bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A wearable 3D pressure sensor based on electrostatic self-assembly MXene/chitosan sponge and insulating PVP spacer
Authors: Liu Zerui , Zhang Yulin , Song Yuxiang , Lu Yong , Liu Ting , Zhang Jicai
Published: June 2023

It has been shown that flexible pressure sensors may be used in many different contexts, including human-machine interaction, intelligent robots, and health monitoring. In this work, we create a 3D sponge piezoresistive pressure sensor using MXene, chitosan, polyurethane sponge, and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (MXene/CS/PU sponge/PVP), with the well-conductive MXene nanosheet serving as the force sensitive material. In particular, the mechanical strength and endurance of the sensor are enhanced by electrostatic self-assembly between the negatively charged MXene nanosheets and the positively charged CS/PU composite sponge skeleton. The insulating PVP nanowires (PVP-NWs) also decreases the device’s initial current, increasing the sensor’s sensitivity. These characteristics allow the pressure sensor to simultaneously have a high sensitivity (50.27 kPa−1 for pressure below 7 kPa and 13.3 kPa−1 for pressure between 7 and 16 kPa), a quick response time (160 ms), a short recovery time (130 ms), and excellent cycling stability (5000 cycles). Moreover, the sensor exhibits a waterproof performance, where the force-sensitive layer still works normally after cleaning. In practice, the sensor could detect a variety of human actions as well as the distribution of spatial pressure due to the above superior device performance.
2D vanadium disulfide nanosheets assisted ultrasensitive, rapid, and label-free electrochemical quantification of cancer biomarker (MMP-2)
Authors: Ghosh Tanmoya Nemai , Rotake Dinesh Ramkrushna , Singh Shiv Govind
Published: June 2023

Cancer is one of the most tormenting global health burdens reporting high mortality and morbidity worldwide. Matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) protein has elevated expression for most types of cancers, including prostate and breast cancer. Therefore, accurate and specific detection of MMP-2 biomarker is crucial for screening, treatment, and prognosis of related cancer. In this work, we have proposed a label-free electrochemical biosensor for the detection of MMP-2 protein. This biosensor was fabricated using hydrothermally synthesized vanadium disulfide (VS2) nanosheets with monoclonal anti-MMP2 antibodies biofunctionalized using a suitable linker. The VS2 nanomaterials were synthesized hydrothermally at different reaction temperatures (140 °C, 160 °C, 180 °C and 200 °C) generating different morphologies from a 3D bulk cubic structure at 140 °C to 2D nanosheets at 200 °C. Owing to the advantages of 2D VS2 nanosheets with high surface-to-volume ratio, excellent electrochemical response and high antibody loading possibility, it was selected for fabricating an MMP-2 specific biosensor. The antibody–antigen binding event is analyzed by recording electrochemical impedance spectroscopy signals for different target MMP-2 protein concentrations. The sensitivity and lower limit of detection were 7.272 (ΔR/R)(ng ml)−1 cm−2 and 0.138 fg ml−1, respectively in 10 mM phosphate buffer saline for this proposed sensor. Further, interference studies were also performed which demonstrates the sensor to be highly selective against non-specific target proteins. This 2D VS2 nanosheet-based electrochemical biosensor is a sensitive, cost-effective, accurate, and selective solution for cancer diagnosis.
Ion acceleration with few-cycle relativistic laser pulses from foil targets
Authors: Ter-Avetisyan Sargis , Varmazyar Parvin , Singh Prashant K , Son Joon-Gon , Fule Miklos , Bychenkov Valery Yu , Farkas Balazs , Nelissen Kwinten , Mondal Sudipta , Papp Daniel , Börzsönyi Adam , Csontos Janos , Lécz Zsolt , Somoskői Tamas , Tóth Laszló , Tóth Szabolcs , Andriy Velyhan , Margarone Daniele , Necas Ales , Mourou Gerard , Szabó Gabor , Osvay Karoly
Published: June 2023

Ion acceleration resulting from the interaction of 11 fs laser pulses of

∼

35 mJ energy with ultrahigh contrast (<10−10) and 1019 W cm−2 peak intensity with foil targets made of various materials and thicknesses at normal (0°) and 45° laser incidence is investigated. The maximum energy of the protons reached ∼1.4 MeV accelerated in the laser propagation direction and ∼1.2 MeV in the opposite direction from a formvar target. The energy conversion efficiency from the laser to the proton beam is estimated to be as high as ∼1.4% at 45° laser incidence using a 51 nm thick

Al

target. The high laser contrast indicates the predominance of vacuum heating via Brunel’s effect as an absorption mechanism involving a tiny pre-plasma at the target front. The experimental results are in reasonable agreement with theoretical estimates, where proton acceleration from the target front side in the backward direction is well explained by the Coulomb explosion of a charged cavity formed in a tiny pre-plasma, while forward proton acceleration is likely to be a two-step process: protons are first accelerated in the target front-side cavity and then further boosted in energy through the target back side via the target normal sheath acceleration (TNSA) mechanism.
Projective synchronization of the generalized Lotka-Volterra system with asymptotically unbounded external disturbance
Authors: Li Yanping , Guo Rongwei , Liu Lixia
Published: June 2023

This paper investigates the projective synchronization problem of the generalized Lotka-Volterra (GLV) system in the presence of asymptotically unbounded external disturbances. Firstly, an unified projective synchronization control law is proposed for the nominal GLV system, which verified the existence of the projective synchronization problem. Secondly, two suitable filters are designed to estimate the asymptotically unbounded external disturbances that are incorporated into GLV system, by which a simple yet general disturbance estimator (DE)-based control strategy is derived to achieve the asymptotically stable of the error system. Finally, numerical simulations are performed to demonstrate the correctness and validity of the theoretical results.
Machine learning based performance estimation of terrestrial Ro-FSO Link
Authors: Kaur Sanmukh , Singh Shiv Kumar , Sharma Aanchal
Published: June 2023

In this work, a radio over free-space optical communication (Ro-FSO) link has been examined considering quadrature amplitude modulation (64-QAM) based orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) technique for a turbulence channel. The performance of the system has been investigated considering log normal and gamma-gamma atmospheric scintillation models under clear air, rain and fog weather conditions. Artificial neural network (ANN), k-nearest neighbour (KNN), and decision tree (DT) machine learning (ML) techniques have been applied for estimation of quality of received signal in terms of bit error rate BER. ANN model exhibits the highest value of R-squared (R2) of 0.9967 and lowest value of root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.0134 as compared to other ML techniques resulting in the best fit model.
Fully chaotic medical image encryption scheme based on dynamic DNA and block rotation
Authors: Xiong Jie , Ji’e Musha , Wang Lidan , Duan Shukai
Published: June 2023

As an important application of image encryption, digital medical image encryption plays an important role in the field of medical health and privacy protection. This paper put forwards a fully chaotic and strongly plaintext associated image encryption framework based on an improved chaotic system, block rotation and DNA computing. The algorithm generates multiple chaotic sequences by using different one-dimensional seed chaotic maps under the sine transform framework for subsequent block rotation, DNA dynamic encoding and decoding, generating key images for DNA XOR calculation. Simulation experiments and comparative analysis have shown that this algorithm can achieve fantastic encryption performance, resist various attacks, and have higher security levels and good generalization performance.
Early warning signals for critical transitions in complex systems
Authors: George Sandip V , Kachhara Sneha , Ambika G
Published: June 2023

In this topical review, we present a brief overview of the different methods and measures to detect the occurrence of critical transitions in complex systems. We start by introducing the mechanisms that trigger critical transitions, and how they relate to early warning signals (EWS) and briefly mention the conventional measures based on critical slowing down, as computed from data and applied to real systems. We then present in detail the approaches for multivariate data, including those defined for complex networks. More recent techniques like the warning signals derived from the recurrence pattern underlying the data, are presented in detail as measures from recurrence plots and recurrence networks. This is followed by a discussion on how methods based on machine learning are used most recently, to detect critical transitions in real and simulated data. Towards the end, we summarise the challenges involved while computing the EWS from real-world data and conclude with our outlook and perspective on future trends in this area.
Influence of viscous force on the dynamic process of micro-sphere in optical tweezers
Authors: Liu 刘 Jing 静 , Wu 吴 Xingyu 星宇 , Feng 冯 Yimin 怡敏 , Zheng 郑 Mian 冕 , Li 李 Zhiyuan 志远
Published: June 2023

With the advantages of noncontact, high accuracy, and high flexibility, optical tweezers hold huge potential for micro-manipulation and force measurement. However, the majority of previous research focused on the state of the motion of particles in the optical trap, but paid little attention to the early dynamic process between the initial state of the particles and the optical trap. Note that the viscous forces can greatly affect the motion of micro-spheres. In this paper, based on the equations of Newtonian mechanics, we investigate the dynamics of laser-trapped micro-spheres in the surrounding environment with different viscosity coefficients. Through the calculations, over time the particle trajectory clearly reveals the subtle details of the optical capture process, including acceleration, deceleration, turning, and reciprocating oscillation. The time to equilibrium mainly depends on the corresponding damping coefficient of the surrounding environment and the oscillation frequency of the optical tweezers. These studies are essential for understanding various mechanisms to engineer the mechanical motion behavior of molecules or microparticles in liquid or air.
Improving adaptation to wildfire smoke and extreme heat in frontline communities: evidence from a community-engaged pilot study in the San Francisco Bay Area
Authors: Herbert Natalie , Beckman Caroline , Cannedy Cade , Cao Jinpu , Cho Seung-Hyun , Fischer Stephanie , Huang ShihMing , Kramer Samantha J , Lopez Ortensia , Lopez Sergio Sanchez , Ouyang Derek , Suckale Jenny , Wulf-Saena Violet , Zhang Zhihao , Wong-Parodi Gabrielle
Published: June 2023

Exposure to climate hazards is increasing, and the experiences of frontline communities warrant meaningful and urgent attention towards how to mitigate, manage, and adapt to hazards. We report results from a community-engaged pilot (November 2021–June 2022) of N = 30 participants in four frontline communities of the San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA. The study region is an area where low-income, non-English-speaking residents are inequitably exposed and vulnerable to wildfire smoke, extreme heat, and other climate hazards. Building from a yearslong partnership of researchers, community organizations, and community members, we report the feasibility of a project piloting (1) instruments to monitor indoor air quality, temperature, and participant sleep health, and (2) interventions to improve indoor air quality and support protective behaviors. Data collection included experience-based survey data (via in-person administered surveys and a smartphone application) and interviews about heat and air quality, as well as data from an air monitoring protocol. Results cover the prevalence of hazard exposure and protective actions among participants. We discuss throughout methods for conducting and evaluating a community-engaged pilot, particularly by using a community ambassador program. Implications include the feasibility of community-engaged research projects, including discussion of resources required to accomplish this work.
Rain-fed to irrigation-fed transition of agriculture exacerbates meteorological drought in cropped regions but moderates elsewhere
Authors: Kim Sungyoon , Kumar Mukesh , Kam Jonghun
Published: June 2023

In recent decades, irrigated agriculture has expanded dramatically over the Southeastern United States (SEUS). The trend is more likely to continue in future given the need to further improve crop productivity and its resilience against droughts, however, the impact of these SEUS land cover changes remains unknown. This study investigates how and to what extent rain-fed to irrigation-fed (RFtoIF) transition in the SEUS region modulates precipitation spatially and temporally under a severe drought meteorological condition. In this study, we perform three Weather Research Forecasting model simulations with varying degrees of irrigated crop areas with meteorological boundary conditions of a record-breaking 2007 drought in the SEUS region. Results show that the SEUS irrigation expansion reduces both the convective triggering potential and low-level humidity index through land-atmospheric interaction. This is accompanied by reduction in the height of atmospheric boundary layer (ABL)-lifting condensation level crossing and increase in the convective available potential energy. These modulations within the ABL provide a favorable condition for strong deep convection during the drought period. However, the impact on precipitation is heterogeneous, with crop areas undergoing RFtoIF transition experiencing an overall reduction in precipitation while other landcovers experiencing an increase. The reduction in precipitation over RFtoIF transitioned croplands is in part due to moisture redistribution aided by generation of an anomalous high-pressure system. The results highlight the complexity of response of precipitation to irrigation expansion in the SEUS, and underscore the need to perform spatially-explicit analysis for mitigating risks to water resources and food security.
Constitutive fractional modeling
Authors: Hristov Jordan
Published: June 2023

The chapter addresses constitutive fractional modeling based on basic thermodynamic principles with emphasis on applications of fractional operators with singular and non-singular memory kernels. The Boltzmann superposition and the fading memory principles form the fundament of the developed models and refer to the formulation of diffusion and linear viscoelastic phenomena.
The dermatologist’s guide to beards: a review of structure, function, care and pathology
Authors: Boothby-Shoemaker Wyatt , Comeau Nicholas , Daveluy Steven
Published: June 2023

Facial hair is a commonly desired feature for many individuals. Despite a breadth of dermatology literature covering strategies for removing facial hair, there are no known articles summarizing strategies for facial hair growth or reviewing common facial hair pathologies. Here, we assess Google Trends to describe significant increases in search terms related to facial hair growth and maintenance over the last decade, suggesting an increased public interest in this topic. Next, we review ethnic differences that may affect facial hair distribution, growth, and predisposition to certain facial hair pathologies. Lastly, we review studies on agents used for facial hair growth and review common facial hair pathologies.
Spatiotemporal dynamics across visual cortical laminae support a predictive coding framework for interpreting mismatch responses
Authors: Gallimore Connor G , Ricci David A , Hamm Jordan P
Published: June 2023

Context modulates neocortical processing of sensory data. Unexpected visual stimuli elicit large responses in primary visual cortex (V1)—a phenomenon known as deviance detection (DD) at the neural level, or “mismatch negativity” (MMN) when measured with EEG. It remains unclear how visual DD/MMN signals emerge across cortical layers, in temporal relation to the onset of deviant stimuli, and with respect to brain oscillations. Here we employed a visual “oddball” sequence—a classic paradigm for studying aberrant DD/MMN in neuropsychiatric populations—and recorded local field potentials in V1 of awake mice with 16-channel multielectrode arrays. Multiunit activity and current source density profiles showed that although basic adaptation to redundant stimuli was present early (50 ms) in layer 4 responses, DD emerged later (150–230 ms) in supragranular layers (L2/3). This DD signal coincided with increased delta/theta (2–7 Hz) and high-gamma (70–80 Hz) oscillations in L2/3 and decreased beta oscillations (26–36 Hz) in L1. These results clarify the neocortical dynamics elicited during an oddball paradigm at a microcircuit level. They are consistent with a predictive coding framework, which posits that predictive suppression is present in cortical feed-back circuits, which synapse in L1, whereas “prediction errors” engage cortical feed-forward processing streams, which emanate from L2/3.
Skills, Not Just Knowledge: Infectious Diseases Fellows’ Recommendations Regarding Antimicrobial Stewardship Training
Authors: Wasson Megan K , Luther Vera P , Armstrong Wendy S , Schwartz Brian S , Shnekendorf Rachel , Logan Ashleigh , Bennani Kenza , Spicer Jennifer O
Published: June 2023

Background

Antimicrobial stewardship (AS) is an important topic in infectious diseases (ID) training, yet many ID fellowships lack formal training, and little is known about fellows’ learning preferences.

Methods

We conducted 24 in-depth interviews with ID fellows across the United States during 2018 and 2019 to explore their experiences with and preferences for AS education during fellowship. Interviews were transcribed, deidentified, and analyzed to identify themes.

Results

Fellows had variable exposure to AS before and during fellowship, which impacted their knowledge about and attitude toward stewardship as a career; however, all fellows expressed the importance of learning general stewardship principles during fellowship. Some fellows’ training included mandatory stewardship lectures and/or rotations, but most fellows felt their primary stewardship learning occurred through informal experiences in the clinical setting, such as holding the antimicrobial approval pager. Fellows expressed a preference for a standardized, structured curriculum that included in-person practical, interactive discussions with multidisciplinary faculty along with the opportunity to practice and apply their skills; however, they emphasized that time needed to be set aside for those educational activities. Although they wanted to learn the evidence and rationale for stewardship recommendations, they especially wanted training in and feedback on how to communicate stewardship recommendations to other health professionals, particularly in the setting of conflict.

Conclusions

ID fellows believe that standardized AS curricula should be included in their fellowship training, and they prefer structured, practical, and interactive learning experiences.
Global Differences in the Management of Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia: No International Standard of Care
Authors: Westgeest Annette C , Buis David T P , Sigaloff Kim C E , Ruffin Felicia , Visser Leo G , Yu Yunsong , Schippers Emile F , Lambregts Merel M C , Tong Steven Y C , de Boer Mark G J , Fowler Vance G
Published: June 2023

Background

Despite being the leading cause of mortality from bloodstream infections worldwide, little is known about regional variation in treatment practices for Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB). The aim of this study was to identify global variation in management, diagnostics, and definitions of SAB.

Methods

During a 20-day period in 2022, physicians throughout the world were surveyed on SAB treatment practices. The survey was distributed through listservs, e-mails, and social media.

Results

In total, 2031 physicians from 71 different countries on 6 continents (North America [701, 35%], Europe [573, 28%], Asia [409, 20%], Oceania [182, 9%], South America [124, 6%], and Africa [42, 2%]) completed the survey. Management-based responses differed significantly by continent for preferred treatment of methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) bacteremia, use of adjunctive rifampin for prosthetic material infection, and use of oral antibiotics (P < .01 for all comparisons). The 18F-FDG PET/CT scans were most commonly used in Europe (94%) and least frequently used in Africa (13%) and North America (51%; P < .01). Although most respondents defined persistent SAB as 3–4 days of positive blood cultures, responses ranged from 2 days in 31% of European respondents to 7 days in 38% of Asian respondents (P < .01).

Conclusions

Large practice variations for SAB exist throughout the world, reflecting the paucity of high-quality data and the absence of an international standard of care for the management of SAB.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Increased Adalimumab Dose Intervals in Crohn’s Disease Patients in Stable Remission: The Randomized Controlled LADI Trial
Authors: Jansen Fenna M , van Linschoten Reinier C A , Kievit Wietske , Smits Lisa J T , Pauwels Renske W M , de Jong Dirk J , de Vries Annemarie C , Boekema Paul J , West Rachel L , Bodelier Alexander G L , Gisbertz Ingrid A M , Wolfhagen Frank H J , Römkens Tessa E H , Lutgens Maurice W M D , van Bodegraven Adriaan A , Oldenburg Bas , Pierik Marieke J , Russel Maurice G V M , de Boer Nanne K , Mallant-Hent Rosalie C , ter Borg Pieter C J , van der Meulen-de Jong Andrea E , Jansen Jeroen M , Jansen Sita V , Tan Adrianus C I T L , Hoentjen Frank , van der Woude C Janneke ,   LADI study group, van Noord Desirée , Hoekstra Jildou , Kamphuis Johannes T , Gorter Moniek H P , van Esch Aura A J
Published: June 2023

Background and Aims

We aimed to assess cost-effectiveness of increasing adalimumab dose intervals compared to the conventional dosing interval in patients with Crohn’s disease [CD] in stable clinical and biochemical remission.

Design

We conducted a pragmatic, open-label, randomized controlled non-inferiority trial, comparing increased adalimumab intervals with the 2-weekly interval in adult CD patients in clinical remission. Quality of life was measured with the EQ-5D-5L. Costs were measured from a societal perspective. Results are shown as differences and incremental net monetary benefit [iNMB] at relevant willingness to accept [WTA] levels.

Results

We randomized 174 patients to the intervention [n = 113] and control [n = 61] groups. No difference was found in utility (difference: −0.017, 95% confidence interval [−0.044; 0.004]) and total costs (−€943, [−€2226; €1367]) over the 48-week study period between the two groups. Medication costs per patient were lower (−€2545, [−€2780; −€2192]) in the intervention group, but non-medication healthcare (+€474, [+€149; +€952]) and patient costs (+€365 [+€92; €1058]) were higher. Cost–utility analysis showed that the iNMB was €594 [−€2099; €2050], €69 [−€2908; €1965] and −€455 [−€4,096; €1984] at WTA levels of €20 000, €50 000 and €80 000, respectively. Increasing adalimumab dose intervals was more likely to be cost-effective at WTA levels below €53 960 per quality-adjusted life year. Above €53 960 continuing the conventional dose interval was more likely to be cost-effective.

Conclusion

When the loss of a quality-adjusted life year is valued at less than €53 960, increasing the adalimumab dose interval is a cost-effective strategy in CD patients in stable clinical and biochemical remission.

Clinical Trial Registration Number

ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT03172377.
AUXIN RESPONSIVE FACTOR8 regulates development of the feeding site induced by root-knot nematodes in tomato
Authors: Noureddine Yara , da Rocha Martine , An Jing , Médina Clémence , Mejias Joffrey , Mulet Karine , Quentin Michaël , Abad Pierre , Zouine Mohamed , Favery Bruno , Jaubert-Possamai Stéphanie
Published: June 2023

Root-knot nematodes (RKN) from the genus Meloidogyne induce the dedifferentiation of root vascular cells into giant multinucleate feeding cells. These feeding cells result from an extensive reprogramming of gene expression, and auxin is known to be a key player in their development. However, little is known about how the auxin signal is transmitted during giant cell development. Integrative analyses combining transcriptome and small non-coding RNA datasets with the specific sequencing of cleaved transcripts identified genes targeted by miRNAs in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) galls. The two auxin-responsive transcription factors ARF8A and ARF8B, and their miRNA167 regulators, were identified as robust gene–miRNA pair candidates to be involved in the tomato response to M. incognita. Spatiotemporal expression analysis using promoter–β-glucuronidase (GUS) fusions showed the up-regulation of ARF8A and ARF8B in RKN-induced feeding cells and surrounding cells. The generation and phenotyping of CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats) mutants demonstrated the role of ARF8A and ARF8B in giant cell development and allowed the characterization of their downstream regulated genes.
Using a neural network approach to accelerate disequilibrium chemistry calculations in exoplanet atmospheres
Authors: Hendrix Julius L A M , Louca Amy J , Miguel Yamila
Published: June 2023

In this era of exoplanet characterization with JWST, the need for a fast implementation of classical forward models to understand the chemical and physical processes in exoplanet atmospheres is more important than ever. Notably, the time-dependent ordinary differential equations to be solved by chemical kinetics codes are very time-consuming to compute. In this study, we focus on the implementation of neural networks to replace mathematical frameworks in one-dimensional chemical kinetics codes. Using the gravity gradient, temperature-pressure profiles, initial mixing ratios, and stellar flux of a sample of hot-Jupiter’s atmospheres as free parameters, the neural network is built to predict the mixing ratio outputs in steady state. The architecture of the network is composed of individual autoencoders for each input variable to reduce the input dimensionality, which is then used as the input training data for an LSTM-like neural network. Results show that the autoencoders for the mixing ratios, stellar spectra, and pressure gradients are exceedingly successful in encoding and decoding the data. Our results show that in 90 per cent of the cases, the fully trained model is able to predict the evolved mixing ratios of the species in the hot-Jupiter atmosphere simulations. The fully trained model is ∼103 times faster than the simulations done with the forward, chemical kinetics model while making accurate predictions.
Alu RNA fold links splicing with signal recognition particle proteins
Authors: Borovská Ivana , Vořechovský Igor , Královičová Jana
Published: June 2023

Transcriptomic diversity in primates was considerably expanded by exonizations of intronic Alu elements. To better understand their cellular mechanisms we have used structure-based mutagenesis coupled with functional and proteomic assays to study the impact of successive primate mutations and their combinations on inclusion of a sense-oriented AluJ exon in the human F8 gene. We show that the splicing outcome was better predicted by consecutive RNA conformation changes than by computationally derived splicing regulatory motifs. We also demonstrate an involvement of SRP9/14 (signal recognition particle) heterodimer in splicing regulation of Alu-derived exons. Nucleotide substitutions that accumulated during primate evolution relaxed the conserved left-arm AluJ structure including helix H1 and reduced the capacity of SRP9/14 to stabilize the closed Alu conformation. RNA secondary structure-constrained mutations that promoted open Y-shaped conformations of the Alu made the Alu exon inclusion reliant on DHX9. Finally, we identified additional SRP9/14 sensitive Alu exons and predicted their functional roles in the cell. Together, these results provide unique insights into architectural elements required for sense Alu exonization, identify conserved pre-mRNA structures involved in exon selection and point to a possible chaperone activity of SRP9/14 outside the mammalian signal recognition particle.
Quality of Life in Male Breast Cancer: Prospective Study of the International Male Breast Cancer Program (EORTC10085/TBCRC029/BIG2-07/NABCG)
Authors: Schröder Carolien P , van Leeuwen-Stok Elise , Cardoso Fatima , Linderholm Barbro , Poncet Coralie , Wolff Antonio C , Bjelic-Radisic Vesna , Werutsky Gustavo , Abreu Miguel H , Bozovic-Spasojevic Ivana , den Hoed Irma , Honkoop Aafke H , Los Maartje , Leone Jose P , Russell Nicola S , Smilde Tineke J , van der Velden Annette W G , Van Poznak Catherine , Vleugel Marije M , Yung Rachel L , Coens Corneel , Giordano Sharon H , Ruddy Kathryn J
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Prospective data about quality of life (QoL) in men with breast cancer (BC) are lacking. A prospective registry (EORTC10085) of men with all BC stages, including a QoL correlative study, was performed as part of the International Male Breast Cancer Program.

Methods

Questionnaires at BC diagnosis included the EORTC QLQ-C30 and BR23 (BC specific module), adapted for men. High functioning and global health/QoL scores indicate high functioning levels/high QoL; high symptom-focused measures scores indicate high symptoms/problems levels. EORTC reference data for healthy men and women with BC were used for comparisons.

Results

Of 422 men consenting to participate, 363 were evaluable. Median age was 67 years, and median time between diagnosis and survey was 1.1 months. A total of 114 men (45%) had node-positive early disease, and 28 (8%) had advanced disease. Baseline mean global health status score was 73 (SD: 21), better than in female BC reference data (62, SD: 25). Common symptoms in male BC were fatigue (22, SD: 24), insomnia (21, SD: 28), and pain (16, SD: 23), for which women’s mean scores indicated more burdensome symptoms at 33 (SD: 26), 30 (SD: 32), and 29 (SD: 29). Men’s mean sexual activity score was 31 (SD: 26), with less sexual activity in older patients or advanced disease.

Conclusions

QoL and symptom burden in male BC patients appears no worse (and possibly better) than that in female patients. Future analyses on impact of treatment on symptoms and QoL over time, may support tailoring of male BC management.
Do winners pick government? How scale-up experience shapes entrepreneurs’ assessments of innovation policy mixes
Authors: Denney Steven , Southin Travis , Wolfe David A
Published: June 2023

How do entrepreneurs of high-growth firms in small, open economies evaluate innovation policy mixes? In response to market consolidation by large firms, governments in such countries are using a mix of innovation policy tools to support firms with high-growth potential in digitally intensive sectors. Government objectives, however, are not being realized. Bringing actor-centric perspectives to the policy mix literature, we analyze interviews with entrepreneurs from Canadian technology firms to determine whether there is a disconnect between the objectives and instruments employed by the government. With distinct policy preferences rooted in their growth experiences specific to the country’s political economy, we find that scale-up entrepreneurs prefer a more active role of the government in the form of demand-side, direct, and targeted innovation instruments. The findings presented in this article provide a more nuanced understanding of the innovation policy landscape and the preferences of technology scale-up firms
What limits intra-household insurance or the ‘Added Worker Effect’?
Authors: Hevenstone Debra , Kessler Dorian , Luchsinger Larissa
Published: June 2023

The ‘Added Worker Effect’ (AWE) theory posits that partners of the unemployed provide intra-household insurance by increasing their earnings. However, estimates of the AWE are small. Popular explanations include lacking need (e.g. due to generous unemployment benefits), capacity or willingness to increase earnings, though these explanations are seldom tested systematically. Using Swiss administrative data and difference-in-differences estimates, we find an overall AWE among only non-working women. We find no systematic differences in AWEs between couples with differing needs or capacities, but aspects related to willingness like marriage, long marital duration and shared biological children are associated with higher AWEs. Men’s overall slight reduction in earnings upon their partners’ unemployment is driven by young, childless, cohabiting men. Overall, compared to unemployment insurance, in all studied subgroups, the AWE is a minimal source of insurance.
The Liechtenstein Anstalt—the legal chameleon’s mystery unveiled
Authors: Niegel Johanna
Published: June 2023

Just like the Liechtenstein foundation, the anstalt is a true legal chameleon among the Liechtenstein company forms, fulfilling purposes that range from those commonly pursued by corporate bodies to purposes pursued by private foundations. This year’s editorial explains and contrasts the basic concept of the Liechtenstein anstalt, which more often than not puzzles domestic and international practitioners alike, and points out why the correct classification of an anstalt is essential.
A call for standardized reporting of early-onset colorectal peritoneal metastases
Authors: Austin-Datta Rebecca J. , La Vecchia Carlo , George Thomas J. , Mohamed Faheez , Boffetta Paolo , Dineen Sean P. , Huang Daniel Q. , Vu Thanh-Huyen T. , Nguyen Tin C. , Permuth Jennifer B. , Luu Hung N.
Published: June 2023

Background

The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in patients under 50 years of age, i.e., early-onset CRC, has increased in the past two decades. Colorectal peritoneal metastases (CPM) will develop in 10–30% of CRC patients. CPM traditionally had a dismal prognosis, but surgery and novel systemic treatments appear to increase survival. Determining potential age-associated risk and prognostic factors is optimized when analyses use standardized age groupings.

Methods

We performed a review of early-onset CPM studies and compared variables used, e.g., age stratification and definitions of synchronous and metachronous CPM. We included studies published in PubMed up to November 2022 if results were stratified by age.

Results

Of 114 screened publications in English, only 10 retrospective studies met inclusion criteria. Incidence of CPM was higher in younger CRC patients (e.g. 23% vs. 2% for <25 vs. ≥25 years, P < 0.0001; and 57% vs. 39% vs. 4% for <20 vs. 20–25 vs. >25 years, P < 0.001); two studies reported higher proportion of younger African American CPM patients (e.g. 16% vs. 6% for <50 vs. ≥50 years). Studies used seven different age-stratification methods, presenting comparison challenges.

Conclusion

Studies showed a higher proportion of CPM in younger patients, but directly comparing results was not possible due to inconsistent reporting. To better address this issue, CRC and CPM studies stratified by standard age groups (e.g. <50 vs. ≥50) are needed.
Short-Term Outcomes of Hydrus Microstent With and Without Additional Canaloplasty During Cataract Surgery
Authors: Dickinson Anna , Leidy Luke , Nusair Omar , Mihailovic Aleksandra , Ramulu Pradeep , Yohannan Jithin , Johnson Thomas V. , Kaleem Mona , Rachapudi Sruti , An Jella
Published: June 2023

Précis:

Compared with phacoemulsification and microstent alone, we observed that phacoemulsification with combined microstent and canaloplasty resulted in a significantly greater reduction in glaucoma medications while maintaining similar rates of intraocular pressure reduction and low complications.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of phacoemulsification combined with Hydrus Microstent (Alcon Inc.) implantation alone or in combination with canaloplasty (OMNI Surgical System, Sight Sciences Inc.).

Materials and Methods:

Retrospective study of mild-to-moderate primary open angle glaucoma patients who underwent phacoemulsification with microstent alone (42 eyes of 42 patients) or in combination with canaloplasty (canaloplasty-microstent, 32 eyes of 32 patients). The mean number of ocular hypotensive medications and intraocular pressure were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at 1 week and at 1, 3, and 6 months. Complications and secondary surgical interventions were recorded. Outcomes measures included the percentage of unmedicated eyes and surgical success at 6 months. Surgical success was defined as reaching the target intraocular pressure without medications or secondary surgical interventions.

Results:

Mean intraocular pressure at 6 months was 14.1±3.5 mm Hg (13% reduction) after microstent alone and 13.6±3.1 mm Hg (17% reduction) after canaloplasty-microstent. Mean medications at 6 months were 0.57±0.9 (67% reduction) after microstent alone and 0.16±0.4 (88% reduction) after canaloplasty-microstent (P<0.05). At 6 months, 64.3% of microstent alone and 87.3% of canaloplasty-microstent were off all medications (P=0.02). Success probabilities at 6 months were 44.5% for microstent alone and 70.0% for canaloplasty-microstent (P=0.04). No secondary surgical interventions occurred in either group.

Conclusions:

Microstent combined with canaloplasty resulted in a significantly higher rate of medication-free status compared with microstent alone through 6 months.
A Review of Cost-Effectiveness Analyses for Open Angle Glaucoma Management
Authors: Sood Shefali , Iskander Mina , Heilenbach Noah , Chen Dinah , Al-Aswad Lama A.
Published: June 2023

Purpose:

Cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs) quantify and compare both costs and measures of efficacy for different interventions. As the costs of glaucoma management to patients, payers, and physicians are increasing, we seek to investigate the role of CEAs in the field of glaucoma and how such studies impact clinical management.

Methods:

We adhered to the “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses” guidelines for our systematic review structure. Eligible studies included any full-text articles that investigated cost-effectiveness or cost-utility as it relates to the field of open angle glaucoma management in the United States. Risk of bias assessment was conducted using the validated Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Economic Evaluations.

Results:

Eighteen studies were included in the review. Dates of publication ranged from 1983 to 2021. Most of the studies were published in the 2000s and performed CEAs in the domains of treatment/therapy, screening, and adherence for patients with primary angle open glaucoma. Of the 18 articles included, 14 focused on treatment, 2 on screening, and 2 on adherence. Most of these studies focused on the cost-effectiveness of different topical medical therapies, whereas only a few studies explored laser procedures, surgical interventions, or minimally invasive procedures. Economic models using decision analysis incorporating state-transition Markov cycles or Montecarlo simulations were widely used, however, the methodology among studies was variable, with a wide spectrum of inputs, measures of outcomes, and time horizons used.

Conclusion:

Overall, we found that cost-effectiveness research in glaucoma in the United States remains relatively unstructured, resulting in unclear and conflicting implications for clinical management.
Disparity of Bladder Cancer Incidence Among Male Workers Across Industries
Authors: Kim Jae Yoon , Yoon Jin-Ha , Yoo Ki-Bong , Lee Woo-Ri , Lee Wanhyung , Kang Mo-Yeol
Published: June 2023

Background

This study aimed to investigate the bladder cancer risk across workers’ industries.

Methods

This study was conducted using Korean National Health Insurance claims data. Workers were included in this study to build a retrospective cohort of the entire working population. Workers’ industries were divided into 77 industries according to the Korean Standard Industry Classification division category. The standardized incidence ratio was calculated by comparing 77 industries according to the Korean Standard Industry Classification with the educational public officer.

Results

Bladder cancer risk was particularly high in the following industrial sectors: passenger land transport, except transport via railways; sea and coastal water transport; restaurants and mobile food service activities; telecommunications; and computer programming, consultancy, and related activities.

Conclusions

Our result provides evidence regarding the disparity of bladder cancer incidence among male workers across industries.
The surgical patient of yesterday, today, and tomorrow—a time-trend analysis based on a cohort of 8.7 million surgical patients
Authors: Knoedler Samuel , Matar Dany Y. , Friedrich Sarah , Knoedler Leonard , Haug Valentin , Hundeshagen Gabriel , Kauke-Navarro Martin , Kneser Ulrich , Pomahac Bohdan , Orgill Dennis P. , Panayi Adriana C.
Published: June 2023

Background:

Global healthcare delivery is challenged by the aging population and the increase in obesity and type 2 diabetes. The extent to which such trends affect the cohort of patients the authors surgically operate on remains to be elucidated. Comprising of 8.7 million surgical patients, the American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database can be analyzed to investigate the echo of general population dynamics and forecast future trends.

Material and methods:

The authors reviewed the ACS-NSQIP database (2008–2020) in its entirety, extracting patient age, BMI, and diabetes prevalence. Based on these data, the authors forecasted future trends up to 2030 using a drift model.

Results:

During the review period, median age increased by 3 years, and median BMI by 0.9 kg/m2. The proportion of patients with overweight, obesity class I, and class II rates increased. The prevalence of diabetes rose between 2008 (14.9%) and 2020 (15.3%). The authors forecast the median age in 2030 to reach 61.5 years and median BMI to climb to 29.8 kg/m2. Concerningly, in 2030, eight of ten surgical patients are projected to have a BMI above normal. Diabetes prevalence is projected to rise to 15.6% over the next decade.

Conclusion:

General population trends echo in the field of surgery, with the surgical cohort aging at an alarmingly rapid rate and increasingly suffering from obesity and diabetes. These trends show no sign of abating without dedicated efforts and call for urgent measures and fundamental re-structuring for improved future surgical care.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Combined Fat Transplantation for the Treatment of Bleomycin-Induced Murine Scleroderma
Authors: Wang Hayson Chenyu , Li Zhijin , Li Zhujun , Wang Xiaojun , Long Xiao
Published: June 2023

Background

Low-fat retention induced by inflammation limits the clinical application of fat grafting for treating localized scleroderma (LS) patients. Novel methods to improve the therapeutic outcome are needed.

Objective

The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP)–assisted fat transplantation on skin fibrosis and adipose survival in the LS model.

Methods

The LS model was established by the injection of bleomycin into BALB/C nude mice, which were randomly divided into the following 4 groups: healthy control, LS disease group model, fat transplantation group, and PRP+ fat transplantation group. The mice received a subcutaneous injection at back with phosphate-buffered saline, fat, or 20% PRP+ fat. Factors of immunoregulation, angiogenesis and adipogenesis were measured.

Results

Platelet-rich plasma–combined fat transplantation significantly attenuated dermis fibrosis by reducing the production of type III collagen. The fat retention in the PRP+ fat transplantation group was 43 ± 4 mg, significantly higher than 22 ± 15 mg in the fat transplantation group (P = 0.0416). The level of tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 2 showed no significant difference between the groups. The expression of angiogenesis factors, vascular endothelial growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, and CD31, significantly increased in the PRP+ fat transplantation group. The expression of adipogenesis factors, insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, anti-CCAAT-enhancer–binding proteins, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, also significantly increased in the PRP+ fat transplantation group.

Conclusions

The results demonstrated that PRP-combined fat transplantation attenuated dermis fibrosis and raised fat survival in the LS model by promoting angiogenesis and adipogenesis through insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor/extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling pathway.
Identification of Risk Factors and Phenotypes of Surgical Site Infection in Patients After Abdominal Surgery
Authors: Zhang Xufei , Yang Yiyu , Liu Peizhao , Wang Peige , Li Xuemin , Zhu Jianwei , Mai Wei , Jin Weidong , Liu Wenjing , Zhou Zhitao , Wang Jiajie , Wu Meilin , Ma Rui , Chi Jiayu , Wu Xiuwen , Ren Jianan
Published: June 2023

Objectives:

We aimed to determine the current incidence rate and risk factors for surgical site infection (SSI) after abdominal surgery in China and to further demonstrate the clinical features of patients with SSI.

Summary Background Data:

Contemporary epidemiology and clinical features of SSI after abdominal surgery remain poorly characterized.

Methods:

A prospective multicenter cohort study was conducted from March 2021 to February 2022; the study included patients who underwent abdominal surgery at 42 hospitals in China. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for SSI. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to explore the population characteristics of SSI.

Results:

In total, 23,982 patients were included in the study, of whom 1.8% developed SSI. There was higher SSI incidence in open surgery (5.0%) than in laparoscopic or robotic surgeries (0.9%). Multivariable logistic regression indicated that the independent risk factors for SSI after abdominal surgery were older age, chronic liver disease, mechanical bowel preparation, oral antibiotic bowel preparation, colon or pancreas surgery, contaminated or dirty wounds, open surgery, and colostomy/ileostomy. LCA revealed four sub-phenotypes in patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Types α and β were mild subclasses with a lower SSI incidence; whereas types γ and δ were the critical subgroups with a higher SSI incidence, but their clinical features were different.

Conclusions:

LCA identified four sub-phenotypes in patients who underwent abdominal surgery. Types γ and δ were critical subgroups with a higher SSI incidence. This phenotype classification can be used to predict SSI after abdominal surgery.