bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Traditional Vietnamese medicine Kovir capsule in patients with mild COVID‐19: A double‐blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Loc Huynh Nguyen , Lan Truong Thi Ngoc , Huong Dinh Thi Lan , Tuyen Nguyen Thanh , Quang Tran Minh , Dao Ly Minh , Van Pham Hung , Vuong Nguyen Lam
Published: June 2022

Kovir capsule, a polyherbal medicine developed from Ren Shen Bai Du San formulation, has been used in various diseases including respiratory infections. A randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Kovir capsule (TD0069) in the treatment of mild COVID‐19 patients. Patients aged from 18 to 65 years who were PCR‐confirmed with SARS‐CoV‐2 and had the mild disease were recruited and randomized to either Kovir capsule (34 patients) or placebo (32 patients) for up to 14 days or until discharge. Efficacy outcomes were time to viral clearance, daily viral load, time to symptom resolution, daily symptom score based on 16 pre‐defined symptoms, and progression to severe/critical COVID‐19. Safety outcomes were adverse events. Viral load decreased over time similarly in the two groups. Viral clearance time was also similar in both groups (median: 8 days). Kovir group had a more rapid decrease of symptom score and significantly lower time to symptom resolution than placebo (median: 4 vs. 7 days). Two patients in the placebo group developed severe COVID‐19. No patient experienced adverse events. Kovir capsule is safe and can improve symptom resolution in mild COVID‐19 patients. A large‐scale trial is required to confirm these findings.
Aortic Arch Variations and Supra-aortic Arterial Tortuosity in Stroke Patients Undergoing Thrombectomy
Authors: Sidiq Maiwand , Scheidecker Emilia , Potreck Arne , Neuberger Ulf , Weyland Charlotte S. , Mundiyanapurath Sibu , Bendszus Martin , Möhlenbruch Markus A. , Seker Fatih
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Unfavorable vascular anatomy can impede thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of aortic arch types, aortic arch branching patterns and supra-aortic arterial tortuosity in stroke patients with large vessel occlusion.

Methods

Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) images of all stroke patients in an institutional thrombectomy registry were retrospectively reviewed. Aortic arch types and branching patterns of all patients were determined. In patients with anterior circulation stroke, the prevalence of tortuosity (elongation, kinking or coiling) of the supra-aortic arteries of the affected side was additionally assessed.

Results

A total of 1705 aortic arches were evaluated. Frequency of aortic arch types I, II and III were 777 (45.6%), 585 (34.3%) and 340 (19.9%), respectively. In 1232 cases (72.3%), there was a normal branching pattern of the aortic arch. The brachiocephalic trunk and the left common carotid artery had a common origin in 258 cases (15.1%). In 209 cases (12.3%), the left common carotid artery arose from the brachiocephalic trunk. Of 1598 analyzed brachiocephalic trunks and/or common carotid arteries, 844 (52.8%) had no vessel tortuosity, 592 (37.0%) had elongation, 155 (9.7%) had kinking, and 7 (0.4%) had coiling. Of 1311 analyzed internal carotid arteries, 471 (35.9%) had no vessel tortuosity, 589 (44.9%) had elongation, 150 (11.4%) had kinking, and 101 (7.7%) had coiling.

Conclusion

With 20%, type III aortic arches are found in a relevant proportion of stroke patients eligible for mechanical thrombectomy. Nearly half of the stroke patients present with supra-aortic arterial tortuosity, mostly arterial elongation.
Riemann surfaces of second kind and effective finiteness theorems
Authors: Jöricke Burglind
Published: June 2022

The Geometric Shafarevich Conjecture and the Theorem of de Franchis state the finiteness of the number of certain holomorphic objects on closed or punctured Riemann surfaces. The analog of these kind of theorems for Riemann surfaces of second kind is an estimate of the number of irreducible holomorphic objects up to homotopy (or isotopy, respectively). This analog can be interpreted as a quantitatve statement on the limitation for Gromov’s Oka principle. For any finite open Riemann surface X (maybe, of second kind) we give an effective upper bound for the number of irreducible holomorphic mappings up to homotopy from X to the twice punctured complex plane, and an effective upper bound for the number of irreducible holomorphic torus bundles up to isotopy on such a Riemann surface. The bound depends on a conformal invariant of the Riemann surface. If $$X_{\sigma }$$

X
σ

is the $$\sigma $$
σ
-neighbourhood of a skeleton of an open Riemann surface with finitely generated fundamental group, then the number of irreducible holomorphic mappings up to homotopy from $$X_{\sigma }$$

X
σ

to the twice punctured complex plane grows exponentially in $$\frac{1}{\sigma }$$

1
σ

.
High-Intensity Exercise and Geometric Indices of Hip Bone Strength in Postmenopausal Women on or off Bone Medication: The MEDEX-OP Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Kistler-Fischbacher Melanie , Yong Jedidah S. , Weeks Benjamin K. , Beck Belinda R.
Published: June 2022

To compare the effects of high-intensity resistance and impact training (HiRIT) to low-intensity, Pilates-based exercise (LiPBE) on proximal femur geometry and explore the influence of antiresorptive medication on those effects. Postmenopausal women with low bone mass, on or off antiresorptive bone medications were randomly allocated, stratified on medication intake, to eight months of twice-weekly, supervised HiRIT (Onero™) or LiPBE (Buff Bones®). 3D hip software was used to analyse proximal femur DXA scans. Outcomes included femoral neck (FN) and total hip (TH), volumetric (e.g. vBMC, vBMD) and geometric (e.g. cortical thickness, cross-sectional area [CSA], section modulus [Z]) indices of bone strength. Data were analysed using analysis of variance. Scans of 102 women were examined: LiPBE, 43; HiRIT, 37; LiPBE-med, 11; HiRIT-med, 11. HiRIT improved TH trabecular vBMC and vBMD (3.1 ± 1.1% versus − 1.2 ± 1.2%, p = 0.008; and 1.5 ± 1.0% versus − 1.6 ± 1.2%, p = 0.042, respectively) and FN and TH total vBMC (2.0 ± 0.8% versus − 0.2 ± 0.7%, p = 0.032; and 0.7 ± 0.4% versus − 0.8 ± 0.6%, p = 0.032, respectively), compared to losses in LiPBE. HiRIT also increased Z while LiPBE did not (p = 0.035). The combination of HiRIT and medication achieved greater improvements in FN total and trabecular vBMD, total BMC, CSA and Z than HiRIT alone. HiRIT improved geometric parameters of proximal femur strength, while LiPBE exercise was largely ineffective. Medication may enhance some HiRIT effects. Findings suggest reduced hip fracture risk in response to HiRIT.

Trial registration number ACTRN12617001511325.
Repeat Resection for Advanced Colorectal Liver Metastases—Does it have the Potential for Cure?
Authors: Takeda Yoshinori , Mise Yoshihiro , Ito Hiromichi , Ono Yoshihiro , Sato Takafumi , Inoue Yosuke , Takahashi Yu , Saiura Akio
Published: June 2022

Background

Although surgical resection is the only potential treatment for patients with colorectal liver metastases (CLM), the actual cure is rare in patients with advanced CLM. Repeat resection (RR) is the most effective treatment in patients with recurrence; however, whether patients with initially advanced CLM achieve cure throughout RR or experience repeated recurrence even after RR remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed whether patients with advanced CLM achieve cure after RR.

Methods

Consecutive patients who underwent initial hepatectomy with curative intent for CLM from January 1999 to August 2007 were included. Patients who were alive at 10 years from the initial hepatectomy without any evidence of recurrence were defined as cured. Cure rates were compared between patients with Fong's clinical risk score (CRS) of ≥ 3 and those with CRS of ≤ 2.

Results

A total of 257 patients were included and followed up. Among them, 93 (36.2%) patients achieved actual cure postoperatively. The cure rate of patients with a CRS of ≥ 3 was 32.4% (33/102), which was not different from that of patients with a CRS of ≤ 2 (38.7% [60/155]; p = 0.299), although former patients had higher recurrence rate after the initial hepatectomy than latter ones (85.3% vs. 72.3%; p = 0.014). The cure rates after the initial, second, and third resections were 23.0% (59/257), 30.0% (24/80), and 22.5% (7/31), respectively. In multivariate analysis, RR was determined as an independent favorable factor of achieving cure.

Conclusions

RR had a potential to cure patients with advanced CLM, and one‐third of them achieved cure.
Gap balanced adjusted mechanical alignment versus measured resection mechanical alignment: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Waterson Hugh , Walker Robert , Koopmans Petra , Stroud Rowenna , Phillips Jonathan , Mandalia Vipul , Eyres Keith , Toms Andrew
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Alignment goals in total knee replacement (TKR) is a topical subject. This study compares the short-term functional outcomes and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) of two philosophies for knee arthroplasty alignment: measured resection (MR) and an individualised alignment philosophy, with the tibia mechanically aligned and an instrumented gap balancer (GB) to align the femur in both flexion and extension.

Patients and methods

94 knees were enrolled in this randomised controlled trial. The surgical protocol used a MR technique for mechanical alignment or a GB technique for individualised alignment. Primary outcome was quadriceps strength. Secondary outcomes included validated functional tests and PROMs as well as patient satisfaction. Outcomes were assessed pre-operatively, at 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months post-operatively.

Results

At 12-month follow-up, there was no significant difference in the change from baseline mean quadriceps peak torque between the two groups (p = 0.988). Significant improvement in the change in range of motion (ROM) in the GB group compared to the MR group at 3 months (13° vs 6° p = 0.028) but this improvement was not significant at 1 year (20° vs 17° p = 0.21). The functional test of balance showed statistically significant improvement at 6 weeks (p = 0.03) in the GB group but this difference was not maintained. PROMs favoured the GB group, with the KOOS pain scoring statistically better (p ≤ 0.05) at 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months.

Conclusions

Individualised alignment philosophy utilising a GB technique did not demonstrate an improvement in the primary outcome measure quadriceps peak torque. Improvement was seen in the GB group in PROM pain scores that was significant, both statistically and clinically, out to at least 1 year. Gains that were seen in functional assessment with GB, although significant at some time points, were no longer significant at 1 year and no difference was seen in quads strength. Compared to a MR technique, the individualised GB technique appears to confer some improvement in pain, ROM and some functional tests following TKR in the short-term.
Task-irrelevant auditory metre shapes visuomotor sequential learning
Authors: MacIntyre Alexis Deighton , Lo Hong Ying Josephine , Cross Ian , Scott Sophie
Published: June 2022

The ability to learn and reproduce sequences is fundamental to every-day life, and deficits in sequential learning are associated with developmental disorders such as specific language impairment. Individual differences in sequential learning are usually investigated using the serial reaction time task (SRTT), wherein a participant responds to a series of regularly timed, seemingly random visual cues that in fact follow a repeating deterministic structure. Although manipulating inter-cue interval timing has been shown to adversely affect sequential learning, the role of metre (the patterning of salience across time) remains unexplored within the regularly timed, visual SRTT. The current experiment consists of an SRTT adapted to include task-irrelevant auditory rhythms conferring a sense of metre. We predicted that (1) participants’ (n = 41) reaction times would reflect the auditory metric structure; (2) that disrupting the correspondence between the learned visual sequence and auditory metre would impede performance; and (3) that individual differences in sensitivity to rhythm would predict the magnitude of these effects. Altering the relationship via a phase shift between the trained visual sequence and auditory metre slowed reaction times. Sensitivity to rhythm was predictive of reaction times over all. In an exploratory analysis, we, moreover, found that approximately half of participants made systematically different responses to visual cues on the basis of the cues’ position within the auditory metre. We demonstrate the influence of auditory temporal structures on visuomotor sequential learning in a widely used task where metre and timing are rarely considered. The current results indicate sensitivity to metre as a possible latent factor underpinning individual differences in SRTT performance.
Heat traveling waves in rigid thermal conductors with phase lag and stability analysis
Authors: Abdel-Gawad H. I. , Abou-Dina M. S. , Ghaleb A. F. , Tantawy M.
Published: June 2022

Recently, a model equation that describes nonlinear heat waves in a rigid thermal conductor has been derived. The system of the governing equations for temperature and heat flux is nonlinear. The objective of the present work is to find a variety of traveling wave solutions of this system of equations in the whole space. This is achieved by implementing the unified method. The obtained solutions are evaluated numerically and represented graphically. The behavior of these solutions is investigated, where it is shown that the temperature and the heat flux attain steady states in space, but increase with time. The effects of the characteristic length, time, heat flux, and reference temperature are studied via some material data. It is shown that the solutions may have the form of solitary wave, soliton, or soliton with double kinks. It is observed that the heat flux in the material is negative, this reflects the fact that heat flux is in the opposite direction of the normal vector to the material surface on which it is evaluated. The steady state solution of the considered model equation is studied. It is found that the stability of the solutions depends significantly on the wave number.
Response of reinforced mortar-less interlocking brick wall under seismic loading
Authors: Xie Guanyu , Zhang Xihong , Hao Hong , Bi Kaiming , Lin Yuanzheng
Published: June 2022

Mortar-less construction with interlocking bricks has many advantages, such as improved construction efficiency and relatively low requirements on labour skills. Nevertheless, the seismic performance of interlocking brick structures is not well understood yet. In this paper, laboratory tests and numerical modelling are carried out to investigate the seismic behaviour of interlocking brick walls. Laboratory shaking table tests are performed on a scaled reinforced mortar-less interlocking brick wall. The response and damage modes under in-plane seismic loading are investigated. A detailed numerical model is then generated and validated with the laboratory testing data. Unlike the conventional masonry wall that diagonal shear damage governs the failure, the interlocking brick wall exhibits rocking responses, whose damage is mainly at the two bottom corners of the wall. Full-scale interlocking brick walls are then modelled and compared with conventional concrete masonry unit (CMU) walls bonded by mortar. Comparisons are made between the seismic resistances and damage modes of the two walls. The influences of ground motion intensities, vertical components of seismic excitations and different seismic time histories on the seismic behaviour of the interlocking brick wall are examined. It is found that the interlocking brick wall has a higher seismic resistance capacity than the conventional CMU wall. Inter-brick friction is the main energy dissipation mechanism in the interlocking brick wall. Because of the rocking response, vertical component of the ground motion significantly influences the damage of interlocking brick wall. The interlocking brick wall is insensitive to velocity pulses of ground motions due to its relatively high natural frequency.
Sorption of uranium(VI) from aqueous solution using nanomagnetite particles; with and without humic acid coating
Authors: Helal Aly A. , Ahmed I. M. , Gamal R. , Abo-El-Enein S. A. , Helal A. A.
Published: June 2022

In this study, iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4) and iron oxide nanoparticles with humic acid coatings (Fe3O4/HA) were investigated for the removal of U(VI). The effect of contact time, adsorbent mass, U(VI) concentration, and pH was studied by batch technique. The sorption kinetic data follows pseudo-second order, while the isotherms obey Langmuir with Qmax values of 238.0, 195.6 mg/g for Fe3O4 and Fe3O4/HA, respectively. According to the study, humic acid decreases the sorption capacity of magnetite due to the formation of a polyanionic organic coating, altering the surface properties of the particles, reducing magnetite aggregation, and stabilizing magnetite suspension.
Where ridehail drivers go between trips
Authors: Millard-Ball Adam , Liu Liwei , Hansen Whitney , Cooper Drew , Castiglione Joe
Published: June 2022

We analyze what ridehail drivers do when searching for paid fares. We use a dataset of 5.3 million trips in San Francisco and partition each search trip into cruising, repositioning, and parking segments. We find that repositioning accounts for nearly two-thirds (63%) of the time between trips, with cruising and parking accounting for 23% and 14% respectively (these figures exclude short trips). Our regression models suggest that drivers tend to make reasonable choices between repositioning and parking, heading to high-demand locations based on the time of day. However, we also find evidence of racial disparities, supporting previous studies of both taxis and ridehailing that indicate that drivers tend to avoid neighborhoods with high proportions of residents of color.
A better start literacy approach: effectiveness of Tier 1 and Tier 2 support within a response to teaching framework
Authors: Gillon Gail , McNeill Brigid , Scott Amy , Arrow Alison , Gath Megan , Macfarlane Angus
Published: June 2022

The Better Start Literacy Approach (BSLA) is a strengths-based approach to supporting children’s literacy learning in their first year of school. Previous research has shown the approach is effective at accelerating foundational literacy knowledge in children with lower levels of oral language. This study examined the impact of the BSLA for children with varied language profiles and across schools from diverse socioeconomic communities. Additionally, a controlled analysis of the impact of Tier 2 teaching within a response to teaching framework was undertaken. Participants included 402 five-year-old children from 14 schools in New Zealand. A randomised delayed treatment design was utilised to establish the effect of Tier 1 teaching. Analyses showed a significant Tier 1 intervention effect for phoneme awareness, letter-sound knowledge, non-word reading and non-word spelling. There was no difference in intervention effects across socioeconomic groupings. Children were identified for Tier 2 teaching after 10 weeks of Tier 1 implementation. The progress of 98 children in response to Tier 2 teaching was compared to 26 children who met Tier 2 criteria but received only Tier 1 teaching within this study. Children in the Tier 2 group scored significantly higher on phonological awareness, non-word reading, and spelling than the control group at the post-Tier 2 assessment point, after controlling for pre-Tier 2 scores. The results suggest that a proactive strengths-based approach to supporting foundational literacy learning in children’s first year of school benefits all learners. The findings have important implications for early provision of literacy learning support in order to reduce current inequities in literacy outcomes.
Evidence that conserved essential genes are enriched for pro-longevity factors
Authors: Oz Naci , Vayndorf Elena M. , Tsuchiya Mitsuhiro , McLean Samantha , Turcios-Hernandez Lesly , Pitt Jason N. , Blue Benjamin W. , Muir Michael , Kiflezghi Michael G. , Tyshkovskiy Alexander , Mendenhall Alexander , Kaeberlein Matt , Kaya Alaattin
Published: June 2022

At the cellular level, many aspects of aging are conserved across species. This has been demonstrated by numerous studies in simple model organisms like Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Caenorhabdits elegans, and Drosophila melanogaster. Because most genetic screens examine loss of function mutations or decreased expression of genes through reverse genetics, essential genes have often been overlooked as potential modulators of the aging process. By taking the approach of increasing the expression level of a subset of conserved essential genes, we found that 21% of these genes resulted in increased replicative lifespan in S. cerevisiae. This is greater than the ~ 3.5% of genes found to affect lifespan upon deletion, suggesting that activation of essential genes may have a relatively disproportionate effect on increasing lifespan. The results of our experiments demonstrate that essential gene overexpression is a rich, relatively unexplored means of increasing eukaryotic lifespan.
Checkpoint Inhibitors and the Changing Face of the Relapsed/Refractory Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma Pathway
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Yin , Collins Graham P.
Published: June 2022

Purpose of Review

Checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) targeting PD1 are highly active in relapsed/refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma. A plethora of recent studies, often small and non-randomised, have raised many questions about how to optimally integrate these into clinical practice. We aim to discuss the use of CPIs in different relapsed/refractory settings in an effort to better define their role and highlight areas of research.

Recent Findings

CPIs have shown efficacy at first relapse, as salvage pre- and post-autologous (ASCT) and allogeneic stem cell transplant (alloSCT) and as maintenance post-ASCT. Immune-related adverse events require careful attention, especially when used peri-alloSCT, where it is associated with hyperacute graft-versus-host disease. Newer PD1 inhibitors, as well as strategies to overcome CPI resistance, are being tested.

CPIs are increasingly deployed at earlier points in the classical Hodgkin lymphoma pathway. Whilst progress is clearly being made, randomised studies are required to more clearly define the optimal positioning of these agents.
Design of an All-Fiber Fabry-Perot Sensor for Strain Measurement in Radiative Environment
Authors: Yang Tingting , Ran Zengling , He Xiu , Gan Lupeng , He Zhengxi , Zhu Jialiang , He Peng , Li Zhuoyue , Sun Dong
Published: June 2022

A length-matched micro Fabry-Perot (FP) interferometer is proposed for strain measurement under irradiation environment. Theoretical simulation shows that a well length-matched FP sensor can achieve a very low drift of the cavity length and strain sensitivity in irradiation environment. In experiment, such an FP cavity is realized by laser micromachining. It shows a low cavity length drift of −0.037 µm and a strain sensitivity deviation of 0.52%, respectively, under gamma irradiation. Meanwhile, the intensity of interference fringes is also stable. As a result, such a length-matched FP cavity is a very promising candidate for strain sensing in radiative environments.
Side Polished Fiber: A Versatile Platform for Compact Fiber Devices and Sensors
Authors: Zhuo Linqing , Tang Jieyuan , Zhu Wenguo , Zheng Huadan , Guan Heyuan , Lu Huihui , Chen Yaofei , Luo Yunhan , Zhang Jun , Zhong Yongchun , Yu Jianhui , Chen Zhe
Published: June 2022

Side polished fiber (SPF) has a controllable average roughness and length of the side-polishing region, which becomes a versatile platform for integrating multiple materials to interact with the evanescent field to fabricate all-fiber devices and sensors. It has been widely used in couplers, filters, polarizers, optical attenuators, photodetectors, modulators, and sensors for temperature, humidity, strain, biological molecules, chemical gas, and vector magnetic monitoring. In this article, an overview of the development history, fabrication techniques, fiber types, transmission characteristics, and varied recent applications of SPFs are reviewed. Firstly, the fabrication techniques of SPFs are reviewed, including the V-groove assisted polishing technique and wheel polishing technique. Then, the different types of SPFs and their characteristics are discussed. Finally, various applications of SPFs are discussed and concluded theoretically and experimentally, including their principles and structures. When designing the device, the residual thickness and polishing lengths of the SPF need to be appropriately selected in order to obtain the best performance. Developing all-fiber devices and sensors is aimed at practical usability under harsh environments and allows to avoid the high coupling loss between optical fibers and on-chip integrated devices.
High-Precision Magnetic Field Sensor Based on Fiber Bragg Grating and Dual-Loop Optoelectronic Oscillator
Authors: Sun Wei , Liu Xiangyu , Deng Ming
Published: June 2022

A novel fiber-optic magnetic field sensor with high interrogation speed and resolution by using an etched fiber Bragg grating (FBG) in conjunction with a dual-loop optoelectronic oscillator (OEO) is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. A commercial FBG is firstly dipped into mixed hydrofluoric acid solution to remove the cladding layer and then is embedded with the magnetic fluid (MF) as a sensing element. The central wavelength reflected from the FBG is related to the overall time delay of the dual-loop OEO, which determines the oscillating frequency of the OEO. Therefore, the magnetic field can be estimated by measuring the oscillating frequency shift of OEO. The experimental results show that the oscillating frequency linearly increases with the increment of the magnetic field, achieving the sensitivity of 16.3 Hz/Oe with a R-square of 0.991 in the range of 5 mT–10 mT. In addition, the maximum error is within ±0.05 mT in the range of 7 mT–8 mT, which offers potentials in many fields where the high-precision magnetic field measurement is required.
Future perspectives for advancing regulatory science of nanotechnology-enabled health products
Authors: Halamoda-Kenzaoui Blanka , Geertsma Robert , Pouw Joost , Prina-Mello Adriele , Carrer Moreno , Roesslein Matthias , Sips Adrienne , Weltring Klaus Michael , Spring Kathleen , Bremer-Hoffmann Susanne
Published: June 2022

The identification of regulatory challenges for nanotechnology-enabled health products, followed by discussions with the involved stakeholders, is the first step towards a strategic planning of how such challenges can be successfully addressed in the future. In order to better understand whether the identified regulatory needs are sector-specific for health products or might also hinder the progress in other domains, the REFINE consortium reached out to communities representing other sectors that also exploit the potential of nanotechnology, i.e. industrial chemicals, food and cosmetics. Through a series of trans-sectorial workshops, REFINE partners identified common as well as sector-specific challenges and discussed possible ways forward. Potential solutions lie in a more strengthen collaboration between regulatory and research communities resulting in a targeted production and exploitation of academic data for the regulatory decision-making. Furthermore, a coordinated use of knowledge sharing platforms and databases, trans-sectorial standardisation activities and harmonisation of regulatory activities between geographical regions are possible ways forward, in line with the upcoming European political initiatives such as the Chemical Strategy for Sustainability (CSS). Finally, we also discuss the perspectives for further development and sustainability of methods and tools developed in the REFINE project.

Graphical abstract
Lubrication mechanism of a strong tribofilm by imidazolium ionic liquid
Authors: Song Wei , Zhang Jie , Campen Sophie , Yan Jincan , Ji Hongbing , Wong Janet S. S.
Published: June 2022

Friction modifiers (FMs) are surface-active additives added to base fluids to reduce friction between rubbing surfaces. Their effectiveness depends on their interactions with rubbing surfaces and may be mitigated by the choice of the base fluid. In this work, the performance of an imidazolium ionic liquid (ImIL) additive in polyethylene-glycol (PEG) and 1,4-butanediol for lubricating steel/steel and diamond-like-carbon/diamond-like carbon (DLC—DLC) contacts were investigated. ImIL-containing PEG reduces friction more effectively in steel—steel than DLC—DLC contacts. In contrast, adding ImIL in 1,4-butanediol results in an increase in friction in steel—steel contacts. Results from the Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and focused ion beam-transmission electron microscopy (FIB-TEM) reveal that a surface film is formed on steel during rubbing in ImIL-containing PEG. This film consists of two layers. The top layer is composed of amorphous carbon and are easily removed during rubbing. The bottom layer, which contains iron oxide and nitride compound, adheres strongly on the steel surface. This film maintains its effectiveness in a steel—steel contact even after ImIL additives are depleted. Such film is not observed in 1,4-butanediol where the adsorption of ImIL is hindered, as suggested by the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) measurements. No benefit is observed when the base fluid on its own is sufficiently lubricious, as in the case of DLC surfaces.

This work provides fundamental insights on how compatibilities among base fluid, FM, and rubbing surface affect the performance of IL as surface active additives. It reveals the structure of an ionic liquid (IL) surface film, which is effective and durable. The knowledge is useful for guiding future IL additive development.
Patient perspectives on chronic kidney disease and decision-making about treatment. Discourse of participants in the French CKD-REIN cohort study
Authors: Montalescot Lucile , Dorard Géraldine , Speyer Elodie , Legrand Karine , Ayav Carole , Combe Christian , Stengel Bénédicte , Untas Aurélie
Published: June 2022

Background

Little is known about psychological issues in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) facing transition to kidney failure and the involvement of their family in decision-making about kidney replacement therapy (KRT). This study investigated patients’ experience of their illness, their views on KRT choice and their perception of the influence of their relatives.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study nested in the CKD-REIN prospective cohort study which included non-dialysis CKD patients from 40 nationally representative nephrology clinics. Among 1555 patients who returned a self-administered questionnaire, we used purposive sampling to select 50 participants who underwent semi-structured phone interviews with a psychologist.

Results

The patients' mean age was 62.2 ± 12 years, 42% were women, and 68% had CKD stage 4–5. The analysis yielded four lexical classes: “illness rhythm”, “considering dialysis”, “family and transplantation”, and “disease, treatment choice and introspection”. When experiencing few or mild symptoms, patients tended to avoid thinking about CKD, for the prospect of dialysis was the most stressful part of their experience. Surprisingly, the importance of family appeared when they talked about transplantation decision-making, but not about choice of dialysis modality.

Conclusions

Cognitive avoidance seems common in patients with advanced CKD. Transplantation and dialysis decision-making appear to be two distinct processes, with different levels of family involvement. More research is needed to better understand the frequency and impact of cognitive avoidance on patients’ well-being and decision-making.

Graphic abstract
Alternaria species causing pomegranate and citrus fruit rots in Albania
Authors: Cara Magdalena , Toska Mirela , Frasheri Dajana , Baroncelli Riccardo , Sanzani Simona Marianna
Published: June 2022

The fungal genus Alternaria is a relevant pathogen for several commodities including citrus and pomegranate fruits. On citrus, it mainly causes brown spots on fruits and leaves, whereas on pomegranate, it mostly causes a fruit heart rot. In the present study the presence of Alternaria rots on citrus and pomegranate fruits cultivated in Albania was assessed. Representative fruits were collected from different regions. Nineteen and thirteen Alternaria spp. isolates were obtained from pomegranate and citrus samples, respectively. The isolates were identified at species and morphotype level. Micro and macroscopic features separated isolates into four morphotypes. BLAST and phylogenetic analysis using the SCAR Marker OPA1-3 confirmed the isolate identity. All 32 isolates proved to be Alternaria alternata and belonged mainly to morphotype alternata, followed by limoniasperae and tenuissima. All Alternaria strains proved to possess the pksI gene of alternariol biosynthesis. Citrus isolates were tested for the presence of genes of the biosynthesis of the phytotoxins ACT and ACR, but none of them proved to possess them. Concluding, Alternaria spp. might represent a treat to pomegranate and citrus production in Albania, and thus effective control means are needed.
Cascading socio-environmental sustainability risks of agricultural export miracle in Peru
Authors: Lashkari Azam , Irannezhad Masoud , Liu Junguo , Schulthess Urs
Published: June 2022

This commentary sheds light on the integration of cascading environmental, economic, and social risks into conscious sustainable development strategies. For this, we investigated the Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA), which was established in 1991 to simultaneously fight against the production, processing, and trafficking of illegal drugs while also developing alternative industries to expand economic opportunities in the Andean countries (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru); which are being faced with decades of narcotic violence and corruption. Accordingly, we unfolded the chains of mechanisms by which, cascading like toppling dominoes, the ATPA has led to a profitable economy but unsustainable environment and social inequality in the hyper-arid region of Ica in Peru. To pioneer Peru in sustainability risk management in Ica, hence, it is recommended to act towards regional sustainable irrigation expansion by employing efficient water-saving irrigation technologies. Finally, we indicated that freshwater should be considered as both natural and human rights in sustainable alternative development strategies.
A critical review of biochar-based nitrogen fertilizers and their effects on crop production and the environment
Authors: Gao Yurong , Fang Zheng , Van Zwieten Lukas , Bolan Nanthi , Dong Da , Quin Bert F. , Meng Jun , Li Fangbai , Wu Fengchang , Wang Hailong , Chen Wenfu
Published: June 2022

Globally, nitrogen (N) fertilizer demand is expected to reach 112 million tonnes to support food production for about 8 billion people. However, more than half of the N fertilizer is lost to the environment with impacts on air, water and soil quality, and biodiversity. Importantly, N loss to the environment contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Nevertheless, where N fertilizer application is limited, severe depletion of soil fertility has become a major constraint to sustainable agriculture. To address the issues of low fertilizer N use efficiency (NUE), biochar-based N fertilizers (BBNFs) have been developed to reduce off-site loss and maximize crop N uptake. These products are generally made through physical mixing of biochar and N fertilizer or via coating chemical N fertilizers such as prilled urea with biochar. This review aims to describe the manufacturing processes of BBNFs, and to critically assess the effects of the products on soil properties, crop yield and N loss pathways.

Graphical Abstract
Characterization of two constitutive promoters RPS28 and EIF1 for studying soybean growth, development, and symbiotic nodule development
Authors: Chen Shengcai , Peng Yaqi , Lv Qi , Liu Jing , Wu Zhihua , Wang Haijiao , Wang Xuelu
Published: June 2022

Native promoters that can drive high and stable transgene expression are important tools for modifying plant traits. Although several such promoters have been reported in soybean (Glycine max), few of them function at multiple growth and development stages and during nodule development. Here, we report that the promoters of 40S RIBOSOMAL PROTEIN SMALL SUBUNIT S28 (RPS28) and EUKARYOTIC TRANSLATION INITIATION FACTOR 1 (EIF1) are ideal for high expression of transgene. Through bioinformatic analysis, we determined that RPS28 and EIF1 were highly expressed during soybean growth and development, nodule development, and various biotic and abiotic stresses. Fusion of both RPS28 and EIF1 promoters, with or without their first intron, with the reporter gene β-GLUCURONIDASE (uidA) in transgenic soybean, resulted in high GUS activity in seedlings, seeds, and nodules. Fluorimetric GUS assays showed that the RPS28 promoter and the EIF1 promoter yielded high expression, comparable to the soybean Ubiquitin (GmUbi) promoter. RPS28 and EIF1 promoters were also highly expressed in Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana benthamiana. Our results indicate the potential of RPS28 and EIF1 promoters to facilitate future genetic engineering and breeding to improve the quality and yield of soybean, as well as in a wide variety of other plant species.
Ecovillages and other community-led initiatives as experiences of climate action
Authors: Schwab Anne-Kathrin , Roysen Rebeca
Published: June 2022

This editorial aims to clarify the role of community-led initiatives such as ecovillages in the global efforts to mitigate climate change. The response to the climate crises prefigured by these initiatives is based on relocalisation, cultural diversity and social empowerment. In this paper, we describe their commonalities, limitations and their potentials towards a decarbonisation of everyday life and the emergence of a decentralised and empowered civil society. We see community-led initiatives as laboratories and transformative learning fields on sustainable practices, interpersonal competencies, personal development, and the creation of plural ways of living, relating and knowing. We underline the need for greater recognition of community-led initiatives by scientific, economic and political actors in the framework of a concerted climate governance from the top-down and from the bottom-up.
Whole-genome sequencing surveillance and machine learning for healthcare outbreak detection and investigation: A systematic review and summary
Authors: Sundermann Alexander J. , Chen Jieshi , Miller James K. , Martin Elise M. , Snyder Graham M. , Van Tyne Daria , Marsh Jane W. , Dubrawski Artur , Harrison Lee H.
Published: June 2022

Background:

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has traditionally been used in infection prevention to confirm or refute the presence of an outbreak after it has occurred. Due to decreasing costs of WGS, an increasing number of institutions have been utilizing WGS-based surveillance. Additionally, machine learning or statistical modeling to supplement infection prevention practice have also been used. We systematically reviewed the use of WGS surveillance and machine learning to detect and investigate outbreaks in healthcare settings.

Methods:

We performed a PubMed search using separate terms for WGS surveillance and/or machine-learning technologies for infection prevention through March 15, 2021.

Results:

Of 767 studies returned using the WGS search terms, 42 articles were included for review. Only 2 studies (4.8%) were performed in real time, and 39 (92.9%) studied only 1 pathogen. Nearly all studies (n = 41, 97.6%) found genetic relatedness between some isolates collected. Across all studies, 525 outbreaks were detected among 2,837 related isolates (average, 5.4 isolates per outbreak). Also, 35 studies (83.3%) only utilized geotemporal clustering to identify outbreak transmission routes. Of 21 studies identified using the machine-learning search terms, 4 were included for review. In each study, machine learning aided outbreak investigations by complementing methods to gather epidemiologic data and automating identification of transmission pathways.

Conclusions:

WGS surveillance is an emerging method that can enhance outbreak detection. Machine learning has the potential to identify novel routes of pathogen transmission. Broader incorporation of WGS surveillance into infection prevention practice has the potential to transform the detection and control of healthcare outbreaks.
Treatment completion among justice-involved youth engaged in behavioral health treatment studies in the United States: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Johnson-Kwochka Annalee , Salgado Eduardo F. , Pederson Casey A. , Aalsma Matthew C. , Salyers Michelle P.
Published: June 2022

Justice-involved youth (JIY) have high rates of behavioral health disorders, but few can access, much less complete, treatment in the community. Behavioral health treatment completion among JIY is poorly understood, even within treatment studies. Measurement, reporting, and rates of treatment completion vary across studies. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizes the literature on rates of treatment completion among JIY enrolled in research studies and identifies potential moderators. After systematically searching 6 electronic databases, data from 13 studies of 20 individual treatment groups were abstracted and coded. A meta-analysis examined individual prevalence estimates of treatment completion in research studies as well as moderator analyses. Prevalence effect sizes revealed high rates of treatment completion (pr = 82.6). However, analysis suggests a high likelihood that publication bias affected the results. Treatment groups that utilized family- or group-based treatment (pr = 87.8) were associated with higher rates of treatment completion compared to treatment groups utilizing individual treatment (pr = 61.1). Findings suggest that it is possible to achieve high rates of treatment completion for JIY, particularly within the context of family- and group-based interventions. However, these findings are limited by concerns about reporting of treatment completion and publication bias.
Harnessing robot experimentation to optimize the regulatory framing of emerging robot technologies
Authors: Calleja Carlos , Drukarch Hadassah , Fosch-Villaronga Eduard
Published: June 2022

From exoskeletons to lightweight robotic suits, wearable robots are changing dynamically and rapidly, challenging the timeliness of laws and regulatory standards that were not prepared for robots that would help wheelchair users walk again. In this context, equipping regulators with technical knowledge on technologies could solve information asymmetries among developers and policymakers and avoid the problem of regulatory disconnection. This article introduces pushing robot development for lawmaking (PROPELLING), an financial support to third parties from the Horizon 2020 EUROBENCH project that explores how robot testing facilities could generate policy-relevant knowledge and support optimized regulations for robot technologies. With ISO 13482:2014 as a case study, PROPELLING investigates how robot testbeds could be used as data generators to improve the regulation for lower-limb exoskeletons. Specifically, the article discusses how robot testbeds could help regulators tackle hazards like fear of falling, instability in collisions, or define the safe scenarios for avoiding any adverse consequences generated by abrupt protective stops. The article’s central point is that testbeds offer a promising setting to bring policymakers closer to research and development to make policies more attuned to societal needs. In this way, these approximations can be harnessed to unravel an optimal regulatory framework for emerging technologies, such as robots and artificial intelligence, based on science and evidence.
Expansin-mediated developmental and adaptive responses: A matter of cell wall biomechanics?
Authors: Samalova Marketa , Gahurova Evelina , Hejatko Jan
Published: June 2022

Biomechanical properties of the cell wall (CW) are important for many developmental and adaptive responses in plants. Expansins were shown to mediate pH-dependent CW enlargement via a process called CW loosening. Here, we provide a brief overview of expansin occurrence in plant and non-plant species, their structure and mode of action including the role of hormone-regulated CW acidification in the control of expansin activity. We depict the historical as well as recent CW models, discuss the role of expansins in the CW biomechanics and address the developmental importance of expansin-regulated CW loosening in cell elongation and new primordia formation. We summarise the data published so far on the role of expansins in the abiotic stress response as well as the rather scarce evidence and hypotheses on the possible mechanisms underlying expansin-mediated abiotic stress resistance. Finally, we wrap it up by highlighting possible future directions in expansin research.
Turgor pressure change in stomatal guard cells arises from interactions between water influx and mechanical responses of their cell walls
Authors: Yi Hojae , Chen Yintong , Anderson Charles T.
Published: June 2022

The ability of plants to absorb CO2 for photosynthesis and transport water from root to shoot depends on the reversible swelling of guard cells that open stomatal pores in the epidermis. Despite decades of experimental and theoretical work, the biomechanical drivers of stomatal opening and closure are still not clearly defined. We combined mechanical principles with a growing body of knowledge concerning water flux across the plant cell membrane and the biomechanical properties of plant cell walls to quantitatively test the long-standing hypothesis that increasing turgor pressure resulting from water uptake drives guard cell expansion during stomatal opening. To test the alternative hypothesis that water influx is the main motive force underlying guard cell expansion, we developed a system dynamics model accounting for water influx. This approach connects stomatal kinetics to whole plant physiology by including values for water flux arising from water status in the plant .
String diagram rewrite theory III: Confluence with and without Frobenius
Authors: Bonchi Filippo , Gadducci Fabio , Kissinger Aleks , Sobociński Paweł , Zanasi Fabio
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we address the problem of proving confluence for string diagram rewriting, which was previously shown to be characterised combinatorially as double-pushout rewriting with interfaces (DPOI) on (labelled) hypergraphs. For standard DPO rewriting without interfaces, confluence for terminating rewriting systems is, in general, undecidable. Nevertheless, we show here that confluence for DPOI, and hence string diagram rewriting, is decidable. We apply this result to give effective procedures for deciding local confluence of symmetric monoidal theories with and without Frobenius structure by critical pair analysis. For the latter, we introduce the new notion of path joinability for critical pairs, which enables finitely many joins of a critical pair to be lifted to an arbitrary context in spite of the strong non-local constraints placed on rewriting in a generic symmetric monoidal theory.