bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A computational study of electrical contacts to all-inorganic perovskite CsPbBr3
Authors: Liu Ye , Yin Guoxue , An Wei , Ke Yunzhe , Quhe Ruge
Published: August 2022

All-inorganic halide perovskites are promising candidates for optoelectronic devices due to their excellent physicochemical properties and better thermal stability than their hybrid counterparts. The electrical contact to perovskite plays a crucial role in determining the device’s performance. This paper investigated the contacts of two types of CsPbBr3 surface to a series of metals (Pd, In, Pb, Zr, Ti, Zn, graphene, and Ti3C2) through first-principles calculations. On the PbBr2-terminated surface, all the studied metals form Schottky contacts with minimum barriers ranging from 0.63 to 0.97 eV. On the CsBr-terminated surface, Ti and Ti3C2 forms n-type Ohmic contacts while others form Schottky contacts with minimum barriers ranging from 0.25 to 0.97 eV. Ti3C2, considering the small Schottky barrier, large tunneling barrier, and high electronic localization function, is found to be proper ohmic metal contacts with the CsBr-terminated surface. In addition, a −16.4% to 15.1% change in the size of the CsPbBr3 band gap is found because of the interfacial interaction. The Fermi pinning factor of the CsPbBr3-metal contact is estimated via a modified method considering the gap change, and that of the PbBr2-terminated one is slightly larger than that of the CsBr-terminated one, indicating a more flexible Schottky barrier in the former through changing the metal work function. This work presents a comprehensive understanding of metal contacts to all-inorganic perovskite CsPbBr3 and offers theoretical guidance for preparing high-performance inorganic perovskite photoelectric devices.
Introducing the MeVCube concept: a CubeSat for MeV observations
Authors: Lucchetta Giulio , Ackermann Markus , Berge David , Bühler Rolf
Published: August 2022

Despite the impressive progress achieved both by X-ray and gamma-ray observatories in the last few decades, the energy range between ∼ 200 keV and ∼ 50 MeV remains poorly explored. COMPTEL, on-board the Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory (CGRO, 1991-2000), opened the MeV gamma-ray band as a new window to astronomy, performing the first all-sky survey in the energy range from 0.75 to 30 MeV. More than 20 years after the de-orbit of CGRO, no successor mission is yet operating. Over the past years many concepts have been proposed, for new observatories exploring different configurations and imaging techniques; a selection of the most recent ones includes AMEGO, ETCC, GECCO and COSI.

We propose here a novel concept for a Compton telescope based on the CubeSat standard, named MeVCube, with the advantages of small cost and relatively short development time. The scientific payload is based on two layers of pixelated Cadmium-Zinc-Telluride (CdZnTe) detectors, coupled with low-power read-out electronics (ASIC, VATA450.3). The performance of the read-out electronics and CdZnTe custom designed detectors have been measured extensively at DESY [1]. The performance of the telescope is accessed through simulations: despite a small effective area limited to a few cm2, MeVCube can reach an angular resolution of 1.5° and a sensitivity comparable to the one achieved by the last generation of large-scale satellites like COMPTEL and INTEGRAL. Combined with a large field-of-view and a moderate cost, MeVCube can be a powerful instrument for transient observations and searches of electromagnetic counterparts of gravitational wave events.
Large sub-regional differences of ammonia seasonal patterns over India reveal inventory discrepancies
Authors: Beale Christopher A , Paulot Fabien , Randles Cynthia A , Wang Rui , Guo Xuehui , Clarisse Lieven , Van Damme Martin , Coheur Pierre-François , Clerbaux Cathy , Shephard Mark W , Dammers Enrico , Cady-Pereira Karen , Zondlo Mark A
Published: August 2022

Ammonia (NH3) is a key precursor of haze particles and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and its spatiotemporal variabilities are poorly constrained. In this study, we present measurements of NH3 over the Indian subcontinent region from the Infrared Atmospheric Sounder Interferometer (IASI) and Cross-track Infrared Sounder (CrIS) satellite instruments. This region exhibits a complex emission profile due to the number of varied sources, including crop burning, fossil fuel combustion, fertilizer application, livestock and industrial sources. Observations from the CrIS and IASI instruments are oversampled to a resolution of 0.02° × 0.02°. Five regions with distinct spatiotemporal NH3 profiles are determined using k-means clustering. Maximum NH3 columns are seen in July over the western India with column densities of 6.2 × 1017 mol cm−2 and 7.2 × 1017 mol cm−2 respectively for IASI and CrIS. The seasonality of measured NH3 columns show annual maxima occurring in spring in Eastern India and Bangladesh and in mid-summer for the western Indo-Gangetic plain. Our observational constraints suggest that the impact of local farming practices on NH3 emissions is not well captured in emission inventories such as Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6), which exhibits peaks in the late spring and autumn. The spatial variability in the seasonal patterns of NH3 is also not captured by the single emissions profile used in CMIP6 for India. The high-resolution maps obtained from these measurements can be used to improve NH3 emission inventories in order to understand its sources for more accurate predictions of air quality in the Indian subcontinent. Our study points to the need for regionally specific emissions inventories for short-lived species such as NH3 that have heterogeneous emissions profiles due to specific agricultural practices and other emission source characteristics.
The SAGEX review on scattering amplitudes Chapter 14: Classical gravity from scattering amplitudes
Authors: Kosower David A , Monteiro Ricardo , O’Connell Donal
Published: August 2022

Scattering amplitudes have their origin in quantum field theory, but have wide-ranging applications extending to classical physics. We review a formalism to connect certain classical observables to scattering amplitudes. An advantage of this formalism is that it enables us to study implications of the double copy in classical gravity. We discuss examples of observables including the total change of a particle’s momentum, and the gravitational waveform, during a scattering encounter. The double copy also allows direct access to classical solutions in gravity. We review this classical double copy starting from its linearised level, where it originates in the double copy of three-point amplitudes. The classical double copy extends elegantly to exact solutions, making a connection between scattering amplitudes and the geometric formulation of general relativity.
Experimental and simulation analysis of bubble deformation in foaming polypropylene
Authors: Zhang Di , Li Ming , Cao Lushuai , Liu Bujin , Jiang Tuanhui , Zeng Xiangbu , Zhang Chun , Gong Wei , He Li
Published: August 2022

This paper investigates the bubble deformation in bubble growth using a self-made in situ visual injection molding device. The results show that the deformation degree of independent bubbles is kept within 0.015. Under the frame rate of 25 frames per second (FPS), it is found that adjacent bubbles with the same average diameter simultaneously pass through the deformation critical point, while adjacent bubbles with different average diameters can’t pass through the critical deformation point at the same time. The interaction in the process of adjacent bubble growth is simulated by finite element software, radial migration of bubbles is suppressed, the hoop stretch of bubbles is enhanced, and the deformation sequence of adjacent bubbles is determined by bubble radius and bubble pressure. On the basis of the bubble influence zone model and the bubble deformation model, a bubble deformation response model is established, used to reflect adjacent bubbles’ deformation response speed.
Orbital dependent band degeneracy and edge states in single layer and AA bilayer honeycomb lattice systems with p orbital degeneracy
Authors: Hayashi Genki , Mizokawa Takashi
Published: August 2022

We have investigated band structure and edge states of single and AA bilayer honeycomb lattice systems with p orbital degeneracy which would be relevant for relatively heavy metals such as Pb and Bi. The p electrons, which are triply degenerate in the atomic limit, form quadruple degeneracy at K point in a single layer honeycomb lattice. The spin-orbit interaction splits the quartet at K point into two singlets and one doublet which are mixtures of p

x
, p

y
and p

z
orbitals. In the AA bilayer honeycomb lattice, the Dirac node at K point is deformed into circular line node around it. With the intermediate interlayer coupling, there is a degenerate point along Γ-K with p

z
character. A p

x
/p

y
type degenerate point exists under the strong interlayer coupling. This degenerate point is robust against the spin-orbit interaction and the antiferromagnetic spin arrangement only along the intralayer bonds. Without SOI, localized edge states with p

x
/p

y
or p

z
character are created at the zigzag edges both in the single and AA bilayer systems. In the AA bilayer system with SOI, only the p

x
/p

y
edge states exhibit the Dirac-like dispersion.
The Initiation and Developmental Course of Prescription Drug Misuse Among High School Athletes During the Transition Through Young Adulthood
Authors: Veliz Philip T , Schulenberg John E , Zdroik Jen , Werner Kennedy Star , McCabe Sean Esteban
Published: August 2022

The objective of this study was to examine the extent to which involvement in high-contact, semicontact, or noncontact sports during the 12th grade is associated with the initiation and developmental course of prescription drug misuse (PDM) between ages 17/18 years and 27/28 years. Data were collected from a national multicohort panel sample of US 12th-graders (cohorts 2006–2017; n = 4,772) from the Monitoring the Future Study who were followed for a decade, through age 27/28 years. Approximately 31% of high school seniors indicated PDM at baseline (age 17/18 years). While past-year PDM remained relatively stable between ages 17/18 years and 27/28 years, participation in both noncontact (adjusted odds ratio = 1.40, 95% confidence interval: 1.02, 1.91) and contact (adjusted odds ratio = 1.57, 95% confidence interval: 1.08, 2.28) sports in the 12th grade increased the odds of initiating prescription stimulant misuse during the 10 years following high school as compared with respondents who did not participate in these types of sports in the 12th grade. To our knowledge, this is the first national study to have assessed how sports participation during high school is associated with the initiation and developmental course of PDM from adolescence to young adulthood. These findings reinforce the need for PDM screening during adolescence, as nearly 1 in 3 high school seniors engage in PDM. Increased prescription stimulant misuse following high school warrants ongoing monitoring during young adulthood, especially among athletes.
A deep learning-based method for the prediction of DNA interacting residues in a protein
Authors: Patiyal Sumeet , Dhall Anjali , Raghava Gajendra P S
Published: August 2022

DNA–protein interaction is one of the most crucial interactions in the biological system, which decides the fate of many processes such as transcription, regulation and splicing of genes. In this study, we trained our models on a training dataset of 646 DNA-binding proteins having 15 636 DNA interacting and 298 503 non-interacting residues. Our trained models were evaluated on an independent dataset of 46 DNA-binding proteins having 965 DNA interacting and 9911 non-interacting residues. All proteins in the independent dataset have less than 30% of sequence similarity with proteins in the training dataset. A wide range of traditional machine learning and deep learning (1D-CNN) techniques-based models have been developed using binary, physicochemical properties and Position-Specific Scoring Matrix (PSSM)/evolutionary profiles. In the case of machine learning technique, eXtreme Gradient Boosting-based model achieved a maximum area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) curve of 0.77 on the independent dataset using PSSM profile. Deep learning-based model achieved the highest AUROC of 0.79 on the independent dataset using a combination of all three profiles. We evaluated the performance of existing methods on the independent dataset and observed that our proposed method outperformed all the existing methods. In order to facilitate scientific community, we developed standalone software and web server, which are accessible from https://webs.iiitd.edu.in/raghava/dbpred.
Chemometry and Green Chemistry-Based Chromatographic Analysis of Azilsartan Medoxomil, Cilnidipine and Chlorthalidone in Human Plasma Using Analytical Quality by Design Approach
Authors: Prajapati Pintu , Shahi Abhinandan , Acharya Aneri , Shah Shailesh
Published: August 2022

According to the green chemistry approach, the usage of carcinogenic and teratogenic organic solvents should be minimized in the development of the analytical method for the safety of the environment and analysts. According to the literature review, no high-performance thin-layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method has been reported yet for concomitant analysis of azilsartan medoxomil (AZM), chlorthalidone (CTD) and cilnidipine (CDP) in human plasma. Hence, a robust and accurate HPTLC method has been developed using safe and non-toxic organic solvents for the concomitant analysis of AZM, CTD and CDP in human plasma, fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) and laboratory mixtures. The HPTLC method was developed by the implementation of the analytical quality by design approach using principles of quality risk management and design of experiments (DoE) for regulatory compliance. The principal component analysis was applied for the risk assessment and analysis of potential method variables in the method development. The principle of DoE was used for the response surface modeling to link identified critical method risk parameters with critical method performance attributes using full factorial design (FFD). The method operable design region and analytical control space were navigated for the optimization of the method as per quality target analytical profile. The developed method was also applied for concomitant analysis of AZM, CTD and CDP in their FDCs and laboratory mixture and results were found in good agreement with the labeled amount of the respective drug.
Revisiting the Evidence Base for Modern-Day Practice of the Treatment of Toxoplasmic Encephalitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Prosty Connor , Hanula Ryan , Levin Yossef , Bogoch Isaac I , McDonald Emily G , Lee Todd C
Published: August 2022

Background

Toxoplasmic encephalitis (TE) is an opportunistic infection of people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or other causes of immunosuppression. Guideline-recommended treatments for TE are pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine (P-S) or pyrimethamine and clindamycin (P-C); however, a substantial price increase has limited access to pyrimethamine. Consequently, some centers have transitioned to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), an inexpensive alternative treatment. We aimed to review the evidence on the efficacy and safety of pyrimethamine-containing therapies vs TMP-SMX.

Methods

We searched for and included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies of TE treatments, regardless of HIV status. Data for each therapy were pooled by meta-analysis to assess the proportions of patients who experienced clinical and radiologic responses to treatment, all-cause mortality, and discontinuation due to toxicity. Sensitivity analyses limited to RCTs directly compared therapies.

Results

We identified 6 RCTs/dose-escalation studies and 26 single-arm/observational studies. Identified studies included only persons with HIV, and most predated modern antiretroviral treatment. Pooled proportions of clinical and radiologic response and mortality were not significantly different between TMP-SMX and pyrimethamine-containing regimens (P > .05). Treatment discontinuation due to toxicity was significantly lower in TMP-SMX (7.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.7–11.4; I2 = 0.0%) vs P-S (30.5%; 95% CI, 27.1–34.2; I2 = 0.0%; P < .01) or P-C (13.7%; 95% CI, 9.8–18.8; I2 = 32.0%; P = .031). These results were consistent in analyses restricted to RCT data.

Conclusions

TMP-SMX appears to be as effective and safer than pyrimethamine-containing regimens for TE. These findings support modern RCTs comparing TMP-SMX to pyrimethamine-based therapies and a revisiting of the guidelines.
Molecular mapping of quantitative trait loci for 3 husk traits using genotyping by sequencing in maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Zhang Jun , Zhang Fengqi , Tian Lei , Ding Yong , Qi Jianshuang , Zhang Hongfeng , Mu Xinyuan , Ma Zhiyan , Xia Laikun , Tang Baojun
Published: August 2022

The maize (Zea mays L.) husk consists of multiple leaf layers and plays an important role in grain growth and development. Despite significant achievements in physiological and morphological research, few studies have focused on the detection of genetic loci underlying husk-related traits due to the lack of efficient tools. In this study, we constructed an ultra-high-density linkage map using genotyping by sequencing based on a recombinant inbred line population to estimate the genetic variance and heritability of 3 husk traits, i.e. husk length, husk width, and husk layer number in 3 field environments and the combined environment. The 3 husk traits showed broad phenotypic variation and high heritability; the broad-sense heritability (H2) was 0.92, 0.84, and 0.86. Twenty quantitative trait loci were consistently detected more than 1 environment, including 9 for husk length, 6 for husk width, and 5 for husk layer number. These loci were considered as stable quantitative trait loci. Based on the quantitative trait loci mapping in the recombinant inbred line population, qHL6 and qHN4 were detected across all environments and inferred to be reliable and major-effect quantitative trait loci for husk length and husk layer number, respectively. In addition, several predicted candidate genes were identified in the region of qHL6 and qHN4, of which 17 candidate genes potentially play a role in biological processes related to development process and energy metabolism. These results will be as a useful resource for performing functional studies aimed at understanding the molecular pathways involved in husk growth and development.
Evolutionarily conserved role of hps1 in melanin production and blood coagulation in medaka fish
Authors: Iwanami Norimasa , Ozaki Yuka , Sakaguchi Hiyori , Watanabe Yuko , Meng Qi , Matsumoto Kyoka , Suzuki Tomohiro , Hitomi Kiyotaka , Matsuda Masaru
Published: August 2022

Hermansky–Pudlak syndrome is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by albinism, visual impairment, and blood platelet dysfunction. One of the genes responsible for Hermansky–Pudlak syndrome, hps1, regulates organelle biogenesis and thus plays important roles in melanin production, blood clotting, and the other organelle-related functions in humans and mice. However, the function of hps1 in other species remains poorly understood. In this study, we discovered albino medaka fish during the maintenance of a wild-derived population and identified hps1 as the responsible gene using positional cloning. In addition to the specific absence of melanophore pigmentation, the hps1 mutant showed reduced blood coagulation, suggesting that hps1 is involved in clotting caused by both mammalian platelets and fish thrombocytes. Together, the findings of our study demonstrate that hps1 has an evolutionarily conserved role in melanin production and blood coagulation. In addition, our study presents a useful vertebrate model for understanding the molecular mechanisms of Hermansky–Pudlak syndrome.
City of ‘Red Assassins’? Crime, Control, and Resistance in Colonial Lahore
Authors: Chattha Ilyas , Qasmi Ali Usman
Published: August 2022

This article documents an overlooked aspect of ‘crime as resistance to colonialism’ challenging colonial authorities in Lahore: the activities of Lahore’s little-known Society of Red Assassins, who led an anti-colonial ‘Car Burning Movement’ in the interwar period. Such so-called ‘socialist criminals’ engaged in innovative spectral violence by targeting capitalists and colonial institutions and were proclaimed ‘Public Enemy number 1’ by the colonial state. Drawing on previously unexplored archival sources, this investigation illuminates the world of revolutionary politics in colonial Lahore, part of a global history of anti-colonial resistance.
Occurrence and Clinical Impact of Eosinophilic Esophagitis in a Large Cohort of Children With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Aloi Marina , D’Arcangelo Giulia , Rossetti Danilo , Bucherini Simone , Felici Enrico , Romano Claudio , Martinelli Massimo , Dipasquale Valeria , Lionetti Paolo , Oliva Salvatore
Published: August 2022

Background

Scarce data have investigated the association between pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). We, therefore, aimed to describe the epidemiology and the possible peculiar phenotype and natural history of such an association.

Methods

Case-control study is based on the Italian Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology (SIGENP) national registry. All children with a combined diagnosis of IBD and EoE were included. The overall prevalence and incidence in 2 periods, 2009 to 2015, and 2016 to 2021, were calculated. Cases were matched with IBD only and EoE only patients in a 1:3:3 ratio. Phenotype and outcomes (courses of steroids, risk of complications, surgery, treatment escalation, and hospitalization) were compared between groups.

Results

Eleven patients (age 11.2 ± 2.8 years, Males 91%) with EoE-IBD out of 3090 patients with IBD were identified, resulting in an overall prevalence of 0.35% and an incidence of 0.18% for 2009 to 2015 and 0.45% for 2016 to 2021. Treatment escalation rates for IBD were significantly higher in patients with IBD compared with EoE-IBD at 12- and 24-month follow-up (0% vs 30%, P = .04; and 9% vs 45.5%, P = .03, respectively). Furthermore, patients with IBD were at a significantly higher risk of hospitalization than both EoE-IBD and EoE patients (log rank P < .001). We found no significant differences in major outcomes related to the EoE course in EoE-IBD patients compared with EoE ones.

Conclusions

The incidence and prevalence of EoE in children with IBD are low, although the incidence seems to be rising in recent years. Having EoE appears to be associated with a milder IBD disease course, whereas having IBD does not seem to affect the natural history of EoE. More data are needed to better define the phenotype of such association.
Rethinking Tests of the IO Effectiveness Hypothesis: Evidence from Counter-Piracy Efforts in the Global South
Authors: Ring Jonathan , Uzonyi Gary
Published: August 2022

Scholars have long debated whether international organizations (IO) matter in international politics. Skeptics argue that power politics determine outcomes while champions see IOs as important, independently shaping outcomes and reshaping the structure of politics. Between these extremes, scholars have made numerous theoretical and empirical contributions to understanding under what conditions IOs make a difference. Yet, the fundamental question remains: when IOs identify a significant problem, can they solve it? We identify an underutilized analytical approach to understanding this broad debate. Specifically, we suggest scholars analyze this question by focusing on an IOs response to given crises to provide internal validity to claims throughout this debate. Furthermore, we encourage scholars to move beyond the oft-cited global or European cases to better incorporate insights from IOs in various parts of the world. Here, we explore the Southern African Development Community's attempt to coordinate member states’ maritime strategy to solve the emergent piracy problem caused by the Somali civil war. In identifying these new directions for research, we demonstrate that IOs, even under difficult circumstances, are effective actors in international politics.
Artistic (Counter) Speech
Authors: Dixon Daisy
Published: August 2022

Some visual artworks constitute hate speech because they can perform oppressive illocutionary acts. This illocution-based analysis of art reveals how responsive curation and artmaking undermines and manages problematic art. Drawing on the notion of counterspeech as an alternative tool to censorship to handle art-based hate speech, this article proposes aesthetic blocking and aesthetic spotlighting. I then show that under certain conditions, this can lead to eventual metaphysical destruction of the artwork; a way to destroy harmful art without physically destroying it.
Bias or biology? Importance of model interpretation in machine learning studies from electronic health records
Authors: Momenzadeh Amanda , Shamsa Ali , Meyer Jesse G
Published: August 2022

Objective

The rate of diabetic complication progression varies across individuals and understanding factors that alter the rate of complication progression may uncover new clinical interventions for personalized diabetes management.

Materials and Methods

We explore how various machine learning (ML) models and types of electronic health records (EHRs) can predict fast versus slow onset of neuropathy, nephropathy, ocular disease, or cardiovascular disease using only patient data collected prior to diabetes diagnosis.

Results

We find that optimized random forest models performed best to accurately predict the diagnosis of a diabetic complication, with the most effective model distinguishing between fast versus slow nephropathy (AUROC = 0.75). Using all data sets combined allowed for the highest model predictive performance, and social history or laboratory alone were most predictive. SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) model interpretation allowed for exploration of predictors of fast and slow complication diagnosis, including underlying biases present in the EHR. Patients in the fast group had more medical visits, incurring a potential informed decision bias.

Discussion

Our study is unique in the realm of ML studies as it leverages SHAP as a starting point to explore patient markers not routinely used in diabetes monitoring. A mix of both bias and biological processes is likely present in influencing a model’s ability to distinguish between groups.

Conclusion

Overall, model interpretation is a critical step in evaluating validity of a user-intended endpoint for a model when using EHR data, and predictors affected by bias and those driven by biologic processes should be equally recognized.
Cancer Patient Acceptance of HIV Screening at a Large Tertiary Cancer Center
Authors: Granwehr Bruno P , Merriman Kelly W , Chiao Elizabeth Y , Grimes Richard M
Published: August 2022

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the US Preventive Services Task Force, and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommend offering HIV testing for patients presenting for cancer care. Not recognizing and treating HIV infection adversely affects both cancer treatment and HIV outcomes. Acceptance rates of oncology patients for HIV screening are not known. Our tertiary cancer center inserted language requesting permission to screen for HIV infection into the consent forms for initial presentation for cancer care. Willingness to undergo testing was examined in 29 549 consecutive new patients. These were analyzed by gender and age. Overall, 80.9% of patients agreed to HIV screening. Incorporation of language requesting permission for HIV screening into the consent form provided at presentation for cancer care relieves clinicians from adding this task.
Remapping onward migration through the trajectories of Colombian parents in London
Authors: Turcatti Domiziana
Published: August 2022

Onward migration is generally defined as the process whereby people leave the country of origin, settle in a second country, and then migrate to a third country when circumstances change. This study advances the conceptualisation of onward migration by exploring the trajectories of 51 Colombian parents who settled in Spain in the early 2000s and then onward migrated to London after the 2008 crisis through the lens of relationality and mobility. Drawing from life history interviews, this article identifies five types of onward migration trajectories resulting from the interplay between structural and relational factors such as family obligations, gender roles, loving and conflictual relationships. For some parents, (1) onward migration unfolded linearly as they could move directly from Spain to London without significant factors constraining their move. For others, (2) onward migration was delayed by experiences of immobility. (3) Onward migration was achieved in a stepwise fashion when parents or their family members had to move to other countries to acquire the capital needed to onward migrate or to facilitate their family’s onward migration. (4) Some underwent multiple onward migrations before finding a desirable alternative to Spain. Finally, (5) in other cases onward migration followed other types of international mobilities when these did not bring about the desired outcomes. Ultimately, this article proposes a conceptualisation of onward migration as an open-ended, relational process that may entail and be achieved through multiple international im/mobilities.
Rheumatologic manifestations with elevated levels of IL-6, IL-17A, and IL-23 in a patient with scurvy
Authors: Ueki Masahiro , Sakamoto Keita , Nishioka Noriko , Ohata Hiroki , Nobuta Takiko , Takezaki Shunichiro , Manabe Atsushi , Yamada Masafumi
Published: August 2022

Symptomatic vitamin C deficiency, scurvy, is a relatively rare disease in developed countries, but it has been reported in patients with autism spectrum disorder or developmental delay who tend to have selective diets. Patients with scurvy often demonstrate musculoskeletal manifestations with unknown pathophysiology. Herein, we report a case of scurvy in an 11-year-old boy who presented with iron-deficiency anaemia, systemic osteomyelitis, myositis predominantly in the lower extremities, and right ventricular volume overload with mild pulmonary hypertension and was diagnosed with scurvy. He had a mild developmental disorder and a selective diet, which resulted in severe vitamin C deficiency. He received intravenous and oral vitamin C supplementation, which relieved his arthralgia and muscle pain in a week. Following 4 months of vitamin C supplementation, he demonstrated no abnormal manifestations on laboratory or imaging examination and recovered without sequelae. Inflammatory cytokine and chemokine evaluations demonstrated elevated levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17A, and IL-23, which are associated with T-helper (Th) 17 cell activation. This study is the first to suggest the association between the inflammation seen in scurvy, rheumatic manifestations in the patient, and Th17 cell activation. Further analysis of the association between the inflammation and vitamin C supplementation may contribute to new insights for the comprehension and treatment of other inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatic diseases.
Reconstructing historical exposure to asbestos: the validation of ‘educated guesses’
Authors: Visonà S D , Crespi E , Belluso E , Capella S , De Matteis S , Filippi F , Lai M , Loscerbo R , Meloni F , Pilia I , Cocco P , Colosio C
Published: August 2022

Background

In both the epidemiological and legal context, the causal attribution of asbestos-related lung diseases requires retrospective exposure assessment (REA).

Aims

To assess the correlation between the retrospective assessment of occupational and anthropogenic environmental exposure to asbestos and its content in the lung tissue.

Methods

Based on the available exposure information, a team of occupational physicians retrospectively assessed cumulative exposure to asbestos in 24 subjects who died of asbestos-related diseases. The asbestos lung content was analysed using analytical scanning electron microscope (SEM-EDS). The Log10 asbestos fibre count in the autoptic samples was predicted as a function of the Log10 estimated cumulative exposure using univariate regression analysis.

Results

The median count of asbestos fibres by grams of dry weight (ff/gdw) in the lung tissue was 81 339 (range 0–2 135 849.06); it was 287 144 (range 0–2 135 849.06) among the occupationally exposed, and 29 671 (range 0–116 891) among the subjects who only had anthropogenic environmental and/or household exposure. Amphiboles, and particularly amosite (52%) and crocidolite (43%), were detected in all the study subjects. Chrysotile was not detected in any of the samples. Overall, the retrospective estimate of lifetime cumulative exposure to asbestos showed a moderate correlation with the total asbestos fibre count in the autoptic lung, with the regression model explaining 38–55% of the total variance.

Conclusions

Detailed information on occupational, environmental and household exposure circumstances would be indispensable for experienced industrial hygienists and/or occupational physicians to reliably assess past exposure to amphiboles or mixed types of asbestos.
Meta-Analysis: Outcomes of Surgical and Medical Management of Diabetic Foot Osteomyelitis
Authors: Truong David H , Bedimo Roger , Malone Matthew , Wukich Dane K , Oz Orhan K , Killeen Amanda L , Lavery Lawrence A
Published: August 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes in the published literature on medical and surgical management of diabetic foot osteomyelitis (DFO).

Methods

A PubMed and Google Scholar search of articles relating to DFO was performed over the dates of January 1931 to January 2020. Articles that involved Charcot arthropathy, case reports, small case series, review articles, commentaries, nonhuman studies, and non-English articles were excluded. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) tool was used to rate the bias of each study. A meta-analysis was performed using random-effects and inverse variance methods. The search yielded 1192 articles. After review and the removal of articles that did not meet inclusion criteria, 28 articles remained. Eighteen articles were related to the medical management of DFO and 13 articles were related to surgical management. Three articles looked at a combination of medical and surgical management and were included in both groups. Heterogeneity was evaluated using Cochran Q, I2, τ2, and τ.

Results

The average success rate was 68.2% (range, 17.0%–97.3%) for medical treatment and 85.7% (range, 65.0%–98.8%) for surgical and medical treatment. There were significant inconsistencies in accounting for peripheral arterial disease and peripheral neuropathy. There was significant heterogeneity in outcomes between studies. However, there was a high rate of successful treatment and a wide range between patients with medical treatment and combined surgical and medical treatment.

Conclusions

Additional properly designed prospective studies with gold-standard references for diagnosing osteomyelitis are needed to help determine whether medical management of DFO can be successful without surgical intervention.
Information versus Investment
Authors: Terry Stephen J , Whited Toni M , Zakolyukina Anastasia A
Published: August 2022

We quantify the real implications of trade-offs between firm information disclosure and long-term investment efficiency. We estimate a dynamic equilibrium model in which firm managers confront realistic incentives to misreport earnings and distort their real investment choices. The model implies a socially optimal level of disclosure regulation that exceeds the estimated value. Counterfactual analysis reveals that eliminating earnings misreporting completely through disclosure regulation incentivizes managers to distort real investment. Lower earnings informativeness raises the cost of capital, which results in a 5.7$\%$ drop in average firm value, but more modest effects on social welfare and aggregate growth.

Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.
Healthcare-associated central nervous system infections
Authors: Ippolito Mariachiara , Giarratano Antonino , Cortegiani Andrea
Published: August 2022

Purpose of review

The aim of this review is to provide a practical and updated summary on healthcare-associated central nervous system infections and their management.

Recent findings

The term ‘healthcare-associated ventriculitis and meningitis’ has recently been coined and clinical practical guidelines have been published on the management of these nosocomial infections. Many aspects have still to be further investigated (e.g. cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, indications for novel antibiotics, intrathecal antimicrobial regimens).

Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for healthcare-associated central nervous system infections in patients with specific risk factors (i.e. recent neurosurgery, cerebrospinal shunts, drains or implantable devices, head/spinal traumatic events), taking into account systemic signs, and alterations in microbiological, imaging, cerebrospinal fluid findings. The diagnosis is often difficult to confirm because of reduced levels of consciousness or coma. Both Gram-positive and Gram-negative (often multidrug-resistant or even pandrug-resistant) microorganisms may be the cause. Selection of antibiotics must consider susceptibility and penetration into the central nervous system. Ineffective treatments are frequent, and mortality can reach 60%. Future research should focus on the diagnostic performance of biomarkers and on the use of novel antimicrobial regimens, especially for the treatment of difficult to treat infections.
Brain death/death by neurologic criteria determination: an update
Authors: Drost Gea , Absalom Anthony R. , Kuiper Michael A.
Published: August 2022

Purpose of review

Brain death, also known as death by neurologic criteria (DNC), is a well-established concept. In this article, we present a short history of the concept and give an overview of recent changes and a practical update on diagnosis and definitions of brain death/DNC. Unresolved issues will be discussed.

Recent findings

There is variability in brain death/DNC determination worldwide. In recent years, successful attempts have been made to harmonize these criteria and, consequently, to improve public trust in the process and diagnosis. An international multidisciplinary collaboration has been created and it has published minimum criteria, provided guidance for professionals and encouragement to revise or develop guidelines on brain death/DNC worldwide.

There are two sets of criteria for declaration of death. First, if there is neither cardiac output nor respiratory effort, then cardiopulmonary criteria are used. Second, if both the cerebrum and brainstem have completely and permanently lost all functions, and there is a persistent coma, absent brainstem reflexes and no spontaneous respiratory effort, death can be declared on the basis of brain death/DNC. Although attempts to formulate uniform criteria are ongoing, consensus has been reached on the minimum criteria. Some inconsistencies and questions remain.
Use of regional analgesia to prevent the conversion from acute to chronic pain
Authors: Geradon Pierre , Lavand’homme Patricia
Published: August 2022

Purpose of review

Chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP) prevalence has not changed over the past decades what questions the efficacy of preventive strategies. Regional analgesia is used to control acute pain, but preventive effect on CPSP remains debated. Failures and future application of regional analgesia to prevent transition from acute to chronic pain will be discussed.

Recent findings

After thoracotomy, perioperative regional analgesia does not seem to prevent CPSP. After breast cancer surgery, paravertebral block might prevent CPSP intensity and impact on daily life up to 12 months, particularly in high catastrophizing patients. In knee arthroplasty, perioperative regional analgesia or preoperative genicular nerve neuroablation do not prevent CPSP, although current studies present several bias. The protective role of effective regional analgesia and early pain relief in trauma patients deserves further studies.

Regional analgesia failure to prevent CPSP development should prompt us to reconsider its perioperative utilization. Patients’ stratification, for example high-pain responders, might help to target those who will most benefit of regional analgesia. The impact of regional analgesia on secondary pain-related outcomes such as intensity and neuropathic character despite no difference on CPSP incidence requires more studies. Finally, the preventive effect of regional analgesia targeted interventions on CPSP in patients suffering from severe subacute pain deserves to be assessed.
Regional anesthesia global health collaborations- a scoping review of current intervention methods
Authors: Dohlman Lena E. , Thakkar Niharika , Jivanelli Bridget , Pakala Swetha , Brouillette Mark A.
Published: August 2022

Purpose of review

Perioperative anesthesia-related mortality is significantly higher in low-resource compared to high-resource countries. Regional anesthesia techniques can provide safety, cost, and access benefits when compared to general anesthesia in these settings but is underutilized primarily due to a lack of experienced educators and training opportunities. Academic institutions and international organizations are attempting to fill this educational gap through collaborations, but these efforts need examination for best practices going forward.

Recent findings

Most collaborative anesthesia interactions between high and low resource areas have occurred between North America or Europe, and Africa or Asia and a majority have involved an educational intervention. Only 7% of the studies used a recognized framework to evaluate the intervention used in their research, such as the Kirkpatrick, REAIM or CFIR method. All recent studies reviewed reported a positive impact from educational collaborations. Only 7% of interventions have had a primary focus on regional anesthesia and most were reported between 2016 and 2022.

Robust reports on international collaborations providing capacity enhancing educational interventions in regional anesthesia have increased in recent years but are still rare and should be encouraged going forward. Short courses supported by high-resource countries can be effective in low-resource areas when partnerships produce curricula that are well designed.
Hyperlactatemia and other perioperative metabolic disturbances in neuroanesthesia
Authors: Klimek Markus , de Smalen Peter , Janssen Joost
Published: August 2022

Purpose of review

The concept of ‘brain-body cross-talking’ has gained growing interest in the last years. The understanding of the metabolic disturbances (e.g., hypernatraemia/hyponatraemia and hyperlactatemia) in neurosurgical patients has improved during the last years.

Recent findings

The impact of elevated lactate without acidosis in neurosurgical patients remains controversial. The pathophysiology of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) has become clearer, whereas the diagnosis of cerebral salt wasting should be used more carefully.

These findings will contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiology involved and enable better prevention and therapy where possible in clinical practice.
Erector spinae block: beyond the torso
Authors: Campbell Sinead , Chin Ki Jinn
Published: August 2022

Purpose of review

This article aims to summarize the current literature describing the application of erector spinae plane (ESP) blocks for regional anesthesia of upper and lower limbs and to discuss the advantages and limitations.

Recent findings

Investigations are still at an early stage but results are promising. High thoracic ESP blockade can relieve acute and chronic shoulder pain through local anesthetic diffusion to cervical nerve roots, although it may not be as effective as direct local anesthetic injection around the brachial plexus. It does, however, preserve motor and phrenic nerve function to a greater extent. It will also block the T2 innervation of the axilla which can be a source of pain in complex arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Lumbar ESP blocks provide effective analgesia following hip arthroplasty and arthroscopy, and appear comparable to lumbar plexus, quadratus lumborum, and fascia iliaca blocks. Unlike the latter, they are motor-sparing and are associated with improved postoperative ambulation.

High thoracic and lumbar ESP blocks have the potential to provide adequate analgesia of the upper and lower limbs respectively, without causing significant motor block. They are thus alternative methods of regional anesthesia when other techniques are not feasible or have undesirable adverse effects.
Etiology, Comorbidities, and Health Service Use in a Clinical Cohort of Children With Hearing Loss
Authors: Olivier Nadia , Shepherd Daisy A. , Smith Libby , Carew Peter , Paxton Georgia A. , Downie Lilian , Rose Elizabeth , Dawes Kathryn , Sung Valerie
Published: August 2022

Objective:

To examine etiology, comorbidities, and health service use in a cohort of children with permanent hearing loss. Receiving an etiological diagnosis can inform reproductive planning, rehabilitation outcomes, predict additional disabilities, and direct intervention or management decisions.

Design:

Retrospective audit of 518 deaf/hard-of-hearing children attending a tertiary pediatric outpatient clinic (2016–2019) using descriptive statistics. We used linear regression to investigate the relationship between degree of hearing loss, comorbidities, and health service use.

Results:

Of the 518 children who attended the clinic, 481 (92.9%) proceeded with testing for etiology. Most children (399/518, 77.0%) were diagnosed with hearing loss by 3 mo of age. Of the children tested, the cause of hearing loss was confirmed in 234/481 (48.6%), suspected in 113/481 (23.5%), and unknown in 134/481 (27.9%); 17/341 (5.0%) had congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV), 17/320 (5.3%) had enlarged vestibular aqueducts, 67/213 (31.5%) of children with bilateral hearing loss had connexin mutation, and 25/72 (34.7%) of children with unilateral loss had hypoplastic/absent cochlear nerve on imaging. The odds of having a definitive/suspected diagnosis were twice as likely for indivduals with profound hearing loss than mild hearing loss (OR 2.1; 95% CI, 1.2–3.9; P = 0.02). The majority (348/518, 67.2%) of children had medical comorbidities, and most children attended otolaryngology (453/518, 87.5%), early intervention (358/518, 69.1%), and genetic (287/518, 55.4%) services.

Conclusions:

Children with hearing loss have diverse etiologies, most have comorbidities, and attend multiple services. Most families elected to proceed with diagnostic testing for etiology. Current guidelines and expanded access to genetic testing identified a confirmed/suspected etiological diagnosis in 72.1% of children tested. The number of comorbidities correlated with service use, regardless of hearing loss severity.