bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase Change and Heat Transfer Analysis of Different Refrigerants During Condensation in Minichannel Using a Novel Numerical Approach
Authors: Pramanick Sourav , Dey Prasenjit , Saha Sandip K.
Published: August 2022

This paper analyses the condensation heat transfer phenomena in minichannel using acetone, ammonia, propylene, and R134a as the working fluids used in new-age space applications. A novel numerical model is developed considering the changes in local vapor pressure in the channel established due to shrinking in the flow passage by the gradual formation of the liquid layer. The present developed numerical model is compared with the available numerical and experimental results. The impacts of different inlet mass fluxes (250, 500, and 750 kg/m2 s), channel heights (1, 4, 6, and 8 mm), applied heat loads (10, 100, 250, and 500 W), and channel orientations (0 deg, 30 deg, 45 deg, 60 deg, and 90 deg) on the performance of the condensation heat transfer process are investigated. The formation of the thin liquid film layers and evaluation of the liquid–vapor interface profiles are examined. The study reveals that the channel orientation has a marginal influence on the flow pattern for the considered channel length of 20 mm. The maximum change in pressure loss is found at the channel orientation of 45 deg, and the average heat transfer coefficient is almost the same for all the considered orientations. The flow pattern is affected by the increase in mass flux resulting in the delay of heat transfer coefficient fluctuations. The average heat transfer coefficient decreases with increasing heat load, and the minimum average heat transfer coefficient is obtained for heat load, Q = 500 W.
An Efficient Iso-Scallop Toolpath Planning Strategy Using Voxel-Based Computer Aided Design Model
Authors: Kukreja Aman , Pande S. S.
Published: August 2022

The primary objective of an efficient computer numerical control (CNC) finishing toolpath strategy is to reduce the machining time and maintain desired surface finish (scallop). Among traditional toolpath planning strategies, iso-scallop gives the shortest toolpath while achieving a uniform surface finish. However, it is computationally complex, time-consuming, and sometimes produces topological inconsistencies in regions of high curvature/gradient. This paper presents a novel voxel-based toolpath planning algorithm to address these issues for the three-axis milling of freeform surfaces. Two strategies have been proposed, namely, iso-scallop and hybrid iso-scallop. Gouge-free cutter location (CL) points are initially computed from the voxel-based model, followed by iso-scallop toolpath generation using a binary search algorithm. The hybrid strategy involves region segmentation to generate an adaptive toolpath in high curvature/gradients regions. The overlapping toolpath is stitched and refined to create an efficient iso-scallop-based tool path. The developed system was extensively tested for complex freeform surface parts and was found to be computationally efficient, robust, and accurate in generating a finishing toolpath.
A new presentation of electromagnetic relations in SI units
Authors: Golden Mitchell
Published: August 2022

In recent years, more courses in electromagnetism are using the “Système International” (SI) units as opposed to Gaussian-cgs. The confusing notation used to formulate SI with origins in the early 19th century still persists in instruction. This work shows that electromagnetism may be taught relatively painlessly in the units that virtually everyone uses by employing a new presentation that makes the equations nearly as simple as those in the Heaviside–Lorentz system commonly used by theoretical physicists. Introducing a new coupling constant κ and some new notation for the fields, it is possible to dispense with ϵ0 and μ0 and the conceptual framework from which they come. As a result, it is possible achieve much greater clarity, while using all the same symbols and relations as in the extant literature.
Quadriceps Muscle Action and Association With Knee Joint Biomechanics in Individuals with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Munsch Amanda E. , Evans-Pickett Alyssa , Davis-Wilson Hope , Pietrosimone Brian , Franz Jason R.
Published: August 2022

Insufficient quadriceps force production and altered knee joint biomechanics after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) may contribute to a heightened risk of osteoarthritis. Quadriceps muscle lengthening dynamics affect force production and knee joint loading; however, no study to our knowledge has quantified in vivo quadriceps dynamics during walking in individuals with ACLR or examined correlations with joint biomechanics. Our purpose was to quantify bilateral vastus lateralis (VL) fascicle length change and the association thereof with gait biomechanics during weight acceptance in individuals with ACLR. The authors hypothesized that ACLR limbs would exhibit more fascicle lengthening than contralateral limbs. The authors also hypothesized that ACLR limbs would exhibit positive correlations between VL fascicle lengthening and knee joint biomechanics during weight acceptance in walking. The authors quantified VL contractile dynamics via cine B-mode ultrasound imaging in 18 individuals with ACLR walking on an instrumented treadmill. In partial support of our hypothesis, ACLR limb VL fascicles activated without length change on average during weight acceptance while fascicle length on the contralateral limb decreased on average. The authors found a positive association between fascicle lengthening and increase in knee extensor moments in both limbs. Our results suggest that examining quadriceps muscle dynamics may elucidate underlying mechanisms relevant to osteoarthritis.
Effect of Exercise Intensity on Psychomotor Vigilance During an Incremental Endurance Exercise in Under-19 Soccer Players
Authors: González-Fernández Francisco Tomás , Latorre-Román Pedro Ángel , Parraga-Montilla Juan , Castillo-Rodriguez Alfonso , Clemente Filipe Manuel
Published: August 2022

The aim of this study was to analyze the acute effects of an incremental resistance test on psychomotor vigilance in 16 soccer players under-19 years old (age 16.42 ± 0.85 years). Borg 15-point subjective perception of effort scale, the psychomotor vigilance task test, and the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test were used. Four evaluation sessions were conducted with different intensities of efforts (30%–40%, 60%–75%, 80%–90%, and 100%) on different days (counterbalanced order). A repeated-measures analysis of variance was performed in the reaction time of the psychomotor vigilance task. The results showed that participants responded faster during efforts between 80% and 90% of maximal oxygen uptake (501.20 ± 70.77 ms). From that threshold, the players decreased their performance through a longer reaction time (601.23 ± 85.05 ms; p value < .001). The main findings were that the reaction time performance was worse at the lowest and highest effort conditions (5 and 17 km/hr, respectively). This fact helps to focus on the importance of designing and proposing training tasks with medium–high efforts to provoke optimal reaction times in young soccer players.
Ground penetrating radar observations of subsurface structures in the floor of Jezero crater, Mars
Authors: Hamran Svein-Erik , Paige David A. , Allwood Abigail , Amundsen Hans E. F. , Berger Tor , Brovoll Sverre , Carter Lynn , Casademont Titus M. , Damsgård Leif , Dypvik Henning , Eide Sigurd , Fairén Alberto G. , Ghent Rebecca , Kohler Jack , Mellon Michael T. , Nunes Daniel C. , Plettemeier Dirk , Russell Patrick , Siegler Matt , Øyan Mats Jørgen
Published: August 2022

The Radar Imager for Mars Subsurface Experiment instrument has conducted the first rover-mounted ground-penetrating radar survey of the Martian subsurface. A continuous radar image acquired over the Perseverance rover’s initial ~3-kilometer traverse reveals electromagnetic properties and bedrock stratigraphy of the Jezero crater floor to depths of ~15 meters below the surface. The radar image reveals the presence of ubiquitous strongly reflecting layered sequences that dip downward at angles of up to 15 degrees from horizontal in directions normal to the curvilinear boundary of and away from the exposed section of the Séitah formation. The observed slopes, thicknesses, and internal morphology of the inclined stratigraphic sections can be interpreted either as magmatic layering formed in a differentiated igneous body or as sedimentary layering commonly formed in aqueous environments on Earth. The discovery of buried structures on the Jezero crater floor is potentially compatible with a history of igneous activity and a history of multiple aqueous episodes.
Growth rules for irregular architected materials with programmable properties
Authors: Liu Ke , Sun Rachel , Daraio Chiara
Published: August 2022

Biomaterials display microstructures that are geometrically irregular and functionally efficient. Understanding the role of irregularity in determining material properties offers a new path to engineer materials with superior functionalities, such as imperfection insensitivity, enhanced impact absorption, and stress redirection. We uncover fundamental, probabilistic structure–property relationships using a growth-inspired program that evokes the formation of stochastic architectures in natural systems. This virtual growth program imposes a set of local rules on a limited number of basic elements. It generates materials that exhibit a large variation in functional properties starting from very limited initial resources, which echoes the diversity of biological systems. We identify basic rules to control mechanical properties by independently varying the microstructure’s topology and geometry in a general, graph-based representation of irregular materials.
Aqueously altered igneous rocks sampled on the floor of Jezero crater, Mars
Authors: Farley K. A. , Stack K. M. , Shuster D. L. , Horgan B. H. N. , Hurowitz J. A. , Tarnas J. D. , Simon J. I. , Sun V. Z. , Scheller E. L. , Moore K. R. , McLennan S. M. , Vasconcelos P. M. , Wiens R. C. , Treiman A. H. , Mayhew L. E. , Beyssac O. , Kizovski T. V. , Tosca N. J. , Williford K. H. , Crumpler L. S. , Beegle L. W. , Bell J. F. , Ehlmann B. L. , Liu Y. , Maki J. N. , Schmidt M. E. , Allwood A. C. , Amundsen H. E. F. , Bhartia R. , Bosak T. , Brown A. J. , Clark B. C. , Cousin A. , Forni O. , Gabriel T. S. J. , Goreva Y. , Gupta S. , Hamran S.-E. , Herd C. D. K. , Hickman-Lewis K. , Johnson J. R. , Kah L. C. , Kelemen P. B. , Kinch K. B. , Mandon L. , Mangold N. , Quantin-Nataf C. , Rice M. S. , Russell P. S. , Sharma S. , Siljeström S. , Steele A. , Sullivan R. , Wadhwa M. , Weiss B. P. , Williams A. J. , Wogsland B. V. , Willis P. A. , Acosta-Maeda T. A. , Beck P. , Benzerara K. , Bernard S. , Burton A. S. , Cardarelli E. L. , Chide B. , Clavé E. , Cloutis E. A. , Cohen B. A. , Czaja A. D. , Debaille V. , Dehouck E. , Fairén A. G. , Flannery D. T. , Fleron S. Z. , Fouchet T. , Frydenvang J. , Garczynski B. J. , Gibbons E. F. , Hausrath E. M. , Hayes A. G. , Henneke J. , Jørgensen J. L. , Kelly E. M. , Lasue J. , Le Mouélic S. , Madariaga J. M. , Maurice S. , Merusi M. , Meslin P.-Y. , Milkovich S. M. , Million C. C. , Moeller R. C. , Núñez J. I. , Ollila A. M. , Paar G. , Paige D. A. , Pedersen D. A. K. , Pilleri P. , Pilorget C. , Pinet P. C. , Rice J. W. , Royer C. , Sautter V. , Schulte M. , Sephton M. A. , Sharma S. K. , Sholes S. F. , Spanovich N. , St. Clair M. , Tate C. D. , Uckert K. , VanBommel S. J. , Yanchilina A. G. , Zorzano M.-P.
Published: August 2022

The Perseverance rover landed in Jezero crater, Mars, to investigate ancient lake and river deposits. We report observations of the crater floor, below the crater’s sedimentary delta, finding that the floor consists of igneous rocks altered by water. The lowest exposed unit, informally named Séítah, is a coarsely crystalline olivine-rich rock, which accumulated at the base of a magma body. Magnesium-iron carbonates along grain boundaries indicate reactions with carbon dioxide–rich water under water-poor conditions. Overlying Séítah is a unit informally named Máaz, which we interpret as lava flows or the chemical complement to Séítah in a layered igneous body. Voids in these rocks contain sulfates and perchlorates, likely introduced by later near-surface brine evaporation. Core samples of these rocks have been stored aboard Perseverance for potential return to Earth.
Resonant metasurfaces for generating complex quantum states
Authors: Santiago-Cruz Tomás , Gennaro Sylvain D. , Mitrofanov Oleg , Addamane Sadhvikas , Reno John , Brener Igal , Chekhova Maria V.
Published: August 2022

Quantum state engineering, the cornerstone of quantum photonic technologies, mainly relies on spontaneous parametric downconversion and four-wave mixing, where one or two pump photons spontaneously decay into a photon pair. Both of these nonlinear effects require momentum conservation for the participating photons, which strongly limits the versatility of the resulting quantum states. Nonlinear metasurfaces have subwavelength thickness and allow the relaxation of this constraint; when combined with resonances, they greatly expand the possibilities of quantum state engineering. Here, we generated entangled photons via spontaneous parametric downconversion in semiconductor metasurfaces with high–quality factor, quasi-bound state in the continuum resonances. By enhancing the quantum vacuum field, our metasurfaces boost the emission of nondegenerate entangled photons within multiple narrow resonance bands and over a wide spectral range. A single resonance or several resonances in the same sample, pumped at multiple wavelengths, can generate multifrequency quantum states, including cluster states. These features reveal metasurfaces as versatile sources of complex states for quantum information.
Absorbing light using time-reversed lasers
Authors: Bertolotti Jacopo
Published: August 2022

Laser cavities can be reverse engineered to create an efficient light trap
When utility providers fall short
California Burning
Katherine Blunt
Portfolio, 2022. 368 pp.
Authors: Bakke Gretchen
Published: August 2022

Pacific Gas and Electric’s abysmal track record highlights the company’s failings and our own
Craspase is a CRISPR RNA-guided, RNA-activated protease
Authors: Hu Chunyi , van Beljouw Sam P. B. , Nam Ki Hyun , Schuler Gabriel , Ding Fran , Cui Yanru , Rodríguez-Molina Alicia , Haagsma Anna C. , Valk Menno , Pabst Martin , Brouns Stan J. J. , Ke Ailong
Published: August 2022

The CRISPR-Cas type III-E RNA-targeting effector complex gRAMP/Cas7-11 is associated with a caspase-like protein (TPR-CHAT/Csx29) to form Craspase (CRISPR-guided caspase). Here, we use cryo–electron microscopy snapshots of Craspase to explain its target RNA cleavage and protease activation mechanisms. Target-guide pairing extending into the 5′ region of the guide RNA displaces a gating loop in gRAMP, which triggers an extensive conformational relay that allosterically aligns the protease catalytic dyad and opens an amino acid side-chain–binding pocket. We further define Csx30 as the endogenous protein substrate that is site-specifically proteolyzed by RNA-activated Craspase. This protease activity is switched off by target RNA cleavage by gRAMP and is not activated by RNA targets containing a matching protospacer flanking sequence. We thus conclude that Craspase is a target RNA–activated protease with self-regulatory capacity.
Ancient DNA from the Near East probes a cradle of civilization
Authors: Curry Andrew
Published: August 2022

Studies seek clues to origins of farming, early languages
Many-eyed scope will make movies of the stars
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: August 2022

Argus Array will combine hundreds of off-the-shelf telescopes to capture fleeting events
Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling and Probability of Target Attainment of Ceftaroline in Brain and Soft Tissues
Authors: Helfer Victória Etges , Zavascki Alexandre Prehn , Zeitlinger Markus , de Araújo Bibiana Verlindo , Dalla Costa Teresa
Published: August 2022

Ceftaroline, approved to treat skin infections and pneumonia due to methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA), has been considered for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) infections. A population pharmacokinetic (popPK) model was developed to describe ceftaroline soft tissue and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) distributions and investigate the probability of target attainment (PTA) of the percentage of the dosing interval that the unbound drug concentration exceeded the MIC (%
fT
>MIC
) to treat MRSA infections.
In Vitro
Activity of Sulbactam-Durlobactam against Global Isolates of
Acinetobacter baumannii
-
calcoaceticus
Complex Collected from 2016 to 2021
Authors: Karlowsky James A. , Hackel Meredith A. , McLeod Sarah M. , Miller Alita A.
Published: August 2022

Sulbactam-durlobactam is a β-lactam-β-lactamase inhibitor combination designed to treat serious
Acinetobacter baumannii
-calcoaceticus
complex (ABC) infections, including carbapenem-non-susceptible and multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates. The current study characterized the
in vitro
activity of sulbactam-durlobactam against a collection of 5,032 ABC clinical isolates collected in 33 countries across the Asia/South Pacific region, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and North America from 2016 to 2021.
Population Pharmacokinetic Meta-Analysis and Dosing Recommendation for Meropenem in Critically Ill Patients Receiving Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
Authors: Peng Yaru , Cheng Zeneng , Xie Feifan
Published: August 2022

The optimal dosing regimen for meropenem in critically ill patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) remains undefined due to small studied sample sizes and uninformative pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamic (PD) analyses in reported studies. The present study aimed to perform a population PK/PD meta-analysis of meropenem using available literature data to suggest the optimal treatment regimen.
Climate-Endangered Arctic Epishelf Lake Harbors Viral Assemblages with Distinct Genetic Repertoires
Authors: Labbé Myriam , Thaler Mary , Pitot Thomas M. , Rapp Josephine Z. , Vincent Warwick F. , Culley Alexander I.
Published: August 2022

Viruses are key to understanding polar aquatic ecosystems, which are dominated by microorganisms. However, studies of viral communities are challenging to interpret because the vast majority of viruses are known only from sequence fragments, and their taxonomy, hosts, and genetic repertoires are unknown.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Listeria monocytogenes Strains Isolated from Raccoon Feces in Japan
Authors: Yamamoto Shiori , Hasegawa Megumi , Iwabuchi Eriko , Asakura Hiroshi
Published: August 2022

Listeria monocytogenes
serotype 4b strains RF01 and RF06 were isolated from raccoon feces in Japan. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of the two isolated strains; the genome sizes were 2,918,024 and 2,872,491 bp, with 535× and 510× coverage, for the RF01 and RF06 strains, respectively.
Genome Sequence of a Cluster DN1 Gordonia terrae Phage, Periwinkle
Authors: Boudreaux Emma M. , Childs Sophie B. , Dichiara Abigail , Hardy Amy , Kovacs Sam , Kueck Alison F. , Landesbergen Parker M. , Neely Melody , Molloy Sally
Published: August 2022

Periwinkle is a temperate bacteriophage that was isolated on the host
Gordonia terrae
3612. The genome has a length of 55,657 bp and a GC content of 62.9% and contains 109 protein-coding genes and no tRNA genes. An 8-kb region after the structural protein genes encodes eight membrane proteins, a tyrosine integrase, and an immunity repressor.
Sertoli-Leydig cell ovarian tumour: a rare cause of virilisation and androgenic alopecia
Authors: Mudraje Sriram , Shetty Sahana , Guruvare Shyamala , Kudva Ranjini
Published: August 2022

Sertoli-Leydig cell tumours (SLCTs) represent a rare cause of hyperandrogenic state. SLCTs are sex cord ovarian neoplasms, accounting for <0.2% of all ovarian tumours. Most of the sex cord-stromal tumours have a benign clinical course, with 10%–20% of them at risk of aggressive course. We report a case of a woman in her 30s who presented with androgenic alopecia, virilisation and secondary amenorrhoea. The evaluation revealed an extremely high testosterone level. Imaging for the localisation of source of excess testosterone with contrast-enhanced CT of the abdomen revealed a right ovarian mass. Hence, a diagnosis of testosterone-secreting ovarian tumour was considered. The patient underwent right salphingo-oophorectomy, and histopathology was reported as Sertoli cell tumour. Postoperatively, there was normalisation of serum testosterone levels with decrease in virilisation and resumption of spontaneous menstrual cycles. The patient conceived spontaneously after 2 months of surgery.
Ruptured aneurysm of the artery of Adamkiewicz as a rare cause of spinal cord injury
Authors: Hiett Andrew , Gaughan Zachary , Polston Keith , Clark Megan
Published: August 2022

This case report describes a patient who presented with low back pain, headache and urinary retention. He developed altered mental status with right lower extremity hemiparesis. He was subsequently found to have subarachnoid haemorrhage and was ultimately diagnosed with a ruptured aneurysm of the artery of Adamkiewicz. At 11-week follow-up, he had made a significant recovery and was functioning at a modified independent level. This case report explores previous cases of ruptured artery of Adamkiewicz aneurysms as a rare cause of spinal cord injury, and discusses management and recovery for these injuries.
Response to acute monotherapy for major depressive disorder in randomized, placebo controlled trials submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration: individual participant data analysis
Authors: Stone Marc B , Yaseen Zimri S , Miller Brian J , Richardville Kyle , Kalaria Shamir N , Kirsch Irving
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To characterize individual participant level response distributions to acute monotherapy for major depressive disorder in randomized, placebo controlled trials submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration from 1979 to 2016.

Design

Individual participant data analysis.

Population

232 randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trials of drug monotherapy for major depressive disorder submitted by drug developers to the FDA between 1979 and 2016, comprising 73 388 adult and child participants meeting the inclusion criteria for efficacy studies on antidepressants.

Main outcome measures

Responses were converted to Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD17) equivalent scores where other measures were used to assess efficacy. Multivariable analyses examined the effects of age, sex, baseline severity, and year of the study on improvements in depressive symptoms in the antidepressant and placebo groups. Response distributions were analyzed with finite mixture models.

Results

The random effects mean difference between drug and placebo favored drug (1.75 points, 95% confidence interval 1.63 to 1.86). Differences between drug and placebo increased significantly (P<0.001) with greater baseline severity. After controlling for participant characteristics at baseline, no trends in treatment effect or placebo response over time were found. The best fitting model of response distributions was three normal distributions, with mean improvements from baseline to end of treatment of 16.0, 8.9, and 1.7 points. These distributions were designated Large, Non-specific, and Minimal responses, respectively. Participants who were treated with a drug were more likely to have a Large response (24.5%v9.6%) and less likely to have a Minimal response (12.2.%v21.5%).

Conclusions

The trimodal response distributions suggests that about 15% of participants have a substantial antidepressant effect beyond a placebo effect in clinical trials, highlighting the need for predictors of meaningful responses specific to drug treatment.
Risk of covid-19 related deaths for SARS-CoV-2 omicron (B.1.1.529) compared with delta (B.1.617.2): retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ward Isobel L , Bermingham Charlotte , Ayoubkhani Daniel , Gethings Owen J , Pouwels Koen B , Yates Thomas , Khunti Kamlesh , Hippisley-Cox Julia , Banerjee Amitava , Walker Ann Sarah , Nafilyan Vahé
Published: August 2022

Objective

To assess the risk of covid-19 death after infection with omicron BA.1 compared with delta (B.1.617.2).

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

England, United Kingdom, from 1 December 2021 to 30 December 2021.

Participants

1 035 149 people aged 18-100 years who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 under the national surveillance programme and had an infection identified as omicron BA.1 or delta compatible.

Main outcome measures

The main outcome measure was covid-19 death as identified from death certification records. The exposure of interest was the SARS-CoV-2 variant identified from NHS Test and Trace PCR positive tests taken in the community (pillar 2) and analysed by Lighthouse laboratories. Cause specific Cox proportional hazard regression models (censoring non-covid-19 deaths) were adjusted for sex, age, vaccination status, previous infection, calendar time, ethnicity, index of multiple deprivation rank, household deprivation, university degree, keyworker status, country of birth, main language, region, disability, and comorbidities. Interactions between variant and sex, age, vaccination status, and comorbidities were also investigated.

Results

The risk of covid-19 death was 66% lower (95% confidence interval 54% to 75%) for omicron BA.1 compared with delta after adjusting for a wide range of potential confounders. The reduction in the risk of covid-19 death for omicron compared with delta was more pronounced in people aged 18-59 years (number of deaths: delta=46, omicron=11; hazard ratio 0.14, 95% confidence interval 0.07 to 0.27) than in those aged ≥70 years (number of deaths: delta=113, omicron=135; hazard ratio 0.44, 95% confidence interval 0.32 to 0.61, P<0.0001). No evidence of a difference in risk was found between variant and number of comorbidities.

Conclusions

The results support earlier studies showing a reduction in severity of infection with omicron BA.1 compared with delta in terms of hospital admission. This study extends the research to also show a reduction in the risk of covid-19 death for the omicron variant compared with the delta variant.
Effect of thiamine supplementation on glycaemic outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Muley Arti , Fernandez Ritin , Green Heidi , Muley Prasad
Published: August 2022

Background

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have been shown to have thiamine deficiency. Dietary supplementation is an economic strategy to control blood glucose. Objective: To evaluate effectiveness of thiamine supplementation on glycaemic outcomes in patients with T2DM.

Methods

Eligibility criteria: Studies that assessed effect of thiamine supplementation in adults with T2DM which measured glycaemic outcomes—HbA1c, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and/or postprandial blood glucose (PPG) were included. Information sources: PUBMED, Tripdatabase, the Cochrane Central Register, National Institute of Health Clinical Database and Google Scholar were searched until December 2021 for RCTs. Risk of bias: It was assessed using standardised critical appraisal instruments from the Joanna Briggs Institute for RCTs. Synthesis of results: Where possible, studies were pooled in a meta-analysis. Results were presented in a narrative format if statistical pooling was not possible.

Results

Included studies: Six trials involving 364 participants. Synthesis of results: No significant beneficial effects were observed on glycaemic outcomes with 100–900 mg/day of thiamine or benfotiamine for up to 3 months (HbA1c: MD, −0.02%, 95% CI: −0.35 to 0.31; FBG: MD,−0.20 mmol/L; 95% CI: −0.69 to 0.29; PPG: MD, – 0.20 mmol/L, 95% CI: −2.05 to 1.65 (mean difference, MD)). There was a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (MD, 0.10; 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.20) at 3-month follow-up. Benfotiamine reduced triglyceride level (MD, −1.10; 95% CI: −1.90 to –0.30) in 120 mg/day dose as compared with placebo 150 mg/day, however this was not demonstrated in higher doses.

Discussion

Limitations of evidence: Inclusion of single-centre trials published only in English, small sample sizes of included studies, lack of trials investigating outcomes for same comparisons and varying follow-up periods. Interpretation: Thiamine supplementation does not affect glycaemic outcomes, however reduces triglycerides while increasing HDL. Multicentre well-designed RCT with higher doses of thiamine and a follow-up period of 1–2 years will provide better evidence.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020170520.
Effect of hand versus electronic signatures on response rates in postal surveys: a randomised controlled trial among emergency physicians in Canada
Authors: Patel Dilan , Taljaard Monica , Yadav Krishan , Hickey Michael , Perry Jeffrey J
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Hand signatures offer a more authentic personalisation, which carries over to a sense of trust, although are costly and time-consuming when considering large postal surveys. The objective of this study was to compare response rates when using either hand-signed or electronic-signed letters in a postal survey.

Design and setting

We embedded this randomised controlled trial within a national cross-sectional postal survey of emergency physicians in Canada. The survey aimed to describe current practice patterns with respect to primary headache disorders.

Participants

We randomly sampled 500 emergency physicians listed in the Scott’s Canadian Medical Directory, 2019 edition.

Interventions

Using computer-generated random numbers, physicians were allocated to receiving either hand-signed (n=250) or electronic signed (n=250) letters. The initial mailout contained a US$5 Tim Hortons coffee card with the invitation letter. Four reminders were sent to non-responders every 3 weeks. The same type of signature was used for the initial invitation and subsequent reminders.

Outcome

The primary outcome was the survey response rate.

Results

Among 500 physicians invited, 32 invitations were undeliverable. Among the remaining 468 physicians, 231 had been allocated to the hand-signed group and 237 to the electronic signed group. The response rate in the hand-signed group was 87 (37.7%) vs 97 (40.9%) in the electronic-signed group (absolute difference in proportions −3.3%, 95% CI −12.1% to 5.6%).

Conclusion

There was no significant difference in physician response rate between hand-signed and e-signed cover letter and reminder letters. Electronic signatures should be used in future postal surveys among physicians to save on time and labour without impacting response rates.
‘We are data rich but information poor’: how do patient-reported measures stimulate patient involvement in quality improvement interventions in Swedish hospital departments?
Authors: Bergerum Carolina , Petersson Christina , Thor Johan , Wolmesjö Maria
Published: August 2022

Objective

This study aimed to investigate if and how patient-reported measures from national and local monitoring stimulate patient involvement in hospital quality improvement (QI) interventions. We were also interested in the factors that influence the level and degree of patient involvement in the QI interventions.

Methods

The study used a qualitative, descriptive design. Inspired by the Framework Method, we created a working analytical framework. Four hospital departments participated in the data collection. Collaborating with a QI leader from each department, we identified the monitoring systems for the patient-reported measures that were used to initiate or evaluate QI interventions. Thereafter, the level and degree of patient involvement and the factors that influenced this involvement were analysed for all QI interventions. Data were mapped in an Excel spreadsheet to analyse connections and differences.

Results

Departments used patient-reported measures from both national and local monitoring systems to initiate or evaluate their QI interventions. Thirty-one QI interventions were identified and analysed. These interventions were mainly conducted at the direct care and organisational levels. By participating in questionnaires, patients were involved to the degree of consultation. Patients were not involved to the degree of partnership and shared leadership for the identified QI interventions.

Conclusions

Overall, hospital departments have limited knowledge regarding patient-reported measures and how they are best applied in QI interventions and how they support improvements. Applying patient-reported measures to hospital QI interventions does not enhance patient involvement beyond the degree of consultation.
Is healthcare a team sport? Widening our lens on interprofessional collaboration and education in sport and exercise medicine
Authors: Ulrich Gert , Carrard Justin , Nigg Claudio R , Erlacher Daniel , Breitbach Anthony Paul
Published: August 2022

Effective interprofessional collaboration (IPC) has great potential to improve healthcare delivery. Therefore, students and trainees in healthcare professions should be prepared for a collaborative workforce through interprofessional education (IPE) settings. However, IPC and IPE are rarely addressed in sport and exercise medicine (SEM), although the field significantly impacts the healthcare system. Hence, we conducted a webinar to promote IPC and IPE in the Swiss SEM community. The lessons resulting from the webinar were: (1) professions involved in SEM should have opportunities to learn, with, from and about other professions in healthcare to achieve mutual respect and understanding; (2) IPC and IPE in SEM may raise awareness, value and recognition of the contributions by exercise scientists in healthcare; (3) IPC and IPE may consider collaborating with a variety of professions not traditionally integrated into healthcare but involved in broader public health and physical activity promotion. In summary, sports and exercise professions should embrace interprofessional approaches to better realise their contribution to healthcare and public health.
Phase II study of durvalumab (anti-PD-L1) and trametinib (MEKi) in microsatellite stable (MSS) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC)
Authors: Johnson Benny , Haymaker Cara L , Parra Edwin R , Soto Luisa Maren Solis , Wang Xuemei , Thomas Jane V , Dasari Arvind , Morris Van K , Raghav Kanwal , Vilar Eduardo , Kee Bryan K , Eng Cathy , Parseghian Christine M , Wolff Robert A , Lee Younghee , Lorenzini Daniele , Laberiano-Fernandez Caddie , Verma Anuj , Lang Wenhua , Wistuba Ignacio I , Futreal Andrew , Kopetz Scott , Overman Michael J
Published: August 2022

Background

Monotherapy with immune checkpoint blockade is ineffective for patients (pts) with microsatellite stable (MSS) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). This study investigates whether the combination of trametinib (T) with durvalumab (D) can alter the immune tumor microenvironment (TME) by successfully priming and activating T-cells.

Methods

Open-label, single-center, phase II trial with primary endpoint of immune-related response rate for combination of T+D in refractory MSS mCRC pts (NCT03428126). T is 2 mg/day orally starting 1 week prior to D, which is given 1500 mg intravenously every 4 weeks. Simon 2-stage design used to enroll 29 pts into first stage, requiring a response in two or more pts to proceed to stage 2. Tumor biopsies were collected at baseline (BL) and early on-treatment (OT) at week 4.

Results

Twenty nine treated pts include 48% females, median age 48 years (range 28–75), and median prior therapies 2 (range 1–5). No grade (G) 4 or 5 treatment-related adverse events (TRAE). The most common TRAE of any grade was acneiform rash, 17% being G3. One of 29 pts had confirmed partial response (PR) lasting 9.3 months (mo) for an overall response rate of 3.4%. Seven pts had stable disease (SD) and five pts (1 PR, 4 SD) demonstrated decrease in total carcinoembryonic antigen ng/mL (best percentage reduction: 94%, 95%, 42%, 34%, and 22%, respectively). Median progression-free survival was 3.2 mo (range 1.1–9.3 months). Three pts with both liver and lung metastases demonstrated discrepant responses in which clinical benefit was present in the lung metastases but not liver metastases. Comparison of BL and 4-week OT tumor tissue flow cytometry demonstrated no changes in T-cell infiltration but upregulation expression of PD-1 and Tim3 on CD8 T cells. However, expression of PD-1 and Tim3 as single markers and as coexpressed markers was observed to increase OT relative to BL (p=0.03, p=0.06 and p=0.06, respectively).

Conclusions

T+D demonstrated acceptable tolerability in pts with refractory MSS mCRC. The response rate in the first stage of the study did not meet efficacy criteria to proceed to the second stage. Specific site of metastatic disease may impact outcomes in novel immunotherapy combination trials.

Trial registration number

NCT03428126.
Multicenter investigation of technical and clinical outcomes after thrombectomy for distal vessel occlusion by frontline technique
Authors: Alawieh Ali M , Chalhoub Reda M , Al Kasab Sami , Jabbour Pascal , Psychogios Marios-Nikos , Starke Robert M , Arthur Adam S , Fargen Kyle M , De Leacy Reade , Kan Peter , Dumont Travis M , Rai Ansaar , Crosa Roberto Javier , Maier Ilko , Goyal Nitin , Wolfe Stacey Q , Cawley C Michael , Mocco J , Tjoumakaris Stavropoula I , Howard Brian M , Dimisko Laurie , Saad Hassan , Ogilvy Christopher S , Crowley R Webster , Mascitelli Justin R , Fragata Isabel , Levitt Michael R , Kim Joon-tae , Park Min S , Gory Benjamin , Polifka Adam J , Matouk Charles , Grossberg Jonathan A , Spiotta Alejandro M
Published: August 2022

Background

Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is the standard-of-care for proximal large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke. Data on technical and clinical outcomes in distal vessel occlusions (DVOs) remain limited.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of patients undergoing EVT for stroke at 32 international centers. Patients were divided into LVOs (internal carotid artery/M1/vertebrobasilar), medium vessel occlusions (M2/A1/P1) and isolated DVOs (M3/M4/A2/A3/P2/P3) and categorized by thrombectomy technique. Primary outcome was a good functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale ≤2) at 90 days. Secondary outcomes included recanalization, procedure-time, thrombectomy attempts, hemorrhage, and mortality. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to evaluate the impact of technical variables. Propensity score matching was used to compare outcome in patients with DVO treated with aspiration versus stent retriever

Results

We included 7477 patients including 213 DVOs. Distal location did not independently predict good functional outcome at 90 days compared with proximal (p=0.467). In distal occlusions, successful recanalization was an independent predictor of good outcome (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 5.11, p<0.05) irrespective of technique. Younger age, bridging therapy, and lower admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) were also predictors of good outcome. Procedure time ≤1 hour or ≤3 thrombectomy attempts were independent predictors of good outcomes in DVOs irrespective of technique (aOR 4.5 and 2.3, respectively, p<0.05). There were no differences in outcomes in a DVO matched cohort of aspiration versus stent retriever. Rates of hemorrhage and good outcome showed an exponential relationship to procedural metrics, and were more dependent on time in the aspiration group and attempts in the stent retriever group.

Conclusions

Outcomes following EVT for DVO are comparable to LVO with similar results between techniques. Techniques may exhibit different futility metrics; stent retriever thrombectomy was influenced by attempts whereas aspiration was more dependent on procedure time.
Knowledge and attitude regarding organ donation among medical students in Hong Kong: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chu Steven Tsun-Wai , Chung Phoebe Pui Wun , Hui Yau Long , Choi Hing Chung , Lam Hiu Wai , Sin Ling Ling , Law Chui Shan , Yan Nga Ying , Choi Ka Yung , Wan Eric Yuk Fai
Published: August 2022

Objectives

The rate of organ donation in Hong Kong is among the lowest in developed regions. Since medical students will play an important role in counselling patients for organ donation and identifying potential donors in the future, their knowledge, attitudes and action for organ donation are important. This study aims to understand knowledge, attitudes and actions with regard to organ donation among medical students and investigate the factors determining the knowledge and attitudes.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting and participants

Medical students in Hong Kong were invited to complete a questionnaire. 377 medical students participated in the study.

Methods

The questionnaire assessed their attitudes, knowledge, action of organ donation, belief and perception on organ donation, and other factors. Linear regression analyses and logistic regression were performed to analyse the effect of the variables on knowledge, attitudes and action for organ donation.

Results

Almost all medical students (99.5%) held a positive attitude towards organ donation, but only 28.1% have signed up as organ donors. Determinants of knowledge of organ donation included belief in preservation of intact body after death (β = –0.14, 95% CI = –0.24 to –0.04) and perceived confidence and competence of organ donation discussion (β = –0.12, 95% CI = –0.22 to –0.02). Predictors of organ donor registration status included knowledge of organ donation (OR=1.03, 95% CI=1.00 to 1.06), perceived convenience of organ donation registration (OR=3.75, 95% CI=1.62 to 8.71), commitment to organ donation (OR=3.81, 95% CI=2.01 to 7.21) and exposure to organ donation (OR=4.28, 95% CI=2.37 to 7.74).

Conclusions

Knowledge is positively associated with organ donation action. The above determinants of organ donation could be emphasised in medical education.
Low-grade glass fibre-reinforced polymer-confined circular RC columns under simulated seismic loads
Authors: Hossain Md. Mosharef , Aldabagh Saif , Parghi Anant , Alam M. Shahria
Published: August 2022

Glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) with low tensile strength (hereafter referred to as low-grade GFRP) is a cost-effective alternative to other types of GFRPs with higher tensile strength. This paper investigates the prospect of retrofitting deficient and repairing damaged circular concrete columns with low-grade GFRP jackets. Two identical one-third scale models of a seismically deficient prototype bridge pier were constructed and tested under constant axial compression and quasi-static reversed cyclic loading. The first column was tested twice, first under “as-built” condition and second under repaired conditions. The second column was retrofitted prior to testing. The repaired and retrofitted columns were characterized with enhanced flexural, ductility, and energy dissipation capacities when compared to the deficient column, and were stable up to the maximum applied drift. Provisions of the Seismic Retrofitting Manual for Highway Structures were found to yield conservative estimates of the required thickness of the low-grade GFRP jacket.
Co-roosting within an enclosed space: are Chimney Swifts (Chaetura pelagica) disturbed by sharing a roost chimney with Rock Pigeons (Columba livia)
Authors: Pearce Jennie , Foote Jennifer
Published: August 2022

Many avian species co-roost with other avian species, but roost sharing has not previously been reported for species that roost in enclosed spaces. We report co-roosting of Chimney Swifts ( Chaetura pelagica (Linnaeus, 1758)) and Rock Pigeons ( Columba livia J.F. Gmelin, 1789) in a Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, Canada, chimney. We predicted that life history and behavioural differences between the two species would lead to disturbance in Chimney Swifts, but not Pigeons. Of two chimneys examined, Swifts exited earlier in the morning in the chimney with co-roosting than in the chimney where they roosted alone. While Pigeons appeared undisturbed by moving Swifts unless Swifts landed on them, Swifts were sensitive to Pigeon activity. In the evening, Pigeon movements caused Swifts to relocate within the chimney or to exit the chimney. Not all departed Swifts re-entered the roost following the disturbance. In the morning, Swifts appeared more tolerant of Pigeon movement, but were often disturbed by Pigeon exit or entry. Permanently exiting the roost in the evening or departing too early in the morning may increase energy expenditure costs for migrating Swifts. Installing Pigeon deterrent devices at the chimney may reduce disturbance to Chimney Swifts within the roost and potentially prevent early exit in the morning.
Effects of physical restraint and endogenous adrenocorticotropin challenges on corticosterone levels and immunological indexes in the Broad-snouted Caiman (Caiman latirostris)
Authors: Moleón María Soledad , Cuervo Pablo Fernando , Parachú Marcó María Virginia , Pietrobon Elisa Olivia , Jahn Graciela Alma , Siroski Pablo Ariel
Published: August 2022

In the wild, vertebrates face numerous unpredictable and harmful stressors such as storms, fires, earthquakes, tsunamis, and others. A typical physiological response to a perceived stressor is the increased secretion of glucocorticoids. Such a response is adaptive in the short term and could modulate the cellular immune response. Our purpose in this study was to examine the effect of stimulation with adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) injection and physical restraint (PR) on plasma corticosterone (CORT) levels, and total and differential white blood cell counts in the Broad-snouted Caiman ( Caiman latirostris (Daudin, 1802)). Individuals under PR increased CORT levels over time. Otherwise, no differences were observed in the CORT concentration between individuals injected with ACTH and those injected with saline solution. High CORT concentrations in the PR caimans produced a biphasic profile on total white blood cell counts, as well as the lymphocyte and heterophil counts. This response to PR may represent a stress response with an increase in immune surveillance in organs.
GENERATION AND ROBUSTNESS OF QUANTUM MEMORY-ASSISTED ENTROPIC UNCERTAINTY AND UNCERTAINTY-INDUCED NONLOCALITY OF TWO NITROGEN-VACANCY CENTERS COUPLED BY OPEN TWO NANOCAVITIES
Authors: ABDEL-ATY ABDEL-HALEEM , MOHAMED ABDEL-BASET A. , RAHMAN ATTA UR , ELEUCH HICHEM
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we investigate the dynamics of quantum memory-assisted entropic uncertainty, uncertainty-induced nonlocality and log-negativity entanglement of two nitrogen-vacancy centers (NVC). In particular, we are interested in analyzing two nitrogen-vacancy centered qubits coupled with two coherent nanocavities. We consider two different configurations of NVC qubits: when the qubits are prepared initially in separable and maximally entangled states. We demonstrate that coherent nanocavities can be successfully used to generate nonlocality and entanglement in the two NVC qubits while suppressing the associated entropic uncertainty. When the system is considered initially in separable two-NVC qubits, we show that the coupled coherent nanocavities successfully generate nonlocality and entanglement while avoiding the associated entropic uncertainty. The parameter’s adjustment determines the degree of entanglement, non-locality generation, and preservation. In comparison, we find entanglement more vulnerable to the decoherence and entropic uncertainty action between the two NVC qubits and nanocavities than the uncertainty-induced nonlocality. Furthermore, the NVC-qubits coupled with two coherent nanocavities promote entanglement’s sudden birth and death phenomena. This study contributes to the quantum mechanical protocols requiring the robust practical generation of entanglement and nonlocality as well as the related information preservation for the increased efficiency of quantum devices.