bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calculation features of compressed-bent build-up timber columns with nonlinear-deformable shear bracings
Authors: Popov E V , Karelsky A V , Sopilov V V , Labudin B V , Cherednichenko V V
Published: January 2022

Object of research is build-up compressed–bent and eccentrically compressed columns on yielding nonlinear – deformable shear bracings. Purpose of the research is development of a numerical method for calculation of columns, allowing to take in account the influence of deflection of elastic axis of bar on the increment of the bending moment from the action of longitudinal compressive force and the nonlinear dependence between the forces and deformations in the shear bracings. Problem-solving method consists in dividing the column into separate sections, a system of equations is compiled from the condition of equality of the increment of concentrated shears. The loading process is divided into a set number of stages, at each forces in the shear bracings, the stresses in the branches, and the buckling function of the elastic axis of the element are determined. The obtained values of forces in the shear bracings and buckling are used to specify stiffness of the bracings and component of the bending moment arising due to eccentric application of the longitudinal compressive force when longitudinal axis of the element is deflecting. To obtain the resulting values, the obtained forces, deflections and stresses in the branches at each calculation stage are summed up.
Modeling the system of a dovetailless asynchronous electric drive for conveyor mechanisms
Authors: Pikalov Vladimir Vladimirovich , Boikov Andrei Igorevich , Sdvizkov Andrei Vitalievich , Ponomarev Pavel Sergeevich
Published: January 2022

The article considers a vector control system for asynchronous electric drive of belt conveyors, which uses an adaptive observer to control the speed of the electric drive. This allows you to increase the reliability and inter-interval maintenance of the electric drive. The requirements for the observer are determined, its mathematical description is made, and the law of adaptation is determined. In the Matlab Simulink package, a computer simulation of the proposed sensor-free control system is performed. A study of the robustness of the actuator in terms of the drift of the parameters of the motor when powered from the inverter, expressed by the integral criterion for parametric robustness. Based on the results obtained, a comparison is made and conclusions are drawn about the advantages and disadvantages of using an adaptive observer in comparison with other types of observers.
Fretting tribological performance of DLC, TiAlN and DLC/TiAlN coatings deposited on carburized 18CrNi4A steel
Authors: Xiao Li , Xu Yingqiang , Chen Zhiyong
Published: January 2022

To improve the fretting wear performance of 18CrNi4A steel, DLC, TiAlN and DLC/TiAlN coatings were deposited on the surface of carburized 18CrNi4A steel, respectively. The microstructure morphologies, chemical compositions, and mechanical properties of these coatings were evaluated. The fretting tribological properties of pad/flat contact pairs for carburized 18CrNi4A steel, DLC, TiAlN and DLC/TiAlN coatings were investigated in different lubricant environments including dry sliding and #RIPP 7254 aviation grease. The results show that DLC, TiAlN and DLC/TiAlN coatings deposited on the carburized 18CrNi4A steel surface can improve surface roughness, hardness, fracture toughness and resistance to plastic deformation. DLC, TiAlN and DLC/TiAlN coatings deposited on the surface of carburized 18CrNi4A steel can make the surface of the substrate have excellent fretting wear properties. DLC and DLC/TiAlN coatings have lower coefficient of friction and better fretting wear resistance than TiAlN coatings in dry sliding condition, and DLC/TiAlN coatings have the lowest wear rate in #RIPP 7254 grease lubrication condition. In addition, the wear mechanisms of carburized 18CrNi4A steel, DLC, TiAlN and DLC/TiAlN coatings in dry sliding and #RIPP 7254 aviation grease conditions were analyzed.
Effects of tensile stress on electrochemical characteristics and structural morphology of P110SS steels in carbon dioxide-saturated solution
Authors: Wang Shuliang , Yao Mengjun , Jing Yangzhong , He Xujia , Bao Mingyu , Liu Li , Xiang Dinghan
Published: January 2022

A high-temperature autoclave was used to grow CO2 corrosion-product films on P110SS steel specimens while the surface of the specimens was continuously subjected to tensile stress in a four-point bending jig; the autoclaving times were 6, 18, 36, and 72 h. A scanning electron microscope was used to observe the surface topography of the corrosion-product films formed on the P110SS steels. An x-ray diffraction was used to analyze the phase compositions of the corrosion products. The electrochemical performance of the films was investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization curves. The results showed that tensile stress could hinder the formation of corrosion-product films; the integrity and compactness of the films worsened, but the phase compositions of the films did not change. The applied tensile stress resulted in a smaller grain size of the corrosion-product films, and the grain boundaries increased. In addition, owing to the induced tensile stress, the charge transfer resistances decreased, and the corrosion current densities increased for the P110SS steels with corrosion-product films in a 3.5 wt% NaCl solution saturated with CO2.
Printed zinc tin oxide diodes: from combustion synthesis to large-scale manufacturing
Authors: Carlos Emanuel , Branquinho Rita , Jansson Elina , Leppäniemi Jaakko , Menezes José , Pereira Rita , Deuermeier Jonas , Alastalo Ari , Eiroma Kim , Hakola Liisa , Fortunato Elvira , Martins Rodrigo
Published: January 2022

Printed metal oxide devices have been widely desired in flexible electronic applications to allow direct integration on foils and to reduce electronic waste and associated costs. Especially, semiconductor devices made from non-critical raw materials, such as Zn, Sn (and not, for example, In), have gained significant interest. Despite considerable progress in the field, the upscale requirements from lab to fab scale to produce these materials and devices remain a challenge. In this work, we report the importance of solution combustion synthesis (SCS) when compared with sol–gel in the production of zinc tin oxide (ZTO) thin films using a solvent (1-methoxypropanol) that has lower environmental impact than the widely used and toxic 2-methoxyethanol. To assure the compatibility with low-cost flexible substrates in high-throughput printing techniques, a low annealing temperature of 140 °C was achieved for these thin films by combining SCS and infrared annealing in a short processing time. These conditions allowed the transition from spin-coating (lab scale) to flexographic printing (fab scale) at a printing speed of 10 m min−1 in a roll-to-roll pilot line. The ZTO (1:1 Zn:Sn-ratio) diodes show a rectification ratio of 103, a low operation voltage (⩽3 V), promising reproducibility and low variability. The results provide the basis for further optimisation (device size, encapsulation) to meet the requirements of diodes in flexible electronics applications such as passive-matrix addressing, energy harvesting and rectification.
On the connectivity of spaces of three-dimensional domino tilings
Authors: Freire Juliana , Klivans Caroline , Milet Pedro , Saldanha Nicolau
Published: January 2022

We consider domino tilings of three-dimensional cubiculated manifolds with or without boundary, including subsets of Euclidean space and three-dimensional tori. In particular, we are interested in the connected components of the space of tilings of such regions under local moves. Building on the work of the third and fourth authors we allow two possible local moves, the flip and trit. These moves are considered with respect to two topological invariants, the twist and flux.

Our main result proves that, up to refinement,

∙

\bullet \;

Two tilings are connected by flips and trits if and only if they have the same flux.

∙

\bullet \;

Two tilings are connected by flips alone if and only if they have the same flux and twist.
Augmenting recombinant antibody production in HEK293E cells: optimizing transfection and culture parameters
Authors: Heng Zealyn Shi-Lin , Yeo Joshua Yi , Koh Darius Wen-Shuo , Gan Samuel Ken-En , Ling Wei-Li
Published: January 2022

Background

Optimizing recombinant antibody production is important for cost-effective therapeutics and diagnostics. With impact on commercialization, higher productivity beyond laboratory scales is highly sought, where efficient production can also accelerate antibody characterizations and investigations.

Methods

Investigating HEK293E cells for mammalian antibody production, various transfection and culture parameters were systematically analyzed for antibody light chain production before evaluating them for whole antibody production. Transfection parameters investigated include seeding cell density, the concentration of the transfection reagent and DNA, complexation time, temperature, and volume, as well as culture parameters such as medium replacement, serum deprivation, use of cell maintenance antibiotic, incubation temperature, medium volume, post-transfection harvest day, and common nutrient supplements.

Results

Using 2 mL adherent HEK293E cell culture transfections with 25 kDa linear polyethylenimine in the most optimized parameters, we demonstrated a ~2-fold production increase for light chain alone and for whole antibody production reaching 536 and 49 μg, respectively, in a cost-effective manner. With the addition of peptone, κ light chain increased by ~4-fold to 1032 μg, whereas whole antibody increased to a lesser extent by ~2.5-fold to 51 μg, with benefits potentially for antibodies limited by their light chains in production.

Conclusions

Our optimized findings show promise for a more efficient and convenient antibody production method through transfection and culture optimizations that can be incorporated to scale-up processes and with potential transferability to other mammalian-based recombinant protein production using HEK293E.
Contextual factors influencing complex intervention research processes in care homes: a systematic review and framework synthesis
Authors: Peryer Guy , Kelly Sarah , Blake Jessica , Burton Jennifer K , Irvine Lisa , Cowan Andy , Akdur Gizdem , Killett Anne , Brand Sarah L , Musa Massirfufulay Kpehe , Meyer Julienne , Gordon Adam L , Goodman Claire
Published: January 2022

Background

Care homes are complex settings to undertake intervention research. Barriers to research implementation processes can threaten studies’ validity, reducing the value to residents, staff, researchers and funders. We aimed to (i) identify and categorise contextual factors that may mediate outcomes of complex intervention studies in care homes and (ii) provide recommendations to minimise the risk of expensive research implementation failures.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review using a framework synthesis approach viewed through a complex adaptive systems lens. We searched: MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, ASSIA databases and grey literature. We sought process evaluations of care home complex interventions published in English. Narrative data were indexed under 28 context domains. We performed an inductive thematic analysis across the context domains.

Results

We included 33 process evaluations conducted in high-income countries, published between 2005 and 2019. Framework synthesis identified barriers to implementation that were more common at the task and organisational level. Inductive thematic analysis identified (i) avoiding procedural drift and (ii) participatory action and learning as key priorities for research teams. Research team recommendations include advice for protocol design and care home engagement. Care home team recommendations focus on internal resources and team dynamics. Collaborative recommendations apply to care homes’ individual context and the importance of maintaining positive working relationships.

Discussion

Researchers planning and undertaking research with care homes need a sensitive appreciation of the complex care home context. Study implementation is most effective where an intervention is co-produced, with agreed purpose and adequate resources to incorporate within existing routines and care practices.
Referral to geriatric rehabilitation: a scoping review of triage factors in acutely hospitalised older patients
Authors: de Groot Aafke J , Wattel Elizabeth M , van Dam Carmen S , van Balen Romke , van der Wouden Johannes C , Hertogh Cees M P M
Published: January 2022

Objective

Old or frail acutely hospitalised patients can benefit from geriatric rehabilitation but criteria concerning referral decisions are unclear. This review presents an overview of clinical factors associated with referral to geriatric rehabilitation that may further consensus between hospital and rehabilitation professionals on triage.

Design

Scoping review.

Methods

A review was conducted following Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. The search included literature concerning a broad spectrum of acutely hospitalised patients and factors associated with their referral to geriatric rehabilitation.

Results

Selected abstracts were categorised into distinct geriatric rehabilitation care pathways such as stroke, hip fracture, amputation of lower limb, cardiac and oncologic rehabilitation. Abstracts on internal medical patients were further reviewed and 29 studies were included. A total of 13 studies focused on factors identifying rehabilitation needs and 16 on factors associated with outcome of geriatric rehabilitation. Triage factors were diverse and included frailty status, functional decline, cognitive symptoms and multimorbidity. Mood symptoms and living situation further specified post-acute care needs. In overview, triage factors could be characterised as demographic (n = 4), diagnosis-related (n = 8), mental (n = 6), functional (n = 10) or multi-domain (n = 12) and mapped in a transitional care pathway.

Conclusions and implications

Frailty and functional decline are characteristics frequently associated with referral to geriatric rehabilitation of acutely hospitalised internal medical patients. A comprehensive geriatric assessment or a simpler multi-domain set of tests reveals rehabilitation needs and approximates a functional prognosis. Professional consensus on factors and timing of triage in hospital is within reach.
Candidate reactions to a postgraduate year 1 pharmacy residency supplemental application
Authors: Reed Brent N , Armahizer Michael J , Devabhakthuni Sandeep , Lemens Laura , Yeung Siu Yan A
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to gauge postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) pharmacy residency candidates’ reactions to supplemental applications, as well as aspects specific to our process, including a personality test and situational judgment test (SJT).

Methods

After rank lists were submitted, applicants to our program were invited to complete an online survey. Outcomes of interest included candidates’ perceptions of relevance and fairness. Whether candidates’ attitudes differed based on the receipt of an interview offer was also assessed.

Results

Of 199 applicants to our program for the 2021-2022 training year, 48 applicants (24.1%) completed the survey, 15 of whom had received an interview offer. Most (64.6%) agreed that supplemental applications were useful, and nearly all (95.8%) indicated that they were willing to submit one for programs in which they were most interested. The process was seen as being fair, although ratings were higher among those who received interview offers. Most respondents believed that the personality test and SJT were relevant to the role of a resident, but attitudes towards the SJT were generally more favorable and less likely to vary according to whether candidates received an interview offer. Candidates believed that the personality test and SJT were not as representative of them as letters of reference or their curriculum vitae, but perceptions of academic performance varied.

Conclusion

Applicants responded positively to our supplemental application and indicated that they would be willing to complete one for programs of interest. These findings should help assuage concerns about the use of supplemental applications, particularly when short-answer or essay formats are avoided.
Diversity, phylogeny and evolution of the rapidly evolving genusPsidiumL. (Myrtaceae, Myrteae)
Authors: Proença Carolyn Elinore Barnes , Tuler Amélia Carlos , Lucas Eve J , Vasconcelos Thais Nogales da Costa , de Faria Jair Eustáquio Quintino , Staggemeier Vanessa Graziele , de-Carvalho Plauto Simão , Forni-Martins Eliana Regina , Inglis Peter Ward , da Mata Lorena Ramos , da Costa Itayguara Ribeiro
Published: January 2022

Background and Aims

Psidium is the fourthth largest genus of Myrtaceae in the Neotropics. Psidium guajava is widely cultivated in the tropics for its edible fruit. It is commercially under threat due to the disease guava decline. Psidium cattleyanum is one of the 100 most invasive organisms in the world. Knowledge of the phylogenetic relationships within Psidium is poor. We aim to provide a review of the biology, morphology and ecology of Psidium, a phylogenetic tree, an infrageneric classification and a list of species.

Methods

Morphological and geographic data were obtained by studying Psidium in herbaria and in the field between 1988 and 2020. Forty-six herbaria were visited personally. A database of approx. 6000 specimens was constructed, and the literature was reviewed. Thirty species (about a third of the species in the genus) were sampled for molecular phylogenetic inference. Two chloroplast (psbA–trnH and ndhF) and two nuclear (external transcribed spacer and internal transcribed spacer) regions were targeted. Phylogenetic trees were constructed using maximum likelihood (ML; RaxML) and Bayesian inference (BI; MrBayes).

Key Results

Psidium is a monophyletic genus with four major clades recognized as sections. Section Psidium (ten species), to which P. guajava belongs, is sister to the rest of the genus; it is widespread across the Neotropics. Section Obversifolia (six species; restricted to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest), which includes P. cattleyanum, is sister to the innermost clade composed of sister sections Apertiflora (31 species; widespread but most diverse in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest) + Mitranthes (26 species; widespread in dry forests and probably diverse in the Caribbean). Characters associated with diversification within Psidium are discussed.

Conclusions

Research on pre-foliation, colleters, leaf anatomy, leaf physiology, staminal development, placentation and germination associated with the anatomy of the opercular plug is desirable. Studies are biased towards sections Psidium and Obversifolia, with other sections poorly known.
How Ready Are Indian Primary School Children for English Medium Instruction? An Analysis of the Relationship between the Reading Skills of Low-SES Children, Their Oral Vocabulary and English Input in the Classroom in Government Schools in India
Authors: Treffers-Daller Jeanine , Mukhopadhyay Lina , Balasubramanian Anusha , Tamboli Vasim , Tsimpli Ianthi
Published: January 2022

The aim of the study was to find out to what extent low socio-economic status (SES) children enrolled in government-run primary schools in Hyderabad are ready to receive instruction through the medium of English (English medium instruction [EMI]). To this end we investigated children’s oral vocabulary skills, the lexical complexity of their textbooks, as well as the amount of English input they receive in class. A subsample of 90 children from primary school Grades 4 and 5 who opted to carry out a story retelling task in English rather than in Telugu took part in the study. Results reveal that the children’s oral vocabulary levels are far below the levels required to read the textbook materials. The lexical diversity of the children’s stories as analysed with the Index of Guiraud was also a significant predictor of their reading comprehension scores. We conclude that children from low-SES enrolled in government schools are not ready for EMI, and call for further investigation into the levels of English vocabulary knowledge that are needed for EMI.
Accelerated versus watchful waiting strategy of kidney replacement therapy for acute kidney injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Chen Jui-Yi , Chen Ying-Ying , Pan Heng-Chih , Hsieh Chih-Chieh , Hsu Tsuen-Wei , Huang Yun-Ting , Huang Tao-Min , Shiao Chih-Chung , Huang Chun-Te , Kashani Kianoush , Wu Vin-Cent
Published: January 2022

Background

Critically ill patients with severe acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring kidney replacement therapy (KRT) have a grim prognosis. Recently, multiple studies focused on the impact of KRT initiation time [i.e., accelerated versus watchful waiting KRT initiation (WWS-KRT)] on patient outcomes. We aim to review the results of all related clinical trials.

Methods

In this systematic review, we searched all relevant randomized clinical trials from January 2000 to April 2021. We assessed the impacts of accelerated versus WWS-KRT on KRT dependence, KRT-free days, mortality and adverse events, including hypotension, infection, arrhythmia and bleeding. We rated the certainty of evidence according to Cochrane methods and the GRADE approach.

Results

A total of 4932 critically ill patients with AKI from 10 randomized clinical trials were included in this analysis. The overall 28-day mortality rate was 38.5%. The 28-day KRT-dependence rate was 13.0%. The overall incident of KRT in the accelerated group was 97.4% and 62.8% in the WWS-KRT group. KRT in the accelerated group started 36.7 h earlier than the WWS-KRT group. The two groups had similar risks of 28-day [pooled log odds ratio (OR) 1.001, P = 0.982] and 90-day (OR 0.999, P = 0.991) mortality rates. The accelerated group had a significantly higher risk of 90-day KRT dependence (OR 1.589, P = 0.007), hypotension (OR 1.687, P < 0.001) and infection (OR 1.38, P = 0.04) compared with the WWS-KRT group.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis revealed that accelerated KRT leads to a higher probability of 90-day KRT dependence and dialysis-related complications without any impact on mortality rate when compared with WWS-KRT. Therefore, we suggest the WWS-KRT strategy for critically ill patients.
The sympathetic nervous system exacerbates carotid body sensitivity in hypertension
Authors: Felippe Igor S A , Zera Tymoteusz , da Silva Melina P , Moraes Davi J A , McBryde Fiona , Paton Julian F R
Published: January 2022

Aims

The carotid bodies (CBs) of spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rats exhibit hypertonicity and hyperreflexia contributing to heightened peripheral sympathetic outflow. We hypothesized that CB hyperexcitability is driven by its own sympathetic innervation.

Methods and results

To test this, the chemoreflex was activated (NaCN 50–100 µL, 0.4 µg/µL) in SH and Wistar rats in situ before and after: (i) electrical stimulation (ES; 30 Hz, 2 ms, 10 V) of the superior cervical ganglion (SCG), which innervates the CB; (ii) unilateral resection of the SCG (SCGx); (iii) CB injections of an α1-adrenergic receptor agonist (phenylephrine, 50 µL, 1 mmol/L), and (iv) α1-adrenergic receptor antagonist prazosin (40 µL, 1 mmol/L) or tamsulosin (50 µL, 1 mmol/L). ES of the SCG enhanced CB-evoked sympathoexcitation by 40–50% (P < 0.05) with no difference between rat strains. Unilateral SCGx attenuated the CB-evoked sympathoexcitation in SH (62%; P < 0.01) but was without effect in Wistar rats; it also abolished the ongoing firing of chemoreceptive petrosal neurones of SH rats, which became hyperpolarized. In Wistar rats, CB injections of phenylephrine enhanced CB-evoked sympathoexcitation (33%; P < 0.05), which was prevented by prazosin (26%; P < 0.05) in SH rats. Tamsulosin alone reproduced the effects of prazosin in SH rats and prevented the sensitizing effect of the SCG following ES. Within the CB, α1A- and α1B-adrenoreceptors were co-localized on both glomus cells and blood vessels. In conscious SH rats instrumented for recording blood pressure (BP), the CB-evoked pressor response was attenuated after SCGx, and systolic BP fell by 16 ± 4.85 mmHg.

Conclusions

The sympathetic innervation of the CB is tonically activated and sensitizes the CB of SH but not Wistar rats. Furthermore, sensitization of CB-evoked reflex sympathoexcitation appears to be mediated by α1-adrenoceptors located either on the vasculature and/or glomus cells. The SCG is novel target for controlling CB pathophysiology in hypertension.
Postoperative Safety Profile of Minimally Invasive Ileocolonic Resections for Crohn’s Disease in the Era of Biologic Therapy
Authors: Abd El Aziz Mohamed A , Abdalla Solafah , Calini Giacomo , Saeed Hamadelneel , Stocchi Luca , Merchea Amit , Colibaseanu Dorin T , Shawki Sherief , Larson David W
Published: January 2022

Background

There is controversy regarding the postoperative outcomes in Crohn’s disease [CD] patients exposed to vedolizumab [VDZ] or ustekinumab [UST]. We aimed to describe our surgical outcomes in patients who underwent minimally invasive ileocolonic resection [MIS-ICR] for CD who had preoperative biologic therapy.

Methods

All consecutive adult patients who had MIS-ICR for CD between 2014 and 2021 at our institution were included. Patients were divided into four groups: VDZ, UST, anti-tumour necrosis factor [anti-TNF], and no biologic group. Timing between the last dose of biologics and surgery was per surgeon’s discretion. The primary outcome was intra-abdominal septic complications. Secondary outcomes included all 30-day complications.

Results

A total of 274 patients were identified. Of these, 113 [41.2%] patients had received anti-TNF, 52 [19%] had received UST, and 19 [7%] had received VDZ. There was no difference between the four groups regarding baseline risk factors. There was no difference between the four groups regarding intra-abdominal septic complications [4.4% for no biologic, 5.3% for anti-TNF, 5.8% for UST, and 5.3% for VDZ; p = 0.987], surgical site infection rate, overall 30-day morbidity, overall 30-day readmission, overall surgical and medical complications, urinary tract infection, pulmonary infections, or length of stay. Those results were consistent after a subgroup analysis based on complexity of the disease.

Conclusions

This retrospective analysis demonstrates an equivalent postoperative safety profile for patients treated with preoperative anti-TNF, VDZ, or UST versus no biologic therapy within 3 months of MIS-ICR for Crohn’s disease. Preoperative biologic therapy may not increase complications after minimally invasive ileocolonic resection in Crohn’s disease. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm results.
A report of two cases of myocarditis following mRNA coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination
Authors: Bengel Christopher Paul , Kacapor Rifat
Published: January 2022

Background

Vaccination is the most important measure to control the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Myocarditis has been reported as a rare adverse reaction to COVID-19 vaccines. The clinical presentation of myocarditis in such cases can range from mild general symptoms to acute heart failure.

Case summary

We report the cases of two young men who presented with chest pain and dyspnoea following the administration of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Cardiac investigations revealed findings typical of acute myocarditis.

Discussion

Myocarditis is a rare complication following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. In this case series, the temporal proximity of the development of acute myocarditis and the administration of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine was acknowledged. In the absence of other causative factors, myocarditis in these patients potentially occurred due to an adverse reaction to the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. However, a causal relationship remains speculative. Clinical suspicion of myocarditis should be high if patients present with chest pain or dyspnoea after receiving COVID-19 vaccination.
The impact of gender bias in cardiothoracic surgery in Europe: a European Society of Thoracic Surgeons and European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery survey
Authors: Pompili Cecilia , Opitz Isabelle , Backhus Leah , Leschber Gunda , Veronesi Giulia , Lauk Olivia , Novoa Nuria , Daddi Niccolo’ , Deglurkar Indu , Cleuziou Julie , Emrich Anna Lena , D’Auria Francesca , Kluin Jolanda
Published: January 2022

OBJECTIVES

The European Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery designed a questionnaire to assess the impact of gender bias on a cardiothoracic surgery career.

METHODS

A 46-item survey investigating gender bias was designed using online survey software from December 2020 to January 2021. All European Society of Thoracic Surgeons and European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery members and non-members included in the mailing lists were invited to complete an electronic survey. Descriptive statistics and a comparison between gender groups were performed.

RESULTS

Our overall response rate was 11.5% (1118/9764), of which 36.14% were women and 63.69% were men. Women were more likely to be younger than men (P < 0.0001). A total of 66% of the women reported having no children compared to only 19% of the men (P < 0.0001). Only 6% of women vs 22% of men were professors. More women (72%) also reported never having been a formal mentor themselves compared to men (38%, P < 0.0001). A total of 35% of female respondents considered leaving surgery because of episodes of discrimination compared to 13% of men; 67% of women said that they experienced being unfairly treated due to gender discrimination. Of the male surgeons, 31% reported that they were very satisfied with their career compared to only 17% of women (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Women in cardiothoracic surgery reported significantly high rates of experiences with bias that may prevent qualified women from advancing to positions of leadership. Efforts to mitigate bias and support the professional development of women are at the centre of newly formed European committees.
Impacts of using orthodontic appliances on the quality of life of children and adolescents: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Vidigal Maria Tereza Campos , Mesquita Caio Melo , de Oliveira Murilo Navarro , de Andrade Vieira Walbert , Blumenberg Cauane , Nascimento Gustavo G , Pithon Matheus Melo , Paranhos Luiz Renato
Published: January 2022

Background

Although there are previous systematic reviews about the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) impact among children and adolescents after orthodontics treatment, there is no definition for the magnitude of these impacts during the therapy.

Objective

To systematically analyse the literature on changes in the quality of life of children and adolescents during orthodontic treatment.

Limitations

Almost all the studies included in this review are non-randomized clinical trials, which are susceptible to several biases that affect the certainty of evidence obtained, especially by confounding factors and the lack of a control group.

Conclusions and implications

Based on very low certainty of evidence, wearing appliances does not seem to have a significant negative impact during the first year of orthodontic treatment. However, the meta-analytic results suggest that functional limitations in the first 3 months of treatment can be slightly more critical for the impact on the oral health quality of life and consequent patient adherence to treatment.

Funding

This study was financed by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - Brazil (CAPES), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - Brazil (CNPq), and Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais – Brazil (FAPEMIG).

Registration

CRD42021234407.
Zap1 is required for Candida glabrata response to fluconazole
Authors: Gaspar-Cordeiro A , Afonso G , Amaral C , da Silva S M , Pimentel C
Published: January 2022

The increasing prevalence of fluconazole-resistant clinical isolates of Candida spp. strongly hinders the widespread use of the drug. To tackle this problem, great efforts have been made to fully understand the fungal response to fluconazole. In this work, we show that the role of Zap1 in Candida glabrata goes beyond regulating yeast adaptation to zinc deficiency. In line with our previous observation that deletion of ZAP1 makes yeast cells more sensitive to fluconazole, we found that the mutant CgΔzap1 accumulates higher levels of the drug, which correlates well with its lower levels of ergosterol. Surprisingly, Zap1 is a negative regulator of the drug efflux transporter gene CDR1 and of its regulator, PDR1. The apparent paradox of drug accumulation in cells where genes encoding transporters relevant for drug extrusion are being overexpressed led us to postulate that their activity could be impaired. In agreement, Zap1-depleted cells present, in addition to decreased ergosterol levels, an altered composition of membrane phospholipids, which together should impact membrane function and impair the detoxification of fluconazole. Overall, our study brings to light Zap1 as an important hub in Candida glabrata response to fluconazole.
Cold shock treatment alleviates chilling injury in peach fruit by regulating antioxidant capacity and membrane lipid metabolism
Authors: Ma Yuqing , Hu Shunqing , Chen Guifang , Zheng Yonghua , Jin Peng
Published: January 2022

Objectives

The work intended to reveal the effect of cold shock (CS) treatment on chilling injury (CI), antioxidant capacity, and membrane fatty acid of peach fruit.

Materials and methods

Peaches were soaked in ice water (0 °C) for 10 min and stored at 5 °C for 28 days for determination, except CI, and then stored for 3 days at 20 °C, only CI was measured. The electrolyte leakage (EL) was measured by conductivity meter. The activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, and peroxidase) and key enzymes of membrane lipid metabolism (phospholipase D, lipase, and lipoxygenase) as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS; O2·– and H2O2) were measured with a spectrophotometer. An ELISA kit and gas chromatography were used to determine membrane lipids and membrane fatty acids. The relative gene expression was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis.

Results

The results showed that CS treatment effectively delayed CI, suppressed the increase of EL and malondialdehyde content. Meanwhile, CS-treated fruit exhibited lower level of ROS and higher activities of antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, CS treatment inhibited the activities as well as the relative gene expression of key enzymes in membrane lipid metabolism. CS-treated fruits maintained higher membrane fatty acid unsaturation and lower phosphatidic acid content.

Conclusions

These results indicated that CS treatment effectively alleviated CI and maintained the integrity of cell membranes by inducing antioxidant-related enzyme activity and maintaining a higher ratio of unsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids.
Dance Wherever You Are: The Evolution of Multimodal Delivery for Social Inclusion of Rural Older Adults
Authors: Kosurko An , Herron Rachel V , Grigorovich Alisa , Bar Rachel J , Kontos Pia , Menec Verena , Skinner Mark W
Published: January 2022

Background and Objectives

Older adult social inclusion involves meaningful participation that is increasingly mediated by information communication technology and in rural areas requires an understanding of older adults’ experiences in the context of the digital divide. This article examines how the multimodal streaming (live, prerecorded, blended in-person) of the Sharing Dance Older Adults program developed by Canada’s National Ballet School and Baycrest influenced social inclusion processes and outcomes in rural settings.

Research Design and Methods

Data were collected from on-site observations of dance sessions, research team reflections, focus groups, and interviews with older adult participants and their carers in pilot studies in the Peterborough region of Ontario and the Westman region of Manitoba, Canada (2017–2019). There were 289 participants including older adults, people living with dementia, family carers, long-term care staff, community facilitators, and volunteers. Analytic themes were framed in the context of rural older adult social exclusion.

Results

Remote delivery addressed barriers of physical distance by providing access to the arts-based program and enhancing opportunities for participation. Constraints were introduced by the use of technology in rural areas and mitigated by in-person facilitators and different streaming options. Meaningful engagement in dynamic interactions in the dance was achieved by involving local staff and volunteers in facilitation of and feedback on the program and its delivery. Different streaming technologies influenced social inclusion in different ways: live-stream enhanced connectedness, but constrained technical challenges; prerecorded was reliable, but less social; blended delivery provided options, but personalization was unsustainable.

Discussion and Implications

Understanding different participants’ experiences of different technologies will contribute to more effective remote delivery of arts-based programs with options to use technology in various contexts depending on individual and organizational capacities.
Are serum progesterone measurements truly representative for the identification of an adequate luteal phase in hormonal replacement therapy frozen embryo transfers?
Authors: Lawrenz B , Fatemi H M
Published: January 2022

Progesterone (P4) is crucial for the achievement and maintenance of a pregnancy and with rising numbers of frozen embryo transfers (FETs) performed worldwide, the search for the ‘optimal’ P4 levels in HRT FET cycles became a focus of research. Certainly, measurement of systemic P4 levels is an easy applicable tool and P4 levels, considered as being too low, could be addressed by changing and/or increasing exogenously administered P4. However, the question must be raised whether the sole measurement of systemic P4 levels is reflective for the endometrial status and the endometrial receptivity in HRT FET cycles, since systemic P4 levels do not reflect the dynamic of the endometrial changes, deemed necessary to prepare the endometrium for implantation. Moreover, different types of P4 administration routes will exhibit distinct different patterns of P4 release, affecting the process of secretory transformation and last but not least, embryonic factors are almost fully neglected in this concept. This opinion article aims to raise critical points towards the ‘sole’ focus on systemic P4 levels in HRT FET cycles and raises the question whether ‘serum P4 measurements are truly representative for the identification of an adequate luteal phase in HRT FETs’?.
Race and racism in the founding of the modern world order
Authors: Acharya Amitav
Published: January 2022

While race existed as a cultural marker in earlier history, a mutually-reinforcing link between racism, slavery and empire is a distinct product of western Europe and the US-led world order. Yet, mainstream scholarship on International Relations has obscured the question of race or worse, legitimized its exclusion in discussions of world order-building. At the same time, demand for racial equality from anti-colonial forces presented an alternative and inclusive conception of world order. The first part of this article offers a brief discussion of concepts of race, racism and world order. The next part examines how racist ideas and norms created exclusionary frameworks and approaches of world order, such as the European ‘standard of civilization’ principle. The third part looks at the role of racism in the emergence of the American-led world order, including US President Woodrow Wilson's rejection of the ‘racial equality’ principle in the League of Nations Charter, the privileging of ‘sovereign equality’ over ‘racial equality’ in the UN Charter, and the scant attention given to the link between colonialism and denial of human rights in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Yet, anti-colonial leaders and conferences, especially the 1955 Bandung Conference, integrated ‘national sovereignty, racialism and colonialism’, and demanded racial equality as a fundamental human right. The final part cautions against the dangers of complacency and compartmentalizing the study of race and racism, and calls instead for viewing racism as an inter-linked global challenge, hence integral to the emerging research agenda of Global International Relations.
Riemannian optimization model order reduction method for general linear port-Hamiltonian systems
Authors: Li Zi-Xue , Jiang Yao-Lin , Xu Kang-Li
Published: January 2022

This paper presents a Riemannian optimal model order reduction method for general linear stable port-Hamiltonian systems based on the Riemannian trust-region method. We consider the $\mathcal{H}_2$ optimal model order reduction problem of the general linear port-Hamiltonian systems. The problem is formulated as an optimization problem on the product manifold, which is composed of the set of skew symmetric matrices, the manifold of the positive definite matrices, the manifold of the positive semidefinite matrices with fixed rank and the Euclidean space. To solve the optimal problem, the Riemannian geometry of the product manifold is given. Moreover, the Riemannian gradient and the Riemannian Hessian of the objective function are derived. Furthermore, we propose the Riemannian trust-region method for the optimization problem and introduce the truncated conjugate gradient method to solve the trust-region subproblem. Finally, the numerical experiments illustrate the efficiency of the proposed method.
Random Subcomplexes and Betti Numbers of Random Edge Ideals
Authors: Dochtermann Anton , Newman Andrew
Published: January 2022

We study homological properties of random quadratic monomial ideals in a polynomial ring $R = {\mathbb {K}}[x_1, \dots x_n]$, utilizing methods from the Erd̋s–Rényi model of random graphs. Here, for a graph $G \sim G(n, p),$ we consider the coedge ideal $I_G$ generated by monomials corresponding to the missing edges of $G$ and study Betti numbers of $R/I_G$ as $n$ tends to infinity. Our main results involve setting the edge probability $p = p(n)$ so that asymptotically almost surely the Krull dimension of $R/I_G$ is fixed. Under these conditions, we establish various properties regarding the Betti table of $R/I_G$, including sharp bounds on regularity and projective dimension and distribution of nonzero normalized Betti numbers. These results extend work of Erman and Yang who studied such ideals in the context of conjectured phenomena in the nonvanishing of asymptotic syzygies. Along the way, we establish results regarding subcomplexes of random clique complexes as well as notions of higher-dimensional vertex $k$-connectivity that may be of independent interest.
Ceasefires and Civilian Protection Monitoring in Myanmar
Authors: Krause Jana , Kamler Erin
Published: January 2022

Civilian ceasefire and civilian protection monitoring are often seen as innovative peacekeeping and protection mechanisms in conflict zones difficult to access for international actors. However, the literature on civilian monitoring and its impact is sparse. In many conflicts, civilians organize to protect themselves. Research into civilian agency and protection has shown that civilian capacity to self-protect and conflict conditions determine whether protective civilian agency can be effective. We analyze whether civilian protection monitoring can positively impact the protection of civilians, focusing on Myanmar, where donors have funded civilian ceasefire monitoring efforts that are inclusive of a strong civilian protection component. We argue that despite failed ceasefires in Myanmar, the nurturing of civilian monitoring networks, that is, supporting civilian capacity, had a positive—albeit limited—impact on civilian protection. Monitors adapted knowledge from international ceasefire monitoring trainings to their reality on the ground and implemented civilian protection monitoring. Yet, conflict conditions seriously limited protection monitoring and posed grave security challenges to monitors and communities. We conclude that in conflict situations where armed actors show little sensitivity to civilian preferences and commitment to respecting human rights, the need for civilian protection is high while the protective potential of civilian monitoring is limited as long as armed groups’ incentives to better protect civilians remain weak.
Streamlining statistical reproducibility: NHLBI ORCHID clinical trial results reproduction
Authors: Serret-Larmande Arnaud , Kaltman Jonathan R , Avillach Paul
Published: January 2022

Reproducibility in medical research has been a long-standing issue. More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has publicly underlined this fact as the retraction of several studies reached out to general media audiences. A significant number of these retractions occurred after in-depth scrutiny of the methodology and results by the scientific community. Consequently, these retractions have undermined confidence in the peer-review process, which is not considered sufficiently reliable to generate trust in the published results. This partly stems from opacity in published results, the practical implementation of the statistical analysis often remaining undisclosed. We present a workflow that uses a combination of informatics tools to foster statistical reproducibility: an open-source programming language, Jupyter Notebook, cloud-based data repository, and an application programming interface can streamline an analysis and help to kick-start new analyses. We illustrate this principle by (1) reproducing the results of the ORCHID clinical trial, which evaluated the efficacy of hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19 patients, and (2) expanding on the analyses conducted in the original trial by investigating the association of premedication with biological laboratory results. Such workflows will be encouraged for future publications from National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute-funded studies.
The Ṣiffīn Arbitration Agreement and statecraft in early Islamic political documents
Authors: Zein Ibrahim , El-Wakil Ahmed
Published: January 2022

In this article we study the different recensions of the Ṣiffīn Arbitration Agreement and classify them into six different versions. Despite the differences in length and language among them, we note that these can be traced to a source document. We then highlight the key features and terminology found in the different versions of the Ṣiffīn Arbitration Agreement and observe the striking parallels that they share with the covenants attributed to the Prophet Muḥammad. We argue that the key political actors who composed the Ṣiffīn Arbitration Agreement were in all likelihood part of the same governing and administrative body that had a hand in drafting the Covenants. The startling similarities between the Ṣiffīn Arbitration Agreement and the Covenants therefore set the foundations for a comparative method that will help us better understand statecraft in the study of early Islam’s political documents.