bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case-control study on CYP4B1 gene polymorphism and susceptibility to gastric cancer in the chinese Han population
Authors: Yu Shuyong , Chen Zhuang , Cheng Jiajia , Shi Xingang , Liu Jiaqi , Zhong Ping , Song Jian
Published: October 2022

Background:

In China, gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignant tumors. This study aimed to explore the relationship of rs2297810, rs4646491 and rs2297809 polymorphisms of CYP4B1 with susceptibility to GC in the Chinese Han population.

Methods:

A case-control study including 707 GC cases and 707 normal controls was conducted. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped by Agena MassARRAY system. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to assess the effects of SNPs on GC risk. Furthermore, multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) approach was used to analyze the SNP-SNP interactions.

Results:

No significant relationships were found between rs2297810 and rs2297809 and GC risk under all genetic models. For rs4646491, people with TC genotype had a 1.40-fold higher risk of GC than those with CC genotype (OR = 1.40; 95% CI = 1.13–1.74; p = 0.002), and people with TT-TC genotype had a 1.30-fold higher risk of GC than those with CC genotype (OR = 1.30; 95% CI = 1.06–1.61; p = 0.014). Stratification results showed that GC risk in people carrying TC genotype was higher than that in people with CC genotype, males (OR = 1.36; 95% CI = 1.06–1.75; p = 0.015), non-smokers (OR = 1.52; 95% CI = 1.11–2.07; p = 0.009) and non-drinkers (OR = 1.50; 95% CI = 1.10–2.04; p = 0.010). Additionally, the study also revealed that GC risk in people carrying TT-TC genotype was higher than that in people with CC genotype, males (OR = 1.29; 95% CI = 1.01–1.64; p = 0.040), non-smokers (OR = 1.40; 95% CI = 1.04–1.89; p = 0.027) and non-drinkers (OR = 1.39; 95% CI = 1.03–1.87; p = 0.030).

Conclusion:

This study firstly found that CYP4B1-rs4646491 was significantly correlated with GC risk, and it might be a risk factor for GC.
Efficient secretory production of proline/alanine/serine (PAS) biopolymers in Corynebacterium glutamicum yielding a monodisperse biological alternative to polyethylene glycol (PEG)
Authors: Friedrich L. , Kikuchi Y. , Matsuda Y. , Binder U. , Skerra A.
Published: October 2022

Background

PAS biopolymers are recombinant polypeptides comprising the small uncharged l-amino acids Pro, Ala and/or Ser which resemble the widely used poly-ethylene glycol (PEG) in terms of pronounced hydrophilicity. Likewise, their random chain behaviour in physiological solution results in a strongly expanded hydrodynamic volume. Thus, apart from their use as fusion partner for biopharmaceuticals to achieve prolonged half-life in vivo, PAS biopolymers appear attractive as substitute for PEG—or other poorly degradable chemical polymers—in many areas. As a prerequisite for the wide application of PAS biopolymers at affordable cost, we have established their highly efficient biotechnological production in Corynebacterium glutamicum serving as a well characterized bacterial host organism.

Results

Using the CspA signal sequence, we have secreted two representative PAS biopolymers as polypeptides with ~ 600 and ~ 1200 amino acid residues, respectively. Both PAS biopolymers were purified from the culture supernatant by means of a simple downstream process in a truly monodisperse state as evidenced by ESI–MS. Yields after purification were up to ≥ 4 g per liter culture, with potential for further increase by strain optimization as well as fermentation and bioprocess development. Beyond direct application as hydrocolloids or to exploit their rheological properties, such PAS biopolymers are suitable for site-specific chemical conjugation with pharmacologically active molecules via their unique terminal amino or carboxyl groups. To enable the specific activation of the carboxylate, without interference by the free amino group, we generated a blocked N-terminus for the PAS(1200) polypeptide simply by introducing an N-terminal Gln residue which, after processing of the signal peptide, was cyclised to a chemically inert pyroglutamyl group upon acid treatment. The fact that PAS biopolymers are genetically encoded offers further conjugation strategies via incorporation of amino acids with reactive side chains (e.g., Cys, Lys, Glu/Asp) at defined positions.

Conclusions

Our new PAS expression platform using Corynex® technology opens the way to applications of PASylation® technology in multiple areas such as the pharmaceutical industry, cosmetics and food technology.
Preconception fear of childbirth: experiences and needs of women fearing childbirth before first pregnancy
Authors: Rondung Elisabet , Magnusson Susanna , Ternström Elin
Published: October 2022

Background

Although early case studies have indicated that fear of childbirth can predate a woman’s first pregnancy, the concept of preconception fear of childbirth is largely unexplored. The few studies reporting on the prevalence of preconception fear of childbirth found higher levels than most prevalence estimates in pregnant populations. However, little is known about women’s fear of childbirth before becoming pregnant. The aim of this qualitative study was to give voice to the experiences of this often-neglected group of women.

Methods

To address the experiences and needs of women who do not dare become pregnant due to fear of childbirth, we conducted nine qualitative interviews and analyzed these using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

The women perceived childbirth as an extremely risky event and doubted their abilities to cope with it. With increasing age, the fear became more real. It was associated with thoughts of becoming too old to be able to conceive. The women did their best to cope with fear on their own by seeking information, trying not to think about it, and using multiple strategies to avoid becoming pregnant. Despite expressing a strong wish for professional support, they all described very limited opportunities to receive support from maternal care services. They felt abandoned, left on their own in a stressful and constantly ongoing negotiation with themselves, feeling the pressure to decide whether to dare become pregnant or not.

Conclusion

In this study, women expressed having experienced fear of childbirth long before a first pregnancy. They felt abandoned as they had to deal with their fear by themselves, without support from maternal care services. The results point to the necessity of an increased awareness of preconception fear of childbirth. We encourage maternal care services to consider their opportunities to support these women.
Realized niche shift of an invasive widow spider: drivers and impacts of human activities
Authors: Luo Zhenhua , Mowery Monica A. , Cheng Xinlan , Yang Qing , Hu Junhua , Andrade Maydianne C. B.
Published: October 2022

Background

Predicting invasiveness requires an understanding of the propensity of a given species to thrive in areas with novel ecological challenges. Evaluation of realized niche shift of an invasive species in its invasive range, detecting the main drivers of the realized niche shift, and predicting the potential distribution of the species can provide important information for the management of populations of invasive species and the conservation of biodiversity. The Australian redback spider, Latrodectus hasselti, is a widow spider that is native to Australia and established in Japan, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia. We used ecological niche models and ordinal comparisons in an integrative method to compare the realized niches of native and invasive populations of this spider species. We also assessed the impact of several climatic predictor variables and human activity on this niche shift. We hypothesized that human impact is important for successful establishment of this anthropophilic species, and that climatic predictor variables may determine suitable habitat and thus predict invasive ranges.

Results

Our models showed that L. hasselti distributions are positively influenced by human impact in both of the native and invasive ranges. Maximum temperature was the most important climatic variable in predictions of the distribution of native populations, while precipitation seasonality was the most important in predictions of invasive populations. The realized niche of L. hasselti in its invasive range differed from that in its native range, indicating possible realized niche shift.

Conclusions

We infer that a preference for human-disturbed environments may underlie invasion and establishment in this spider species, as anthropogenic habitat modifications could provide shelters from unsuitable climatic conditions and extreme climatic stresses to the spiders. Because Australia and the countries in which the species is invasive have differing climates, differences in the availability of certain climatic conditions could have played a role in the realized niche shift of L. hasselti.
Proximal fibular osteotomy versus high tibial osteotomy for treating knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Zhan-Xiong , Ren Wen-Xia , Wang Zhi-Qiang
Published: October 2022

Background

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) with varus alignment and medial space stenosis is a common degenerative disorder in the elderly. To reallocate the force bearing from the medial to the lateral compartment, the anti-varus osteotomy, including high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and proximal fibular osteotomy (PFO), corrects the mechanical lines of lower extremities using surgical methods, which alleviates the abrasion of medial cartilage and relieves pain. PFO is based on the “non-uniform settlement” theory. It is to cut small section of the proximal fibula, i.e., below the fibula head, which breaks the fibula and weakens its support for the lateral of the tibial plateau, lastly reduces the gap on the lateral side of the knee joint and offsets the knee varus deformity caused by weight bearing. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the clinical outcomes of PFO versus HTO intervention.

Methods

Twenty-three studies were acquired from PubMed, Embase, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), Wanfang Database and Cochrane Library. The data were extracted by two of the coauthors independently and were analyzed by RevMan5.3. Mean differences (MDs), odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias Tool and Newcastle–Ottawa Scale were used to assess risk of bias.

Results

Twenty-three studies including 14 randomized controlled trials and 9 observational studies were assessed. The methodological quality of the trials ranged from low to high. The pooled results of the mean operation time (MD =  − 38.75, 95% CI =  − 45.66 to − 31.85, P < 0.00001), intraoperative bleeding (std. MD =  − 4.12, 95% CI =  − 5 to − 3.24, P < 0.00001), length of hospital stay (MD =  − 3.77, 95% CI =  − 4.98 to − 2.56, P < 0.00001) and postoperative complications (OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.37–1.18, P = 0.16) showed that the differences were statistically significant between the two interventions. The postoperative differences of visual analogue score (VAS) (MD = 0.15 95% CI =  − 0.39 to 0.69, P = 0.58), hospital for Special Surgery knee score (HSS) (MD =  − 2.68, 95% CI =  − 6.30 to 0.94, P = 0.15), American knee society (AKS) score (MD = 0.04, 95% CI =  − 0.69 to 0.77, P = 0.91), western Ontario and McMaster university of orthopedic index (WOMAC) (MD = 8.09, 95% CI = 2.06–14.13, P = 0.009) and femur–tibia angle (FTA) (MD =  − 0.03, 95% CI =  − 5.39 to 5.33, P = 0.99) were not statistically significant. Sensitivity analysis proved the stability of the pooled results and the publication bias was not apparent.

Conclusions

PFO and HTO have the same short-term efficacy in the treatment of KOA, but PFO can reduce the operation time, intraoperative bleeding, hospital stay and postoperative complications, which has certain advantages. Clinically, for patients with many complications and poor surgical tolerance, PFO can be preferred.
Tolerability of Eribulin and correlation between polymorphisms and neuropathy in an unselected population of female patients with metastatic breast cancer: results of the multicenter, single arm, phase IV PAINTER study
Authors: La Verde Nicla , Damia Giovanna , Garrone Ornella , Santini Daniele , Fabi Alessandra , Ciccarese Mariangela , Generali Daniele Giulio , Nunzi Martina , Poletto Elena , Ferraris Elisa , Cretella Elisabetta , Scandurra Giuseppa , Meattini Icro , Bertolini Alessandro Stefano , Cavanna Luigi , Collovà Elena , Romagnoli Emanuela , Rulli Eliana , Legramandi Lorenzo , Guffanti Federica , Bramati Annalisa , Moretti Anna , Cassano Alessandra , Vici Patrizia , Torri Valter , Farina Gabriella ,   PAINTER investigators
Published: October 2022

Background

Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is an incurable disease and its treatment focuses on prolonging patients’ (pts) overall survival (OS) and improving their quality of life. Eribulin is a microtubule inhibitor that increases OS in pre-treated MBC pts. The most common adverse events (AEs) are asthenia, neutropenia and peripheral neuropathy (PN).

Methods

PAINTER is a single arm, phase IV study, aimed at evaluating the tolerability of eribulin in MBC pts. Secondary objectives were the description of treatment efficacy and safety, the assessment of the incidence and severity of PN and its association with genetic polymorphisms. Genomic DNA was isolated from blood samples and 15 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped by Taqman specific assays. The association between PN and SNPs were evaluated by Fisher exact test.

Results

Starting from May 2014 until June 2018 180 pts were enrolled in this study by 20 Italian centers. 170 of these pts could be evaluated for efficacy and toxicity and 159 for polymorphisms analysis. The median age of pts was 60 years old and the biological subtypes were luminal type (64.7%), Her2 positive (18.3%) and triple negative (17%). Pts were pretreated with a median of 5 lines for MBC. The median follow up of this study was 15.4 months with a median number of 4.5 cycles administered (minimum–maximum 1–23). The median overall survival was 12 months. 48.8% of pts experienced a dose reduction, mainly for neutropenia (23.9%) and liver toxicity (12%). 65 pts (38.2%) reported at least one severe toxicity. Neutropenia and neurotoxicity were the most frequent severe AEs (15.3% and 14.7%, respectively); other reported toxicities were osteo-muscular, abdominal or tumor site pain (19.4%), liver toxicity (6.6%), pulmonary toxicity (6.5%) and dermatological toxicity (3.6%). Among the 15 evaluated SNPs, an association with PN was found for rs2233335 and rs7214723.

Conclusions

Eribulin is a well-tolerated treatment option in MBC. Schedule and dosage modifications were common, but toxicity rarely led to treatment discontinuation. SNPs rs2233335 (G/T and T/T) in the NDRG1 gene and rs7214723 (CC and CT) in the CAMKK1 gene were associated with PN. These findings, if validated, could allow a tailored treatment with eribulin in cancer patients.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02864030.
A multicenter, randomized controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of STARC-SUD (Skills Training in Affect Regulation – a Culture-sensitive approach) versus treatment as usual in trauma-exposed refugees with substance use problems
Authors: Schäfer Ingo , Hiller Philipp , Milin Sascha , Lotzin Annett
Published: October 2022

Background

Refugees often report high levels of psychological distress due to traumatic experiences before and during flight as well as many post-migration stressors. Refugees with hazardous substance use or existing substance use disorder (SUD) are a particularly vulnerable group for whom few preventive and therapeutic measures are available. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of an integrative culturally sensitive group therapy approach (STARC-SUD) to improve affect regulation in refugees with substance-related problems.

Methods

The study aims to includeN= 286 male refugees with psychological distress (GHQ-12 > 13) and hazardous substance use or SUD (AUDIT > 7 or DUDIT > 6). Therapists working supported by interpreters will deliver the STARC-SUD intervention in addiction aid facilities in six metropolitan regions of Germany. The primary endpoint is severity of psychological distress (GHQ-12). The effectiveness of STARC-SUD is compared with treatment as usual (TAU) post-intervention and 3 months later.

Discussion

This trial will be one of the first RCTs on a culturally sensitive transdiagnostic intervention for trauma-exposed refugees with hazardous substances or SUD. The trial might gain new insights into the efficacy of such an intervention.

Trial registration

OSF Registryosf.io/nhxd4. Registered prospectively on September 22, 2020, doi: 10.17605/OSF.IO/NHXD4. DRKS DRKS00017668
Norm inequalities for maximal operators
Authors: Ben Said Salem , Negzaoui Selma
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we introduce a family of one-dimensional maximal operators $\mathscr{M}_{\kappa ,m}$

M

κ
,
m

, $\kappa \geq 0$
κ
≥
0
and $m\in \mathbb{N}\setminus \{0\}$
m
∈
N
∖
{
0
}
, which includes the Hardy–Littlewood maximal operator as a special case ($\kappa =0$
κ
=
0
, $m=1$
m
=
1
). We establish the weak type $(1,1)$
(
1
,
1
)
and the strong type $(p,p)$
(
p
,
p
)
inequalities for $\mathscr{M}_{\kappa ,m}$

M

κ
,
m

, $p>1$
p
>
1
. To do so, we prove a technical covering lemma for a finite collection of intervals.
Predicting risk of sepsis, comparison between machine learning methods: a case study of a Virginia hospital
Authors: Barghi Behrad , Azadeh-Fard Nasibeh
Published: October 2022

Sepsis is an inflammation caused by the body's systemic response to an infection. The infection could be a result of many diseases, such as pneumonia, urinary tract infection, and other illnesses. Some of its symptoms are fever, tachycardia, tachypnea, etc. Unfortunately, sepsis remains a critical problem at the hospitals and leads to many issues, such as increasing mortality rate, health care costs, and health care utilization. Early detection of sepsis in patients can help respond quickly, take preventive actions, and prevent major issues. The main aim of this study is to predict the risk of sepsis by utilizing the patient’s demographic and clinical information, i.e., patient’s gender, age, severity level, mortality risk, admit type along with hospital length of stay. Six machine learning approaches, Logistic Regression (LR), Naïve Bayes, Support Vector Machine (SVM), Boosted Tree, Classification and Regression Tree (CART), and Bootstrap Forest are used to predict the risk of sepsis. The results showed that different machine learning methods have other performances in terms of various measures. For instance, the Bootstrap Forest machine learning method exhibited the highest performance in AUC and R-square or SVM and Boosted Tree showed the highest performance in terms of misclassification rate. The Bootstrap Forest can be considered the best machine learning method in predicting sepsis regarding applied features in this research, mainly because it showed superior performance and efficiency in two performance measures: AUC and R-square.
Fecal microbiota dynamics and its relationship to diarrhea and health in dairy calves
Authors: Chen Hongwei , Liu Yalu , Huang Kailang , Yang Bin , Zhang Yuanyuan , Yu Zhongtang , Wang Jiakun
Published: October 2022

Background

Diarrhea is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in young calves, resulting in considerable economic loss for dairy farms. To determine if some gut microbes might have resistance to dysbiotic process with calf diarrhea by dictating the microbial co-occurrence patterns from birth to post-weaning, we examined the dynamic development of the gut microbiota and diarrhea status using two animal trials, with the first trial having 14 Holstein dairy calves whose fecal samples were collected 18 times over 78 d from birth to 15 d post-weaning and the second trial having 43 Holstein dairy calves whose fecal samples were collected daily from 8 to 18 days of age corresponding to the first diarrhea peak of trial 1.

Results

Metataxonomic analysis of the fecal microbiota showed that the development of gut microbiota had three age periods with birth and weaning as the separatrices. Two diarrhea peaks were observed during the transition of the three age periods. Fusobacteriaceae was identified as a diarrhea-associated taxon both in the early stage and during weaning, and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 was another increased genus among diarrheic calves in the early stage. In the neonatal calves, Prevotella_2 (ASV4 and ASV26), Prevotella_9 (ASV43), and Alloprevotella (ASV14) were negatively associated with Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 (ASV48), the keystone taxa of the diarrhea-phase module. During weaning, unclassified Muribaculaceae (ASV28 and ASV44), UBA1819 (ASV151), Barnesiella (ASV497), and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005 (ASV254) were identified being associated with non-diarrheic status, and they aggregated in the non-diarrhea module of co-occurrence patterns wherein unclassified Muribaculaceae (ASV28) and Barnesiella (ASV497) had a direct negative relationship with the members of the diarrhea module.

Conclusions

Taken together, our results suggest that the dynamic successions of calf gut microbiota and the interactions among some bacteria could influence calf diarrhea, and some species of Prevotella might be the core microbiota in both neonatal and weaning calves, while species of Muribaculaceae might be the core microbiota in weaning calves for preventing calf diarrhea. Some ASVs affiliated with Prevotella_2 (ASV4 and ASV26), Prevotella_9 (ASV43), Alloprevotella (AVS14), unclassified Muribaculaceae (ASV28 and ASV44), UBA1819 (ASV151), Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005 (ASV254), and Barnesiella (ASV497) might be proper probiotics for preventing calf diarrhea whereas Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 (ASV48) might be the biomarker for diarrhea risk in specific commercial farms.
Methods to analyze extracellular vesicles at single particle level
Authors: Kwon Yongmin , Park Jaesung
Published: October 2022

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano-sized vesicles derived from cells that transport biomaterials between cells through biofluids. Due to their biological role and components, they are considered as potential drug carriers and for diagnostic applications. Today's advanced nanotechnology enables single-particle-level analysis that was difficult in the past due to its small size below the diffraction limit. Single EV analysis reveals the heterogeneity of EVs, which could not be discovered by various ensemble analysis methods. Understanding the characteristics of single EVs enables more advanced pathological and biological researches. This review focuses on the advanced techniques employed for EV analysis at the single particle level and describes the principles of each technique.
Challenge of transition: the history of a case study involving tropical fruits polyculture stimulated by humic acids and plant-growth promoting bacteria
Authors: Canellas Luciano Pasqualoto , Olivares Fábio Lopes , Canellas Natália Oliveira Aguiar , Jindo Keiji , Rosa Raul Castro Carrielo , Piccolo Alessandro
Published: October 2022

Background

Innovative technologies are required in agricultural production to eliminate the environmental risk generated by the intensive use of fertilizers and pesticides. Soil organic matter is a keystone for the transition towards sustainable production. However, it is not an easy task to increase soil organic matter in highly weathered soils without considerable resources and energy. Here, we highlighted the role of biological inputs in plant adaptation to low fertility and water scarcity. The direct use of humic acids and plant growth-promoting bacteria on plants can modify the root architecture systems, including surface area and roots length, thus allowing greater soil exploration.

Material and methods

Within a socio-historical perspective of concepts and research methods, a case study is presented on the effects of humic acids applied together with plant-growth promoting bacteria, as an efficient tool for supporting the transition to more suitable production system. We implemented this natural ecological approach onto a polyculture system with different tropical fruits (banana, passion fruit, papaya and pineapple) and evaluated crop yields.

Results

We observed increases of around 50 and 90% in banana and papaya yield, respectively, and 25% in passion fruit productions, with significantly greater yields maintained over four production cycles. No effect was observed in ananas production probably due to the large shading level in the area.

Conclusion

The biostimulant formulated with endophytic diazotrophic bacteria and humic acids represents a low-cost technology that enhances crop yields and can play an important role in promoting a transition process towards sustainable agriculture.

Graphical Abstract
Clinical manifestations of wasp stings: a case report and a review of literature
Authors: Ruwanpathirana Pramith , Priyankara Dilshan
Published: October 2022

Background

Wasp stinging, a neglected tropical entity can have a myriad of local and systemic effects. We present a case of multi-organ injury following multiple wasp stings and a review of literature on the systemic manifestations of wasp stings.

Case presentation

A 48-year-old Sri Lankan male who suffered multiple wasp stings, developed an anaphylactic shock with respiratory failure, which was treated with adrenaline and mechanical ventilation. Within the next 2 days the patient developed acute fulminant hepatitis, stage III acute kidney injury, rhabdomyolysis, haemolysis and thrombocytopenia. The patient was treated in the intensive care unit with ionopressors and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Haemoadsorbant therapy was used in adjunct with CRRT. There was a gradual recovery of the organ functions over the 1st week. However, the patient succumbed to fungal sepsis on the 16th day despite treatment. We conducted a literature review to identify the various clinical manifestations of wasp stinging. Wasp venom contains enzymes, amines, peptides and other compounds. These proteins can cause type 1 hypersensitive reactions ranging from local skin irritation to anaphylactic shock. Furthermore, the toxins can cause direct organ injury or delayed hypersensitivity reactions. The commonly affected organs are the kidneys, liver, and muscles. The effect on the haematological system manifests as coagulopathy and/or cytopenia. The heart, nervous system, lungs, intestines and skin can be affected rarely. Treatment is mainly supportive.

Conclusion

In conclusion, wasp envenomation can result in multi-organ injury and attention should be paid in doing further research and establishing evidence-based treatment practices.
Climate change, biodiversity and mental health
Authors: Jenkins Rachel
Published: October 2022

Climate change is closely linked to rising levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide and methane due to human activities, and soaring temperatures might themselves pose a risk to natural carbon sequestration in the land. This editorial introduces three papers in the current issue exploring the adverse effects on mental health of climate-related loss of biodiversity and cultural heritage markers and the beneficial effects of adopting a plant-based diet. It also suggest three simple steps that clinicians can themselves take to act against climate change: choosing and recommending a plant-based diet, reducing personal use of fossil fuels and integrating climate change in discourse in all areas of their professional work.
Oligometastases: Emerging Evidence
Authors: Liu Wei , Bahig Houda , Palma David A.
Published: October 2022

The hypothesis that ablative therapies (such as surgery or radiation) can be used to cure patients with a limited number of metastases was influential in changing practice. Early assertions of efficacy were based on observational studies, often without control groups, showing better-than-expected outcomes. However, in the past decade, new evidence from randomized trials has emerged, which in some cases have affirmed old hypotheses, but in other cases have raised new questions. In this review, we discuss the challenges in defining oligometastatic disease, summarize the randomized evidence evaluating metastasis-directed therapy in patients with oligometastatic disease, provide context for the difficulty in generating randomized evidence, and examine ongoing phase III studies.
Optimal Regulation of E-cigarettes: Theory and Evidence
Authors: Allcott Hunt , Rafkin Charlie
Published: October 2022

We model optimal e-cigarette regulation and estimate key parameters. Using tax changes and scanner data, we estimate relatively elastic demand. A demographic shift-share identification strategy suggests limited substitution between e-cigarettes and cigarettes. We field a new survey of public health experts who report that vaping is more harmful than previously believed. In our model’s average Monte Carlo simulation, these results imply optimal e-cigarette taxes are higher than recent norms. However, e-cigarette subsidies may be optimal if vaping is a stronger substitute for smoking and is safer than our experts report, or if consumers overestimate the health harms from vaping. (JEL D12, D18, D61, H21, H23, I12, I18)
Hungry for Success? SNAP Timing, High-Stakes Exam Performance, and College Attendance
Authors: Bond Timothy N. , Carr Jillian B. , Packham Analisa , Smith Jonathan
Published: October 2022

Monthly government transfer programs create cycles of consumption that track the timing of benefit receipt. If these cycles correspond to critical moments for student learning and achievement, the timing of transfers may have important long-run implications for low-income students. In this paper we exploit state-level variation in the staggered timing of nutritional assistance benefit issuance to analyze effects on academic achievement. Using individual-level data from a large national college admission exam, we find taking this high-stakes exam during the last two weeks of the SNAP benefit cycle reduces test scores and lowers the probability of attending a four-year college. (JEL H75, I18, I21, I23, I38)
A nurse-led educational intervention for relieving idiopathic constipation: a retrospective study
Authors: Terzoni Stefano , Mora Cristina , Rocco Bernardo , Sighinolfi Chiara , Gaia Giorgia , Ferrara Paolo , Pinna Barbara , Destrebecq Anne
Published: October 2022

Background:

Constipation is a common condition. Although numerous articles emphasise the importance of conservative interventions, none have set out a complete educational programme.

Aims:

To describe the results of an evidence-based, nurse-led educational intervention for functional constipation in adults.

Methods:

A retrospective study of patient records with an analysis of Wexner constipation scores and Bristol stool charts was carried out before and after a nurse-led educational programme on nutrition and bowel habits.

Findings:

Twenty-nine patients were enrolled (19 women and 10 men), with a median age of 61 (53–71) years, a mean BMI of 24.4±3.88 kg/m2 and comparable baseline Wexner and Bristol scores. A statistically significant improvement in Wexner scores (P<0.001) and a clinically relevant but not statistically significant (P=0.682) improvement in Bristol scores were observed.

Conclusion:

The results suggest this investigation should be repeated on a larger scale. An educational intervention could be included in all consultations on any issue that could affect bowel activity.
O TRABALHO COM SÍMBOLOS NO BILINGUISMO CONCOMITANTE (LÍNGUA PORTUGUESA E LIBRAS) E NA ACESSIBILIDADE SONORA: UM ESTUDO DE CASO
Authors: Ramos Eliane , Pavani de Oliveira Marisol
Published: October 2022

O trabalho com a Língua Portuguesa, nas modalidades oral e escrita, e com a Língua Brasileira de Sinais (Libras), coloca desafios, inquietações e dúvidas às equipes pedagógicas das escolas comuns. Este artigo apresenta, pelo estudo de caso, um tipo de Bilinguismo inédito que vem sendo criado e praticado pela Rede Municipal de Educação de Amparo/SP, desde 2006. Ele recebeu o nome de Bilinguismo Concomitante, é enriquecido pela prática da Acessibilidade Sonora, e, mais recentemente, tem se associado ao trabalho com a linguagem simbolizada, que acontece por meio da Comunicação Suplementar e Alternativa (CSA). Como resultados, os alunos considerados surdos e ouvintes têm se formado bilíngues, construído uma formação acadêmica qualificada, acessado os processos de alfabetização e de letramento, sendo que alguns deles desenvolvem a fala durante estas construções, e produzido laços de afeto e de amizade na escola e além dela.
AOS PROFESSORES E PROFESSORAS: UMA CONTRIBUIÇÃO PARA OS ESTUDOS SOBRE INCLUSÃO
Authors: Faccioli Camargo Ana Maria
Published: October 2022

Este texto trata da diferença - limite a partir do qual os outros passam a existir e se fazerem problema para nós - compreensão resultante da classificação e ordenação fundamentada no positivismo, que marcou a pedagogia normalizadora. A filosofia da diferença oferece uma nova concepção quando Deleuze questiona todos os pressupostos que constroem o pensamento binário. Ao mesmo tempo Foucault alerta sobre as formas como estabelecemos nossas relações. Nelas, o professor produz subjetividades assujeitadas ou críticas. Importa então perguntar: o que posso fazer? O que sei fazer? O que consigo fazer? Questionamentos que passam pelo cuidado de si que exigem o cuidado com os outros. Essas reflexões levam este texto a problematizar as manifestações da diferença e das formas de exercício do poder na escola, o acontecimento e a resistência na sala de aula, a importância do estudo da leitura e daescrita e a formação de professores.
Review Of The Scourge Of Neoliberalism By Jack Rasmus
Authors: Souza Lawrence , Dunbar Jacob
Published: October 2022

In approximately the last four decades, neoliberalism has reigned as the structure of Western economies, chiefly the United States. However, neoliberal capitalism and an environment synonymous with deregulation, “free” markets, and limited government intervention in economic matters has repeatedly led to crises and crashes in history.
The Scourge of Neoliberalism examines the actions of past presidential administrations since 1980, and explains how neoliberalism’s allure has kept it afloat for so many years.
Can community-based organisations be ‘managed’? An exploration
Authors: Harris Margaret , Milofsky Carl
Published: October 2022

This research note focuses on one type of third sector organisation – community-based organisations (CBOs) – and notes how such organisations often struggle with implementing ‘management’ advice. It offers four theoretical frameworks for understanding CBOs: small groups; community embeddedness; local social movements; and organisational evolution. It then discusses the practical implications of the theoretical analysis for those running CBOs. It concludes that CBOs need to avoid the application of ‘management’ principles where these seem to threaten to destroy the very characteristics for which CBOs are most valued by their participants.
Dual-function polarization converter of an all-dielectric metasurface with a chiral L-type meta-atom
Authors: Song Yixing , Zhai Jianing , Huo Shuang , Zeng Yong , Sun Xiaohong
Published: October 2022

We propose a dual-function metasurface with a chiral double L-type silicon meta-atom that works in the near-infrared band. On one hand, the designed metasurface can achieve the function of a quarter-wave plate in the wavelength of 1660–1840 nm, and convert

y

-linear polarization (LP) light into right-hand circular polarization (RCP) light. The polarization conversion ratio (PCR) is above 90%, up to 98%, and the ellipticity of the transmitted light is 0.9–1.0. On the other hand, for a wavelength of 1497 nm, the designed structure can also convert LP in any direction to left-hand circular polarization (LCP) light by using the circular dichroism of chiral structures. The PCR is above 99%, and the ellipticity of the transmitted light is equal to approximately

−

1

. Moreover, when incident in the opposite direction, the wave plate can convert LP to RCP light. At present, the all-dielectric metasurface has important application potential in polarization conversion and photonic integration.
Modeling of mode-locked fiber lasers and amplifiers with accurate saturable gain evaluation
Authors: Dutta Gupta Bhaswar , Hendry Ian , Tang Stanley , Berthelot Thibaud , Du Teilleul Paul , Cozic Solenn , Poulain Samuel , Erkintalo Miro , Aguergaray Claude
Published: October 2022

We present a numerical model for mode-locked lasers and ultrafast nonlinear amplifiers in which the saturated gain profiles along active fibers are judiciously computed using experimental pump powers as input. This eliminates the need for approximating the gain profile by using a small-signal gain coefficient and saturation energy to simulate pulse propagation in active fibers. Our model shows good agreement with experiments involving mode-locked cavities at 1 µm with a silica glass host doped with ytterbium ions. Accurate results are also obtained for continuous-wave and mode-locked laser cavities around 2.8 µm, which uses ZBLAN fiber doped with erbium ions. In the case of Er:ZBLAN fiber, we use the model to show regions of stable mode-locking delivering a single pulse as output and how the spectral width changes with variation in doping concentration and fiber lengths. Our model enables accurate numerical modeling of mode-locked fiber lasers and ultrafast amplifiers, and can be useful in guiding the design of new architectures, understanding complex intracavity laser dynamics, and optimizing device output.
Widely tunable XUV harmonics using double IR pulses
Authors: Mandal Ankur , Rost Jan M. , Pfeifer Thomas , Singh Kamal P.
Published: October 2022

Tunable attosecond pulses are necessary for various attosecond resolved spectroscopic applications, which can potentially be obtained through the tuning of high harmonic generation. Here we show theoretically, using the time-dependent Schrödinger equation and strong field approximation, a continuously tunable spectral shift of high-order harmonics by exploiting the interaction of two delayed identical infrared (IR) pulses within the single-atom response. The tuning spans more than twice the driving frequency (∼2ω) range, for several near-cutoff harmonics, with respect to only one control parameter: the change in delay between the two IR pulses. We show that two distinct mechanisms contribute to the spectral shift of the harmonic spectra. The dominant part of the spectral shift of the harmonics is due to the modulation of the central frequency of the composite IR-IR pulse with respect to delay. The second contribution comes from the non-adiabatic phase-shift of the recolliding electron wavepacket due to the change in amplitude of the subcycle electric field within the double pulse envelope. For optical few-cycle pulses this scheme can produce tunable attosecond pulse trains (APT), and in the single-cycle regime the same can be used for tuning isolated attosecond pulses (IAP). We quantify the dependence of tuning range and tuning rate on the laser pulse duration. We envision that the proposed scheme can be easily implemented with compact in-line setups for generating frequency tunable APT/IAP.
Large-aperture, widely and linearly tunable, electromagnetically actuated MEMS Fabry-Perot filtering chips for longwave infrared spectral imaging
Authors: Zhou Kui , Wang Xiejun , Jing Xialei , Wang Fei , Zhang Qian , Chen Fei , Hao Jia , Deng Chenwei , Zhou Jian , Yu Yiting
Published: October 2022

Longwave infrared spectral imaging (LWIR-SI) has potential in many important civilian and military fields. However, conventional LWIR-SI systems based on traditional dispersion elements always suffer the problems of high cost, large volume and complicated system structure. Micro-electro-mechanical systems Fabry-Perot filtering chips (MEMS-FPFC) give a feasible way for realizing miniaturized, low cost and customizable LWIR-SI systems. The LWIR MEMS-FPFC ever reported can’t meet the demands of the next-generation LWIR-SI systems, due to the limitation of small aperture size and nonlinear actuation. In this work, we propose a large-aperture, widely and linearly tunable electromagnetically actuated MEMS-FPFC for LWIR-SI. A multi-field coupling simulation model is built and the wafer-scale bulk-micromachining process is applied to realize the design and fabrication of the proposed MEMS-FPFC. Finally, with the rational structural design and fabrication process, the filtering chip after packaging has an aperture size of 10 mm, which is the largest aperture size of LWIR MEMS-FPFC ever reported. The fabricated electromagnetically actuated MEMS-FPFC can be tuned continuously across the entire LWIR range of 8.39-12.95 µm under ±100 mA driving current with a pretty good linear response of better than 98%. The developed electromagnetically actuated MEMS-FPFC can be directly used for constructing miniaturized LWIR-SI systems, aiming for such applications as military surveillance, gas sensing, and industry monitoring.
NIR band-pass filters for CMOS image sensors constructed with NIR absorbing dyes and plasmonic nanoparticles
Authors: Hwang Jinyoung , Kim Mi-jeong
Published: October 2022

Two NIR band-pass filters for CMOS image sensors are developed by incorporating NIR absorption dye and silver nanodisks simultaneously in a transparent polymer, one of which blocks the NIR near the wavelength of 750 nm and the other near 950 nm. They offer low NIR transmittance while maintaining high visible light transparency even at a thin film thickness of 500 nm. By superimposing the proposed NIR band-pass filters, an NIR cutoff filter with a thickness of 1 µm is formed that shields the NIR at wavelengths longer than 680 nm while remaining transparent in the visible range.
Temporal modulation toward femtosecond laser-induced nonlinear ionization process
Authors: Sun Ying , Yin Weiyi , Yao Qian , Ren Xiangyu , Song Juan , Dai Ye
Published: October 2022

The temporal chirp of single femtosecond (fs) pulses will affect the laser-induced ionization process. By comparing the ripples induced by negatively and positively chirped pulses (NCPs and PCPs), the growth rate showed a significant difference, resulting in a depth inhomogeneity of up to 144%. A carrier density model tailored with temporal characteristics showed that NCPs could excite a higher peak carrier density, contributing to a highly efficient generation of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) and overall advancement of the ionization rate. Such distinction originates from their contrary incident spectrum sequences. Current work reveals that temporal chirp modulation can control the carrier density in ultrafast laser–matter interaction, which possibly brings an unusual acceleration for surface structure processing.
Label-free deep-UV microscopy detection and grading of neutropenia using a passive microfluidic device
Authors: Ojaghi Ashkan , Kendall Williams Evelyn , Kaza Nischita , Gorti Viswanath , Choi Hyoann , Torey Jasmine , Wiley Tamara , Turner Brian , Jackson Shaquisha , Park Sunita , Lam Wilbur A. , Robles Francisco E.
Published: October 2022

Neutropenia is a condition comprising an abnormally low number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, which puts patients at an increased risk of severe infections. Neutropenia is especially common among cancer patients and can disrupt their treatment or even be life-threatening in severe cases. Therefore, routine monitoring of neutrophil counts is crucial. However, the current standard of care to assess neutropenia, the complete blood count (CBC), is resource-intensive, time-consuming, and expensive, thereby limiting easy or timely access to critical hematological information such as neutrophil counts. Here, we present a simple technique for fast, label-free neutropenia detection and grading via deep-ultraviolet (deep-UV) microscopy of blood cells in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based passive microfluidic devices. The devices can potentially be manufactured in large quantities at a low cost, requiring only 1 μL of whole blood for operation. We show that the absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) obtained from our proposed microfluidic device-enabled deep-UV microscopy system are highly correlated with those from CBCs using commercial hematology analyzers in patients with moderate and severe neutropenia, as well as healthy donors. This work lays the foundation for the development of a compact, easy-to-use UV microscope system to track neutrophil counts that is suitable for low-resource, at-home, or point-of-care settings.
Universal orbital angular momentum detection scheme for any vortex beam
Authors: Ma Pujuan , Liu Xin , Zhang Qinqin , Chen Qian , Zeng Jun , Cai Yangjian , Zhan Qiwen , Liang Chunhao
Published: October 2022

Existing methods for probing the orbital angular momentum carried by vortex beams have many limitations and are generally only applicable to specific types of vortex beam. In this work, we present a concise and efficient universal method for probing the orbital angular momentum that is applicable for any type of vortex beam. The vortex beam could range from being fully to partially coherent, with different spatial modes including Gaussian vortex beam, Bessel–Gaussian beam, Laguerre–Gaussian beam, etc., of any wavelength including x rays, matter waves such as electron vortices, and with high topological charge. This protocol only requires a (commercial) angular gradient filter, making it very easy to implement. The feasibility of the proposed scheme is demonstrated both theoretically and experimentally.
Graphene metasurfaces for terahertz wavefront shaping and light emission [Invited]
Authors: Li Yuyu , Krisshnamurthi Mathan Ramaswamy , Luo Weijun , Swan Anna K. , Ling Xi , Paiella Roberto
Published: October 2022

Graphene is a promising materials platform for metasurface flat optics at terahertz wavelengths, with the important advantage of active tunability. Here we review recent work aimed at the development of tunable graphene metasurfaces for THz wavefront shaping (including beam-steering metamirrors and metalenses) and light emission. Various design strategies for the constituent meta-units are presented, ranging from metallic phase-shifting elements combined with a nearby graphene sheet for active tuning to graphene plasmonic resonators providing the required phase control or radiation mechanism. The key challenge in the development of these devices, related to the limited radiative coupling of graphene plasmonic excitations, is discussed in detail together with recently proposed solutions. The resulting metasurface technology can be expected to have a far-reaching impact on a wide range of device applications for THz imaging, sensing, and future wireless communications.