bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinicopathological Features and Oncological Outcomes of Early and Late Recurrence in Stage III Colorectal Cancer Patients after Adjuvant Oxaliplatin-Based Therapy
Authors: Chang Yu-Tang , Tsai Hsiang-Lin , Chen Yen-Cheng , Li Ching-Chun , Huang Ching-Wen , Chen Po-Jung , Su Wei-Chih , Chang Tsung-Kun , Yeh Yung-Sung , Yin Tzu-Chieh , Wang Jaw-Yuan
Published: January 2023

Aims. An adjuvant oxaliplatin-based regimen is the standard of care for patients with stage III colorectal cancer (CRC). Few reports have compared the clinicopathological features and oncological outcomes of such treatment between patients with early (≤1 year) and late recurrence (>1 year). Methods. Between January 2012 and December 2019, CRC recurred in 128 (24.1%) of 531 patients with consecutive stage III CRC after they received curative resection and an adjuvant oxaliplatin-based regimen. The clinicopathological features and oncological outcomes of the 128 patients were analyzed retrospectively. Results. The median follow-up period after the first chemotherapy cycle was 35.0 months (range, 7–100.9), and the median recurrence time was 16.1 months. Forty-seven patients (36.7%) had an early recurrence and eighty-one patients (63.3%) had a late recurrence. Compared with patients with late recurrence, those with early recurrence were mostly younger (median: 58 vs. 64 years,

p
=
0.009

), had less oxaliplatin-based therapy cycles (median: 8 vs. 12 cycles,

p
<
0.001

), and had a shorter overall survival time (median: 23.3 vs. 39.7 months,

p
<
0.001

). The area under the curve of patient age and chemotherapy cycles for predicting early recurrence was 0.629 and 0.705 (

p
=
0.015

and

p
<
0.001

), respectively. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that the cutoff level for patient age was 57 years and the number of chemotherapy cycles was 8. A multivariate analysis revealed that patient age ≤57 years and oxaliplatin-based therapy ≤8 cycles were independent risk factors for early recurrence (odds ratio (OR) = 3.049,

p
=
0.022

; OR = 4.995,

p
=
0.002

). These factors were associated with an approximately 77.8% risk of recurrence within 1 year, compared with the 21.5% risk associated with patient age >57 years and oxaliplatin-based therapy >8 cycles (p = 0.003). Conclusion. Patients with early recurrence had poorer survival than those with late recurrence. If >8 cycles of oxaliplatin-based therapy can be administered without disease progression, then patients with stage III CRC would have a lower risk of early recurrence.
Fixed Point Results via Real-Valued Function Satisfying Integral Type Rational Contraction
Authors: Mani Naveen , Sharma Amit , Shukla Rahul
Published: January 2023

In this article, we mainly discuss the existence and uniqueness of fixed point satisfying integral type contractions in complete metric spaces via rational expression using real-valued functions. We improve and unify many widely known results from the literature. Among these, the work of Rakotch (1962), Branciari (2002), and Liu et al. (2013) is extended. Finally, we conclude with an example presented graphically in favour of our work.
Predictive Model of Humidity in Greenhouses through Fuzzy Inference Systems Applying Optimization Methods
Authors: Vanegas-Ayala Sebastian-Camilo , Barón-Velandia Julio , Leal-Lara Daniel-David
Published: January 2023

Establishing the indoor and outdoor humidity values in a greenhouse allows us to describe the crop yield during its entire developmental cycle. This study seeks to develop a predictive model of indoor relative humidity values in a greenhouse with high accuracy and interpretability through the use of optimized fuzzy inference systems, in order to offer greenhouse users a clear and simple description of their behaviour. The three-phase methodology applied made use of descriptive statistics techniques, correlation analysis, and prototyping paradigm for the iterative and incremental development of the predictive model, validated through error measurement. The research resulted in six models which define the behaviour of humidity as a result of temperature, CO2, and soil moisture, with percentages of effectiveness above 90%. The implementation of a Mamdani-type fuzzy inference system, optimized by a hybrid method combining genetic and interior point algorithms, allowed to predict the relative humidity in greenhouses with high interpretability and precision, with an effectiveness percentage of 90.97% and MSE (mean square error) of 8.2e − 3.
A Review on Magnetic Nanobiochar with Their Use in Environmental Remediation and High-Value Applications
Authors: Sonowal Songita , Koch Niharika , Sarma Hemen , Prasad Kamal , Prasad Ram
Published: January 2023

Magnetic nanobiochar (MNBC) is a sort of nanobiochar that has been enhanced with magnetic qualities. MNBC is made from a variety of feedstocks, including wood chips, agricultural waste, municipal sludge, animal manure, and other organic waste. These feedstocks are pyrolyzed at various temperatures to produce biochar, which is then mixed with magnetic precursors to create MNBC. Crystallinity, high porosity, specific surface area, and great catalytic activity are a few of the dynamic properties of MNBC. The major purpose of this review paper is to characterize MNBC, using the various biochar synthesis methods and how bulk biochar is converted into MNBC with their high-value applications discussed here.
Dietary Modifications in Critically‐Ill Patients: A Comparison of Persian Medicine and Conventional Medicine Perspectives
Authors: Zareian Mohammad Ali , Alizadeh Vaghasloo Mahdi , Sharifi Darani Narges , Ansaripour Mohammad , Asghari Alireza , Shirbeigi Laila , Nejatbakhsh Fatemeh
Published: January 2023

In Persian Medicine (PM) literature, a crisis is the culmination of the body’s response to illness, which necessitates fundamental dietary modification to improve prognosis. In this narrative review, authentic PM textbooks as well as articles on diets for critically‐ill patients (CIPs) obtained from PubMed and Google Scholar databases, were reviewed, and after gathering data, they were classified, coded, analyzed, and compared. In the acute phase, both PM and conventional medicine agree on relative food restriction, but PM lays a special focus on the use of meat in cases of weakness. There are both similarities and differences between PM and conventional medicine regarding nutritional recommendations in critical illness. For example, recommendations for food restriction and protein intake are similar in both schools, but recommendations for carbohydrate intake are different. The variables addressed and emphasized in PM require further evaluation in clinical trials.
Study on Impact Mechanical Properties of Reentrant Bionic Automotive Energy Absorbing Box
Authors: Liu Zhi-xin , Liu Wei-dong
Published: January 2023

In order to impprove the protective effect of the automotive energy absorption (EA) box, the design of the reentrant bioinspired EA box is proposed, that is, novel bioinspired structures are inserted into the original EA box to improve the EA effect of the box. The improved bionic structures with curvature are designed according to the spider web: honeycomb structure (HS), arc-honeycomb structure (AHS), negative Poisson structure (PS), and arc negative Poisson structure (APS). A new bionic automobile energy absorbing box is constructed by combining with automobile energy absorbing box. Experiments and simulations further verify excellent mechanical properties of bionic structures. The results show that EA of AHS and APS is 117.2% and 105.8% of HS and PS. Their specific energy absorption is 112.2% and 102.7% of HS and PS. HS EA box structure, AHS energy absorption box structure, PS energy absorption box structure, and APS energy absorption box structure are 114.2%, 117%, 109.2%, and 116.2% higher than traditional EA box structures, respectively. The excellent characteristics of biological structures can provide ideas for structural design objectives of engineering applications and greatly simplify the process of optimal design.
USP48 Stabilizes Gasdermin E to Promote Pyroptosis in Cancer
Authors: Ren Yidan , Feng Maoxiao , Hao Xiaodong , Liu Xiaoyan , Li Juan , Li Peilong , Gao Jie , Qi Qiuchen , Du Lutao , Wang Chuanxin , Wang Qin , Wang Yunshan
Published: January 2023

Pyroptosis is a type of programmed cell death characterized by the activation of inflammatory caspases and the cleavage of gasdermin proteins. Pyroptosis can suppress tumor development and induce antitumor immunity, and activating pyroptosis is a potential treatment strategy for cancer. To uncover approaches to harness the anticancer effects of pyroptosis, we aimed to identify regulators of pyroptosis in cancer. A CRISPR-Cas9 screen identified that loss of USP48, a deubiquitinating enzyme, significantly inhibited cell pyroptosis. USP48 promoted pyroptosis by stabilizing gasdermin E (GSDME). USP48 bound GSDME and removed K48-linked ubiquitination at positions K120 and K189. Clinical tissue testing confirmed that the expression of USP48 positively correlated with GSDME and pyroptosis-related factors. Single-cell sequencing showed that the functions of T cells and tumor-associated macrophages in the tumor microenvironment were inhibited after USP48 knockout. Finally, overexpression of USP48 enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitors in tumors in mouse models. Together, these findings define a pyroptosis regulation pathway and indicate that pharmacologic activation of USP48 may provide an effective strategy to sensitize cancer cells to pyroptosis and improve response to immunotherapy.

Significance:

USP48 promotes pyroptosis by deubiquitinating GSDME and enhances antitumor immunity, indicating that increasing USP48 activity may be a future therapeutic strategy for treating cancer.
Mouse IgG2a Isotype Therapeutic Antibodies Elicit Superior Tumor Growth Control Compared with mIgG1 or mIgE
Authors: Vukovic Natasa , Segués Aina , Huang Shuyu , Waterfall Martin , Sijts Alice J.A.M. , Zaiss Dietmar M.
Published: January 2023

In the last decades, antibody-based tumor therapy has fundamentally improved the efficacy of treatment for patients with cancer. Currently, almost all tumor antigen–targeting antibodies approved for clinical application are of IgG1 Fc isotype. Similarly, the mouse homolog mIgG2a is the most commonly used in tumor mouse models. However, in mice, the efficacy of antibody-based tumor therapy is largely restricted to a prophylactic application. Direct isotype comparison studies in mice in a therapeutic setting are scarce. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of mouse tumor-targeting antibodies of different isotypes in a therapeutic setting using a highly systematic approach. To this end, we engineered and expressed antibodies of the same specificity but different isotypes, targeting the artificial tumor antigen CD90.1/Thy1.1 expressed by B16 melanoma cells. Our experiments revealed that in a therapeutic setting mIgG2a was superior to both mIgE and mIgG1 in controlling tumor growth. Furthermore, the observed mIgG2a antitumor effect was entirely Fc mediated as the protection was lost when an Fc-silenced mIgG2a isotype (LALA-PG mutations) was used. These data confirm mIgG2a superiority in a therapeutic tumor model.

Significance:

Direct comparisons of different antibody isotypes of the same specificity in cancer settings are still scarce. Here, it is shown that mIgG2a has a greater effect compared with mIgG1 and mIgE in controlling tumor growth in a therapeutic setting.
Adalimumab for the Treatment of Periodontitis in a 35-Year-Old Woman with Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Authors: Yao Yiqiu , Ghazanfar Misbah Noshela , Jørgensen Astrid-Helene Ravn , Ring Hans Christian , Thomsen Simon Francis
Published: January 2023

Increasing evidence suggests an association between chronic inflammatory conditions and oral health. Herein, we present a case of a 35-year-old woman with concomitant hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and periodontitis, who was treated successfully with adalimumab. After 3 months of treatment, a marked improvement was observed in her clinical scores of HS, quality of life, as well as her gingival pain and signs of inflammation. This finding calls for a closer collaboration between dermatologists and dentists to further explore the possible beneficial role of biologic therapy for chronic inflammatory skin conditions as well as periodontitis.
Microcirculation No-Reflow Phenomenon after Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Hu Jiaqi , Nan Ding , Lu Yuxuan , Niu Zhenyu , Ren Yingying , Qu Xiaozhong , Huang Yining , Jin Haiqiang
Published: January 2023

Background: The no-reflow phenomenon refers to a failure to restore normal cerebral microcirculation despite brain large artery recanalization after acute ischemic stroke, which was observed over 50 years ago. Summary: Different mechanisms contributing to no-reflow extend across the endovascular, vascular wall, and extravascular factors. There are some clinical tools to evaluate cerebral microvascular hemodynamics and represent biomarkers of the no-reflow phenomenon. As substantial experimental and clinical data showed that clinical outcome was better correlated with reperfusion status rather than recanalization in patients with ischemic stroke, how to address the no-reflow phenomenon is critical. But effective treatments for restoring cerebral microcirculation have not been well established until now, so there is an urgent need for novel therapeutic perspectives to improve outcomes after recanalization therapies. Conclusion: Here, we review the occurrence of the no-reflow phenomenon after ischemic stroke and discuss its impact, detection method, and therapeutic strategies on the course of ischemic stroke, from basic science to clinical findings.
First-line-Biologika reduzieren die Glukokortikoidexposition bei hospitalisierten Kindern mit systemischer juveniler idiopathischer Arthritis
Authors: Mihai Carina
Published: January 2023

Background: Glucocorticoid exposure is a significant driver of morbidity in children with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA). We determined the effect of early initiation of biologic therapy (IL-1 or IL-6 inhibition) on glucocorticoid exposure in hospitalized patients with new-onset sJIA. Methods: We emulated a pragmatic sequence of trials (“pseudo-trials”) of biologic initiation in children (≤ 18 years) hospitalized with new-onset sJIA utilizing retrospective data from an administrative database from 52 tertiary care children’s hospitals from 2008 to 2019. Eligibility window, treatment assignment and start of follow-up between biologic and non-biologic study arms were aligned for each pseudo-trial. Patients in the source population could meet eligibility criteria at several timepoints. Mixed-effects logistic regression was used to determine the effect of biologic initiation on in-hospital glucocorticoid exposure. Results: Four hundred sixty-eight children met eligibility criteria, of which 19% received biologic therapy without preceding or concomitant initiation of immunomodulatory medications. This proportion significantly increased over time during the study period (p < 0.01). 1451 trial subjects were included across 4 pseudo-trials with 71 assigned to the biologic arm and 1380 assigned to the non-biologic arm. After adjustment, there was a trend toward decreased odds of glucocorticoid initiation in the biologic arm compared to the non-biologic arm (OR 0.39, 95% CI [0.13, 1.15]). Conclusion: Biologic initiation in children hospitalized with new-onset sJIA significantly increased over time and may be associated with reduced glucocorticoid exposure. The increasing use of first-line biologic therapy may lead to clinically relevant reductions in treatment-related adverse effects of glucocorticoid-reliant therapeutic approaches.
Review of the Recent Changes in the WHO Classification for Pediatric Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors
Authors: Halfpenny Aaron M. , Wood Matthew D.
Published: January 2023

Background: Periodic updates to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification system for central nervous system (CNS) tumors reflect advances in the pathological diagnosis, categorization, and molecular underpinnings of primary brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerve tumors. The 5th edition of the WHO Classification of CNS Tumors was published in 2021. This review discusses the guiding principles of the revision, introduces the more common new diagnostic entities, and describes tumor classification and nomenclature changes that are relevant for pediatric neurological surgeons. Summary: Revisions to the WHO CNS tumor classification system introduced new diagnostic entities, restructured and renamed other entities with particular impact in the diffuse gliomas and CNS embryonal tumors, and expanded the requirements for incorporating both molecular and histological features of CNS tumors into a unified integrated diagnosis. Many of the new diagnostic entities occur at least occasionally in pediatric patients and will thus be encountered by pediatric neurosurgeons. New nomenclature impacts the terminology that is applied in communication between pathologists, surgeons, clinicians, and patients. Requirements for molecular information in tumor diagnosis are expected to refine diagnostic categories while also introducing practical considerations for intraoperative consultation, preliminary histological evaluation, and triaging of neurosurgical tissue samples for histology, molecular testing, and clinical trial requirements. Key Messages: Pediatric brain tumor diagnosis and clinical management are a multidisciplinary effort that is rapidly advancing in the molecular era. Interdisciplinary collaboration is critical for providing the best care for pediatric CNS tumor patients. Pediatric neurosurgeons and their local neuropathologists and neuro-oncologists must work collaboratively to put the most current CNS tumor diagnostic guidelines into standard practice.
Examining Teachers’ Technological, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge (TPACK) in Remote Teaching and Learning Modality
Authors: Honra Joelash R.
Published: January 2023

This study examined the teachers’ technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge (TPACK) in the remote teaching and learning modality. Specifically, it sought to find out if gender (male and female) and age groups (Gen Z, Millenial, and Gen X) have significant differences in the respondents’ TPACK skills and if their attendance in the in-service training could cause a significant change in the perceptions of the said skills. The study followed the quantitative survey research design. An adapted research instrument was used to evaluate respondents’ perceptions of TPACK abilities during the remote teaching and learning modality. The Mann-Withney u test was used to determine if the gender (male and female) would significantly differ in TPACK. While Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to analyze if the age groups (Gen Z, Millennial, and Gen X) show significant differences in the respondents’ TPACK skills. To assess a significant change in the respondents’ attendance in the in-service training, the McNemar change test was used. The study sample comprised 60 teachers from several public high schools in Makati City teaching remotely during the pandemic. Based on the results, gender did not show a significant difference in the TPACK abilities of the respondent. While no significant difference was established among the age groups regarding their TPACK skills, one domain (technological knowledge) of TPACK revealed significant results among the age groups. Moreover, it was also proven that respondents showed significant changes in their TPACK skills before and after attending the in-service training. Therefore, this study recommends creating learning communities among teachers of different gender and age groups to share their best practices during the remote learning setup to help improve others' TPACK skills. Also, it is recommended that the school administrations prioritize teachers’ professional development by providing them with vital training and seminars to improve the said skills.
Publicações seriadas; Bases de dados como assunto; Publicações periódicas como assunto; Bibliometria; Terapia ocupacional.
Authors: Folha Otavio Augusto De Araujo Costa , Da Cruz Daniel Marinho Cezar , Emmel Maria Luísa Guillaumon
Published: January 2023

Introduction: The publication of Brazilian articles in journals indexed in databases has increased over the last decades, reflecting the growth of research and publications in the country. This growth has facilitated the development of studies on the trajectories of the different professions, through the analysis of bibliometric indicators. However, in occupational therapy, there is still a gap. Objective: to identify and classify articles published by occupational therapists who were affiliated with Brazilian institutions in national and international databases through indexation and citation metrics. Materials and methods: This is a descriptive study with a quantitative approach. Data collection was performed using the databases: Pyscinfo, Web of Science, CINAHL, Scopus, PubMed, SciELO, LILACS, BIREME, and Google Scholar. Results: five hundred articles were analyzed. From those, fewer than 13% (n = 71) have received at least one citation. Conclusion: The data of indexing and citing of publication by occupational therapists can aid in discussion on the production and dissemination of research produced by the profession nationally.
Pathophysiology of the Nondipping Blood Pressure Pattern
Authors: Huart Justine , Persu Alexandre , Lengelé Jean-Philippe , Krzesinski Jean-Marie , Jouret François , Stergiou George S.
Published: January 2023

The nondipping blood pressure (BP) pattern corresponds to a disruption in the circadian BP rhythm with an insufficient decrease in BP levels during nighttime sleep as observed using 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring. Patients with nondipping BP pattern have poorer renal and cardiovascular outcomes, independent of their average 24-hour BP levels. The pathophysiology of nondipping BP is complex and involves numerous mechanisms: perturbations of (1) the circadian rhythm, (2) the autonomic nervous system, and (3) water and sodium regulation. This review provides an outline of the pathways potentially involved in the nondipping BP profile in different conditions. A recent hypothesis is also discussed involving the role of gut microbiota in the dipping/nondipping patterns, via the fecal diet-derived short chain fatty acids.
The Power of Kataragama: From “Hotspot” to “Cold Spot”?
Authors: Frydenlund Iselin
Published: January 2023

This article explores the multiethnic and multireligious sacred place of Kataragama (Tamil: Kathirkamam) located at the southeast corner of Sri Lanka. For the devotees, Kataragama’s main attraction is the god Skanda, also known by many other names, for example Murukan, Kataragama Deviyo, or Mahasena. Kataragama attracts people from all ethnic and religious communities, as well as from all social strata in Sri Lankan society. Using Marianne Qvortrup Fibiger’s notion of “religious hotspots” as a starting point, this article analyzes how the “thaumaturgical power” of Kataragama forms the basis for the coexistence of multiple religious systems within the defined space of the sacred city. This coexistence, however, is under constant pressure from exclusionary nationalist and political forces. This transformation is analyzed with reference to the recent decades of Sinhala Buddhist politics of public space to “restore” Sri Lanka to dhammadipa, that is, sacred Buddhist territory. This raises questions about the possible loss of “thaumaturgical power,” as Kataragama is moving from having “ontic” multireligious qualities to “epistemic” qualities along majoritarian lines.
Mechanisms Used by Multinational Oil Companies to Derail Human Rights and Environmental Litigations Arising from the Niger Delta
Authors: Ochei Nkem Violet , Ezeani Elimma C. , Anderson Craig
Published: January 2023

Multinational oil companies (MNOCs) usually claim that they have several obligations to protect human rights and the environment where they operate and to resolve any disputes with local communities arising from their operations in the shortest possible time. However, the combative approach taken by MNOCs (e.g. several interlocutory appeals, challenging the legal standing of plaintiffs) during human rights and environmental litigations undermines these obligations because it continually denies, delays, and derails justice for the local communities. The aim of this paper is to discuss the mechanisms used by MNOCs to derail human rights and environmental litigations arising from the Niger Delta. This paper uses a comparative legal approach combined with a cross-case analysis of a selection of transnational litigations to highlight several mechanisms that fall into eight (8) categories related to oil operations – transparency, disclosure, bribery and corruption, labour/employee rights, safety and security, delays in litigations, pollution, remediation and compensation. The paper concludes that mechanisms used by MNOCs (e.g., Shell), as indicated in recent ligations arising from the Niger Delta, are at odds with their human rights obligations, thus affecting effective remedies for the people whose human rights have allegedly been affected by corporate conduct.
The Isotopic Composition of Rainfall on a Subtropical Mountainous Island
Authors: Torri Giuseppe , Nugent Alison D. , Popp Brian N.
Published: January 2023

Tropical islands are simultaneously some of the most biodiverse and vulnerable places on Earth. Water resources help maintain the delicate balance on which the ecosystems and the population of tropical islands rely. Hydrogen and oxygen isotope analyses are a powerful tool in the study of the water cycle on tropical islands, although the scarcity of long-term and high-frequency data makes interpretation challenging. Here, a new dataset is presented based on weekly collection of rainfall H and O isotopic composition on the island of O‘ahu, Hawai‘i, beginning from July 2019 and still ongoing. The data show considerable differences in isotopic ratios produced by different weather systems, with Kona lows and upper-level lows having the lowest δ2H and δ18O values, and trade-wind showers the highest. The data also show significant spatial variability, with some sites being characterized by higher isotope ratios than others. The amount effect is not observed consistently at all sites. Deuterium excess shows a marked seasonal cycle, which is attributed to the different origin and history of the air masses that are responsible for rainfall in the winter and summer months. The local meteoric water line and a comparison of this dataset with a long-term historical record illustrate strong interannual variability and the need to establish a long-term precipitation isotope monitoring network for Hawai‘i.

Significance Statement

The isotopic composition of water is often used in the study of island water resources, but the scarcity of high-frequency datasets makes the interpretation of data difficult. The purpose of this study is to investigate the isotopic composition of rainfall on a mountainous island in the subtropics. Based on weekly data collection on O‘ahu, Hawai‘i, the results improve our understanding of the isotopic composition of rainfall due to different weather systems, like trade-wind showers or cold fronts, as well as its spatial and temporal variability. These results could inform the interpretation of data from other mountainous islands in similar climate zones.
The Nonstationary Flood Hydrology of an Urbanizing Arid Watershed
Authors: Yu Guo , Miller Julianne J. , Hatchett Benjamin J. , Berli Markus , Wright Daniel B. , McDougall Craig , Zhu Zhihua
Published: January 2023

The Las Vegas metropolitan area in Nevada has experienced extensive urban growth since 1950 coincident with regional and local climate change. This study explores the nonstationary flood history of the Las Vegas Wash (LVW) watershed by deconstructing it into its constituent physical drivers. Observations and reanalysis products are used to examine the hydroclimatology, hydrometeorology, and hydrology of flash flooding in the watershed. Annual peak flows have increased nonlinearly over the past seven decades, with an abrupt changepoint detected in the mid-1990s, which is attributed to the implementation of flood conveyance systems rather than changes in land use. The LVW watershed exhibits two pronounced flood seasons, associated with distinct synoptic atmospheric circulations: winter floods linked to inland-penetrating atmospheric rivers and summer floods linked to the North American monsoon. El Niño–Southern Oscillation also plays a role in modulating extreme rainfall and the resultant floods because annual maximum daily rainfall totals positively correlate with El Niño, with Spearman’s correlation coefficient of 0.36 (p value < 0.05). Winter maximum daily rainfall totals have increased since 1950, whereas summer daily rainfall maxima have decreased. The trends in hydrometeorological drivers interact with urbanization to shift flood seasonality toward more frequent winter floods in the LVW watershed. A process-based understanding of the flood hydrology of the watershed also provides insights into flood frequency analysis and flood forecasting.
On the Decadal and Multidecadal Variability of the Agulhas Current
Authors: Zhang Ruize , Sun Shantong , Chen Zhaohui , Yang Haiyuan , Wu Lixin
Published: January 2023

The Agulhas Current (AC) is a critical component of global ocean circulation. However, due to a lack of multidecadal observations, it is not clear how the AC has changed in response to anthropogenic forcing. A recent observational study suggests a broadening and slight weakening of the AC in the past few decades, while others suggest a strengthening of the AC during the historical period. In this paper, we find substantial internal variability of the AC on decadal to multidecadal time scales in high-resolution models. We show that the AC consistently exhibits two modes of decadal and multidecadal (i.e., low frequency) variability in a series of high-resolution climate models: a uniform mode that is largely associated with changes in the AC strength and a dipole mode that is mainly related to width changes of the AC. We demonstrate that the uniform mode is mainly forced externally by the decadal variations of the wind field and presents a decline under global warming, suggesting a weakening of the AC in response to anthropogenic forcing. The dipole mode, on the other hand, is mainly due to internal dynamics and does not show a trend during the historical period. Using a quasigeostrophic model that captures the dipole mode, we attribute the dipole mode to low-frequency potential vorticity changes in the western boundary, driven by a divergence of relative potential vorticity due to eddy activity. Thus, our results present further context for the interpretation of the AC responses in a changing climate based on a short observational record.
Skillful Extended-Range Forecast of Rainfall and Extreme Events in East China Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Xie Jiehong , Hsu Pang-Chi , Hu Yamin , Ye Mengxi , Yu Jinhua
Published: January 2023

The extended-range forecast with a lead time of 10–30 days is the gap between weather (<10 days) and climate (>30 days) predictions. Improving the forecast skill of extreme weather events at the extended range is crucial for risk management of disastrous events. In this study, three deep learning (DL) models based on the methods of convolutional neural networks and gate recurrent units are constructed to predict the rainfall anomalies and associated extreme events in East China at lead times of 1–6 pentads. All DL models show skillful prediction of the temporal variation of rainfall anomalies (in terms of temporal correlation coefficient skill) over most regions in East China beyond 4 pentads, outperforming the dynamical models from the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). The spatial distribution of the rainfall anomalies is also better predicted by the DL models than the dynamical models; and the DL models show higher pattern correlation coefficients than the dynamical models at lead times of 3–6 pentads. The higher skill of DL models in predicting the rainfall anomalies will help to improve the accuracy of extreme-event predictions. The Heidke skill scores of the extreme rainfall event forecast performed by the DL models are also superior to those of the dynamical models at a lead time beyond about 4 pentads. Heat map analysis for the DL models shows that the predictability sources are mainly the large-scale factors modulating the East Asian monsoon rainfall.

Significance Statement

Improving the forecast skill for extreme weather events at the extended range (10–30 days in advance), particularly over populated regions such as East China, is crucial for risk management. This study aims to develop skillful models of the rainfall anomalies and associated extreme heavy rainfall events using deep learning techniques. The models constructed here benefit from the capability of deep learning to identify the predictability sources of rainfall variability, and outperform the current operational models, including the ECMWF and the CMA models, at forecast lead times beyond 3–4 pentads. These results reveal the promising application prospect of deep learning techniques in the extended-range forecast.
Classifying Social Adaptation Practices to Heat Stress—Learning from Autonomous Adaptations in Two Small Towns in Germany
Authors: Teebken Julia , Mitchell Nicole , Jacob Klaus , Heimann Thorsten
Published: January 2023

Climate change adaptation planning and implementation have proliferated over the past years. However, we still lack an understanding of how society adapts itself outside of policy sectors and as part of what some refer to as “autonomous adaptation.” The way people respond to risk without deliberate interventions of public actors is not well understood. Given the increasing occurrence of climatic changes that affect our daily lives, the topic is regaining attention with an emphasis on behavioral adaptation. This angle, however, does little to enhance our understanding of how society adapts collectively and which practices and routines groups choose to adopt. This study investigates autonomous heat-stress adaptation efforts in two small towns in Germany. Autonomous heat-stress adaptation is approached through a lens of (social) adaptation practices. Small towns are understudied in adaptation research and have played only a minor role when it comes to public adaptation planning due to their lack of formal resources to develop public adaptation strategies. Based on empirical data, consisting of qualitative problem-centered interviews and a quantitative survey, concrete examples of (social) adaptation practices are identified and classified. The presented classification of practices goes beyond earlier attempts by generating insights on the role politics can play in providing a fruitful ground for enabling autonomous adaptation. The paper emphasizes the need for researchers and decision-makers to take a closer look at the wide variety of social adaptation practices already in place. This discloses insights on public–private adaptation mixes, which could ultimately also lift autonomous adaptation from its ad hoc and reactive nature.

Significance Statement

Social adaptation practices are not yet at the center of research and decision-making. We believe that adding practice-based approaches to adaptation governance widens the debate on who is vulnerable and possible coping mechanisms from within society. It shows that vulnerability and adaptation lie in people’s everyday actions. We provide a first classification of heat-health adaptation practices according to their heat-health target, the involved individuals and actors, the degree of coordination involved, and the spatial and temporal scales. This classification draws attention to potential governance leverage points to initiate heat-adaptation practices. Focusing more strongly on already-in-use and possible heat-health adaptation practices puts citizens’ wants and needs at the center of adaptation governance by including them directly in the adaptation process. This can be of special interest for small towns that want to introduce citizen-based approaches to heat-risk adaptation.
Prisons, Jails, and the Environment: Why Environmentalists Should Care About Mass Incarceration?
Authors: Taylor Dorceta E.
Published: January 2023

This article examines the relationship between mass incarceration and environmental inequalities. The United States incarcerates more people than any other country, and incarceration is highly racialized. The article discusses how prisons are settler colonial ecosystems that produce injustice. Prisons are located close to hazardous sites and in areas prone to extreme weather events. Food insecurity is also commonplace in jails. The article introduces concepts such as carceral food justice and carceral food sovereignty to recognize the unique circumstances that inmates experience in their quest to acquire healthy, affordable, adequate, and culturally desirable food.
Comparison of plasma total carbon dioxide and standard hydrogen carbonate in a hospital laboratory setting
Authors: Hansen Rasmus Søgaard , Revsholm Jesper , Sandberg Maria B , Jørgensen Louise H , Nybo Mads
Published: January 2023

Background

Studies comparing venous total carbon dioxide (tCO2) and standard hydrogen carbonate (HCO3–(P,st)) has shown diverse results, and it is debatable whether these two parameters can be used interchangeably for workup of acid–base disorders in a hospital setting.

Method

All patients with an HCO3–(P,st) requisition from any department at Odense University Hospital between 11th May 2021 and 1st June 2021 had tCO2 and HCO3–(P,st) analysed simultaneously. TCO2 was measured on Cobas® 8000, c702 module, while HCO3–(P,st) was calculated based on measurements on ABL835 Flex.

Results

From 1210 patients, mean (standard deviation (SD)) was 22.9 (3.7) mmol/L for tCO2 and 22.5 (2.9) mmol/L for HCO3–(P,st). TCO2 range was 10.1–42.3 mmol/L and 11.7–41.4 mmol/L for HCO3–(P,st). Linear regression showed that tCO2 (mmol/L) = −2.90 + 1.15 × HCO3–(P,st) (mmol/L) with R2 = 0.81. Bias (mean (SD) difference) between tCO2 and HCO3–(P,st)) was 0.4 (1.7) mmol/L with a −5.0–9.6 mmol/L range. Limits of agreement was −2.90–3.70 mmol/L. Comparison of classification within, above or below reference interval for tCO2 and HCO3–(P,st) showed that 984 samples (81%) retained their classification. Only one sample (0.1%) would be severely misclassified (outside the respective reference intervals) if HCO3–(P,st) was considered the gold standard. Of the samples investigated, 46.1% had a mean difference between tCO2 and HCO3–(P,st) of 0–1 mmol/L and 30.3% had 1.1–2.0 mmol/L.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that venous tCO2 and venous HCO3–(P,st) can be used interchangeably in a hospital setting for workup of acid–base disorders.
The Effect of Mental and Muscular Fatigue on the Accuracy and Kinematics of Dart Throwing
Authors: Meymandi Najmeh Parhiz , Sanjari Mohammad Ali , Farsi Alireza
Published: January 2023

In this study, we analyzed the effect of mental and muscular fatigue on the accuracy and kinematics of dart throwing. For this purpose, 28 young adults (19 females and 9 males) aged 25–35 years, without any regular experience in dart throwing, participated in this study. We evaluated their dart throwing skills in mental fatigue, muscular fatigue, and non-fatigue conditions. To induce mental fatigue, we used the Stroop task for 70 minutes and a simulated dart throwing exercise with an elastic band. In all three conditions, we collected accuracy data, based on the score of the dart on the board and the kinematic properties with a motion capture device. For analyzing the data and testing the research hypotheses, we employed ANOVA analyses with repeated measures after examining the normality of data distributions using skewness and kurtosis. We observed a significant decrease in the accuracy of dart throwing following mental fatigue ( p = 0.027) and muscular fatigue ( p = 0.001) compared to non-fatigue and following muscular fatigue compared to mental fatigue ( p = 0.001). In the kinematic results, we observed a significant difference in the mean velocity of the elbow between different experimental conditions ( p = 0.001). This variable decreased due to muscular fatigue, compared to the other two conditions. On the other hand, there was no significant difference among the three experimental conditions for the variables of elbow range of motion, shoulder range of motion, and mean velocity of the shoulder joint. These findings affirm mental and muscular fatigue effects on dart throwing and provide further detail regarding the specific aspects of these effects on dart throwing skills or other fine motor activities.
Global Determinants of Education Reform, 1960 to 2017
Authors: Bromley Patricia , Furuta Jared , Kijima Rie , Overbey Lisa , Choi Minju , Santos Heitor
Published: January 2023

Since post-World War II and especially throughout the 1990s, the globalization of a liberal international order propelled a wave of education reforms around the world. However, recent challenges to the legitimacy of the liberal order may undercut the prevalence of education reform across countries. To reveal how global changes are influencing education, we draw on a newly constructed data set of 6,696 education reforms in 147 countries from 1960 to 2017. Using dynamic negative binomial panel regression models, we find declining levels of reform in recent decades. We also find evidence of changing dynamics of influence among prominent organizational actors: World Bank lending is less associated with education reform over time, whereas the influence of international nongovernmental organizations has grown. This suggests a shifting system of governance, where formal coercive pressures become less palatable and the normative influences of civil society grow stronger. Overall, our findings indicate that education reform arises as a macro-global process as much as a response to local needs and conditions.
Functioning Changes in Varying Ways After Retirement: A Scoping Review
Authors: Saha Pauliina , Salmela Jatta , Lallukka Tea , Aho Anna Liisa
Published: January 2023

The association between retirement and functioning remains still poorly known. This scoping review examines physical, social, cognitive, and mental functioning after retirement, describes the changes in them, determines the different aspects that affect functioning, and documents the main characteristics of the phenomenon. We systematically scoped the relevant studies on functioning after retirement using CINAHL, MEDLINE, Medic, and PubMed databases. This scoping review included both qualitative and quantitative studies. The studies were analysed with inductive content analysis. After retirement, functioning was found to decline but also improve, and additionally, inequalities in functioning emerged. Functioning after retirement changed in ways which were: declining functioning, improving functioning, and inequalities in functioning. Only a few qualitative studies were found. This scoping review shows that functioning after retirement changes in varying ways. The results show that more qualitative research is needed to help us gain a more profound understanding on, for example, individuals’ motives to improve leisure, physical, and social activities after retirement, which are likely to contribute to changes in functioning. Additionally, further longitudinal studies would offer knowledge about the long-term effects of retirement on the different dimensions of functioning.
Sci-Hub use among Spanish researchers: Enemy or a learning opportunity for libraries?
Authors: Pastor-Ramon Elena , Aguirre Oskia , García-Puente María , María Morán José , Herrera-Peco Iván
Published: January 2023

Access to scientific literature is the cornerstone of scientific knowledge and numerous scientific-technical and social advances. However, in 2018, major difficulties in accessing the scientific literature have been reported. Despite Open Access has made more than 50% of scientific literature accessible without paywalls, during this year’s access to pirate scientific resources, such as Sci-Hub, has increased. It is one of the most popular resources among researchers and university students. The key aspect is to differentiate between these kinds of resources (black open access or shadow library) and the Open Access movement. Black open access violates copyright regulations, and Open Access wants to give authors control over the integrity of their work and the right to be properly acknowledged and cited. We conducted a questionnaire with 17 items about the use of Sci-Hub among Spanish-speaking sciences and social sciences researchers. Libraries must learn from these kinds of resources how to improve the access to their scientific resources, and propose to the editors a different way of business, more similar to Spotify or Netflix than the journal bundles offered nowadays, usually with numerous journals with an embargo period or no relevance to the scientific community.
Perceptions of and Experiences With Cigarette and E-Cigarette Use Among a Diverse Population of US Latino Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Alonso Fernanda , Rath Jessica , Ramírez A. Susana , Cantrell Jennifer , Jordan Ashton , Suarez Sebastian , Moran Meghan B.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To determine potential unique factors influencing cigarette and e-cigarette use in US Latino youth.

Approach

We conducted a qualitative study assessing cigarette and e-cigarette perceptions and experiences, including experiences with/perceptions of the products, cultural influences and influences of friends and family.

Setting

Four online discussion boards, conducted in October 2020.

Participants

92 Latino youth aged 15-21 years living in the US.

Method

Data from the discussion groups were coded and analyzed by three trained coders using a thematic analysis approach.

Results

Stress relief emerged as the dominant theme connected with both cigarettes and e-cigarettes. Apart from stress, perceptions of and experiences with the products differed. E-cigarettes were commonly viewed as trendy and cool and participants often reported using them due to curiosity and popularity. Participants commonly compared e-cigarettes to cigarettes, noting benefits of e-cigarettes. Participants also noted more negative short and long-term health effects of cigarette use, and discussed generational differences between the two products.

Conclusion

Findings from this study help address a dearth of research examining tobacco use among diverse groups of Latino youth. Findings indicate that despite differences in country of heritage, Latino youth are united by similar opinions about cigarettes and e-cigarettes. Additionally, they share cultural values and experiences which could be leveraged for tobacco control communications that cut across populations of Latino youth.
The Fading of Protective Roots: A Multivariate Analysis of the Risk of Hypertension among Hispanics by Nativity
Authors: Walker Brandon S. , Waitzman Norman J.
Published: January 2023

Objective

To examine the effects of Hispanic nativity on the risk and severity of hypertension relative to US-born non-Hispanic whites.

Methods

The analytic sample ( n = 34,007) was comprised of cross-sectional data drawn from twenty years of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999–2018.

Results

Foreign-born Hispanics aged 65 years and older had a greater risk of severe hypertension compared to non-Hispanic Whites. When examined by length of residency in the US, elderly foreign-born Hispanics with less than 10 years of residency were at greater risk of hypertension and severe hypertension, while those with 20 or more years of residency had similar risks compared to non-Hispanic Whites.

Conclusion

The “Hispanic Paradox” of better health despite lower socioeconomic status, was not observed in foreign-born or US-born Hispanics aged 65 years and older. Among elderly immigrants, those with fewer years of residency had the greatest hypertensive risk.