bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The spectral gap of a fractional quantum Hall system on a thin torus
Authors: Warze1 Simone , Young Amanda
Published: April 2022

We study a fractional quantum Hall system with maximal filling ν = 1/3 in the thin torus limit. The corresponding Hamiltonian is a truncated version of Haldane’s pseudopotential, which upon a Jordan–Wigner transformation is equivalent to a one-dimensional quantum spin chain with periodic boundary conditions. Our main result is a lower bound on the spectral gap of this Hamiltonian, which is uniform in the system size and total particle number. The gap is also uniform with respect to small values of the coupling constant in the model. The proof adapts the strategy of individually estimating the gap in invariant subspaces used for the bosonic ν = 1/2 model to the present fermionic case.
The electronic structures and p-type performance of group IA and VA atoms in NiO: A first principles study
Authors: Fan S. W. , Chen Yu
Published: April 2022

Transparent p-type semiconductors attract many researchers' interest because they are widely used in many devices such as solar cells, flat panel displays, and light emitting diodes and in the field of transparent electronics. NiO, as a potential transparent p-type semiconductor, has been studied in experiments. However, the ionization abilities of dopants, such as group IA and VA atoms, have not been confirmed yet. In this work, we utilize the first principles method and fully assess the performance of group IA and VA atom-doped NiO. Electronic structures show that group VA atoms substituting O are deep acceptors, while group IA atoms substituting Ni are optimal acceptors. Compared with the valence band maximum, the transition energy levels ε(0/−) of Li, Na, K, Rb, and Cs substituting Ni would converge to 0.087, 0.109, 0.15, 0.14, and 0.31 eV, respectively. Under an O-rich condition, compounds M2O (M = Li, Na, K, Rb, and Cs) are promising dopant sources for group IA atoms substituting Ni. In addition, group IA atoms substituting Ni are highly preferred over the interstitial doped configuration. We expect that this work can promote the understanding of the p-type conductivity of NiO and provide significant guidance for their applications in transparent electronics.
Anisotropic giant magnetoresistanceand de Hass–van Alphen oscillations in layered topological semimetal crystals
Authors: Ye Rongli , Gao Tian , Li Haoyu , Liang Xiao , Cao Guixin
Published: April 2022

Here, we report an anisotropic giant magnetoresistance (GMR) effect and de Hass–van Alphen (dHvA) oscillation phenomena in nominal TaNiTe5 single crystals. TaNiTe5 exhibits the GMR effect with the maximum value of ∼3 × 103% at T = 1.7 K and B = 31 T, with no sign of saturation. The two-band model fitting of Hall resistivity indicates that the anomalous GMR effect was derived from the coexistence of electron and hole carriers. When the external magnetic field is applied to the electron–hole resonance, the GMR effect is enhanced. The dHvA oscillation data at multiple frequencies reveal the topological characteristics of high carrier mobility, low carrier effective mass, and a small Fermi surface pocket with a nontrivial Berry phase. Our work provides a new platform for the study of topological semimetals with significant anisotropic GMR effect.
Behaviors of sodium and calcium ions at the borosilicate glass–water interface: Gaining new insights through an ab initio molecular dynamics study
Authors: Jabraoui Hicham , Charpentier Thibault , Gin Stéphane , Delaye Jean-Marc , Pollet Rodolphe
Published: April 2022

We study reactivity and leaching at the calcium sodium borosilicate (CNBS)–water interface by means of a Car–Parrinello ab initio molecular dynamics simulation over a simulation time of 100 ps. With an emphasis on the comparison between the behaviors of Ca2+ and Na+ cations at the CNBS glass–water interface, different mechanism events during the trajectory are revealed, discussed, and correlated with other density functional theory calculations. We show that Na+ ions can be released in solution, while Ca2+ cannot leave the surface of CNBS glass. This release is correlated with the vacancy energy of Ca2+ and Na+ cations. Here, we found that the CNBS structure with the Na+ cation vacancy is energetically more favorable than the structure with the Ca2+ cation vacancy. The calcium adsorption site has been shown to have a greater affinity for water than can be found in the case of the sodium site, demonstrating that affinity may not be considered a major factor controlling the release of cations from the glass to the solution.
Electrification of cars and trucks likely won’t disrupt the grid
Authors: Kramer David
Published: April 2022

The Biden administration’s recently announced national charging network is a first step to enabling a fully electrified US vehicle fleet.
An analysis of the long-term trends in the records of Friends of the Koala in north-east New South Wales: II. Post-release survival
Authors: Lunney Daniel , Cope Holly , Sonawane Indrie , Stalenberg Eleanor , Haering Ron
Published: April 2022

Context Post-release monitoring of rehabilitated koalas is lacking, meaning that the long-term success rate is unknown. Aims We addressed the question: will a koala released from rehabilitation re-join the wild population and survive for months, if not years? Methods Using ear tag records as unique identifiers of individual koalas, we sifted the 31-year set of 5051 koala admission records (1989–2020) of a koala rehabilitation group, Friends of the Koala, in Lismore, north-east New South Wales for records of koalas that had returned to rehabilitation for a second, third or fourth time. Key results Of the 1771 koalas that were released, most (80%) had a coloured ear tag with a unique number. Of these koalas, 270 were admitted to rehabilitation two or more times and therefore represented an opportunity for post-release monitoring. Re-admission figures mostly fitted the pattern of first admissions, meaning that the released koalas had become part of the local koala population. Of the 270 koalas that were re-admitted into rehabilitation, 66% remained for more than 6 months in the wild, and 33% remained in the wild for more than 2 years. Conclusions We conclude that rehabilitated and released koalas can survive in the wild long-term, even though some koalas were re-admitted after a very brief period post-release. Implications The success of rehabilitation and release, as judged by re-admitted tagged koalas, is a more robust view of success for koala survival after rehabilitation than simply the proportion of released versus non-released koalas.
Comprehensive study on physicochemical characteristics of magnetorheological elastomer featuring epoxidized natural rubber
Authors: Yusoff Muhamad Shakir , Yunus Nurul Azhani , Muhammad Zaki Norizatie , Mazlan Saiful Amri , Abdul Aziz Siti Aishah , Ubaidillah  , Nik Ismail Nik Intan
Published: April 2022

The effect of the epoxidation level of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) on the physicochemical characteristics of magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) made from it was studied. MRE samples were fabricated by mixing ENR with additives and carbonyl iron particles (CIP), followed by vulcanisation at 150 °C for 30 min. The factors that are manipulated for this study include the epoxidation level of ENR, through the use of ENR 25 and ENR 50 as the polymer matrix, and the proportion of the components of the composite, through varying the amount of CIP added in the mixing step. The analysis was performed by measuring the physicochemical characteristics of the MRE, which include curing time, magnetisation, functional group composition, thermal stability, and morphology. The cure time (t
90) of the MRE increased with increasing CIP content while the scorch time (ts2) decreased. Electron microscopy showed that the CIP were randomly distributed throughout the MRE samples, indicating an isotropic MRE. The MRE fabricated with ENR 25 and 70 wt% CIP had a considerably higher value of saturation magnetisation at 42.54 emu g−1, whereas the MRE fabricated with ENR 50 and 70 wt% CIP had a saturation magnetisation of 40.80 emu g−1. Hydrogen bonds were created between the epoxy bonds in the epoxidized rubber and the hydroxyl groups from the CIP and other additives. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated an improvement in thermal stability, as the addition of CIP delayed the thermal degradation of the MRE. The results showed that the epoxidation level of the natural rubber has a significant effect on the physicochemical characteristics of the MRE fabricated from it. Overall outcomes showed that both ENR 25 and ENR 50 could be used as an alternative matrix material for fabricating an MRE, with the choice falling on the application specification.
Laboratory demonstration of geopotential measurement using transportable optical clocks
Authors: Liu Dao-Xin , Cao Jian , Yuan Jin-Bo , Cui Kai-Feng , Yuan Yi , Zhang Ping , Chao Si-Jia , Shu Hua-Lin , Huang Xue-Ren
Published: April 2022

We report an experimental demonstration of geopotential difference measurement using a pair of transportable 40Ca+ optical clocks (TOC-729-1 and TOC-729-3) in the laboratory, each of them has an uncertainty of 1.3 × 10−17 and an instability of

4.8
×

10

−
15

/

τ

. Referenced to a stationary clock of TOC-729-1, the geopotential difference measurements are realized by moving TOC-729-3 to three different locations and the relevant altitude differences are measured with uncertainties at the level of 20 cm. After correcting the systematic shifts (including gravitational red shift), the two-clock frequency difference is measured to be –0.7(2.2) × 10−17, considering both the statistic (1.0 × 10−17) and the systematic (1.9 × 10−17) uncertainties. The frequency difference between these two clocks is within their respective uncertainties, verifying the reliability of transportable 40Ca+ optical clocks at the low level of 10−17.
Design of a coated thinly clad chalcogenide long-period fiber grating refractive index sensor based on dual-peak resonance near the phase matching turning point
Authors: Qi Qianyu , Li Yaowei , Liu Ting , Zhang Peiqing , Dai Shixun , Xu Tiefeng
Published: April 2022

A novel method for designing chalcogenide long-period fiber grating (LPFG) sensors based on the dual-peak resonance effect of the LPFG near the phase matching turning point (PMTP) is presented. Refractive index sensing in a high-refractive-index chalcogenide fiber is achieved with a coated thinly clad film. The dual-peak resonant characteristics near the PMTP and the refractive index sensing properties of the LPFG are analyzed first by the phase-matching condition of the LPFG. The effects of film parameters and cladding radius on the sensitivity of refractive index sensing are further discussed. The sensor is optimized by selecting the appropriate film parameters and cladding radius. Simulation results show that the ambient refractive index sensitivity of a dual-peak coated thinly clad chalcogenide LPFG at the PMTP can be 2400 nm/RIU, which is significantly higher than that of non-optimized gratings. It has great application potential in the field of chemical sensing and biosensors.
Uniaxial stress effect on quasi-one-dimensional Kondo lattice CeCo2Ga8
Authors: Cheng Kangqiao , Zhou Binjie , Wang Cuixiang , Zou Shuo , Pan Yupeng , He Xiaobo , Zhang Jian , Lu Fangjun , Wang Le , Shi Youguo , Luo Yongkang
Published: April 2022

Quantum critical phenomena in the quasi-one-dimensional limit remain an open issue. We report the uniaxial stress effect on the quasi-one-dimensional Kondo lattice CeCo2Ga8 by electric transport and AC heat capacity measurements. CeCo2Ga8 is speculated to sit in close vicinity but on the quantum-disordered side of a quantum critical point. Upon compressing the c axis, parallel to the Ce–Ce chain, the onset of coherent Kondo effect is enhanced. In contrast, the electronic specific heat diverges more rapidly at low temperature when the intra-chain distance is elongated by compressions along a or b axis. These results suggest that a tensile intra-chain strain (εc
> 0) pushes CeCo2Ga8 closer to the quantum critical point, while a compressive intra-chain strain (εc
> 0) likely causes departure. Our work provides a rare paradigm of manipulation near a quantum critical point in a quasi-1D Kondo lattice by uniaxial stress, and paves the way for further investigations on the unique feature of quantum criticality in the quasi-1D limit.
Design, Implementation and Evaluation of an Industrial Water Treatment System in El Coca, Ecuador in accordance with National Guidelines
Authors: Urrutia-Goyes Ricardo , Moreano Israel , Bonilla William , Mena Stephany
Published: April 2022

Water treatment systems are necessary in every industrial complex, especially when operations are held in the vicinity of a rainforest. The main focus of this study was to implement an industrial water treatment plant at the facilities of Halliburton company located in El Coca, Ecuador, in order to treat effluents and reuse them for machine washing and discharge to the environment. In first instance, evaluations were made of the operational conditions of an obsolete water treatment plant in the facilities, to analyze the requirements of a new treatment system. Physical characteristics were analyzed by identifying leaks, cracks and corrosion of the treatment units. Laboratory analyzes of the treated water were reviewed and parameters exceeding Ecuadorian guidelines (Ministerial Agreement N° 097-A) were identified. Once the requirement for a new treatment system was justified, evaluations of physical, chemical and organoleptic parameters of the wastewater were carried out, in which the existing pollutants were identified and treatment stages were established to remove the pollutants, complying with the beneficiary's technical and economic specifications. Once the industrial wastewater treatment plant was built, conditioning was carried out at each of its stages, as well as all the industrial mechanisms involved. Finally, monitoring of parameters was carried out every week for a period of one month to guarantee the correct performance of the treatment plant and compliance with the guidelines of the country.
Threat of Sabotage as a Driver of Collective Action
Authors: De Jaegher Kris
Published: April 2022

A model is presented where the welfare of contributors to a public good can increase when they face an adversary who ex post sabotages their efforts. It is a best response for the adversary to maximally sabotage the smallest effort, thus increasing a defector's marginal product of effort. This creates a kink in the individual contributor's payoff function around the equilibrium effort, which can lock contributors into exerting high effort. For a sufficiently large degree of complementarity between the contributors’ efforts, the adversary increases contributors’ welfare. This result is robust when departing from several simplifying assumptions of the model.
Effects of fermentation conditions on physicochemical properties and flavor quality of fermented bayberry juice
Authors: Chen Ying , Liu Feifei , Chen Jin , Chen Jianle , Chen Shiguo , Wu Dan , Ye Xingqian , Cheng Huan
Published: April 2022

Probiotic fermented fruit juice could improve intestinal health with better sensory attributes. The effects of fermentation conditions on flavor quality of fermented bayberry juice were compared through microbial viability and sensory evaluation. Fermentation by combined Streptococcus thermophilus (ST) and Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA) resulted in higher microbial viability and sensory evaluation scores. The fermentation conditions were optimized by orthogonal experimental design and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution analysis (ST and LA in a mass ratio of 3:1; 0.6% (mass concentration) inoculation; fermentation time, 48 h, at 37 °C; 10% (mass concentration) added sucrose). Fermentation under these conditions decreased the anthocyanin content of the juice, maintained the total phenolic content, and slightly decreased the antioxidant capacity. Fermentation reduced aroma volatiles from 42 in fresh juice to 33, as determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-olfactometry (GC-MS-O), the aldehyde content decreased and the alcohol content increased. Lactic acid fermented bayberry juice by ST and LA produced a beverage with desirable consumer attributes, combining the health benefits of fresh juice and probiotics.
Frailty Is Associated With Cognitive Decline Independent of Cerebral Small Vessel Disease and Brain Atrophy
Authors: Siejka Timothy P , Srikanth Velandai K , Hubbard Ruth E , Moran Chris , Beare Richard , Wood Amanda G , Collyer Taya A , Gujjari Siddhanth , Phan Thanh G , Callisaya Michele L
Published: April 2022

Background

To examine the effect of frailty on cognitive decline independent of cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) and brain atrophy, and whether associations between neuropathology and cognition differed depending on frailty status.

Methods

The Tasmanian Study of Cognition and Gait was a population-based longitudinal cohort study with data collected at 3 phases from 2005 to 2012. Participants aged 60–85 were randomly selected from the electoral roll. Various data were used to operationalize a 36-item frailty index (FI) at baseline. Brain MRI was undertaken to obtain baseline measures of neuropathology. A neuropsychological battery was used to assess cognition at each time point. Generalized linear mixed models were used to examine the effect of frailty and MRI measures on cognition over time. The associations between MRI measures and cognition were explored after stratifying the sample by baseline frailty status. All analyses were adjusted for age, sex, and education.

Results

A total of 385 participants were included at baseline. The mean age was 72.5 years (standard deviation [SD] 7.0), 44% were female (n = 171). In fully adjusted linear mixed models, frailty (FI × time β −0.001, 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.003, −0.001, p = .03) was associated with decline in global cognition, independent of brain atrophy, and cSVD. The association between cSVD and global cognition was significant only in those with low levels of frailty (p = .03).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that frailty is an important factor in early cognitive dysfunction, and measuring frailty may prove useful to help identify future risk of cognitive decline.
Plasma Growth and Differentiation Factor 15 Predict Longitudinal Changes in Bone Parameters in Women, but Not in Men
Authors: Osawa Yusuke , Tanaka Toshiko , Semba Richard D , Fantoni Giovanna , Moaddel Ruin , Candia Julián , Simonsick Eleanor M , Bandinelli Stefania , Ferrucci Luigi
Published: April 2022

Bone fragility can progress with aging, but biomarkers to detect emerging osteopenia have not been fully elucidated. Growth/differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) has pleiotropic roles in a broad range of age-related conditions, but its association with osteopenia is unknown. We examined the relationship between plasma GDF-15 levels and rate of change in bone parameters over 9 years of follow-up in 596 adults in the InCHIANTI study (baseline age, 65–94 years; women, 52.4%; mean follow-up, 7.0 ± 3.0 years). Plasma GDF-15 concentrations were measured using the 1.3k HTS SOMAscan assay. Eight bone parameters were measured in the right tibia by peripheral quantitative computed tomography; total bone density, trabecular bone density, medullary plus trabecular bone density, cortical bone density, total bone area, cortical bone area, medullary bone area, and minimum moment of inertia (mMOI). We ran sex-specific linear mixed-effect models with random intercepts and slopes adjusted for age, age-squared, education, body mass index, the rate of change in weight, smoking, sedentary behavior, cross-sectional areas of calf muscles and fat, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone, calcium, diabetes mellitus, and follow-up time. We found a significant association of “baseline GDF-15 × time” in models predicting cortical bone density and the mMOI in women, suggesting that the rates of decline in these bone parameters increased with higher GDF-15 (false discovery rate <0.05). Higher plasma levels GDF-15 predicted an accelerated decline in bone parameters in women, but was less associated in men. Furthermore studies are needed to understand the mechanisms underlying these sex differences.
Language used to describe medication review activities: does it require standardisation? A narrative synthesis
Authors: Alharthi M , Blacklock J , Scott S , Wright D
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Medication review (MR) is a health care professional’s systematic assessment of a patient’s medications with recommendations for improvement (1). To enable comparison between different evaluations of medication review-based interventions to determine whether the nature of activity differs, it is important that standardised language is used. Currently, there is no accepted international taxonomy for describing medication review activities. Therefore, we undertook a systematic review of literature with narrative synthesis to determine whether standardisation may be appropriate.

Aim

To determine the range of terms used to describe medication review activities.

Method

A PROSPERO registered systematic review (CRD 42020215992) was performed using search terms according to the Population, Intervention, Comparison and Outcome (PICO) framework. ‘Population’ & ‘Comparison’ were not used. Synonyms for medication review activities were used for both ‘Intervention’ and ‘Outcomes’, e.g., stop, start, change, alter. We included all papers reporting medication review activities in English with empirical data. Papers not using language to describe medication review activities were excluded. Two researchers reviewed all titles, abstracts, and full-text papers independently; discussion resolved any disagreement. Data extraction was carried out independently as per Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care (EPOC) as follows:

The papers were assessed using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT). The research team themed the extracted terms.

Results

After deleting duplicates, 9746 titles were screened. Twenty-one studies were included: eight quantitative non-randomised trials, eight randomised controlled trials, and five quantitative descriptive studies. The studies covered the UK, Netherlands, Australia, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, Canada, and Jordan. The table summarises the medication review activities reported in these papers.

Conclusion

Various authors reported medication review activities. ‘Alter’ and ‘adaptation’ are examples of ambiguous terms. Determining whether actions are related with activities to reduce or increase doses is difficult due to such terminology. As a result, comparing medication review approaches may be difficult. Limiting the search strategy to English-language only may have missed some studies. A taxonomy to describe and define medication review activities, thereby standardising MR reporting, should improve the presentation of data from process evaluations and the ability to compare activity between studies.

Reference

(1) Christensen M, Lundh A. Medication review in hospitalised patients to reduce morbidity and mortality. Cochrane Database Syst Rev [Internet]. 2016 Feb 20; Available from: https://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/14651858.CD008986.pub3
Dynamics of charged particles and quasi-periodic oscillations in the vicinity of a distorted, deformed compact object embedded in a uniform magnetic field
Authors: Faraji S , Trova A
Published: April 2022

This work presents the dynamic properties of charged test particles influenced by the gravitational and electromagnetic fields. Accordingly in this work, we concentrate on the static and axially symmetric metric containing two quadrupole parameters. One relates to the central object, and another relates to the external distribution of matter. This metric may associate the observable effects to these parameters as dynamical degrees of freedom. The astrophysical motivation for choosing such a field is the possibility to constitute a reasonable model for an actual situation occurring in the objects’ vicinity. To test the role of large-scale magnetic fields in accretion processes, we start by analysing different time-like bound orbits under the influence of the system’s different parameters. This leads to examining their stability concerning radial and/or vertical oscillations. The main focus is to discuss the effect of magnetic field on the oscillation modes’ resonant phenomena using different resonant models for disc-oscillation modes. In the present contribution, we further explore the possibility of relating oscillatory frequencies of charged particles to the frequencies of the high-frequency quasi-periodic oscillations observed in the microquasars GRS 1915+105, XTE 1550-564, and GRO 1655-40 via assuming relevance of resonant phenomena on the radial and vertical oscillations.
Constitutional Law in Venezuela
Authors: Núñez M. Ana Cristina , Pérez-Perdomo Rogelio
Published: April 2022

This chapter discusses Venezuela’s constitutional history. Venezuelans were eager drafters of constitutions in the nineteenth century. The first Venezuelan constitution was published in December 1811. It was also the first constitution written in Spanish. The first constituent assembly declared Venezuela an independent federal republic on 5 July 1811. The decades of 1850 and 1860 were of political turmoil and declared civil war between 1859 and 1864 (the so-called ‘Federal War’). The 1864 Constitution reorganized Venezuela with a very weak central government. In the 1990s, a political crisis led to the election of Hugo Chavez as President of the Republic, a former military man who had twice attempted to overthrow the government and assassinate the President via coup d’état. Chavez was able to call for a national constitutional assembly that enacted the Constitution of 1999 and establish a so-called ‘revolution’, which will be analysed.
Latin American Constitutional Traditions
Authors: Gargarella Roberto
Published: April 2022

Since the enactment of the Venezuelan Constitution of 1811, and until almost the end of the century, there were 103 Constitutions adopted in Latin America in sixteen countries. This chapter distinguishes three fundamentally different constitutional traditions, which refer to three different projects or understandings of constitutionalism. These are republicanism, conservatism, and liberalism. The classification aims to highlight fact that Latin American constitutional law was definitely marked by three lasting political and legal currents, which derived from the French Revolution, the American Revolution, and the Spanish Empire. The republican, liberal, and conservative constitutional traditions in Latin American Constitutional Law were and still are in dialogue with those three fundamental influences. The chapter closely explores these three different constitutional traditions and their developments.
Immigration and Citizenship
Authors: Ventura Deisy , Baraldi Camila
Published: April 2022

International migration has become a dominant topic in social and human sciences, giving rise to a vast academic production about and in South American countries. This chapter stresses the role regional integration has had as a propelling force to a human rights approach, and a subsequent short reference to how the Inter-American Human Rights System has handled the issue. Thereafter, it introduces the complexity of national migration legislation related to this paradigm, referring to a specific case: the recent Haitian migration flux to Brazil and Brazilian local governments’ response in terms of public policies. Finally, the reference to electoral legislation completes the overview, briefly introducing migrants’ social and political participation.
Technique Tip: Maintaining Anatomy While Achieving Compression During Primary Subtalar Fusion in Setting of Comminuted Calcaneal Tuberosity Fracture
Authors: Nourmahnad Atousa , Miller Christopher P.
Published: April 2022

Calcaneal fractures are severe injuries that frequently predispose patients to post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Comminuted fractures of the posterior facet carry a particularly high risk, so many surgeons will perform primary subtalar fusion in the setting of a Sander’s IV calcaneal fracture. Maintaining desired anatomy of the comminuted tuberosity while achieving compression at the fusion interface, however, can be difficult while performing primary fusion. We describe a case of an elderly patient who sustained a Sanders IV calcaneal fracture with a severely comminuted posterior facet and calcaneal tuberosity. The patient underwent open reduction internal fixation and primary fusion with a novel technique that permitted compression at the subtalar joint for fusion while maintaining desired anatomy of the comminuted tuberosity fragments. This technique, which used fully and partially threaded screws, allowed rigid fixation at the subtalar joint without need for follow-up procedures or violation of the skin with k-wires.

Level of Evidence: Diagnostic Level V—expert opinion.
Evaluation of Pain After Mohs Micrographic Surgery: A Prospective Study
Authors: Shir-az Ofir , Berl Ariel , Shalom Avshalom
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is a widely used technique for removal of cutaneous tumors. The procedure is well-tolerated with little surgical or postoperative pain.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined pain levels after Mohs surgery throughout the first week of recovery and the relation to patient demographics, lesion characteristics, surgery details, and postoperative analgesia.

METHODS

A 2-year prospective observational study included patients who underwent MMS. Patients rated the severity of postoperative pain once daily until removal of sutures and documented analgesics used. Analyses of patient and lesion characteristics along with reconstruction methods were conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 2,178 patients were included in the study. Pain levels were strongest on the first postoperative day (POD) and were significantly different between genders on POD 3. Site of skin lesion, method of reconstruction, and number of stages of MMS were significantly related to postoperative pain levels on univariate and multivariate analyses. Postoperative consumption of analgesics differed significantly between men and women and was not correlated to age.

CONCLUSION

Mohs surgery is generally nonpainful and is well-tolerated by men and women across all ages. The site of the lesion and method of reconstruction are the major determinants affecting the perception of pain.
Systematic Endotracheal Aspiration in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Reduces Broad-spectrum Antibiotic Use for Ventilator-associated Pneumonia
Authors: Roncin César , Vanel Noémie , Morand Aurelie , Belghiti Alaoui Myriem , Michel Fabrice
Published: April 2022

Aim:

To determine the impact of a systematic endotracheal aspiration (ETA) sampling program for mechanically ventilated patients on initial antibiotic therapy for ventilator-acquired pneumonia (VAP).

Design:

Retrospective cohort study; before-after study design.

Setting:

Pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) with 16 medical and surgical beds in a tertiary teaching hospital.

Subjects:

Patients <16 years of age hospitalized in the PICU who fulfilled VAP criteria.

Intervention:

Biweekly systematic ETA sampling was conducted in mechanically ventilated patients.

Measurements:

We retrospectively studied patients who received antibiotic therapy for suspected VAP 12 months before and after the initiation of systematic ETA (periods 1 and 2, respectively), evaluating the initial antibiotic therapy spectrum in both periods.

Results:

During period 1, 56 patients developed VAP and 47 developed VAP during period 2. The incidence was 17 cases of VAP/1000 days of mechanical ventilation in both periods. Ideal antibiotic therapy was prescribed in 19.6% of cases for period 1 and 55.2% for period 2 (P = 0.001). Initial antibiotic therapy for VAP during period 2 had a significantly lower proportion of broad-spectrum antibiotics than therapy during period 1 (P = 0.01).

Conclusion:

In our PICU, knowledge of bronchial colonization reduced initial broad-spectrum antibiotic use for VAP.
Temporal Association between Influenza Vaccination Coverage and Ambulatory Antibiotic Use in Children
Authors: Younas Mariam , Royer Julie , Winders Hana R. , Weissman Sharon B. , Bookstaver P. Brandon , Ann Justo Julie , Waites Katie S. , Bell Linda , Al-Hasan Majdi N.
Published: April 2022

In this population-based retrospective cohort study, increased influenza vaccination coverage was temporally associated with a reduction in ambulatory antibiotic use in children. After adjustment for yearly vaccine effectiveness, antibiotic prescription rate declined by 3/1000 person-months for each 1% increase in influenza vaccination coverage between 2012 and 2017 in South Carolina (P < 0.001).
Perceptions of Gender Violence in Spanish Adolescents
Authors: Rodríguez-Borrego María Aurora , Rodríguez-Muñoz Pedro Manuel , López-Soto Pablo Jesús , Carmona-Torres Juan Manuel
Published: April 2022

Background

Gender violence among adolescents is a global problem. In the context of public healthcare, nursing professionals play an important role.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine awareness, information, and beliefs regarding gender violence in adolescents and identify their educational needs.

Participants and Setting

Data from a study conducted by the Spanish Centre for Sociological Research and the Government Office for Gender Violence in 2013 are used. The sample contained 698 adolescents aged 15–19 years.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of a data survey. Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines are followed. Sociodemographic variables and seven topics of interest were analyzed: gender inequality, intimate relationships, definition of abuse, identification of abuse, awareness of cases of abuse in women, and informal and formal support networks.

Results

The results show that adolescents are well informed, are aware of informal and formal support networks, use the word “respect,” identify abuse and consider it unacceptable, and believe media coverage is useful in giving visibility to gender violence. No significant differences were found in gender, social class, or education, and their idea of romantic love remains intact.

Conclusions

The researchers conclude that, in Spain, adolescents' awareness of gender violence is strongly influenced by environmental and cultural factors, because of the prevalence of gender and intimate partner violence in the country. Formal interventions such as health education provided by either nursing professionals in schools or the broader community can have a positive effect on adolescent health. Primary care nurses should use these findings to support the development of health promotion programs for young adults.
Serum VEGF-D level is correlated with renal dysfunction and proteinuria in patients with diabetic chronic kidney disease
Authors: Nguyen Thi Thuy Uyen , Kim Hyeongwan , Chae Yoon Jung , Jung Jong Hwan , Kim Won
Published: April 2022

Biomarkers associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) may play a crucial role in the early diagnosis of diabetic kidney disease. However, there have been few reports published on serum vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF)-D in patients with diabetic CKD. We divided patients with diabetic CKD into two groups: CKD 3–4 and CKD 5. In total, 42 patients with diabetic kidney disease and seven healthy controls without diabetes mellitus were enrolled in this study. An observational study was conducted to evaluate the serum VEGF-D levels and other clinical parameters in each group and to assess the relationship among these factors. The serum levels of VEGF-D were higher in the CKD 3–4 group and CKD 5 group than in the control group. However, there was no significant difference in serum levels of VEGF-D between CKD stage 3–4 group and CKD stage 5 group. Correlation analysis showed that serum VEGF-D was negatively correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate but positively correlated with serum creatinine, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio. Serum VEGF-D was a good biomarker in receiver operating characteristic analysis and independently associated with CKD stages in multiple linear regression analysis. Circulating VEGF-D was positively correlated with blood growth/differentiation factor-15, endostatin, and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 16 levels. Serum VEGF-D levels were correlated with renal dysfunction, albuminuria, and proteinuria in patients with diabetic kidney disease. Elucidation of the role of VEGF-D as a biomarker requires further study.
A comprehensive investigation on pan-cancer impacts of constitutive centromere associated network gene family by integrating multi-omics data
Authors: Su Huimei , Fan Yuchun , Wang Zhuan , Jiang Lihe
Published: April 2022

Background:

The constitutive centromere associated network (CCAN) complex played a critical role in connecting the centromere with the mitotic spindle during mitosis and meiosis. Many studies have indicated that CCAN is related to the tumorigenesis and cancer development. Nonetheless, the overview of CCAN gene family in pan-cancer remain incompletely understood.

Methods:

We performed a comprehensive investigation on pan-cancer impacts of CCAN by integrating multi-omics data. We comprehensively investigated the expression profile, kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (kegg) pathway, mutation, copy number variation, tumor microenvironment, immune cells infiltration, and drug sensitivity of CCAN in pan-cancer. MRNA expression profiles were collected from the cancer genome atlas, oncomine and ccle, the differential expression and various relevance analysis were performed with R or Perl.

Results:

The results showed that the expression of CCAN was different in 33 tumors. Intriguingly, the poor survival in adrenocortical carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, kidney chromophobe, mesothelioma, kidney renal clear cell carcinoma, brain lower grade glioma, pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma, prostate adenocarcinoma, thyroid carcinoma, uveal melanoma was most likely related to the kegg single transduction pathway including one carbon pool by folate, proteasome, arachidonic acid metabolism and so on. CENPC, ITGB3BP, APITD1, CENPU, and CENPW were more involved in tumor microenvironment, which more likely related to NK cells resting, T cells follicular helper, T cells CD8, neutrophils, macrophages M0, T cells CD4 memory activated. The relationship of CCAN expression with drug sensitivity showed that chelerythrine, nelarabine, and hydroxyurea maybe be potential drugs.

Conclusions:

This multidimensional study provides a valuable resource to assist mechanism research and clinical utility about CCAN.
Prognosis and clinical characteristics of patients with 3β-hydroxy-Δ5-C27-steroid dehydrogenase deficiency diagnosed in childhood
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Yang Chun-Feng , Wang Wen-Zhen , Cheng Yong-Kang , Sheng Chu-Qiao , Li Yu-Mei
Published: April 2022

Objectives:

3β-hydroxy-Δ5-C27-steroid dehydrogenase deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive condition. So far fewer than 100 cases have been reported and the factors affecting the prognosis are not yet established. The objective of this study is to explore a possible prediction of the outcome of this rare condition.

Methods:

This review was undertaken and reported in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analyses guidelines. Demographics, clinical features, gene data, treatment strategies and prognoses at the last follow-up were extracted and summarized. Patients were divided into 2 groups (alive with native liver and liver transplantation/died). Risk factors for the different clinical features were identified.

Results:

87 patients that were taken from 7 case reports and 9 case series were included. 38 (38/63, 63.0%) of them presented initial symptoms when they were younger than 1 month and 55 (55/63, 87.3%) less than 1 year. There is a larger proportion of patients younger than 1 month or 1 year at the age of symptom onset in the liver transplantation /died group than patients in alive with the native liver group. The majority of patients (53/62, 85.5%) were diagnosed before the age of 5 year. In all cases, 65 (predicted) pathogenic variants have been identified. Over 70% of patients carried an HSD3B7 variant on exon 1, 4, 5 or 6. 71 (81.6%) were alive at the last follow-up, 16 (18.4%) underwent liver transplantation or died. No significance was found between the group alive with native liver and group liver transplantation /died.

Conclusion:

Age of onset of the symptoms may be a potential factor that determines the outcome of patients with 3β-HSD deficiency, patients presented with symptoms and signs at an age younger than 1 month or even 1 year may have a worse prognosis. Since there is no difference between clinical outcome and zygosity of gene mutation, we recommend a further study about any possible relationship between mutation site and clinical characteristics or prognosis.
Silica-associated systemic lupus erythematosus with lupus nephritis and lupus pneumonitis
Authors: Fukushima Kazuhiko , Uchida Haruhito A. , Fuchimoto Yasuko , Mifune Tomoyo , Watanabe Mayu , Tsuji Kenji , Tanabe Katsuyuki , Kinomura Masaru , Kitamura Shinji , Miyamoto Yosuke , Wada Sae , Koyanagi Taisaku , Sugiyama Hitoshi , Kishimoto Takumi , Wada Jun
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Several epidemiological studies have shown that silica exposure triggers the onset of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); however, the clinical characteristics of silica-associated SLE have not been well studied.

Patient concerns

A 67-year-old man with silicosis visited a primary hospital because of a fever and cough. His respiratory condition worsened, regardless of antibiotic medication, and he was referred to our hospital.

Diagnosis

The patient showed leukopenia, lymphopenia, serum creatinine elevation with proteinuria and hematuria, decreased serum C3 level, and was positive for anti-double stranded DNA antibody, anti-nuclear antibody, and direct Coombs test. He was diagnosed with SLE. Renal biopsy was performed, and the patient was diagnosed with lupus nephritis (class IV-G(A/C) + V defined by the International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society classification). Computed tomography revealed acute interstitial pneumonitis, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid showed elevation of the lymphocyte fraction, and he was diagnosed with lupus pneumonitis.

Interventions

Prednisolone (50 mg/day) with intravenous cyclophosphamide (500 mg/body) were initiated.

Outcomes

The patient showed a favorable response to these therapies. He was discharged from our hospital and received outpatient care with prednisolone slowly tapered off. He had cytomegalovirus and herpes zoster virus infections during treatment, which healed with antiviral therapy.

Review:

We searched for the literature on sSLE, and selected 11 case reports and 2 population-based studies. The prevalence of SLE manifestations in sSLE patients were comparative to that of general SLE, particularly that of elderly-onset SLE. Our renal biopsy report and previous reports indicate that lupus nephritis of sSLE patients show as various histological patterns as those of general SLE patients. Among the twenty sSLE patients reported in the case articles, three patients developed lupus pneumonitis and two of them died of it. Moreover, two patients died of bacterial pneumonia, one developed aspergillus abscesses, one got pulmonary tuberculosis, and one developed lung cancer.

Conclusion

Close attention is needed, particularly for respiratory system events and infectious diseases, when treating patients with silica-associated SLE using immunosuppressive therapies.
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among physical therapists in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Chen-Yu , Lu Shiang-Ru , Yang Shu-Yu , Liang Fu-wen , Wang Jhi-Joung , Ho Chung-Han , Hsiao Pei-Chi
Published: April 2022

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) refer to musculoskeletal injuries caused by the occupation. Physical therapists (PTs) suffer from a high risk of WMSD despite their extensive knowledge in ergometrics and injury prevention. This study aims to discover the incidence and prevalence of WMSD among PTs using Taiwan's nationwide claims database. The trend of annual patients seeking rehabilitation and the prevalence of WMSD among PTs were presented. The age- and gender-specific incidence of WMSD were also calculated. The prevalence of WMSD in PTs varied from 6.1% to 75.2%, and the incidence ranged from 6.1 to 29.1 per 100 person-years during 1997 and 2012. For those aged ≤30 years, the incidence was higher in females than males (incidence rate ratio  = 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–1.14, P = .011), whereas for those aged from 31 to40 years, females had lower incidence of WMSD than males (incidence rate ratio  = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.80–0.96, P = .007). The patients/PTs ratio was higher (270.56–337.74) in 1998 and 2004 to 2007 and became stable (245.93–252.82) in 2008 to 2012, correlating with a rise in the WMSD prevalence in 1999 to 2007 and a steady prevalence after 2008 (63.5%–66.3%) in PTs. In conclusion, the risk of WMSD among PTs was positively correlated to the frequency of patients seeking rehabilitation service. In addition, age and gender were important risk factors for developing WMSD among PTs.
The efficacy and safety of Laminaria japonica for metabolic syndrome
Authors: Kim Bonglee , Lee In-Seon , Ko Seok-Jae
Published: April 2022

Background:

Metabolic syndrome is a pathological condition characterized by abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Conventional treatments for metabolic syndrome have limitations due to their nonselectivity, drug resistance, and low bioavailability. The brown seaweed Laminaria japonica (LJP) is a traditional medicine and food in Asia that has shown pharmacological and biochemical properties favorable to the prevention and treatment of lifestyle-related diseases. We will systematically review randomized controlled trials and in vivo preclinical studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of LJP as a useful treatment for metabolic syndrome.

Methods:

The following databases will be searched from inception to September 2021: MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science. Randomized controlled trials and in vivo preclinical studies that analyzed LJP for the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndromes will be included. The outcome measures will include body composition, dietary habit scores, serum lipid profiles, daily nutrient intake, quality of life, number of microbiomes, gastrointestinal symptoms, and bowel function. Studies comparing LJP with any type of control intervention will be included. Data extraction using Review Manager version 5.3 and risk of bias assessment using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias will be performed by 2 independent assessors.

Results and Conclusion:

This systematic review will provide evidence confirming the efficacy and safety of LJP in the treatment of metabolic syndrome.

Ethics and dissemination:

Ethical approval was not required, as this study protocol does not include any personal information of the participants.

Trial registration number:

DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/G2BQK (https://osf.io/g2bqk).