bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creencias y expectativas de los estudiantes de Música del Máster de Profesor de Educación Secundaria de la Universitat de València
Authors: López Calatayud Fernando , Botella Nicolás Ana María
Published: September 2022

La formación de los futuros docentes es un aspecto importante para el sistema educativo español, pues contará próximamente con esos titulados en sus aulas. Conocer sus creencias, expectativas y factores relacionados con su formación, como la distribución de los créditos de las asignaturas de cursan, pueden ayudar a mejorar esa formación y el desarrollo de las clases. Con esta finalidad, este trabajo tiene como objetivo conocer las opiniones de estudiantes de la especialidad de Música del Máster de Profesor de Educación Secundaria de la Universitat de València. Eso se hace recopilando esos aportes y comparándolos con los de un trabajo anterior (Autor1 y Autor2, 2021). De esta manera, se pueden advertir los cambios personales y formativos. Los resultados presentan algunas diferencias significativas, como que la asignatura de Música en Secundaria debe desarrollar en el alumno competencias TIC musicales y que parecen estar más interesados en materias de innovación e investigación (Innovación docente e iniciación a la investigación educativa en Música). Asimismo, existen diferencias de género. Los hombres se han interesado más por el desarrollo de las clases y el Trabajo Final de Máster y las mujeres por conocer estrategias de actuación y recursos didácticos.
APUNTES PARA LA INCLUSIÓN DE LAS INTERVENCIONES ARTETERAPEUTICAS EN EL MARCO DEL GREEN NEW DEAL: UNA POTENCIAL APLICACIÓN DEL TRABAJO GARANTIZADO
Authors: Cruz Hidalgo Esteban , Barrantes Fernández Telma , Parejo Moruno Francisco Manuel , Rangel Preciado José Francisco
Published: September 2022

Hasta la irrupción de la pandemia, el Green New Deal o alguna versión verde similar asociada al espíritu del New Deal impulsado por Estados Unidos para hacer frente a la Gran Recesión del siglo XX ganaban fuerza en el debate económico y político. Si bien existen propuestas muy diferentes del mismo, en este trabajo nos ceñiremos a aquella que busca diseñar planes de Trabajo Garantizado en sectores donde el capital privado no entra, enfocados estos a los cuidados del medio ambiente y de las personas. En este sentido, hemos realizado una revisión sistemática de la literatura para conocer qué proyectos se están llevando a cabo en una disciplina relativamente nueva como es la Arteterapia, cuyos campos de actuación abarcan la enfermedad, la inclusión social, la educación de personas en situación de vulnerabilidad, con capacidades diversas, y con algún tipo de dificultad.
An overview of propagation models based on deep learning techniques
Authors: Mladenović Jelena , Nešković Aleksandar , Nešković Nataša
Published: September 2022

In this paper, a literature overview of propagation models based on the application of deep learning is presented. Given the shortcomings of traditional empirical and deterministic models, papers dealing with the formation of propagation models are increasingly turning to modern solutions such as deep learning. This paper discusses the classification of propagation models based on deep learning techniques based on their ability to make predictions independently or in combination with a traditional model. Different architectures of deep learning models that are most commonly used in the creation of propagation models are analyzed, such as deep feedforward neural networks, convolutional neural networks and generative adversarial networks. The basic differences arising from different deep learning models and types of input data are analyzed, as well as their impact on the need for expert knowledge in the selection of data that appear as elements in the vector representing input.
When aggressiveness could be too risky: linking personality traits and predator response in superb fairy-wrens
Authors: Bilby Jack , Colombelli-Négrel Diane , Katsis Andrew C. , Kleindorfer Sonia
Published: September 2022

Personality syndromes in animals may have adaptive benefits for survival. For example, while engaging in predator deterrence, reactive individuals tend to prioritise their own survival, while proactive individuals engage in riskier behaviours. Studies linking animal personality measured in captivity with individual fitness or behaviours in the wild are sparse, which is a gap in knowledge this study aims to address. We used playback experiments in superb fairy-wrens (Malurus cyaneus), a common Australian songbird with a cooperative breeding system, to assess whether three personality traits measured during short-term captivity correlated with behavioural responses in the wild to a perceived nest and adult predator, the grey currawong (Strepera versicolor). We used three standard measures of personality in birds: struggle responses to human handling (boldness), exploration during a novel environment test, and aggressiveness during a mirror presentation. Superb fairy-wrens showed a significantly stronger response to the predator playback than to the control (willie wagtail,Rhipidura leucophrys) playback, suggesting that they recognised the predator playback as a threat without any accompanying visual stimulus. Birds that attacked their mirror image during the mirror presentation and those that spent a moderate amount of time close to the mirror responded more strongly to predator playback (by approaching the speaker faster and closer, spending more time near the speaker, and being more likely to alarm call) compared to those with low aggressiveness or those that spent very short or long durations close to the mirror. Neither boldness nor exploration in the novel environment test predicted playback response. Our results align with a growing number of studies across species showing the importance of animal personalities as factors for fitness and survival.
Objective monitoring of functional recovery after total knee and hip arthroplasty using sensor-derived gait measures
Authors: Boekesteijn Ramon , Smolders José , Busch Vincent , Keijsers Noël , Geurts Alexander , Smulders Katrijn
Published: September 2022

Background

Inertial sensors hold the promise to objectively measure functional recovery after total knee (TKA) and hip arthroplasty (THA), but their value in addition to patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) has yet to be demonstrated. This study investigated recovery of gait after TKA and THA using inertial sensors, and compared results to recovery of self-reported scores of pain and function.

Methods

PROMs and gait parameters were assessed before and at two and fifteen months after TKA (n = 24) and THA (n = 24). Gait parameters were compared with healthy individuals (n = 27) of similar age. Gait data were collected using inertial sensors on the feet, lower back, and trunk. Participants walked for two minutes back and forth over a 6m walkway with 180° turns. PROMs were obtained using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores and Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score.

Results

Gait parameters recovered to the level of healthy controls after both TKA and THA. Early improvements were found in gait-related trunk kinematics, while spatiotemporal gait parameters mainly improved between two and fifteen months after TKA and THA. Compared to the large and early improvements found in of PROMs, these gait parameters showed a different trajectory, with a marked discordance between the outcome of both methods at two months post-operatively.

Conclusion

Sensor-derived gait parameters were responsive to TKA and THA, showing different recovery trajectories for spatiotemporal gait parameters and gait-related trunk kinematics. Fifteen months after TKA and THA, there were no remaining gait differences with respect to healthy controls. Given the discordance in recovery trajectories between gait parameters and PROMs, sensor-derived gait parameters seem to carry relevant information for evaluation of physical function that is not captured by self-reported scores.
Hypoalbuminaemia and Blood Urea Nitrogen/ Creatinine Ratio as Early Markers of Acute Kidney Injury in Postoperative Cardiac Patients- A Prospective Study
Authors: Senghor KA Arul , Manohar Kopuri , Vinodhini VM , Renuka P
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Postoperative Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) occurs as the consequence of intraoperative risk factors associated with cardiac surgery. Biochemical monitoring of patients undergoing cardiac surgery enables early detection of AKI. Serum albumin and Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): creatinine ratio serves as a simple tool for identifying increased risk of AKI. Aim:To determine serum albumin and the BUN: creatinine ratio as a predictive tool for AKI risk in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Materials and Methods: The present prospective observational study was conducted at Cardio Thoracic super specialty unit of SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, between July 2020 to March 2021. A total of 30 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting in the age group between 40 to 70 years with normal serum creatinine levels were included. Preoperative and postoperative parameters such as urea, creatinine, total protein, serum albumin, BUN: creatinine ratio and estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) were calculated. Data were analysed statistically by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Student's t-test. Results: In present study, 24 (80%) were males and 6 (20%) were females. The mean age of the male and female patients was 57±0.72 years and 55.3±0.81 years respectively. Mean BUN: creatinine ratio was decreased on day 1 (16±0.78) and day 3 (8.19±0.87) postoperative phase as compared to preoperative day (14±0.63). Compared with preoperative albumin (3.65±0.1 g/ dL), hypoalbuminaemia was found on first and third postoperative day, (3.07±0.05 and 3.04±0.05 g/dL) respectively. With Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, Area Under the Curve (AUC) for albumin and BUN: creatinine ratio was 0.72 and 0.67 which revealed the diagnostic sensitivity of 86% and 78% respectively. On day 3 postoperative eGFR fell by 12.5%, indicating a danger of kidney injury. Conclusion: Hypoalbuminaemia and BUN: Creatinine ratio are simple biochemical tools to predict AKI in postoperative phase after cardiac surgery.
Salmonella Sepsis in a Preterm NeonateA Case Report
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Wasim Sanober , Gupta Girish , Singh Suraj
Published: September 2022

Sepsis in neonates may rarely be caused by Salmonella typhi, clinical features of which may remain undifferentiated from other causes of sepsis. The mode of transmission can be vertical or horizontal. This case report describes a 30-day-old female baby, born at 28 weeks of gestation, who presented with features suggestive of sepsis, and there was a growth of Salmonella typhi in the blood culture. The neonate showed evident clinical improvements after 48 hours of antibiotics. The neonate was discharged after three weeks without any immediate adverse effect. The case emphasises the consideration of salmonella sepsis and the possible source of infection in neonates.
GC-MS Analysis, Thermal Characterization and Biomedical Applications of Essential Oil from Cymbopogon martinii: In vitro Approach
Authors: Jha Vikas , Gharat Kunal , Kaur Darpan , Kasbe Sankalp , Maroo Kruti , Jhangiani Ashish , Parulekar Omkar , Dhamapurkar Vrushali , Thakur Kabir , Marick Arpita , Ansari Rukayya
Published: September 2022

Background: Plant derived metabolites have served as the foundation of sophisticated systems in traditional medicine that have existed for hundreds of years and continue to supply mankind with novel treatments. Owing to its antibacterial characteristics, Gingergrass (Cymbopogon martinii) has been utilized in aromatherapy as a skin tonic. It's also been employed in Ayurvedic medicine to treat skin conditions and nerve discomfort. It helps with neuralgia, epilepsy, and anorexia, among other central nervous system disorders. Geraniol, the main constituent of Cymbopogon martinii essential oil, has numerous biological properties, including antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities, and may constitute a new class of therapeutic medicines against pancreatic and colon malignancies. In this study, an attempt was made to explore the physiochemical and bioactive properties of Cymbopogon martinii Essential oil to understand the chemical composition and thermal stability of the oil along with its efficacy against biological agents. The hydro-distillation method was used to extract the Gingergrass (Cymbopogon martinii) Essential oil and its chemical composition as well as Thermal characteristics was determined. The essential oil's potential to scavenge free radicals was evaluated, as well as its anti-inflammatory effect was determined. The essential oil's antibacterial potential was tested against a variety of drug-resistant microorganisms, while its antimalarial efficacy was investigated against Plasmodium falciparum. In addition, the EO was tested against Hela and CHO cell lines for anticancer and cytotoxic activities, respectively.

Results: The GC-MS Analysis of the essential oil characterized 10 major compounds which included different classes of alcohols, esters, ketones, monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Thermogravimetric and differential calorimetric analysis revealed that the oil showed a stable thermograph when exposed to constant increasing temperatures. The essential oil exhibited promising antimicrobial and antimalarial activity against the drug-resistant pathogens. Further, moderate free radical scavenging activity was observed during DPPH Assay. The essential oil also showed reliable anti-inflammatory, anticancer and cytotoxic activity.

Conclusion: According to the research, Cymbopogon martinii essential oil has a number of medicinal benefits and can be used as a therapeutic agent to address a range of health issues.
General Parameters Estimation in the Presence of Nonresponse Using Difference-cum Exponential Estimators
Authors: Oluwapelumi Alabi , Peter Oluwagunwa Abiodun , Oluwafunminiyi Ogundele Joshua , Muse Benard O.
Published: September 2022

Non response is a common problem in a survey process. Therefore, it is necessary to find a way out of handling non response whenever arises. The current study proposed difference-cum exponential ratio-type estimator for estimation of general parameters using auxiliary information which is defined in two situations of non response. A conventional estimator t*(a,b)  is used to define population constants including population mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation and mean square. The expression of bias and mean square error of the proposed estimators are obtained up to the first order of approximation for situation I and situation II. To compare the efficiency of the proposed estimators over the existing ones, an empirical study is carried out using real and simulated data sets. Both the theoretical and empirical study shows that the proposed class of estimators outperformed other existing estimators.
Speckle Tracking in Acute Non-St Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes Patients as a Factor of Risk Stratification
Authors: Elnemr Ahmed Sobhy , Shaaban Aliaa Elsayed , El-Hefnawy Suzan Bayoumy , Eldein Samia Mahmoud Sharaf
Published: September 2022

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) early diagnosis remains a clinical problem in patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS), especially in the regional wall motion abnormalities’ absence on presentation by Echo. This study assessed the relationship between ECG changes and speckle Tracking in subjects with acute NSTE-ACS.

Methods: This prospective trial was performed on 100 subjects with NSTE-ACS. All subjects were subjected to laboratory tests [complete blood picture, renal function test, liver test profile, lipid profile, RBS and cardiac biomarkers (cardiac troponin, creatinine kinase and CK-MB)], 12 lead ECG, Echocardiography (TTE, speckle tracking), Image analysis and coronary angiography.

Results: regarding IVRT, TDI e`, TDI a`, a considerable difference between the two groups were found. DBP was considerably lower in STD group in comparison with TWI group (P value= 0.047). IVRT, TDI a` and GLS were considerably higher in STD group in comparison with TWI group (P value= 0.024, 0.031, 0.003 respectively).

Conclusions: Speckle tracking could be used as part of standard echo for the examination of individuals suffering from NSTE-ACS.
Evaluation of Seed Germination, Establishment and Growth of Different Adenium (Adenium arabicum) Hybrids under Prayagraj Agro-Climatic Conditions
Authors: Geethika K. , Fatmi Urfi
Published: September 2022

An experiment was carried out during October 2021 to April 2022 in naturally ventilated polyhouse, in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) having five different Adenium hybrids with four replications at Department of Horticulture, SHUATS, Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh). Different Adenium hybrids used in this experiment were Ara Dok Dok, Mammoth, Snp, Kud Jung, Mkmk. From the present investigation it is concluded that hybrid Mammoth reported significantly better performance in all of the parameters like germination percentage (93.33%), seed vigour index (464), seedling height (5.05 cm), seed viability index (93.33), Germination speed index (0.36), survival percentage (93.33%), number of leaves per plant (11.17), estimated leaf area (3.69 cm2), taproot length (5.98 cm) which is found to be at par with  Kud Jung in  germination percentage (93.33%), seed viability (93.33%), survival percentage (93.33%). Hence, the hybrid Mammoth could be recommended for Prayagraj agro-climatic conditions.
Culture on Nutritive Media and Characterization of Some Endophytic Bacteria Isolated from the Roots and Leaves of Mangrove Plants: Avicennia germinans, Acrostichum aureum and Rhizophora mangle
Authors: Renner Nrior, Renner , Ibietela Douglas, Salome , Abiye Somiari, Adaobi Assumpta
Published: September 2022

Aim: The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize the culturable endophytic bacteria from the roots and leaves of three different mangrove plants found growing in same environment.

Study Design: This study employs experimental design, statistical analysis of the data and interpretation.

Place of Study: The roots and leaves of three mangrove plants; Rhizophora mangle, Avicennia germinans and Acrostichum aureum were gotten from a waterfront location in old Port Harcourt township of Rivers State, situated at Longitude 40 45’5.18’’N and Latitude 70 0’58.35” E.

Methodology: Using standard Microbiological techniques, the roots and leaves were treated and endophytic bacteria isolated and subjected to morphological and biochemical tests.

Results: From the roots, the hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria counts ranged from 7.0x103cfu/g – 1.6x104cfu/g, while the that of the leaves ranged from 3.0 x105cfu/g – 8.0 x105cfu/g. The nitrogen fixing bacteria counts for roots ranged from 4.5 x103cfu/g – 1.0 x104cfu/g and that of the leaves ranged from 3.0 x105cfu/g – 6.0 x105cfu/g. Nitrifying bacteria counts for the roots ranged from 5.0x103cfu/g – 7.0x103cfu/g, while the counts from the leaves ranged from 3.5 x 105cfu/g - 5.0 x105cfu/g. Out of the 24 isolates, 14 were from the roots, while 10 were from the leaves. Percentage of occurrence of the isolates was in this order Bacillus sp 33% > Staphylococcus sp 21%> Klebsiella sp 13%> Pseudomonas sp 9%> Micrococcus sp 8%> Nitrobacter sp 8%> Nitrosomonas sp 4%> Azotobacter sp 4%. This reveals that Bacillus sp occurred most in the plant samples. The result also revealed that the Red Mangrove Roots had the highest number of organisms. The endophytic bacteria isolated were further subjected to morphological and biochemical identification and they were identified as: Pseudomonas sp, Bacillus sp, Staphylococcus sp, Micrococcus sp, Klebsiella sp, Azotobacter sp, Nitrobacter sp. and Nitrosomonas sp. Five of the isolates showed a high potential to degrade crude oil in the following order Pseudomonas sp (H2) > Bacillus sp (BA) > Klebsiella sp (SB)> Bacillus sp (TG) > Pseudomonas sp (H1).

Conclusion: From the results, the mangrove roots and leaves contained high numbers of active indigenous bacteria most of which are known to use up crude oil as their carbon source. The mangrove roots had higher number of endopyhtic bacteria than the leaves.
Enhancing Common Bean Tolerance to Short-term Droughts at the Reproductive Stage using a Soil Fertility Management Approach
Authors: Brempong Mavis B. , Yeboah Stephen , Marno Paul , Addo-Danso Abigail , Keteku Agbesi K. , Agyemang Kennedy , Addy Sylvester , Lamptey Maxwell , Amakwaa-Yeboah Patricia , Danquah Eric O. , Agyei Elvis O. , Asibuo James Y.
Published: September 2022

Aims: This study was conducted to enhance the tolerance of common beans to drought events occurring at the reproductive stage, from a soil improvement perspective.

Study Design: Split plot completely randomized design was used.

Place and Duration of Study: Study was conducted in a screen-house at the Legumes and Oil Seeds Division of CSIR-Crops Research Institute, Ghana, from September 2021 to January 2022.

Methodology: Municipal Solid Waste Compost and inorganic fertilizer combinations were applied to common beans in a pot experiment. They included control, full rate compost (FRAC), full rate fertilizer (NPK 5:30:30 kg/ha) (FRG), FRG + half rate compost (HRAC) and FRG + FRAC. All soils were maintained at 80% field capacity (FC) from the start of the experiment. At flowering, two groups of plants were water stressed till 40 and 16% FC and returned to 80% FC till physiological maturity, while one group maintained 80% FC throughout study. Forty-five soil samples each and plant data were collected at 3, 7 and 10 weeks after planting. Samples were analyzed for soil organic matter (SOM) and water retention, soil nutrients, crop growth, yield and nutrient uptake. Water and nitrogen use efficiencies (W/NUE) were calculated after harvest.

Results: During the growing period, highest soil moisture (6-9 cm3/cm3) was retained by FRG and FRG+HRAC, FRG+FRAC; 20-38% more than FRAC and control but was not influenced by SOM. While FRG influenced the highest yield and WUE, combining it with compost rates reduced yield by 56-84% and WUE by 55-64%. WUE correlated positively with NUE.

Conclusion: Antagonistic effect observed with integrating compost with FRG is likely because compost was not properly cured and immobilized soil nitrogen. Farmers can mitigate short-term drought effects on common beans with adequate nutrient supply through fertilizer application; however, fertilizer should only be integrated with compost after compost quality analysis.
Identification of Groundwater Bearing Zones Using Geoelectrical and Electromagnetic Techniques at Tourah Area, South of Cairo - Egypt
Authors: Zarif Fardous M.
Published: September 2022

The complex geology of Tourah area, south Cairo is a serious challenge for groundwater exploration, where the risk of unsuccessful groundwater drilling excavation for industrial purposes is well dressed, raising the need for better geophysical subsurface detection and characterization approaches in terms of water bearing and aquitard zones. Datasets from the study area were acquired using integrated geophysical techniques comprising of one Dimensional Vertical Electrical Soundings (1D VES) and one Dimensional Transient Electromagnetic (1D TEM) as well as two-Dimensional Electrical Imaging (2D ERI) which was restricted to the available spreading space as well as subsurface infrastructure noise. The results of 1D VES and 1D TEM soundings detected three to five geoelectric layers used to generate geoelectrical cross sections and maps of resistivity, thickness, and depth to water bearing zone. Moreover, the 2D ERI inversion profiles were able to image the first three layers and the depth of the water bearing zone [A] with significantly greater resolution due to their higher lateral and vertical resolutions compared to the traditional 1D VES and TEM interpolated cross section. The integration of the three geophysical methods displayed a smooth distribution of both marly limestone and fractured shaly limestone and claystone bands water bearing zones [A and B].  Resistivity values of the water bearing zone [A] ranges from 0.1 to 24 Ω m, with average thickness of 4 to 12 m, and depth to water of 1.5 to 13.6 m. In addition, [zone B] is the main water bearing zone of fractured shaly limestone and claystone bands (2 to 14 Ω m) which is detected at deep depth of 40 and 75 m. Two normal fault systems inferred from 1D interpretation are considered responsible for local recharging of the main Eocene aquifer over the study area. In conclusion, the outlined water bearing thickness as well as limited sources of groundwater recharge indicate that these water bearing zones may not provide a sustainable supply for the industrial development purposes in the future.
Nursing diagnoses in high-risk pregnant women hospitalized in maternity / Diagnósticos de enfermagem em gestantes de alto risco hospitalizadas em maternidade
Authors: Mendes Iana Linhares , Dourado João Víctor Lira , Monteiro da Silva Maria Adelane , Carvalho Araújo Moreira Andréa , Ximenes Teixeira Iane
Published: September 2022

Objetivo: descrever os diagnósticos de enfermagem em gestantes hospitalizadas em maternidade. Método: estudo de abordagem quantitativa, desenvolvido durante agosto de 2017 a julho de 2018, em maternidade de município do estado do Ceará. Constituiu-se como amostra 181 gestantes hospitalizadas. Para a coleta, utilizou-se de um instrumento estruturado. As informações foram compiladas e armazenadas no Excel. Resultados: dos 24 títulos diagnósticos de enfermagem identificados, 14 tratam-se de diagnósticos reais e 10 de riscos. Os fatores relacionados mais predominantes foram ameaça à condição atual (89), seguida da privacidade insuficiente e barreira ambiental (75). Entre as características, destacam-se alteração na marcha, (42,54%), alteração no padrão de sono (41,43%), o local atual não possibilita envolvimento em atividades (35,91%) e edema (33,14%). Predominaram como fatores de risco procedimento invasivo e gravidez não planejada por 55,24%. Conclusão: as situações clínicas das gestantes de alto risco representaram os principais problemas biopsicoespirituais.
Discovery of Cell-Free Fetal DNA in Maternal Blood and Development of Noninvasive Prenatal Testing
Authors: Lo Y. M. Dennis
Published: September 2022

In this Viewpoint, 2022 Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award winner Y. M. Dennis Lo discusses his discovery and application of cell-free fetal DNA for noninvasive prenatal testing.
Differences in Skin Cancer Rates by Transplanted Organ Type and Patient Age After Organ Transplant in White Patients
Authors: Wheless Lee , Anand Nimay , Hanlon Allison , Chren Mary-Margaret
Published: September 2022

Importance

Although it is known that patients with thoracic organ transplants develop skin cancer more frequently than those who receive nonthoracic organ transplants, patterns of risk for subsequent skin cancers are unknown.

Objective

To further characterize organ transplant recipients who develop multiple skin cancers and assess for patterns of development of additional skin cancers beyond the first skin cancer diagnosis by patient age and transplanted organ type.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study used validated electronic health record–based data from a single tertiary care academic medical center to identify 5129 solid organ transplant recipients who underwent transplant surgery between 1992 and 2017 and were older than 18 years at the time of transplant. The cohort was limited to White patients because they have the highest skin cancer risk based on phenotype. The mean follow-up was 6.6 years. Data were analyzed June 9, 2021, to May 31, 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Differences in rates of skin cancer development for first and subsequent skin cancers were measured using t test or analysis of variance and χ2 tests for continuous and categorical variables. Rates of skin cancer development were compared based on organ type and patient age at transplant using Fine-Gray tests and cumulative incidence plots.

Results

A total of 5129 organ transplant recipients (mean [SD] age, 51.3 [12.9] years; 3287 men [64.1%]) were included. Of these, 695 patients (13.6%) had development of at least 1 skin cancer, with 6842 skin cancers identified in the cohort overall. Compared with liver transplant recipients, heart, lung, or kidney recipients were more likely to develop at least 1 skin cancer (χ2 test, 25.6; df, 4; P < .001). There was no significant difference by transplanted organ type in the rate of developing a second or third skin cancer; however, the age at transplant was associated with the time to developing a second (χ2 test, 20.4; df, 4; P < .001) or third (χ2 test, 10.9; df, 4; P < .02) skin cancer.

Conclusions and Relevance

This cohort study found that there was no difference by organ type for development of subsequent skin cancers in organ transplant recipients, and recipients of all organ types developed additional skin cancers at high rates after the initial skin cancer.
Remission and Relapse of Dyslipidemia After Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy vs Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass in a Racially and Ethnically Diverse Population
Authors: Coleman Karen J. , Basu Anirban , Barton Lee J. , Fischer Heidi , Arterburn David E. , Barthold Douglas , Courcoulas Anita , Crawford Cecelia L. , Kim Benjamin B. , Fedorka Peter N. , Mun Edward C. , Murali Sameer B. , Reynolds Kristi , Zane Robert E. , Alskaf Sami
Published: September 2022

Importance

The comparative effectiveness of the most common operations in the long-term management of dyslipidemia is not clear.

Objective

To compare 4-year outcomes associated with vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) vs Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) for remission and relapse of dyslipidemia.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective comparative effectiveness study was conducted from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2016, with follow-up until December 31, 2018. Participants included patients with dyslipidemia at the time of surgery who underwent VSG (4142 patients) or RYGB (2853 patients). Patients were part of a large integrated health care system in Southern California. Analysis was conducted from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2021.

Exposures

RYGB and VSG.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Dyslipidemia remission and relapse were assessed in each year of follow-up for as long as 4 years after surgery.

Results

A total of 8265 patients were included, with a mean (SD) age of 46 (11) years; 6591 (79.8%) were women, 3545 (42.9%) were Hispanic, 1468 (17.8%) were non-Hispanic Black, 2985 (36.1%) were non-Hispanic White, 267 (3.2%) were of other non-Hispanic race, and the mean (SD) body mass index (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) was 44 (7) at the time of surgery. Dyslipidemia outcomes at 4 years were ascertained for 2168 patients (75.9%) undergoing RYGB and 3999 (73.9%) undergoing VSG. Remission was significantly higher for those who underwent RYGB (824 [38.0%]) compared with VSG (1120 [28.0%]) (difference in the probability of remission, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.01-0.19), with no differences in relapse (455 [21.0%] vs 960 [24.0%]). Without accounting for relapse, remission of dyslipidemia after 4 years was 58.9% (1279) for those who underwent RYGB and 51.9% (2079) for those who underwent VSG. Four-year differences between operations were most pronounced for patients 65 years or older (0.39; 95% CI, 0.27-0.51), those with cardiovascular disease (0.43; 95% CI, 0.24-0.62), or non-Hispanic Black patients (0.13; 95% CI, 0.01-0.25) and White patients (0.13; 95% CI, 0.03-0.22).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this large, racially and ethnically diverse cohort of patients who underwent bariatric and metabolic surgery in clinical practices, RYGB was associated with higher rates of dyslipidemia remission after 4 years compared with VSG. However, almost one-quarter of all patients experienced relapse, suggesting that patients should be monitored closely throughout their postoperative course to maximize the benefits of these operations for treatment of dyslipidemia.
Development of an unsupervised cycle contrastive unpaired translation network for MRI‐to‐CT synthesis
Authors: Wang Jiangtao , Yan Bing , Wu Xinhong , Jiang Xiao , Zuo Yang , Yang Yidong
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this work is to develop and evaluate a novel cycle‐contrastive unpaired translation network (cycleCUT) for synthetic computed tomography (sCT) generation from T1‐weighted magnetic resonance images (MRI).

Methods

The cycleCUT proposed in this work integrated the contrastive learning module from contrastive unpaired translation network (CUT) into the cycle‐consistent generative adversarial network (cycleGAN) framework to effectively achieve unsupervised CT synthesis from MRI. The diagnostic MRI and radiotherapy planning CT images of 24 brain cancer patients were obtained and reshuffled to train the network. For comparison, the traditional cycleGAN and CUT were also implemented. The sCT images were then imported into a treatment planning system to verify their feasibility for radiotherapy planning. The mean absolute error (MAE), peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR), and structural similarity index (SSIM) between the sCT and the corresponding real CT images were calculated. Gamma analysis between sCT‐ and CT‐based dose distributions was also conducted.

Results

Quantitative evaluation of an independent test set of six patients showed that the average MAE was 69.62 ± 5.68 Hounsfield Units (HU) for the proposed cycleCUT, significantly (p‐value < 0.05) lower than that for cycleGAN (77.02 ± 6.00 HU) and CUT (78.05 ± 8.29). The average PSNR was 28.73 ± 0.46 decibels (dB) for cycleCUT, significantly larger than that for cycleGAN (27.96 ± 0.49 dB) and CUT (27.95 ± 0.69 dB). The average SSIM for cycleCUT (0.918 ± 0.012) was also significantly higher than that for cycleGAN (0.906 ± 0.012) and CUT (0.903 ± 0.015). Regarding gamma analysis, cycleCUT achieved the highest passing rate (97.95 ± 1.24% at the 2%/2 mm criteria and 10% dose threshold) but was not significantly different from the others.

Conclusion

The proposed cycleCUT could be effectively trained using unaligned image data, and could generate better sCT images than cycleGAN and CUT in terms of HU number accuracy and fine structural details.
A potential revolution in cancer treatment: A topical review of FLASH radiotherapy
Authors: Gao Yuan , Liu Ruirui , Chang Chih‐Wei , Charyyev Serdar , Zhou Jun , Bradley Jeffrey D. , Liu Tian , Yang Xiaofeng
Published: September 2022

FLASH radiotherapy (RT) is a novel technique in which the ultrahigh dose rate (UHDR) (≥40 Gy/s) is delivered to the entire treatment volume. Recent outcomes of in vivo studies show that the UHDR RT has the potential to spare normal tissue without sacrificing tumor control. There is a growing interest in the application of FLASH RT, and the ultrahigh dose irradiation delivery has been achieved by a few experimental and modified linear accelerators. The underlying mechanism of FLASH effect is yet to be fully understood, but the oxygen depletion in normal tissue providing extra protection during FLASH irradiation is a hypothesis that attracts most attention currently. Monte Carlo simulation is playing an important role in FLASH, enabling the understanding of its dosimetry calculations and hardware design. More advanced Monte Carlo simulation tools are under development to fulfill the challenge of reproducing the radiolysis and radiobiology processes in FLASH irradiation. FLASH RT may become one of standard treatment modalities for tumor treatment in the future. This paper presents the history and status of FLASH RT studies with a focus on FLASH irradiation delivery modalities, underlying mechanism of FLASH effect, in vivo and vitro experiments, and simulation studies. Existing challenges and prospects of this novel technique are discussed in this manuscript.
Crystallinity Regulated Functional Separator Based on Bimetallic NixFey Alloy Nanoparticles for Facilitated Redox Kinetics of Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Liu Qing , Han Xiaotong , Zheng Zhiyong , Xiong Peixun , Jeong Rag‐Gyo , Kim Gildong , Park Hyunyoung , Kim Jongsoon , Kim Bo‐Kyong , Park Ho Seok
Published: September 2022

The practical application of lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) is limited by the shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs), large volume expansion, and sluggish conversion kinetics of sulfur. Herein, the crystallinity regulation of NixFey alloy anchored on oxidized carbon nanotube/nitrogen‐doped graphene (NixFey@OCNT/NG) for application of a functional separator into LSBs is demonstrated. A low crystalline NixFey@OCNT/NG (LC‐NixFey@OCNT/NG) modified polypropylene separator is systematically compared with its highly crystalline counterpart (HC‐NixFey@OCNT/NG), demonstrating superior LiPS absorbability, redox mediating capability into facilitated conversion kinetics, and uniform flux of Li+ into the anode. Furthermore, theoretical calculations confirm that the LC‐NixFey alloy features high adsorption energies and low diffusion energy barriers toward LiPSs, as well as a decreased energy gap and larger electron density near Fermi level. Accordingly, the LSB cells with LC‐NixFey@OCNT/NG modified separators deliver a high specific capacity of 1379.13 mA h g−1 at 0.1 C and a low decay ratio of 0.04%/cycle over 600 cycles at 5.0 C with a high capacity of 410 mA h g−1. Even under high sulfur loading (5.37 mg cm−2) and lean electrolyte (E/S = 4.9 µL mg−1) conditions, the LSB cells with LC‐NixFey@OCNT/NG/PP deliver a high areal capacity of 4.1 mAh cm−2 at 0.2 C.
Physical and Soluble Cues Enhance Tendon Progenitor Cell Invasion into Injectable Synthetic Hydrogels
Authors: Kent Robert N. , Said Mohamed , Busch Megan E. , Poupard Ethan R. , Tsai Ariane , Xia Jingyi , Matera Daniel L. , Wang William Y. , DePalma Samuel J. , Hiraki Harrison L. , Killian Megan L. , Abraham Adam C. , Shin Jae‐Won , Huang Alice H. , Shikanov Ariella , Baker Brendon M.
Published: September 2022

Synthetic hydrogels represent an exciting avenue in the field of regenerative biomaterials given their injectability, orthogonally tunable mechanical properties, and potential for modular inclusion of cellular cues. Separately, recent advances in soluble factor release technology have facilitated control over the soluble milieu in cell microenvironments via tunable microparticles. A composite hydrogel incorporating both of these components can robustly mediate tendon healing following a single injection. Here, a synthetic hydrogel system with encapsulated electrospun fiber segments and a novel microgel‐based soluble factor delivery system achieves precise control over topographical and soluble features of an engineered microenvironment, respectively. It is demonstrated that three‐dimensional migration of tendon progenitor cells can be enhanced via combined mechanical, topographical, and microparticle‐delivered soluble cues in both a tendon progenitor cell spheroid model and an ex vivo murine Achilles tendon model. These results indicate that fiber reinforced hydrogels can drive the recruitment of endogenous progenitor cells relevant to the regeneration of tendon and, likely, a broad range of connective tissues.
Information‐Storage Expansion Enabled by a Resilient Aggregation‐Induced‐Emission‐Active Nanocomposite Hydrogel
Authors: Su Gongmeiyue , Li Zhao , Gong Junyi , Zhang Ruoyao , Dai Rongji , Deng Yulin , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: September 2022

Advanced materials with high performance and distinctive function are one of the main driving forces for the development of human society. The selection of appropriate materials and adequately utilizing their features to apply them in a specific area rationally are of great significance but remain challenging. Herein, an aggregation‐induced emission (AIE)‐active nanocomposite (NC) hydrogel is developed by introducing a pH‐responsive AIE luminogen (AIEgen) into a Laponite XLS/polyacrylamide‐based NC hydrogel (Laponite is a trademark of the company BYK Additives Ltd.). The AIEgen can protonate to interact with the negatively charged clay through the electrostatic interaction, which results in a drastic fluorescence enhancement due to the restriction of intramolecular motion by the rigid clay to the protonated AIEgen. This behavior facilitates the input of fluorescent information with a high contrast ratio in the hydrogel by acid stimulation. Moreover, by utilizing the excellent resilience of the hydrogel, hierarchically inputting and displaying the information in the original and stretched states of the hydrogel film is realized, which achieves information‐storage expansion and dual‐encryption via switching between stretching and restoring the film. This work showcases fully and synergistically utilizing the superiorities of various advanced materials to achieve superior applications and should guide the future development of advanced materials in emerging areas.
Large Oncosome‐Loaded VAPA Promotes Bone‐Tropic Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Via Formation of Osteoclastic Pre‐Metastatic Niche
Authors: Zhang Shuxia , Liao Xinyi , Chen Suwen , Qian Wanying , Li Man , Xu Yingru , Yang Meisongzhu , Li Xincheng , Mo Shuang , Tang Miaoling , Wu Xingui , Hu Yameng , Li Ziwen , Yu Ruyuan , Abudourousuli Ainiwaerjiang , Song Libing , Li Jun
Published: September 2022

Tumor‐derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) function as critical mediators in selective modulation of the microenvironment of distant organs to generate a pre‐metastatic niche that facilitates organotropic metastasis. Identifying the organ‐specific molecular determinants of EVs can develop potential anti‐metastatic therapeutic targets. In the current study, large oncosomes (LOs), atypically large cancer‐derived EVs, are found to play a crucial role in facilitating bone‐tropic metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells by engineering an osteoclastic pre‐metastatic niche and establishing a vicious cycle between the osteoclasts and HCC cells. Transmembrane protein, VAMP‐associated protein A (VAPA), is significantly enriched on LOs surface via direct interaction with LOs marker αV‐integrin. VAPA‐enriched LOs‐induced pre‐metastatic education transforms the bone into a fertile milieu, which supports the growth of metastatic HCC cells. Mechanically, LOs‐delivered VAPA integrates to plasma membrane of osteoclasts and directly interacts with and activates neural Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome protein (N‐WASP) via dual mechanisms, consequently resulting in ARP2/3 complex‐mediated reorganization of actin cytoskeleton in osteoclasts and osteoclastogenesis. Importantly, treatment with N‐WASP inhibitor 187‐1‐packaged LOs (LOs/187‐1) dramatically abolishes the inductive effect of VAPA‐enriched LOs on pre‐metastatic niche formation and precludes HCC bone metastasis. These findings reveal a plausible mechanism for bone‐tropism of HCC and can represent a potential strategy to prevent HCC bone metastasis.
Efficient Synthesis of Pyrazoles by pH Dependent Isomerization of Enaminodiones
Authors: Lei Jie , Ding Yong , Tang Dian‐Yong , Li Hong‐yu , Xu Zhi‐Gang , Chen Zhong‐Zhu
Published: September 2022

A chromone‐based Michael reaction using water as solvent and nucleophile was firstly developed to derivatize chromone via a multicomponent reaction (MCR) cascade sequence in absence of metal catalyst. A series of versatile enaminodiones was synthesized and further successfully transferred into two different pyrazoles with the same starting material under facile and mild condition by a pH control of the preferred isomer.
Electrochemical C−H Oxidation/Conjugate Addition/Cyclization Sequences of 2‐Alkyl Phenols: One‐Pot Synthesis of 2‐Amino‐4H‐chromenes
Authors: Kim Kyeong Seop , Kim Dae Young
Published: September 2022

Electrochemical C−H oxidation/conjugate addition/cyclization sequences of 2‐alkyl phenols with malononitrile are described. This transformation is an environmentally friendly approach by successfully avoiding the use of stoichiometric amounts of external redox reagents. Various 2‐amino‐4H‐chromene derivatives are afforded in moderate to high yields through a one‐pot process from 2‐benzyl or 2‐cinnamyl phenol derivatives under mild reaction conditions.
Simple Strategy for Benzo[de]chromene‐7,8‐dione Synthesis via Tandem Sonogashira Coupling and Intramolecular Cyclization Reactions
Authors: Yokoya Masashi , Ishiguro Takaaki , Sakairi Yoshiaki , Kimura Shinya , Morita Yuji , Yamanaka Masamichi
Published: September 2022

Benzo[de]chromene‐7,8‐dione derivatives are known to have important biological and pharmacological properties. Thus, a novel and efficient method was developed for the synthesis of benzo[de]chromene‐7,8‐dione derivatives via the tandem reaction of 5‐bromo‐2‐hydroxynaphthalene‐1,4‐dione and terminal alkynes, which proceeds under the typical reaction conditions for Sonogashira coupling using Pd and Cu catalysts. The process likely occurs via a tandem reaction due to the synthesized Sonogashira coupling product undergoing intramolecular cyclization in the presence of a Cu catalyst. This method is superior to existing synthesis methods in that it can access benzo[de]chromene‐7,8‐dione compounds without the post‐oxidation of benzo[de]chromenes. Furthermore, it enables the direct supply of several biologically active compounds. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the synthesized compounds against multidrug efflux pump‐deficient strains of S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa and their parent strains were determined. Certain synthesized compounds exhibited strong antimicrobial activity, indicating that they are substrates for multidrug efflux pumps.
Female rural–urban migrants and online marketplaces in emerging economies: Evidence from Thailand and Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Trung Thanh , Do Manh Hung
Published: September 2022

This research aimed to examine the factors affecting the participation of female rural–urban migrants in online marketplaces, and the welfare gains and their distribution. Our analysis was based on a unique dataset of rural households, villages, and rural–urban migrants in Thailand and Vietnam. Online market participation is classified into three activities: financial transactions, trading, and business. We accounted for the endogeneity issue of online market participation in the assessment of welfare impact by using an instrumental variable approach. Our results show that participation has a positive effect on the consumption of female migrants only when they participate in the complete bundle of online market activities. In addition, we find that the poor benefit insignificantly from online marketplaces. This raises a concern about increasing welfare inequality and suggests the poor should be supported so they are not left behind.
Controllability analysis of nonlinear switched singular system on time scales
Authors: Kumar Bhim , Malik Muslim
Published: September 2022

In this manuscript, we establish the controllability results for a nonlinear singular switched system on arbitrary time scales. We used the mathematical induction to evaluate the solution of the nonlinear slow switched subsystem and nonlinear fast switched subsystem. Also, we study the necessary and sufficient conditions for the controllability of the nonlinear singular switched system followed by the controllability of both the nonlinear switched subsystems. The tools for study include Banach fixed point theorem and pseudo‐inverse of matrices. At last, we illustrate an example to show the efficacy of the proposed approach.