bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current trends, applications, and challenges of coatings on additive manufacturing based biopolymers: A state of art review
Authors: Sharma Shrutika , Gupta Vishal , Mudgal Deepa
Published: June 2022

Healing of bone fractures highly depends on the biocompatibility, stability in biological conditions, biodegradability, technical functionality, and shelf‐life of biomaterials. Metallic biomaterials offer excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility. However, metallic bone implants result in stress shielding, release of toxic ions, excessive wear, and corrosion. Polymer materials are being explored for bone implants due to their light‐weight, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and absence of stress shielding. In the new era, additive manufacturing (AM) is being preferred due to its capability of fabricating customer specific implants with minimum material wastage. However, AM based polymer implants lack in mechanical strength and biological properties. Surface modification of polymeric substrates using coatings and incorporation of bioadditives have been regarded as alternatives for improvement of mechanical and biological properties. This review discusses about various coating techniques and gives an overview about coatings and bioadditives that can be used for enhancement of properties. From the review, it is evident that reinforcement of hydroxyapatite to polylactic acid resulted in prevention of crack growth during shape recovery cycles which can be used for self‐fitting implants. Coatings have been successful in enhancing hydrophilicity, mechanical properties, anti‐biofouling, antibacterial and anti‐coagulative properties, adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of cells on the coated surface. This review also discusses the challenges that need to be overcome for progression in this field.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of the correlation between bispectral index (BIS) and clinical sedation scales: Toward defining the role of BIS in critically ill patients
Authors: Heavner Mojdeh S. , Gorman Emily F. , Linn Dustin D. , Yeung Siu Yan Amy , Miano Todd A.
Published: June 2022

Introduction

The bispectral index (BIS) is an attractive approach for monitoring level of consciousness in critically ill patients, particularly during paralysis, when commonly used sedation scales cannot be used.

Objectives

As a first step toward establishing the utility of BIS during paralysis, this review examines the strength of correlation between BIS and clinical sedation scales in a broad population of non‐paralyzed, critically ill adults.

Methods

We included studies evaluating the strength of correlation between concurrent assessments of BIS and Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS), Ramsay Sedation Scale (RSS), or Sedation Agitation Scale (SAS) in critically ill adult patients. Studies involving assessment of depth sedation periperative or procedural time periods, and those reporting BIS and sedation scale assessments conducted >5 min apart or while neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBA) were administered, were excluded. Data were abstracted on sedation scale, correlation coefficients, setting, patient characteristics, and BIS assessment characteristics that could impact the quality of the studies.

Results

Twenty‐four studies which enrolled 1235 patients met inclusion criteria. The correlation between BIS and RASS, RSS, and SAS overall was 0.68 (95% confidence interval, 0.61–0.74, Ƭ2 = 0.06 I2 = 71.26%). Subgroup analysis by sedation scale indicated that the correlation between BIS and RASS, RSS, and SAS were 0.66 (95% confidence interval 0.58–0.73, Ƭ2 = 0.01 I2 = 30.20%), 0.76 (95% confidence interval 0.69–0.82, Ƭ2 = 0.04 I2 = 67.15%), and 0.53 (95% confidence interval 0.42–0.63, Ƭ2 = 0.01 I2 = 26.59%), respectively. Factors associated with significant heterogeneity included comparator clinical sedation scale, neurologic injury, and the type of intensive care unit (ICU) population.

Conclusions

BIS demonstrated moderate to strong correlation with clinical sedation scales in adult ICU patients, providing preliminary evidence for the validity of BIS as a measure of sedation intensity when clinical scales cannot be used. Future studies should determine whether BIS monitoring is safe and effective in improving outcomes in patients receiving NMBA treatment.
Registration of the sorghum carbon‐partitioning nested association mapping (CP‐NAM) population
Authors: Kumar Neeraj , Brenton Zachary , Myers Matthew T. , Boyles Richard E. , Sapkota Sirjan , Boatwright J. L. , Cox W. A. , Jordan Kathleen E. , Kresovich Stephen
Published: June 2022

The sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] carbon‐partitioning nested association mapping (CP_NAM) (Reg. no. MP‐4, NSL 542189 MAP) population was developed at Clemson University, SC, using 11 diverse, male founder accessions, each crossed with a recurrent female parent ‘Grassl’. The male parents represent all five major botanical races and the four major agronomic types: cellulosic (5), sweet (3), grain (2) and forage (1). A set of 11 recombinant inbred line (RIL) families CP_NAM01 to CP_NAM011 were maintained, which consisted of 2,484 (F6) individuals. Each RIL family contained a minimum of 193 individuals (CP_NAM01) and a maximum of 287 individuals (CP_NAM06). For the development of this population, the founder lines were judiciously selected from the sorghum Bioenergy Association Panel based on carbon‐partitioning phenotypes that make this population an ideal genetic resource for dissecting a wide range of agronomic and compositional traits for basic and applied research. The founder accessions of the CP_NAM were phenotypically characterized for various traits, including agronomic, biomass and related components, and additional compositional components. Each of the 11 F6 RIL families of the CP_NAM were genotyped using genotyping‐by‐sequencing analysis, and 144,087 single nucleotide polymorphisms were generated for each individual. Genotypic information along with phenotypic data were used for the characterization of this population and to explore the range of phenotypes that permits the understanding of carbon‐partitioning dynamics. This population is a unique resource for researchers to study a wide range of contrasting carbon‐partitioning characteristics in sorghum to understand the genetic architecture underlying whole‐plant carbon partitioning and allocation.
Advances in ionisation techniques for mass spectrometry‐based omics research
Authors: Challen Bob , Cramer Rainer
Published: June 2022

Omics analysis by mass spectrometry (MS) is a vast field, with proteomics, metabolomics and lipidomics dominating recent research by exploiting biological MS ionisation techniques. Traditional MS ionisation techniques such as electrospray ionisation have limitations in analyte‐specific sensitivity, modes of sampling and throughput, leading to many researchers investigating new ionisation methods for omics research. In this review, we examine the current landscape of these new ionisation techniques, divided into the three groups of (electro)spray‐based, laser‐based and other miscellaneous ionisation techniques. Due to the wide range of new developments, this review can only provide a starting point for further reading on each ionisation technique, as each have unique benefits, often for specialised applications, which promise beneficial results for different areas in the omics world.
Developing Reaction Chemistry Models from Reactive Molecular Dynamics: TATB
Authors: Kober Edward M.
Published: June 2022

Reactive Molecular Dynamic (RMD) are used to simulate the cook‐off chemistry of TATB at a variety of fixed density and fixed temperature conditions. The chemical transformations are monitored using a Coordination Geometry Analysis (CGA) approach which tracks which atom types are bonded to each specific atom. This particularly identifies oxidation state changes that occur during the transformations. Correlations between these different chemical changes are identified using a Non‐negative Matrix Factorization (NMF) approach. These identify reduced order chemistry models for the TATB system which contains six components whose concentration profiles are a function of both the temperature and density/pressure. The time histories of these transformations appear to show exponential growth/decay properties that could be fit with Arrhenius rates. These components should form the basis of deflagration rate models for these materials which could then be used in mesoscale simulations to analyze accidental initiation, shock‐to‐detonation and detonation propagation.
ADN Solid Propellants with High Burning Rates as Booster Material for Hypersonic Applications
Authors: Sims Stefan , Fischer Sebastian , Tagliabue Claudio
Published: June 2022

RAM‐ and SCRAM‐Jet engines can not generate static thrust and only work at high speeds. This starting velocity of the motor v0 is usually generated by carrier rockets or boosters, which mostly use solid propellants based on ammonium perchlorate (AP) and hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene (HTPB). Modern solid propellants based on ammonium dinitramide (ADN) and Glycidyl Azide Polymer (GAP) have significant advantages in terms of environmental compatibility and thermodynamic performance. In the present work, it is shown that the already high burning rate of ADN solid propellants can be more than doubled by means of metallic fibers, which significantly increases the thrust of such engines. In order to achieve such results, 3 wt% of Al−Mg alloy fibers are added to the propellant. A formulation with 3 mm long fibres shows the highest burning rate with 84.0 mm/s at 26.5 MPa. Small scale motor tests confirm these investigations. The burning mechanism is studied by SEM/EDX investigations and by measuring the thermal conductivity. These show that the fibres remain on the burning surface and thus transfer the heat from the flame to the depth of the propellant. The thermal conductivity of samples with AlMg5 fibers is about 22 % higher than the reference.
Firm climate risk, risk management, and bank loan financing
Authors: Huang Henry He , Kerstein Joseph , Wang Chong , Wu Feng (Harry)
Published: June 2022

Research Summary

We estimate firm‐level physical risk from climate change based on managerial evaluation and firms' exposure to climate hazard events and find that climate risk results in unfavorable corporate financing terms related to bank loans (higher interest paid, higher likelihood of being required to collateralize the loan, and greater number of covenant constraints). Firms that take measures aimed at managing climate risk, including corporate climate strategy, board‐level governance, specific or integrated process to cope with climate change, climate opportunities, and climate policy involvement, are able to mitigate the negative impact of climate risk on loan contracting. We further find that higher climate risk level is associated with inferior financial performance and higher default probability, which potentially lead to more stringent loan terms.

Managerial Summary

We examine how a firm's exposure to climate risk affects its financing terms from bank loans. Climate risk exposure is assessed by firm managers and also reflects the degree to which the firm is subject to climate‐induced natural disasters. The results show that if exposed to higher climate risk, which hurts financial performance and heightens default likelihood, firms face higher interest rates and more stringent collateral and covenant constraints when borrowing from banks. Nevertheless, firm managers could significantly mitigate this adverse climate impact on loan financing by integrating climate change into business strategy, having the board take direct responsibility for climate change issues, establishing a climate change‐focused risk management process, seeking business opportunities from climate change, and engaging in activities that influence climate policies.
Single‐Step‐Lithography Micro‐Stepper Based on Frictional Contact and Chiral Metamaterial
Authors: Tan Xiaojun , Martínez Julio Andrés Iglesias , Ulliac Gwenn , Wang Bing , Wu Linzhi , Moughames Johnny , Raschetti Marina , Laude Vincent , Kadic Muamer
Published: June 2022

Stepper motors and actuators are among the main constituents of control motion devices. They are complex multibody systems with rather large overall volume due to their multifunctional parts and elaborate technological assembly processes. Miniaturization of individual parts is still posing assembly problems. In this paper, a single‐step lithography process to fabricate a micro‐stepper engine with an accurate micrometric rotation axis and an overall sub‐millimeter size is demonstrated. The device is based on the frictional contacts and chiral metamaterials to get rid of the dependence on the accuracy of parts. The functional aspects of fabricated samples are discussed for many rotation cycles and for different frictional surfaces.
Toward the Controlled Synthesis of Highly Dispersed Metal Clusters Enabled by Downsizing Crystalline Porous Organic Cage Supports
Authors: Zhu Liying , Zhang Suyun , Yang Xin‐Chun , Zhuang Qiang , Sun Jian‐Ke
Published: June 2022

The controlled synthesis of subnanometer‐sized metal clusters (MCs) presents a fascinating prospect for the research of size‐dependent properties. In this study, a facile approach by employing porous racemic organic cage crystals as supports for immobilizing a broad range of noble MCs (e.g., Ru, Ir, Rh) is reported. Downsizing the support to the nanoscale leads to resultant MCs with precisely controlled sizes < 0.7 nm. Such enhanced stabilization ability is a result of enhanced metal–support interactions as well as the nanoconfinement of organic cages in controlling the growth of MCs. Moreover, the obtained MCs display excellent catalytic performance in a series of liquid‐phase reactions owing to a decrease in the diffusion resistance from the substrate to MCs immobilized by the nano‐sized cage support.
Effect of cadmium administration on the antioxidant system and neuronal death in the hippocampus of rats
Authors: Treviño Samuel , Pulido Guadalupe , Fuentes Estefania , Handal‐Silva Anabella , Moreno‐Rodríguez Albino , Venegas Berenice , Flores Gonzalo , Guevara Jorge , Díaz Alfonso
Published: June 2022

Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal classified as a carcinogen whose exposure could affect the function of the central nervous system. Studies suggest that Cd modifies neuronal morphology in the hippocampus and affects cognitive tasks. The oxidative stress pathway is proposed as a mechanism of toxicity. However, this mechanism is not precise yet. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Cd administration on oxidative stress markers in the male rat's hippocampus. Male Wistar rats were divided into (1) control (drinking water) and (2) treatment with Cd (32.5 ppm of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) in water). The Cd was administered for 2, 3, and 4 months. The results show that the oral administration of CdCl2 increased the concentration of Cd in plasma and hippocampus, and this response is time‐dependent on its administration. Likewise, it caused an increase in lipid peroxidation and nitrosative stress markers.

Moreover, it increased reactive astrogliosis and antioxidant enzyme activity. Consequently, the progression of the oxidative response exacerbated neurodegeneration in hippocampal cells. Our results suggest that Cd exposure induces a severe oxidative response that contributes critically to hippocampal neurodegeneration. It is suggested that exposure to Cd increases the risk of developing neurological diseases, which contributes to a decrease in the quality of life of the human and the environment in which it lives.
Network search algorithms and scoring functions for advanced‐level computerized synthesis planning
Authors: Grzybowski Bartosz A. , Badowski Tomasz , Molga Karol , Szymkuć Sara
Published: June 2022

In 2020, a “hybrid” expert‐AI computer program called Chematica (a.k.a. Synthia) was shown to autonomously plan multistep syntheses of complex natural products, which remain outside the reach of purely data‐driven AI programs. The ability to plan at this level of chemical sophistication has been attributed mainly to the superior quality of Chematica's reactions rules. However, rules alone are not sufficient for advanced synthetic planning which also requires appropriately crafted algorithms with which to intelligently navigate the enormous networks of synthetic possibilities, score the synthetic positions encountered, and rank the pathways identified. Chematica's algorithms are distinct from prêt‐à‐porter algorithmic solutions and are product of multiple rounds of improvements, against target structures of increasing complexity. Since descriptions of these improvements have been scattered among several of our prior publications, the aim of the current Review is to narrate the development process in a more comprehensive manner.

This article is categorized under:

Data Science > Computer Algorithms and Programming

Data Science > Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning

Quantum Computing > Algorithms
“Don't drop the patient:” Health information in a postpandemic world
Authors: Hesse Bradford W. , Aronoff‐Spencer Eliah , Ahern David K. , Mullett Timothy W. , Gibbons Chris , Chih Ming‐Yuan , Hubenko Alexandra , Koop Barbara
Published: June 2022

Building on technological advances and existing currents of a healthcare system in flux, the COVID‐19 pandemic has brought about perhaps the most rapid transformation in human health and healthcare seen in our times. Even as new opportunities such as telemedicine, remote care, and rapid precision health practices are poised to improve access and care for populations, the increasing sophistication of this transformation has brought with it new levels of complexity, fragmentation, and silos. The singular outcome of this system is the vast number of novel ways for miscommunication, loss of information in transition, and breakdowns in the cognitive continuity of care. We refer to these failure modes as “dropping the patient” and adopt a mantra of “don't drop the patient” which examines our emerging health system in the context of patient‐centered continuity. In this light, we investigate bright spots and pitfalls, and we offer insights from Human Factors Engineering, Human Centered Design, and Human System Integration, which provide tools and methods to codesign and codevelop continuous and resilient services that are inclusive, sustainable, and effective.
A method for quantifying sporulation efficiency and isolating meiotic progeny in non‐GMO strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Sirr Amy , Timour Martin S. , Cromie Gareth A. , Tang Michelle , Dudley Aimée M.
Published: June 2022

Meiotic mapping, a linkage‐based method for analyzing the recombinant progeny of a cross, has long been a cornerstone of genetic research. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a powerful system because it is possible to isolate and cultivate the four products (spores) of a single meiotic event. However, the throughput of this process has historically been limited by the process of identifying tetrads in a heterogeneous population of vegetative cells, tetrads, and dyads followed by manual separation (dissection) of the spores contained in a tetrad. To date, methods that facilitate high throughput characterization and isolation of meiotic progeny have relied on genetic engineering. Here, we characterize the ability of the fluorescent dye DiBAC4(5) to stain yeast tetrads and dyads as well as to adhere to spores following bulk tetrad disruption. Applications include quantitative assays of sporulation rates and efficiency by flow cytometry as well as enrichment of intact tetrads, dyads, or disrupted spores by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting  in strains that have not been genetically modified.
Lagrangian Models
Authors: Loucks Daniel P.
Published: June 2022

Lagrangian models use calculus to solve multi-variable non-linear constrained optimization models of problems and for identifying the marginal changes (‘shadow prices’) of optimal solutions to changes in constraint bounds. This is especially useful when the constraints represent resource limitations.
Multi-criteria Analyses
Authors: Loucks Daniel P.
Published: June 2022

An introduction to various approaches for modeling systems where different policy makers and/or stakeholders have different and often conflicting goals regarding desired system performance.
Fuzzy Optimization
Authors: Loucks Daniel P.
Published: June 2022

The chapter introduces methods of quantifying and modeling qualitative statements concerning system objectives and constraints and thus enabling the analyses of such systems.
Some Linearization Methods
Authors: Loucks Daniel P.
Published: June 2022

Because linear programming algorithms are so efficient and in widespread use, together with the limitations of non-linear optimization solvers applied to large models, modelers faced wanting to solve very large models often attempt to linearize the non-linear terms in their models. This chapter introduces various approaches for accomplishing this, often using binary (0, 1) variables.
The Way Forward: A Practical Guideline for Successful Digital Transformation
Authors: Parmiggiani Elena , Mikalef Patrick
Published: June 2022

This chapter presents key lessons learned and implications for practice resulting from the analysis of the empirical cases included in this book. We map emerging themes across five layers: unit or project, organization, organization ecosystem, ethical and environmental sustainability, and society. We identify two emerging trends: the co-evolution of organizational forms and new technologies and the fact that digital transformation increasingly happens on the organizational ecosystem level. This has consequences in terms of increased data work, new work processes, and the need to actively engage with sustainability policies. We highlight the need for a focus on the long-term effects of digital transformation initiatives with attention to their ripple effects over time.
Komorbidität und Funktionalität – Determinanten oder Ausdruck des individuellen biologischen Alters
Authors: Bauer Jürgen M.
Published: June 2022

Zum einen prädisponiert die Organalterung einschließlich der aus ihr resultierenden Funktionseinbußen im höheren Lebenslater für das Auftreten von akuten und chronischen Erkrankungen. Zum anderen ist der Einfluss individueller Komorbiditäten auf die Funktionalität im Alter stärker als in jüngeren Jahren ausgeprägt. Dabei gilt es zu berücksichtigen, dass dieser je nach dem vorliegenden Erkrankungsspektrum und dem Schweregrad der einzelnen Erkankungen sehr unterschiedlich ausgesprägt ist. Komorbidität und Funktionalität durchdringen sich somit wechselseitig. Sie haben damit beide wenstlichen Einfluss auf die Entwicklung des individuellen biologischen Alters. Es gilt nun für die biologisch-medizinische Forschung herauszufinden, welche Ansätze es jenseits der Behandlung der individuellen Komorbiditäten zukünftig vermögen werden, den Verlauf der Funktionalität im Alter günstig zu beeinflussen. Bislang sind hier körperliches Training und eine optimierte Ernährung als Standards anzusehen. Ob neue medikamentöse Ansätze die an sie gestellten Erwartungen erfüllen können, müssen zukünftige Studien zeigen.
Das Altern somatischer Stammzellen und Zuckerstoffwechsel
Authors: Poisa-Beiro Laura , Ho Anthony D
Published: June 2022

Was ist die Verbindung zwischen Blutstammzelle und gesundes Altern? Zeitlebens sorgen die Blutstammzellen (BSZ) im Knochenmark dafür, die Regeneration gesunder Blutkörperchen zu gewährleisten. Dabei ist eine geordnete Ausreifung der BSZ in Granulozyten, Lymphozyten und Erythrozyten von außerordentlicher Bedeutung. Unsere Untersuchungen haben gezeigt, dass die alternden Blutstammzellen (BSZ) durch einen erhöhten Zuckerstoffwechsel und vermehrte Genveränderungen gekennzeichnet sind. Ferner haben wir festgestellt, dass nur ein kleiner Anteil der alternden BSZ einen erhöhten Zuckerstoffwechsel aufweisen und eben dieser Anteil den Alterungsprozess vorantreibt. Diese „Seneszenz-Zellen“ im Knochenmark nehmen mit dem Alter kontinuierlich zu und verursachen eine Störung der geordneten Ausreifung der BSZ. Durch Eingriffe in die Stoffwechselwege dieser „Seneszenz-Zellen“ können wir sie eliminieren, und somit wahrscheinlich eine „Verjüngung“ des Knochenmarks erzielen.
Dark matter effective field theory and an application to vector dark matter
Authors: Aebischer Jason , Altmannshofer Wolfgang , Jenkins Elizabeth E. , Manohar Aneesh V.
Published: June 2022

Abstract

The Standard Model Effective Field Theory (SMEFT) and the Low Energy Effective Field Theory (LEFT) can be extended by adding additional spin 0, 1/2 and 1 dark matter particles which are singlets under the Standard Model (SM) gauge group. We classify all gauge invariant interactions in the Lagrangian up to terms of dimension six, and present the tree-level matching conditions between the two theories at the electroweak scale. The most widely studied dark matter models, such as those based on the Higgs portal or on kinetic mixing between the photon and a dark photon, are based on dimension-four interactions with the SM sector. We consider a model with dark vector particles with a ℤ2 symmetry, so that the lightest dark matter particle is stable. The leading interaction with the SM is through dimension-six operators involving two dark vector field-strength tensors and the electromagnetic field-strength tensor. This model is a viable dark matter model in the freeze-in scenario for a wide range of parameters.
Thermodynamics of BPS and near-BPS AdS6 black holes
Authors: Mishra Madhu , Virmani Amitabh
Published: June 2022

Abstract

We develop the thermodynamics of BPS and near-BPS AdS6 black holes. We study the phase diagram of BPS black holes in the grand canonical ensemble. We highlight two distinct deformations orthogonal to the BPS surface: (i) increasing the temperature while keeping the charges fixed, (ii) changing the charges while maintaining extremality such that the BPS constraint is no longer satisfied. For both these deformations, we show that the considerations of the BPS entropy function can be extended to describe the near-BPS regime. The excess entropy together with changes in all potentials are perfectly accounted for via the extremization principle.
Reactive oxygen species accumulation is synchronised with growth inhibition of temperature-sensitive recAts polA Escherichia coli
Authors: Kaidow Akihiro , Ishii Noriko , Suzuki Sinngo , Shiina Takashi , Kasahara Hirokazu
Published: June 2022

When combined with recombinase defects, chromosome breakage and double-strand break repair deficiencies render cells inviable. However, cells are viable when an SOS response occurs in recAts polA cells in Escherichia coli. Here, we aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of this process. Transposon mutagenesis revealed that the hslO gene, a redox chaperone Hsp33 involved in reactive oxidative species (ROS) metabolism, was required for the suppression of recAts polA lethality at a restricted temperature. Recently, it has been reported that lethal treatments trigger ROS accumulation. We also found that recAts polA cells accumulated ROS at the restricted temperature. A catalase addition to the medium alleviates the temperature sensitivity of recAts polA cells and decreases ROS accumulation. These results suggest that the SOS response and hslO manage oxidative insult to an acceptable level in cells with oxidative damage and rescue cell growth. Overall, ROS might regulate several cellular processes.
Clinical Features of Recurrence Pattern with Lung Metastasis After Radical Esophagectomy for Thoracic Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Matsui Kazuaki , Kawakubo Hirofumi , Matsuda Satoru , Hirata Yuki , Irino Tomoyuki , Fukuda Kazumasa , Nakamura Rieko , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: June 2022

Background

One of the difficulties in the treatment of esophageal cancer surgery is the high rate of postoperative recurrence. After esophagectomy, distant metastatic recurrence frequently occurs in the lung. This study aimed to determine the clinical features of a recurrence pattern with lung metastasis.

Methods

The current study analyzed data from 138 patients who had postoperative recurrence of esophageal cancer after a radical esophagectomy. According to the recurrence pattern at the time of initial diagnosis, the patients were classified into two groups as follows: those with lung metastasis and those without.

Results

Twenty‐three of the 138 investigated patients had a recurrence pattern with lung metastasis. Salvage surgery and postoperative pneumonia (p = 0.041 and 0.030, respectively) were identified as risk factors for recurrence pattern with lung metastasis in multivariate analysis. When we compared the sites of primary esophageal tumors, we found that the frequencies of distant metastases, such as lung and liver metastases, as well as pleural/peritoneal dissemination, were higher in the mid and distal esophageal tumors. Patients with a recurrence pattern showing lung metastasis alone had a better overall and post‐recurrence survival than those with other recurrence patterns (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001).

Conclusions

In patients who had postoperative recurrence after esophagectomy for thoracic esophageal cancer, salvage surgery, and postoperative pneumonia were significantly related to recurrence pattern with lung metastasis. Postoperative recurrence with lung metastasis alone had a better prognosis than other recurrence patterns; therefore, when pulmonary recurrence is suspected, performing intensive examinations for early diagnosis is critical.
Local recurrence of robot-assisted total mesorectal excision: a multicentre cohort study evaluating the initial cases
Authors: Burghgraef T. A. , Crolla R. M. P. H. , Fahim M. , van der Schelling G.P. , Smits A. B. , Stassen L. P. S. , Melenhorst J. , Verheijen P. M. , Consten E. C. J.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Evidence regarding local recurrence rates in the initial cases after implementation of robot-assisted total mesorectal excision is limited. This study aims to describe local recurrence rates in four large Dutch centres during their initial cases.

Methods

Four large Dutch centres started with the implementation of robot-assisted total mesorectal excision in respectively 2011, 2012, 2015, and 2016. Patients who underwent robot-assisted total mesorectal excision with curative intent in an elective setting for rectal carcinoma defined according to the sigmoid take-off were included. Overall survival, disease-free survival, systemic recurrence, and local recurrence were assessed at 3 years postoperatively. Subsequently, outcomes between the initial 10 cases, cases 11–40, and the subsequent cases per surgeon were compared using Cox regression analysis.

Results

In total, 531 patients were included. Median follow-up time was 32 months (IQR: 19–50]. During the initial 10 cases, overall survival was 89.5%, disease-free survival was 73.1%, and local recurrence was 4.9%. During cases 11–40, this was 87.7%, 74.1%, and 6.6% respectively. Multivariable Cox regression did not reveal differences in local recurrence between the different case groups.

Conclusion

Local recurrence rate during the initial phases of implantation of robot-assisted total mesorectal procedures is low. Implementation of the robot-assisted technique can safely be performed, without additional cases of local recurrence during the initial cases, if performed by surgeons experienced in laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery.
Ameliorating high-fat diet-induced sperm and testicular oxidative damage by micronutrient-based antioxidant intervention in rats
Authors: Billah Md Mustahsan , Khatiwada Saroj , Lecomte Virginie , Morris Margaret J. , Maloney Christopher A.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Emerging evidence from rodent studies suggests that high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obesity is characterized by increased oxidative damage in sperm and testis. However, interventions using micronutrient supplementation to mitigate oxidative damage in obesity have not been extensively studied. This study aimed to investigate the effect of an antioxidant-based micronutrient supplement (added folate, vitamin B6, choline, betaine, and zinc) on sperm and testicular oxidative damage in HFD-fed male Sprague Dawley rats.

Methods

Rats (3-weeks-old, 12/group) were weaned onto control (C) or HFD (H) or these diets with micronutrient supplement (CS; HS); sperm and testis were harvested at 30.5 weeks. To assess oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity in testis, levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), folate and susceptibility index (SI) of pro-oxidative damage, mRNA expression of Nrf2, NFκB-p65, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α, in addition to superoxide-dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione-peroxidase (GPx) activities were measured. 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were assessed in both sperm and testis.

Results

HFD-fed rats had significantly increased 8-OHdG content in sperm and testis, increased testicular SI, decreased testicular weight, SOD and GPx activity compared to control. Strikingly, supplementation of HFD appeared to significantly reduce 8-OHdG in sperm and testis (22% and 24.3%, respectively), reduce testicular SI and MDA content (28% and 40%, respectively), increase testicular weight (24%), SOD and GPX activity (30% and 70%, respectively) and GSH content (19%). Moreover, supplementation had significant impact to increase testicular folate content regardless of diet. Furthermore, an overall effect of supplementation to increase testicular mRNA expression of Nrf2 was observed across groups. Interestingly, testicular SI was positively correlated with sperm and testicular 8-OHdG and MDA content, suggesting a critical role of testicular antioxidant activity to combat oxidative damage in sperm and testis.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that antioxidant-based micronutrient supplement has the potential to interrupt HFD-induced sperm and testicular oxidative damage by improving testicular antioxidant capacity.

Graphical abstract
Exploring the Use of “Nudges” to Improve HIV and Other Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing Among Men Who Have Sex with Men
Authors: Aung Ei T. , Fairley Christopher K. , Chow Eric P. F. , Lee David , Maddaford Kate , Wigan Rebecca , Read Daniel , Taj Umar , Vlaev Ivo , Ong Jason J.
Published: June 2022

Behavioral economics and its applied branch “nudging” can improve individual choices in various health care settings. However, there is a paucity of research using nudges to improve regular testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The study examined which reminder system and message type men who have sex with men (MSM) preferred to remind them to undergo regular 3-monthly HIV and STI testing. A cross-sectional survey study was conducted among MSM attending a sexual health clinic in Melbourne, Australia between 13 January and 5 March 2020, exploring the preferred method of reminder and framing of the message. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. A total of 309 responses were received. The majority of the participants (90%) preferred short messaging service (SMS) as the reminder method for HIV/STI testing compared to other types (e.g., email or instant messaging). More than a third of the participants (45%) showed a preference for a neutrally framed reminder message (Your next check-up is now due. Please phone for an appointment), while one-third (35%) preferred a personalized message (Hi [first name], you are due for your next check-up. Please phone for an appointment). Younger men were more likely to favor positive framed messages than older men who favored neutrally framed messages (p < .01). SMS was the preferred reminder method for regular HIV/STI testing. Reminder messages that were neutrally framed, personalized or positive framed messages were preferred over negative or social norm messages.
Examining the Role of Legal Culture as a Protective Factor Against High Rates of Pre-trial Detention: the Case of Ireland
Authors: Rogan Mary
Published: June 2022

Ireland has a comparatively low pre-trial detention rate by European standards, at around 14 pre-trial detainees per 100,000 population. This article seeks to explore one factor which may explain a lower use of pre-trial detention in Ireland: its legal culture. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with judges, prosecution lawyers, defence lawyers and probation staff, the article finds that the constitutional protection of the right to bail (the key alternative to pre-trial detention in Ireland), an enduring legal tradition which historically prohibited the use of a risk of offending ground, and shared views and assumptions about the objectives of pre-trial detention hearings amongst judges, prosecution and defence lawyers, have influenced how such actors engage in the decision-making process about the use of pre-trial detention. The article argues that more attention needs to be given to the role of legal culture to examine why detention rates differ across Europe.
An Individual Participant Data Meta-analysis of the Joint Effects of Social, Dimensional, and Temporal Comparisons on Students’ Academic Self-Concepts
Authors: Wolff Fabian , Möller Jens
Published: June 2022

Previous research has shown that three comparison types are involved in the formation of students’ academic self-concepts: social comparisons (where students compare their achievement with their classmates), dimensional comparisons (where students compare their achievement in different subjects), and temporal comparisons (where students compare their achievement across time). The 2I/E model provides a framework to describe the joint effects of these comparisons. To date, it has been tested in 12 empirical studies. However, integration of these findings is lacking, especially in terms of yielding reliable estimates of the strength of social, dimensional, and temporal comparison effects. We therefore conducted an individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis, in which we reanalyzed the data used in all prior 2I/E model studies (N = 45,248). This IPD meta-analysis provided strong support for the 2I/E model: There were moderate social comparison effects, small to moderate dimensional comparison effects, and small temporal comparison effects on students’ math and verbal self-concepts. Moreover, several moderating variables affected the strength of these effects. In particular, the social and temporal comparison effects were stronger in studies using grades instead of test scores as achievement indicators. Older students showed weaker social comparison effects but stronger dimensional comparison effects compared to younger students. Social comparison effects were also stronger in academic track schools compared to nonacademic track schools. Gender and migration background had only very small impacts on the strength of single comparison effects. In sum, this IPD meta-analysis significantly enhances our knowledge of comparison making in the process of students’ self-concept formation.
A New Non-stationary High-order Spatial Sequential Simulation Method
Authors: Haji Abolhassani Amir Abbas , Dimitrakopoulos Roussos , Ferrie Frank P. , Yao Lingqing
Published: June 2022

A new non-stationary, high-order sequential simulation method is presented herein, aiming to accommodate complex curvilinear patterns when modelling non-Gaussian, spatially distributed and variant attributes of natural phenomena. The proposed approach employs spatial templates, training images and a set of sample data. At each step of a multi-grid approach, a template consisting of several data points and a simulation node located in the center of the grid is selected. To account for the non-stationarity exhibited in the samples, the data events decided by the conditioning data are utilized to calibrate the importance of the related replicates. Sliding the template over the training image generates a set of training patterns, and for each pattern a weight is calculated. The weight value of each training pattern is determined by a similarity measure defined herein, which is calculated between the data event of the training pattern and that of the simulation pattern. This results in a non-stationary spatial distribution of the weight values for the training patterns. The proposed new similarity measure is constructed from the high-order statistics of data events from the available data set, when compared to their corresponding training patterns. In addition, this new high-order statistics measure allows for the effective detection of similar patterns in different orientations, as these high-order statistics conform to the commutativity property. The proposed method is robust against the addition of more training images due to its non-stationary aspect; it only uses replicates from the pattern database with the most similar local high-order statistics to simulate each node. Examples demonstrate the key aspects of the method.
Climate change adaptation in smallholder agriculture: adoption, barriers, determinants, and policy implications
Authors: Lamichhane Prahlad , Hadjikakou Michalis , Miller Kelly K. , Bryan Brett A.
Published: June 2022

Adaptation to climate change is imperative for the resilience of smallholder agriculture in many developing countries. While studies have focused on climatic impacts on crops and adaptation decisions, barriers to the uptake of adaptation measures by smallholder farmers remain largely unexplored. We empirically quantified the adoption of adaptation measures, as well as barriers to adoption and their determinants for smallholder agriculture in Far Western Province, Nepal, based on a survey of 327 smallholder farmers. We established relationships between barriers and adoption for three different agroecosystems: the Mountain, Hill, and Terai. We then used multiple regression to identify the determinants of barriers in the broader study area, as well as across agroecosystems. We found that adaptation measures such as crop adjustment, farm management, and fertiliser management were practised across all regions. Techno-informational, economic, and environmental barriers were strongly and inversely correlated with adoption of adaptation measures. Adoption, barriers, and determinants varied across agroecosystems. The findings indicate that agricultural development policies must consider climate change adaptation measures tailored to specific agroecosystems in order to most effectively alleviate barriers and promote smallholder resilience.
A multi-hazard historical catalogue for the city-island-state of Malta (Central Mediterranean)
Authors: Main Geoff , Gauci Ritienne , Schembri John A. , Chester David K.
Published: June 2022

The city-island-state of Malta is traditionally viewed as a low-hazard country with the lack of a long historical catalogue of extreme events and their impacts acting as an obstacle to formulating evidence-based policies of disaster risk reduction. In this paper, we present the first multi-hazard historical catalogue for Malta which extends from the Miocene to 2019 CE. Drawing on over 3500 documents and points of reference, including historical documentary data, official records and social media posts, we identify at least 1550 hazard events which collectively have caused the loss of at least 662 lives. Recognising that historical materials relating to Malta are complicated by the presence of a strong temporal bias, we establish a four-point reliability indicator and apply this to each of the 1065 recordings, with the result that some 79% show a high degree of reliability. For an island state where there are significant gaps in the knowledge and understanding of the environmental extremes and their impacts over time, this paper addresses and fills these gaps in order to inform the development of public-facing and evidence-based policies of disaster risk reduction in Malta.
Optimal Extension to Sobolev Rough Paths
Authors: Liu Chong , Prömel David J. , Teichmann Josef
Published: June 2022

We show that every $\mathbb {R}^{d}$

ℝ

d

-valued Sobolev path with regularity α and integrability p can be lifted to a weakly geometric rough path in the sense of T. Lyons with exactly the same regularity and integrability, provided α > 1/p > 0. Moreover, we prove the existence of unique rough path lifts which are optimal w.r.t. strictly convex functionals among all possible rough path lifts given a Sobolev path. This paves a way towards classifying rough path lifts as solutions of optimization problems. As examples, we consider the rough path lift with minimal Sobolev norm and characterize the Stratonovich rough path lift of a Brownian motion as optimal lift w.r.t. a suitable convex functional. Generalizations of the results to Besov spaces are briefly discussed.
The Tea House Series: Striving Together to be Antiracist
Authors: Shahram Yalda , Lowry Di’Reon , Iverson Nicholas , Teherani Arianne
Published: June 2022

Background

Though awareness of health care structures that are racist and oppressive is increasing among health care professionals, there is a gap in continuing education curricula focused on antiracist anti-oppressive practices, and limited faculty and staff development to guide individuals towards action.

Aim

To develop, implement, and evaluate a novel antiracist faculty and staff development program called the Tea House Series.

Setting and Participants

A five-part continuing education series with an accompanying online community for faculty and staff at the divisions of Hospital Medicine in one institution in the western United States.

Program Description

The four foundational pillars integral to the Tea House Series were as follows: educational framework based on the pedagogy of Paulo Freire, local disparities data, welcoming space to establish a community of practice and accountability. Each session contained participant dialogue in small group activities.

Program Evaluation

Qualitative analysis of participant survey responses demonstrated transformation towards a hope to act with a sense of community. Quantitative analysis measured increased confidence for the program learning objectives.

Discussion

The Tea House Series may be used as a model for continuing education to provide the tools and the community to confront systems of racism and oppression in any institution.
Research strategies to catalyze agroecological transitions in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Jones Sarah K. , Bergamini Nadia , Beggi Francesca , Lesueur Didier , Vinceti Barbara , Bailey Arwen , DeClerck Fabrice A. , Estrada-Carmona Natalia , Fadda Carlo , Hainzelin Etienne M. , Hunter Danny , Kettle Chris , Kihara Job , Jika Abdel Kader Naino , Pulleman Mirjam , Remans Roseline , Termote Celine , Fremout Tobias , Thomas Evert , Verchot Louis , Quintero Marcela
Published: June 2022

Governments are updating national strategies to meet global goals on biodiversity, climate change and food systems proposed in the Convention on Biological Diversity post-2020 framework and agreed at the United Nation’s Climate Change Conference (COP26) and Food Systems Summit (UNFSS). This represents a unique and crucial opportunity to integrate and accelerate food system actions to tackle interconnected global challenges. In this context, agroecology is a game-changing approach that can provide the world’s growing population with nutritious, healthy affordable food, ensure fair incomes to farmers and halt and reverse the degradation of the natural environment. Here, we explore agroecological transition pathways in four case studies from low- and middle- income countries and identify catalysts for change. We find that enabling policy and market environments, participatory action research and local socio-technical support each plays a critical role in stimulating transitions towards agroecology. We propose strategies and priorities for research to better support agroecological transitions using these catalysts of change as entry points. Engagement of governments, private sector, civil society, farmers and farm workers in this research agenda is essential.