bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for insufficient ultrasound‐guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block
Authors: Abe Shingo , Kondo Hiroki , Tomiyama Yohei , Shimada Toshiki , Bun Masayuki , Kuriyama Kohji
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Ultrasound‐guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block (SCBPB) is performed by surgeons for upper limb anesthesia; however, certain patients need additional local anesthesia. This study aimed to identify risk factors for additional local anesthetic injection requirements.

Methods

In total, 269 patients receiving ultrasound‐guided SCBPB were enrolled. Patient age, sex, body mass index, anesthetic drug dose, surgeon expertise (hand surgeon or resident), tourniquet time, comorbidities (diabetes mellitus and mental disorders), and preoperative blood pressure representing anxiety were compared between the additional local anesthesia and no additional local anesthesia groups matched for background using propensity scores. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to determine risk factor cut‐off values with the highest predictive potential.

Results

Of 269 patients, 41 (15.2%) required additional intraoperative local anesthesia. Among surgical sites, elbow surgery showed the highest prevalence of the need for additional local anesthesia (17/41, 41%). A high body mass index and high systolic blood pressure before surgery were identified as risk factors for additional intraoperative local anesthesia requirement. Furthermore, systolic blood pressure > 170 mmHg (area under the curve, 0.66) predicted the need for intraoperative local anesthesia with 36% sensitivity, 89% specificity, 37.5% positive predictive value, and 88.6% negative predictive value. The median systolic blood pressure was significantly greater in patients requiring additional local anesthesia than in those not requiring it [151 (139–171) mmHg vs. 145 (127–155) mmHg; P = 0.026].

Conclusion

Elbow surgery, obesity, and high systolic blood pressure (> 170 mmHg) before surgery are predictive of additional intraoperative local anesthesia requirement.

Level of Evidence

Prognostic Level III
Quantitative application of dual-phase 99mTc-sestamibi SPECT/CT imaging of parathyroid lesions: identification of optimal timing in secondary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Wang Yuhua , Liu Ye , Li Na , Xu Kang , Zhang Wanchun
Published: April 2023

Purpose

In this retrospective study, we compared the maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) of parathyroid lesions and the target-to-background ratio (TBR) of parathyroid lesions to thyroid tissue in early-phase single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) versus delayed-phase SPECT/CT in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) in order to determine the optimal timing of 99mTc- methoxyisobutylisonitrile (99mTc-MIBI) SPECT/CT imaging.

Methods

Seventeen patients with a history of chronic kidney failure stage 5 on hemodialysis, underwent pre-operative parathyroid scintigraphy for detection and localization of parathyroid lesions. Retrospective analysis was conducted for lesions with focal accumulation of 99mTc-MIBI. All patients underwent dual-phase 99mTc-MIBI parathyroid scintigraphy and dual-phase SPECT/CT. SUVmax of parathyroid lesions and thyroid tissues was measured.

Results

Mean SUVmax of parathyroid lesions was 4.86 on early-phase and 2.58 on delayed-phase SPECT/CT, respectively. Mean TBR was 1.14 on early phase and 1.48 on delayed-phase SPECT/CT, respectively. Statistically significant differences in SUVmax and TBR between dual-phase SPECT/CT were observed (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Delayed-phase SPECT/CT in SHPT is required because of the better image contrast.
Acute hemorrhagic cholecystitis related to diffuse neurofibroma of gallbladder in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Omura Takeshi , Ikawa Koichi , Kudo Eiji
Published: April 2023

Background

We report the first case of acute hemorrhagic cholecystitis with large hemoperitoneum related to gallbladder wall fragility caused by neurofibroma cell infiltration.

Case presentation

A 46-year-old man with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), who had been hospitalized for retroperitoneal hematoma and treated by transarterial embolization 9 days earlier, complained of right upper quadrant pain, bloating, nausea, and emesis. Computed tomography revealed fluid collection and a distended gallbladder with high-density contents. The patient was taken to the operating room for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, with consideration of the hemodynamic tolerance, for acute hemorrhagic cholecystitis. An initial laparoscopy revealed a significant amount of blood in the abdominal cavity exuding from the gallbladder. Due to its fragility, the gallbladder was easily ruptured by surgical manipulation. After conversion to open surgery, subtotal cholecystectomy was performed. Seventeen days after surgery, the patient was transferred to another hospital for rehabilitation. Histological examination revealed diffuse and nodular proliferation of spindle cells that had replaced the muscularis propria of the gallbladder wall.

Conclusion

This clinical case highlights how NF1 can cause various symptoms in the blood vessels and gastrointestinal tract, including the gallbladder.
What is the color when black is burned? Quantifying (re)burn severity using field and satellite remote sensing indices
Authors: Saberi Saba J. , Harvey Brian J.
Published: April 2023

Background

Trends of increasing area burned in many regions worldwide are leading to more locations experiencing short-interval reburns (i.e., fires occurring two or more times in the same place within 1–3 decades). Field and satellite indices of burn severity are well tested in forests experiencing a single recent fire, but the reliability of these indices in short-interval reburns is poorly understood. We tested how a commonly used field index (the Composite Burn Index, CBI) and satellite index (the Relative differenced Normalized Burn Ratio, RdNBR) compared to eight individual field measures of burn severity in short-interval reburns vs. areas burned in one recent fire, and whether results depended on whether the first fire was stand replacing (fire that is lethal to most dominant trees).

Results

Correspondence between both CBI and RdNBR with individual burn severity measures differed in short-interval reburns compared to single fires for some metrics of burn severity. Divergence in the relationship between both CBI and RdNBR vs. field measures was greatest when short-interval reburns followed a prior stand-replacing fire, and measures were more comparable to single fires when the first fire was non-stand replacing (i.e., lower severity). When short-interval reburns followed prior stand-replacing fires, CBI and RdNBR underestimated burn severity in the second fire for tree-canopy metrics (e.g., canopy cover loss, tree mortality), as young forests in early developmental stages are more sensitive to a second fire. Conversely, when short-interval reburns followed prior less-than-stand-replacing fires, both CBI and RdNBR overestimated burn severity for forest-floor metrics, as past low severity fires leave behind live fire-resistant trees and can stimulate resprouting understory vegetation. Finally, neither CBI nor RdNBR accurately detected deep wood charring—an important phenomenon that occurs in short-interval reburns.

Conclusion

Our findings inform interpretability of commonly used indices of burn severity in short-interval reburns by identifying how individual burn severity metrics can be under- or over-estimated, depending on the severity of the fire preceding a reburn. Adjustments to burn severity measurements made in short-interval reburns are particularly critical as reburned areas increase.
Frontiers in microfinance research for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and microfinance institutions (MFIs): a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Lwesya Francis , Mwakalobo Adam Beni Swebe
Published: April 2023

This article aims to present current research trends in microfinance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and microfinance institutions (MFIs), as microfinance plays an increasingly role in entrepreneurship development and poverty alleviation. The study uses a bibliometric analysis, in this work, we performed citation, bibliographic coupling, and keyword evolution analyses. The results show that research in microfinance for SMEs and microfinance institutions continue to grow. The authors found that recent research in microfinance for SMEs and microfinance institutions has evolved around eight thematic clusters, covering (1) access to and constraints on microcredit for SMEs (2) microfinance and economic empowerment, (3) sustainability of MFIs, (4) creditworthiness, microfinance technology infrastructure and financing patterns, (5) Islamic financial inclusion, (6) credit assessment models for microcredit, (7) microfinance and innovative business models, and (8) gender and equity crowdfunding. Research gaps in each of the thematic clusters are identified. Topics related to COVID-19, Islamic social finance, microfinance institutions, credit scoring models, crowdfunding, and entrepreneurial finance are likely to feature in the domain of microfinance and sustainability of MFIs in future.
Neglected foreign body in esophagus treated as chest infection: a case report
Authors: Kumar Pratik , Sachdeva Meenakshi , Kumar Bhavesh
Published: April 2023

Background

Esophageal foreign body impaction is one of the common reasons of referral to Ear Nose Throat clinic. It is a medical emergency requiring urgent evaluation and treatment. Esophageal foreign body in a very young child can be a diagnostic challenge.

Case presentation

In this case, we report an unusual sharp foreign body in the upper aerodigestive tract of a 20-month-old female child. It was neglected and misdiagnosed in the initial phase and was treated as a case of upper respiratory tract infection. Chest X-ray done was suggestive of a radiopaque irregular sharp foreign body at the level of the 6th cervical vertebra. The patient underwent rigid esophagoscopy on an urgent basis, and the foreign body was removed without any complication.

Conclusion

Esophageal foreign body in a very young child can mimic upper respiratory tract infection due to atypical symptoms. Strong witness history along with X-rays of the neck, chest, and abdomen help in making the immediate diagnosis. Clinicians should always advise parents for supervision of their children during play.
Characteristics and controlling factors of petroliferous reservoirs in the Permian Lower Urho Formation, western Mahu Slope, Junggar Basin, Northwest China
Authors: Fang Zhibin , Hao Weiguo , Nuertai Maidina , Zhang Fanggui , Mao Beibei , He Naixiang
Published: April 2023

Numerous hydrocarbon discoveries in the lower Urho Formation of the western Mahu Slope, China indicate that potential petroliferous reservoirs may exist in that region. However, issues concerning the reservoir characteristics and associated controlling factors remain unclear. To determine the characteristics and associated controlling factors of these reservoirs, we conducted integrated analysis of the 3D seismic volume, wireline logs, mud logs, cores, thin sections, porosity, and permeability data. Several lithologic types were identified from the core, casting thin section, and mud-log data (including mudstone, sandstone, gravity flow-derived glutenite, transitional glutenite, and traction flow-derived glutenite). The contact relationship was determined from the casting thin section data, and it included point contact and lineal contact, followed by concavo-convex contact and suture contact. We found the dominant pore types were found to be intergranular pores, followed by intragranular pores, intramatrix pores, and cracks. The porosity and permeability data reveal that sandstone and traction flow-derived glutenite commonly form low-porosity and low-permeability reservoirs, whereas transitional glutenite commonly forms low-porosity and ultralow-permeability reservoirs and gravity flow-derived glutenite generally forms low-porosity and ultralow-permeability reservoirs. This integrated analysis finds that tectonic movements and a sedimentary environment control the physical properties of the reservoirs. The tectonic movements control reservoir characteristics through thrust fault systems and large-scale provenance, and the sedimentary environment controls reservoir characteristics via facies distribution and lacustrine fluctuation. The insights gained from this study can provide knowledge about the characteristics and associated controlling factors of the reservoirs in the Permian Lower Urho Formation within the western Junggar Basin. These insights can also benefit petroleum reserve and hydrocarbon production exploration in the study area and further petroleum exploration in other areas with similar sedimentary/tectonic settings.
Fostering resilience in healthcare professionals during and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Vitorino Catarina , Canavarro Maria Cristina , Carona Carlos
Published: April 2023

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial negative psychosocial impact due to both the outbreak and the global response to it. As we know from previous health crises, front-line workers are among the risk groups for developing serious mental health problems. As a result of the continuous exposure to highly stressful circumstances, directly in their jobs and indirectly through media consumption and related societal pressures, healthcare professionals are at increased risk for distress, compassion fatigue, burnout and emotional disorders. Recent studies have been revealing specific stressors faced by healthcare workers during the COVID-19 outbreak, such as limited resources, work overload, fear of infecting significant others and isolation/loneliness. However, research has shown heterogeneity in adaptation to adversities, with many individuals being able to bounce back. Based on this growing evidence, this article provides a clinical working framework to empower healthcare professionals, by critically discussing resilience-promoting strategies along the intra- and interpersonal dimensions of control, coherence and connectedness.
Psychiatric risk factors for chronic high-dose opioid prescribing: register-based cohort study
Authors: van der Hoorn Mariëlle M. C. , Kalkman Gerard A. , Weesie Yvette M. , Atsma Femke , Schellekens Arnt
Published: April 2023

Background

Chronic high-dose (CHD) prescription opioid use is a major public health concern. Although CHD opioid use has been associated with psychiatric disorders, the causality could go both ways. Some studies have already linked psychiatric disorders to an increased risk of transitioning to chronic opioid use, and longitudinal data identifying psychiatric disorders as predictors of CHD opioid use could shed further light on this issue.

Aims

To prospectively examine the relationship between the presence of a psychiatric disorder and subsequent development of CHD opioid use in primary care patients newly receiving opioids.

Method

Data were included from 137 778 primary care patients in The Netherlands. Cox regression modelling was used to examine the association between psychiatric disorders prior to a new opioid prescription and subsequent CHD opioid use (≥90 days; ≥50 mg/day oral morphine equivalents) in the subsequent 2 years.

Results

Of all patients receiving a new opioid prescription, 2.0% developed CHD opioid use. A psychiatric disorder before the start of an opioid prescription increased the risk of CHD opioid use (adjusted hazard ratio HR = 1.74; 95% CI 1.62–1.88), specifically psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, neurocognitive disorders and multiple co-occurring psychiatric episodes. Similarly, pharmacotherapy for psychosis, substance use disorders and mood and/or anxiety disorders increased the risk of CHD opioid use. Psychiatric polypharmacy conferred the greatest risk of developing CHD opioid use.

Conclusions

Psychiatric disorders increase the risk of developing CHD opioid use in patients newly receiving prescription opioids. To reduce the public health burden of CHD opioid use, careful monitoring and optimal treatment of psychiatric conditions are advised when opioid therapy is initiated.
Personalizing Surveillance in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Hanna Glenn J. , Patel Nirali , Tedla Sara G. , Baugnon Kristen L. , Aiken Ashley , Agrawal Nishant
Published: April 2023

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) encompasses a spectrum of heterogeneous diseases originating in the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx. Within the United States, head and neck cancer (HNC) accounts for 66,470 new cases, or 3% of all malignancies, annually. 1 The incidence of HNC is rising, largely driven by increases in oropharyngeal cancer. 2 - 4 Recent molecular and clinical advancements, particularly with regard to molecular and tumor biology, reflect the heterogeneity of the subsites contained within the head and neck. Despite this, existing guidelines for post-treatment surveillance remain broad without much consideration given to different anatomic subsites and etiologic factors (such as human papillomavirus [HPV] status or tobacco exposure). 5 Surveillance incorporating the physical examination, imaging, and emerging molecular biomarkers is an essential part of care for patients treated for HNC and allows for the detection of locoregional recurrence, distant metastases, and second primary malignancies aiming for better functional and survival outcomes. Additionally, it allows for evaluation and management of post-treatment complications.
Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis and Treatment in Patients With Cancer: ASCO Guideline Update
Authors: Key Nigel S. , Khorana Alok A. , Kuderer Nicole M. , Bohlke Kari , Lee Agnes Y.Y. , Arcelus Juan I. , Wong Sandra L. , Balaban Edward P. , Flowers Christopher R. , Gates Leigh E. , Kakkar Ajay K. , Tempero Margaret A. , Gupta Shilpi , Lyman Gary H. , Falanga Anna
Published: April 2023

PURPOSE

To conduct an update of the ASCO venous thromboembolism (VTE) guideline.

METHODS

After publication of potentially practice-changing clinical trials, identified through ASCO's signals approach to updating, an updated systematic review was performed for two guideline questions: perioperative thromboprophylaxis and treatment of VTE. PubMed and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between November 1, 2018, and June 6, 2022.

RESULTS

Five RCTs provided information that contributed to changes to the 2019 recommendations. Two RCTs addressed direct factor Xa inhibitors (either rivaroxaban or apixaban) for extended thromboprophylaxis after surgery. Each of these postoperative trials had important limitations but suggested that these two oral anticoagulants are safe and effective in the settings studied. An additional three RCTs addressed apixaban in the setting of VTE treatment. Apixaban was effective in reducing the risk of recurrent VTE, with a low risk of major bleeding.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Apixaban and rivaroxaban were added as options for extended pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis after cancer surgery, with a weak strength of recommendation. Apixaban was also added as an option for the treatment of VTE, with high quality of evidence and a strong recommendation. Additional information is available at www.asco.org/supportive-care-guidelines .
Persistent Molecular Disease in Adult Patients With AML Evaluated With Whole-Exome and Targeted Error-Corrected DNA Sequencing
Authors: Slade Michael J. , Ghasemi Reza , O'Laughlin Michelle , Burton Tasha , Fulton Robert S. , Abel Haley J. , Duncavage Eric J. , Ley Timothy J. , Jacoby Meagan A. , Spencer David H.
Published: April 2023

PURPOSE

Persistent molecular disease (PMD) after induction chemotherapy predicts relapse in AML. In this study, we used whole-exome sequencing (WES) and targeted error-corrected sequencing to assess the frequency and mutational patterns of PMD in 30 patients with AML.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study cohort included 30 patients with adult AML younger than 65 years who were uniformly treated with standard induction chemotherapy. Tumor/normal WES was performed for all patients at presentation. PMD analysis was evaluated in bone marrow samples obtained during clinicopathologic remission using repeat WES and analysis of patient-specific mutations and error-corrected sequencing of 40 recurrently mutated AML genes (MyeloSeq).

RESULTS

WES for patient-specific mutations detected PMD in 63% of patients (19/30) using a minimum variant allele fraction (VAF) of 2.5%. In comparison, MyeloSeq identified persistent mutations above 0.1% VAF in 77% of patients (23/30). PMD was usually present at relatively high levels (>2.5% VAFs), such that WES and MyeloSeq agreed for 73% of patients despite differences in detection limits. Mutations in DNMT3A, ASXL1, and TET2 (ie, DTA mutations) were persistent in 16 of 17 patients, but WES also detected non-DTA mutations in 14 of these patients, which for some patients distinguished residual AML cells from clonal hematopoiesis. Surprisingly, MyeloSeq detected additional variants not identified at presentation in 73% of patients that were consistent with new clonal cell populations after chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

PMD and clonal hematopoiesis are both common in patients with AML in first remission. These findings demonstrate the importance of baseline testing for accurate interpretation of mutation-based tumor monitoring assays for patients with AML and highlight the need for clinical trials to determine whether these complex mutation patterns correlate with clinical outcomes in AML.
Practice Advisory for Preoperative and Intraoperative Pain Management of Thoracic Surgical Patients: Part 1
Authors: Makkad Benu , Heinke Timothy Lee , Sheriffdeen Raiyah , Khatib Diana , Brodt Jessica Louise , Meng Marie-Louise , Grant Michael Conrad , Kachulis Bessie , Popescu Wanda Maria , Wu Christopher L. , Bollen Bruce Allen
Published: April 2023

Pain after thoracic surgery is of moderate-to-severe intensity and can cause increased postoperative distress and affect functional recovery. Opioids have been central agents in treating pain after thoracic surgery for decades. The use of multimodal analgesic strategies can promote effective postoperative pain control and help mitigate opioid exposure, thus preventing the risk of developing persistent postoperative pain. This practice advisory is part of a series developed by the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists (SCA) Quality, Safety, and Leadership (QSL) Committee’s Opioid Working Group. It is a systematic review of existing literature for various interventions related to the preoperative and intraoperative pain management of thoracic surgical patients and provides recommendations for providers caring for patients undergoing thoracic surgery. This entails developing customized pain management strategies for patients, which include preoperative patient evaluation, pain management, and opioid use–focused education as well as perioperative use of multimodal analgesics and regional techniques for various thoracic surgical procedures. The literature related to this field is emerging and will hopefully provide more information on ways to improve clinically relevant patient outcomes and promote recovery in the future.
ConFERMing the role of talin in integrin activation and mechanosignaling
Authors: Bachmann Michael , Su Baihao , Rahikainen Rolle , Hytönen Vesa P. , Wu Jinhua , Wehrle-Haller Bernhard
Published: April 2023

Talin (herein referring to the talin-1 form), is a cytoskeletal adapter protein that binds integrin receptors and F-actin, and is a key factor in the formation and regulation of integrin-dependent cell–matrix adhesions. Talin forms the mechanical link between the cytoplasmic domain of integrins and the actin cytoskeleton. Through this linkage, talin is at the origin of mechanosignaling occurring at the plasma membrane–cytoskeleton interface. Despite its central position, talin is not able to fulfill its tasks alone, but requires help from kindlin and paxillin to detect and transform the mechanical tension along the integrin–talin–F-actin axis into intracellular signaling. The talin head forms a classical FERM domain, which is required to bind and regulate the conformation of the integrin receptor, as well as to induce intracellular force sensing. The FERM domain allows the strategic positioning of protein–protein and protein–lipid interfaces, including the membrane-binding and integrin affinity-regulating F1 loop, as well as the interaction with lipid-anchored Rap1 (Rap1a and Rap1b in mammals) GTPase. Here, we summarize the structural and regulatory features of talin and explain how it regulates cell adhesion and force transmission, as well as intracellular signaling at integrin-containing cell–matrix attachment sites.
Ceramide synthase homolog Tlc4 maintains nuclear envelope integrity via its Golgi translocation
Authors: Hirano Yasuhiro , Ohno Yusuke , Kubota Yoshino , Fukagawa Tatsuo , Kihara Akio , Haraguchi Tokuko , Hiraoka Yasushi
Published: April 2023

Maintaining the integrity of the nuclear envelope (NE) is essential for preventing genomic DNA damage. Recent studies have shown that enzymes that catalyze lipid synthesis are involved in NE maintenance, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we found that the ceramide synthase (CerS) homolog in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe Tlc4 (SPAC17A2.02c) suppressed NE defects in cells lacking the NE proteins Lem2 and Bqt4. Tlc4 possesses a TRAM/LAG1/CLN8 domain that is conserved in CerS proteins and functions through its non-catalytic activity. Tlc4 was localized at the NE and endoplasmic reticulum, similar to CerS proteins, and also showed unique additional localization at the cis- and medial-Golgi cisternae. Growth and mutation analyses revealed that Golgi localization of Tlc4 was tightly linked to its activity of suppressing the defects in the double-deletion mutant of Lem2 and Bqt4. Our results suggest that Lem2 and Bqt4 control the translocation of Tlc4 from the NE to the Golgi, which is necessary for maintaining NE integrity.
A cis-regulatory sequence of the selector gene vestigial drives the evolution of wing scaling in Drosophila species
Authors: Farfán-Pira Keity J. , Martínez-Cuevas Teresa I. , Evans Timothy A. , Nahmad Marcos
Published: April 2023

Scaling between specific organs and overall body size has long fascinated biologists, being a primary mechanism by which organ shapes evolve. Yet, the genetic mechanisms that underlie the evolution of scaling relationships remain elusive. Here, we compared wing and fore tibia lengths (the latter as a proxy of body size) in Drosophila melanogaster, Drosophila simulans, Drosophila ananassae and Drosophila virilis, and show that the first three of these species have roughly a similar wing-to-tibia scaling behavior. In contrast, D. virilis exhibits much smaller wings relative to their body size compared with the other species and this is reflected in the intercept of the wing-to-tibia allometry. We then asked whether the evolution of this relationship could be explained by changes in a specific cis-regulatory region or enhancer that drives expression of the wing selector gene, vestigial (vg), whose function is broadly conserved in insects and contributes to wing size. To test this hypothesis directly, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to replace the DNA sequence of the predicted Quadrant Enhancer (vgQE) from D. virilis for the corresponding vgQE sequence in the genome of D. melanogaster. Strikingly, we discovered that D. melanogaster flies carrying the D. virilis vgQE sequence have wings that are significantly smaller with respect to controls, partially shifting the intercept of the wing-to-tibia scaling relationship towards that observed in D. virilis. We conclude that a single cis-regulatory element in D. virilis contributes to constraining wing size in this species, supporting the hypothesis that scaling could evolve through genetic variations in cis-regulatory elements.
Τοπικές κοινότητες, περιβαλλοντικά κινήματα και εκπαίδευση για την αειφόρο ανάπτυξη
Authors: Φωτιάδης Μιχαήλ
Published: April 2023

Η σχέση του περιβαλλοντικού κινήματος με την περιβαλλοντική εκπαίδευση αποτελεί ένα ενδιαφέρον ερευνητικό αντικείμενο, στην προσπάθεια για την αντιμετώπιση των μεγάλων περιβαλλοντικών προβλημάτων. Σκοπό της παρούσας εργασίας αποτέλεσε η ανάδειξη αυτής της σχέσης, εξετάζοντας τις διαφορετικές μορφές της περιβαλλοντικής εκπαίδευσης, που αναδείχθηκαν από την έρευνα. Η συγκεκριμένη περίπτωση αφορά στις κινητοποιήσεις των κατοίκων μικρής κοινότητας της Ικαρίας, για το κλείσιμο της χωματερής, δίπλα στο χωριό τους, όπου καιγόταν τα σκουπίδια του Δήμου της περιοχής. Η συλλογική μάθηση, που αναπτύχθηκε κατά τις διαδικασίες οργάνωσης του κινήματος απέκτησε τα χαρακτηριστικά μιας άτυπης μορφής λαϊκής περιβαλλοντικής εκπαίδευσης. Η έρευνα εστίασε στα χαρακτηριστικά αυτά, θέτοντας ως επιπλέον ερωτήματα την προσωπική σχέση των συμμετεχόντων με την εκπαίδευση, σε οποιαδήποτε μορφή της, την ύπαρξη πιθανών ιδιαιτεροτήτων της μικρής κοινότητας και την προηγούμενη εμπειρία από τη συμμετοχή τους σε άλλα κινήματα. Η μεθοδολογία βασίστηκε στην ποιοτική έρευνα, με βασική μέθοδο τη βιογραφική προσέγγιση με τη χρήση ημιδομημένων συνεντεύξεων σε βάθος και τη συλλογή γραπτών τεκμηρίων. Για την επεξεργασία του ερευνητικού υλικού επιλέχθηκε η θεματική ανάλυση και η ανάλυση περιεχομένου. Μεταξύ των θεμάτων που προέκυψαν από την ανάλυση, ήταν αυτά της εκπαίδευσης, της γνώσης, της ενδυνάμωσης, των χαρακτηριστικών του κινήματος και της κοινότητας. Η τυπική εκπαίδευση δεν επηρέασε θετικά την πρόθεση των συμμετεχόντων για συμμετοχή στο μικρό αυτό περιβαλλοντικό κίνημα. Η διαδικασία της συλλογικής μάθησης, μέσω και της αλληλεπίδρασης μεταξύ των μελών της κοινότητας, ανέδειξε αυτή την άτυπη μορφή της λαϊκής περιβαλλοντικής εκπαίδευσης, με ριζοσπαστικά χαρακτηριστικά, κατά τη διαδικασία της συγκρότησης, αλλά και της λειτουργίας του κινήματος.Η ενδυνάμωση σε ατομικό επίπεδο και σε επίπεδο κοινότητας ήταν ένα από τα κυρίαρχα στοιχεία κατά τη διάρκεια της διαδικασίας .Στα χαρακτηριστικά διαμόρφωσης του κινήματος περιλαμβάνεται η εφαρμογή δημοκρατικών πρακτικών στις συλλογικές δράσεις, με συνδυασμό στοιχείων από τη συμμετοχική, την άμεση και τη διαβουλευτική δημοκρατία. Η κοινότητα διατηρεί μια παράδοση αντίστασης, που διαμορφώθηκε από γεγονότα της σύγχρονης ιστορίας.Προτείνεται η συνέχεια της έρευνας σε άλλες περιοχές της Ικαρίας, αφού το πρόβλημα της διαχείρισης των απορριμμάτων παραμένει σταθερά επίκαιρο.
A novel deep learning method for recognizing texts printed with multiple different printing methods
Authors: Koponen Jarmo , Haataja Keijo , Toivanen Pekka
Published: April 2023

Background: Text recognition of cardboard pharmaceutical packages with machine vision is a challenging task due to the different curvatures of packaging surfaces and different printing methods.

Methods: In this research, a novel deep learning method based on regions with convolutional neural networks (R-CNN) for recognizing binarized expiration dates and batch codes printed using different printing methods is proposed. The novel method recognizes the characters in the images without the need to extract handcrafted features. In detail, this approach performs text recognition considering the whole image as an input extracting and learning salient character features straight from packaging surface images.

Results: The expiration date and manufacturing batch codes of a real-life pharmaceutical packaging image set are recognized with 91.1% precision with a novel deep learning-based model, while Tesseract OCR text recognition performance with the same image set is 38.3%. The novel model outperformed Tesseract OCR also in tests evaluating recall, accuracy, and F-Measure performance. Furthermore, the novel model was evaluated in terms of multi-object recognition accuracy and the number of unrecognized characters, in order to achieve performance values comparable to existing multi-object recognition methods.

Conclusions: The results of this study reveal that the novel deep learning method outperforms the well-established optical character recognition method in recognizing texts printed using different printing methods. The novel method presented in the study recognizes texts printed with different printing methods with high precision. The novel deep learning method is suitable for recognizing texts printed on curved surfaces with proper preprocessing. The problem investigated in the study differs from previous research in the field, focusing on the recognition of texts printed with different printing methods. The research thus fills a gap in text recognition that existed in the research of the field. Furthermore, the study presents new ideas that will be utilized in our future research.
impact of indoor air pollution on the lung cancer – literature review
Authors: Korzeniowska Anna , Kozłowska Anna , Maksymowicz Marcela , Machowiec Piotr , Zimna Aleksandra , Wróblewski Hubert , Gąbka Ilona , Dalamata Weronika , Dąbrowski Jan , Gendek Karolina
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Lung cancer is the most diagnosed type of cancer and the leading cause of death around the world. The most important risk factor for lung cancer is tobacco smoking. However, there are a lot of other lung cancer risk factors, which include: second-hand smoke exposure, environmental exposures (indoor and outdoor air pollution), occupational exposures, genetic predisposition, and previous lung disease. In this study, we would like to present the actual state of knowledge about the influence of radon as well as other indoor air pollutants on the prevalence of lung cancer.

State of knowledge: We analyzed nineteen studies in terms of the impact of indoor air pollution on morbidity and mortality caused by lung cancer. The authors of the included studies agree that both radon and other household air pollution (HAP) increase risk of the lung cancer. HAPs are formed during the combustion of solid fuels (i.e. charcoal, wood). Indoor air pollution can cause in the lungs chronic inflammation, cells damage and their proliferation, depletion of antioxidants, impairment of defense mechanisms, production of reactive oxygen species as well as genetic mutations. Radon, on the other hand, emits alpha radiation, which can affect the respiratory epithelium and produce various cytotoxic and genotoxic effects, which promote carcinogenesis. The risk of lung cancer rises by approximately 6-16% per 100 Bq/m3 increase in long-time average residential radon concentration. 

Conclusions: Radon and other indoor air pollutants are crucial lung cancer risk factors. It is essential to reduce HAPs production, especially in rural areas, where many people still use coal, wood, or straw for household heating and cooking. Moreover, there are regions where is a need to improve ventilation as well as to switch to clean fuel sources, such as gas and electricity. These activities will contribute to reducing the concentration of HAPs in buildings and decreasing the risk of lung cancer.
A Particle System with Mean-Field Interaction: Large-Scale Limit of Stationary Distributions
Authors: Stolyar Alexander L.
Published: April 2023

We consider a system consisting of n particles, moving forward in jumps on the real line. System state is the empirical distribution of particle locations. Each particle “jumps forward” at some time points, with the instantaneous rate of jumps given by a decreasing function of the particle’s location quantile within the current state (empirical distribution). Previous work on this model established, under certain conditions, the convergence, as [Formula: see text], of the system random dynamics to that of a deterministic mean-field model (MFM), which is a solution to an integro-differential equation. Another line of previous work established the existence of MFMs that are traveling waves, as well as the attraction of MFM trajectories to traveling waves. The main results of this paper are: (a) We prove that, as [Formula: see text], the stationary distributions of (recentered) states concentrate on a (recentered) traveling wave; (b) we obtain a uniform across n moment bound on the stationary distributions of (recentered) states; and (c) we prove a convergence-to-MFM result, which is substantially more general than that in previous work. Results (b) and (c) serve as “ingredients” of the proof of (a), but also are of independent interest.
Comparison of optical myopia control interventions: effect on peripheral image quality and vision
Authors: Papadogiannis Petros , Börjeson Charlie , Lundström Linda
Published: April 2023

This study compares the effects on peripheral vision and image quality of four myopia control interventions: a) Perifocal spectacles/ArtOptica, b) Stellest spectacles/Essilor), c) MiyoSmart spectacles/Hoya and d) MiSight contact lenses/CooperVision. Five subjects participated with habitual or no correction as reference. Three techniques were used: 1) Hartmann-Shack sensors for wavefront errors, 2) double-pass imaging system for point-spread-functions (PSF), and 3) peripheral acuity evaluation. The results show that multiple evaluation methods are needed to fully quantify the optical effects of these myopia control interventions. Perifocal was found to make the relative peripheral refraction (RPR) more myopic in all subjects and to interact with the natural optical errors of the eye, hence showing larger variations in the effect on peripheral vision. MiSight had a smaller effect on RPR, but large effect on peripheral vision. Stellest and MiyoSmart also showed small effects on RPR but had broader double-pass PSFs for all participants, indicating reduced retinal contrast. Reduction in peripheral retinal contrast might thereby play a role in slowing myopia progression even when the peripheral refraction does not turn more myopic.
Two-dimensional peripheral refraction in adults
Authors: Xi Xiaoyun , Hao Jiangdong , Lin Zhenghua , Wang Sidi , Yang Zhikuan , Lan Weizhong , Artal Pablo
Published: April 2023

Peripheral refraction has been studied for decades; however, its
detection and description are somehow simplistic and limited.
Therefore, their role in visual function and refractive correction, as
well as myopia control, is not completely understood. This study aims
to establish a database of two-dimensional (2D) peripheral refraction
profiles in adults and explore the features for different central
refraction values. A group of 479 adult subjects were recruited. Using
an open-view Hartmann–Shack scanning wavefront sensor, their right
naked eyes were measured. The overall features of the relative
peripheral refraction maps showed myopic defocus, slight myopic
defocus, and hyperopic defocus in the hyperopic and emmetropic groups,
in the mild myopic group, and in other myopic groups, respectively.
Defocus deviations with central refraction vary in different regions.
The defocus asymmetry between the upper and lower retinas within 16°
increased with the increase of central myopia. By characterizing the
variation of peripheral defocus with central myopia, these results
provide rich information for possible individual corrections and lens
design.
Label-free multiplex sensing from buffer and immunoglobulin G sensing from whole blood with photonic crystal slabs using angle-tuning of an optical interference filter
Authors: Kraft Fabio A. , Baur Holger , Bommer Moritz , Latz Andreas , Fitschen-Oestern Stefanie , Fuchs Sabine , Gerken Martina
Published: April 2023

Direct detection of biomarkers from unpurified whole blood has been a challenge for label-free detection platforms, such as photonic crystal slabs (PCS). A wide range of measurement concepts for PCS exist, but exhibit technical limitations, which render them unsuitable for label-free biosensing with unfiltered whole blood. In this work, we single out the requirements for a label-free point-of-care setup based on PCS and present a wavelength selecting concept by angle tuning of an optical interference filter, which fulfills these requirements. We investigate the limit of detection (LOD) for bulk refractive index changes and obtain a value of 3.4 E-4 refractive index units (RIU). We demonstrate label-free multiplex detection for different types of immobilization entities, including aptamers, antigens, and simple proteins. For this multiplex setup we detect thrombin at a concentration of 6.3 µg/ml, antibodies of glutathione S-transferase (GST) diluted by a factor of 250, and streptavidin at a concentration of 33 µg/ml. In a first proof of principle experiment, we demonstrate the ability to detect immunoglobulins G (IgG) from unfiltered whole blood. These experiments are conducted directly in the hospital without temperature control of the photonic crystal transducer surface or the blood sample. We set the detected concentration levels into a medical frame of reference and point out possible applications.
Impairment-aware routing, modulation, spectrum, and core allocation with bit loading in spectrally–spatially flexible optical networks
Authors: Behera Sadananda , Savva Giannis , Manousakis Konstantinos , Ellinas Georgios
Published: April 2023

This work proposes a physical layer impairment-aware routing, modulation, spectrum, and core allocation optimization framework in elastic optical networks with multi-core fibers. The inter- and intra-core impairments considered are crosstalk between adjacent cores, in-band crosstalk, non-linear interference, and amplified spontaneous emission noise. Further, bit loading is used in the proposed framework, independently modulating each demand’s frequency slots, depending on each frequency slot’s interference level. An optimization framework is initially developed for benchmarking purposes, followed by a heuristic algorithm and demand ordering technique for larger-sized networks. For both optimization and heuristic approaches, an end-to-end acceptable bit error rate is ensured for each provisioned demand. The benefits of the proposed approach are illustrated through simulations, demonstrating that they achieve lower fragmentation and less spectrum usage as compared to other state-of-the-art techniques.
Dual-mode bidirectional multifunctional chiral metamaterial based on self-complementary resonators
Authors: Wang Yuxin , Yang Rongcao , Zhao Yijia , Tian Jinping , Zhang Wenmei , Ding Li
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we propose an intrinsic chiral metamaterial (ICM) consisting of two metal self-complementary resonators, dielectric layer, and an embedded continuous vanadium dioxide (VO2) layer, which can operate in reflection and transmission modes and tailor different polarization manipulations for circular and linear polarized waves in opposite incident directions. When VO2 is in metallic state, the ICM can achieve broadband and narrowband circular polarization conversions at 1.52–2.50 THz and 2.93 THz for opposite propagating directions, respectively; when VO2 is in an insulating state, it shows a strong asymmetric transmission (AT) effect at 2.43 and 3.19 THz for forward and backward linear polarized waves. In addition, the physical mechanisms of different polarization operations are explained by analyzing the surface current and electric field distributions, multiple interference model, and near-field distributions in detail, and the circuit models are introduced to verify the simulated results. Furthermore, we investigate the influence of structural parameters on performance. The proposed ICM has important implications for the development of polarization detectors, frequency selectors, etc.
Near-zero-index platform in photonics: tutorial
Authors: Vertchenko Larissa , Nikitin Maxim , Lavrinenko Andrei
Published: April 2023

The need for miniaturization and faster communications resulted in the rise of photonics, with the big promise of light circuits with high speed and low heating. Near-zero-index materials have gained attention due to their peculiar electromagnetic properties, such as enhancement of the electric field and extraordinary transmission inside photonic waveguides. Furthermore, in such a medium, light propagates with constant phase, thus holding great promise for the field of quantum photonics, where information is preserved instead of degraded by the environment, causing decoherence. However, its realization still remains challenging, as it requires very specific geometries to fulfill some requirements related to the effective medium theory. In this tutorial, we present a theoretical overview of low-index materials’ most intriguing yet useful characteristics and their prospective applications.
Simultaneous multichannel RZ to NRZ format conversion for LP01 and LP11 using a few-mode fiber Bragg grating
Authors: Tan Junjie , Cao Hui , Huang Feijiang , Atai Javid
Published: April 2023

We propose a novel format conversion scheme, which can implement multichannel format conversion from return-to-zero (RZ) to non-return-to-zero (NRZ) for both LP01 and LP11 simultaneously by designing a few-mode fiber Bragg grating (FM-FBG) with comb spectra. To achieve filtering for all channels of the two modes, the FM-FBG response spectra of LP11 is designed to shift with that of LP01 by the WDM-MDM channel spacing. This approach is realized by carefully selecting the specifications of the few-mode fiber (FMF) to fulfill the requirements of the effective refractive index difference between LP01 and LP11. Each single-channel outline of the FM-FBG response spectra is designed according to the algebraic difference between the RZ and NRZ spectra. Numerical results show that both LP01 and LP11 channels with 300-GHz-spaced RZ signals at 40 Gbit/s can be converted into NRZ signals simultaneously, and the converted NRZ signals have high Q-factor and their eye diagrams are clean and open.
Orthant-symmetric four-dimensional geometric shaping for fiber-optic channels via a nonlinear interference model
Authors: Chen Bin , Ling Wei , Lei Yi , Liang Zhiwei , Xue Xuwei
Published: April 2023

Maximizing the data throughput for optical fiber communication via signal shaping has usually been regarded as challenging due to the nonlinear interference and implementation/optimization complexity. To overcome these challenges, in this paper, we propose an efficient four-dimensional (4D) geometric shaping (GS) approach to design 4D 512-ary and 1024-ary modulation formats by maximizing the generalized mutual information (GMI) using a 4D nonlinear interference (NLI) model, which makes these modulation formats more nonlinear-tolerant. In addition, we propose and evaluate a fast and low-complexity orthant-symmetry based modulation optimization algorithm via neural networks, which allows to improve the optimization speed and GMI performance for both linear and nonlinear fiber transmission systems. The optimized modulation formats with spectral efficiencies of 9 and 10 bit/4D-sym demonstrate a GMI improvement of up to 1.35 dB compared with their quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) counterparts in additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel. Numerical simulations of optical transmission over two types of fibers show that the 4D NLI model-learned modulation formats could extend the transmission reach by up to 34% and 12% with respect to the QAM formats and the AWGN-learned 4D modulation formats, respectively. Results of effective signal-to-noise ratio are also presented, which confirm that the extra gains in optical fiber channel come from the enhanced SNR by reducing the modulation-dependent NLI.