bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dielectric response and density functional theory assessment of fluorinated dicationic pyridinium ionic liquids
Authors: Abdel‐Basset Trob A. , Rezki Nadjet , Al‐Sodies Salsabeel A. , Aouad Mohamed Reda , Bashal Ali H , Sharfalddin Abeer A. , Jaremko Mariusz , Emwas Abdul‐Hamid , Hagar Mohamed
Published: October 2022

This study represent the synthesis and electrical conductivity of two focused dicationic pyridinium ionic liquids (DiILs) carrying tetrafluoroborate and/or hexafluorophosphate as counter anion. Thus, the synthesis required quaternization of the pyridine nitrogen atoms first, followed by a metathetical exchange reaction to produce the task‐specific ILs bearing tetrafluoroborate and hexafluorophosphate as counter anions. The resulting DiILs were characterized by NMR and MS spectroscopy. The dielectric constant and the conductivity of the targeted DiILs were analyzed in detail, within a frequency‐range of 1 KHz to 0.3 MHz and a temperature range of 25–100°C. Density functional theoretical (DFT) calculations were also carried out at the base site, B3LYP 6–311 g (d,p), for the Syn/E isomers of the investigated ionic liquids (ILs). We found non‐coplanar molecular geometries with a twist angle of the Schiff base, dependent on the type of counter ion present. The energy levels and differences of the frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs) were also predicted using DFT calculations. The results revealed that the ILs incorporating BF4− as counter anions showed high HOMO and LUMO values with a higher energy gap, while low FMOs with a lower energy gap were recorded for the derivative encompassing PF6− counter anions. These findings were used to help explain the dielectric properties of the investigated DiILs.
Developing the “Healthcare CEO App” for patients with type 1 diabetes transitioning from adolescence to young adulthood: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Chiang Yueh‐Tao , Chang Chi‐Wen , Yu Hsing‐Yi , Tsay Pei‐Kwei , Lo Fu‐Sung , Chen Chi‐Wen , Lin Wen‐Yen , Hsu Chien‐Lung , An Chi , Moons Philip
Published: October 2022

Aim

To develop and test a mobile application that supports the disease self‐management of adolescents with type 1 diabetes during their transition to early adulthood.

Design

A sequential mixed‐methods design was employed.

Methods

The application content was designed according to previously identified care needs and expectations, followed by application development on the Android operating system. From the outpatient clinic of the Department of Paediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism at a medical centre in northern Taiwan, 35 individuals aged between 16–25 years participated in application testing.

Results

The overall median score of the QUIS was 4–5, most of the 25% quartile was 4–5, and all of the 75% quartile was 5, indicating adequate user interaction satisfaction.
Ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry coupled with three‐step data post‐processing techniques for comprehensive profiling of the multiple components in Fufang Xianzhuli Ye
Authors: Wang Lanxin , Fu Huizheng , Li Junmao , Chen Linan , Yang Jiaxi , Zhong Lan , Xiao Xiaowu , Feng Yulin , Luo Yuehua
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Fufang Xianzhuli (FXZL) Ye, a classical formula of traditional Chinese medicine, is composed of Succus Bambusae, Houttuyniae herba, Pinelliae Rhizoma, Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, Eriobotryae Folium, Platycodonis Radix, and peppermint oil. For many years, FXZL has been primarily utilised in China to treat cough and phlegm. The chemical composition of FXZL has not been reported, which seriously affects the safety of the clinical application.

Objective

To establish a systematic method for rapidly classifying and recognising the chemical constituents in the FXZL for the safety of the clinical application.

Methods

An ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry coupled with a three‐step data post‐processing strategy was developed to screen the chemical constituents of FXZL.

Results

In this experiment, the diagnostic ions in FXZL were classified into six main compounds. A total of 106 compounds were unambiguously identified in FXZL based on their retention times, accurate masses, and tandem mass spectrometry data. These include 11 chlorogenic acids, three flavonoids, eight sesquiterpenoids, six organic acids, 65 triterpenoid saponins, and 13 other compounds.

Conclusion

The chemical composition of FXZL was identified and summarised, providing useful information for quality control and a basis for further exploration of its active ingredients in vivo.
Trends and regional variations in prescriptions dispensed to stimulate uterine contractions at the end of pregnancy in Belgium: A community‐based study from 2003 to 2018
Authors: Larcin Lionel , Karakaya Güngör , Rygaert Xavier , Van Wilder Philippe , Lamy Clotilde , Demyttenaere Bart , Damase‐Michel Christine , Kirakoya‐Samadoulougou Fati
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To investigate trends and regional variations in uterotonics dispensed around birth between 2003 and 2018 in Belgium.

Methods

Data, including outpatient and inpatient prescriptions were extracted from a nationally representative prescription database. The prevalence of uterotonics dispensed during a period including the 7 days before birth, the delivery day and the 7 days after birth was computed over three 4‐year‐long study periods from 2003 to 2018. The trends between periods and associations between the use of at least one uterotonic and maternal age, region of residence, delivery type and social status were assessed using logistic regression.

Results

In total, 31 675 pregnancies were included in the study. The proportion of pregnancies exposed to at least one uterotonic decreased significantly from 92.9% (95%CI, 92.3–93.4) in 2003–2006 to 91.4% (95%CI, 90.7–92.0) in 2015–2018 for vaginal births and from 95.5% (95%CI, 94.5–96.4) to 93.7% (95%CI, 92.6–94.7) for caesarean sections. However, for vaginal births, the proportion of oxytocin increased from 84.5% (95%CI, 83.7–85.2) to 89% (95%CI 88.3–89.7). A significant association was found between uterotonic agent use and maternal age, region of residence, and delivery type. The dispensation of some uterotonic agents differed significantly between the regions.

Conclusions

The proportion of pregnancies exposed to at least one uterotonic was high across the study period but decreased slightly between 2003 and 2018. Important variations in uterotonic use between regions highlight the need for improved national guidance.
Do fake online comments pose a threat to regulatory policymaking? Evidence from Internet regulation in the United States
Authors: Handan‐Nader Cassandra
Published: October 2022

Broad stakeholder participation in regulatory policymaking via online commenting platforms has become the norm in many advanced democracies around the world. In recent years, a policy debate has emerged over the dangers posed to the process by fake comments that impersonate ordinary citizens. This paper helps to clarify the terms of this debate by evaluating a contentious and prominent case in the United States, the nearly 24 million comments from the Federal Communications Commission's 2017 Restoring Internet Freedom proceeding. Using a two‐step methodology that combines a computationally efficient search algorithm and a neural network language model, I show that regulators were able to cite much of the relevant information submitted in public comments by relying on longstanding methods of information gathering through interest groups, despite the fact that fake comments outnumbered others 3 to 1. The results suggest that fake comments did not impede regulators' ability to extract specialized information from the public consultation process, but may have distorted signals from mass comment campaigns about constituent mobilization.
The clinical decision‐making process of healthcare professionals within a personalized home‐based rehabilitation program during sequential chemoradiotherapy for stage III non‐small lung cancer: A case study
Authors: Voorn Melissa J. J. , Schröder Carin D. , Boogaart Vivian E. M. van Kampen‐van den , Willems Wendy , Bongers Bart C. , Janssen‐Heijnen Maryska L. G.
Published: October 2022

Introduction

The purpose of this case study was to demonstrate the clinical decision‐making process of healthcare professionals within a rehabilitation program during chemoradiotherapy (CHRT) for a high‐risk patient diagnosed with stage III non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The course of CHRT and patient's preferences, facilitators, and barriers were considered.

Case‐description

The patient was a 69‐year‐old man with a history of rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed with stage III NSCLC.

Intervention

A home‐based, personalized, and partly supervised rehabilitation program during CHRT, including aerobic, resistance, and breathing exercises, as well as nutritional counseling.

Outcomes

The patient suffered from side effects of CHRT, which required adjustments in the context and intensity of the exercises. An important facilitator for the patient was encouraged by his wife in following the home‐based rehabilitation program. During home visits, the patient and physiotherapists performed the exercises together to help him to overcome the burden and motivate the patient to adhere to the rehabilitation program.

Conclusion

This case study demonstrates that physical exercise training could be performed by adjusting training intensity and the way in which the physical exercise training was delivered, while the patient experienced side effects from CHRT. In addition, the involvement and support of (in)formal caregivers seems essential for adherence to rehabilitation.
Temporary stenting in a case of bronchomalacia due to relapsing polychondritis
Authors: Handa Hiroshi , Tsuruoka Hajime , Matsuzawa Shin , Azagami Shinya , Mineshita Masamichi
Published: October 2022

Airway involvement in relapsing polychondritis (RP) can often be debilitating and life threatening. Interventional procedures such as stenting can be useful to improve airway stenosis. This case was diagnosed with RP with a circumferential obstruction at the left main bronchus. We determined that a silicone airway stent would be placed. The silicone stent was removed after 22 months due to granulation tissue. After stent removal, bronchoscopic findings revealed a collapsing left main bronchus during exhalation, but airway patency was maintained during inhalation without any respiratory symptoms. In this case, bronchomalacia remained after stent removal. However, since there were no severe respiratory symptoms, we decided that stent replacement was unnecessary. In general, it is difficult to remove airway stents in severe tracheobronchomalacia; however, temporary stenting might be a useful procedure in cases with unilateral main bronchial stenosis.
Adaptive variable impedance position/force tracking control of fracture reduction robot
Authors: Zheng Gongliang , Lei Jingtao , Hu Lei , Zhang Lihai
Published: October 2022

Background

The operation object of robot‐assisted fracture reduction surgery is the musculoskeletal tissue with rigid‐compliance coupling characteristics. It is necessary to improve the interactive compliance and safety between the reduction robot and the musculoskeletal tissue.

Method

An adaptive variable impedance position/force tracking control strategy based on friction compensation is proposed. The stiffness of the reduction robot can be adaptively adjusted according to the contact force between the end‐effector and the environment. The Stribeck friction force model of the branch chain electric cylinder is derived to improve the motion control performance.

Results

The fracture reduction experiment is completed. The experimental results show that the adaptive variable impedance position/force control strategy can realize position and force tracking in fracture reduction.

Conclusion

A safety control strategy is proposed and applied to robot‐assisted fracture reduction surgery, which improves the coordination and compliance of the human‐robot interaction between the reduction robot and the patient.
Design and validation of looping assistance methods in robotic‐assisted neonatal surgical suturing in a chest model
Authors: Marques Marinho Murilo , Oikawa Risa , Hayashi Kentaro , Takazawa Shinya , Harada Kanako , Mitsuishi Mamoru
Published: October 2022

Background

Neonate patients have a reduced thoracic cavity, making thoracoscopic procedures even more challenging than their adult counterparts.

Methods

We evaluated five control strategies for robot‐assisted thoracoscopic surgical looping in simulations and experiments with a physical robotic system in a neonate surgical phantom. The strategies are composed of state‐of‐the‐art constrained optimization and a novel looping force feedback term.

Results

All control strategies allowed users to successfully perform looping. A user study in simulation showed that the proposed strategy was superior in terms of Physical demand and task duration . The cumulative sum analysis of inexperienced users shows that the proposed looping force feedback can speed up the learning. Results with surgeons did not show a significant difference among control strategies.

Conclusions

Assistive strategies in looping show promise and further work is needed to extend these benefits to other subtasks in robot‐aided surgical suturing.
Achieving Low Lattice Thermal Conductivity in Half‐Heusler Compound LiCdSb via Zintl Chemistry
Authors: Yang Xinxin , Yuan Song , Guo Kai , Ni Heng , Song Tao , Lyu Wanyu , Wang Da , Li Han , Pan Shusheng , Zhang Jiye , Zhao Jing-Tai
Published: October 2022

Half‐Heusler compounds usually possess ultrahigh power factors, while the large thermal conductivity hinders the further optimization of their thermoelectric properties. Herein, from the perspective of material design, a new half‐Heusler lattice with low lattice thermal conductivity by using Zintl chemistry based on the composition of LiCdSb is rationally constructed. The weak bonding within the polyanions combined with the resonance vibration modes of Li+ contributes to the small lattice thermal conductivity of pristine LiCdSb as low as 3.2 W m−1 K−1 at 303 K and 0.85 W m−1 K−1 at 573 K. Ag doping is further conducted for boosting the electronic quality factor BE from 2.5 to 5.2 μW cm−1 K−2 due to the energy band modulation. As a result, a high power factor up to 21.35 μW cm−1 K−2 at 393 K is achieved in LiCd0.94Ag0.06Sb. In view of the low thermal conductivity, the figure of merit zT reaches 0.79 at 633 K. Herein, it is demonstrated that the half‐Heusler compound LiCdSb is a competitive thermoelectric parent, and low thermal conductivity can indeed be realized in half‐Heusler compounds through Zintl chemistry.
The Role of Ionic Liquids in Performance Enhancement of Two‐Step Perovskite Photovoltaics
Authors: Liang Xiao , Duan Dawei , Al-Handawi Marieh B. , Wang Fei , Zhou Xianfang , Ge Chuang-ye , Lin Haoran , Zhu Quanyao , Li Liang , Naumov Panče , Hu Hanlin
Published: October 2022

Much of the research efforts of late that are directed toward enhancement of the efficiency of perovskite‐based photovoltaics are focused on the application of ionic liquids (ILs) in a one‐step approach. On the contrary, the details of the alternative two‐step approach, such as the role of the ILs in the perovskite film solidification and its optoelectronic properties, remain poorly understood despite the increasing evidence that this latter method might offer considerable advantages, including better reproducibility and control over crystallization. Herein, the effect of IL methylammonium acetate (MAAc) introduced into the PbI2 layer by a sequential deposition process on the optoelectronic properties of the perovskite film and the performance of the ensuing photovoltaic devices are studied. The addition of MAAc lowers the MAAc–perovskite formation enthalpy, leading to an accelerated solidification process. Moreover, MAAc suppresses the formation of Pb0, thereby facilitating the perovskite formation while lowering the deep defect states caused by Pb0. In addition to grain boundary passivation, the acetate ions can diffuse into the bulk of the perovskite material, filling up the halide vacancies with reduced trap state density. As a result, a decent power conversion efficiency of 23.36% is achieved, with noticeably improved durability.
Factors associated with lesion detection in colonoscopy among different indications
Authors: Mangas‐Sanjuan Carolina , Seoane Agustin , Alvarez‐Gonzalez Marco Antonio , Luè Alberto , Suárez Adolfo , Álvarez‐García Verónica , Bujanda Luis , Portillo Isabel , González Natalia , Cid‐Gomez Lucía , Cubiella Joaquín , Rodríguez‐Camacho Elena , Ponce Marta , Díez‐Redondo Pilar , Herráiz Maite , Pellisé María , Ono Akiko , Baile‐Maxía S. , Medina‐Prado L. , O Murcia , Zapater Pedro , Jover Rodrigo ,   QUALISCOPIA Study Investigators
Published: October 2022

Background and objective

Different factors may influence colonoscopy performance measures. We aimed to analyze procedure‐ and endoscopist‐related factors associated with detection of colorectal lesions and whether these factors have a similar influence in the context of different colonoscopy indications: positive fecal immunochemical test (+FIT) and post‐polypectomy surveillance colonoscopies.

Methods

This multicenter cross‐sectional study included adults aged 40–80 years. Endoscopists (N = 96) who had performed ≥50 examinations were assessed for physician‐related factors. Adenoma detection rate (ADR), adenomas per colonoscopy rate (APCR), advanced ADR, serrated polyp detection (SDR), and serrated polyps per colonoscopy rate (SPPCR) were calculated.

Results

We included 12,932 procedures, with 4810 carried out after a positive FIT and 1967 for surveillance. Of the 96 endoscopists evaluated, 43.8% were women, and the mean age was 41.9 years. The ADR, advanced ADR, and SDR were 39.7%, 17.7%, and 12.8%, respectively. Adenoma detection rate was higher in colonoscopies after a +FIT (50.3%) with a more than doubled advanced ADR compared to non‐FIT procedures (27.6% vs. 13.0%) and similar results in serrated lesions (14.7% vs. 13.5%). Among all the detection indicators analyzed, withdrawal time was the only factor independently related to improvement (p < 0.001). Regarding FIT‐positive and surveillance procedures, for both indications, withdrawal time was also the only factor associated with a higher detection of adenomas and serrated polyps (p < 0.001). Endoscopist‐related factors (i.e., weekly hours dedicated to endoscopy, annual colonoscopy volume and lifetime number of colonoscopies performed) had also impact on lesion detection (APCR, advanced ADR and SPPCR).

Conclusions

Withdrawal time was the factor most commonly associated with improved detection of colonic lesions globally and in endoscopies for + FIT and post‐polypectomy surveillance. Physician‐related factors may help to address strategies to support training and service provision. Our results can be used for establishing future benchmarking and quality improvement in different colonoscopy indications.
Medical management of primary tracheal collapse in a cat
Authors: Viñeta Clàudia , López María Cristina , Verdés Judit , Roura Xavier
Published: October 2022

A 2‐year‐old, neutered, female domestic shorthair cat was referred with 3‐day history of coughing and respiratory distress. At presentation, the cat had severe inspiratory dyspnoea. Thoracic radiographs, computed tomography, tracheobronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage were performed. A grade II primary cervical tracheal collapse was diagnosed. The cat was discharged with co‐amoxiclav (at 22 mg/kg orally every 12 hours for 15 days) and methylprednisolone (at 1 mg/kg orally every 24 hours), with the dose being gradually decreased over a period of 2 months. The clinical signs improved progressively, and 12 months later, no clinical signs were evident. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first description of a feline primary tracheal collapse treated without surgical intervention with an excellent clinical response.
Gravimetry by Nanoscale Parametric Amplifiers Driven by Radiation-Induced Dispersion Force Modulation
Authors: Pinto Fabrizio
Published: October 2022

Here we present early results from lumped-element numerical simulations of a novel class of nano electromechanical systems (NEMS) presently being considered for ground-based gravimetry and future micro accelerometry applications in GPS-denied environments, including spacecraft. The strategy we discuss is based on measuring the effects of non-inertial or gravitational forces on the dynamics of a standard oscillator driven at its resonance frequency by a time-dependent electrostatic potential. In order to substantially enhance the sensitivity of the instrument, the oscillating mass is made to simultaneously interact with a nearby boundary so as to be affected by quantum electrodynamical Casimir forces. Furthermore, unlike previously published proposals, in the design presented herein the Casimir boundary does not oscillate but it is a fixed semiconducting layer. As already demonstrated experimentally, this arrangement enables Casimir force time-modulation by semiconductor back-illumination. Such a design strategy, first suggested by this author as a promising approach to gravitational wave detection in different nano-sensors, allows for the realization of a Casimir force-pumped mechanical parametric amplifier. Such devices can, in principle, yield gains of several orders of magnitude in the mechanical response amplitude over the response from standard unpumped oscillators. The numerical proof-of-concept first presented herein points to a potentially new class of gravimetry products based on exploiting appropriately engineered dispersion forces as an emerging enabling general purpose technology on the nanoscale.
On existence and uniqueness of weak solutions to nonlocal conservation laws with BV kernels
Authors: Coclite Giuseppe Maria , De Nitti Nicola , Keimer Alexander , Pflug Lukas
Published: October 2022

In this note, we extend the known results on the existence and uniqueness of weak solutions to conservation laws with nonlocal flux. In case the nonlocal term is given by a convolution$$\gamma *q$$γ∗q, we weaken the standard assumption on the kernel$$\gamma \in L^\infty \big ((0,T); W^{1,\infty }({\mathbb {R}})\big )$$γ∈L∞((0,T);W1,∞(R))to the substantially more general condition$$\gamma \in L^\infty ((0,T); BV({\mathbb {R}}))$$γ∈L∞((0,T);BV(R)), which allows for discontinuities in the kernel.
Strengthening of duplex stainless steel processed by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP)
Authors: Muñoz Jairo Alberto , Chand Mohan , Signorelli Javier Walter , Calvo Jessica , Cabrera José María
Published: October 2022

This manuscript presents the study of the microstructural evolution, plastic anisotropy, and mechanical behavior of a duplex stainless steel (DSS) processed by the equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) technique. The ECAP process produced shear bands affecting both phases, austenite and ferrite, which in turns act as preferential sites for the appearance of the new ultrafine grains. Microstructural observations indicated grain sizes smaller than 300 nm in both phases. However, marked differences in the grain boundary misorientations were observed. Most ferrite grain boundaries showed low misorientations (average misorientation of 30°). In contrast, the austenite grain boundaries were mainly dominated by high-angle grain boundaries (average misorientation of 39°). The ECAP processing allowed to reach a yield strength over 1.1 GPa after one ECAP pass. Dislocations formed walls in the ferrite, while they were distributed evenly in the austenite grains creating plastic gradients between the two phases. Through the visco-plastic self-consistent model, it was found that austenite and ferrite strain hardening at different rates, generating plastic instabilities at different strain magnitudes. In this way, it was shown that austenite is the phase that provides more hardening while ferrite provides ductility. Regarding the anisotropy of the steel, crystal plasticity simulations showed that during the first passes of ECAP, the Lankford coefficients increase notably due to the heterogeneous microstructure of sheared grains with a higher density of defects forming subgrains in ferrite than austenite. Moreover, the austenite was more responsible for the larger planar anisotropy ($$\Delta r$$

Δ
r

= 2.18) values than ferrite ($$\Delta r$$

Δ
r

= 1.67) after two ECAP passes.
The variance inflation factor to account for correlations in likelihood ratio tests: deformation analysis with terrestrial laser scanners
Authors: Kermarrec Gaël , Lösler Michael , Guerrier Stéphane , Schön Steffen
Published: October 2022

The measurement noise of a terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) is correlated. Neglecting those correlations affects the dispersion of the parameters when the TLS point clouds are mathematically modelled: statistical tests for the detection of outliers or deformation become misleading. The account for correlations is, thus, mandatory to avoid unfavourable decisions. Unfortunately, fully populated variance covariance matrices (VCM) are often associated with computational burden. To face that challenge, one answer is to rescale a diagonal VCM with a simple und physically justifiable variance inflation factor (VIF). Originally developed for a short-range correlation model, we extend the VIF to account for long-range dependence coming from, for example, atmospheric turbulent effects. The validation of the VIF is performed for the congruency test for deformation with Monte Carlo simulations. Our real application uses data from a bridge under load.
Thyroid Lobectomy for Low‐Risk 1–4 CM Papillary Thyroid Cancer is not Associated with Increased Recurrence Rates in the Dutch Population with a Restricted Diagnostic Work‐Up
Authors: Lin J. F. , Rodriguez Schaap P. M. , Metman M. J. H. , Nieveen van Dijkum E. J. M. , Dickhoff C. , Links T. P. , Kruijff S. , Engelsman A. F.
Published: October 2022

Introduction

The 2015 American Thyroid Association guidelines recommend to de‐escalate treatment such as Thyroid lobectomy instead of total thyroidectomy for 1–4 cm papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Dutch guidelines endorse restricted work‐up for thyroid incidentalomas recommending only fine needle aspiration in case of a ‘palpable thyroid nodule’. This diagnostic work‐up algorithm may result in the identification of less indolent PTCs and may lead to a patient population with relatively more aggressive PTCs. This study aims to retrospectively analyze recurrence rates of low‐risk 1–4 cm PTC in the Netherlands.

Methods

From the national cancer registry, patients with low‐risk 1–4 cm PTC between 2005 and 2015 were included for analysis. Disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival were compared between patients who underwent TT ± RAI and TL without RAI. Post‐hoc propensity score analysis was performed correcting for age, sex, T‐stage, and N‐stage.

Results

In total 901 patients were included, of which 711 (78.9%) were females, with a median follow‐up of 7.7 years. TT was performed in 893 (94.8%) patients. Recurrence occurred in 23 (2.6%) patients. Multivariable analysis showed no significant correlation between extent of surgery and DFS (p = 0.978), or overall survival (p = 0.590). After propensity score matching, multivariable analysis showed no significant difference on extent of surgery and recurrence.

Conclusion

Low‐risk PTC patients with 1–4 cm tumor who underwent TL showed similar recurrence rates as those who underwent TT ± adjuvant RAI, which suggests that TL can be sufficient in treating low‐risk 1–4 cm PTC, possibly reducing morbidity of these patients in the Netherlands.
Extracellular vesicle approach to major psychiatric disorders
Authors: Oraki Kohshour Mojtaba , Papiol Sergi , Delalle Ivana , Rossner Moritz J. , Schulze Thomas G.
Published: October 2022

Over the last few years, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have received increasing attention as potential non-invasive diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers for various diseases. The interest in EVs is related to their structure and content, as well as to their changing cargo in response to different stimuli. One of the potential areas of use of EVs as biomarkers is the central nervous system (CNS), in particular the brain, because EVs can cross the blood–brain barrier, exist also in peripheral tissues and have a diverse cargo. Thus, they may represent “liquid biopsies” of the CNS that can reflect brain pathophysiology without the need for invasive surgical procedures. Overall, few studies to date have examined EVs in neuropsychiatric disorders, and the present evidence appears to lack reproducibility. This situation might be due to a variety of technical obstacles related to working with EVs, such as the use of different isolation strategies, which results in non-uniform vesicular and molecular outputs. Multi-omics approaches and improvements in the standardization of isolation procedures will allow highly pure EV fractions to be obtained in which the molecular cargo, particularly microRNAs and proteins, can be identified and accurately quantified. Eventually, these advances will enable researchers to decipher disease-relevant molecular signatures of the brain-derived EVs involved in synaptic plasticity, neuronal development, neuro-immune communication, and other related pathways. This narrative review summarizes the findings of studies on EVs in major psychiatric disorders, particularly in the field of biomarkers, and discusses the respective therapeutic potential of EVs.
Inguinal hernia surgery learning curves by associate clinicians
Authors: van Kesteren Jurre , Meylahn-Jansen Pauline J. , Conteh Amara , Lissenberg-Witte Birgit I. , van Duinen Alex J. , Ashley Thomas , Bonjer H. Jaap , Bolkan Håkon A.
Published: October 2022

Background

Open inguinal hernia repair is the most commonly performed procedure in general surgery in sub-Saharan Africa, but data on its learning curve are lacking. This study evaluated the learning curve characteristics to improve surgical training and enable scaling up hernia surgery in low- and middle-income countries.

Methods

Logbook data of associate clinicians enrolled in a surgical training program in Sierra Leone were collected and their first 55 hernia surgeries following the Bassini technique (herniorrhaphies) were analyzed in cohorts of five cases. Studied variables were gradient of decline of operating time, variation in operating time, and length of stay (LOS). Eleven subsequent cohorts of each five herniorrhaphies were investigated.

Results

Seventy-five trainees enrolled in the training program between 2011 and 2020 were eligible for inclusion. Thirty-one (41.3%) performed the minimum of 55 herniorrhaphies, and had also complete personal logbook data. Mean operating times dropped from 79.6 (95% CI 75.3–84.0) to 48.6 (95% CI 44.3–52.9) minutes between the first and last cohort, while standard deviation in operating time nearly halved to 15.4 (95% CI 11.7–20.0) minutes, and LOS was shortened by 3 days (8.5 days, 95%CI 6.1–10.8 vs. 5.4 days, 95% 3.1–7.6). Operating times flattened after 31–35 cases which corresponded with 1.5 years of training.

Conclusions

The learning curve of inguinal hernia surgery for associate clinicians flattens after 31–35 procedures. Training programs can be tailored based on this finding. The recorded learning curve may serve as a baseline for future training techniques.
How does the modality of delivering force feedback influence the performance and learning of surgical suturing skills? We don’t know, but we better find out! A review
Authors: Oppici Luca , Grütters Kim , Bechtolsheim Felix , Speidel Stefanie
Published: October 2022

Background

Force feedback is a critical element for performing and learning surgical suturing skill. Force feedback is impoverished or not present at all in non-open surgery (i.e., in simulation, laparoscopic, and robotic-assisted surgery), but it can be augmented using different modalities. This rapid, systematic review examines how the modality of delivering force feedback influences the performance and learning of surgical suturing skills.

Methods

An electronic search was performed on PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Embase databases to identify relevant articles. The results were synthesized using vote counting based on direction of effect.

Results

A total of nine studies of medium-to-low quality were included. The synthesis of results suggests that the visual modality could be more beneficial than the tactile and auditory modalities in improving force control and that auditory and tactile modalities could be more beneficial than the visual modality in improving suturing performance. Results are mixed and unclear with regards to how modality affects the reduction of force magnitude and unclear when unimodal was compared to multimodal feedback. The studies have a general low level of evidence.

Conclusion

The low number of studies with low methodological quality and low level of evidence (most were proof of concept) prevents us from drawing any meaningful conclusion and as such it is currently unknown whether and how force feedback modality influences surgical suturing skill. Speculatively, the visual modality may be more beneficial for improving the control of exerted force, while auditory and tactile modalities may be more effective in improving the overall suturing performance. We consider the issue of feedback modality to be highly relevant in this field, and we encourage future research to conduct further investigation integrating principles from learning psychology and neuroscience: identify feedback goal, context, and skill level and then design and compare feedback modalities accordingly.
Ballet after breast cancer: investigating the feasibility and acceptability of a novel 16-week classical ballet intervention for breast cancer survivors
Authors: Macdonald Eliza R. , Clifford Briana K. , Simar David , Ward Rachel E.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The “Ballet after breast cancer” study sought to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of a 16-week classical ballet intervention for breast cancer survivors, delivered face-to-face and/or online.

Methods

Breast cancer survivors were recruited to take part in 2 × 1-h ballet classes per week for 16 weeks. Primary outcomes of feasibility and acceptability were assessed according to rates of enrolment and attendance and participant feedback via questionnaire. Secondary outcomes included quality of life (QOL), upper-body disability, shoulder range of motion (ROM), muscular strength, aerobic capacity, and physical activity levels. Associations between rate of attendance and changes in secondary measures were explored.

Results

Thirty-one participants (62% of eligible individuals) enrolled in the program. Twenty-nine women commenced the intervention [53.3 ± 10.8 years (Mean ± SD)], attending 77.6% [67.6, 87.5] (Mean [95% CI]) of sessions. Based on these rates of enrolment and attendance, and participant feedback, the program was deemed feasible and acceptable to participants. Significant improvements in shoulder ROM and reductions in sedentary behaviour were achieved. Participants also reported improvements in physical capacity and psychological, social, and cognitive wellbeing.

Conclusions

The “Ballet after breast cancer” program, delivered face-to-face and/or online, was feasible and acceptable to breast cancer survivors. Improvements in shoulder ROM achieved doing ballet were pertinent given the adverse effects of upper-body morbidity on breast cancer survivor QOL. Improvements in physical activity behaviour and perceived benefits to wellbeing also support the use of ballet to mitigate QOL impairment after treatment.

Implications for cancer survivors

The physical demands and the fun, creative, and social characteristics of ballet promote improvement across multiple domains of health and wellbeing. Ballet shows promise as an activity to improve QOL and increase long-term engagement in health-promoting physical activity after breast cancer.
Video restoration based on deep learning: a comprehensive survey
Authors: Rota Claudio , Buzzelli Marco , Bianco Simone , Schettini Raimondo
Published: October 2022

Video restoration concerns the recovery of a clean video sequence starting from its degraded version. Different video restoration tasks exist, including denoising, deblurring, super-resolution, and reduction of compression artifacts. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of the main features of existing video restoration methods based on deep learning. We focus our attention on the main architectural components, strategies for motion handling, and loss functions. We analyze the standard benchmark datasets and use them to summarize the performance of video restoration methods, both in terms of effectiveness and efficiency. In conclusion, the main challenges and future research directions in video restoration using deep learning are highlighted.
A population-based cohort study of sex and risk of severe outcomes in covid-19
Authors: Sieurin Johanna , Brandén Gunnar , Magnusson Cecilia , Hergens Maria-Pia , Kosidou Kyriaki
Published: October 2022

There is a male sex disadvantage in morbidity and mortality due to COVID-19. Proposed explanations to this disparity include gender-related health behaviors, differential distribution of comorbidities and biological sex differences. In this study, we investigated the association between sex and risk of severe COVID-19 while adjusting for comorbidities, socioeconomic factors, as well as unmeasured factors shared by cohabitants which are often left unadjusted. We conducted a total-population-based cohort study (n = 1,854,661) based on individual-level register data. Cox models was used to estimate the associations between sex and risk for severe COVID-19. We additionally used a within-household design and conditional Cox models aiming to account for unmeasured factors shared by cohabitants. A secondary aim was to compare the risk of COVID-19 related secondary outcomes between men and women hospitalized due to COVID-19 using logistic regression. Men were at higher risk for hospitalization (HR = 1.63;95%CI = 1.57–1.68), ICU admission (HR = 2.63;95%CI = 2.38–2.91) and death (HR = 1.81;95%CI = 1.68–1.95) due to COVID-19, based on fully adjusted models. However, the effect of sex varied significantly across age groups: Among people in their 50s, men had > four times higher risk of COVID-19 death. The within-household design did not provide any further explanation to the sex disparity. Among patients hospitalized due to COVID-19, men had an increased risk for viral pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, acute respiratory insufficiency, acute kidney injury, and sepsis which persisted in fully adjusted models. Recognition of the combined effect of sex and age on COVID-19 outcomes has implications for policy strategies to reduce the adverse effects of the disease.
Mortality Advantage Reversed: The Causes of Death Driving All-Cause Mortality Differentials Between Immigrants, the Descendants of Immigrants and Ancestral Natives in Sweden, 1997–2016
Authors: Wallace Matthew
Published: October 2022

A small but growing body of studies have documented the alarming mortality situation of adult descendants of migrants in a number of European countries. Nearly all of them have focused on all-cause mortality to reveal these important health inequalities. This paper takes advantage of the Swedish population registers to study all-cause and cause-specific mortality among men and women aged 15–44 in Sweden from 1997 to 2016 to a level of granularity unparalleled elsewhere. It adopts a multi-generation, multi-origin and multi-cause-of-death approach. Using extended, competing-risks survival models, it aims to show (1) how the all-cause mortality of immigrants arriving as adults (the G1), immigrants arriving as children (the G1.5) and children of immigrants born in Sweden to at least one immigrant parent (the G2) differs versus ancestral Swedes and (2) what causes-of-deaths drive these differentials. For all-cause mortality, most G1 (not Finns or Sub-Saharan Africans) have a mortality advantage. This contrasts with a near systematic reversal in the mortality of the G1.5 and G2 (notably among men), which is driven by excess accident and injury, suicide, substance use and other external cause mortality. Given that external causes-of-death are preventable and avoidable, the findings raise questions about integration processes, the levels of inequality immigrant populations are exposed to in Sweden and ultimately, whether the legacy of immigration has been positive. Strengths of the study include the use of quality data and advanced methods, the granularity of the estimates, and the provision of evidence that highlights the precarious mortality situation of the seldom-studied G1.5.
Riparian wetlands of low-order streams in Brazil: extent, hydrology, vegetation cover, interactions with streams and uplands, and threats
Authors: Junk Wolfgang J. , Piedade Maria Teresa Fernandez , Schöngart Jochen , da Cunha Catia Nunes , Goncalves Stela Rosa Amaral , Wantzen Karl Matthias , Wittmann Florian
Published: October 2022

Low-order streams and riparian wetlands are important contributors to the drainage network in the landscape. However, there has been little research into the nature of these ecosystems in Brazil. Our estimates show that riparian wetlands of low-order streams and other small associated wetlands cover at least 25% of the forested part of the Amazon basin and about 10% of the Cerrado region. Information on the semi-arid Caatinga is lacking, but ~ 3% of the area may be occupied by riparian wetlands and other small wetland types, many of which are periodically dry. Riparian vegetation includes a very large richness in tree species. The amount and species richness of herbaceous plants depend on light availability. In-streams of the semi-arid region of Brazil, hydrophytes are restricted by unpredictable flash floods and periodic drought. Aquatic food webs are largely based on the organic matter produced by the riparian vegetation. Large-scale agriculture and cattle ranching pose a serious threat to riparian wetlands, their biodiversity, and their function as a buffer in the hydrological cycle of the landscape. A nation-wide screening program would provide a more detailed picture and allow the elaboration of a national conservation and restoration program for the Brazilian riparia.
The hot deformation behaviour of laser powder bed fusion deposited Al–Si–Cu alloy processed by high-pressure torsion
Authors: Al-Zubaydi Ahmed S. J. , Gao Nong , Dzugan Jan , Podany Pavel , Sahu Sandeep , Kumar Deepak , Chen Ying , Reed Philippa A. S.
Published: October 2022

The tensile properties of an ultrafine-grained Al–9%Si–3%Cu alloy deposited by the laser powder bed fusion process have been investigated in this work. The additively manufactured (AM) alloy was subjected to high-pressure torsion processing at room temperature successfully at different number of turns in HPT and then inspected through hot tensile testing at 298 and 573 K using strain rates ranging from 10–1 to 10–4 s−1. The processed alloy showed extensive refinement and high dislocation density that was associated with considerable strength at ambient temperature. The as-deposited and processed samples of the alloy exhibited significantly higher tensile strength and elongation under hot deformation conditions compared with their cast counterpart alloys. The room temperature-HPT processing presented ultrafine α-Al and well-distributed nanosized eutectic Si particles which significantly improved the tensile behaviour and thermal stability of the processed microstructures. The formation of fibrous structures has enhanced the flow behaviour and cavitation resistance at the elevated testing temperature. The current work indicates the impact of room temperature-HPT processing on the mechanical performance of the controllable AM-deposited alloy to meet industrial needs without further heat treatments or alloying additions.
The Impact of Long–Term Orientation Traits on Pandemic Fatigue Behavior: Evidence from the Columbian Exchange
Authors: Roy Sutanuka , Gupta Sudhir , Tourky Rabee
Published: October 2022

Leveraging exogenous variation in time preferences, we measure the causal effects of culturally embodied long-term orientation traits on voluntary social distancing behavior, COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and mortality outcomes in 2020 in the United States. We establish that long-term orientation traits with bio-geographical origins causally reduce measures of COVID-19 cases, deaths and hospitalization, inpatient bed utilization, and age-specific excess deaths. Mobility indicators measuring voluntary decisions to socially distance, comprising measures of visitors/visits to recreational locations, and mobility proxy measuring duration of hours away from home show that a lower prevalence of long-term orientation traits explains persistent resistance to social distancing.
Time Delay Integration Imaging of the Nighttime Ionosphere from the ICON Observatory
Authors: Mende S. B. , Frey H. U. , England S. L. , Immel T. J. , Eastes R. W.
Published: October 2022

One of the objectives of the Far UltraViolet (FUV) imager on the Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON) spacecraft is to make high resolution images of the nighttime near equatorial oxygen 135.6 nm airglow emission. This emission is largely the product of O+ ion re-combination and therefore the emission intensity is a proxy for remote measurement of ionospheric density. The ICON FUV instrument is capable of high resolution imaging of the night glow by viewing the Earth’s limb from above on the left side of the spacecraft and taking rapid exposures and co-adding the resultant images for 12 seconds. To improve the resolution and compress the resulting data a new type of Time Delay Integration (TDI) technique was developed, which involves transforming the images into a distorted frame so that the displacement due to orbital motion becomes a singular constant vector for all pixels. Operating in this transformed frame it is possible to co-add and shift the images to retain the resolution and minimize the required data bandwidth. The transformation needs modeling of the object distance for all pixels. Two models, the “limb” and “sub-limb” models, are used for transforming the upper and lower parts of the ICON FUV images, respectively. At the input of the instrument there is a rotatable mirror, which allows directing the optic axis near to the plane of the local magnetic field. The images are co-added for 12 sec and are down linked and re-assembled on the ground into maps of the O emission showing an entire night pass. This is the first report on the performance of this newly developed TDI system. ICON with its low inclination (27 degree) orbit provides an extensive longitudinal coverage on each orbit complementing the coverage of GOLD or TIMED. During 179 orbits in October 2021 ICON FUV saw significant nighttime ion densities on 76% of the orbits. At low latitudes the ionization was clearly associated with the equatorial ionospheric anomaly (EIA). The maps showed significant structuring during 34% of the orbits when ICON was in the position to view the EIA. In coordinated observations GOLD and ICON FUV observed regular structuring in the form of Equatorial Plasma Bubbles (EPB-s). Comparing to GOLD observations in 2018, ICON saw significantly fewer EPB-s in the month of October 2021. ICON TDI integrated sub-limb view was tested for resolution using star images and should have seen structures less than 10 km. From the 179 orbits taken in October 2021 the shortest repetition EPB-were 350 km from peak to peaks.