bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New technologies to diagnose and monitor infectious diseases of livestock: Challenges for sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: King Donald P. , Madi Miki , Mioulet Valerie , Wadsworth Jemma , Wright Caroline F. , Valdazo-González Begoña , Ferris Nigel P. , Knowles Nick J. , Hammond Jef
Published: July 2012

Using foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) as an example, this review describes new tools that can be used to detect and characterise livestock diseases. In recent years, molecular tests that can detect and characterise pathogens in a diverse range of sample types have revolutionised laboratory diagnostics. In addition to use in centralised laboratories, there are opportunities to locate diagnostic technologies close to the animals with suspected clinical signs. Work in this area has developed simple-to-use lateral-flow devices for the detection of FMD virus (FMDV), as well as new hardware platforms to allow molecular testing to be deployed into the field for use by non-specialists. Once FMDV has been detected, nucleotide sequencing is used to compare field strains with reference viruses. Transboundary movements of FMDV are routinely monitored using VP1 sequence data, while higher resolution transmission trees (at the farm-to-farm level) can be reconstructed using full-genome sequencing approaches. New technologies such as next-generation sequencing technologies are now being applied to dissect the viral sequence populations that exist within single samples. The driving force for the use of these technologies has largely been influenced by the priorities of developed countries with FMD-free (without vaccination) status. However, it is important to recognise that these approaches also show considerable promise for use in countries where FMD is endemic, although further modifications (such as sample archiving and strain and serotype characterisation) may be required to tailor these tests for use in these regions. Access to these new diagnostic and sequencing technologies in sub-Saharan Africa have the potential to provide novel insights into FMD epidemiology and will impact upon improved strategies for disease control.Effective control of infectious diseases is reliant upon accurate diagnosis of clinical cases using laboratory tests, together with an understanding of factors that impact upon the epidemiology of the infectious agent. A wide range of new diagnostic tools and nucleotide sequencing methods are used by international reference laboratories to detect and characterise the agents causing outbreaks of infectious diseases. In the past, high costs (initial capital expenses, as well as day-to-day maintenance and running costs) and complexity of the protocols used to perform some of these tests have limited the use of these methods in smaller laboratories. However, simpler and more cost-effective formats are now being developed that offer the prospect that these technologies will be even more widely deployed into laboratories particularly those in developing regions of the world such as sub-Saharan Africa.
A foresight vision for infectious diseases in Africa
Authors: Brownlie Joe
Published: July 2012

A foresight vision for infectious diseases in Africa
Economic benefits or drivers of a ‘One Health’ approach: Why should anyone invest?
Authors: Rushton Jonathan , Häsler Barbara , De Haan Nicoline , Rushton Ruth
Published: July 2012

One Health concepts and ideas are some of the oldest in the health discipline, yet they have not become main stream. Recent discussions of the need for One Health approaches require some reflection on how to present a case for greater investments. The paper approaches this problem from the perspective of the control and management of resources for health in general. It poses the following questions, (1) where do we need extra resources for One Health, (2) where can we save resources through a One Health approach and (3) who has control of the resources that do exist for One Health? In answering these questions three broad areas are explored, (1) The management and resources allocated for diseases, (2) The isolation of parts of the society that require human and animal health services and (3) The use of resources and skills that are easily transferable between human and animal health.The paper concludes that One Health approaches are applicable in many scenarios. However, the costs of getting people from different disciplines to work together in order to achieve a true One Health approach can be large. To generate tangible benefits requires careful management of specialist skills, knowledge and equipment, which can only be achieved by a greater openness of the human and animal health disciplines. Without this openness, policy makers will continue to doubt the real value of One Health. In summary the future success of One Health is about people working in the research, education and provision of health systems around the world embracing and managing change more effectively.
Foot-and-mouth disease virus serotypes detected in Tanzania from 2003 to 2010: Conjectured status and future prospects
Authors: Kasanga Christopher J. , Sallu Raphael , Kivaria Fredrick , Mkama Mathias , Masambu Joseph , Yongolo Mmeta , Das Sachindra , Mpelumbe-Ngeleja Chanasa , Wambura Philemon N. , King Donald P. , Rweyemamu Mark M.
Published: July 2012

This study was conducted to investigate the presence of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) in different geographic locations of Tanzania. Epithelial tissues and fluids (n = 364) were collected from cattle exhibiting oral and foot vesicular lesions suggestive of FMD and submitted for routine FMD diagnosis. The analysis of these samples collected during the period of 2002 and 2010 was performed by serotype-specific antigen capture ELISA to determine the presence of FMDV. The results of this study indicated that 167 out of 364 (46.1%) of the samples contained FMDV antigen. Of the 167 positive samples, 37 (28.4%) were type O, 7 (4.1%) type A, 45 (21.9%) SAT 1 and 79 (45.6%) SAT 2. Two FMDV serotypes (O and SAT 2) were widely distributed throughout Tanzania whilst SAT 1 and A types were only found in the Eastern zone. Our findings suggest that serotypes A, O, SAT 1 and SAT 2 prevail in Tanzania and are associated with the recent FMD outbreaks. The lack of comprehensive animal movement records and inconsistent vaccination programmes make it difficult to determine the exact source of FMD outbreaks or to trace the transmission of the disease over time. Therefore, further collection and analysis of samples from domestic and wild animals are being undertaken to investigate the genetic and antigenic characteristics of the circulating strains, so that a rational method to control FMD in Tanzania and the neighbouring countries can be recommended.
Rift Valley fever: Real or perceived threat for Zambia?
Authors: Dautu George , Sindato Calvin , Mweene Aaron S. , Samui Kenny L. , Roy Polly , Noad Robert , Paweska Janusz , Majiwa Phelix A.O. , Musoke Antony
Published: July 2012

Rift Valley fever (RVF) in Zambia was first reported in 1974 during an epizootic of cattle and sheep that occurred in parts of Central, Southern and Copperbelt Provinces. In 1990, the disease was documented in nine districts of the provinces of Zambia. In the last two decades, there have been no reports of RVF. This long period without reported clinical disease raises questions as to whether RVF is a current or just a perceived threat. To address this question, World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) disease occurrence data on RVF for the period 2005−2010 in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) was analysed. From the analysis, it was evident that most countries that share a common border with Zambia had reported at least one occurrence of the disease during the period under review. Due to the absence of natural physical barriers between Zambia and most of her neighbours, informal livestock trade and movements is a ubiquitous reality. Analysis of the rainfall patterns also showed that Zambia received rains sufficient to support a mosquito population large enough for high risk of RVF transmission. The evidence of disease occurrence in nearby countries coupled with animal movement, and environmental risk suggests that RVF is a serious threat to Zambia. In conclusion, the current occurrence of RVF in Zambia is unclear, but there are sufficient indications that the magnitude of the circulating infection is such that capacity building in disease surveillance and courses on recognition of the disease for field staff is recommended. Given the zoonotic potential of RVF, these measures are also a prerequisite for accurate assessment of the disease burden in humans.
Infectious diseases of economic importance: Molecular biological characteristics of foot-and-mouth disease viruses collected in Tanzania from 1967 to 2009
Authors: Kasanga Christopher J. , Sallu R. , Mpelumbe-Ngeleja C.A.R. , Wadsworth J. , Ferris N.P. , Hutchings G.H. , Wambura P.P. , Yongolo M.G.S. , Knowles N.J. , King Donald P. , Rweyemamu M.M.
Published: July 2012

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is endemic in Tanzania. Since the first reports in 1954, FMD has caused significant economic losses in the country due to mortality and morbidity of livestock and costs associated with controlling the disease. The aim of this study was to review the serotype and genetic relationships of the FMD virus (FMDV) recovered from outbreaks in Tanzania, and compare them with viruses detected from elsewhere in the sub-Saharan region. At the World Reference Laboratory for foot-and-mouth disease (WRLFMD), a total of 106 FMD viruses have been isolated from samples collected between 1967 and 2009 from northern, southern, eastern and central parts of Tanzania. The presence of FMDV was determined by laboratory methods such as VI, CF, antigen ELISA and RT-PCR. Phylogenies of VP1 sequences were determined by the Neighbour-joining method. Foot-and-mouth disease virus SAT1 was the most frequent serotype (46.2%; n = 49) isolated in Tanzania followed by O (26.4%; n = 27), A (14.1%; n = 15) and SAT 2 (11.3%; n = 13). Genotyping showed that type O viruses fell into either the EAST AFRICA 1 (EA-1) or EA-2 topotypes, type A’s into the AFRICA topotype (genotype I), type SAT 1’s into topotype I and type SAT 2’s into topotype IV. This study reveals that serotypes A, O, SAT1 and SAT2 cause FMD outbreaks in Tanzania. Recent samples from outbreaks in 2008, 2009 and 2010 have been typed as serotypes A, O, SAT1 and SAT2. Phylogenetic analysis of FMDV isolates from Tanzania showed that they are genetically related to lineages and topotypes from West and East Africa. In Tanzania, lack of comprehensive animal movement records and inconsistent vaccination programs make it difficult to determine the exact source of FMD outbreaks or to trace the transmission of the disease over time. Therefore, further collection and analysis of samples from domestic and wild animals, together with improved local epidemiological investigation of FMD outbreaks is required to elucidate the complex epidemiology of FMD in the sub-Saharan region.
Development of a curriculum for training in One Health analytical epidemiology at the University of Zambia
Authors: Muma J. , Simuunza Martin , Mwachalimba K. , Munyeme M. , Namangala B. , Hankanga C. , Sijumbila G. , Likwa Ndonyo R. , Sinkala Yona , Mwanza A. , Simanyengwe Mweene A.
Published: July 2012

Recently, the world has witnessed emergence of novel diseases such as avian influenza, HIV and AIDS, West Nile Virus and Ebola. The evolution of these pathogens has been facilitated mainly by a constantly evolving animal-human interface. Whilst infectious disease control was previously conceptualised as either public health or animal health related issues, the distinction between disciplinary foci have been blurred by multiple causal factors that clearly traverse traditional disciplinary divides. These multiple evolutionary pressures have included changes in land use, ecosystems, human-livestock-wildlife interactions and antibiotic use, representing novel routes for pathogen emergence. With the growing realisation that pathogens do not respect traditional epistemological divides, the ‘One Health’ initiative has emerged to advocate for closer collaboration across the health disciplines and has provided a new agenda for health education. Against this background, the One Health Analytical Epidemiology course was developed under the auspices of the Southern African Centre for Infectious Diseases Surveillance by staff from the University of Zambia with collaborators from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the Royal Veterinary College in London. The course is aimed at equipping scientists with multidisciplinary skill sets to match the contemporary challenges of human, animal and zoonotic disease prevention and control. Epidemiology is an important discipline for both public and animal health. Therefore, this two-year programme has been developed to generate a cadre of epidemiologists with a broad understanding of disease control and prevention and will be able to conceptualise and design holistic programs for informing health and disease control policy decisions.
Acknowledgements
Authors: Musoke Antony
Published: July 2012

The work in the papers and abstracts was supported by Wellcome Trust Grant WT087546MA to the Southern African Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance (http://www.sacids.org) and its collaborating UK partner institutions, namely the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (http://www.lshtm.ac.uk), the Royal Veterinary College (http://www.rvc.ac.uk) and the London International Development Centre (http://www.lidc.org.uk).The work presented by Esron Karimuribo et al. was supported by Rockefeller Foundation.
Blow-up and Polynomial Decay of Solutions for a Viscoelastic Equation with a Nonlinear Source
Authors: Xiong Yangping
Published: July 2012

In this paper we investigate the blow-up and decay phenomenon of solutions for a viscoelastic equation with a nonlinear source. Even for vanishing initial energy, we show the solution blows up in finite time. We also prove the solution decays under suitable conditions.
Inhibiting Effects of Two Derivatives of Amino-Thiophenol on the Corrosion of Copper by Electrochemical Methods
Authors: Behpour M. , Mohammadi N.
Published: July 2012

Corrosion inhibition of the two thio compounds, 2-{[(2-sulfanyl-phenyl)imino]methyl}phenol (SIMP) and 2-{[(Z)-1-(4-methyl-phenyl)methylidene]amino}-1-benzenthiol (MMAB), as corrosion inhibitors for copper in 15% hydrochloric acid (HCl) have been investigated by potentiodynamic polarization measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Potentiodynamic polarization results show that corrosion potentials shift more toward the anodic region in the presence of thio compounds than that of blank solution. The adsorption of inhibitors on the copper surface follows from Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Activation energy (Ea), Gibbs free energy (ΔGads0), enthalpy (ΔH*), and entropy (ΔS*) of corrosion process are calculated by using the experimental measurements.
Contribution of dust inputs to dissolved organic carbon and water transparency in Mediterranean reservoirs
Authors: de Vicente I. , Ortega-Retuerta E. , Morales-Baquero R. , Reche I.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. Mediterranean reservoirs receive frequent Saharan dust inputs with soil-derived organic compounds mostly during stratification periods, when run-off inputs are particularly limited. Here, we quantified and optically characterized the water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) of the (dry and wet) atmospheric deposition in collectors located near three reservoirs from the Western Mediterranean Basin. In addition, we determined, during the stratification period, the WSOC contribution to the pool of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and the influence of the chromophoric organic compounds from the dust on water transparency. We found synchrony both in the WSOC atmospheric inputs among collectors and in the DOC dynamics among the three reservoirs. DOC concentrations and WSOC atmospheric inputs were positive and significantly correlated in the two reservoirs more sensitive to atmospheric inputs: the most oligotrophic reservoir (Quentar) and the reservoir with the highest ratio of surface area to mixing water depth (Cubillas). Nevertheless, WSOC atmospheric inputs, during the stratification period, represented less than 10 % of the total DOC pool, suggesting that indirect effects of dust inputs such as primary productivity stimulation may also induce these synchronic patterns. Chromophoric compounds from dust inputs can significantly reduce water transparency to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). The depths where UVR at λ = 320 nm is reduced to ten percent of surface intensity (Z10 %) decreased 15 cm (about 24 %) in Beznar, 17 cm (about 27 %) in Cubillas, and 43 cm (about 39 %) in Quéntar due to dust inputs.
A dual-pass data assimilation scheme for estimating turbulent fluxes with FY3A data
Authors: Xu T. R. , Liu S. M. , Xu Z. W. , Liang S. , Xu L.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. A dual-pass data assimilation scheme is developed to improve predictions of turbulent fluxes with FY3A land surface temperature (LST) data. This scheme is constructed based on the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) and common land model (CoLM). Pass 1 of the dual-pass data assimilation scheme optimizes model vegetation parameters at a long temporal scale and pass 2 optimizes soil moisture at a short temporal scale. Four sites are selected for the data assimilation experiments, namely Arou, BJ, Guantao, and Miyun in the People's Republic of China (PRC) that include grass, alpine meadow, crop, and orchard land cover types. The results are compared with data generated by a multi-scale turbulent flux observation system that includes an eddy covariance (EC) and a large aperture scintillometer (LAS) system. Results indicate that the CoLM can simulate the diurnal variations of turbulent flux, but usually underestimates the latent heat flux and evaporation fraction (EF) and overestimates sensible heat flux. With the assimilation of FY3A LST data, the dual-pass data assimilation scheme can improve the predictions of turbulent flux. The average root mean square error (RMSE) values drop from 81.2 to 39.6 W m−2 and from 101.7 to 58.9 W m−2 (the RMSE values drop 51.2% and 42.1%) for sensible and latent heat fluxes, respectively. To compare the results with LAS measurements, the source areas are calculated using a footprint model and overlaid with FY3A pixels since the LAS cover more than one FY3A pixel. The comparisons show that the assimilation results are closer to LAS measurements. With the dual-pass data assimilation scheme, the estimated soil moistures are generally closer to observations. Furthermore, the vegetation parameters are retrieved and incorporated into CoLM which enhanced the model's predictive abilities.
Effect of Autoclave Postpolymerization Treatments on the Fracture Toughness of Autopolymerizing Dental Acrylic Resins
Authors: Durkan Rukiye , Gürbüz Ayhan , Yilmaz Burak , Özel M. Birol , Bağιş Bora
Published: July 2012

Introduction

Microwave and water bath postpolymerization have been suggested as methods to improve the mechanical properties of heat and autopolymerizing acrylic resins. However, the effects of autoclave heating on the fracture properties of autopolymerizing acrylic resins have not been investigated.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of various autoclave postpolymerization methods on the fracture properties of 3 different autopolymerizing acrylic resins.

Methods

Forty-two specimens of 3 different autopolymerizing acrylic resins (Orthocryl, Paladent RR and Futurajet) were fabricated (40×8×4mm), and each group was further divided into 6 subgroups (n=7). Control group specimens remained as processed (Group 1). The first test group was postpolymerized in a cassette autoclave at 135°C for 6 minutes and the other groups were postpolymerized in a conventional autoclave at 130°C using different time settings (5, 10, 20 or 30 minutes). Fracture toughness was then measured with a three-point bending test. Data were analyzed by ANOVA followed by the Duncan test (α=0.05).

Results

The fracture toughness of Orthocryl and Paladent-RR acrylic resins significantly increased following conventional autoclave postpolymerization at 130°C for 10 minutes (P<.05). However, the fracture toughness of autoclave postpolymerized Futurajet was not significantly different than its control specimens (P<.05). The fracture toughness of Futurajet was significantly less than Paladent RR and Orthocryl specimens when autoclaved at 130°C for 10 minutes.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this study, it can be suggested that autoclave postpolymerization is an effective method for increasing the fracture toughness of tested autoploymerized acrylic resins.
L’évaluation de la performance des collèges publics québécois par la méthode du Data Envelopment Analysis
Authors: Broussau Frédéric , Ouellette Pierre , Vierstraete Valérie
Published: July 2012

Le système collégial public québécois est très dépendant financièrement des subventions accordées par le gouvernement provincial. En effet, 85 % des revenus des collèges d’enseignement général et professionnel (cégeps) proviennent de subventions gouvernementales. Les cégeps se plaignent d’un sous-financement chronique depuis les fortes coupures budgétaires qu’a connu le système d’enseignement québécois pendant les années quatre-vingt-dix. Avant d’appuyer ce discours, il faut vérifier si les cégeps prouvent leur efficience dans la gestion des fonds publics. C’est cette mesure d’efficience des cégeps que nous faisons dans cette étude.

Nous évaluons l’efficience des cégeps à l’aide de la méthode duData Envelopment Analysis(DEA) à partir d’une banque de données originale fournie par le ministère de l’Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport du Québec. Nous calculons ainsi une efficience relative, en comparant les cégeps les uns aux autres. Notre étude établit que les cégeps sont, en moyenne, efficients à 90 %. Ceci représente des économies potentielles d’environ 140 millions de dollars, soit 10 % des dépenses totales des cégeps. Nous montrons également que l’efficience des cégeps a varié dans le temps et est inversement liée aux subventions budgétaires, l’efficience ayant augmenté lors des coupures budgétaires.
Le gradient santé / revenu familial des nouveau-nés québécois de 1998 après quatre ans : faible ou inexistant?
Authors: Lefebvre Pierre
Published: July 2012

La relation (le « gradient ») entre l’indice de santé des adultes et leur statut socio-économique (SSE) - mesuré notamment par le revenu, l’éducation et l’emploi – est un des constats les plus robustes des recherches en santé. Dans une étude marquante appuyée sur des données américaines, Case et alii (2002) montrent que la santé des jeunes enfants est non seulement liée positivement avec le revenu familial mais que la relation est plus prononcée avec l’âge. Ce travail analyse la relation entre le revenu familial et les états de santé d’un échantillon représentatif d’environ 2 000 nouveau-nés du Québec, suivis annuellement depuis l’âge de 5 mois (en 1998) jusqu’à l’âge d’environ 50 mois (en 2002). Les résultats pour chacun des cinq cycles de l’enquête indiquent la présence d’un lien positif mais très faible entre le niveau de santé des enfants et le revenu familial. La relation est instable dans le temps et semble jouer seulement au-delà de certains seuils de revenu. Cependant, les problèmes de santé chroniques ont un effet important sur l’indice de santé des enfants que le revenu familial parvient mal à contrer. À l’égard du gradient de santé des enfants et ses répercussions, les résultats suggèrent que tout se joue plutôt après cinq ans.
Des firmes multinationales : un survol de la littérature microéconomique
Authors: Jacques Armel
Published: July 2012

Cet article propose une synthèse des travaux microéconomiques portant sur les firmes multinationales. On présente les coûts et les avantages pour les firmes d’investir à l’étranger. On s’intéresse ensuite au choix du mode de développement à l’étranger puis à l’impact sur le comportement des firmes de différentes mesures de politiques économiques.
Sur le nombre optimal d’organismes de bienfaisance
Authors: Barla Philippe , Pestieau Pierre
Published: July 2012

Dans cet article, nous supposons que contribuer à un organisme de bienfaisance (OB) procure du « plaisir de donner » (ou un « effet d’aura ») uniquement si les valeurs idéologiques de l’organisme sont proches de celle du donateur. Nous supposons également que la création d’un nouvel OB génère un coût d’entrée. Ainsi, si un plus grand nombre d’OB conduit à plus de dons, cela entraîne également une réplication des coûts fixes. Nous comparons le nombre d’OB dans une situation de « laissez-faire » avec le nombre optimal à l’équilibre de premier rang. Nous examinons ensuite la solution de second rang lorsque le seul instrument de politique publique est le nombre d’OB.
De la transmission de la volatilité à la contagion entre marchés boursiers : l’éclairage d’un modèle VAR non linéaire avec bris structurels en variance
Authors: Bensafta Kamel Malik , Semedo Gervasio
Published: July 2012

Nous développons dans cet article une modélisation vectorielle autorégressive non linéaire pour l’étude des interdépendances entre les marchés boursiers. Parmi les innovations de ce travail, nous introduisons un bris structurel dans la matrice des variances-covariances conditionnelle d’un processus GARCH multivarié. Dans cet ordre d’idée, nous considérons une spécification BEKK de cette matrice augmentée avec des régresseurs de transmission des chocs de volatilité entre les marchés. L’objectif de cette modification est de répondre à plusieurs biais importants dans la mesure des volatilités et des corrélations entre les marchés : d’une part, le biais de surestimation de la persistance des chocs de volatilité; d’autre part, les biais d’hétéroscédasticité et de variables omises dans la mesure des corrélations. Nous considérons ici un échantillon de 11 marchés boursiers d’Europe, d’Amérique du Nord et d’Asie avec des données hebdomadaires des indices les plus larges entre 1985 et 2006. Plusieurs résultats intéressants sont obtenus avec cette modélisation : la réduction de la persistance des chocs de volatilité; l’évidence d’une transmission des prix et des incertitudes du marché américain vers les marchés européens et asiatiques; l’existence de phénomène de transmission régionale en Europe et en Asie; mis à part le krach américain d’octobre 1987, toutes les crises ne sont pas systématiquement contagieuses. Au final, il n’est pas évident que la libéralisation financière isole les marchés des crises financières diverses, bien que l’intégration soit un vecteur d’efficience des marchés. Les crises et le phénomène de contagion en période de crise peuvent être considérés comme des processus de rééquilibrage des marchés qui doivent être encadrés, régulés et supervisés.
Postrecurrence Treatment in Neoadjuvant or Adjuvant FDA Registration Trials
Authors: Olivier Timothée , Haslam Alyson , Prasad Vinay
Published: June 2024

Importance

In oncology randomized clinical trials, suboptimal access to best available care at recurrence (or relapse) may affect overall survival results.

Objective

To assess the proportion and the quality of postrecurrence treatment received by patients enrolled in US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) registration trials of systemic therapy in the adjuvant or neoadjuvant setting.

Evidence Review

For this systematic review, all trials leading to an FDA approval from January 2018 through May 2023 were obtained from the FDA website and drug announcements. Randomized clinical trials of an anticancer drug in the neoadjuvant or the adjuvant setting were included. Trials of supportive care treatment and treatments given in combination with radiotherapy were excluded. Information abstracted for each trial included tumor type, setting, phase, type of sponsor, reporting and assessment of postrecurrence, and overall survival data.

Findings

A total of 14 FDA trials met the inclusion criteria. Postrecurrence data were not available in 6 of 14 registration trials (43%). Of the 8 remaining trials, postrecurrence treatment was assessed as suboptimal in 6 (75%). Overall, only 2 of 14 trials (14%) had data assessed as appropriate.

Conclusions and Relevance

This systematic review found that 43% of randomized clinical trials of anticancer treatment in the adjuvant or neoadjuvant context failed to present any assessable postrecurrence treatment data. In instances in which these data were shared, postrecurrence treatment was suboptimal 75% of the time. The findings suggest that regulatory bodies should enforce rules stipulating that patients have access to the best standard of care at recurrence.
Evanescent Snowflake Cataract After Pars Plana Vitrectomy
Authors: Almeida Júlio , Ramalho Mário , Prieto Isabel
Published: June 2024

This case report discusses the finding of early cataract after pars plana vitrectomy in a patient with a history of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.
Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse
Authors: Roman Paul
Published: June 2024

Evidence of alcohol use in human societies extends to the beginning of recorded history. Nearly all societies have discovered and used some form of beverage alcohol. The emergence of concepts of alcohol‐related problems in the form of alcoholism and repeated patterns of alcohol abuse is a social development of the past 500 years, especially the past 200 years. Alcohol abuse and alcoholism are typically defined in a culture through the emergence of various means of formal social control. Sociology has a long tradition of critical perspectives on the dominant definitions of alcohol‐related problems and accompanying social policies. It is clear that, given its potentially harmful effects, its widespread use, and the politically powerful alcohol production and distribution industry, there is considerable ambivalence around the notions of appropriate and inappropriate uses of alcohol in most of the world today.
Fiber‐Reinforced Energy‐Absorbing and Vibration‐Isolating Mechanical Metamaterials Based on Triply Periodic Minimal Surfaces
Authors: Dai Hongqing , Xiao Heman , Qiu Zhenchao , Dai Ning , Zhou Laishui
Published: June 2024

Mechanical metamaterials designed using triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) are notable for their mathematically defined topologies that yield specific and impressive mechanical properties. Recently, the use of fiber‐reinforced composite material structures in fields such as mechanical engineering and aerospace technology has significantly increased. However, the performance of fiber‐reinforced mechanical metamaterials based on TPMS has not yet been reported. Therefore, herein, the changes in the vibration isolation and energy absorption performance of TPMS mechanical metamaterials after fiber reinforcement are investigated. Thermoplastic polyurethane is used as the matrix material for the structure and T300 carbon fibers as the reinforcing phase material. First, the equivalent material parameters of TPMS mechanical metamaterials reinforced with carbon fibers using theoretical and finite element methods are obtained. Second, the quasi‐static compression characteristics of mechanical metamaterials are analyzed. Finally, the band structure and energy absorption properties of the TPMS structures are examined. The numerical simulation results show that fiber reinforcement can significantly enhance the stiffness and impact resistance of TPMS mechanical metamaterials. The study provides theoretical guidance for the design and manufacture of mechanical metamaterials and their applications in future aircraft.
Manipulating Molecular Stacking to Achieve High Electron Mobility in 2D Conjugated Ultra‐Narrow Bandgap Non‐Fullerene Acceptors with Absorption Beyond 1000 nm
Authors: Liao Xunfan , Liu Mingtao , Xie Wenchao , Wang Junwei , Zhu Peipei , Yu Shicheng , Fu Yuang , Lu Xinhui , Feng Kui , Guo Xugang , Chen Yiwang
Published: June 2024

N‐type organic semiconductors are essential for the advancement of organic electronic devices. However, in relation to extensive research on n‐type and p‐type polymers, studies on high‐mobility n‐type small‐molecule semiconductors (SMSCs) are limited. Here, a series of ultra‐narrow bandgap n‐type SMSCs are developed on an A‐D‐A‐type structure. These SMSCs feature an exceptionally large π‐conjugated area, leading to strong intramolecular charge transfer and robust π‐π interactions. For the first time, central core and terminal halogenation are employed to control molecular surface electrostatic potential distribution, thereby regulating the π‐π stacking area (Sπ‐π) and studying their correlation. The research reveals that, in n‐type SMSCs with an edge‐on arrangement, introducing fluorine into the 2D central core can reduce the Sπ‐π, which is detrimental to the electron mobility (µe) of organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs). Conversely, terminal chlorination facilitates electron injection and improves µe. Consequently, DTPC‐OD‐4Cl, featuring shorter alkyl side chains and a non‐fluorinated 2D central core and undergoing terminal chlorination, achieved the highest µe of up to 0.52 cm2 V−1 s−1, ranking among the highest values reported for A‐D‐A type SMSCs. This work not only systematically investigated the influence of molecular structure on mobility but also provided novel insights for designing more efficient n‐type SMSCs.
Extreme Hydrogel Bioelectronics
Authors: He Xuecheng , Liu Dingyao , Cui Binbin , Huang Hao , Dai Shilei , Pang Ivo , Qiao Yuchun , Xu Tailin , Zhang Shiming
Published: June 2024

The last decades have witnessed the rapid growth of hydrogel bioelectronics. Traditional hydrogels face challenges when working under extreme conditions, causing a loss of stabilities and functionalities. This review provides a systematic overview of hydrogels capable of working under extreme conditions, with a focus on their applications in bioelectronic systems. These hydrogels are summarized into categories of anti‐mechanical damage, anti‐detachment, anti‐swelling, anti‐freezing, and anti‐foreign body response. Strategies including material development and structural design that can endow hydrogels with the above extreme properties are introduced. Finally, current challenges and new opportunities in developing extreme hydrogel bioelectronic devices and systems are discussed.
Freezing, Salting‐Out and Mineralization — A Simple, Universal and Modular Strategy for Constructing Mineralized Hydrogels
Authors: Xu Liupan , Kang Haifei , Wei Wenying , Goto Takashi , Wu Xiaopei , Dai Honglian
Published: June 2024

Mineralized hydrogels have attracted significant attention in the field of bone repair. Herein, an innovative strategy of “freezing, salting‐out and mineralizing” (FSM) is proposed for the construction of mineralized hydrogels. Based on this strategy, a collagen/hydroxyapatite (HA) mineralized hydrogel is synthesized as the template of mineralized hydrogels, and the critical roles of freezing and salting‐out in the formation of hydrogels are demonstrated. Comparative analyses with collagen/HA mineralized hydrogels synthesized through two other traditional methods reveal that the hydrogel constructed by FSM exhibits satisfactory operation simplicity, mineralization degree, uniformity distribution, mechanical property, degradation stability, cytocompatibility, and osteogenic property, indicating that it can serve as an ideal mineralized hydrogel scaffold for bone repair. Furthermore, 16 other kinds of mineralized hydrogels with different systems are constructed by modularly expanding the raw materials used in the FSM process to nine common biomedical polymers, four metal cations and three anions, confirming the universality of the proposed FSM strategy for most mineralized hydrogel. Overall, the three‐step FSM strategy, which integrates the salting‐out effect with mineralization, represents a groundbreaking approach for the fabrication of mineralized hydrogels, offering a simple, universal and modular method for their construction.
First Structured Uranium‐Based Monoliths Produced via Vat Photopolymerization for Nuclear Applications
Authors: Zanini Alice , Celdran Pedro Amador , Walter Olaf , Carturan Sara Maria , Boshoven Jacobus , Bulgheroni Antonio , Biasetto Lisa , Manzolaro Mattia , Eloirdi Rachel , Corradetti Stefano , Franchin Giorgia
Published: June 2024

Uranium plays an unquestionable role in the framework of nuclear physics, biology, and radiopharmacy. Moreover, uranyl ion UO22+ offers an immense variety of applications due to the unique photosensitivity of its complexes. The excited state of uranyl cation is indeed accessible under ultraviolet‐visible (UV–vis) light, readily producing radical species UO22+* upon light irradiation. Herein, an innovative synthesis protocol is presented to explore the use of uranyl cations as photocatalyst systems for photocurable sol–gel‐based formulations, coupling the photochemical reactions of uranyl cations with photopolymerization‐based additive manufacturing processes. Additive manufacturing has nowadays revolutionized the production of complex structures with arbitrary geometries and has opened up enticing opportunities for innovative technological breakthroughs and highly tailorable systems. The fabrication of micro‐architected components is shown via vat photopolymerization, namely, the Digital Light Processing technique, and ‐3D) printed parts are converted into uranium dicarbide (UC2)/carbon nanocomposite upon carbothermal reduction. This uranyl‐mediated additive manufacturing process constitutes the first application of the synergistic role of uranyl motifs in a photopolymer platform, demonstrating for the first time the possibility to directly pattern uranium‐based materials in complex structures.
Persistent Room‐Temperature Phosphorescent Organohydrogels Based on Nonaromatic Luminogens Crosslinked by Hydrogen Bonds
Authors: Deng Junwen , Liu Deyu , Liu Haiqi , Yu Linxuan , Bai Yunhao , Xiao Jinsheng , Wang Huiliang
Published: June 2024

The development of persistent room‐temperature phosphorescent (pRTP) hydrogels is important for the practical applications of organic phosphors. Unfortunately, the phosphorescence emission of nontraditional luminogens (NTLs) can be strongly quenched by water in hydrogel networks. Herein, a series of pRTP organohydrogels based on NTLs are prepared by dissolving poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), biuret (BIU) and poly(maleic acid) (PMAc) (or other nonaromatic macromolecular acids) in a glycerol/water mixed solvent, followed by a simple freezing‐thawing treatment. Very impressively, the organohydrogel exhibits remarkable excitation‐dependent and metal cation‐responsive phosphorescence with a maximum lifetime up to 782.8 ms at ambient conditions. Moreover, the organohydrogels treated with metal cations also have excitation‐dependent phosphorescence. Multidimensional information encryption can be achieved by simply printing solutions of metal cations onto the gel surface and switching the irradiation lights, or using gel blocks prepared with different macromolecular acids. Structural characterizations, mechanical tests, and comparative studies prove that hydrogen bonding between BIU and macromolecular chains leads to rigidification of molecular conformations and the cooperative effect of the components leads to the pRTP of the organohydrogels. This work provides a reliable strategy for the preparation of nonaromatic phosphorescent hydrogels with long afterglows and greatly expands the practical applications of phosphorescent materials.
Heterostructure Nanozyme with Hyperthermia‐Amplified Enzyme‐Like Activity and Controlled Silver Release for Synergistic Antibacterial Therapy
Authors: Zhang Meng , Yue Wenhui , Ma Weishuai , Wang Xiaoning , Xu Yuanhong , Li Aihua
Published: June 2024

Heterostructure nanozymes as antibiotic‐free antimicrobial agents exhibit great potential for multidrug‐resistant (MDR) bacterial strains elimination. However, realization of heterostructure antimicrobials with enhanced interfacial interaction for synergistically amplified antibacterial therapy is still a great challenge. Herein, oxygen‐vacancy‐enriched glucose modified MoOx (G‐MoOx) is exploited as a reducing agent to spontaneously reduce Ag (I) into Ag (0) that in situ grows onto the surface of G‐MoOx. The resultant Ag doped G‐MoOx (Ag/G‐MoOx) heterostructure displays augmenting photothermal effect and NIR‐enhanced oxidase‐like activity after introducing Ag nanoparticles. What's more, NIR hyperthermia accelerate Ag+ ions release from Ag nanoparticles. Introduction of Ag greatly enhances antimicrobial activities of Ag/G‐MoOx against MDR bacteria, especially the hybrid loading with 1 wt% Ag NPs exhibiting antibacterial efficacy up to 99.99% against Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, 1×106 CFU mL−1).
Photoactivation of Millimeters Thick Liquid Crystal Elastomers with Broadband Visible Light Using Donor–Acceptor Stenhouse Adducts
Authors: Guillen Campos Jesus , Tobin Cassidy , Sandlass Sara , Park Minwook , Wu Yuhang , Gordon Michael , Read de Alaniz Javier
Published: June 2024

Light‐responsive liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are stimuli‐responsive materials that facilitate the conversion of light energy into a mechanical response. In this work, a novel polysiloxane‐based LCE with donor–acceptor Stenhouse adduct (DASA) side‐chains is synthesized using a late‐stage functionalization strategy. It is demonstrated that this approach does not compromise the molecular alignment observed in the traditional Finkelmann method. This easy, single‐batch process provides a robust platform to access well‐aligned, light‐responsive LCE films with thickness ranging from 400 µm to a 14‐layer stack that is 5 mm thick. Upon irradiation with low‐intensity broadband visible light (100–200 mW cm−2), these systems undergo 2D planar actuation and complete bleaching. Conversely, exposure to higher‐intensity visible light induces bending followed by contraction (300 mW cm−2). These processes are repeatable over several cycles. Finally, it is demonstrated how light intensity and the resulting heat generation influences the photothermal stationary state equilibrium of DASA, thereby controlling its photoresponsive properties. This work establishes the groundwork for advancement of LCE‐based actuators beyond thin film and UV‐light reliant systems.
Operando Colorations from Real‐Time Growth of 3D‐Printed Nanoarchitectures
Authors: Liu Bingyan , Liu Qiling , Feng Jicheng
Published: June 2024

While artificial 3D nanostructures can generate precise and flexible coloration, their real‐time color changes during 3D nanoprinting remain unexplored owing to the inherent challenges of in situ transient measurements and observations. In this study, a 3D‐printing system which supports the operando observation/measurement of the color dynamics of subwavelength metallic nanoarchitectures fabricated in real time is developed and evaluated. During 3D printing, the dimensions and geometries of the 3D nanostructures grow over time, producing a large library of optical spectra associated with real‐time color changes. Only a timer is needed to define the expected colors from a single 3D print run. Fin‐like nanostructures are used to toggle colors based on the polarization effect and produce color gradients. Based on structural coloration, nanoarchitectures are designed and printed to animate desired color patterns. Moreover, the resulting color dynamics can also serve as an operando identifier for real‐time structural information during 3D nanoprinting. A single print run enables the efficient creation of a comprehensive library of desired colorations owing to the flexibility in time‐dependent controllability and 3D geometries at the subwavelength scale. 3D nanoprinted plasmonic structures exhibiting time‐varying colorations (4D printing of colors) uniquely redefines the coloring stategy, offering considerable potential for numerous applications.
Triarylamine Trisamide Interfacial Modulation for Perovskite Photovoltaics
Authors: Almalki Masaud , AlSabeh Ghewa , Ruiz‐Preciado Marco A. , Zhang Hong , Galerne Melodie , Moulin Emilie , Eickemeyer Felix Thomas , Zakeeruddin Shaik M. , Milić Jovana V. , Giuseppone Nicolas , Grätzel Michael
Published: June 2024

Hybrid perovskites stand out as one of the leading materials in the new generation of photovoltaics. Their stability under operating conditions, however, remains an ongoing challenge. In particular, aging at the interface with the charge transport materials contributes to the degradation during operation. To address this, functionalized triarylamine‐based modulators are employed, which are known to form hole‐transporting supramolecular stacks, at the interface between the perovskite active layer and the hole‐transporting material in conventional perovskite solar cells. As a result, the improvements of the operational stabilities are demonstrated without compromising device performances, providing a promising strategy for advancing photovoltaics.
Nonpharmacological pain management approaches among U.S. construction workers: A cross‐sectional pilot study
Authors: Le Aurora B. , Shkembi Abas , Scott Earnest G. , Garza Elizabeth , Trout Douglas , Choi Sang D.
Published: June 2024

Background

U.S. construction workers experience high rates of injury that can lead to chronic pain. This pilot study examined nonpharmacological (without medication prescribed by healthcare provider) and pharmacological (e.g., prescription opioids) pain management approaches used by construction workers.

Methods

A convenience sample of U.S. construction workers was surveyed, in partnership with the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Construction Sector Program. Differences in familiarity and use of nonpharmacological and pharmacological pain management approaches, by demographics, were assessed using logistic regression models. A boosted regression tree model examined the most influential factors related to pharmacological pain management use, and potential reductions in use were counterfactually modeled.

Results

Of 166 (85%) of 195 participants reporting pain/discomfort in the last year, 72% reported using pharmacological pain management approaches, including 19% using opioids. There were significant differences in familiarity with nonpharmacological approaches by gender, education, work experience, and job title. Among 37 factors that predicted using pharmacological and non‐pharmacological pain management approaches, training on the risks of opioids, job benefits for unpaid leave and paid disability, and familiarity with music therapy, meditation or mindful breathing, and body scans were among the most important predictors of potentially reducing use of pharmacological approaches. Providing these nonpharmacological approaches to workers could result in an estimated 23% (95% CI: 16%–30%) reduction in pharmacological pain management approaches.

Conclusion

This pilot study suggests specific factors related to training, job benefits, and worker familiarity with nonpharmacological pain management approaches influence use of these approaches.