bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can pelvic floor muscle training prevent perineal laceration? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Gomes Lopes Lia , Maia Dutra Balsells Marianne , Teixeira Moreira Vasconcelos Camila , Leite de Araújo Thelma , Teixeira Lima Francisca Elisângela , de Souza Aquino Priscila
Published: July 2021

Background

Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is reportedly able to reduce risk factors for perineal trauma. However, the effects of these exercises on perineal injuries are unclear.

Objective

To investigate the effectiveness of PFMT in the prevention of perineal laceration.

Search strategy

Searches were conducted in PubMed/Medline, LILACS, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and CINAHL. For search strategies, we combined the terms PFMT, tear, laceration, perineum, and delivery.

Selection criteria

We included randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effectiveness of PFMT for the prevention of perineal laceration during vaginal delivery. There were no period or language limitations.

Data collection and analysis

We conducted data extraction and synthesis. We performed a quality appraisal, a qualitative synthesis, and for meta‐analysis we used the Software R.

Main results

Nine studies were included. In most studies, PFMT was performed daily, with a wide range of the number of contractions and sustainability. Prevalence of perineal laceration had a wide range and information on laceration degree was limited. Meta‐analysis showed that PFMT was not effective to prevent perineal laceration.

Conclusion

Pelvic floor muscle training does not prevent perineal laceration. Further studies are needed to investigate different protocols and interventions.
The perceptions of female genital self‐image and its associations with female sexual distress
Authors: Benabe Erika , Fuentes Yesenia , Roldan Gabriela , Ramos Mariluz , Pastrana Manuel , Romaguera Josefina
Published: July 2021

Objective

To evaluate the perception of women living in Puerto Rico regarding their genitalia and explore the associations of those perceptions with female sexual distress.

Methods

Women from Puerto Rico willing to complete a self‐administered online survey from June 2018 through July 2020 were included in this cross‐sectional study. Inclusion criteria included being between 21 and 65 years of age, living in Puerto Rico, having identified as heterosexual, bisexual, or lesbian, and having been sexually active. Descriptive statistics were calculated. The Mann–Whitney test, Pearson's correlation, and robust linear regression were used to associate female genital self‐image and sexual distress.

Results

The most common negative thought and perception within women was dissatisfaction with the size of their genitalia (21.9%), and 21.3% of women contemplated undergoing cosmetic surgery, mainly to increase and improve sensation. For each 1‐unit increase in the Female Genital Self‐Image Scale score, the Female Sexual Distress Scale‐Revised score decreased by 1.24 units (95% confidence interval –1.67 to –0.82).

Conclusion

A better genital self‐image perception might lower levels of sexual distress. Screening instruments could help to identify poor genital perception and sexual distress.
Enlargement of the genital hiatus is associated with prolapse recurrence in patients undergoing sacrospinous ligament fixation
Authors: Garcia Alexandra N. , Ulker Ashley , Aserlind Alexandra , Timmons Douglas , Medina Carlos A.
Published: July 2021

Objective

To correlate genital hiatus (GH) size with surgical failures in patients undergoing sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF) and compare anatomic outcomes after classification based on GH size.

Methods

A retrospective review of 81 patients who underwent SSLF for apical prolapse from 2010 to 2016 at a teaching hospital. Anatomical outcome is reported using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantifications System. A comparison of parametric continuous variables was performed using unpaired Student t test. Categorical variables were evaluated using Pearson's χ2 test and Fisher's exact test. A P value <0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Among the 81 patients, no difference in age, parity, body mass index, preoperative prolapse stage or follow‐up time was noted between those whose surgery succeeded and those with failed surgery. Postoperatively, a widened GH was significantly associated with recurrent prolapse (P < 0.001). When the preoperative size of the GH was dichotomized into widened (≥4 cm) or normal (<4 cm), there was a non‐significant (P = 0.444) trend of more failures in the widened GH group. A posterior colporrhaphy did not improve success.

Conclusion

Both preoperative and postoperative widened GH correlated with having more surgical failures following SSLF. Importantly, postoperatively a normal size GH was significantly associated with more surgical success.
Management of work stress in science education lecturers' population using rational emotive occupational health coaching: Implication for educational evaluators
Authors: Ugwuanyi Christian S. , Okeke Chinedu I. O. , Ekwueme Uchechukwu H.
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Nigerian university lecturers face a lot of works in the day‐to‐day discharge of their responsibilities as academics. This constitutes a lot of stress for them as documented in the literature. However, literature is scarce on how these lecturers manage their work stress. Thus, the researchers explored the efficacy of rational emotive occupational health coaching (REOHC) on the management of work stress among lecturers.

Method

A randomised controlled trial group experimental research design was adopted using a sample size of 84 lecturers in Science Education Departments of the sampled universities. An occupational stress index was used in the gathering of necessary data for the study. The REOHC treatment lasted for 12 weeks after which the participants were posttested and a follow‐up measure followed after 3 months of the termination of the treatment. Repeated measures analysis of variance statistical approach was used to analyse the obtained data.

Results

It was revealed that REOHC was significantly (p < 0.05) effective in the management of work stress in a population of science education lecturers in Nigeria.

Conclusion

REOHC enables science education lecturers to effectively manage their work stress to maximise their work outputs. This finding implicates the expertise of Educational Evaluators.
“I'm No Criminal, I'm Just Homeless”: The Greensboro Homeless Union's efforts to address the criminalization of homelessness
Authors: Craven Krista , Sapra Sonalini , Harmon Justin , Hyde Marcus
Published: July 2021

This paper examines how homelessness is criminalized in Greensboro, North Carolina, and the ways in which the Homeless Union of Greensboro (HUG) has contested such criminalization. This paper draws on data from a participatory action research study conducted between 2018 and 2020 by a group of researchers from two local universities and members of HUG. Findings from our study suggest that law enforcement officers in Greensboro use a vast array of laws to harass, ticket, and arrest people experiencing homelessness, particularly those who are Black. Findings also suggest that when individuals experiencing homelessness seek help for citations or arrests, it is challenging to access quality, affordable legal representation. This paper illustrates how HUG takes a multi‐pronged approach to address the variety of policies and practices that target homeless people, particularly people of color, recognizing that systems change requires a multifaceted approach that adapts to dynamic social and political contexts.
The critical role of B4GALT4 in promoting microtubule spindle assembly in HCC through the regulation of PLK1 and RHAMM expression
Authors: Dai Zhe , Wang Kun , Gao Yin
Published: July 2021

Beta 1,4‐galactosyltransferase (B4GALT)‐family glycosyltransferases are involved in multiple biological processes promoting cancer progression, regulating the dynamic network of cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis, and are associated with metastasis. However, their roles in the dysregulation of expressions and functions in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear. Herein, bioinformatic approaches have been applied to investigate their expression profiles, and to obtain correlations between gene expressions and clinicopathological parameters as well as downstream target genes in HCC. Multiple databases were used to screen the expressions of B4GALT family members in tumor tissues, and to evaluate their prognostic value among HCC patients in different aspects. Results indicated an overall upregulation of B4GALTs' transcription levels in tumor tissues and a strong correlation with poor prognosis. Through Gene Ontology analysis, gene set enrichment analysis, and verification of single‐cell RNA sequencing data, we established a connection between the B4GALT family and microtubule spindle assembly, which particularly highlighted the role of B4GALT4 in this phenomenon. B4GALT4 knockdown downregulated the production of lumican, and repressed the expressions of polo‐like kinase 1 and RHAMM by regulating the transforming growth factor‐beta pathway, thus suggesting that B4GALT4 is a critical promotor for HCC. We believe that these studies will provide valuable insight into the role of B4GALT family members in HCC and lead to the development of new strategies to improve the outcomes for patients with HCC.
Impact of a large artificial lake on regional climate: A typical meteorological year Meso‐NH simulation results
Authors: Iakunin Maksim , Abreu Edgar F.M. , Canhoto Paulo , Pereira Sara , Salgado Rui
Published: July 2021

Large artificial lakes and reservoirs affect the meteorological regime of the shore area and the local climate takes on a number of new features that were previously absent. This work focuses on the weather impact of the Alqueva reservoir, the largest artificial lake in Western Europe. An extensive set of numerical simulations using Meso‐NH mesoscale atmospheric model coupled with FLake (Freshwater Lake) scheme was carried out. The simulations covered a 12‐month period that was chosen to compose a so‐called Typical Meteorological Year. This artificial time period is meant to represent the typical meteorological conditions in the region and the model results are used to assess the changes in the local climate. To evaluate the raw impact of the reservoir, two different scenarios of simulations were compared: (A) with the reservoir as it exists nowadays and (B) without the reservoir using the older surface dataset. The results show decrease of air temperature during daytime (10–9°C) and nighttime increase (up to 10°C). In nearest towns, daily maximum temperature decreased and daily minimum temperature increased, which refers to milder weather conditions. Alqueva mainly showed suppression in fog formation in the nearby area. Local breeze regime was studied and monthly lake/land breezes were described.
Plio‐Pleistocene mammals from Mille‐Logya, Ethiopia, and the post‐Hadar faunal change
Authors: Geraads Denis , Reed Denne , Barr W. Andrew , Bobe René , Stamos Peter , Alemseged Zeresenay
Published: July 2021

We describe the non‐primate mammalian fauna from the late Pliocene to earliest Pleistocene deposits of Mille‐Logya in the Lower Awash Valley, Ethiopia, dated to c. 2.9–2.4 Ma, and divided into three successive units: Gafura, Seraitu, and Uraitele. We identify 41 mammalian taxa (including rodents), the most diverse group being the Bovidae, with 17 taxa. While the Gafura assemblage still resembles those from the earlier Hadar Formation, the younger Seraitu assemblage documents a major turnover. While there is little change in the species present across this interval, the relative abundances of various taxa change dramatically, with suids being largely replaced by open‐country bovids (Alcelaphini and Antilopini). We interpret this faunal change as reflective of an environmental shift, contemporaneous with the replacement of Australopithecus afarensis by Homo in the area.
Preliminary investigation of Late Pleistocene fauna from Ryonggok Cave No. 1, Sangwon County, North Hwanghae Province, Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Authors: Choe Rye Sun , Han Kum Sik , Kim Se Chan , Ri Myong Hyok , Ri Jae Nam
Published: July 2021

The investigation of a limestone cave on the Ryonggok‐ri of Sangwon County, North Hwanghae Province, DPRK, has yielded many faunal remains including Late Pleistocene deer, brown bears and horses. Uranium series dating of fossil teeth yielded dates of ~72ka at the base of Layer 2 – the bone‐bearing unit – and ~44ka at the top. The rich and diverse mammal remains of Ryonggok Cave No. 1 are indicative of warm and humid temperate conditions during the Late Pleistocene, and reflect the presence of both dense forests and open grassland. In addition, pollen and spores from the site include two families and 24 genera of trees, six families and a genus of grasses and herbs, and two families and six genera of ferns, corroborating the environments inferred from the faunal remains.
Radiological assessment of persistent retroperitoneal and lateral pelvic lymph nodes after neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer: An analysis of the United States Rectal Cancer Consortium
Authors: Turgeon Michael K. , Gamboa Adriana C. , Keilson Jessica M. , Maniko Jeffrey , Maguire Lillias , Hrebinko Katherine , Holder‐Murray Jennifer , Wiseman Jason T. , Abdel‐Misih Sherif , Hamdan Saif , Hawkins Alexander T. , Bauer Philip , Silviera Matthew , Maithel Shishir K. , Balch Glen C.
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Management of retroperitoneal and lateral pelvic lymph nodes (RLPN) in rectal cancer remains unclear. With total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT), more patients have radiologic complete clinical response (rCR). We sought to evaluate the impact of radiographic persistent RLPN after neoadjuvant therapy on survival.

Materials and Methods

Patients with rectal adenocarcinoma with isolated RLPN metastasis, who received neoadjuvant therapy before surgery were included from the United States Rectal Cancer Consortium database. Primary outcomes were recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

Of 77 patients, all received neoadjuvant therapy, with 35 (46%) receiving TNT. Posttreatment, 33 (43%) had rCR while 44 (57%) had radiographic persistent RLPN. Median number of radiographic positive RLPN was 1 (IQR 1–2).

Receipt of TNT was associated with radiographic RLPN rCR (OR 4.77, 95% CI 1.81–12.60, p < .01). However, there was no difference in RFS and OS between patients who achieved rCR or with persistent RLPN (all p > .05).

Conclusions

Radiographic persistence of RLPN was not associated with worse survival in well‐selected patients and may not be a reliable indicator of pathological response. TNT may be the preferred management strategy to select patients given its association with rCR. Radiographic persistence of RLPN after preoperative therapy should not necessarily preclude surgery.
A new and practical surgical technique of transvaginal natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) in laparoscopic nephroureterectomy—an initial clinical experience
Authors: Zhao Qinxin , Yang Feiya , Wu Liyuan , Han Sujun , Xing Nianzeng
Published: July 2021

Objective

To explore the safety, feasibility and clinical effect of transvaginal natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) in 3D laparoscopic nephroureterectomy (LNU) for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC).

Methods

A retrospective analysis was made of 16 female patients who underwent 3D LNU and NOSES in the Department of Urology, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from June 2019 to December 2020. The basic clinical data, perioperative related data, perioperative complications, visual analogue pain score (VAS), postoperative scar assessment questionnaire (PSAQ) at 3 months, female pelvic floor dysfunction questionnaire (PFDI‐20) and female sexual function index questionnaire (FSFI) at preoperative and postoperative 3 months were analyzed and evaluated.

Results

The surgery was successfully completed in all 16 patients, and none of them was converted to open surgery. No postoperative complications, such as abdominal incision‐related infection. No cases of local recurrence and distant metastasis were observed during follow‐up of 3 to 21 months. The VAS scores at 24 h and 48 h after operation were 2.9 ± 0.7, 1.3 ± 0.6, respectively. PSAQ scores at 3 months after operation were 34.3 ± 3.3. PFDI‐20 scores of women preoperative and postoperative 3 months were 6.25 ± 1.75, 6.3 ± 1.8, respectively, and the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.924). There was no significant difference in FSFI scores between preoperative and postoperative 3 months (p = 0.892).

Conclusion

Transvaginal NOSES in 3D LNU for UTUC is safe, feasible and practical. The successful development of this technique has laid a solid foundation for further clinical application and promotion.
Robotic retroauricular thyroidectomy with additional axillary port: Early personal experiences
Authors: Han Seung Hoon , Chung Eun‐Jae
Published: July 2021

Objective

This study aimed to analyze the usefulness of an additional axillary port in robotic retroauricular thyroidectomy by comparing the perioperative data and postoperative function between the operations with and without an additional axillary port.

Materials and methods

A retrospective review of the medical records of 11 patients who underwent robotic thyroid operations using a unilateral retroauricular approach with or without an additional axillary port between 2016 and 2021 was conducted. Patient demographics, operation time, drainage amount, hospital stay, complication, postoperative cosmetic satisfaction, and postoperative neck and shoulder pain were analyzed.

Results

Among the 11 patients who underwent robotic retroauricular thyroidectomy, an additional axillary port was used in 6 patients and not used in 5 patients. The total operation time was significantly shorter in the axillary port group (174.5 ± 23 minutes) compared to the without the axillary port group (207.6 ± 20.1 minutes) (P = .033). The intraoperative estimated blood loss (P = .525), total amount of drainage (P = .172), and postoperative hospital stays (P = .092) were not different between the 2 groups. There was no postoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, hypoparathyroidism, hematoma, seroma in the two groups. There was no significant difference for either group in the pain score and cosmetic satisfaction at 2 weeks (P = .378, P = .650) and 6 weeks (P = .242, P = .546) postoperatively.

Conclusion

Robotic retroauricular thyroidectomy using an additional axillary port was a novel, safe, and feasible procedure. Dissection was easy due to the availability of the fourth robotic arm to retract the thyroid gland.

Level of Evidence: 4.
Polymerization Enhancers for Cyanoacrylate Skin Adhesive
Authors: Kumar Awanish , Domb Abraham J.
Published: July 2021

Cyanoacrylate glues are a renowned synthetic tissue sealant that cures rapidly through polymerization at room temperature, felicitating medical glues to treat skin wounds and surgical openings. Despite a wide range of cyanoacrylates available, only 2‐octyl cyanoacrylates (OCA) provides the best biocompatibility. In this study, the polymerization and adhesive properties of 2‐octyl cyanoacrylates (OCA) are explored in the presence of a highly biocompatible and biochemically inert polymer, poly(ethylene glycol) polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (PEG‐POSS). The effect of PEG‐POSS on the polymerization of OCA is examined on a plastic surface and over pig skin. A peel‐test is performed to evaluate the strength of OCA adhesive properties between two pieces of pig skin samples. Additionally, thin films of OCA are prepared using different fillers and evaluated for tear test. The results reveal that when applied on the plastic or pig skin, PEG‐POSS initiated polymerization in OCA yields a high molecular weight OCA polymer with much better adhesive properties compared to commercially available cyanoacrylate adhesives. The relative change in the molecular weights of OCA compared to commercially available cyanoacrylate bioadhesives such as Dermaflex is much higher. The pig skin peeling test shows that OCA needs higher peeling force than Dermaflex.
König's lemma, weak König's lemma, and the decidable fan theorem
Authors: Fujiwara Makoto
Published: July 2021

We provide a fine‐grained analysis on the relation between König's lemma, weak König's lemma, and the decidable fan theorem in the context of constructive reverse mathematics. In particular, we show that double negated variants of König's lemma and weak König's lemma are equivalent to double negated variants of the general decidable fan theorem and the binary decidable fan theorem, respectively, over a nearly intuitionistic system containing a weak countable choice only. This implies that the general decidable fan theorem is not equivalent to the binary decidable fan theorem in the absence of a strong countable choice. In addition, we introduce a principle which fills the gap between König's lemma and weak König's lemma, and show that König's lemma is equivalent to weak König's lemma plus this principle. We also solve several problems arising from the investigation.
Unbounded actions of metric groups and continuous logic
Authors: Ivanov Aleksander
Published: July 2021

We study expressive power of continuous logic in classes of metric groups defined by properties of their actions. We concentrate on unbounded continuous actions on metric spaces. For example, we consider the properties non‐OB, non‐FH
and non‐FR.
Bounded finite set theory
Authors: Kirby Laurence
Published: July 2021

We define an axiom schema for finite set theory with bounded induction on sets, analogous to the theory of bounded arithmetic, , and use some of its basic model theory to establish some independence results for various axioms of set theory over . Then we ask: given a model M of , is there a model of whose ordinal arithmetic is isomorphic to M? We show that the answer is yes if .
Brand narratives: Content and consequences among heritage brands
Authors: Pfannes Christina , Meyer Caroline , Orth Ulrich R. , Rose Gregory M.
Published: July 2021

This study bridges the gap between the managerial view and the consumer view integrating research on storytelling with consumer perceptions of brand heritage. It identifies key elements of the stories told by managers of heritage product brands and consumer responses to these elements. Adopting a mixed‐methods approach, four empirical studies (in‐depth interviews with managers, content analysis of brand websites, a survey, and an experiment) provide evidence for relevant story elements, their use by heritage brand managers and their effects on consumers' responses. With several variables included as controls (consumer age, anxiety state, biological sex, brand familiarity, category involvement, category knowledge and verbal processing style), the findings indicate that brand managers' assumptions about the effectiveness of specific narrative elements do not entirely reflect consumer' responses to these elements. Managers (Studies 1 and 2) commonly employ the story elements of the date of foundation, people, technology, omni‐temporality, struggle, and the place of foundation. While consumers (Studies 3 and 4) infer heritage from the brand's date of foundation, omni‐temporality, and technology, the results are less unanimous for the story elements of people, struggle, and place of foundation.
Effect of the rotor cage chassis on inner flow field of a turbo air classifier
Authors: Yu Y. , Kong X. , Ren C. , Liu J. , Liu J.
Published: July 2021

As the connection between the center of rotor cage and the coarse powder collecting cone, rotor cage chassis of the turbo air classifier directly influences airflow movement in the classifier. In order to study the effect of rotor cage chassis on the inner flow field of a turbo air classifier, the flow fields of four rotor cage chassis structures with different opening size are simulated and compared using ANSYS‐FLUENT 17.0. The simulation results show that there is “bypass flow” phenomenon for the classifier with the open rotor cage chassis, compared with the closed rotor cage chassis. The “bypass flow” phenomenon can change the airflow velocity distribution of the annular region. For the open rotor cage chassis, its opening size has no significant effect on the flow field distribution and the airflow velocity. However, the open or closed rotor cage chassis has great effect on the flow field distribution and the airflow velocity. The calcium carbonate classification comparative experiments are carried using the open and closed rotor cage chassis structures. The experiment results show that the open rotor cage chassis can decrease the cut size, and the closed rotor cage chassis can improve the classification accuracy.
Additively processed TiAl6Nb7 alloy for biomedical applications
Authors: Hein M. , Hoyer K.‐P. , Schaper M.
Published: July 2021

Laser beam melting (LBM) is an advanced manufacturing technology providing special features and the possibility to produce complex and individual parts directly from a CAD model. TiAl6V4 is the most common used titanium alloy particularly in biomedical applications. TiAl6Nb7 shows promising improvements especially regarding biocompatible properties due to the substitution of the hazardous vanadium. This work focuses on the examination of laser beam melted TiAl6Nb7. For microstructural investigation scanning electron microscopy including energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy as well as electron backscatter diffraction are utilized. The laser beam melted related acicular microstructure as well as the corresponding mechanical properties, which are determined by hardness measurements and tensile tests, are investigated. The laser beam melted alloy meets, except of breaking elongation A, the mechanical demands like ultimate tensile strength Rm, yield strength Rp0.2, Vickers hardness HV of international standard ISO 5832‐11. Next steps contain comparison between TiAl6Nb7 and TiAl6V4 in different conditions. Further investigations aim at improving mechanical properties of TiAl6Nb7 by heat treatments and assessment of their influence on the microstructure as well as examination regarding the corrosive behavior in human body‐like conditions.
Strain behaviour of aluminum 99.5 in micro‐forming conditions of the coining process
Authors: Mihaljević M. , Piljek P. , Keran Z. , Markučič D.
Published: July 2021

The coining process can be identified as a shallow die forging. By using this process, it is possible to produce very fine surface geometries. This leads to dimension scaling into micro dimensions and causes the specific material behavior. In the micro area, continuum laws are not strictly followed anymore. The leading role in determining the deformation and strain level is taken by the fine surface geometry dimension and the size of the crystalline grain of the workpiece material. This is known as the size effect and defines all micro‐forming processes. In order to provide monitoring of the filling of the smallest die dimensions, additional supporting procedures should be used. In this case, radiography testing procedures for observing the specific points of the workpiece geometry are applied, characterized with very small dimensions (less than 0.5 mm). Testing aluminum samples are formed using two techniques – open and closed die coining, with identical surface geometry. Their crystalline structures are in two‐grain sizes of 34 μm and 80 μm. Scanning results show different material behaviour and different surface deformation for the same level of forming force in all four testing cases.
Staffing crisis, safety issues prompt Virginia hospital closures
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: July 2021

Staff shortages in Virginia, coupled with safety concerns, have prompted the closure of five mental health hospitals. State and contract staff are leaving, and those left behind must carry on all aspects of patient care without adequate reinforcement, the commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) penned in a letter to partners and providers.
An inertial subgradient extragradient method of variational inequality problems involving quasi‐nonexpansive operators with applications
Authors: Suparatulatorn Raweerote , Charoensawan Phakdi , Khemphet Anchalee
Published: July 2021

In this work, a new algorithm is suggested to solve the variational inequality problems for Lipschitz continuous and monotone operators and the fixed point problems for quasi‐nonexpansive operators. This algorithm is constructed based on the inertial subgradient extragradient method. In addition, a strong convergence theorem for this algorithm is obtained under some extra conditions. Furthermore, an application to a signal recovery in compressed sensing problem is shown as a numerical example of the algorithm. Additionally, another example in an infinite‐dimensional space is given.
Optimisation of spatially‐encoded diffusion‐ordered NMR spectroscopy for the analysis of mixtures
Authors: Jacquemmoz Corentin , Mishra Rituraj , Guduff Ludmilla , van Heijenoort Carine , Dumez Jean‐Nicolas
Published: July 2021

Diffusion‐ordered NMR spectroscopy (DOSY NMR) is a widely used method for the analysis of mixtures. It can be used to separate the spectra of a mixture's components and to analyse interactions. The classic implementation of DOSY experiments, based on an incrementation of the diffusion‐encoding gradient area, requires several minutes or more to collect a 2D data set. Spatially‐encoded (SPEN) DOSY makes it possible to collect a complete data set in less than 1 s, by spatial parallelisation of the effective gradient area. While several short descriptions of SPEN DOSY experiments have been reported, a thorough characterisation of its features and its practical use is missing, and this hinders the use of the method. Here, we present the unusual principles and implementation of the SPEN DOSY experiment, an understanding of which is useful to make optimal use of the method. The encoding and acquisition steps are described, and the parameter relations that govern the setup of SPEN DOSY experiments are discussed. The influence of key parameters, including on sensitivity, is illustrated experimentally on mixtures of small molecules. This study should be useful for the setup of SPEN DOSY experiments, which are particularly useful for systems that evolve in time.
An efficient and combined placental ‐ADC acquisition in pregnancies with and without pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Hutter Jana , Ho Alison , Jackson Laurence H. , Slator Paddy J. , Chappell Lucy C. , Hajnal Joseph V. , Rutherford Mary A.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To provide a new approach to jointly assess microstructural and molecular properties of the human placenta in vivo fast and efficiently and to present initial evidence in cohorts of healthy pregnancies and those affected by pre‐eclampsia.

Methods

Slice and diffusion preparation shuffling, built on the previously proposed ZEBRA method, is presented as a robust and fast way to obtain and apparent diffusivity coefficient (ADC) values. Joint modeling and evaluation is performed on a cohort of healthy and pre‐eclamptic participants at 3T.

Results

The datasets show the ability to obtain robust and fast ‐ADC measurements. Significant decay over gestation in (−11 ms/week, ) and a trend toward significance in ADC (−0.23 mm//week, P = .08) values can be observed in a control cohort. Values for the pre‐eclamptic pregnancies show a negative trend for both ADC and .

Conclusions

The presented sequence allows the simultaneous acquisition of 2 of the most promising quantitative parameters to study placental insufficiency—identified individually as relevant in previous studies—in under 2 minutes. This allows dynamic assessment of physiological processes, reduced inconsistency in spatial comparisons due to reduced motion artefacts and opens novel avenues for analysis. Initial results in pre‐eclamptic placentas, with depicted changes in both ADC and , illustrate its potential to identify cases of placental insufficiency. Future work will focus on expanding the field‐of‐view using multi‐band acceleration techniques and the expansion to larger and more diverse patient groups.
Multicomponent T2 relaxometry reveals early myelin white matter changes induced by proton radiation treatment
Authors: Bontempi Pietro , Scartoni Daniele , Amelio Dante , Cianchetti Marco , Turkaj Ana , Amichetti Maurizio , Farace Paolo
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To investigate MRI myelin water imaging (MWI) by multicomponent T2 relaxometry as a quantitative imaging biomarker for brain radiation‐induced changes and to compare it with DTI.

Methods

Sixteen patients underwent fractionated proton therapy (PT) receiving dose to the healthy tissue because of direct or indirect (base skull tumors) irradiation. MWI was performed by a multi‐echo sequence with 32 equally spaced echoes (10‐320 ms). Decay data were processed to identify 3 T2 compartments: myelin water (Mw) below 40 ms, intra‐extracellular water (IEw) between 40 and 250 ms, and free water (CSFw) above 250 ms. Both MWI and DTI scans were acquired pre (pre)‐treatment and immediately at the end (end) of PT. After image registration, voxel‐wise difference maps, obtained by subtracting MWI and DTI pre from those acquired at the end of PT, were compared with the corresponding biological equivalent dose (BED).

Results

Mw difference showed a positive correlation and IEw difference showed a negative correlation with BED considering end–pre changes (P < .01). The changes in CSFw were not significantly correlated with the delivered BED. The changes in DTI data, considering end–pre acquisitions, showed a positive correlation between fractional anisotropy and the delivered BED.

Conclusion

MWI might detect early white matter radiation‐induced alterations, providing additional information to DTI, which might improve the understanding of the pathogenesis of the radiation damage.
Nurses' responsibilities and tasks in pharmaceutical care: A scoping review
Authors: De Baetselier Elyne , Dilles Tinne , Feyen Hilde , Haegdorens Filip , Mortelmans Laura , Van Rompaey Bart
Published: July 2021

Aim

To provide an overview of responsibilities and tasks of nurses in pharmaceutical care.

Design

Scoping review.

Methods

Two databases were systematically searched (MEDLINE and Scopus) for recent original research papers concerning nurses’ responsibilities and tasks in pharmaceutical care. The definition of responsibility was based on literature, moral and ethical discussions. Existing responsibilities and tasks beyond preparation and administration of medication were collected and synthesized. This main study outcome was extracted from titles and abstracts only. Results were reported in accordance with PRISMA‐ScR guidelines.

Results

Of the 3,805 titles and abstracts reviewed, 453 abstracts were included. A total of seven responsibilities were identified: (a) management of therapeutic and adverse effects of medication, (b) management of medication adherence, (c) management of patient medication self‐management, (d) management of patient education and information about medication, (e) prescription management, (f) medication safety management and (g) (transition of) care coordination. Within these responsibilities, all tasks performed by nurses were described.
Combining cross‐section images and modeling tools to create high‐resolution root system hydraulic atlases inZea mays
Authors: Heymans Adrien , Couvreur Valentin , Lobet Guillaume
Published: July 2021

Root hydraulic properties play a central role in the global water cycle, in agricultural systems productivity, and in ecosystem survival as they impact the canopy water supply. However, the existing experimental methods to quantify root hydraulic conductivities, such as the root pressure probing, are particularly challenging, and their applicability to thin roots and small root segments is limited. Therefore, there is a gap in methods enabling easy estimations of root hydraulic conductivities in diverse root types. Here, we present a new pipeline to quickly estimate root hydraulic conductivities across different root types, at high resolution along root axes. Shortly, free‐hand root cross‐sections were used to extract a selected number of key anatomical traits. We used these traits to parametrize the Generator of Root Anatomy in R (GRANAR) model to simulate root anatomical networks. Finally, we used these generated anatomical networks within the Model of Explicit Cross‐section Hydraulic Anatomy (MECHA) to compute an estimation of the root axial and radial hydraulic conductivities (kxandkr, respectively). Using this combination of anatomical data and computational models, we were able to create a root hydraulic conductivity atlas at the root system level, for 14‐day‐old pot‐grownZea mays(maize) plants of the var.B73. The altas highlights the significant functional variations along and between different root types. For instance, predicted variations of radial conductivity along the root axis were strongly dependent on the maturation stage of hydrophobic barriers. The same was also true for the maturation rates of the metaxylem vessels. Differences in anatomical traits along and across root types generated substantial variations in radial and axial conductivities estimated with our novel approach. Our methodological pipeline combines anatomical data and computational models to turn root cross‐section images into a detailed hydraulic atlas. It is an inexpensive, fast, and easily applicable investigation tool for root hydraulics that complements existing complex experimental methods. It opens the way to high‐throughput studies on the functional importance of root types in plant hydraulics, especially if combined with novel phenotyping techniques such as laser ablation tomography.
Gaps in toxic industrial chemical model systems: Improvements and changes over past 10 years
Authors: Hanna Steven , Mazzola Thomas , Chang Joseph , Spicer Thomas , Gant Simon , Batt Rachel
Published: July 2021

To assess the hazards of the releases of toxic industrial chemicals (TICs) to the atmosphere, comprehensive model systems are often used, which begin with the scenario definition and end with an estimate of health risk. In 2008 and 2010, the US Department of Homeland Security and Defense Threat Reduction Agency sponsored reports that identified knowledge gaps in TIC modeling. The current paper discusses which of the knowledge gaps were satisfactorily resolved in the past 10 years by new theoretical and experimental research, such as the 2010 and 2015–2016 Jack Rabbit field experiments. For example, the linked source emissions and transport and dispersion (T&D) models have been shown, in comparisons with Jack Rabbit II observations, to not have large mean biases. Consequently, the T&D models are less likely to be the cause of model system overpredictions of casualties observed after large TIC accidental releases, such as the Festus, Macdona, and Graniteville chlorine railcar incidents. It may be that the deposition models and/or the health effects models still need improvement. In addition to comments on the knowledge gaps identified 10 years ago, a few new knowledge gaps are addressed, such as indoor T&D and deposition, and estimating the magnitude of the saturation deposition value for various substrates and chemicals.
Recent Advances of Perovskite Solar Cells Embedded with Plasmonic Nanoparticles
Authors: Alkhalayfeh Muheeb Ahmad , Aziz Azlan Abdul , Pakhuruddin Mohd Zamir , Katubi Khadijah Mohammedsaleh M.
Published: July 2021

In this era of growing energy demand, the recently explored perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have evolved into a potentially viable alternative because of their cost effectiveness and high efficiency. Despite the immense research interest attracted by perovskite solar cells, their commercialization remains constrained by their instability and toxic nature. Among the different advanced solar cells technologies, the application of metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) with plasmonic effects is an alternative, practical approach to improve the stability and enhance the generation and transport of photons and charge carriers. Besides, MNPs improve light absorption and scattering in the active layer, in addition to the expansion of electronic properties by decreasing the binding excitation energy. Herein a synopsis of the importance of PSCs and the utilization of plasmonic NPs to improve their performance is presented. In addition, the existing endeavors to incorporate these plasmonic structures into indoor photovoltaic and semitransparent PSCs are reviewed.
Signed sequential rank Shiryaev–Roberts schemes
Authors: van Zyl Corli , Lombard Fred
Published: July 2021

We develop Shiryaev–Roberts schemes based on signed sequential ranks to detect a persistent change in location of a continuous symmetric distribution with known median. The in‐control properties of these schemes are distribution‐free, hence they do not require a parametric specification of an underlying density function or the existence of any moments. Tables of control limits are provided. The out‐of‐control average run length properties of the schemes are gauged via theory‐based calculations and Monte Carlo simulation. Comparisons are made with two existing distribution‐free schemes. We conclude that the newly proposed scheme has much to recommend its use in practice. Implementation of the methodology is illustrated in an application to a data set from an industrial environment.
Photonic Jet Writing of Quantum Dots Self‐Aligned to Dielectric Microspheres
Authors: Ristori Andrea , Hamilton Travis , Toliopoulos Dimosthenis , Felici Marco , Pettinari Giorgio , Sanguinetti Stefano , Gurioli Massimo , Mohseni Hooman , Biccari Francesco
Published: July 2021

Owing to their ability to generate non‐classical light states, quantum dots (QDs) are very promising candidates for the large‐scale implementation of quantum information technologies. However, the high photon collection efficiency demanded by these technologies may be impossible to reach for “standalone” semiconductor QDs, embedded in a high‐refractive index medium. In this work a novel laser writing technique is presented, enabling the direct fabrication of a QD self‐aligned—with a precision of ±30 nm—to a dielectric microsphere. The presence of the microsphere leads to an enhancement of the QD luminescence collection by a factor 7.3 ± 0.7 when an objective with 0.7 numerical aperture is employed. This technique exploits the possibility of breaking the N−H bonds in GaAsNx:H by a laser light, obtaining a lower‐bandgap material, GaAsNx. The microsphere, deposited on top of a GaAsNx:H/GaAs quantum well, is used to generate a photonic nanojet, which removes hydrogen exactly below the microsphere, creating a GaAsNx QD at a predefined distance from the sample surface. Second‐order autocorrelation measurements confirm the ability of the QDs obtained with this technique to emit single photons.
Performance of low‐cost stainless‐steel beverage kegs for long‐term storage integrity and easy dispensing of water isotope (δ18O, δ2H) reference materials
Authors: Terzer‐Wassmuth Stefan , Wassenaar Leonard I.
Published: July 2021

Rationale

A widespread problem observed in global water isotope (δ18O, δ2H) proficiency tests is compromised working reference materials due to storage‐dispensing evaporation effects. Proper storage requires no evaporation or leakage, which causes isotopic drift and bias. Surveys by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) show most isotope laboratories use glass or plastic bottles to store working reference materials, with frequent opening and closings that pose evaporation risks. Practical small (ca. 2–5 L) storage‐dispensing solutions free of air exposure, evaporation, and leakage are needed. We also tested several smaller‐scale bottles for day‐to‐day aliquots.

Methods

We tested low‐cost, conveniently sized (4 L) adaptations of a common stainless‐steel beverage keg with a liquid dispenser, with minor modifications to facilitate low‐flow dispensing and pressurization (1–2 bar) with Ar or N2. We tested three kegs (100%, 75%, 50% initial fills) for a 2‐year period along with monthly dispensing to assess long‐term storage viability for maintaining δ18O and δ2H integrity and dispensing, and day‐to‐day aliquot bottles for 6 months.

Results

Test results showed these small keg storage systems fully maintained the isotopic integrity of water over the 2‐year testing period with no trend in the isotopic data that would reveal evaporative loss or leakage (e.g., pressure or mass loss) regardless of starting fill level. However, evaporated water in the outlet tube assembly must be eliminated by discarding 15–20 mL before dispensing into appropriate daily‐use laboratory standard bottles (30–100 mL). Glass bottles for daily aliquots showed good integrity properties, but only if their fill level was >50%.

Conclusions

The use of a low‐cost pressurized metal beverage keg dispensing system provides a robust solution to enable laboratories to maintain the integrity of their water isotope working reference materials over several years.
Efficacy of da Vinci robot‐assisted lymph node surgery than conventional axillary lymph node dissection in breast cancer – A comparative study
Authors: Chen Kuo , M. Beeraka Narasimha , Zhang Jin , Reshetov Igor V. , Nikolenko Vladimir N. , Sinelnikov Mikhail Y. , Mikhaleva Liudmila M.
Published: July 2021

Background

da Vinci robot‐assisted axillary lymph node dissection (dVALND) can be a minimally invasive technique to minimize post‐operative complications.

Objective

To explore the clinical efficacy of dVALND in breast cancer (BC) patients for mitigating the postoperative complications than conventional ALND.

Methods

Total 60 female patients with BC were admitted to our hospitals since September 2018, and these patients segregated into two groups of 30 patients each. Modified radical mastectomy for BC was performed to the patients in both groups. In Group 1 (control group), ALND was performed using conventional mode of axillary lymph node surgery. In Group 2 (Test group), the dVALND was performed using da Vinci robot‐assisted surgery. Wound healing, aesthetic effect and patient's satisfaction were evaluated after conventional method and dVALND.

Results

Postoperative complications viz., wound infection (1/30 (3.33%), p < 0.05), fat necrosis (3/30 (10%), p < 0.05) and lymphedema of upper limbs (2/30 (6.67%), p < 0.05) were observed in dVALND than conventional surgery. Local recurrence or metastasis was minimized and overall aesthetic effect not observed during follow‐up.

Conclusion

dVALND improved the overall patient's quality of life by mitigating postoperative complications than ALND.
Robotic surgery costs: Revealing the real villains
Authors: Rodrigues Martins Yves Melo , Romanelli de Castro Pedro , Drummond Lage Ana Paula , Alves Wainstein Alberto Julius , de Vasconcellos Santos Fernando Augusto
Published: July 2021

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the main drivers of robot assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) hospitalization costs, in addition to assess perioperative predictors that impact costs.

Methods

Overall, 474 RARP were analyzed between February 2018 and December 2019. The association between perioperative variables and total direct costs was analyzed by simple and multiple linear regression.

Discussion

The main drivers of RARP hospitalization costs were robotic surgical supplies. Costs increased with American Society of Anesthesiologists score 3, a one‐hour increase in OR time, increased utilization of polymeric clip packs and longer length of hospital stay. There was a 11.5% reduction in costs with the use of four robotic instruments instead of five.

Conclusion

Costs of hospitalization were mainly influenced by the OR time, use of surgical supplies and length of hospital stay. Reducing the number of robotic instruments used in RARP represented the potentially modifiable factor with the greatest impact on cost reduction.