bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of publications by authors of Ukrainian institutes in Scopus‐delisted titles
Authors: Nazarovets Serhii
Published: May 2022

In Ukraine, Scopus data are used to evaluate academics. Existing shortcomings in the Ukrainian evaluation system allow them to publish in titles that have been delisted from Scopus, and continue to use those papers as credible research output for evaluation. The purpose of this study was to analyse the publishing activity of Ukrainian institutions in Scopus‐delisted titles (as of September 2021) in different fields between 2011 and 2020 and to attempt to appreciate how common this practice is among Ukrainian authors. Scopus was sourced to collect bibliographic and citations‐related data, while SciVal was used to analyse these data. The findings suggest that for 17 Ukrainian institutions, papers from titles that have been delisted from Scopus still play an important part of the publication achievement of their employees. In particular, in the field of economics, econometrics and finance, 46.92% of Ukrainian papers were published in a title that was excluded from Scopus. Moreover, the analysis indicated that in two Ukrainian institutions, the level of citation of such papers significantly exceeds the average number of citations to Scopus‐indexed papers in the same year and in the same field. Given that bibliometric indicators are also used for research assessment in other Eastern European countries, the results of this paper are applicable to a wider geographic context.
Trace metal contents of autotrophic flagellates from contrasting open‐ocean ecosystems
Authors: Sofen Laura E. , Antipova Olga A. , Ellwood Michael J. , Gilbert Naomi E. , LeCleir Gary R. , Lohan Maeve C. , Mahaffey Claire , Mann Elizabeth L. , Ohnemus Daniel C. , Wilhelm Steven W. , Twining Benjamin S.
Published: May 2022

Nano‐ and picophytoplankton are a major component of open‐ocean ecosystems and one of the main plankton functional types in biogeochemical models, yet little is known about their trace metal contents. In cultures of the picoeukaryote Ostreococcus lucimarinus, iron limitation reduced iron quotas by 68%, a fraction of the plasticity known in diatoms. In contrast, a commonly co‐occurring cyanobacterium, Prochlorococcus, showed variable iron contents with iron availability in culture. Synchrotron X‐ray fluorescence was used to measure single‐cell metal (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn) quotas of autotrophic flagellates (1.4–16.8‐μm diameter) collected from four ocean regions. Iron quotas were tightly constrained and showed little response to iron availability, similar to cultured Ostreococcus. Zinc quotas also did not vary with zinc availability but appeared to vary with phosphorus availability. These results suggest that macronutrient and metal availability may be equally important for controlling metal contents of small eukaryotic open‐ocean phytoplankton.
Systematic Review of Prevalence Studies of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Corticobasal Syndrome
Authors: Swallow Diane M.A. , Zheng Cindy S. , Counsell Carl E.
Published: May 2022

Background

High‐quality prevalence studies are important in estimating the burden of disease in a population, thus informing priority setting, resource allocation, delivery, and use of health services.

Objectives

This study was undertaken to systematically review the methods and results of previous prevalence studies of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal syndrome (CBS) and make recommendations for future studies.

Methods

A total of 2 authors independently identified original articles that described the prevalence of PSP or CBS using several comprehensive and overlapping search strategies, assessed study quality, and extracted relevant data. Descriptive and pooled analyses were performed as appropriate.

Results

A total of 16 studies were identified in PSP and 9 studies in CBS, with highly heterogeneous methods of case definition, identification, and verification in identified studies. Few studies were deemed of necessary quality or methodological homogeneity to justify a full meta‐analysis. In addition, few studies reported age‐ and sex‐stratified results. The best 3 prevalence studies in PSP gave a pooled rate of 7.1 per 100,000 per year, whereas the pooled rate in 2 CBS studies was roughly 3 times lower at 2.3 per 100,000 per year. Based on crude rates, there was little evidence to suggest clear sex differences in the prevalence of PSP or CBS or that the prevalence of PSP had increased over time, but some evidence to suggest that prevalence may increase with increasing age.

Conclusion

Given the paucity of prevalence studies in PSP and CBS, further high‐quality prevalence studies are necessary.
Piceatannol Prevents Colon Cancer Progression via Dual‐Targeting to M2‐Polarized Tumor‐Associated Macrophages and the TGF‐β1 Positive Feedback Signaling Pathway
Authors: Chiou Yi‐Shiou , Lan Yi‐Ming , Lee Pei‐Sheng , Lin Qianyu , Nagabhushanam Kalyanam , Ho Chi‐Tang , Pan Min‐Hsiung
Published: May 2022

Scope

M2 phenotype tumor‐associated macrophages (M2‐TAMs) play a key role in distant metastasis and poor clinical outcomes. Herein, a specific molecular mechanism that contributes to malignant progression is illuminated and investigates whether piceatannol (PIC) can target the crosstalk between M2‐TAMs and cancer cells for potential colorectal cancer (CRC) therapy.

Methods and results

To mimic the tumor microenvironment (TME), direct and indirect coculture systems in vitro and in vivo mouse xenograft models are established. The results demonstrate that post‐treatment with PIC in TME more effectively prevented the aggressive features and stemness of SW480 cells by restricting the polarization of M2‐like macrophages and blocking the transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1) positive feedback autocrine/paracrine loop that exists between M2‐like polarized macrophages and cancer cells. Furthermore, xenograft assays also observe significant repression in tumor growth and lung metastases with the administration of PIC. The key mechanism underlying the antimetastasis effects of PIC may include its directly inhibitory activity against TGF‐β receptor type‐1 (TGF‐βR1) in the M2‐like TAMs‐created TME.

Conclusion

These novel findings demonstrate that PIC is a potent TGF‐β1/TGF‐βR1 pathway inhibitor and TME modulator for preventing tumor progression and metastasis in CRC by reeducating TAMs.
A practical algorithm for VMAT optimization using column generation techniques
Authors: Wang Yuanbo , Liu Hongcheng , Yang Yu , Lu Bo
Published: May 2022

Purpose

As a challenging but important optimization problem, the inverse planning for volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) has attracted much research attention. The column generation (CG) type method is so far one of the most effective solution schemes. However, it often relies on simplifications leading to significant gaps between the output and the actual feasible plan. This paper presents a novel column generation (NCG) approach to push the planning results substantially closer to practice.

Methods

The proposed NCG algorithm is equipped with multiple new quality‐enhancing and computation‐facilitating modules as below: (1) Flexible constraints are enabled on both dose rates and treatment time to adapt to machine capabilities as well as planner's preferences, respectively; (2) a cross‐control‐point intermediate aperture simulation is incorporated to better conform to the underlying physics; (3) new pricing and pruning subroutines are adopted to achieve better optimization outputs. To evaluate the effectiveness of this NCG, five VMAT plans, that is, three prostate cases and two head‐and‐neck cases, were computed using proposed NCG. The planning results were compared with those yielded by a historical benchmark planning scheme.

Results

The NCG generated plans of significantly better quality than the benchmark planning algorithm. For prostate cases, NCG plans satisfied all planning target volume (PTV) criteria whereas CG plans failed on D10% criteria of PTVs for over 9 Gy or more on all cases. For head‐and‐neck cases, again, NCG plans satisfied all PTVs criteria while CG plans failed on D10% criteria of PTVs for over 3 Gy or more on all cases as well as the max dose criteria of both cord and brain stem for over 13 Gy on one case. Moreover, the pruning scheme was found to be effective in enhancing the optimization quality.

Conclusions

The proposed NCG inherits the computational advantages of the traditional CG, while capturing a more realistic characterization of the machine capability and underlying physics. The output solutions of the NCG are substantially closer to practical implementation.
Factors associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Sieiro Santos Cristiana , Moriano Morales Clara , Álvarez Castro Carolina , González Fernández Ismael , Díez Álvarez Elvira
Published: May 2022

Background

Pregnancies in Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are considered high risk and associated with maternal and obstetric complications.

Objectives

To determine the most important predictors for each of the main adverse pregnancy outcomes in SLE patients.

Methods

Patients with SLE were retrospectively analysed from 1990 to 2020. Maternal and fetal complications in pregnant women with SLE were retrieved. We compared clinical and analytical characteristics of SLE patients with adverse pregnancy outcomes to controls with SLE diagnosis without adverse pregnancy outcomes. Qualitative data were analysed by Chi‐square test and Fisher's exact test. Continuous variables were analysed by using Student's t test. Multiple logistic regression was performed to determine the predictive factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes with adjustment of confounding factors.

Results

135 multiparous women were included (42% with adverse pregnancy outcomes). A total of 57 pregnancies (42%) were linked to adverse outcomes. The occurrence of abortion was correlated with anti‐DNAds (β = 0.71, p = 0.04), renal involvement (β = 0.28, p 0.03), antiphospholipid antibodies (APA) (β = 0.29, p 0.03), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) elevation (β = 0.81, p = 0.02) and C‐reactive protein (CPR) elevation (β = 0.91, p = 0.01). Stillbirth was also correlated with renal involvement (β = 0.26, p = 0.04), APA (β = 0.22, p = 0.03) and ESR elevation (β = 0.53, p = 0.02). Preeclampsia was correlated with direct Coombs positivity (β = 0.42, p = 0.01), serositis (β = 0.31, p = 0.02), ESR elevation (β = 0.52, p = 0.03) and CPR elevation (β = 0.32, p = 0.04). Neonatal Lupus was correlated with anti‐RNP (β = 0.16, p = 0.03) and anti‐Ro/SSA (β = 0.16, p 0.02).

Conclusions

The most unfavourable pregnancy outcome in women with SLE was spontaneous abortion. Renal involvement, anti‐DNAds positivity, antiphospholipid antibody positivity, anti‐Ro/SSA, elevated ESR and a younger age at disease onset increased the risk of pregnancy complications.
Knee osteoarthritis and the knowledgeable, trustworthy pharmacist: Patient and pharmacist perceptions of community pharmacy‐based education and support
Authors: Darlow Ben , Brown Melanie , Hudson Ben , Frew Gareth , Clark Jane , Vincent Loren , Grainger Rebecca , Marra Carlo , McKinlay Eileen , Abbott J. Haxby , Briggs Andrew M.
Published: May 2022

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) clinical guidelines recommend self‐management education, but education is often not included in primary care consultations.

Objective

To explore pharmacists' and patients' perceptions of a pharmacist‐led model of service delivery for knee OA that was integrated within pharmacies' day‐to‐day workflow.

Methods

Cross‐sectional qualitative design using Thematic Analysis. Community pharmacies were recruited in New Zealand and Australia. Pharmacy patients were screened for knee OA and offered tailored explanations, self‐management information and referral for further support. Pharmacist focus groups and patient 1:1 interviews explored perceptions of the service delivery model.

Results

Nineteen pharmacists and 12 patients with knee OA participated. Pharmacist and patient data were analysed separately, with themes compared and contrasted to derive three meta‐themes. Meta‐theme 1: ‘Welcome Engagement’ included two pharmacist themes (‘putting my broad skill set to use’ and ‘we're here and happy to help’) and two patient themes (‘information delivered well’ and ‘a welcome offer of help’). Meta‐theme 2: ‘The Knowledgeable and Trustworthy Pharmacist’ included two pharmacist themes (‘professional knowledge to help all sorts of patients’ and ‘managing time to help my patients’) and one patient theme (‘the accessible professional who I know and trust’). Meta‐theme 3: ‘The Opportunity for More Support’ included one pharmacist theme (‘this is not the end of the story’) and one patient theme (‘more help is available’).

Conclusion

Community pharmacists are well‐positioned to provide information and support to people with knee OA. Pharmacists appreciate the opportunity to better use their skills and accessibility for OA care, and patients welcome this engagement.
Gender differences in psychosocial characteristics and diabetes self‐management among inner‐city African Americans
Authors: Tseng Hsin‐Hui Katty , Nkimbeng Manka , Han Hae‐Ra
Published: May 2022

Aims

To characterize differences in psychosocial variables between inner‐city African American men and women with type 2 diabetes, and to test if the relationships between psychosocial variables and diabetes self‐management behaviours differ by gender.

Design

Secondary analysis.

Methods

We used baseline data from participants enrolled in the Prevention through Lifestyle Intervention and Numeracy 4 Success‐Diabetes study (N = 37). Differences in psychosocial variables between genders were compared using chi‐square tests. A two‐way analysis of variance was then used to compare self‐management scores by different psychosocial characteristics and gender.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference in psychosocial characteristics between genders. High diabetes knowledge and self‐efficacy were associated with better self‐management behaviours in African American women but not in men. In contrast, high numeracy was associated with better diabetes self‐management only in men. Low depression, high health literacy, and high social support were associated with better self‐management practices in both genders.
Experimental investigation on the effect of fiber volume fraction of sponge gourd outer skin fiber reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Arockiasamy Felix Sahayaraj , M Muthukrishnan
Published: May 2022

Natural fibers have gained popularity as composite reinforcements in recent years. Matured sponge gourd has a fibrous structure consisting of inner core and outer shell (skin). Several studies were done on the inner core as reinforcement in the various thermoplastic and thermoset polymer matrices. In the current experimental study, the fibers were extracted from the outer skin of the matured sponge gourd used as reinforcement in the epoxy matrix. Extracted sponge gourd outer skin fibers (SGOSF) were cut into short fibers then reinforced with the epoxy resin and the composites were manufactured by compression molding method. The fiber volume fraction varies from 10 to 50 wt% reinforced with epoxy matrix and the composites were characterized by mechanical, thermal, and water absorption characteristics. The results revealed that 40 wt% SGOSF reinforced composites have higher tensile, flexural, compressive, and impact strengths and hardness when compared to other prepared composite materials. It is found from the thermal study results that the developed composite can withstand up to 340°C higher temperature than neat epoxy. The matrix/fiber bonding and void content were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis.
Temporal residual spontaneous cure in L‐shaped composites structures: The influence of angular stacking sequence, autoclave cooling rate cycle, and thickness
Authors: Pereira Glaucio Carley , Ioshida Maria Irene , LeBoulluec Peter , Lu Wei‐Tsen , Alves Ana Paula , Avila Antonio Ferreira
Published: May 2022

This work shows the degree of cure achieved after traditional autoclave curing is not completed. Pre‐impregnated, prepreg, based on resin F8552 system was used in the manufacture of various L‐shaped specimens. This system contains carbon tapes as reinforcement structures. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used in order to obtain quantitative data which support the investigation about the influence of the several factors on L‐shaped composites degree of cure. Approximately 1 year interval was considered in DSC analyses for each sample configuration. The influence of degree of cure has been studied by using symmetric, balanced, and unbalanced laminates with three different thicknesses. The influence of three autoclave cooling rate cycles was also studied. A total 81 samples were used to perform the study. It is observed that the degree of spontaneous residual curing was more significant in thinner samples. The slower cooling rates produce higher degree of cure over time. Last, the degree of residual cure is more pronounced in unbalanced laminates.
Theoretical Research on the Combustion Mechanism and Kinetics for Aluminum and Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Zhang Siyi , Sun Yunlan , Zhu Baozhong , Sun Tao
Published: May 2022

The reaction mechanism and kinetics of ground state aluminum (Al) atom and carbon dioxide (CO2) molecule were studied by quantum chemical calculations. The transition states and reaction paths were investigated at the B3LYP/6‐311+G(d,p) (Becke type three‐parameter Lee‐Yang‐Parr functional model) basis set. The energy of each stagnation point was calculated at the high‐precision CBS‐QB3 (limiting complete basis set) level of theory. The reaction of CO2 with Al is a complex process. There are four basic reaction processes and two main reaction paths (Reaction pathway 1: Al+CO2→IM1→TS1→IM2→TS2→AlO (2Π)+CO and Reaction pathway 2: Al+CO2→IM3→TS3→AlCO2linear→TS4→AlO (2Σ)+CO). The temperature‐ and pressure‐dependent rate constants of the reaction of Al and CO2 was estimated by CBS‐QB3//B3LYP/6‐311+G(d,p) level at 300∼3000 K, which is combined with Transition State Theory (TST), Variational Transition State Theory (VTST), and Rice‐Ramsperger‐Kassel‐Marcus (RRKM) theory. The total rate constant of Reaction pathway 1 (ktotal,1) is much higher than that of Reaction pathway 2 (ktotal,2), indicating that the reaction of Al with CO2 is easier to occur through Reaction pathway 1. Compared with ktotal,2, ktotal,1 shows a strong pressure dependence at high temperature, but it is almost independent with the pressure at low temperature.
AlphaFold2 fails to predict protein fold switching
Authors: Chakravarty Devlina , Porter Lauren L.
Published: May 2022

AlphaFold2 has revolutionized protein structure prediction by leveraging sequence information to rapidly model protein folds with atomic‐level accuracy. Nevertheless, previous work has shown that these predictions tend to be inaccurate for structurally heterogeneous proteins. To systematically assess factors that contribute to this inaccuracy, we tested AlphaFold2's performance on 98‐fold‐switching proteins, which assume at least two distinct‐yet‐stable secondary and tertiary structures. Topological similarities were quantified between five predicted and two experimentally determined structures of each fold‐switching protein. Overall, 94% of AlphaFold2 predictions captured one experimentally determined conformation but not the other. Despite these biased results, AlphaFold2's estimated confidences were moderate‐to‐high for 74% of fold‐switching residues, a result that contrasts with overall low confidences for intrinsically disordered proteins, which are also structurally heterogeneous. To investigate factors contributing to this disparity, we quantified sequence variation within the multiple sequence alignments used to generate AlphaFold2's predictions of fold‐switching and intrinsically disordered proteins. Unlike intrinsically disordered regions, whose sequence alignments show low conservation, fold‐switching regions had conservation rates statistically similar to canonical single‐fold proteins. Furthermore, intrinsically disordered regions had systematically lower prediction confidences than either fold‐switching or single‐fold proteins, regardless of sequence conservation. AlphaFold2's high prediction confidences for fold switchers indicate that it uses sophisticated pattern recognition to search for one most probable conformer rather than protein biophysics to model a protein's structural ensemble. Thus, it is not surprising that its predictions often fail for proteins whose properties are not fully apparent from solved protein structures. Our results emphasize the need to look at protein structure as an ensemble and suggest that systematic examination of fold‐switching sequences may reveal propensities for multiple stable secondary and tertiary structures.
Impact of front‐of‐pack labels in chocolate bars and soft drinks on consumer perceptions: A cross‐sectional study using free word association
Authors: Leão Rebeca Dantas , dos Santos Alves Maria Jaízia , Moraes Monteiro Carla Roana , Ribeiro Gagliardi Talita , Ayala Valencia Germán
Published: May 2022

Food packaging is a factor used to attract consumer attention and generate sensory and hedonic expectations. Most food packaging use conventional labels having the nutritional table as the main component; however, other alternatives such as the traffic light (TL) and warning labels have been proposed to the food industry as an alternative to improve the consumer interpretation related to food products. This study aimed to understand the effect of two front‐of‐pack labels (TL and warning models) on consumer perceptions and purchasing intention using free word association. A cross‐sectional study with 551 volunteers was carried out using chocolate bars and soft drinks having conventional labels and front‐of‐pack labels. Results from volunteers using free word association show that front‐of‐pack labels did not impact the purchasing intention of volunteers when compared with food packaging having conventional labels (only nutritional table). However, the use of front‐of‐pack labels can modify consumer perception, inducing consumers to reflect on the information exposed on the food label. In this context, the warning label was more efficient to transmit the information to consumers when compared with the TL model. Based on these results, it is possible to suggest the warning model as the most indicate label to be used in food products.
Containment problem for multi‐agent systems with position and velocity constraints
Authors: Chen Jie , Wang Yalin , Pan Zhuofu , Hou Hailiang , Gui Weihua
Published: May 2022

The containment problem is investigated for networked second‐order agents with nonuniform position and nonconvex velocity constraints under directed switching topologies. A distributed containment algorithm is designed for each agent to drive it into the convex target area formed by multiple leaders. The proposed control strategy only utilizes the information of each agent and its neighbor interaction. Theoretical analysis demonstrates that the constrained containment problem can be addressed only if each agent has a directed communication path from at least one leader to it in the union of the graphs. Finally, several numerical simulation results are presented to demonstrate the proposed control schemes.
Prescribed performance tracking for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems with actuator failures
Authors: Liu Jiehan , Yi Peng , Wang Chaoli
Published: May 2022

In this article, we consider the design of a tracking controller for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems with external disturbances and actuator failures and achieve predesignated performance results on the tracking error. First, since the existing prescribed performance strategies are unable to specify performance bounds in an arbitrary way, we propose a new tool to address the prescribed performance issue by constructing chained first‐order filters and an input switching method. With the aid of the new and flexible prescribed performance tool, any predesignated continuous bounds can be formed by setting the reference coordinate values, sufficiently small coordinate value intervals and the gain parameters of the filters. Second, a full state feedback controller design scheme based on the prescribed performance bounds, which describe the convergence rate and maximum overshoot of the tracking error, is proposed. It is proven that the tracking error always satisfies the prescribed performance bounds. Finally, simulation studies are used to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed tool and the correctness of the established theoretical results.
A Universal Mechanochemistry Allows On‐Demand Synthesis of Stable and Processable Liquid Metal Composites
Authors: Wu Die , Liu Dingyao , Tian Xinyu , Lei Chuxin , Chen Xianchun , Zhang Shiming , Chen Feng , Wu Kai , Fu Qiang
Published: May 2022

Gallium‐based liquid metal (LM) is regarded as one of the most promising candidates for the new‐generation jigsaw of stretchable electronics. Nonetheless, the obstacle for the LM application lies in its high surface tension and easy fluidity which leads to great difficulty in handling and processing. Herein, a cross‐mechanochemistry between liquid metal and inorganic solid, mediated via the coordination binding between the empty electronic orbits of the former and the lone electron pair of the latter is reported. The mechanism is validated via density functional theory calculation and electron energy loss spectroscopy, and experimentally proven to be universally applicable for various liquid metals and inorganic solids. With the unique mechanochemistry, simple ball milling allows on‐demand transformation of the liquid metal into a low‐surface‐tension liquid, semi‐solid paste, or even solid powder. The overcoming of the intrinsic high surface tension of the liquid metal with this approach unleashes the freedom to easily process the liquid metal composites into polymer composites or as direct molding processable paste and printable electronic ink.
Fucoxanthin decreases lipopolysaccharide‐induced acute lung injury through the inhibition of RhoA activation and the NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Lee Chien‐Ying , Chen Shih‐Pin , Huang‐Liu Rosa , Gau Shuo‐Yan , Li Yi‐Ching , Chen Chun‐Jung , Chen Wen‐Ying , Wu Chun‐Nan , Kuan Yu‐Hsiang
Published: May 2022

Fucoxanthin is a natural pigment widely distributed in macroalgae and microalgae. An orange‐colored xanthophyll, it has several bioactive effects, including anticancer, anti‐obesity, oxidative stress reduction, and anti‐inflammation. Acute lung injury (ALI) caused by acute infections or injurious stimuli to the lung tissues is a severe pulmonary inflammatory disease. To date, no evidence has shown ALI to be reduced by fucoxanthin through activation of Ras homolog family member A (RhoA) and the nuclear factor (NF)‐κB pathway in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐treated mice. Pretreatment with fucoxanthin inhibited histopathological changes in lung tissues and neutrophil infiltration into bronchoalveolar lavage fluid induced by LPS in ALI mice. Moreover, LPS‐induced proinflammatory cytokine expression and neutrophil infiltration were inhibited by fucoxanthin in a concentration‐dependent manner. Pretreatment of mice with fucoxanthin inhibited NF‐κB phosphorylation and IκB degradation in the lungs of mice with LPS‐induced ALI. We further found that phosphorylation of Akt and p38 mitogen‐activated protein KINASE (MAPK) was inhibited by fucoxanthin. By contrast, the phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase was not inhibited by fucoxanthin. Furthermore, we found that the activation of RhoA was inhibited by fucoxanthin in LPS‐induced ALI. On the basis of these results, we propose that fucoxanthin disrupts the RhoA activation‐mediated phosphorylation of Akt and p38 MAPK, leading to NF‐κB activation in mice with LPS‐induced ALI.
The Third Delay in General Surgical Care in a Regional Referral Hospital in Soroti, Uganda
Authors: Starr Savannah , Kim Woon Cho , Oke Rasheedat , Carvalho Melissa , Ledesma Yera , Okullu Silas , Ariokot Mary Goretty , Wange Andrew Hyginus , Agwang Esther , Ekuchu Peter , Boeck Marissa , Juillard Catherine , Ajiko Mary Margaret , Dicker Rochelle A.
Published: May 2022

Background

Building capacity for surgical care in low‐and‐middle‐income countries is essential for the improvement of global health and economic growth. This study assesses in‐hospital delays of surgical services at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital (SRRH), a tertiary healthcare facility in Soroti, Uganda.

Methods

A prospective general surgical database at SRRH was analyzed. Data on patient demographics, surgical characteristics, delays of care, and adverse clinical outcomes of patients seen between January 2017 and February 2020 were extracted and analyzed. Patient characteristics and surgical outcomes, for those who experienced delays in care, were compared to those who did not.

Results

Of the 1160 general surgery patients, 263 (22.3%) experienced at least one delay of care. Deficits in infrastructure, particularly lacking operating theater space, were the greatest contributor to delays (n = 192, 73.0%), followed by shortage of equipment (n = 52, 19.8%) and personnel (n = 37, 14.1%). Male sex was associated with less delays of care (OR 0.63) while undergoing emergency surgeries (OR 1.65) and abdominal surgeries (OR 1.44) were associated with more frequent delays. Delays were associated with more adverse events (10.3% vs. 5.0%), including death (4.2% vs. 1.6%). Emergency surgery, unclean wounds, and comorbidities were independent risk factors of adverse events.

Discussion

Patients at SRRH face significant delays in surgical care from deficits in infrastructure and lack of capacity for emergency surgery. Delays are associated with increased mortality and other adverse events. Investing in solutions to prevent delays is essential to improving surgical care at SRRH.
Plant defences and spider-mite web affect host plant choice and performance of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci
Authors: Dias Cleide Rosa , Cardoso André Costa , Kant Merijn R. , Mencalha Jussara , Bernardo Ana Maria Guimarães , da Silveira Marcela Cristina Agustini Carneiro , Sarmento Renato Almeida , Venzon Madelaine , Pallini Angelo , Janssen Arne
Published: May 2022

Herbivores select host plants depending on plant quality and the presence of predators and competitors. Competing herbivores change host plant quantity through consumption, but they can also change plant quality through induction of plant defences, and this affects the performance of herbivores that arrive later on the plant. Some herbivores, such as the spider mite Tetranychus evansi, do not induce, but suppress plant defences, and later-arriving herbivores can profit from this suppression. It has been suggested that the dense web produced by this spider mite serves to prevent other herbivores to settle on the plant and benefit from the suppressed defences. Here, we confirmed this by studying the preference and performance of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci, a generalist herbivorous pest. To disentangle the effects through changes in plant defences from the effects of spider-mite web, we included treatments with a strain of the closely-related web-producing spider mite T. urticae, which induces plant defences. Whiteflies did perform worse on plants with defences induced by T. urticae, but, in contrast to other herbivores, did not perform better on plants with defences suppressed by T. evansi. Moreover, the web of both spider mites reduced the juvenile survival of whiteflies, and whiteflies avoided plants that were covered with web. Hence, whitefly performance was not only affected by plant quality and induced plant defences, but also through the web produced by spider mites, which thus serves to protect against potential competitors, especially when these could profit from the suppression of plant defences by the mites.
LGBTQ+ Perspectives on Conducting Genomic Research on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Authors: Hammack-Aviran Catherine , Eilmus Ayden , Diehl Carolyn , Gottlieb Keanan Gabriel , Gonzales Gilbert , Davis Lea K. , Clayton Ellen Wright
Published: May 2022

We conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with LGBTQ+-identified individuals (n = 31) to explore the range of LGBTQ+ perspectives on genomic research using either sexual orientation or gender identity (SOGI) data. Most interviewees presumed that research would confirm genetic contributions to sexual orientation and gender identity. Primary hopes for such confirmation included validating LGBTQ+ identities, improved access to and quality of healthcare and other resources, and increased acceptance in familial, socio-cultural, and political environments. Areas of concern included threats of pathologizing and medicalizing LGBTQ+ identities and experiences, undermining reproductive rights, gatekeeping of health or social systems, and malicious testing or misuse of genetic results, particularly for LGBTQ+ youth. Overall, interviewees were divided on the acceptability of genomic research investigating genetic contributions to sexual orientation and gender identity. Participants emphasized researchers’ ethical obligations to LGBTQ+ individuals and endorsed engagement with LGBTQ+ communities throughout all aspects of genomic research using SOGI data.
Caring animals and care ethics
Authors: Wrage Birte
Published: May 2022

Are there nonhuman animals who behavemorally? In this paper I answer this question in the affirmative by applying the framework of care ethics to the animal morality debate. According to care ethics, empathic care is the wellspring of morality in humans. While there have been several suggestive analyses of nonhuman animals as empathic, much of the literature within the animal morality debate has marginalized analyses from the perspective of care ethics. In this paper I examine care ethics to extract its core commitments to what is required for moral care: emotional motivation that enables the intentional meeting of another’s needs, and forward-looking responsibility in particular relationships. What is not required, I argue, are metarepresentational capacities or the ability to scrutinize one’s reasons for action, and thus being retrospectively accountable. This minimal account of moral care is illustrated by moral practices of parental care seen in many nonhuman animal species. In response to the worry that parental care in nonhuman animals lacks all evaluation and is therefore nonmoral I point to cultural differences in human parenting and to normativity in nonhuman animals.
What (If Anything) is Wrong with High-Frequency Trading?
Authors: Mildenberger Carl David
Published: May 2022

This essay examines three potential arguments against high-frequency trading and offers a qualified critique of the practice. In concrete terms, it examines a variant of high-frequency trading that is all about speed—low-latency trading—in light of moral issues surrounding arbitrage, information asymmetries, and systemic risk. The essay focuses on low-latency trading and the role of speed because it also aims to show that the commonly made assumption that speed in financial markets is morally neutral is wrong. For instance, speed is a necessary condition for low-latency trading’s potential to cause harm in “flash crashes.” On the other hand, it also plays a crucial role in a Lockean defense against low-latency trading being wasteful developed in this essay. Finally, this essay discusses the implications of these findings for related high-frequency trading techniques like futures arbitrage or latency arbitrage—as well as for an argument as to why quote stuffing is wrong. Overall, the qualifications offered in this essay act as a counterbalance to overblown claims about trading at high speeds being wrong.
A Novel Stochastic Optimization Model for Reverse Logistics Network Design of End-of-Life Vehicles: A Case Study of Istanbul
Authors: Karagoz Selman , Aydin Nezir , Simic Vladimir
Published: May 2022

Waste management is gaining crucial importance as recycling aims at transforming produced waste into value for the economy. As the automotive industry is growing fast worldwide, recycling end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) attracts great research attention. Due to the promulgated regulations, multiple players like the last owners, manufacturers, treatment centres, and municipalities require a more cooperative engagement. The participation of multiple actors in the recycling process of ELVs brings various uncertainties. Additionally, parameters of the recycling process, like the number of vehicles withdrawn per year, cost items, and material composition tend to change due to technological, social, and economic developments. The automotive industry has crucial importance in the Turkish economy, which is highly affected by socio-political and economic issues. Furthermore, the Istanbul metropolitan area has the highest rate of vehicle ownership in Turkey. For that purpose, this paper proposes a scenario-based real-life stochastic optimization model to improve ELV supply chain network management in Istanbul. Sensitivity analyses to changes in scenario occurrence probabilities and changes in the amount of collected ELVs are performed to question the consistency of the study. The results of the mathematical model highlight that the operational cost items have the greatest ratio comparing the other cost items in the model. Furthermore, the results of the sensitivity analysis underline that the operational costs and selling prices of the materials from the ELVs have a significant impact on the profitability of ELVs’ recycling process. In addition, uncertainty in the number of ELVs has a significant effect on both operational and strategical decision-making processes. This research can be extended in the direction of examining the effectiveness of ELV management in Turkey since Istanbul could represent the whole of Turkey with its economic and cultural characteristics. Further works can also try to implement the novel concept of a “socially resilient supply chain” in the ELVs’ management.
Non-farm employment, natural resource extraction, and poverty: evidence from household data for rural Vietnam
Authors: Do Manh Hung , Nguyen Trung Thanh , Halkos George , Grote Ulrike
Published: May 2022

Natural resources are important in sustaining the livelihoods of rural households and the environment. However, over-exploitation is causing an alarming depletion of natural resources in many developing countries. At the same time, rapid economic growth has created non-farm employment opportunities for local people. In this context, examining the interrelationship between non-farm employment and natural resource extraction provides useful information for reducing resource extraction and improving rural households’ welfare. In this study, we use a dataset of 1780 identical households from three survey waves undertaken in 2010, 2013, and 2016 in Vietnam to (i) identify the determinants of rural households’ participation in non-farm activities, (ii) examine the interrelationship between non-farm employment and natural resource extraction, and (iii) investigate the impact of non-farm employment on rural households’ welfare. The findings from pooled sample estimations reveal that (i) cable internet at home and rural road quality positively affect households’ decisions to participate in non-farm employment; (ii) non-farm income and income from natural resource extraction have a negative association; and (iii) non-farm income significantly contributes to poverty reduction in both relative and absolute terms. Our findings suggest that improved provision of non-farm opportunities and increased investment in infrastructure and telecommunication are needed to improve rural households’ welfare and consequently reduce their natural resource exploitation.
The temporal and spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors of tourist attractions in Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle
Authors: Weng Gangmin , Li Hongyan , Li Yan
Published: May 2022

Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle (hereinafter referred to as “Chengyu Region”) is a key construction region of China's major development strategy. The development of regional tourism plays an important role in the optimization of regional economy and industrial structure. In this paper, ArcGIS 10.5 was used as the main analysis tool to analyze the temporal and spatial distribution of A-level tourist attractions in Chengyu Region, and makes factor analysis and interactive analysis on the factors affecting the distribution of tourist attractions by geographic detector model. The results show that: 1. The distribution of tourism attractions in Chengyu Region is mainly concentrated type, and the distribution of the natural landscape, cultural landscape, rural pastoral and modern entertainment in Chengyu Region are all concentrated type. 2. In terms of the distribution characteristics of kernel density, there is a significant deviation between the spatial distribution of A-level tourist attractions and tourism income in Chengyu Region. Through the analysis of the dynamic development of A-level tourist attractions in 2010, 2015 and 2021, tourism in Chengyu Region show a good situation of "driven by two cities and blooming in many places." Among them, Chengdu and Chongqing have obvious advantages, and Yibin has become an important city second only to Chengdu and Chongqing. 3. In terms of spatial correlation, the spatial distribution of A-level tourist attractions in Chengyu Region has a significant spatial autocorrelation. The local spatial autocorrelation of A-level tourist attractions includes H–H (high-high), H–L (high-low) and L–H (low–high) clustering types. 4. In terms of influencing factors, traffic location, water system, topography and social and economic development level are the important factors affecting the spatial distribution of regional A-level tourist attractions. Among them, the level of social and economic development has the greatest impact on regional tourism. Finally, based on relevant theories, this paper puts forward countermeasures and suggestions for regional coordinated development, so as to guide the sustainable development and management innovation of regional tourism industry.
Foam Rolling Training Effects on Range of Motion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Konrad Andreas , Nakamura Masatoshi , Tilp Markus , Donti Olyvia , Behm David G.
Published: May 2022

Background

A single foam-rolling exercise can acutely increase the range of motion (ROM) of a joint. However, to date the adaptational effects of foam-rolling training over several weeks on joint ROM are not well understood.

Objective

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to investigate the effects of foam-rolling training interventions on joint ROM in healthy participants.

Methods

Results were assessed from 11 studies (either controlled trials [CT] or randomized controlled trials [RCTs]) and 46 effect sizes by applying a random-effect meta-analysis. Moreover, by applying a mixed-effect model, we performed subgroup analyses, which included comparisons of the intervention duration (≤ 4 weeks vs > 4 weeks), comparisons between muscles tested (e.g., hamstrings vs quadriceps vs triceps surae), and study designs (RCT vs CT).

Results

Our main analysis of 290 participants with a mean age of 23.9 (± 6.3 years) indicated a moderate effect of foam-rolling training on ROM increases in the experimental compared to the control group (ES = 0.823; Z = 3.237; 95% CI 0.325–1.322; p = 0.001; I2 = 72.76). Subgroup analyses revealed no significant differences between study designs (p = 0.36). However, a significant difference was observed in the intervention duration in favor of interventions > 4 weeks compared to ≤ 4 weeks for ROM increases (p = 0.049). Moreover, a further subgroup analysis showed significant differences between the muscles tested (p = 0.047) in the eligible studies. Foam rolling increased joint ROM when applied to hamstrings and quadriceps, while no improvement in ankle dorsiflexion was observed when foam rolling was applied to triceps surae.

Conclusion

Longer duration interventions (> 4 weeks) are needed to induce ROM gains while there is evidence that responses are muscle or joint specific. Future research should examine possible mechanisms underpinning ROM increases following different foam-rolling protocols, to allow for informed recommendations in healthy and clinical populations.
Long-time impact of a large dam on its downstream river’s morphology: determined by sediment characteristics, pollutants as a marker, and numerical modelling
Authors: Wolf Stefanie , Esser Verena , Lehmkuhl Frank , Schüttrumpf Holger
Published: May 2022

Many river systems are regulated by dams, which causes an altered flow regime and sediment deficit in the downstream reach. The Rur dam (North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany), constructed from 1900 to 1959, serves as a model example of the impact of a large dam in a European low mountain area on downstream morphology. Today, a new equilibrium incorporates flow regulations, a deficit in suspended sediment supply, and an increased mean sediment diameter downstream of the dam. A hybrid examination of field measurements and numerical modelling shows that the sediment deficit and increased mean sediment diameters downstream of the Rur dam are superimposed by the lithostratigraphy and the sediment supply of tributaries. However, the discharge regulations lead to floodplain decoupling downstream of the dam. Furthermore, the Rur dam functions as a pollutant trap. Overall, more studies on the impact of damming on downstream reaches are needed to classify the impact depending on the river type for sustainable water management.
Dynamic DNA 5-Hydroxylmethylcytosine and RNA 5-Methycytosine Reprogramming During Early Human Development
Authors: Han Xiao , Guo Jia , Wang Mengke , Zhang Nan , Ren Jie , Yang Ying , Chi Xu , Chen Yusheng , Yao Huan , Zhao Yong-Liang , Yang Yun-Gui , Sun Yingpu , Xu Jiawei
Published: May 2022

After implantation, complex and highly specialized molecular events render functionally distinct organ formation, whereas how the epigenome shapes organ-specific development remains to be fully elucidated. Here, nano-hmC-Seal, RNA bisulfite sequencing (RNA-BisSeq), and RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) were performed, and the first multilayer landscapes of DNA 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and RNA 5-methylcytosine (m5C) epigenomes were obtained in the heart, kidney, liver, and lung of the human foetuses at 13–28 weeks with 123 samples in total. We identified 70,091 and 503 organ- and stage-specific differentially hydroxymethylated regions (DhMRs) and m5C-modified mRNAs, respectively. The key transcription factors (TFs), T-box transcription factor 20 (TBX20), paired box 8 (PAX8), krueppel-like factor 1 (KLF1), transcription factor 21 (TCF21), and CCAAT enhancer binding protein beta (CEBPB), specifically contribute to the formation of distinct organs at different stages. Additionally, 5hmC-enriched Alu elements may participate in the regulation of expression of TF-targeted genes. Our integrated studies reveal a putative essential link between DNA modification and RNA methylation, and illustrate the epigenetic maps during human foetal organogenesis, which provide a foundation for for an in-depth understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms underlying early development and birth defects.