bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collective Action (Post‐Mao China)
Authors: Feng Shizheng , Zhao Dingxin
Published: September 2022

By the time of Mao Zedong's death in 1976, the Chinese economy was on the verge of collapse and the Chinese people were leading very poor lives. In this context, grievances mounted all over China. Facing this dire situation, the Chinese government embarked on market‐oriented reform and an open‐door policy in 1978. During the reform, the Chinese state was quickly transformed from a totalitarian regime to an authoritarian regime with growing toleration toward social diversities. Most Chinese no longer believed in the communist ideology, and the legitimacy of the state relied increasingly on the government's performance, especially in its capacity to deliver a fast‐growing economy and better life to the people. The legacies of the Maoist era and the post‐Mao transformation of the state–society relationship, in conjunction with the international environment, opened up the space for and shaped the development of contentious collective actions (CAs) in post‐Mao China.
Immigrant‐Based Collective Action
Authors: Mora Maria De Jesus , Rodriguez Rodolfo , Zermeño Alejandro , Almeida Paul D.
Published: September 2022

The “immigrant spring” of 2006 dramatically placed social movements by excluded social groups on the national stage in the United States. The protest campaign against House Bill 4437 resisted the increasing criminalization of immigrants with mass marches, resulting in some of the largest demonstrations in US history. In addition, the 2006 campaign reached many smaller cities and towns with scant history of collective action. Such large‐scale mobilizations and contemporary immigrant struggles offer social movement scholarship occasions to enhance current theories and concepts.
Israeli Social Movements
Authors: Lainer‐Vos Dan
Published: September 2022

Israeli social movements mobilize diverse social groups and deploy various practices. Israel's citizenship regime, which fuses liberal, republican, and ethnonational principles, shapes the composition, timing, and practices Israeli social movements deploy, and conditions the state's response to these challenges. Israel's citizenship regime strikes a wedge between different groups. The Palestinians in the Occupied Territories are entirely excluded from Israeli citizenship. They face harsh military repression, with little support from other groups. Palestinian citizens of Israel enjoy liberal citizenship rights but are excluded from political decision‐making. Their exclusion from the dominant ethnonational community limits their ability to establish coalitions with Jewish groups. Within the dominant Jewish ethnonational community, the republican principle powerfully structures social movement struggles. The republican principles privileges reserve soldiers and other groups who legitimately claim to contribute to Israel's security. These groups' efforts resonate broadly, and the state tends to accommodate or co‐opt these challenges rather than repress them.
Thunberg, Greta
Authors: Uba Katrin , Wahlström Mattias
Published: September 2022

Greta (Tintin Eleonora Ernman) Thunberg (GT), born on 3 January 2003, is known for her initiation of school strikes for climate on 20 August 2018 in front of the Swedish parliament. While she started alone, carrying just a white wooden poster with “Skolstrejk för klimatet“ (School Strike for Climate) in black letters, the action received international coverage within a few days. On the twentieth day of the strike, she and the growing numbers of followers decided to continue striking only on Fridays. The movement Fridays for Future (FFF) was born and rapidly grew to a global scale. During 2019, the movement – also calling itself Youth for Climate and Youth Strike for Climate – staged several Global Climate Strikes, which were most likely the largest globally coordinated climate protests. FFF's central claims called to keep the global temperature rise below 1.5°C compared to pre‐industrial levels, ensure climate justice and equity, and that people in power should “listen to science.” It framed the climate issue as a matter of generational justice, pointing out that young people will suffer more from global warming during their lives than prior generations.
Ion‐Migration Mechanism: An Overall Understanding of Anionic Redox Activity in Metal Oxide Cathodes of Li/Na‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Lai Yangyang , Xie Huixian , Li Peng , Li Biao , Zhao Along , Luo Laibing , Jiang Zewen , Fang Yongjin , Chen Shengli , Ai Xinping , Xia Dingguo , Cao Yuliang
Published: September 2022

The anionic redox reaction (ARR) has attracted extensive attention due to its potential to enhance the reversible capacity of cathode materials in Li/Na‐ion batteries (LIBs/SIBs). However, the understanding of its activation mechanism is still limited by the insufficient mastering of the underlying thermodynamics and kinetics. Herein, a series of Mg/Li/Zn‐substituted NaxMnO2 and LixMnO2 cathode materials are designed to investigate their ARR behaviors. It is found that the ARR can be activated in only Li‐substituted LixMnO2 and not for Mg‐ and Zn‐substituted ones, while all Mg/Li/Zn‐substituted NaxMnO2 cathode materials exhibit ARR activities. Combining theoretical calculations with experimental results, such a huge difference between Li and Na cathodes is closely related to the migration of substitution ions from the transition metal layer to the alkali metal layer in a kinetic aspect, which generates unique Li(Na)–O–□TM and/or □Li/Na–O–□TM configurations and reducing reaction activation energy to trigger the ARR. Based on these findings, an ion‐migration mechanism is proposed to explain the different ARR behaviors between the NaxMnO2 and LixMnO2, which can not only reveal the origin of ARR in the kinetic aspect, but also provide a new insight for the development of high‐capacity metal oxide cathode materials for LIBs/SIBs.
Phosphate Functionalized Ionic Liquid: An Efficient Li+ Migration Inhibitor and Hole Extraction Accelerator for Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Hou Wenjing , Ma Yuting , Kang Jin , Xiao Yaoming , Han Gaoyi
Published: September 2022

Lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (Li‐TFSI) doped 2,2′,7,7′ ‐tetrakis(N,N‐di‐p‐methoxyphenylamine)‐9,9′‐spirobifluorene (Spiro‐OMeTAD) is employed as one of the most common hole transport layer. However, the Li+ in Li‐TFSI is easy to migrate from Spiro‐OMeTAD to perovskite and SnO2, left the voids/pinholes in perovskite film to accelerate the invasion of oxygen and moisture, and lead to the device degradation. Here, the 1‐butyl‐3‐methyl imidazolium phosphate dibutyl ester ([Bmim]+[DBP]−) ionic liquid (IL) is prepared and used to modify the perovskite/Spiro‐OMeTAD interface in the perovskite solar cells. The coordination interaction between P  O in [Bmim]+[DBP]− IL and Pb2+ can improve the morphology of perovskite film by passivating the uncoordinated Pb2+ defects. The interaction between P  O and Li+ can suppress the undesired Li+ migration. The regulated energy level assignment and ion nature of [Bmim]+[DBP]− IL can accelerate the carrier extraction at perovskite/Spiro‐OMeTAD interface. The device based on the [Bmim]+[DBP]− IL interface modification yields a highly efficient photoelectric conversion efficiency of 21.16% and improved stability, outperforming that of control (19.31%) devices under the illumination of 100 mW cm−2 (AM 1.5 G).
Bringing the lab bench to the field: Point‐of‐care testing for enhancing health research and stakeholder engagement in rural/remote, indigenous, and resource‐limited contexts
Authors: Madimenos Felicia C. , Gildner Theresa E. , Eick Geeta N. , Sugiyama Lawrence S. , Snodgrass James J.
Published: September 2022

Point‐of‐care testing (POCT) allows researchers and health‐care providers to bring the lab bench to the field, providing essential health information that can be leveraged to improve health care, accessibility, and understanding across clinical and research settings. Gaps in health service access are most pronounced in what we term RIR settings—rural/remote regions, involving Indigenous peoples, and/or within resource‐limited settings. In these contexts, morbidity and mortality from infectious and non‐communicable diseases are disproportionately higher due to numerous geographic, economic, political, and sociohistorical factors. Human biologists and global health scholars are well‐positioned to contribute on‐the‐ground‐level insights that can serve to minimize global health inequities and POCT has the potential to augment such approaches. While the clinical benefits of POCT include increasing health service access by bringing testing, rapid diagnosis, and treatment to underserved communities with limited pathways to centralized laboratory testing, POCT also provides added benefits to both health‐focused researchers and their participants. Through portable, minimally invasive devices, researchers can provide actionable health data to participants by coupling POCT with population‐specific health education, discussing results and their implications, creating space for participants to voice concerns, and facilitating linkages to treatment. POCT can also strengthen human biology research by shedding light on questions of evolutionary and biocultural importance. Here, we expand on the epidemiological and research value, as well as practical and ethical challenges of POCT across stakeholders (i.e., participant, community, health researcher, and trainee). Finally, we emphasize the immense opportunities of POCT for fostering collaborative research and enhancing access to health delivery and information and, by extension, helping to mitigate persistent global health inequities.
Comorbidity‐driven multi‐modal subtype analysis in mild cognitive impairment of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Katabathula Sreevani , Davis Pamela B. , Xu Rong
Published: September 2022

Background

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a heterogeneous condition with high individual variabilities in clinical outcomes driven by patient demographics, genetics, brain structure features, blood biomarkers, and comorbidities. Multi‐modality data‐driven approaches have been used to discover MCI subtypes; however, disease comorbidities have not been included as a modality though multiple diseases including hypertension are well‐known risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD). The aim of this study was to examine MCI heterogeneity in the context of AD‐related comorbidities along with other AD‐relevant features and biomarkers.

Methods

A total of 325 MCI subjects with 32 AD‐relevant comorbidities and features were considered. Mixed‐data clustering is applied to discover and compare MCI subtypes with and without including AD‐related comorbidities. Finally, the relevance of each comorbidity‐driven subtype was determined by examining their MCI to AD disease prognosis, descriptive statistics, and conversion rates.

Results

We identified four (five) MCI subtypes: poor‐, average‐, good‐, and best‐AD prognosis by including comorbidities (without including comorbidities). We demonstrated that comorbidity‐driven MCI subtypes differed from those identified without comorbidity information. We further demonstrated the clinical relevance of comorbidity‐driven MCI subtypes. Among the four comorbidity‐driven MCI subtypes there were substantial differences in the proportions of participants who reverted to normal function, remained stable, or converted to AD. The groups showed different behaviors, having significantly different MCI to AD prognosis, significantly different means for cognitive test‐related and plasma features, and by the proportion of comorbidities.

Conclusions

Our study indicates that AD comorbidities should be considered along with other diverse AD‐relevant characteristics to better understand MCI heterogeneity.
Using a Specimen Resource Aid to Reduce Intraoperative Specimen Errors
Authors: Simiele Kayla C. , Gerlesberger Shelby R. , Johnshoy Amanda G.
Published: September 2022

Specimen management is a critical component of safe patient care. Incorrect results or misdiagnoses may cause delayed or improper treatment and delayed or adverse outcomes. We piloted a quality improvement project to address labeling errors in a surgical suite at a large Midwestern academic medical center. We created a gynecology‐specific source aid to assist intraoperative team members define the tissue source according to anatomic location and pathology department regulations. The aid also provided tips on preparing and transporting specimens. Staff member feedback showed that the source aid was user‐friendly and helpful. Most specimen errors after the implementation of the aid were related to nonreportable, fixation delays; and we implemented a second phase to address the delays. Collaboration and education during this project fostered staff member empowerment to manage specimens effectively using the source aid and promote safe patient care.
Characteristics and in‐hospital outcomes of elderly patients with cancer in a top‐ranked hospital in China, 2016–2020: Real‐world study
Authors: Huang Lei , Shi Yan , Wang Lei , Rong Lan , Ren Yan , Xu Chenying , Wu Junwei , Zhang Mingmin , Zhu Lifeng , Zhang Junjie , Xu Xiaofeng , Hu Weiguo , Zhang Jun
Published: September 2022

Background

Cancer is mostly a disease of aging, and older patients with cancer are generally frailer. This study aimed to describe the characteristics and in‐hospital outcomes and explore factors associated with duration, cost, and mortality during first hospitalization, in older patients with cancer admitted to a top‐ranked hospital in China.

Methods

Data on patients with solid cancer ≥65 years consecutively hospitalized in 2016–2020 were retrieved from the electronic medical records of Ruijin Hospital in Shanghai, China. Baseline characteristics, duration, cost, and mortality during hospitalization were described. Factors associated with duration, cost, and mortality during first hospitalization were explored using multivariable‐adjusted logistic regression.

Results

20,650 eligible patients with male proportion of 59% and median age of 70 years were analyzed. 45% of the patients underwent resection in our hospital. Upon first admission, 49% of patients had hypertension, 19% diabetes, 22% weight loss, and 28% risks of malnutrition. The median duration and cost of first hospitalization were 9 days and 32,000 RMB, respectively. 118 (0.6%) and 228 (1.1%) deaths occurred during first and any hospitalization, respectively. For first hospitalization, longer duration and higher cost were positively associated with older ages, male gender, emergency admission, certain tumor locations and histology, histories of diabetes, cirrhosis, and anticoagulant intake, higher body mass index, weight loss, reduced food intake, risk of falling, and worse self‐care ability; in‐hospital mortality was positively associated with age ≥85 years, emergency admission, certain cancer types, histories of hypertension and psychotropic intake, reduced food intake, and worse self‐care ability.

Conclusions

This study identified certain baseline patient and tumor characteristics, medical and medication histories, changes of weight and food intake, diet, and self‐care ability which were independently associated with in‐hospital outcomes among older patients with cancer admitted to our hospital and which should be paid special attention to. While the factors might not be easily modifiable, our study can help identify patients at higher risks of inferior in‐hospital outcomes.
Binge drinking: A review and research agenda
Authors: D'Alessandro Steven , Carter Leanne , Webster Cynthia
Published: September 2022

Binge drinking is a wicked social problem associated with poor health and safety outcomes. However, most research on binge drinking occurs outside consumer research and marketing. This paper presents a systematic review of the contributions of key disciplines (Health, Marketing, Psychology, Economics, Management, Social Science, and Sociology) to the understanding of binge drinking. Using the theory, context, characteristics and methods (TCCM) framework, we find the need for more theoretical investigation in binge drinking research and more research conducted outside western countries. A wide set of independent factors has been included in binge drinking research, but few studies consider mediating and moderating variables. Methods used vary across disciplines and those used are mainly descriptive research, regression, and experiments. We conclude that whilst progress in this field is evident much needs to be done for greater generalizability and robustness of findings.
Theoretical Investigation of the Oxygen Reduction Reaction over Platinum Catalysts Supported by Multi‐Edged Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanofiber for Electrocatalyst Preparation
Authors: Xu Jiayi , Elangovan Ayyappan , Liu Cong , Li Jun , Liu Bin
Published: September 2022

Vertically aligned carbon nanofibers (VACNFs) are promising supports for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts in fuel cells. Although experimentally these catalytic systems have shown great potential, there is lack of molecular understanding of the catalytic sites and reaction mechanisms. This work investigated the origin of the ORR reactivities of the platinum catalysts on multi‐edged VACNFs (Pt/VACNF) using a multiscale modeling approach combining Density Functional Theory (DFT) and classical Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations. Based on the ReaxFF potential, all nanoscale Pt particles (Pt55, P100, and Pt147) are stabilized by the open edges located axially along the VACNF walls. The calculated first‐shell coordination numbers,
, of surface Pt atoms are 6.63, 7.27, and 7.85, respectively, suggesting that the percentage of low coordination sites increases as the particle size decreases. The adsorption energies of OOH, O, and OH on Pt55 were systematically probed using DFT calculations. These adsorption energies retain a linear correlation against the generalized coordination numbers (
). For Pt nanoparticles supported on VACNF, we found that the OOH and OH bind stronger than on Pt (111) by 0.14 and 0.17 eV, respectively, which can hinder the ORR activity with lower limiting potential than Pt (111). Our theoretical prediction is in good agreement with the linear sweeping voltammetry that revealed a left shift of the half‐wave potential.
Co‐Ni Electromagnetic Coupling in Hollow Mo2C/NC Sphere for Enhancing Electromagnetic Wave Absorbing Performance†
Authors: Yang Xiufang , Gao Wenming , Chen Jiamin , Lu Xing , Yang Dong , Kang Yifan , Liu Qi , Qing Yuchang , Huang Wenhuan
Published: September 2022

Comprehensive Summary

For enhancing the electromagnetic wave (EW) attenuation and adsorption, rational constructing and homogeneously distributing bimetallic electromagnetic coupling units in hollow structure is an effective way, but hard to achieve. Herein, a CoNi‐doped hybrid zeolite imidazole framework was synthesized as precursor, which was further converted into a hollow CoNi‐bimetallic doped molybdenum carbide sphere (H‐CoNi@MoC/NC) through a two‐step etching and calcination strategy. At the loading amount of 15 wt%, a strong absorption of minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of –60.05 dB at 7.2 GHz with the thickness of 3.1 mm and a wide effective adsorption bandwidth (EAB) of 3.52 GHz at the thickness of 2.5 mm were achieved, which was far beyond the reported MoC‐based metallic hybrids. The crucial synergistic Co‐Ni electromagnetic coupling effect in the composite was characterized, not only enhancing the dipolar/interfacial polarization, but also promoting the impedance matching, displaying the optimized EW absorbing performance.
Organotypic Human Skin Cultures Incorporating Primary Melanocytes
Authors: Roth‐Carter Quinn R. , Koetsier Jennifer L. , Broussard Joshua A. , Green Kathleen J.
Published: September 2022

Three‐dimensional (3D) human organotypic skin cultures provide a physiologically relevant model that recapitulates in vivo skin features. Most commonly, organotypic skin cultures are created by seeding isolated epidermal keratinocytes onto a collagen/fibroblast plug and lifting to an air liquid interface. These conditions are sufficient to drive stratification and differentiation of the keratinocytes to form an epidermal‐like sheet with remarkable similarities to human epidermis. Coupled with genetic or pharmacological treatments, these cultures provide a powerful tool for elucidating keratinocyte biology. Recent focus has been placed on increasing the utility of organotypic skin cultures by incorporating other cell types that are present in the skin, such as melanocytes, immune cells, and other cells. Here we describe a step‐by‐step protocol for the isolation of neonatal human epidermal keratinocytes and melanocytes from foreskins, and the creation of organotypic skin cultures that include both cell types. We also describe methods that can be used to assess melanocyte behavior in these organotypic cultures, including methods for whole mount staining, measurement of melanocyte dendricity, staining for pigment, and 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling for identification of proliferating cells. © 2022 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Isolation of primary cells

Alternate Protocol: Isolation of primary cells using differential trypsinization

Basic Protocol 2: Organotypic culture protocol

Support Protocol 1: Culture and maintenance of NHEKs and melanocytes

Support Protocol 2: Lentiviral transduction of melanocytes

Support Protocol 3: Retroviral transduction of NHEKs

Support Protocol 4: Whole mount immunostaining protocol

Support Protocol 5: Measuring melanocyte dendricity

Support Protocol 6: Fontana‐Masson staining protocol

Support Protocol 7: BrdU labeling and staining
Linear Polarization to Circular Polarization convertor loaded orthogonally placed two‐port ring ceramic‐based MIMO antenna for WLAN applications
Authors: Ramalingam Anandan , Chinnamuthu Annadurai
Published: September 2022

In this article, a dual‐port ring‐shaped ceramic antenna is proposed and examined. The antenna ports are orthogonally placed for achieving the high isolation (more than 20 dB). Ceramic material is fed through circular aperture, which excites the HEM11δ+2 mode inside it. Metasurface module is suspended over the proposed antenna for converting the LP‐to‐CP waves. Fabricated antenna confirms its operation from 5.43 to 5.82 GHz with a fractional bandwidth of 6.93%. After applying the metasurface, 3‐dB axial ratio is achieved from 5.45 to 5.65 GHz. Stable radiation properties and good value of diversity parameter makes it suitable for WLAN (5.5 GHz) application.
CPHEN‐016: Comprehensive phenotyping of human regulatory T cells
Authors: Benamar Mehdi , Chen Qian , Wang Muyun , Chan Tsz Man Fion , Chatila Talal A.
Published: September 2022

Peripheral immunological tolerance is mainly maintained by regulatory T (Treg) cells, a specific CD4 T cells subset that expresses the transcription factor Foxp3. Treg cells are crucial to control autoimmunity and inflammation and to limit tissue destruction arising from inflammatory responses. Loss of functions mutations in FOXP3 in humans induces a fatal autoimmune lymphoproliferative disorder, known as Immune dysregulation, Polyendocrinopathy, Enteropathy, X‐linked (IPEX). Specific Treg cell differentiation and activation states have been linked to several human diseases. Indeed, Treg cells play a crucial role in different diseases including colitis, multiple sclerosis, autoimmunity, and infection. Characterization of Treg cell functions and understanding the role of different Treg cell subsets are crucial to the development of novel Treg cell‐specific therapeutics for inflammatory diseases. In this phenotype report, we will describe laboratory methods to effectively study and characterize human Treg cells.
Dose–response association between dietary patterns and gestational diabetes mellitus risk: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Haghighatdoost Fahimeh , Riahi Roya , Safari Shahla , Heidari Zahra
Published: September 2022

Although dietary factors are relevant modifiable risk factors for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), the exact association between dietary patterns and GDM remains controversial. Therefore, a systematic review and dose–response meta‐analysis of observational studies were conducted to summarize the association between dietary patterns and risk of GDM. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and EMbase databases were systematically searched for publications up to March 10, 2020. All observational studies which assessed the risk of GDM according to the categories of healthy or unhealthy dietary patterns derived by either a priori or a posteriori methods were eligible to be included. Pooled effect sizes for the highest vs. lowest categories of healthy/unhealthy dietary patterns were calculated using the random‐effects model. Linear and nonlinear dose–response analyses were performed to determine dose–response associations. Thirty‐one studies were included, of which 26 studies (80,849 participants) assessed healthy dietary pattern and 15 studies (32,965 participants) assessed the unhealthy dietary pattern. Individuals with a higher adherence to the healthy dietary pattern were less likely to be affected by GDM (RR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.76–0.96; I2 = 56.2%). There was a marginally significant association between unhealthy dietary patterns and GDM risk (RR = 1.28; 95% CI: 0.99–1.67; I2 = 74.7). Significant linear associations were observed between healthy (p = .011) and unhealthy (p = .009) dietary patterns and GDM risk. Pregnant women with a healthier dietary pattern (a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) had lower risk for GDM. In contrast, higher adherence to an unhealthy dietary pattern was associated with increased risk of GDM. Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the results.
Isolation and purification of Tartary buckwheat polysaccharides and their effect on gut microbiota
Authors: Xiang Yue , Cao Ya‐Nan , Yang Si‐Hui , Ren Yuan‐Hang , Zhao Gang , Li Qiang , Li Hehe , Peng Lian‐Xin
Published: September 2022

Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) is rich in polysaccharides that can be utilized by the gut microbiota (GM) and provide several health benefits. However, the mechanisms underlying the action of these polysaccharides remain unclear to date. In this study, Tartary buckwheat polysaccharides (TBP) were purified, and five fractions were obtained. The composition of these fractions was determined using ion chromatography. Different TBP components were investigated regarding their probiotic effect on three species of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus rhamnosus. In addition, the effect of TBP on GM and short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) was evaluated. Results showed that the probiotic effect of TBP fraction was dependent on their composition. The polysaccharides present in different fractions had specific probiotic effects. TBP‐1.0, mainly composed of fucose, glucose, and d‐galactose, exhibited the strongest proliferation effect on L. rhamnosus, while TBP‐W, rich in glucose, d‐galactose, and fructose, had the best promoting effect on Bifidobacterium longum and Bifidobacterium adolescentis growth. Furthermore, TBP‐0.2, composed of d‐galacturonic acid, d‐galactose, xylose, and arabinose, exhibited its highest impact on Bifidobacterium breve growth. The composition of GM was significantly altered by adding TBP during fecal fermentation, with an increased relative abundance of Lactococcus, Phascolarctobacterium, Bacteroidetes, and Shigella. Simultaneously, the level of SCFA was also significantly increased by TBP. Our findings indicate that Tartary buckwheat can provide specific dietary polysaccharide sources to modulate and maintain GM diversity. They provide a basis for Tartary buckwheat commercial utilization for GM modulation.
Strengthening the ICUs' human resource‐related responses to Covid‐19: A rapid review of the experience during the first year of public health emergency
Authors: Tursunbayeva Aizhan , Di Lauro Stefano
Published: September 2022

By drawing on macro‐categories of key human resource (HR) management interventions recommended by the Organization for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) during the Covid‐19 pandemic, this study aimed to explore whether and how Intensive Care Units (ICU) have strengthened their HRs during the first year of Covid‐19 emergency. A rapid review was conducted to provide a quick synthesis of the literature in English identified in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoS), PubMed, and Scopus databases. A total of 68 articles qualified for the final analysis. The findings illustrated that health organisations were often guided by staffing ratios to estimate capacity to care, aimed to modify the scope of practice of providers, redeployed both internal and external staff to ICUs, created and adapted the Covid‐19‐specific staffing models, and implemented technological innovations to provide services to the unprecedented number of patients while protecting the physical and mental health of their staff. The insights of this research should be helpful for health leaders, HR Managers, and policymakers who have faced unprecedented challenges and tough decisions during this emergency. The findings could also inform beyond‐Covid‐19 ICU policies and guide future research.
How different are Monetary Unions to national economies according to prices?
Authors: Glushenkova Marina , Zachariadis Marios
Published: September 2022

Not that different. Based on a unique dataset of semi‐annual microeconomic price levels of goods and services across and within countries for 1990:1–2018:2, we show that time‐series volatility and cross‐sectional dispersion of law‐of‐one‐price deviations are similar for pairs of cities within the same country and across the Eurozone eleven original members. Our empirical analysis reveals that inflation and nominal exchange rate volatility/dispersion across locations have a positive impact on the volatility/dispersion across locations of law‐of‐one‐price deviations across the globe. Furthermore, dispersion of law‐of‐one‐price deviations across goods falls when the relative inflation rate between these locations rises, suggesting that the degree of price adjustment in individual product markets within a country has an international component shaped by international trade and arbitrage considerations. According to this measure of price integration, economies within the monetary union are half‐way to the level of integration characterizing national economies. Moreover, monetary union membership is associated with lower volatility of law‐of‐one‐price deviations, placing member countries more than half‐way towards the volatility levels characterizing national economies.
The mental health of women and climate change: Direct neuropsychiatric impacts and associated psychological concerns
Authors: Rothschild Julia , Haase Elizabeth
Published: September 2022

Climate change brings exposures to heat, air pollution, poorer quality food, and infectious disease that have significant direct effects on women and their mental health. These environmental impacts are multifaceted in their consequences and raise risks of depression, suicide, violent victimization, post‐traumatic stress disorder, and various other neuropsychiatric symptoms. Women also suffer increased climate psychological risks from higher rates of stillbirth, preterm birth, and developmental problems in their children. Here we review what is known about the overlap of women's individual mental health and climate change, and highlight areas where more research is needed.
Horner Syndrome subsequent to ultrasound‐guided cervical lymph node fine‐needle aspiration – A case report and literature review
Authors: Lin Yu Yang , Zhu Ying , Wang Yi Xuan , Wang Bei
Published: September 2022

Horner Syndrome (HS) is characterized by symptoms of ipsilateral miosis, ptosis, enophthalmos, and facial anhidrosis, which is caused by the damaged oculosympathetic pathway. HS is rarely reported as postoperative complications of fine‐needle aspiration (FNA). We report a case of HS triggered by Ultrasound‐guided FNA during thyroid cancer management and conducted the literature review. A 31‐year‐old male with differentiated thyroid cancer underwent total thyroidectomy and regional lymph node dissection as well as radioactive iodine ablation, presented with persistently elevated tumor marker of thyroglobulin and suspicious left level IV and V cervical lymph nodes by neck ultrasound. Ultrasound‐guided left cervical lymph nodes FNA for cellular diagnosis was performed, and typical manifestations of HS appeared immediately after the procedure. Subsequent ultrasound evaluation of the same area demonstrated a subtle strip of the hypo‐echogenic area in the superior pole of the suspected level IV structure, suggesting sympathetic ganglia with the visible originating nerve fiber on the superior pole. All of the patient's symptoms of HS were resolved 2 months after the incidence. Cervical sympathetic ganglia can be similar in size, shape, and ultrasound characteristics to a malignant lymph node. Thorough ultrasound examination by directly comparing the potential ganglia with a typical malignant lymph node, and paying attention to any potential root fibers on the target is key to avoiding ganglia injury before the neck invasive procedures.
Building sustainable approaches to recruit, retain, and professionalize Black, Latinx, and American Indian students interested in dental careers
Authors: Fleming Eleanor , Agyemfra Mercedez , Anige Nnamdi , Raskin Sarah E.
Published: September 2022

Background

Only twelve percent of dentists in 2020 self‐identified as being Black, Latinx, or “Other,” which includes American Indian. Moreover, the proportion of dentists from these groups profoundly fails to reflect the demographic composition of the U.S. overall. Evidence‐based, ethically‐grounded approaches are needed to successfully and continuously recruit and retain Black, Latinx, and American Indian dental students. We explored the barriers and opportunities to sustainable pathways to the dental profession.

Methods

We conducted focus groups in 2021 with current Black, Latinx, and American Indian dental students and key informant interviews with dental school administrators using elicitation guides developed for this project. We completed a thematic analysis of data to identify and check findings to strengthen validity.

Results

We identified the following successes, challenges, and opportunities for recruiting Black, Latinx, and American Indian dental students. Successes include institutional investment to build and sustain pathways, yet many of these practices are institution‐ or administrator‐specific and may defy replication. Challenges are more widespread, and include weak accreditation standards; systemic bias and failure to consider candidates holistically in admissions decisions; costs associated with admissions test preparation and volunteer shadowing; transportation, geography, school culture and language/citizenship status. Opportunities include mentoring, scholarships, removing bias from admissions, institutional financial investment in pathway programs, and peer norming among programs.

Conclusion

Building sustainable pathways involve early support of students, removing systemic biases, and institutional commitments to equity to create a workforce to meet population needs.
Men of color in the health professions: Proceedings from the 2022 ADEA President's symposium
Authors: Smith Patrick D. , Smith Carlos S. , Ester Todd V. , West Karen P.
Published: September 2022

The purpose of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) President's Symposium on men of color in the health professions, hosted at the 2022 ADEA Annual Session and Exhibition, was to draw attention to the need to address the low numbers of men of color not only entering dental education but also across medicine and health‐related research careers and to identify strategies for change. Stakeholders in health professions education shared their professional insights and best practices. Highlights of the Symposium included discussions of funding for pathway programs, leveraging data‐driven metrics through strategic partnerships, mentorship, and accountability among dental schools, medical schools, and health science research organizations.
Differences in erythrocytes size and shape in prediabetes and diabetes assessed by two microscopy techniques and its association with dietary patterns. Pilot study
Authors: Loyola‐Leyva Alejandra , Loyola‐Rodríguez Juan Pablo , Barquera Simon , González Francisco Javier , Camacho‐Lopez Santiago , Terán‐Figueroa Yolanda
Published: September 2022

Hemorheology and microcirculation alterations are caused by erythrocyte size and shape (ESS) modifications. People´s diets can alter erythrocyte functions and membrane fluidity by changing cell membrane components. The aim was to identify differences in ESS obtained by scanning electron (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) in people with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and assess their relationship with dietary patterns. The study population included 31 participants (14 healthy, 11 with prediabetes, and 6 with T2DM). Dietary intake was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire, and dietary patterns were obtained using principal component analysis. ESS (diameter, height, axial ratio, thickness, and concave depth) were obtained by SEM and AFM. Differences in ESS between groups were observed with SEM (height) and AFM (height, axial ratio, and concave depth). T2DM presented smaller erythrocytes, more elongated and more altered forms. Two dietary patterns were identified: (1) Unhealthy: more refined cereals, high‐fat dairy, fast food, sugary beverages, and fewer fruits, fish, seafood, low‐fat dairy, and water. (2) Prudent: higher consumption of refined cereals, vegetables, poultry, low‐fat dairy and nuts, and lower tortillas, eggs, high‐fat dairy, and legumes. Tertile 3 of the Unhealthy dietary pattern had 80% of healthy participants. A difference in diameter and height (0.44 and 0.32 μm, respectively) obtained by SEM was observed when comparing tertile 2 (smaller erythrocytes) versus tertile 3 in the Unhealthy dietary pattern. SEM and AFM are excellent tools to assess ESS. Unhealthy dietary patterns might be associated with altered ESS.

Highlights

SEM and AFM are excellent tools to assess erythrocyte size and shape modifications.

Two dietary patterns were identified: healthy and prudent.

Smaller erythrocytes were observed in the second tertile of the unhealthy pattern.
Carbon‐based conductive rubber composite for 3D printed flexible strain sensors
Authors: Srimongkol Siwaporn , Wiroonpochit Panithi , Utra Kittaporn , Sethayospongsa Rathanakarn , Muthitamongkol Pennapa , Methachan Boriphat , Butsri Natsaporn , Srisawadi Sasitorn
Published: September 2022

Polymeric‐based flexible electronic devices are in high demand due to its wide range of applications. Natural rubber (NR) shows a great potential as matrix phase for flexible conductive polymer composites with its high elasticity and fatigue resistance. In this study, a new 3D printable conductive NR (CNR) composite was developed for strain sensor applications. Different contents of conductive carbon black (CCB) were mixed with NR latex to investigate the effect of the filler content on electrical and mechanical properties of the composites. The best‐known CNR composite with the CCB content of 12 phr was selected in order to produce the feedstock for the stereolithography process (SLA). The morphological, electrical, and mechanical properties of cast and 3D‐printed samples were investigated and compared. Although the 3D‐printed CNR sample had slightly lower conductivity than the cast one, it possessed comparable tensile strength and elongation at break, with values of 12.4 MPa and 703%, respectively. In addition, electrical responses of the CNR samples were investigated to demonstrate the electromechanical property of the material as a strain sensor. The 3D‐printed CNR sample exhibited the highest electromechanical sensitivity with a gauge factor (GF) of 361.4 (ε = 210%–300%) and showed good repeatability for 500 cycles. In conclusion, the development of this 3D printable functional material with great sensing capability will pave the way for innovative designs of personalized sensing textiles and other smart wearable devices.
Management of acute intra‐abdominal hemorrhage in ruptured hepatoblastoma with transarterial embolization using calibrated gelfoam particles
Authors: Fung Kin Fen Kevin , Liu Anthony Pak‐Yin , Chung Patrick Ho‐Yu , Cheng Ka King , Cho Hing Yan Danny , Kan Yee Ling Elaine , Chiang Alan Kwok Shing
Published: September 2022

This brief report aims to evaluate the treatment outcome of transarterial embolization in ruptured hepatoblastoma complicated with acute intra‐abdominal hemorrhage. Three children (mean age 6 years) with high‐risk hepatoblastoma presented with rupture and acute intra‐abdominal hemorrhage. In addition to aggressive fluid resuscitation and blood product support, super‐selective embolization of the arteries with active bleeding or pseudoaneurysm was performed using calibrated gelfoam particles, with a technical success rate of 100%. Hemodynamic status and hemoglobin level were normalized in all patients within 2 days postembolization. The 30‐day survival rate was 100%. No major complication was detected apart from mild elevation of alanine transaminase.
Investigation on mechanical, dynamic mechanical analysis, thermal conductivity, morphological analysis, and biodegradability properties of hybrid fiber mats reinforced HLCE resin nanocomposites
Authors: P Prabhu , B Karthikeyan , R Ravi Raja Malar Vannan , A Balaji
Published: September 2022

Hybrid composites are created by the combination of natural fibers (cotton, bamboo, jute, etc.) and synthetic fibers (glass) reinforced hybrid/natural/synthetic resin matrix composites which have good mechanical properties due to reasons of processability, reusability, renewability, and good biocompatibility compared with synthetic composites. Composites made of hybrid resin can replace epoxy resin and increase both biodegradability and environmental protection. In this work, NaOH untreated and treated hybrid fiber mats with volume (2, 4, and 6) % of nanofiller (NCF) mixed in each composition in hybrid resin to form hybrid composites are prepared by compression Hand‐lay‐up technique and then investigated. Hybrid composites are examined by utilizing the following equipment Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT‐IR), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermal conductivity test, and biodegradability property is also studied in this paper. The results of the experiments have demonstrated that the treated H1 fiber mats reinforced with hybrid lannea coromandelica epoxy (HLCE) matrix resin at 4% vol% of NCF have superior compression strength (67.8 MPa). The maximum thermal conductivity of 0.35 W/mK is found in hybrid composites with treated H3 fiber mat and 4% NCF reinforcement in HLCE matrix. According to the findings of dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), the results indicate that untreated and treated hybrid composites have the highest storage modulus and the lowest damping factor in comparison with HLCE resin. FTIR analysis is used to identify the presence of chemical elements in hybrid resin and hybrid composites.
Improvement of the interfacial properties of CF/PEEK composites by introducing aminated polyphenylene sulphide (PPS‐NH2) as a sizing agent
Authors: Ren Tianning , Zhu Guangming , Zhang Chengshuang
Published: September 2022

The resin matrix and CF fibers itself of CF/PEEK composites exhibit surface inertness, resulting in poor interface bonding between CF and PEEK matrix. This phenomenon seriously affects the mechanical properties of CF/PEEK composites especially the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS). In order to improve the interfacial properties of CF/PEEK composites, a novel sizing agent of CF fibers namely PPS‐NH2 was synthesized, and its influence on the fibers–matrix interface interaction and properties of CF/PEEK composites was investigated by using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, atomic force microscopy. The results showed that the interface of CF/PEEK composite was improved by coating PPS‐NH2 sizing agent on the surface of CF. When the amination degree of PPS‐NH2 reaches 31.25%, the ILSS, flexural strength and modulus of CF/PEEK Composites reach 73.9 MPa (119%), 671.4 MPa (63%) and 32.8GPa (51%) and, respectively. At the same time, the main failure mechanism of CF/PEEK composites changes from fibers–matrix debonding into interface layer deformation and resin fracture. This method can effectively improve the interface defects between CF/PEEK composites.
Singular value decomposition of protein sequences as a method to visualize sequence and residue space
Authors: Baxter‐Koenigs Autum R. , El Nesr Gina , Barrick Doug
Published: September 2022

Singular value decomposition (SVD) of multiple sequence alignments (MSAs) is an important and rigorous method to identify subgroups of sequences within the MSA, and to extract consensus and covariance sequence features that define the alignment and distinguish the subgroups. This information can be correlated to structure, function, stability, and taxonomy. However, the mathematics of SVD is unfamiliar to many in the field of protein science. Here, we attempt to present an intuitive yet comprehensive description of SVD analysis of MSAs. We begin by describing the underlying mathematics of SVD in a way that is both rigorous and accessible. Next, we use SVD to analyze sequences generated with a simplified model in which the extent of sequence conservation and covariance between different positions is controlled, to show how conservation and covariance produce features in the decomposed coordinate system. We then use SVD to analyze alignments of two protein families, the homeodomain and the Ras superfamilies. Both families show clear evidence of sequence clustering when projected into singular value space. We use k‐means clustering to group MSA sequences into specific clusters, show how the residues that distinguish these clusters can be identified, and show how these clusters can be related to taxonomy and function. We end by providing a description a set of Python scripts that can be used for SVD analysis of MSAs, displaying results, and identifying and analyzing sequence clusters. These scripts are freely available on GitHub.
Isolation of casein for stable isotope ratio analysis of butter, cheese, and milk powder
Authors: O'Sullivan Roisin , Schmidt Olaf , O'Sullivan Michael , Cama‐Moncunill Raquel , Monahan Frank J.
Published: September 2022

Rationale

Stable isotope ratio analysis (SIRA) is commonly used for the authentication of dairy commodities, providing evidence to support the geographical origin and production background of products. We set out to optimise methods for the isolation of a common constituent (casein) from three dairy commodities, which would permit easier inter‐ and intra‐commodity comparisons following SIRA.

Methods

Three published methods for isolation of protein (from cheese, milk, and butter) were adapted to yield protein (casein) fractions from commercial cheddar cheese, whole milk powder (WMP), and butter samples with a high degree of purity for subsequent SIRA. The casein fractions isolated underwent elemental analysis (H, C, and N), protein determination, and some also underwent SIRA of O and S. Two‐way analysis of variance and Tukey post hoc comparisons tested differences between methods.

Results

For each product, an optimised casein isolation method was chosen based on the C/N ratio and protein content. An optimum solvent lipid extraction (petroleum spirit–diethyl ether (2:1)) and casein precipitation method was chosen for cheddar cheese casein. A final solvent lipid extraction (heptane–isopropanol (3:2)) was necessary for WMP and butter casein extraction. δ13C and δ2H values validated the methods' abilities to remove contaminating lipid and isolate pure casein.

Conclusions

Casein of high purity, for subsequent SIRA, can be isolated from cheddar cheese, WMP, and butter following modifications of previously published methods.