bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remifentanil requirement for i-gel insertion is reduced in male patients with Parkinson’s disease undergoing deep brain stimulator implantation: an up-and-down sequential allocation trial
Authors: Meng Wenjun , Kang Fang , Dong Meirong , Wang Song , Han Mingming , Huang Xiang , Wang Sheng , Li Juan , Yang Chengwei
Published: June 2022

Background

Laryngeal mask airways have been widely used in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the remifentanil requirement for facilitation of i-gel insertion in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery was different from that in non-PD (NPD) patients undergoing intracranial surgery.

Study design

An up-and-down sequential allocation trial.

Methods

Male patients aged between 40 and 64 years old were enrolled. The first patient in each group (PD and NPD) group received an effect-site concentration (Ce) of remifentanil (Minto pharmacokinetic model) of 4.0 ng.ml−1 during a target-controlled infusion (TCI) of 3.5 μg.ml−1 propofol (Marsh pharmacokinetic model). The next dose of remifentanil was determined by the response of the previous patient. The Ce of remifentanil required for i-gel insertion in 50% of patients (EC50) was estimated by the modified Dixon’s up-and-down method and by probit analysis.

Results

The PD group included 24 patients and the NPD group included 23. The EC50 of remifentanil for i-gel insertion during a TCI of 3.5 μg.ml−1 propofol estimated by the modified Dixon’s up-and-down method in PD patients (2.38 ± 0.65 ng.ml−1) was significantly lower than in NPD patients (3.21 ± 0.49 ng.ml−1) (P = 0.03). From the probit analysis, the EC50 and EC95 (effective Ce in 95% of patients) of remifentanil were 1.95 (95% CI 1.52–2.36) ng.ml−1 and 3.12 (95% CI 2.53–5.84) ng.ml−1 in PD patients and 2.85 (95% CI 2.26–3.41) ng.ml−1 and 4.57 (95% CI 3.72–8.54) ng.ml−1 in NPD patients, respectively.

Conclusions

The remifentanil requirement for successful i-gel insertion is reduced in male PD patients undergoing DBS implantation during propofol TCI induction. Clinicians should closely monitor the remifentanil requirement in patients with PD.

Trial registration

Registered at http://www.chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR1900021760).
Identification of a circulating microRNAs biomarker panel for non-invasive diagnosis of coronary artery disease: case–control study
Authors: Abdallah Hoda Y. , Hassan Ranya , Fareed Ahmed , Abdelgawad Mai , Mostafa Sally Abdallah , Mohammed Eman Abdel-Moemen
Published: June 2022

Background

Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are considered a hot spot of research that can be employed for monitoring and/or diagnostic purposes in coronary artery disease (CAD). Since different disease features might be reflected on altered profiles or plasma miRNAs concentrations, a combination of miRNAs can provide more reliable non-invasive biomarkers for CAD.

Subjects and methods

We investigated a panel of 14-miRNAs selected using bioinformatics databases and current literature searching for miRNAs involved in CAD using quantitative real-time PCR technique in 73 CAD patients compared to 73 controls followed by function and pathway enrichment analysis for the 14-miRNAs.

Results

Our results revealed three out of the 14 circulating miRNAs understudy; miRNAs miR133a, miR155 and miR208a were downregulated. While 11 miRNAs were up-regulated in a descending order from highest fold change to lowest: miR-182, miR-145, miR-21, miR-126, miR-200b, miR-146A, miR-205, miR-135b, miR-196b, miR-140b and, miR-223. The ROC curve analysis indicated that miR-145, miR-182, miR-133a and, miR-205 were excellent biomarkers with the highest AUCs as biomarkers in CAD. All miRNAs under study except miR-208 revealed a statistically significant relation with dyslipidemia. MiR-126 and miR-155 showed significance with BMI grade, while only miR-133a showed significance with the obese patients in general. MiR-135b and miR-140b showed a significant correlation with the Wall Motion Severity Index. Pathway enrichment analysis for the miRNAS understudy revealed pathways relevant to the fatty acid biosynthesis, ECM-receptor interaction, proteoglycans in cancer, and adherens junction.

Conclusion

The results of this study identified a differentially expressed circulating miRNAs signature that can discriminate CAD patients from normal subjects. These results provide new insights into the significant role of miRNAs expression associated with CAD pathogenesis.
Short- and long-term mortality in patients with urosepsis caused by Escherichia coli susceptible and resistant to 3rd generation cephalosporins
Authors: Tocut Milena , Zohar Iris , Schwartz Orna , Yossepowitch Orit , Maor Yasmin
Published: June 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to compare short- and long-term mortality among patients with urosepsis caused byEscherichia colisusceptibile (EC-SC) and resistant (EC-RC) to 3rd generation cephalosporins.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study that included all patients withE. coliurosepsis admitted to a 700-bed hospital from January 2014 until December 2019. Mortality up to 30 days, 6 months and 1 year was assessed using logistic multivariate regression analysis and Cox regression analysis.

Results

A total of 313 adult were included, 195 with EC-SC and 118 patients with EC-RC. 205 were females (74%), mean age was 79 (SD 12) years. Mean Charlson score was 4.93 (SD 2.18) in the EC-SC group and 5.74 (SD 1.92) in the EC-RC group. Appropriate empiric antibiotic therapy was initiated in 245 (78.3%) patients, 100% in the EC-SC group but only 42.5% in the EC-RC group. 30-day mortality occurred in 12 (6.3%) of EC-SC group and 15 (12.7%) in the EC-RC group. Factors independently associated with 30-day mortality were Charlson score, Pitt bacteremia score, fever upon admission and infection with a EC-RC. Appropriate antibiotic therapy was not independently associated with 30-day mortality. Differences in mortality between groups remained significant one year after the infection and were significantly associated with the Charlson co-morbidity score.

Conclusions

Mortality in patients with urosepsis due toE. coliis highly affected by age and comorbidities. Although mortality was higher in the EC-RC group, we could not demonstrate an association with inappropriate empirical antibiotic treatment. Mortality remained higher at 6 months and 1 year long after the infection resolved but was associated mainly with co-morbidity.
Healthcare professionals’ perceptions of patient safety culture and teamwork in intrapartum care: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Skoogh Annika , Bååth Carina , Hall-Lord Marie Louise
Published: June 2022

Background

In complex healthcare organizations, such as intrapartum care, both patient safety culture and teamwork are important aspects of patient safety. Patient safety culture is important for the values and norms shared by interprofessional teams in an organization, and such values are principles that guide team members’ behavior. The aim of this study was 1) to investigate differences in perceptions of patient safety culture and teamwork between professions (midwives, physicians, nursing assistants) and between labor wards in intrapartum care and 2) to explore the potential associations between teamwork and overall perceptions of patient safety and frequency of events reported. 

Methods

The design was cross-sectional, using the Swedish version of the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (14 dimensions) and the TeamSTEPPS® Teamwork Perceptions Questionnaire (5 dimensions). Midwives, physicians, and nursing assistants in three labor wards in Sweden in 2018 were included. Descriptive statistics, the Kruskal–Wallis H test, two-way ANOVA, and standard multiple regression analysis were used.

Results

The questionnaires were completed by 184 of the 365 healthcare professionals, giving a response rate of 50.4%. Two-way ANOVA showed a significant main effect of profession on two patient safety culture dimensions and one teamwork dimension and a significant main effect of labor ward on four patient safety culture dimensions and four teamwork dimensions. A significant interaction effect of profession and labor ward was found on four patient safety culture dimensions and four teamwork dimensions. The regression analysis revealed that four out of the five teamwork dimensions explained 40% of the variance in the outcome dimension ´Overall perceptions of patient safety´.

Conclusions

The results of the study indicate that profession and labor ward are important for healthcare professionals' perceptions of patient safety culture and teamwork in intrapartum care. Teamwork perceptions are significant for overall patient safety.
Microbiome function underpins the efficacy of a fiber-supplemented dietary intervention in dogs with chronic large bowel diarrhea
Authors: Fritsch Dale A. , Jackson Matthew I. , Wernimont Susan M. , Feld Geoffrey K. , MacLeay Jennifer M. , Brejda John J. , Cochrane Chun-Yen , Gross Kathy L.
Published: June 2022

Background

Chronic large bowel diarrhea is a common occurrence in pet dogs. While nutritional intervention is considered the primary therapy, the metabolic and gut microfloral effects of fiber and polyphenol-enriched therapeutic foods are poorly understood.

Methods

This prospective clinical study enrolled 31 adult dogs from private veterinary practices with chronic, active large bowel diarrhea. Enrolled dogs received a complete and balanced dry therapeutic food containing a proprietary fiber bundle for 56 days. Metagenomic and metabolomic profiling were performed on fecal samples at Days 1, 2, 3, 14, 28, and 56; metabolomic analysis was conducted on serum samples taken at Days 1, 2, 3, 28, and 56.

Results

The dietary intervention improved clinical signs and had a clear effect on the gut microfloral metabolic output of canines with chronic diarrhea, shifting gut metabolism from a predominantly proteolytic to saccharolytic fermentative state. Microbial metabolism of tryptophan to beneficial indole postbiotics and the conversion of plant-derived phenolics into bioavailable postbiotics were observed. The intervention altered the endocannabinoid, polyunsaturated fatty acid, and sphingolipid profiles, suggesting a modulation in gastrointestinal inflammation. Changes in membrane phospholipid and collagen signatures were indicative of improved gut function and possible alleviation of the pathophysiology related to chronic diarrhea.

Conclusions

In dogs with chronic diarrhea, feeding specific dietary fibers increased gut saccharolysis and bioavailable phenolic and indole-related compounds, while suppressing putrefaction. These changes were associated with improved markers of gut inflammation and stool quality.
Evaluation of the loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for Staphylococcus aureus detection: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Long Li-Jun , Lin Min , Chen Yu-Ran , Meng Xin , Cui Ting-Ting , Li Ya-Ping , Guo Xu-Guang
Published: June 2022

Background

Staphylococcus aureus can cause many diseases and even death. It’s important to detect Staphylococcus aureus rapidly and reliably. The accuracy of a novel test named LAMP in detecting Staphylococcus aureus is unclear. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate the accuracy of the LAMP assay for Staphylococcus aureus detection.

Methods

Four databases were searched for relevant studies. Meta-DiSc 1.4.0 and Stata 12.0 were used for statistical analysis. At the same time, we used QUADAS-2 to assess the studies we included. Two groups of subgroup analysis were done to differentiate the diagnostic effects of various LAMP tests and in cases of different gold standards.

Results

11 studies were identified and 19 2 × 2 contingency tables were extracted in our study. The results showed that both pooled sensitivity and specificity of the LAMP assay were 99% (95% CI 99–100).

Conclusion

The LAMP assay demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing Staphylococcus aureus.
Does the relative importance of the OxCAP-MH’s capability items differ according to mental ill-health experience?
Authors: Helter Timea Mariann , Kaltenboeck Alexander , Baumgartner Josef , Mayrhofer Franz , Heinze Georg , Sönnichsen Andreas , Wancata Johannes , Simon Judit
Published: June 2022

Background

Some capability dimensions may be more important than others in determining someone’s well-being, and these preferences might be dependent on ill-health experience. This study aimed to explore the relative preference weights of the 16 items of the German language version of the OxCAP-MH (Oxford Capability questionnaire-Mental Health) capability instrument and their differences across cohorts with alternative levels of mental ill-health experience.

Methods

A Best–Worst-Scaling (BWS) survey was conducted in Austria among 1) psychiatric patients (direct mental ill-health experience), 2) (mental) healthcare experts (indirect mental ill-health experience), and 3) primary care patients with no mental ill-health experience. Relative importance scores for each item of the German OxCAP-MH instrument were calculated using Hierarchical Bayes estimation. Rank analysis and multivariable linear regression analysis with robust standard errors were used to explore the relative importance of the OxCAP-MH items across the three cohorts.

Results

The study included 158 participants with complete cases and acceptable fit statistic. The relative importance scores for the full cohort ranged from 0.76 to 15.72. Findings of the BWS experiment indicated that the items Self-determination and Limitation in daily activities were regarded as the most important for all three cohorts. Freedom of expression was rated significantly less important by psychiatric patients than by the other two cohorts, while Having suitable accommodation appeared significantly less important by the expert cohort. There were no further significant differences in the relative preference weights of OxCAP-MH items between the cohorts or according to gender.

Conclusions

Our study indicates significant between-item but limited mental ill-health related heterogeneity in the relative preference weights of the different capability items within the OxCAP-MH. The findings support the future development of preference-based value sets elicited from the general population for comparative economic evaluation purposes.
Impact of COVID‐19 pandemic on foot care services in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Lu Suzanne H. , McLaren Ann‐Marie , Pinsker Ellie
Published: June 2022

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has directly affected the delivery of health care services in Canada, including foot care. The goal of this descriptive study was to understand the impact of the early COVID‐19 pandemic (March 2020 to April 2021) on chiropodists' and podiatrists' clinical practices and foot care service delivery in Ontario, Canada.

Methods

A web‐survey was completed by participating chiropodists and podiatrists registered with the College of Chiropodists of Ontario. The survey consisted of 31 multiple choice and open‐ended items on clinical practice characteristics, foot care service delivery changes, perceived barriers during the pandemic, and its impact on clinicians. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the sample and examine clinicians' responses, and qualitative content analysis was used to explore opened‐ended items.

Results

Of the 773 eligible clinicians, 279 participated for a response rate of 36.1%. Most respondents reported a decline in patient volume, an increase in urgent foot health problems, a financial impact on their clinical practices, an emotional impact, and substantial changes to how they provided foot care services, such as incorporating telehealth/virtual care into patient care. Factors that impact clinicians' perception of future pandemic preparedness are identified.

Conclusion

This study describes foot care service delivery in Ontario, Canada during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The COVID‐19 pandemic saw an increase in urgent foot health problems, decline in patient volume, and impacted clinicians' mental health and emotional well‐being. Future studies should examine patients' experiences of foot care service delivery and maintaining their foot health during the pandemic, and further examination of factors that impact clinicians' perception of pandemic preparedness.
DNA methylation changes in response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy are associated with breast cancer survival
Authors: Pedersen Christine Aaserød , Cao Maria Dung , Fleischer Thomas , Rye Morten B. , Knappskog Stian , Eikesdal Hans Petter , Lønning Per Eystein , Tost Jörg , Kristensen Vessela N. , Tessem May-Britt , Giskeødegård Guro F. , Bathen Tone F.
Published: June 2022

Background

Locally advanced breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease with respect to response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and survival. It is currently not possible to accurately predict who will benefit from the specific types of NACT. DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism known to play an important role in regulating gene expression and may serve as a biomarker for treatment response and survival. We investigated the potential role of DNA methylation as a prognostic marker for long-term survival (> 5 years) after NACT in breast cancer.

Methods

DNA methylation profiles of pre-treatment (n = 55) and post-treatment (n = 75) biopsies from 83 women with locally advanced breast cancer were investigated using the Illumina HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. The patients received neoadjuvant treatment with epirubicin and/or paclitaxel. Linear mixed models were used to associate DNA methylation to treatment response and survival based on clinical response to NACT (partial response or stable disease) and 5-year survival, respectively. LASSO regression was performed to identify a risk score based on the statistically significant methylation sites and Kaplan–Meier curve analysis was used to estimate survival probabilities using ten years of survival follow-up data. The risk score developed in our discovery cohort was validated in an independent validation cohort consisting of paired pre-treatment and post-treatment biopsies from 85 women with locally advanced breast cancer. Patients included in the validation cohort were treated with either doxorubicin or 5-FU and mitomycin NACT.

Results

DNA methylation patterns changed from before to after NACT in 5-year survivors, while no significant changes were observed in non-survivors or related to treatment response. DNA methylation changes included an overall loss of methylation at CpG islands and gain of methylation in non-CpG islands, and these changes affected genes linked to transcription factor activity, cell adhesion and immune functions. A risk score was developed based on four methylation sites which successfully predicted long-term survival in our cohort (p = 0.0034) and in an independent validation cohort (p = 0.049).

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that DNA methylation patterns in breast tumors change in response to NACT. These changes in DNA methylation show potential as prognostic biomarkers for breast cancer survival.
Convergent validity of commonly used questions assessing physical activity and sedentary time in Swedish patients after myocardial infarction
Authors: Lönn Amanda , Kallings Lena Viktoria , Börjesson Mats , Ekblom Örjan , Ekström Mattias
Published: June 2022

Background

Guidelines recommend regular physical activity (PA) and decreased sedentary time (SED) for patients after myocardial infarction (MI). Therefore, valid self-assessment of PA is vital in clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to assess the convergent validity of commonly used PA and SED questions recommended by the National Board of Health and welfare (NBHW) and national SWEDEHEART-registry using accelerometers as the reference method in patients after MI.

Methods

Data were obtained 2017–2021 among Swedish men and women (180 assessments). Participants answered five commonly used PA and SED-questions (by NBHW and SWEDEHEART) and wore an accelerometer (Actigraph GT3X) for seven days. Convergent validity was assessed gradually by; Kruskall Wallis-, Sperman rho, Weighted Kappa- and ROC-analyses. Misclassification was explored by Chi-square analyses with Benjamini–Hochberg adjustment.

Results

The strongest correlation (r = 0.37) was found for the SED-GIH question (NBHW). For PA, no specific question stood out, with correlations of r = 0.31 (NBWH), and r = 0.24–0.30 (SWEDEHEART). For all questions (NBHW and SWEDEHEART), there was a high degree of misclassification (congruency 12–30%) affecting the agreement (0.09–0.32) between self-report and accelerometer assessed time. The SED-GIH, PA-index and SWEDEHEART-VPA had the strongest sensitivity for identifying individuals with high SED (0.72) or low PA (0.77 and 0.75).

Conclusion

The studied PA and SED questions may provide an indication of PA and SED level among patients with MI in clinical practice and could be used to form a basis for further dialogue and assessment. Further development is needed, since practical assessment tools of PA and SED are desirable.
Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis: a case report
Authors: Lee Angela , Fine Nowell M. , Bril Vera , Delgado Diego , Hahn Christopher
Published: June 2022

Background

Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis is an uncommon multisystem disorder caused by mutation of the transthyretin protein, leading to peripheral neuropathy often with autonomic features, cardiomyopathy, or a mixed phenotype. Multiple other organ systems can be involved with ophthalmologic, renal, hematologic, gastrointestinal, and/or genitourinary symptoms and signs. This often results in assessments by multiple specialists and significant delays before the diagnosis is recognized. With the recent advent of potentially lifesaving therapies, early diagnosis has become even more important. Our case highlights the protean aspects of this disease as well as the difficulty of making this diagnosis, especially in the absence of a clear family history.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 64-year-old man of East-Asian descent who presented with diarrhea, mild anemia, and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. Numerous investigations and specialist evaluations did not identify a cause. Progression of neurologic symptoms and the development of new hematologic abnormalities ultimately led to consideration of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis. The diagnosis was confirmed after re-examining previously acquired gastrointestinal biopsies and pursuing genetic testing, which confirmed a pathogenic mutation in the transthyretin gene. He was subsequently started on a novel gene-silencing therapy. On clinical follow-up 8 months after initiation of therapy, the patient described stabilization of previously progressive numbness, weakness, and weight loss with an unchanged neurologic examination and stable repeat electrophysiologic testing.

Conclusions

Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis is a challenging disease to recognize in early stages owing to its multisystem and nonspecific manifestations. Recent approval of novel therapies highlights the importance of early diagnosis before irreversible organ damage occurs.
Amperometric method for the determination of cellulase activity and its optimization using response surface method
Authors: Nero Georg , Kivirand Kairi , Ben Othman Sana , Rinken Toonika
Published: June 2022

Cellulases are a group of enzymes, which catalyse different steps of cellulose hydrolysis, and are broadly used in industry as unpurified mixtures of several enzymes. The total activity of cellulase is defined as the ability of the enzyme to produce glucose, which is the final product of cellulose hydrolysis, and is expressed in cellulase units. However, common strategies for the determination of the cellulolytic activity of industrial cellulase preparations are based on the assessment of different steps of cellulose hydrolysis, and the results obtained with different methods are not similar. The aim of the present study was to develop an assay for the determination of cellulase activity that relies on the amperometric determination of the final product of cellulose hydrolysis glucose. The assay conditions were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) combined with Box-Behnken design. The detection limit of the proposed method was 1.71 ± 0.06 U. We compared the results of the amperometric method with the ones obtained with the spectrophotometric method and viscosimetry in a commercial cellulose preparation.
Migrating solar diurnal tidal variability during Northern and Southern Hemisphere Sudden Stratospheric Warmings
Authors: Siddiqui Tarique A. , Chau Jorge L. , Stolle Claudia , Yamazaki Yosuke
Published: June 2022

In this study, the variability of the migrating solar diurnal (DW1) tide in the mesosphere-lower thermosphere (MLT) region during Northern and Southern Hemisphere (NH & SH) Sudden Stratospheric Warmings (SSWs) is investigated using Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER) temperature observations and reanalysis-driven Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model with thermosphere and ionosphere extension (WACCM-X) simulations. The periods examined include four major NH SSWs that occurred in 2006, 2009, 2010 and 2013 and two SH SSWs that were observed in 2002 and 2019. Our analysis shows that the DW1 tide in both observations and simulations displays a reduction of amplitude at low-latitudes after the onset of NH and SH SSWs. As WACCM-X simulations qualitatively reproduce this feature of DW1 tidal variability common to both NH and SH SSWs, they have been used to examine the possible mechanism that could explain these observations in the DW1 tide. It is known that changes in the latitudinal shear of zonal winds at low-latitudes strongly affect the seasonal variation of the DW1 tide in the MLT. We show that SSW-associated changes in the latitudinal shear in the MLT could explain the observed variability of the DW1 tide during NH and SH SSWs.

Graphical Abstract
Successful open radical gastrectomy for locally advanced or metastatic gastric cancer patients who suffered from coronavirus disease 2019 during preoperative chemotherapy: a report of three cases
Authors: Nishie Naoki , Ohashi Manabu , Makuuchi Rie , Hayami Masaru , Ida Satoshi , Kumagai Koshi , Nunobe Souya , Sano Takeshi
Published: June 2022

Background

According to previous reports, in patients with preoperative coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, mortality is increased if they undergo surgery within 6 weeks of diagnosis. However, the optimal timing and preoperative examination for gastrectomy with a previous COVID-19 infection are still controversial. We experienced three cases in which patients successfully underwent open radical gastrectomy following preoperative chemotherapy even though they developed COVID-19 infection during the chemotherapy.

Case presentation

Case 1: A 58-year-old man with locally advanced gastric cancer caught COVID-19 during preoperative chemotherapy comprising 5-fluorouracil, calcium folate, oxaliplatin, and docetaxel. Although the patient had specific lung shadows indicating COVID-19 infection and deep venous thrombosis in the lower extremities, he underwent distal gastrectomy 10 weeks after the COVID-19 diagnosis. He had a good postoperative course. Case 2: A 56-year-old man with gastric cancer and lymph node and peritoneal metastasis caught COVID-19 during palliative chemotherapy comprising S-1, oxaliplatin, and trastuzumab. He underwent total gastrectomy as conversion surgery 8 weeks after COVID-19 infection. His postoperative course was uneventful. Case 3: A 55-year-old man with gastric cancer and paraaortic lymph node and liver metastases caught COVID-19 during S-1 and oxaliplatin treatment as neoadjuvant chemotherapy. He underwent distal gastrectomy, paraaortic lymph node sampling, and partial hepatectomy 8 weeks after COVID-19 infection although he had residual lung shadows and deep venous thrombosis in the lower extremities. He had an uneventful postoperative course.

Conclusions

Computed tomography for preoperative evaluation was performed for all three patients and revealed that lung shadows remained post-COVID-19 infection. Despite this finding, the patients had good operative courses and were discharged as planned. Surgery after 7 weeks from the diagnosis of COVID-19 infection can be performed safely even when patients are post-chemotherapy and have residual lung findings and deep venous thrombosis. This report may contribute to the development of a consensus on performing safe gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer in patients previously infected with COVID-19.
Comprehensive assessment of real-time precise products from IGS analysis centers
Authors: Li Bofeng , Ge Haibo , Bu Yuhang , Zheng Yanning , Yuan Leitong
Published: June 2022

Real-Time Precise Point Positioning (RT-PPP) has been one of the research hotspots in GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) community for decades. Real-time precise products of satellite orbits and clocks are the prerequisite for RT-PPP. Thus, it is of great importance to investigate the current multi-GNSS real-time precise products in State Space Representation (SSR) from different analysis centers. In this article, SSR products from 10 analysis centers are comprehensively evaluated by comparing them with the final products and performing the kinematic PPP. The results show that analysis centers CNES (Centre National D'Etudes Spatiales) and WHU (GNSS Research Center of Wuhan University) provide the most complete products with the best quality. Concerning the accuracy of real-time products for the GNSSs, the accuracies of orbit and clock products are better than 5 cm and 0.15 ns, respectively, for Global Positioning System (GPS), followed by Galileo navigation satellite system (Galileo), BeiDou-3 Navigation Satellite System (BDS-3), GLObal NAvigation Satellite System (GLONASS), and BeiDou-2 Navigation Satellite System (BDS-2). Meanwhile, the results of the RT-PPP with quad-system show that the positioning accuracies are 1.76, 1.12 and 2.68 cm in east, north, and up directions, respectively, and the convergence time to 0.1, 0.1, 0.2 m for corresponding directions is 15.35 min.
Development of a Curriculum for the Implementation of Stereotactic Radiation Therapy Programs in Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Buckley Lesley , Bacha Billel , Gaudet Marc , Haché Christiane , Lacelle Manon , Naoun Lilia , Wooster Elizabeth , Bourque Jean-Marc
Published: June 2022

PURPOSE

The aim of this work was to develop a curriculum to be used in the implementation of stereotactic radiation therapy programs in middle-income countries. The curriculum needed to be scalable and flexible to be easily adapted to local situations.

METHODS

The curriculum was developed through a partnership between multidisciplinary teams from established clinics in both middle-income and high-income countries. The curriculum development followed a nonlinear progression, allowing greater flexibility throughout the process. A blended learning model was used, combining virtual and in-person interactions.

RESULTS

The initial training plan was based on a needs assessment provided by the learners and on the experience of the facilitators with stereotactic radiotherapy. The needs assessment was refined during in-person site visits at each institution which highlighted aspects of the training, such as image guidance workflows and technical specifications, that were not previously emphasized in the curriculum. Both teams found that the in-person visits were important for training purposes, but aspects of the curriculum delivery such as treatment planning and patient selection were well suited to virtual platforms. The training addressed all aspects of the stereotactic program, from patient selection to treatment, and included a review of both technical and clinical workflows.

CONCLUSION

The inclusion of contributions from both teams ensured that the curriculum covered the required elements of the stereotactic program implementation, met the needs of the learners, and was relevant to local practices. The nonlinear approach to the curriculum development allowed the flexibility to change the focus as the project progressed. The in-person visits were valuable in conducting a thorough needs assessment.
Cannabis Use in Patients With Cancer: A Clinical Review
Authors: Worster Brooke , Hajjar Emily R. , Handley Nathan
Published: June 2022

Cannabis use and interest continues to increase among patients with cancer and caregivers. High-quality research remains scant in many areas, causing hesitancy or discomfort among most clinical providers. Although we have limitations on hard outcomes, we can provide some guidance and more proactively engage in conversations with patients and family about cannabis. Several studies support the efficacy of cannabis for various cancer and treatment-related symptoms, such as chemotherapy-induced nausea and cancer pain. Although formulations and dosing guidelines for clinicians do not formally exist at present, attention to tetrahydrocannabinol concentration and understanding of risks with inhalation can reduce risk. Conflicting information exists on the interaction between cannabis and immunotherapy as well as estrogen receptor interactions. Motivational interviewing can help engage in more productive, less stigmatized conversations.
Forensic Chemistry Laboratory Manual
Authors:   University of North Texas, Williams Kristina
Published: June 2022

This manual details applied analytical procedures for a one-semester Forensic Chemistry laboratory course. It contains a major focus on industry standard techniques and instrumentation used for drug chemistry and toxicology with brief introductions to other types of samples and analyses. Where possible, these exercises are designed to simulate those performed in a forensic laboratory. Other exercises are designed to reinforce some critical skills and concepts relevant to working in a forensic laboratory such as accurate solution preparation, creation of a calibration curve, and more.
Sesgos de género en el uso de inteligencia artificial para la gestión de las relaciones laborales: análisis desde el derecho antidiscriminatorio.
Authors: Rivas Vallejo Pilar
Published: June 2022

El análisis jurídico de la discriminación derivada de decisiones automatizadas que puedan provocar un impacto discriminatorio requiere combinar dos campos jurídicos: el de la protección de datos y el derecho antidiscriminatorio. En el primero los derechos reconocidos son accesorios al núcleo principal de afectación: el derecho de intervención humana y, principalmente, la explicabilidad de los algoritmos, manifestación de la debida justificación objetiva y razonable que acompaña a las decisiones prima facie discriminatorias para eludir su calificación como tales. Pero el tratamiento jurídico de la discriminación algorítmica requiere, también, dar respuesta a problemas de calificación de los sesgos en los que incurre el aprendizaje automático como resultado de las infinitas inferencias de datos que perfilan a personas en el contexto del derecho antidiscriminatorio, donde potencian su impacto discriminatorio, como son la discriminación por asociación o la discriminación múltiple o interseccional.
El trabajo en plataformas digitales de reparto desde la perspectiva del Tribunal Superior del Trabajo: el caso brasileño.
Authors: Oliveira da Costa Flora
Published: June 2022

Se trata de un estudio que busca investigar la relación existente entre las decisiones judiciales en Brasil y España respecto de la delimitación de la naturaleza jurídica del trabajo en plataformas digitales. En los Juzgados de España y Brasil se ha cuestionado la validez de esta autonomía, ya que estos trabajadores solicitan el reconocimiento de su naturaleza laboral. En el ámbito legislativo brasileño, no existe ninguna norma que reconozca el estatus de trabajadores por cuenta ajena a estas personas. En España, en cambio, se ha aprobado recientemente la ley Rider, pero el propio país todavía se está adaptando a la presunción de laboralidad incorporada en la misma. Lo que se propone en este texto, por lo tanto, a través del análisis de las decisiones brasileñas y españolas, es investigar si los pronunciamientos de los Tribunales han dirigido o no la caracterización de la naturaleza jurídica del trabajo realizado por los repartidores y las empresas de reparto en estos países.
Diez puntos críticos en el régimen de la contratación temporal y fija discontinua tras la entrada en vigor del RDL 32/2021.
Authors: Vigo Serralvo Francisco
Published: June 2022

Exponemos en este comentario algunas dudas interpretativas que suscita la nueva regulación de la contratación eventual y fija-discontinua operada por el RDL 32/2021. Más allá de la legitimidad de los objetivos perseguidos por la norma, que no se cuestiona, depositamos nuestra atención en algunos pasajes de esta que, por construirse sobre conceptos jurídicos indeterminados, compromete la seguridad jurídica en su aplicación práctica. Sobre todo, resaltaremos a la dificultad que entraña la determinación de las realidades fácticas abarcadas por cada una de las nuevas –o reformuladas– categorías contractuales. Además de estas dudas interpretativas, identificaremos algunos aspectos de la reforma que, aunque admiten una lectura pacífica, podrían ser problemáticos: bien sea por su difícil fiscalización administrativa o por la posible colisión con la normativa comunitaria en materia de empleo temporal.
Chwin i Gdańsk: o relacjach między miastem i pisarzem
Authors: Weżgowiec Barbara
Published: June 2022

Chwin and Gdańsk: about relations between the city and the writer The aim of this article is a reflection on the meeting between a human and a space, in our case Stefan Chwin and Gdańsk. Three levels of this meeting are particularly interesting. The first one is a city-human relation, hence Gdańsk and Chwin, as its citizen. The second one is a picture of the city in literature: presenting Stefan Chwin (seeing) Gdańsk. The third relation is becoming inverted, it concerns (the presence of) the literature in the city, the existence of the prose of Chwin in Gdańsk. These three levels are complementary and penetrate each other. The city–citizen relation refers mainly to the biography of Stefan Chwin. When discussing the city in literature, the Gdańsk prose of Chwin can be associated with a broad current of geopoetics, while the city itself might be called an “autobiographical place” of the author. The third level, concerning (the presence of) the prose of Chwin in Gdańsk, leads us to the concept of literary tourism, or (in a broader sense) cultural tourism.
„Miasto trawi susza” – katabaza ponowoczesna w wybranych utworach Tomasza Różyckiego
Authors: Piotrowska-Grot Magdalena
Published: June 2022

“THE CITY BEING DIGESTED BY DROUGHT” – POSTMODERN DESCENT TO THE UNDERWORLD IN SELECTED WORKS OF TOMASZ RÓŻYCKI Poetic creations of space inspire mainly because of the opportunity to cross the boundaries of imagination fettered by everyday life. Seemingly gray urbanity hides dark puzzles/nooks, which can be intellectually penetrated – that is a challenge for artists seduced by the city and trapped therein. Identifying space, mostly in the vertical plan, is one of the main themes of Tomasz Różycki’s poetic works – already explored to some extent in the theory of literature (Jacek Gutorow). In this article I would like to take a look at very peculiar urban wanderings made by the speaker of Różycki’s poems – exploring the urban space of hell, a specific kind of “postmodern katabasis”. Infernal motives lurk in the works of Thomas Różycki in very different scenes, revealing the creative possibilities of spatial poetic escapades. One of the main questions that arise during the process of reading these texts is what is the condition of the great symbol/metaphor of the installment of hell in a postmodern poetry – is it empty (Agata Bielik-Robson), degraded by the modern mentality (Zygmunt Bauman), or simply reinterpreted (Adorno, Benjamin), but not stripped of its semantic force.
Ewolucja tematu urbanistycznego w twórczości Tomasza Różyckiego
Authors: Pietluch Elżbieta
Published: June 2022

THE EVOLUTION OF CITY-THEME IN TOMASZ RÓŻYCKI ENTIRE OEUVRE This article contains a presentation of the evolution of the city-theme in Tomasz Różycki’s entire oeuvre. In describing the relations between the protagonist of the poems and the city, the study makes use of some concepts of theme criticism, as well as the anthropological concepts of place, non-place and space. It is shown that the key to the interpretation of Różycki’s inspirations is his life-history, and that the impetus for the urban imagination depends on the choice of aesthetic category: nostalgia or irony. In many of the poems the city of Opole is portrayed as a culturally foreign place, where the poet cannot feel at home. The accumulation of aversion is present in the invocation of the city in the book-length poem Dwanaście stacji. In the newest works by Różycki one can notice yet more architectonic and topographic details connected with Opole. The city reflects the metaphor of a palimpsest and is intrinsically a source out of which imaginary worlds grow.
Proximity and the Management of Innovation
Authors: Glaeser Chloe Kim , Glaeser Stephen , Labro Eva
Published: June 2022

We study the effect of proximity to corporate headquarters on the productivity of inventors and research and development (R&D) facilities. Distant inventors and R&D facilities are less productive, and plausibly exogenous reductions in the travel time from these inventors or facilities to headquarters increase their productivity and creativity. We hypothesize that these improvements in the management of innovation production occur because proximity improves monitoring, managerial ability to provide direction, relationship building that supports creativity, and information exchange, including advice from headquarters. Consequently, our results suggest that proximity can help managers balance both exploration and exploitation when overseeing innovation. Naturally, these results then beg the question of why firms do not locate all inventors and R&D facilities in close proximity to headquarters. We find that distant inventors and R&D facilities are located in areas with better general economic indicators, and especially more favorable tax rates, than headquarters, suggesting firms balance these benefits against the benefits of proximity when locating innovation production.

This paper was accepted by Brian Bushee, accounting.

Supplemental Material: Data and the internet appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4469 .
Climate Impact Investing
Authors: De Angelis Tiziano , Tankov Peter , Zerbib Olivier David
Published: June 2022

This paper shows how green investing spurs companies to mitigate their carbon emissions by raising the cost of capital of the most carbon-intensive companies. Companies’ emissions decrease when the wealth share of green investors and their sensitivity to climate externalities increase. We show that the impact of green investors primarily governs companies’ long-run emissions. Companies are further incentivized to reduce their emissions when green investors anticipate tighter climate regulations and climate-related technological innovations. However, heightened uncertainty regarding future climate risks alleviates green investors’ pressure on the cost of capital of companies and pushes them to increase their emissions. Calibrated on U.S. data, our model suggests that, albeit effective, the impact of green investors remains limited given their current wealth share and practices.

This paper was accepted by George Serafeim, Special Section of Management Science on Business and Climate Change.

Funding: This work was supported by the Europlace Institute of Finance. T. De Angelis received funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council [Grant EP/R021201/1], and P. Tankov received funding from the Finance for Energy Markets research initiative of the Institut Europlace de Finance.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4472 .
QUAL HUMANISMO?
Authors: Mendes Ricardo , Marino Mario
Published: June 2022

Em sua Nota sobre Maquiavel, Merleau-Ponty empreende uma leitura do filósofo florentino na busca do sentido de seu humanismo em contraposição a leituras que se atém apenas ao uso da força ou ao imoralismo de Maquiavel. Ao enfrentar as dificuldades do texto maquiaveliano, Merleau-Ponty abre uma via de interpretação segundo a qual o poder não é compreendido como mera força, mas sim como alteridade e assentimento, ou seja, relação mútua entre povo e príncipe, o que permite interpretar a obra de Maquiavel pelo ponto de vista da construção de uma vida coletiva, ou seja, um humanismo. Assim, retomamos o texto de Merleau-Ponty e a obra de Maquiavel, sobretudo O príncipe para compreender como esse diálogo entre os autores abre a perspectiva de um humanismo na obra do florentino.
FASES HEURÍSTICAS DA INVESTIGAÇÃO HUSSERLIANA DO SIGNIFICADO ATÉ 1908
Authors: Santos Sanqueilo de Lima
Published: June 2022

Nesse artigo, será apresentado um percurso das análises husserlianas atinentes ao significado de acordo com os problemas, no contexto dos quais surge o tema do significado, em algumas obras iniciais do pensador. Über den Begriff der Zahl: psychologische Analysen (1887); Philosophie der Arithmetik, Erster Band. Psychologische und logische Untersuchungen (1891); Logische Untersuchungen (1901, 2ª ed. 1911); Vorlesungen über Bedeutungslehre (1908). Chamamos de fases heurísticas por serem distintas as problematizações que, a cada momento, motivaram a tematização do significado e as escolhas e ênfases operadas sobre o tema em cada momento.

Palavras-chave: Significado fânsico; Significado ôntico; Método Reflexivo; Idealidade
CRENÇA, AÇÃO INTENCIONAL E ANIMAIS NÃO-HUMANOS
Authors: Candeira Maylson
Published: June 2022

Este artigo visa realizar uma análise crítica da posição que será chamada de rejeitacionista cuja tese principal consiste em negar a atribuição de crenças e racionalidade a animais não-humanos. Em oposição à tese rejeitacionista, será proposta a abordagem minimalista da crença segundo a qual a crença é um estado representacional básico, e não proposicional. Duas teorias apresentadas neste artigo compõem a posição rejeitacionista. A teoria proposta por Davidson (2001, 2004) segundo a qual há uma relação intrínseca entre crença, conceitos e linguagem, e a teoria de Stich (1979) segundo a qual os animais não-humanos não possuem crença porque as suas entidades mentais não podem ser traduzidas ao nosso repertório conceitual compartilhado. Este modelo proposicional da crença será criticado a partir da tese proposta por Dretske (1983) que argumenta que a capacidade discriminatória é suficiente para a posse de conceitos e de crenças, assim como a tese de Carruthers (2009) segundo a qual a satisfação da versão fraca da generalidade garante a posse de conceitos. Em seguida, o argumento da abordagem minimalista da crença será estendido para o campo da ação intencional e da racionalidade prática. Argumentarei que os animais não-humanos são agentes intencionais e racionais que possuem racionalidade mínima.