bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Communicating bad news to patients and families in African oncology settings
Authors: Lounsbury David W. , Nichols Scott , Asuzu Chioma , Odiyo Philip , Alis Ali , Qadir Myrha , Nichols Sharon , Parker Patricia A. , Henry Melissa
Published: September 2022

Aims

To assess clinicians' self‐reported knowledge of current policies in African oncology settings, of their personal communication practices around sharing bad news with patients, and to identify barriers to the sharing of serious news in these settings.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of cancer care providers in African oncology settings (N = 125) was conducted. Factor analysis was used to assess cross‐cultural adaptation and uptake of an evidence‐based protocol for disclosing bad news to patients with cancer and of providers' perceived barriers to disclosing bad news to patients with cancer. Analysis of Various (ANOVA) was used to assess strength of association with each dimension of these two measurement models by various categorical variables.

Results

Providers from Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and Rwanda represented 85% of survey respondents. Two independent, psychometrically reliable, multi‐dimensional measurement models were derived to assess providers' personal communication practices and providers' perceived barriers to disclosing a cancer diagnosis. Forty percent (40%) of respondent nurses but only 20% of respondent physicians had had formal communications skills training. Approximately 20%–25% of respondent physicians and nurses reported having a consistent plan or strategy for communicating bad news to their cancer patients.

Conclusions

Results show that effective communication about cancer diagnosis and prognosis requires an appreciation and clinical skill set that blends an understanding of cancer‐related internalized stigmas harbored by patient and family, dilemmas posed by treatment affordability, and the need to navigate family wishes about cancer‐related diagnoses in the context of African oncology settings. Findings underscore the need for culturally grounded communications research and program design.
The biochemical and physiological basis for hard cider apple fruit quality
Authors: Karl Adam Duerr , Zakalik David Lior , Cook Brittany Sarah , Krishna Kumar Shanthanu , Peck Gregory Michael
Published: September 2022

Societal Impact Statement

Fermented “hard” cider is currently experiencing a resurgence in popularity. While there is a long history of cultivating apple trees with fruit quality characteristics intended specifically for cider production, there is a dearth of cider‐specific apple production in many emerging cider producing regions, such as North America. To help bolster the emerging cider industry and identify topics that warrant further research, this review article describes the biochemistry and physiology of apple fruit quality from a cider producing perspective.

The United States and Western Europe have a long history of alcoholic “hard” cider production made from the fermented juice of apples (Malus spp.), especially in regions where cultivation of European grapevines (Vitis vinifera) for wine was climatically limited. While all apples contain fermentable sugars, in many regions, cultivars were selected, named, and propagated specifically for fermentation. This review highlights fruit quality attributes that are important for cider production and that are distinct from fresh‐market apple fruit and wine grapes. Polyphenol profiles, yeast assimilable nitrogen composition, carbohydrates, organic acids, pectin, and volatile aroma compounds are discussed as they relate to cider quality.
Luminescence Properties of Samarium Ion‐Doped Silicoborate Glasses for Application in Optoelectronic Material
Authors: Intachai Nuttawadee , Kothan Suchart , Wantana Nuanthip , Kaewjaeng Siriprapa , Thandar Htun Khin , Kim Hong Joo , Kaewkhao Jakrapong
Published: September 2022

Gadolinium sodium silicoborate glasses doped with samarium ion (Sm:GNSB) are prepared by the melt quenching technique. The glasses are studied for their physical, optical, and luminescence properties. The density, molar volume, and refractive index of glass are investigated as a function of Sm2O3 concentrations. Addition of Sm3+ ions in the glass matrix shows several absorption peaks in the visible and near‐infrared region, verified by the absorption spectra. The energy transfer from Gd3+ to Sm3+ is observed by photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra, which illustrates the strongest emission occurring at 600 nm (4G5/2 → 6H7/2). The PL decay time of 600 nm emission under 403 nm excitation decreases with increasing Sm2O3 concentrations. The color coordinates of the International Commission on Illumination chromaticity show different shades of orange color under different excitations. The result of radioluminescence shows a similar trend to PL emission spectra. Glasses doped with Sm3+ ions find potential use as an orange color‐emitting optoelectronic device application.
Synthesis and Characterization of Zwitter ion Functionalized Polysulfone Membrane
Authors: Anbarasan Ramasamy , Ranchani Anthonisamy Amala Jeya , Liu Yu‐Cheng , Tung Kuo‐Lun
Published: September 2022

The main target of the present research work is synthesis of structurally modified polysulfone (PSF) membrane with good anti‐fouling property. Fouling is a big problem in polymeric membrane field. This can be reduced by introducing the zwitter ionic structure on the polymeric backbone. In this research work, anti‐fouling of PSF membrane was taken as s challenge and successfully done via Friedel‐Crafts (FC) alkylation reaction. For the sake of comparison, the FC alkylation reaction of chloroethylamine (CEA) and chloroaceticacid (CAA) onto PSF backbone was done in a single step and two step reactions in the presence of AlCl3 as a catalyst. The structurally modified PSF was characterized by FT‐IR spectrum, 1H‐NMR spectrum, XPS, EDX, SEM, DSC, TGA, WCA and POM. The porosity and antimicrobial properties of simultaneously acid and amine functionalized PSF membrane was tested. The single step reaction exhibited a peak in the FT‐IR spectrum at 1669 cm−1 corresponding to the zwitter ionic structure. The same peak was absent in the two step reaction. The PSF4 system showed the lowest WCA of 32.4° and confirmed the increase in hydrophilicity of the membrane material. The thermal stability of the PSF before and after the structural modification reaction was internally analyzed and compared with the literature values.
ZIF‐8‐Derived ZnO and SnO2 Form ZnO@SnO2 Composites for Enhanced Photocatalysis under Visible Light
Authors: Tang Jijun , Duan Zhengzhou , Xv Qinyun , Li Chuwen , Gao Guicheng , Luo Weiqi , Hou Dongmei , Zhu Yu
Published: September 2022

ZIF‐8 was used as a precursor and was converted to ZnO by calcining at high temperature to remove the organic functional groups therein. Then ZnO@SnO2 composites were synthesized by hydrothermal method using ZnO as the carrier. All samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, EIS, Transient photocurrent test and Mott‐schottky test. The photodegradation effects of pristine ZnO, SnO2 and ZnO@SnO2 composites on tetracycline (TC) were evaluated and the best results were obtained (ZnO@SnO2=2 : 1), which could remove 91.2 % of TC under visible light irradiation. The effects of pH, ionic strength, and TC concentration were researched in batch experiments. ZnO@SnO2=2 : 1 showed favorable photocatalytic activity and stability, including pH and resistance to ionic strength. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of the ZnO@SnO2=2 : 1 composite could be ascribed to the lower recombination probability of electron‐hole pairs in the heterojunction and the enlarged surface area for TC adsorption during photodegradation. This study provided a reference for heterojunctions with excellent photocatalytic properties.
One‐Pot Transition‐Metal‐Free Synthesis of Polysubstituted Fused Benzene Derivatives from Methyl Enol Ethers and Alkynes
Authors: Ahmad Sarwat Asma Ziya , Khan Faiz Ahmed
Published: September 2022

A mild and transition‐metal‐free one‐pot strategy is established to prepare polysubstituted naphthalene and phenanthrene derivatives from methyl enol ethers (MEE) with alkynes. Significantly, this protocol is promoted by boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BF3⋅Et2O) at room temperature. A wide variety of diversely functionalized naphthalene and phenanthrene derivatives were obtained in good to excellent yields. A plausible mechanism involving a spiro quinonoid intermediate is proposed. Due to fluorescent nature of naphthalene, selected compounds were screened for the solvatochromism study. Notably, positive solvatochromism effect was observed in the case of nitro‐substituted naphthalene derivative (3 h) with respect to different polarity of solvents.
Nitrogen‐doped Porous Carbon Nanofibers Decorated with Nickel Nanoparticles for Unlocking Low‐cost Structural Lithium Metal Anodes
Authors: Yu Zhongxun , Lv Xujin , Chen Jia , Lv Yarong , Liu Xinhua , Yang Shichun , Liu Yong
Published: September 2022

Lithium metal anode has received increasing attention. However, safety issues arising from lithium dendrite growth have limited the commercialization of lithium metal anodes. Herein, a porous carbon nanofiber framework decorated with nickel nanoparticles was designed as a 3D conductive host by simple electrospinning technique to solve the above problem. Uniformly dispersed nickel nanoparticles on N‐doped carbon fibers can expose more active sites to trap lithium ions. The design of the Ni/N co‐doping structure can effectively improve its lithiophilicity. In addition, the 3D porous conductive structure facilitates electron transport and can effectively decrease the local current density to suppress the formation and generation of lithium dendrites. The combined results of experiments and density functional theory calculations show that carbon nanofibers decorated with Ni nanoparticles have stronger adsorption ability for lithium, thus resulting in more uniform plating. This work provides inspiration for designing low‐cost and dendrite‐free structural lithium metal anode hosts.
Robust and Ultrasensitive Chemosensor Based on Bifunctionalized MIL‐101(Al) for Fluorescent Detection of Ferric Ions in Serum and Pharmaceutical Tablets
Authors: Yakout Amr A. , Basha Maram T. , Shahat Ahmed
Published: September 2022

Novel robust metal‐organic frameworks (5‐FSA=N‐MIL‐101(Al)) was fabricated based on simple covalent binding of NH2‐MIL‐101(Al) and 5‐formylsalicylic acid (5‐FSA) for sensitive fluorimetric sensing of ferric ions. The structural characterization and morphology of the 5‐FSA=N‐MIL‐101(Al) sensor were thoroughly evaluated. The novel 5‐FSA=N‐MIL‐101(Al) sensor presented a wide linear range from 3.58 to 68.0 μM, a low detection limit (0.73 μM) with a fast response time of 15 seconds at pH 7–8. The selectivity of the developed sensor was accomplished against various competing ions and was successfully applied to the quantitative assay of ferric ions in serum and pharmaceutical tablets. The outcomes results were validated through comparison with AAS. The excellent accuracy (recovery%, 95.83–101.10) and high precision (RSD%, 1.71–2.23) indicated that the 5‐FS=N‐MIL‐101(Al) sensor provided a high potential for fast, ultrasensitive, and selective determination of ferric ions in clinical detection with excellent reproducibility and reversibility.
Highly Efficient Rigidified Quinoxaline‐based Co‐Sensitizers Carrying Long Alkyl Chains for Ruthenium‐Complex‐Sensitized DSSCs**
Authors: Lyu Luping , Su Rui , El‐Shafei Ahmed
Published: September 2022

In this paper, cosensitized DSSCs(Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cell) using quinoxaline‐based co‐sensitizers along with a well‐known ruthenium dye were fabricated, and their photophysical properties and photovoltaic characteristics were measured to comprehensively assess the effect of molecular architecture on the photovoltaic performance of devices. We revealed the key role of bulky rigid quinoxaline‐based co‐sensitizers in enhancing the overall efficiency of DSSCs for the first time. From the results, it is evident that the co‐sensitizer exhibited excellent performance in improving the photocurrent of cosensitized DSSCs. The cell cosensitized with 0.2 mm of quinoxaline‐based co‐sensitizer and 0.2 mm of ruthenium dye, exhibited the highest efficiency of 7.88 % (JSC=20.82 mA cm−2, VOC=0.614 V, FF=61.6 %) when compared to ruthenium dye alone. Smaller organic co‐sensitizers cannot make up for the weak absorption in the range of about 350–600 nm of ruthenium dyes, but also filled up the space between the bulky ruthenium dye molecules, leading to more effective coverage on the TiO2 surface. Hence, it was observed that the FF(Fill Factor) values were improved for all the cells. Thus, based on the above‐mentioned results, quinoxaline‐based co‐sensitizer showed good potential in enhancing photovoltaic efficiency of DSSCs at the appropriate concentration.
Aggregation Induced Emission Supramolecular Functionalized Benzimidazole Hydrogel for Metal‐Ion Responsive and Fluorescent Anti‐Counterfeiting
Authors: Hu Yin‐Ping , Naeem Muhammad , Wang Jiao , Yao Hong , Zhang You‐Ming , Wei Tai‐Bao , Lin Qi
Published: September 2022

Stimuli‐responsive supramolecular hydrogels have established increasing attention for many applications, owing to the dynamic covalent bonds and dynamic combination chemistry involved in the construction of supramolecular hydrogels. We designate the fabrication of a new supramolecular hydrogel G2 based‐on benzimidazole in the presence of ethylene glycol/water with aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) property. The hydrogel demonstrates interesting switchable ON‐OFF fluorescence along with the Gel‐Sol transition. With the addition of Fe3+, the AIE of hydrogel G2 was quenched meanwhile the gel state was destroyed. G2 shows tunable stimuli‐responsive for Fe3+ and interesting optical sensing properties. This outstanding behavior endows the hydrogel G2 with the capability of being used as anti‐counterfeiting.
Neutral and Cationic Phenothiazine‐Based Porous Organic Polymers via a Simple and Cost‐Effective Method for Iodine Capture
Authors: Wang Zhitao , Huang Yanju , Li Hui , Li Xiu‐Mei
Published: September 2022

The phenothiazine‐based porous organic polymers (PTA‐POPs) were constructed through a facile and cost‐effective method. We used commercial phenothiazine as aromatic building units, formaldehyde dimethyl acetal (FDA) as a crosslinker under the catalysis of anhydrous FeCl3, which afford PTA‐POPs with high yield. The phenothiazine‐based porous organic polymers possessed good porosity, excellent thermal stability, and rich heteroatom sites in the skeleton. Cationic PTA‐POP (C‐PTA‐POP) was further synthesized via a simple process. Interestingly, the C‐PTA‐POP exhibited highly effective iodine vapor capture up to 3.69 g g−1, which is ranked the excellent performance among the reported POPs.
New Benzotrithiophene‐Based Hole‐Transporting Materials for Perovskite Solar Cells: Succinct Synthesis and PCE Improvement
Authors: Lin Li , Hsu Chia‐Chi , Lee Kun‐Mu , Lin Mei‐Yu , Peng Yi‐Kai , Liu Ching‐Yuan
Published: September 2022

We report a succinct synthesis of benzotrithiophene (BTT) core‐based new hole‐transporting materials (HTMs) with t‐butyl terminal substituents, using boron‐ and tin‐free threefold direct C−H/C−Br couplings as key transformations. One of the synthesized oligoaryls (YKP05) incorporating additional 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) moiety as π‐spacers displayed significantly improved power conversion efficiency of up to 15.1 % while fabricated in perovskite solar cells as hole‐transporting layer.
A Potentiometric Sensor for the Determination of Pb(II) Ions in Different Environmental Samples
Authors: Özbek Oguz , Gezegen Hayreddin , Cetin Alper , Isildak Ömer
Published: September 2022

In this study, a novel PVC‐based membrane containing (E)‐2‐(1‐(4‐(3‐(4‐chlorophenyl)ureido)phenyl)ethylidene)hydrazine carbothioamide (5) as an electroactive component (ionophore) along with potassium tetrakis (p‐chlorophenyl) borate (KTpClPB) and bis(2‐ethylhexyl)adipate (DEHA) in the ratio 4.0 : 32.0 : 1.0 : 63.0 (ionophore:PVC:KTpClPB:DEHA) (w/w) was used to develop a lead(II)‐selective potentiometric sensor. The sensor exhibited a Nernstian response over a wide concentration range from 1.0×10−5 to 1.0×10−1 mol L−1 with a slope of 28.0±2.0 mV/decade, and a detection limit of 1.65×10−6 mol L−1. It displayed very good selectivity towards Pb(II) ions over other cationic species. The lead(II)‐selective sensor showed a fast response time of 5 s, good repeatability, and it worked in the broad pH range of 5.0–11.0. The sensor could be used as an indicator electrode in the quantification of Pb(II) by potentiometric titration against ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). In addition, this sensor was applied for the direct determination of Pb(II) in different water samples including spring water, purification water, commercial water, waste water and in a waste battery sample.
Silver‐Catalyzed Regioselective Alkylation of Chromones with Carboxylic Acids
Authors: Xu Xiao‐Feng , Guo Lu , Liu Yuan‐Xin , He Xing‐Zi , Guo Yu , Zeng Yao‐Fu
Published: September 2022

Herein, we report a silver‐catalyzed regioselective alkylation of chromones with alkyl carboxylic acids under mild conditions. Various alkyl groups including tert‐butyl, cyclohexyl especially adamantyl could be successfully installed at C2 site of chromones in moderate to good yields. A gram‐scale experiment was conducted and a plausible mechanism was proposed.
Efficient Synthesis of Imines by Oxidative Coupling Catalyzed by Ce‐Mn Oxide Microspheres
Authors: Chutimasakul Threeraphat , Tirdtrakool Warinda , Na Nakhonpanom Pakamon , Kreethatorn Hemmarat , Jaruwatee Pattamaporn , Bunchuay Thanthapatra , Tantirungrotechai Jonggol
Published: September 2022

Oxidative self‐coupling of amines and cross‐coupling with alcohols are important reactions for the synthesis of imines; however, catalytic systems for these reactions usually require expensive oxidant, complicated catalyst preparation, complex reaction set‐up, and/or additives such as bases or cocatalysts. Here, we report that amorphous cerium‐manganese (Ce−Mn) oxides with hierarchical microsphere structure prepared by a facile method could exhibit excellent catalytic performance for the synthesis of various imines using air as the green oxidant under mild conditions. The Ce−Mn oxide heterogeneous catalysts could also be easily recovered and efficiently recycled without significant loss of activities. The excellent activities and the reusability of the Ce−Mn oxide microspheres offer potential advances in the synthesis of imine.
Multimodal Bubble Microrobot Near an Air–Water Interface
Authors: Wang Leilei , Chen Li , Zheng Xu , Yu Zexiong , Lv Wenchao , Sheng Minjia , Wang Lina , Nie Pengcheng , Li Hangyu , Guan Dongshi , Cui Haihang
Published: September 2022

The development of multifunctional and robust swimming microrobots working at the free air–liquid interface has encountered challenge as new manipulation strategies are needed to overcome the complicated interfacial restrictions. Here, flexible but reliable mechanisms are shown that achieve a remote‐control bubble microrobot with multiple working modes and high maneuverability by the assistance of a soft air–liquid interface. This bubble microrobot is developed from a hollow Janus microsphere (JM) regulated by a magnetic field, which can implement switchable working modes like pusher, gripper, anchor, and sweeper. The collapse of the microbubble and the accompanying directional jet flow play a key role for functioning in these working modes, which is analogous to a “bubble tentacle.” Using a simple gamepad, the orientation and the navigation of the bubble microrobot can be easily manipulated. In particular, a speed modulation method is found for the bubble microrobot, which uses vertical magnetic field to control the orientation of the JM and the direction of the bubble‐induced jet flow without changing the fuel concentration. The findings demonstrate a substantial advance of the bubble microrobot specifically working at the air–liquid interface and depict some nonintuitive mechanisms that can help develop more complicated microswimmers.
Effect of parameters on retention behavior of ovalbumin and immunoglobulin E in asymmetrical flow field‐flow fractionation
Authors: Liang Qihui , Li Yang , Zou Yue , Shu Lin , Han Nanyin , Yang Yi
Published: September 2022

Asymmetrical flow field‐flow fractionation is a rising useful technique to separate and characterize macromolecules. Elution behaviors of allergen protein ovalbumin and immunoglobulin E were studied here. Effects of flow rates, kinds of carrier solutions, and injection amounts were investigated in the desire to experiment and verify the effect of every factor and to validate asymmetrical flow field‐flow fractionation theory. Results suggested that cross‐flow is the most important factor among all the factors that have been studied. Too‐low focus flow (0.5 ml/min) and outflow (0.4 ml/min) are harmful for protein separation and characterization. Smaller size ovalbumin (with a monomer is 11.4 nm) is more prone to be influenced compared with the bigger analyte immunoglobulin E (with a monomer diameter is 32.1 nm) by flow rates. The adopted types of carrier fluids did not change the retention behavior of the two proteins. Still, protein aggregation and membrane adsorption should be paid more attention to under different carrier fluids.
Humeral unicondylar fractures in immature dogs treated using a bone screw and Kirschner wire
Authors: Butterworth Steven J.
Published: September 2022

Background

To investigate the incidence of implant‐related complications when humeral unicondylar fractures in immature dogs are stabilised with a transcondylar bone screw and epicondylar Kirschner wire (K‐wire)/pin.

Methods

Records of cases treated by the author in this clinic over a 10‐year period were screened for those involving humeral condylar fractures. These were then reduced to include those patients who were less than 7 months of age with unicondylar fractures and follow‐up radiographs.

Results

Thirty fractures in 29 dogs met the inclusion criteria. All of these had been stabilised with a transcondylar bone screw and epicondylar K‐wire. Fracture healing was documented in all dogs. Surgical site infection was not recorded. Implant‐related major complications were reported in four (13%) dogs and successfully treated by either implant removal or replacement. Short‐term outcome was judged as excellent in 23 out of 30 and good in seven out of 30 of these fractures.

Conclusion

The use of a transcondylar bone screw in combination with an epicondylar K‐wire is an appropriate fixation method for humeral unicondylar fractures seen in puppies less than 7 months of age.
APd2Zn3 (A=Ca, Sr, Eu) with a CaCu5 superstructure
Authors: Gerke Birgit , Niehaus Oliver , Block Theresa , Reimann Maximilian Kai , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: September 2022

The intermetallic phases APd2Zn3 (A=Ca, Sr, Eu) were synthesized from the elements in sealed niobium ampules in an induction furnace. The phase purity of the samples was checked by powder X‐ray diffraction (Guinier technique). The structures were refined from single crystal X‐ray diffractometer data: YNi2Al3 type (CaCu5 superstructure), P6/mmm, a=936.97(4), c=420.75(2) pm, wR2=0.0206, 259 F2 values, 17 variables for CaPd2Zn3, a=953.63(6), c=425.38(3) pm, wR2=0.0185, 230 F2 values, 17 variables for SrPd2Zn3 and a=948.20(7), c=423.20(3) pm, wR2=0.0209, 228 F2 values, 18 variables for EuPd2.12(1)Zn2.88(1). The europium‐based crystal showed a small homogeneity range through Pd/Zn mixing. The striking structural motifs of the APd2Zn3 phases are Kagome networks formed by the palladium and zinc atoms. The superstructure formation (discussed on the basis of a Bärnighausen tree) results from a different Pd/Zn coloring and a shift of one A position by c/2. The divalent character of europium in EuPd2Zn3 was substantiated by magnetic susceptibility and 151Eu Mössbauer spectroscopic measurements. EuPd2Zn3 orders ferrimagnetically at TC=17.5(5) K. The magnetization behavior at 3 K (two‐step magnetization) confirms the existence of two crystallographically independent europium sites. The 151Eu Mössbauer spectrum at 5 K shows full magnetic hyperfine field splitting (δ=−8.99(4) mm s−1 and BHf=27.7(1) T).
Learner Characteristics and Competencies
Authors: Yalçın Yasin
Published: September 2022

The advances in technology and the demand for open, distance, and digital education redefined the characteristics and competencies of learners in these learning environments. Although technology ownership and access to an Internet connection are growing worldwide, there is still a significant number of learners in need of a computer and Internet access to benefit from the advantages offered by new learning environments. As a result, the obstacles in technology ownership and access put a group of learners from a low socioeconomic status and minorities in a disadvantaged position and prevent them from engaging in learning experiences. Indirectly, these learners also struggle to develop digital competencies due to their limited access to technology-rich environments. This chapter elaborates on the characteristics of learners in open, distance, and digital education environments with respect to their technology ownership and access, presents a number of competency frameworks, and discusses how the competencies included in the frameworks apply to open, distance, and digital education. The chapter opens with the role of technology in new learning environments and how technology ownership and access vary among certain demographics as well as developed, developing, and underdeveloped countries. The introduction is followed by learner characteristics with respect to varying technology access and ownership among demographics and the implications of technology ownership and access for open, distance, and digital education. Finally, a number of competency frameworks were presented and discussed in regard to their contributions to the development of a competency set for learners in open, distance, and digital education environments.
Conversations on Indigenous Centric ODDE Design
Authors: Restoule Jean-Paul , Snow Kathy
Published: September 2022

In reviewing Indigenous approaches to open, distance, and digital education, the authors found that Indigenous people have been keen to adopt and adapt technologies for their own uses and purposes but are less successful in controlling and creating technologies that dominate the learning landscape. Given the scant literature available on this topic, using the methodologies of kitchen table talks, the authors dialogue their experiences working with Indigenous people and designs in open, distance, and online teaching and education. Through their storytelling, the authors elicit examples of experience in postsecondary education contexts in Canada including the use of talking circles, blended and inclusive learning, development of safe spaces and hubs, and challenges balancing home life and online learning. The importance of relationships, community connection, and validating self and identity in the learning experience were strong themes that emerged from the dialogue. Indigenous pedagogies and knowledges online is a relatively unexplored phenomenon and this initial foray into characteristics, successes, and challenges may be a starting point for future scholars to follow. By sharing highly contextualized narratives from Canada, we aim to increase the global dialogue around decolonizing ODDE and therefore end the chapter by examining our experience against ongoing international discussions.
Systematics of perturbatively flat flux vacua for CICYs
Authors: Carta Federico , Mininno Alessandro , Shukla Pramod
Published: September 2022

Abstract

In this paper, we extend the analysis of scanning the perturbatively flat flux vacua (PFFV) for the type IIB orientifold compactifications on the mirror of the projective complete intersection Calabi-Yau (pCICY) 3-folds, which are realized as hypersurfaces in the product of complex projective spaces. The main objective of this scan is to investigate the behaviour of PFFV depending on the nature of CY 3-folds in the light of the observations made in [1] where it has been found that K3-fibered CY 3-folds have significantly large number of physical vacua as compared to other geometries. For this purpose, we present the PFFV statistics for all the 36 pCICYs with h1,1 = 2 and classify them into two categories of being K3-fibered model and non K3-fibered model. We subsequently confirm that all the K3-fibered models have a significantly large number of PFFV leading to physical vacua by fixing the axio-dilaton by non-perturbative effects, while only a couple of non K3-fibered models have such physical vacua. For h1,1 = 2 case, we have found that there are five pCICY 3-folds with the suitable exchange symmetry leading to the so-called exponentially flat flux vacua (EFFV) which are protected against non-perturbative prepotential effects as well. By exploring the underlying exchange symmetries in the favorable CY 3-folds with h1,1 ≥ 3 in the dataset of 7820 pCICYs, we have found that there are only 13 spaces which can result in EFFV configurations, and therefore most of the CY 3-folds are a priory suitable for fixing the dilaton valley of the flat vacua using the non-perturbative prepotential contributions.
A Hexagonal Pattern in the Paraninfo at the Universidad de Alcalá
Authors: De-Miguel-Sanchez Manuel , Gonzalez Duque Carlos , Chías Navarro Pilar , Abad Balboa Tomas
Published: September 2022

In the sixteenth century, the assembly hall, or Paraninfo, at the recently inaugurated Universidad de Alcalá was known as the pieça del theatro. This study focuses on the layouts and proportions designed for this hall, which could be the key to understanding the whole project as a Renaissance theater that was singularly inspired by Roman models. Specifically, the hexagonal pattern of the coffered ceiling represents a genuine formal exploration in comparison with other wooden ceilings having similar geometric bases. All this led us to study this uncommon masterpiece as a proposal for a new model toward an intellectual and architectural recovery of the Antiquity, in the core of the Universidad, conceived for the representation of academic ceremonies and humanistic theater.
The influence of inter-hospital transfers on mortality in severely injured patients
Authors: Waalwijk Job F. , Lokerman Robin D. , van der Sluijs Rogier , Fiddelers Audrey A. A. , den Hartog Dennis , Leenen Luke P. H. , Poeze Martijn , van Heijl Mark ,   on behalf of the Pre-hospital Trauma Triage Research Collaborative (PTTRC)
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The importance of treating severely injured patients in higher-level trauma centers is undisputable. However, it is uncertain whether severely injured patients that were initially transported to a lower-level trauma center (i.e., undertriage) benefit from being transferred to a higher-level trauma center.

Methods

This observational study included all severely injured patients (i.e., Injury Severity Score ≥ 16) that were initially transported to a lower-level trauma center within eight ambulance regions. The exposure of interest was whether a patient was transferred to a higher-level trauma center. Primary outcomes were 24-h and 30-day mortality. Generalized linear models including inverse probability weights for several potential confounders were constructed to evaluate the association between transfer status and mortality.

Results

We included 165,404 trauma patients that were transported with high priority to a trauma center, of which 3932 patients were severely injured. 1065 (27.1%) patients were transported to a lower-level trauma center of which 322 (30.2%) were transferred to a higher-level trauma center. Transferring undertriaged patients to a higher-level trauma center was significantly associated with reduced 24-h (relative risk [RR] 0.26, 95%-CI 0.10–0.68) and 30-day mortality (RR 0.65, 0.46–0.92). Similar results were observed in patients with critical injuries (24-h: RR 0.35, 0.16–0.77; 30-day: RR 0.55, 0.37–0.80) and patients with traumatic brain injury (24-h: RR 0.31, 0.11–0.83; 30-day: RR 0.66, 0.46–0.96).

Conclusions

A minority of the undertriaged patients are transferred to a higher-level trauma center. An inter-hospital transfer appears to be safe and may improve the survival of severely injured patients initially transported to a lower-level trauma center.
Knot tying in arthroplasty and arthroscopy causes lesions to surgical gloves: a potential risk of infection
Authors: Enz Andreas , Klinder Annett , Bisping Lucas , Lutter Christoph , Warnke Philipp , Tischer Thomas , Mittelmeier Wolfram , Lenz Robert
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Recent studies have shown that the incidence of glove lesions during arthroscopy is much lower than that during primary and revision arthroplasty. However, the rate of glove damage after knot tying has not yet been systematically recorded. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the impact of surgical knot tying on glove integrity. It was hypothesized that knot tying increases the rate of glove damage, especially in arthroscopic surgery, which could be of special relevance in the treatment of rotator cuff tears.

Methods

Gloves that were changed immediately before suturing and only worn during knot tying were investigated for their integrity by means of water tightening test according to EN455. A total of 234 gloves from 40 total hip arthroplasties (THAs), 42 total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) and 36 rotator cuff repairs (RCRs) were collected. A bacterial pass-through test (BPTT) on glove lesions was performed under simulated sterile surgical conditions for 3 surgeons after a wear duration of 45 min.

Results

Glove damage by knot tying occurred in 25% of THA, 36.6% of TKA and 25% of RCR surgeries. In THA, the pulling hand (PH) was affected in 46.2%, and the main area of damage (15.4%) was detected on the tip of the middle finger; in TKAs the PH was damaged in 75%, and in RCRs the PH was affected in 66.7%, with most of the lesions (20% each) occurring on the tip of the index finger and the ring finger. The BPTT showed Staphylococcus hominis and Bacillus cereus.

Conclusion

Intraoperative knot tying causes damage to gloves, which is of special relevance for arthroscopic surgery. Whereas knot tying is only partly responsible for glove damage in arthroplasty, the general rate of glove damage in arthroscopic surgery is low without knot tying. The surgical knot tying process must be understood as a possible damaging impact on the glove. Therefore, single gloving is not recommended, which is especially important in arthroscopic surgery, where double gloving is not yet standard.

Level of Evidence

IV.
Does the experience of the first assistant affect organ injuries in laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign diseases?
Authors: Tsuzuki Yoko , Hirata Takumi , Tsuzuki Shinya , Wada Shinichiro , Tamakoshi Akiko
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study sought to explore whether the experience level of the first assistant surgeon influences perioperative organ injuries (ureteral, bladder, and intestinal injuries) in patients undergoing total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) for benign diseases. We defined an experienced surgeon as a surgeon certified by the Skill Qualification Committee of the Japan Society of Gynecologic and Obstetric Endoscopy and Minimally Invasive Therapy or a surgeon with equivalent surgical skills.

Methods

We reviewed our surgical registry database of TLH for benign indications between 2014 and 2020 and only selected cases performed by an experienced primary surgeon. Patients were divided into two groups based on the experience level of the first assistant. Inverse probability of treatment weighting by propensity score, which was adjusted for patient and procedure characteristics, was used to examine differences in perioperative organ injuries according to the experience level of the first assistant.

Results

Among 1682 patients who underwent TLH, 18 organ injuries were found (0.83%). In the propensity score inverse probability of treatment weighting models, less experience of the first assistant had no significant impact on the occurrence of perioperative organ injuries (p = 0.348).

Conclusion

In TLH for benign indications at our hospital, given an experienced primary surgeon, the inclusion of a less experienced first assistant does not negatively affect the occurrence of perioperative organ injuries.
Neutrophil extracellular traps facilitate cancer metastasis: cellular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies
Authors: Hu Wenxing , Lee Serene M. L. , Bazhin Alexandr V. , Guba Markus , Werner Jens , Nieß Hanno
Published: September 2022

Background

The formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) was initially discovered as a novel immune response against pathogens. Recent studies have also suggested that NETs play an important role in tumor progression. This review summarizes the cellular mechanisms by which NETs promote distant metastasis and discusses the possible clinical applications targeting NETs.

Method

The relevant literature from PubMed and Google Scholar (2001–2021) have been reviewed for this article.

Results

The presence of NETs has been detected in various primary tumors and metastatic sites. NET-associated interactions have been observed throughout the different stages of metastasis, including initial tumor cell detachment, intravasation and extravasation, the survival of circulating tumor cells, the settlement and the growth of metastatic tumor cells. Several in vitro and in vivo studies proved that inhibiting NET formation resulted in anti-cancer effects. The biosafety and efficacy of some NET inhibitors have also been demonstrated in early phase clinical trials.

Conclusions

Considering the role of NETs in tumor progression, NETs could be a promising diagnostic and therapeutic target for cancer management. However, current evidence is mostly derived from experimental models and as such more clinical studies are still needed to verify the clinical significance of NETs in oncological settings.
Pediatric endoscopic subcutaneous mastectomy (pesma) with liposuction in adolescents with gynecomastia
Authors: Varlet François , Esposito Ciro , Scalabre Aurelien , Lepore Benedetta , Vermersch Sophie , Escolino Maria
Published: September 2022

Background

Surgical techniques for treatment of gynecomastia are increasingly less invasive. We described technical standardization of pediatric endoscopic subcutaneous mastectomy (PESMA) with liposuction.

Methods

All adolescents with primary gynecomastia, operated using PESMA with liposuction over the period June 2014–July 2021, were included. The video recording of procedures was analyzed to standardize the operative technique. After patient installation, 3 trocars were placed on the mid-axillary line. The technique included 5 steps: (1) subcutaneous injection of lipolysis solution and liposuction; (2) creation of working space using an inflated balloon; (3) gland dissection using 5-mm sealing device; (4) specimen extraction through the largest trocar orifice; and (5) placement of suction drainage tube.

Results

Twenty-four male adolescents, operated for Simon’s grade 2B and 3 gynecomastia using PESMA with liposuction over the study period, were included. Mean patient age was 16 years (range 15–18). Gynecomastia was bilateral in 19/24 (79.2%) and unilateral in 5/24 (20.8%). One (4.1%) conversion to open was reported. The mean operative time was 87 min (range 98–160) for unilateral and 160 min (range 140–250) for bilateral procedure. The mean length of stay was 2.2 days (range 1–4). Patients wore a thoracic belt for 15 up to 30 days postoperatively. Post-operative complications occurred in 5/24 (20.8%): 2- or 3 mm second-degree burns in 4 (16.7%) and subcutaneous seroma in 1 (4.1%). All complications were Clavien 2 grade and did not require further treatment. Aesthetic outcomes were very good in 21/24 (87.5%). Three (12.5%) boys had persistent minimal breast asymmetry but did never perceive it negatively.

Conclusion

PESMA combined with liposuction was feasible and safe for surgical treatment of gynecomastia in this selected cohort of patients. Although challenging, this procedure provided good aesthetic results, with no scars on the anterior thoracic wall. Standardization of the operative technique was a key point for successful outcome.
Involvement of adult children in treatment decision-making for older patients with cancer — a qualitative study of perceptions and experiences of oncology surgeons and nurses
Authors: Dijkman Bea L. , Paans Wolter , Van der Wal-Huisman Hanneke , van Leeuwen Barbara L. , Luttik Marie Louise
Published: September 2022

Background

Many older patients with cancer have their family members, often their adult children, involved in a process of treatment decision-making. Despite the growing awareness that family members can facilitate a process of shared decision-making, strategies for involving family members are scarce. Furthermore, literature about shared decision-making pays little attention to family involvement or to the impact that family relations have on the decision process. The purpose of this study was to explore how surgeons and nurses perceive the involvement of adult children of older patients with cancer in treatment decision-making. Subsequently, it identified strategies to ensure family involvement in the decision-making process, used in clinical practice.

Methods

Qualitative open in-depth interviews were conducted with 13 surgeons and 13 nurses working in a university or general hospital. Qualitative content analysis was conducted according to the steps of thematic analysis.

Results

Both nurses and surgeons indicated that adult children’s involvement in decision-making about treatment increases when patients become frail. They mentioned several characteristics of adult children’s behaviour during the decision-making process. Most of these characteristics are beneficial, but they also can be challenging. The distinct nature of adult children’s involvement can help older patients with cancer reach better-informed treatment decisions. Health professionals reported six strategies to support positive family involvement in decision-making about treatment.

Conclusion

Adult children may facilitate a process of shared decision-making and help patients reach well-informed treatment decisions. Health professionals’ strategies deliberately support positive family involvement.
Similar collagen distribution in full-thickness skin grafts in intraperitoneal and onlay positions, an experimental mice-study
Authors: Winsnes A. , Ivarsson M.-L. , Falk P. , Gunnarsson U. , Strigård K.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Autologous full-thickness skin grafting (FTSG) has the potential to become an option in abdominal wall repair. An understanding of tissue remodelling in the extracellular matrix (ECM) is crucial as this interplay determines such parameters as tissue strength and flexibility. This cross-sectional preclinical laboratory study in mice provides information on the distribution of collagen types and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the ECM of FTSGs in the intraperitoneal and onlay positions compared with internal controls. The aim was to evaluate morphologic changes after tissue remodelling and repair in FTSGs applied in the two positions and to detect any adverse host response.

Methods

ECM components were evaluated as follows: qualitative examination of collagen bundle thickness using Picrosirius Red staining (collagen types I, III and IV); and evaluation of collagen types IV and V, as well as MMPs 1, 8 and 9 using immunohistochemical staining. Full-thickness grafts transplanted between female twin mice were examined as this best mimics autologous transplantation.

Results

At 8 weeks, FTSGs in the intraperitoneal position did not show any noticeable differences in morphologic appearance to those in the onlay position. Both intraperitoneal and onlay FTSGs showed increases in the amount of thick collagen bundles compared to internal controls. No correlation was seen between distribution of MMPs 1, 8 or 9 and distribution of collagen types I, III, IV or V.

Conclusion

This preclinical study shows that FTSGs in both intraperitoneal and onlay positions are possible application site options and, by extension, promising application site options for abdominal wall reinforcement in hernia surgery. Clinical studies in humans are required to confirm these findings.
Should they stay or should they go? Negative interest rate policies under review
Authors: Beckmann Joscha , Gern Klaus-Jürgen , Jannsen Nils
Published: September 2022

Negative interest rate policies (NIRP) have become an established monetary policy instrument in the toolkit of the ECB. We discuss NIRP in the euro area based on theoretical considerations and available empirical evidence. We find that NIRP had some positive impact on loan growth and investment in the euro area, but that the room to further loosen monetary policy via NIRP may be small. NIRP is discussed also in the context of the general monetary policy environment.
Loss of support assessment for precast portal frames with friction connections and masonry infills
Authors: Labò Simone , Eteme Minkada Marius , Marini Alessandra , Belleri Andrea
Published: September 2022

The loss of support of beam elements in Italian precast buildings is one of the main vulnerabilities recorded in past earthquakes. The reason for beam falling is due to the absence of adequate structural details in the beam-column joints, which were typically relying on friction for buildings located in regions previously classified as non-seismic prone. To guarantee the structural safety of the whole existing building stock, this collapse mechanism must be further investigated; in this regard, it could be interesting to evaluate the level of safety achieved by simple beam-column friction connections to allow, for instance, the prioritization of the retrofit interventions to guarantee a minimum level of safety in a wide range of structures. The paper investigates the influence of the parameters governing the beam-column relative displacements in the case of friction connections to establish criteria for evaluating the seismic loss of support probability in existing precast buildings. A simplified analytical model is introduced to describe single and double portal frames with and without the presence of stiff masonry infills. The influence of the epicentral distance on the results obtained is also preliminary addressed. Nonlinear time history analyses are carried out on a 2D finite element model to validate the effectiveness of the simplified model taking as reference a building that experienced the loss of support of a main beam during a past earthquake.