation (LES)-based approach for the prediction of CO emission in an industrial gas turbine combustor. Since the operating point of the modern combustors is really close to the extinction limit, the availability of a tool able to detect the onset of high-CO production can be useful for the proper definition of the combustion chamber air split or to introduce design improvements for the premixer itself. The accurate prediction of CO cannot rely on the flamelet assumption, representing the fundament of the modern combustion models. Consequently, in this work, the extended turbulent flame speed closure (ETFSC) of the standard flamelet generated manifold (FGM) model is employed to consider the effect of the heat loss and the strain rate on the flame brush. Moreover, a customized CO-Damköhler number is introduced to decouple the in-flame CO production region from the postflame contribution where the oxidation takes place. A fully premixed burner working at representative values of pressure and flame temperature of an annular combustor is selected for the validation phase of the process. The comparison against the experimental data shows that the process is not only able to capture the trend but also to predict CO in a quantitative manner. In particular, the interaction between the flame and the air fluxes at some critical sections of the combustor, leading the CO emission from the equilibrium value to the super-equilibrium, has been correctly reproduced.
Creep and Anisotropy of Free-Standing Lithium Metal Foils in an Industrial Dry Room
Authors: Dienemann Lara L. , Saigal Anil , Zimmerman Michael A.
Published: August 2021

Commercialization of energy-dense lithium metal batteries relies on stable and uniform plating and stripping on the lithium metal anode. In electrochemical-mechanical modeling of solid-state batteries, there is a lack of consideration of specific mechanical properties of battery-grade lithium metal. Defining these characteristics is crucial for understanding how lithium ions plate on the lithium metal anode, how plating and stripping affect deformation of the anode and its interfacing material, and whether dendrites are suppressed. Recent experiments show that the dominant mode of deformation of lithium metal is creep. This study measures the time and temperature-dependent mechanics of two thicknesses of commercial lithium anodes inside an industrial dry room, where battery cells are manufactured at high volume. Furthermore, a directional study examines the anisotropic microstructure of 100 µm thick lithium anodes and its effect on bulk creep mechanics. It is shown that these lithium anodes undergo plastic creep as soon as a coin cell is manufactured at a pressure of 0.30 MPa, and achieving thinner lithium foils, a critical goal for solid-state lithium batteries, is correlated to anisotropy in both lithium’s microstructure and mechanical properties.
Surface Gravity Wave Interaction With a Submerged Composite Wavy Porous Plate Attached to a Vertical Wall
Authors: Mohapatra A. K. , Sahoo T.
Published: August 2021

The hydrodynamic performance of composite wavy submerged porous plate attached to a wall is investigated using numerical method multi-domain boundary element method in the linearized water wave theory in which wave past the porous barriers are modeled using Darcy’s law. Effect of the presence of wall on the hydrodynamic parameters like reflection coefficient, dimensionless wave height, wave force and moment acting on the composite wavy porous structure, and horizontal force on the vertical rigid wall is analyzed for various physical parameters like the number of ripple wavelength, structural porosity, submergence depth, and relative amplitude of composite wavy porous plate. The study demonstrates that the efficiency of hydrodynamic characteristics of the composite wavy porous plate attached to the wall is better compared to a horizontal porous plate attached to the wall of the same applicability conditions (around 27% reduction in wave reflection). Moreover, optimum performance of this kind of breakwater system is increased by considering the lower submergence, higher relative ripple amplitude, appropriate relative amplitude, and suitable moderate porosity of the structure in the range of wavenumber 1 < k0h < 5. Dimensionless wave height, horizontal load on the impermeable wall are reduced to zero, while substantial minimization of vertical load on the structure with suitable consideration of the other influencing parameters of porosity Gp = 0.3, relative amplitude Ds/h = 0.1, relative ripple wavelength m > 3, and submergence depth h1/h = 0.3. The present structural arrangement will be useful for attenuating wave effects on the sea wall.
Vertical Farms With Integrated Solar Photovoltaics
Authors: Rehman Naveed ur
Published: August 2021

This paper outlines a method for determining the maximum number of floors of a vertical farm (VF) that can be powered by building-integrated solar photovoltaic panels for supplying artificial lighting to the plants. The panels are mounted on all the walls and the rooftop of the building. It takes into account the location of the site, the monthly average daily solar irradiation, parameters associated with the luminaires, the geometrical dimensions and orientation of the layout, the tilt angle and row spacing between the rooftop panels, and the efficiency of the conversion system. It then provides linear equations representing the year-round electricity demand of the luminaires and the yearly electric yield from the panels. These equations are solved simultaneously to estimate the maximum number of floors. The results show that design performance can be maximized by optimizing the floor dimensions, layout orientation, tilt angle, and row spacing. Hypothetical 300 m2 vertical farms, partially occupied by growing trays, located in Auckland and Dubai, were found to have maximum heights of 1.87 and 3.47 floors, respectively. A free online tool is also presented to help designers and researchers analyze designs located anywhere in the world.
Passive Cooling Configurations for Enhancing the Photovoltaic Efficiency in Hot Climatic Conditions
Authors: Haque Md. Azazul , Miah Md. Abdul Karim , Hossain Shorab , Rahman M. Hamidur
Published: August 2021

Increased temperature of photovoltaic (PV) module decreases its performance; hence, integration of the cooling system is imperative in minimizing this detrimental effect. In this study, passive cooling of PV module with different heatsinks has been simulated by thermal models using ansys steady-state thermal software. The results were based on the effect of convective heat transfer coefficients from 5 to 1000 W/m2K for the temperature reduction of PV module using 19 different heatsinks. Three configurations: flat plate heat spreader, fin-only heatsinks, and fin-flat base plate combined heatsinks, have been studied at 35 °C ambient temperature and 800 W/m2 solar radiation. The result shows that at convective heat transfer coefficient of 10 W/m2K, the combined type model C7, and the fin-only type model B4 demonstrated around 18.94% and 9.36% lower PV cell temperature, respectively, than the flat plate type model A2. Moreover, C7 and B4 models had about 67.5% and 78.03% less material weight than the A2 model, making the heat spreader type least feasible compared with the other two. The temperature contours of the PV cell layer at a given operating condition showed uniform distribution for both flat plate types and combined types. In contrast, the fin-only heatsink configuration illustrated hotspots within the PV cell layer.
Situating the Vector Density Approach Among Contemporary Continuum Theories of Dislocation Dynamics
Authors: Anderson Joseph Pierre , Vivekanandan Vignesh , Lin Peng , Starkey Kyle , Pachaury Yash , El-Azab Anter
Published: August 2021

For the past century, dislocations have been understood to be the carriers of plastic deformation in crystalline solids. However, their collective behavior is still poorly understood. Progress in understanding the collective behavior of dislocations has primarily come in one of two modes: the simulation of systems of interacting discrete dislocations and the treatment of density measures of varying complexity that are considered as continuum fields. A summary of contemporary models of continuum dislocation dynamics is presented. These include, in order of complexity, the two-dimensional statistical theory of dislocations, the field dislocation mechanics treating the total Kröner–Nye tensor, vector density approaches that treat geometrically necessary dislocations on each slip system of a crystal, and high-order theories that examine the effect of dislocation curvature and distribution over orientation. Each of theories contain common themes, including statistical closure of the kinetic dislocation transport equations and treatment of dislocation reactions such as junction formation. An emphasis is placed on how these common themes rely on closure relations obtained by analysis of discrete dislocation dynamics experiments. The outlook of these various continuum theories of dislocation motion is then discussed.
Sb2Se3 solar cells fabricated via close-space sublimation
Authors: Tao Runmin , Tan Tingting , Zhang Hua , Meng Qingdai , Zha Gangqiang
Published: August 2021

Antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) is regarded as an excellent photovoltaic absorber material due to its suitable bandgap, large light absorption coefficient, abundant raw material reserves, and environmental friendliness. However, the commonly used rapid thermal evaporation strategy for deposition of Sb2Se3 films results in low film quality, which is undesirable from the perspective of photovoltaic performance. Herein, we fabricate highly efficient and stable Sb2Se3 solar cells via a close-space sublimation (CSS) process, which allows separate control of the source and substrate temperatures, leading to high-quality thin films and better solar cell performance. Four growth patterns of Sb2Se3 thin films are optimized by controlling the source temperature of CSS. It is found that the Sb2Se3 thin film prepared at 475 °C has the best crystallinity, smoothest surface, and best density. Moreover, solar cells based on ZnO/Sb2Se3 thin films can achieve maximum efficiency with VOC of 0.312 V, JSC of 27.91 mA/cm2, fill fact of 41.35%, and power conversion efficiency of 3.61%. The performance of the devices was not adversely affected by the air environment, and thus, they were shown to exhibit appropriate stability.
Olfactory receptor–dependent receptor repression in
Drosophila
Authors: Mika Kaan , Cruchet Steeve , Chai Phing Chian , Prieto-Godino Lucia L. , Auer Thomas O. , Pradervand Sylvain , Benton Richard
Published: August 2021

Feedback mechanisms ensure the exclusive expression of olfactory receptors in
Drosophila
.
The structural basis of bacterial manganese import
Authors: Neville Stephanie L. , Sjöhamn Jennie , Watts Jacinta A. , MacDermott-Opeskin Hugo , Fairweather Stephen J. , Ganio Katherine , Carey Hulyer Alex , McGrath Aaron P. , Hayes Andrew J. , Malcolm Tess R. , Davies Mark R. , Nomura Norimichi , Iwata So , O’Mara Megan L. , Maher Megan J. , McDevitt Christopher A.
Published: August 2021

Bacterial manganese import is achieved by unique architectural features that are conserved across the kingdoms of life.
Rapid generation of maternal mutants via oocyte transgenic expression of CRISPR-Cas9 and sgRNAs in zebrafish
Authors: Zhang Chong , Lu Tong , Zhang Yizhuang , Li Jiaguang , Tarique Imran , Wen Fenfen , Chen Aijun , Wang Jiasheng , Zhang Zhuoyu , Zhang Yanjun , Shi De-Li , Shao Ming
Published: August 2021

A time-saving and deletion-prone method facilitates functional study of maternal factors in zebrafish.
Underused approach: subarachnoid block for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy? A case report and discussion of anaesthetic and surgical considerations
Authors: Gan Siang Wei , Rajbhoj Anand , Thiruvenkatarajan Venkatesan , Trochsler Markus
Published: August 2021

We present a case of laparoscopic cholecystectomy with subarachnoid block (SAB) in an opioid-tolerant patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A 64-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with acute abdominal pain of biliary colic. Surgery was delayed in favour of conservative management given that she was considered high risk for general anaesthesia. Due to refractory pain, she successfully proceeded to have laparoscopic cholecystectomy with SAB. This case is a timely reminder that SAB is feasible and safe in patients with severe COPD, with the added benefit of increased analgesic effects, fewer postoperative pulmonary complications and quick recovery time.