bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why do people legitimize and cooperate with the police? Results of a randomized control trial on the effects of procedural justice in Quito, Ecuador
Authors: Anrango Narváez David , Medina Sarmiento José Eugenio , Del-Real Cristina
Published: May 2023

The present study employs a randomized control trial design to evaluate the impact of deterrence and procedural justice on perceptions of legitimacy and cooperation with law enforcement among individuals in Quito, Ecuador. Specifically, a sample of 308 premises where alcohol is sold were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: an experimental group (n = 156) in which officers received training in the implementation of a procedural justice-based script, and a control group (n = 152) in which officers were not provided with any specific instructions. Results indicate that the manipulation of procedural justice was associated with a significant enhancement in perceptions of legitimacy and a greater willingness to cooperate with the police.
Identification of potential resistance mechanisms and therapeutic targets for the relapse of BCMA CAR-T therapy in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma through single-cell sequencing
Authors: Li Wei , Zhang Binglei , Cao Weijie , Zhang Wenli , Li Tiandong , Liu Lina , Xu LinPing , Gao Fengcai , Wang Yanmei , Wang Fang , Xing Haizhou , Jiang Zhongxing , Shi Jianxiang , Bian Zhilei , Song Yongping
Published: May 2023

Background

BCMA CAR-T is highly effective for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma(R/R-MM) and significantly improves the survival of patients. However, the short remission time and high relapse rate of MM patients treated with BCMA CAR-T remain bottlenecks that limit long-term survival. The immune microenvironment of the bone marrow (BM) in R/R-MM may be responsible for this. The present study aims to present an in-depth analysis of resistant mechanisms and to explore potential novel therapeutic targets for relapse of BCMA CAR-T treatment via single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of BM plasma cells and immune cells.

Methods

This study used 10X Genomic scRNA-seq to identify cell populations in R/R-MM CD45+ BM cells before BCMA CAR-T treatment and relapse after BCMA CAR-T treatment. Cell Ranger pipeline and CellChat were used to perform detailed analysis.

Results

We compared the heterogeneity of CD45+ BM cells before BCMA CAR-T treatment and relapse after BCMA CAR-T treatment. We found that the proportion of monocytes/macrophages increased, while the percentage of T cells decreased at relapse after BCMA CAR-T treatment. We then reclustered and analyzed the alterations in plasma cells, T cells, NK cells, DCs, neutrophils, and monocytes/macrophages in the BM microenvironment before BCMA CAR-T treatment and relapse after BCMA CAR-T treatment. We show here that the percentage of BCMA positive plasma cells increased at relapse after BCMA CAR-T cell therapy. Other targets such as CD38, CD24, SLAMF7, CD138, and GPRC5D were also found to be expressed in plasma cells of the R/R-MM patient at relapse after BCMA CAR-T cell therapy. Furthermore, exhausted T cells, TIGIT+NK cells, interferon-responsive DCs, and interferon-responsive neutrophils, increased in the R/R-MM patient at relapse after BCMA CAR-T cell treatment. Significantly, the proportion of IL1βhi Mφ, S100A9hi Mφ, interferon-responsive Mφ, CD16hi Mφ, MARCO hi Mφ, and S100A11hi Mφ significantly increased in the R/R-MM patient at relapse after BCMA CAR-T cell therapy. Cell–cell communication analysis indicated that monocytes/macrophages, especially the MIF and APRIL signaling pathway are key players in R/R-MM patient at relapse after BCMA CAR-T cell therapy.

Conclusion

Taken together, our data extend the understanding of intrinsic and extrinsic relapse of BCMA CAR-T treatment in R/R-MM patient and the potential mechanisms involved in the alterations of antigens and the induced immunosuppressive microenvironment, which may provide a basis for the optimization of BCMA CAR-T strategies. Further studies should be performed to confirm these findings.
Gut microbiome of mealworms (Tenebrio molitor Larvae) show similar responses to polystyrene and corn straw diets
Authors: Mamtimin Tursunay , Han Huawen , Khan Aman , Feng Pengya , Zhang Qing , Ma Xiaobiao , Fang Yitian , Liu Pu , Kulshrestha Saurabh , Shigaki Toshiro , Li Xiangkai
Published: May 2023

Background

Some insects can degrade both natural and synthetic plastic polymers, their host and gut microbes play crucial roles in this process. However, there is still a scientific gap in understanding how the insect adapted to the polystyrene (PS) diet from natural feed. In this study, we analyzed diet consumption, gut microbiota responses, and metabolic pathways of Tenebrio molitor larvae exposed to PS and corn straw (CS).

Results

T. molitor larvae were incubated under controlled conditions (25 ± 1 °C, 75 ± 5% humidity) for 30 days by using PS foam with weight-, number-, and size-average molecular weight (Mw, Mn, and Mz) of 120.0, 73.2, and 150.7 kDa as a diet, respectively. The larvae exhibited lower PS consumption (32.5%) than CS (52.0%), and these diets had no adverse effects on their survival. The gut microbiota structures, metabolic pathways, and enzymatic profiles of PS- and CS-fed larvae showed similar responses. The gut microbiota of larvae analysis indicated Serratia sp., Staphylococcus sp., and Rhodococcus sp. were associated with both PS and CS diets. Metatranscriptomic analysis revealed that xenobiotics, aromatic compounds, and fatty acid degradation pathways were enriched in PS- and CS-fed groups; laccase-like multicopper oxidases, cytochrome P450, monooxygenase, superoxidase, and dehydrogenase were involved in lignin and PS degradation. Furthermore, the upregulated gene lac640 in both PS- and CS-fed groups was overexpressed in E. coli and exhibited PS and lignin degradation ability.

Conclusions

The high similarity of gut microbiomes adapted to biodegradation of PS and CS indicated the plastics-degrading ability of the T. molitor larvae originated through an ancient mechanism that degrades the natural lignocellulose.

Graphical Abstract
Gut microbiota-derived 3-phenylpropionic acid promotes intestinal epithelial barrier function via AhR signaling
Authors: Hu Jun , Chen Jianwei , Xu Xiaojian , Hou Qiliang , Ren Jing , Yan Xianghua
Published: May 2023

Background

The intestinal epithelial barrier confers protection against the intestinal invasion by pathogens and exposure to food antigens and toxins. Growing studies have linked the gut microbiota to the intestinal epithelial barrier function. The mining of the gut microbes that facilitate the function of intestinal epithelial barrier is urgently needed.

Results

Here, we studied a landscape of the gut microbiome of seven pig breeds using metagenomics and 16S rDNA gene amplicon sequencing. The results indicated an obvious difference in the gut microbiome between Congjiang miniature (CM) pigs (a native Chinese breed) and commercial Duroc × [Landrace × Yorkshire] (DLY) pigs. CM finishing pigs had stronger intestinal epithelial barrier function than the DLY finishing pigs. Fecal microbiota transplantation from CM and DLY finishing pigs to germ-free (GF) mice transferred the intestinal epithelial barrier characteristics. By comparing the gut microbiome of the recipient GF mice, we identified and validatedBacteroides fragilisas a microbial species that contributes to the intestinal epithelial barrier.B. fragilis-derived 3-phenylpropionic acid metabolite had an important function on the enhancement of intestinal epithelial barrier. Furthermore, 3-phenylpropionic acid facilitated the intestinal epithelial barrier by activating aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) signaling.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that manipulation ofB. fragilisand 3-phenylpropionic acid is a promising strategy for improving intestinal epithelial barrier.
Development, implementation, and feasibility of site-specific hepatitis C virus treatment workflows for treating vulnerable, high-risk populations: protocol of the Erase Hep C study — a prospective single-arm intervention trial
Authors: Desai Anmol , O’Neal Lauren , Reinis Kia , Chang Patrick , Brown Cristal , Stefanowicz Michael , Kuang Audrey , Agrawal Deepak , Bhavnani Darlene , Mercer Tim
Published: May 2023

Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the leading indication for liver transplantation and liver-related mortality. The development of direct-acting antivirals (DAA) and a simplified treatment algorithm with a > 97% cure rate should make global elimination of HCV an achievable goal. Yet, vulnerable populations with high rates of HCV still have limited access to treatment. By designing locally contextualized site-specific HCV treatment workflows, we aim to cure HCV in vulnerable, high-risk populations, including people experiencing homelessness (PEH) and people who inject drugs (PWID), in Austin, TX, USA.

Methods

Our implementation science study will utilize a qualitative and design thinking approach to characterize patient and systemic barriers and facilitators to HCV treatment in vulnerable, high-risk populations seeking care across seven diverse primary care clinics serving PEHs and PWIDs. Qualitative interviews guided by the Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model (PRISM) framework will identify barriers and facilitators by leveraging knowledge and experience from both clinic staff and patients. Data synthesized using thematic analysis and design thinking will feed into workshops with clinic stakeholders for idea generation to design site-specific HCV treatment workflows. Providers will be trained on the use of a simplified HCV treatment algorithm with DAAs and clinic staff on the new site-specific HCV treatment workflows. These workflows will be implemented by the seven diverse primary care clinics serving vulnerable, high-risk populations. Implementation and clinical outcomes will be measured using data collected through interviews with staff as well as through medical chart review.

Discussion

Our study provides a model of how to contextualize and implement site-specific HCV treatment workflows targeting vulnerable, high-risk populations in other geographic locations. This model can be adopted for future implementation research programs aiming to develop and implement site-specific treatment workflows for vulnerable, high-risk populations and in primary care clinical settings for other disease states beyond just HCV.

Trial registration

Registered on ClinicalTrials.gov on July, 14, 2022. Identifier: NCT05460130.
Is Aquapheresis ready for prime time yet for congestive heart failure? A systemic review of the literature
Authors: Javed Aneeqa , Alvi Muhammad Junaid , Afif John , Elsayegh Suzanne , Sahra Syeda , El-Charabaty Elie
Published: May 2023

Heart failure is a clinical syndrome with considerable morbidity and mortality rates. Recent data published by National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) showed that 6 million Americans are diagnosed with CHF. The prevalence of CHF is expected to increase by 46% from 2012 to 2030. The current therapy for acute CHF exacerbation involves the use of oral or intravenous diuretics. Aquapheresis is a form of slow continuous ultrafiltration where blood is removed by applying negative pressure by the machine, which is then passed through the unique filter across which a set fraction of plasma water is filtered each minute before it is pumped back into the patient. It is almost exclusively used in congestive heart failure patients who are found to be resistant to incremental doses of intravenous diuretics. Several trials have shown that aquapheresis or ultrafiltration (UF) produces more significant reductions in weight and may even decrease the rehospitalization rate within 90 days; however, a greater sample size is needed to obtain results of better statistical significance. Since UF does not improve survival in patients with heart failure, limiting factors to its use include cost, the need for a multidisciplinary team, catheter-related adverse events, and renal side effects. Guidelines need to be established for its use in heart failure.
Causal Machine Learning and its use for public policy
Authors: Lechner Michael
Published: May 2023

In recent years, microeconometrics experienced the ‘credibility revolution’, culminating in the 2021 Nobel prices for David Card, Josh Angrist, and Guido Imbens. This ‘revolution’ in how to do empirical work led to more reliable empirical knowledge of the causal effects of certain public policies. In parallel, computer science, and to some extent also statistics, developed powerful (so-called Machine Learning) algorithms that are very successful in prediction tasks. The new literature onCausal Machine Learningunites these developments by using algorithms originating in Machine Learning for improved causal analysis. In this non-technical overview, I review some of these approaches. Subsequently, I use an empirical example from the field of active labour market programme evaluation to showcase how Causal Machine Learning can be applied to improve the usefulness of such studies. I conclude with some considerations about shortcomings and possible future developments of these methods as well as wider implications for teaching and empirical studies.
Shaded fuel breaks create wildfire-resilient forest stands: lessons from a long-term study in the Sierra Nevada
Authors: Low Kathryn E. , Battles John J. , Tompkins Ryan E. , Dillingham Colin P. , Stephens Scott L. , Collins Brandon M.
Published: May 2023

Background

In California’s mixed-conifer forests, fuel reduction treatments can successfully reduce fire severity, bolster forest resilience, and make lasting changes in forest structure. However, current understanding of the duration of treatment effectiveness is lacking robust empirical evidence. We leveraged data collected from 20-year-old forest monitoring plots within fuel treatments that captured a range of wildfire occurrence (i.e., not burned, burned once, or burned twice) following initial plot establishment and overstory thinning and prescribed fire treatments.

Results

Initial treatments reduced live basal area and retained larger-diameter trees; these effects persisted throughout the 20-year study period. Wildfires maintained low surface and ground fuel loads established by treatments. Treatments also reduced the probability of torching immediately post-treatment and 20 years post initial thinning treatments.

Conclusions

Fuel treatments in conifer-dominated forests can conserve forest structure in the face of wildfire. Additionally, findings support that the effective lifespans of treatments can be extended by wildfire occurrence. Our results suggest that continued application of shaded fuel breaks is not only a sound strategy to ensure forest persistence through wildfire but may also be compatible with restoration objectives aimed at allowing for the use of more ecologically beneficial fire across landscapes.
Boosting protection for patients with non-acute cardiovascular disease: a focus on antithrombotic regimen (a consensus expert opinion from the Egyptian Society of Cardiology working group of thrombosis and prevention)
Authors: Bendary Ahmed , Zarif Bassem , Badran Hala Mahfouz , Shokry Khaled , Kabil Hamza
Published: May 2023

Background

Till the moment of this document writing, no Egyptian consensus is there to guide selection of additional antithrombotic in stable patients with established CVD. Despite use of lifestyle measures and statins, those patients with established CVD still face a considerable burden of residual risk.

Main body

With the evolvement of evidence-based medicine, there have been a lot of recommendations to use additional antithrombotic medications to maximize protection for those patients. Accordingly, the Egyptian Society of Cardiology working group of thrombosis and prevention took the responsibility of providing an expert consensus on the current recommendations for using antithrombotic medications to maximize protection in stable patients with established CVD. For stable patients with established CVD, in addition to proper lifestyle measures and appropriate dose statins, we recommend long-term aspirin therapy. In patients who are unable to take aspirin and in those with a history of gastrointestinal bleeding, clopidogrel is a reasonable alternative.

Conclusions

For some stable atherosclerotic CVD patients who are at high risk of cardiovascular events and at low risk for bleeding, a regimen of rivaroxaban and aspirin might be taken into consideration.
Targeting bromodomain-containing proteins: research advances of drug discovery
Authors: Pan Zhaoping , Zhao Yuxi , Wang Xiaoyun , Xie Xin , Liu Mingxia , Zhang Kaiyao , Wang Lian , Bai Ding , Foster Leonard J. , Shu Rui , He Gu
Published: May 2023

Bromodomain (BD) is an evolutionarily conserved protein module found in 46 different BD-containing proteins (BCPs). BD acts as a specific reader for acetylated lysine residues (KAc) and serves an essential role in transcriptional regulation, chromatin remodeling, DNA damage repair, and cell proliferation. On the other hand, BCPs have been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases, including cancers, inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, and viral infections. Over the past decade, researchers have brought new therapeutic strategies to relevant diseases by inhibiting the activity or downregulating the expression of BCPs to interfere with the transcription of pathogenic genes. An increasing number of potent inhibitors and degraders of BCPs have been developed, some of which are already in clinical trials. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of recent advances in the study of drugs that inhibit or down-regulate BCPs, focusing on the development history, molecular structure, biological activity, interaction with BCPs and therapeutic potentials of these drugs. In addition, we discuss current challenges, issues to be addressed and future research directions for the development of BCPs inhibitors. Lessons learned from the successful or unsuccessful development experiences of these inhibitors or degraders will facilitate the further development of efficient, selective and less toxic inhibitors of BCPs and eventually achieve drug application in the clinic.
Public Knowledge and Awareness of Anesthesiology and Anesthesiologists in China: A Cross-Sectional National Survey of 1 Million Participants
Authors: Ma Yulong , Mi Tianyue , Sun Miao , Zhang Changsheng , Chang Dandan , Liu Siyuan , Song Han , Yang Huikai , Liu Yanhong , Cao Jiangbei , Fu Qiang , Mi Weidong
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND:

In the past 20 years, anesthesiology has become one of the most advanced specialties and has undergone rapid development. However, public awareness regarding anesthesiology and anesthesiologists is limited, especially in developing countries. It is important for anesthesiologists to make the public aware of their role during surgery. Therefore, a nationwide survey was set up to investigate public awareness of anesthesiology and anesthesiologists in China.

METHOD:

A cross-sectional nationwide survey was performed from June 2018 to June 2019 in 34 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions across China and an overseas region. The questionnaires of the survey were divided into 2 main parts: general items and research items. General items included the demographic characteristics of the participants; research items consisted of 10 questions about the public’s awareness of anesthesiologists and anesthesiology. Data quality control was undertaken by the investigation committee throughout the survey process.

RESULTS:

The nationwide survey enrolled 1,001,279 participants (male, 40.7%). We found that most of the participants regarded anesthesiologists as doctors. However, public knowledge of anesthesiologists’ work and duties during surgery was quite low, with correct response rate ranging from 16.5% to 52.9%, and anesthesiologist responsibilities were often mistakenly attributed to surgeons or nurses. It is disappointing that more than half of participants still thought that, once the patient fell asleep after receiving anesthetics, the anesthesiologist could leave the operating room. Finally, the correct response rate was positively correlated with the economic levels of the regions.

CONCLUSIONS:

Public awareness regarding anesthesiology and anesthesiologists in China remains inadequate. Due to the biases and characteristics of the participants, the actual situation of the general Chinese public is likely even worse than reflected here. Therefore, extensive measures should be undertaken to improve public knowledge of anesthesiology and anesthesiologists.
Long Duration of Action of Tranexamic Acid After Cardiac Surgery in a Hemodialysis Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Yoshii Ryogo , Takahashi Yuya , Sawa Teiji , Amaya Fumimasa , Ogawa Satoru
Published: May 2023

A 61-year-old woman with chronic renal dysfunction was scheduled to undergo aortic valve replacement. After a bolus of 1 g tranexamic acid (TXA), the TPA (tissue-plasminogen activator)-test result with the ClotPro system demonstrated extensive inhibition of fibrinolysis. Plasma TXA level decreased from 71 to 25 μg/dL at 6 hours postoperatively; however, no further decrease was observed. Although TXA levels dropped to 6.9 μg/dL after hemodialysis on postoperative day (PoD) 1, fibrinolytic shutdown on the TPA-test remained unchanged until PoD 2. In dialysis patients, low-dose TXA <1 g may be considered for reducing seizure and thromboembolic complications after cardiac surgery.
Refractory Hypoxemia on VV-ECMO: Repetition of a Structured Approach Is Paramount: A Case Report
Authors: de Forcrand Claire , Cassara Chris M. , Dollerschell John T. , Kopanczyk Rafal , Long Micah T.
Published: May 2023

Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) is increasingly used to manage severe respiratory failure. Unfortunately, refractory hypoxemia often complicates VV-ECMO support. Both circuit- and patient-related etiologies can drive this, and a structured approach is necessary to diagnose and treat the condition. We present the case of a patient on VV-ECMO for acute respiratory distress syndrome who suffered from several distinct etiologies of refractory hypoxemia over a short timeframe. Frequent recalculation of cardiac output and oxygen delivery enabled early diagnosis and treatment of these conditions. We highlight the need for a structured and oft-repeated approach to this complex problem.
Aerobic Exercise in Male Mice Prevents Ventilator-Induced Lung Injury by Inhibiting Mitochondrial Damage from sirt1 Dysregulation
Authors: YAN JIE , GU CHANGPING , LIU GE , ZHANG YAQIANG , YANG LI , ZHAO TAO , CAO CUICUI , ZHAO LIANG , WU GUANGHAN , WANG YUELAN
Published: May 2023

Background

Ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) is a common complication of mechanical ventilation under general anesthesia. Regular aerobic exercise before surgery improves postoperative recovery and reduces postoperative pulmonary complications, but the mechanism driving this protective effect is unclear.

Methods

To determine how aerobic exercise prevents VILI, we investigated the effects of exercise and mechanical ventilation on the lungs of male mice and the effects of AMPK stimulation (simulating exercise) and cyclic stretching on human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HLMVEC). Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) knockdown male mice were generated to explore the regulating mechanisms of sirt1 on mitochondrial function in male mice after mechanical ventilation was explored. Western blot, flow cytometry, live cell imaging, and mitochondrial function evaluations were used to determine the protective effects of aerobic exercise in preventing mitochondrial damage in VILI.

Results

Mitochondrial function and cell junctions were destroyed by mechanical ventilation in male mice or cyclic stretching in HLMVEC, a model of VILI. However, mitochondrial function and cell junction dysfunction were improved by exercise before mechanical ventilation (male mice) or treatment with AMPK before cyclic stretching (HLMVEC). p66shc, a marker of oxidative stress, was increased, and PINK1, a marker of mitochondrial autophagy, was decreased by mechanical ventilation or cyclic stretching. Sirt1 knockdown increased p66shc and decreased PINK1. Increased sirt1 expression was observed in the exercise and exercise + ventilation groups, suggesting that sirt1 inhibits mitochondrial damage in VILI.

Conclusions

Mechanical ventilation induces mitochondrial damage in lung cells and leads to VILI. Regular aerobic exercise before ventilation may prevent VILI by improving mitochondrial function.
Activation Cross Section Measurement of the (n,2n) Reaction on 203Tl at 16.4 MeV, 18.9 MeV and Theoretical Calculations via the EMPIRE code
Authors: Patas Stavros , Chasapoglou Sotiris , Axiotis Michalis , Diakaki Maria , Gkatis George , Harissopulos Sotirios , Kokkoris Michael , Lagoyannis Anastasios , Tsivouraki Eleni , Vlastou Roza
Published: May 2023

The aim of the present work was to study the cross-section of the (n,2n) and (n,3n)  reactions on 203Tl, by irradiating a natural TlCl pellet target with monoenergetic neutron beams at 16.4, and 18.9 MeV. The cross section measurements were carried out using the activation method, with respect to the 197Au(n,2n)196Au and 27Al(n,α)24Na reference reactions. The monoenergetic neutron beams were generated in the 5.5 MV Tandem accelerator of NCSR “Demokritos”, using the 3H(d,n)4He reaction. Monte Carlo simulations have been performed to take into account the gamma-ray self-absorption results as well as the estimation of the neutron flux through the reference foils. Theoretical calculations with the code EMPIRE have also been performed, using the same parameterization implemented in the theoretical study of Ir and Au nuclei in an attempt to find a suitable model for the description of all the experimental results in this mass region.
Semiconductor Detector Study for Detecting Fusion Neutrons using Geant4 Simulations
Authors: Kaperoni Kalliopi , Diakaki Maria , Kokkoris Michael , Axiotis Michael , Ziagkova Anastasia , Weiss Christina , Vlastou Roza
Published: May 2023

Accurate neutron flux measurements in fusion reactors are essential, in order to determine the feasibility and progress of the reaction as well as for safety issues. Semiconductor neutron detectors exhibit promising characteristics for operation in the extreme environmental conditions of fusion reactors. Silicon, Diamond and Silicon Carbide are the most studied and anticipated materials for constructing detectors with high efficiency and irradiation resistance. The ITER fusion reactor is expected to run D-D plasma measurements in the near future, so the detection of 2.45 MeV neutrons with appropriate detectors is of great and immediate importance. In the present work the study of 2.45 MeV neutrons interactions with a silicon, diamond and silicon carbide detector was made, using GEANT4 [1] simulations, in order to compare their response. An experimental study will follow at the neutron production facility of the TANDEM accelerator of the I.N.P.P. of the NCSR “Demokritos”, with detectors provided by CIVIDEC Instrumentation GmbH, so the geometry of the simulations was built accordingly. A quasi-monoenergetic neutron beam of 2.45 MeV was produced through 3H(p,n) reactions in a TiT target. Due to the low cross section of the reaction, biasing techniques were implemented in the simulation to increase the counting rate and thus producing realistic results. These biasing techniques were studied, with various tests and the parameters affecting the choice of the biasing factor are shown and discussed.
Neutron Flux Determination for the NEAR Station at the CERN n_TOF Facility Using the SAND II Unfolding Code
Authors: Frantzis Christoforos , Vlastou Roza , Kokkoris Micheal , Diakaki Maria , Michalopoulou Veatriki , Chasapoglou Sotiris , Kopanos Sotirios Alexandros , Stoulos Stylianos , Koseoglou Pavlos
Published: May 2023

The NEAR station, a new experimental area of the n_TOF facility, was established after the second long shut down of CERN in 2020. This new area was created in order to exploit in situ the high instantaneous neutron flux (originating from proton spallation into a lead target in bunches with momenta reaching up to 20 GeV/c). The reason for the creation of the NEAR station is to utilize the neutrons for experiments related to radiation damage on materials and nuclear astrophysics and the corresponding neutron flux was characterized via extensive neutron multiple foil activation measurements. The irradiated foils were subsequently measured using high purity germanium detectors (HPGe) to determine their induced activities. Finally, the widely used SAND II unfolding code was implemented for the characterization of the neutron flux, using the evaluated cross sections from the IRDFF library, along with the experimentally derived activities. The preliminary results concerning the neutron flux determined in the present work are compared with the corresponding FLUKA simulated ones.
Recent upgrades at the Tandem Laboratory of NCSR “Demokritos”
Authors: Lagoyannis Anastasios , Andrianis Miltiadis , Axiotis Michail , Chatzispyroglou Prodromos , Harissopulos Sotirios , Laoutaris Aggelos , Stamatelatos Ion-Evangelos , Tsiamis Tryfon
Published: May 2023

The infrastructure of the Tandem Accelerator Laboratory (TAL) underwent a major upgrade aiming at expanding its analytical capabilities by introducing new experimental setups by providing the scientific community with better quality beams and. Moreover, through the acquiring of two new accelerators, a 17 MeV Cyclotron and an AMS Tandetron, TAL aims at broadening its multidisciplinary research interests with a wide spectrum of new techniques in the areas of material science, cultural heritage studies, biomedicine, etc. A short description of the upgrades and the new capabilities are presented.
Credit Ratings and the Hold-Up Problem in the Loan Market
Authors: Cahn Christophe , Girotti Mattia , Salvadè Federica
Published: May 2023

This paper studies whether credit ratings can alleviate the hold-up problem in the loan market. We exploit a refinement of the rating information produced by a certifier that rates private bank-dependent firms in France on a vast scale. The refinement causes some firms to receive a positive rating surprise that is not due to an improvement in firm fundamentals. We show that affected firms become less reliant on lenders that have greater ability to extract informational rents. These firms receive greater and less expensive bank credit from new and less informed lenders and invest more. We deduce that credit ratings reduce the monopoly power of informed banks, helping firms to expand their access to bank credit.

This paper was accepted by David Sraer, finance.

Supplemental Material: The data files and online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4779 .
Environment and Health Impact of Solid Waste Management in Developing Countries: A Review
Authors: Mahajan Rinnie
Published: May 2023

The subject of Solid Waste Management has attained global attention over recent years. This issue is observed to be more prominent in developing countries than in developed countries due to inadequate funds and resources. Solid waste generation, segregation practices, storage facilities, collection frequencies and disposal methods are evidenced to be unsustainable in developing countries. Uncontrolled dumping and open burning are common scenarios in these countries. Open dumping and burning of waste pose serious environmental and health risks. They have led to severe forms of air, water and soil pollution. Municipal Solid Waste pollution increases the mortality as well as morbidity of diseases. Thus, the present study reviews the environmental consequences and subsequent health jeopardies due to improper and inefficient Solid Waste Management. The study focuses more on environmental sustainability of Solid Waste Management than economic and social sustainability. Hence, a paradigm shift towards green and clean Solid Waste Management is vital as it safeguards the ecosystem while preserving a green economy and social equity amongst present and future generations.
Effect of shift length on paramedic anxiety
Authors: Korn Caleb R , Wilfong Denise A
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

Paramedics frequently experience extremely stressful situations. A combination of the unknown, long shifts and witnessing human distress and tragedy can have lasting effects on the psyche of these individuals. The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a difference between anxiety levels experienced by paramedics who work 12-hour shifts and those working 24-hour shifts. It was hypothesised that those required to work longer shifts would experience higher levels of anxiety.

Methods:

This survey research study measured anxiety experienced by paramedic practitioners (n=78) at three local emergency medical services using the Beck Anxiety Inventory. A binary logistical regression analysis was used to determine whether any results met criteria for significance and to determine the odds ratio for categories that did reach significance.

Results:

Paramedics who worked 24-hour shifts were significantly more likely to experience moderate-to-severe anxiety than those working 12-hour shifts (P=0.042; OR 0.002). Age affects the likelihood that participants experienced moderate-to-severe anxiety (P=0.028; OR=0.594); as age increases, the likelihood of experiencing moderate-to-severe anxiety decreases significantly.

Conclusion:

Paramedics who worked 24-hour shifts were significantly more likely to experience moderate-to-severe anxiety than those working 12-hour shifts. Age also affects whether paramedics experience moderate-to-severe anxiety; the older the individual, the better able they are at moderating their anxiety. Emergency medical service administrators are encouraged to reconsider the use of 24-hour shifts. If not already in place, strategies should be developed to assist paramedics and other prehospital care practitioners to recognise and address anxiety and other mental health disorders.
Augmented Reality-based Educational Content Application Development
Authors: Chung Hae Kyung , Ko Jang Hyok
Published: May 2023

In this study, we developed an augmented reality-based educational application that can learn the relationship between life and mathematics by implementing objects in everyday life as a three-dimensional figure of an augmented reality environment. AR images can induce interest in math study to elementary school children, and children who have started learning three-dimensional figures can easily imagine the shape of figures in real life and provide development maps so that they can grasp the relationship between each development and three-dimensional figures. In addition, it is possible to efficiently learn mathematics through an augmented reality-based educational content providing apparatus and method. In this study, firstly literature study was conducted to understand overall understanding of education service and completed persona through survey methods such as in-depth interviews. The user’s goal was simple, easy to operate the app.
Agricultural innovations and adaptation strategies among upland communities in the state boundary of Kupang District (Indonesia) and Oecusse Enclave (East Timor)
Authors: Ngongo Yohanis , MARKUS JENNY E.R.
Published: May 2023

Abstract. Ngongo Y, Markus JER. 2020. Agricultural innovations and adaptation strategies among upland communities in the state boundary of Kupang District (Indonesia) and Oecusse Enclave (East Timor). Trop Drylands 4: 51-57. The policy pledge of ‘development started from the periphery’ has been implemented as a new paradigm of national development in Indonesia. Agricultural Ministry translated this national policy by implementing several programs and one of them is promoting agricultural innovations to boost agricultural production and rural development in the state boundary. This paper elaborates on agricultural innovations being introduced and adaptations of local people towards harsh climate and to protect natural resources in the state boundary of Kupang District of Republic of Indonesia and Oecusse enclave of Republic Democratic of Timor Leste (East Timor). Data and information are used mainly from the on-going program of Agricultural Innovation Support (AIS). Some insights of similar programs implemented in the three other districts of Timor that share borderlines with East Timor have also been used to enrich the narratives. The study shows that agricultural innovation being introduced has successfully been adopted by co-operators, however, it has limited impacts on the surrounding farmers/villages due to farmers' poor access to the external inputs market, and agricultural extensions. This implies that agricultural innovations should consider farmers’ circumstances, particularly harsh climate of the region, and it should compatible with household calendar both in farming and off-farming particularly in honey harvesting. Traditional beekeeping by Amfoang community demonstrates how local people maintain one of the important sources of their livelihoods and at the same time protect natural resources. Recognizing and supporting customary law on honey harvesting helps protect forests and biodiversity in Amfoang and Timor in general.
Predictability and durability of mitral valve repair in patients with severe degenerative mitral regurgitation in medium sized centres
Authors: Casey L , Jinih M , MacHale J , Kirby F , O’ Neill JO , Byrne R , McCarthy JF
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Mitral valve repair (MVr) is now the treatment of choice to correct severe degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR). Repair rates vary greatly from centre to centre, and the concept of heart valve centres of excellence has been established.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to see whether large international centre repair rates, and outcomes, are transferrable to medium-sized centres with an interest in mitral repair.

Methods

Between 2011 and 2018, a total of 346 patients underwent mitral valve surgery by a single surgeon. Of these, 238 consecutive patients had repairs, or attempted repairs for degenerative MR, and are included in this study.

Results

The study sample consisted of 71% male patients and had a mean age of 64.4 ± 12.3 years; 66% of the study population had concomitant procedures. The overall repair rate in this cohort is 99%. Mean follow up was 3.7 ± 1.9 years. At 5 years, the freedom from MR ≥ 3+ was 95.9 ± 1.9% and at 7 years 91.1 ± 3.8%. Freedom from reoperation at 5 years was 92.9 ± 3.7%, while the 5 years actuarial survival was 89.1 ± 3.7%. On a multivariate analysis, predischarge echo grade was associated with higher risk of future reoperation (odds ratio (OR) = 21.82, p = 0.05). Only age (OR = 1.3, p = 0.03) was predictive of long-term survival.

Conclusions

In specialised medium-sized heart centres, where the surgical team have undergone specialist mitral training, favourable short- and long-term outcomes are achievable with mitral repair rates similar to those from large international centres of excellence. In these heart centres, early surgery should be considered for all patients with severe degenerative MR.
Recurrent primary scrotal extramammary Paget disease: a case report and literature review
Authors: Pappas CP , Carroll J
Published: May 2023

Extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) is a rare malignant neoplasm arising in apocrine gland-rich skin, which may be classified as either of primary or secondary origin. Management of this condition is predominantly surgical, and is often characterised by lengthy diagnostic delays. Complete surgical excision is challenging, and local recurrence is common. Herein, we discuss a subtle presentation of recurrent scrotal EMPD in a 77-year-old male and review the available literature. Although relatively rare, the indistinct nature of this pathology merits special attention from treating surgeons, who are frequently responsible for initial management and follow-up. The risk of distant metastasis and concomitant prognostic implications necessitate a high clinical index of suspicion, and low threshold for definitive biopsy in similar cases.
Creating bespoke end-of-treatment summaries
Authors: Fairhurst K , Gilmore K , Swan R , Laurence N
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The NHS Long Term Plan states that by 2021, every person diagnosed with cancer should have access to personalised care including an end-of-treatment summary. This summary document aims to provide both patients and their general practitioners with accessible information regarding all treatment received and potential side effects, signs/symptoms of disease recurrence and contact details for addressing concerns. Producing an individualised document meeting all the patient’s needs (considering the many different breast cancer pathways) is, however, both challenging and time consuming.

Methods

Work was conducted with the hospital information technology (IT) department to produce a breast cancer database and proforma that were built in to existing hospital IT systems. Patient information is entered on this database by the clinical team via the electronic proforma.

Results

Using this breast cancer database for the last 2.5 years has allowed the creation of personalised and detailed end-of-treatment summaries for patients and general practitioners (currently 765), and will facilitate accurate data collection for service quality improvement. In addition, 24 individual issues in the patient pathway have been identified and opportune identification of these issues allows for timely correction to minimise harm to patients.

Conclusions

The described approach utilises existing hospital IT systems to build a prospective, accessible, customised breast cancer patient database to generate quick but detailed and accessible end-of-treatment summaries. The implemented system has been found to be efficient and accurate while also rapidly identifying errors and areas for improvement in the patient pathway.
A series of engravings by Matthew Baillie (1761–1823)
Authors: Isaac Susan
Published: May 2023

A look at the anatomical engravings by Matthew Baillie and the impact they had on surgical learning.
The extended surgical team: It ain't what you do, it's the way that you do it?
Authors: Tomlinson J , McCrossan R
Published: May 2023

Our Culture columnists explore the significance of the extended surgical team as a part of the future surgical workforce.
“Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality”
Authors: Crean StJohn
Published: May 2023

Our editor explores why it is important for the College to understand our position as leaders in the surgical community.
Visual inertial odometry enabled 3D ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging
Authors: Sankepalle Deeksha M. , Anthony Brian , Mallidi Srivalleesha
Published: May 2023

There is an increasing need for 3D ultrasound and photoacoustic (USPA) imaging technology for real-time monitoring of dynamic changes in vasculature or molecular markers in various malignancies. Current 3D USPA systems utilize expensive 3D transducer arrays, mechanical arms or limited-range linear stages to reconstruct the 3D volume of the object being imaged. In this study, we developed, characterized, and demonstrated an economical, portable, and clinically translatable handheld device for 3D USPA imaging. An off-the-shelf, low-cost visual odometry system (the Intel RealSense T265 camera equipped with simultaneous localization and mapping technology) to track free hand movements during imaging was attached to the USPA transducer. Specifically, we integrated the T265 camera into a commercially available USPA imaging probe to acquire 3D images and compared it to the reconstructed 3D volume acquired using a linear stage (ground truth). We were able to reliably detect 500 µm step sizes with 90.46% accuracy. Various users evaluated the potential of handheld scanning, and the volume calculated from the motion-compensated image was not significantly different from the ground truth. Overall, our results, for the first time, established the use of an off-the-shelf and low-cost visual odometry system for freehand 3D USPA imaging that can be seamlessly integrated into several photoacoustic imaging systems for various clinical applications.
Multifunctional and switchable metamaterial for terahertz polarization modulation in the reflection mode
Authors: Jalal Abdul , Khan Muhammad Ismail , Qasim Muhammad , Hu Bin
Published: May 2023

In this paper, a broadband multi-layered active metamaterial design is investigated, which can achieve a high polarization conversion efficiency over a wide band of frequencies in the terahertz regime. The design can be switched to an efficient metamaterial absorber using the phase transition property of vanadium dioxide (VO2). Additionally, the designed structure can convert the linear polarization of the incoming wavefronts to its cross-polarization and linear polarization to circular polarization in the reflection mode. The broadband characteristic is achieved due to the strong anisotropic behavior of the metasurface. The structure is robust to a wide range of incident angles as well. The proposed switchable multifunctional design can contribute to the development of active plasmonic polarization devices and metamaterial absorbers.
Three-dimensional contrast-transfer-function approach in phase-contrast tomography
Authors: Thompson Darren A. , Nesterets Yakov I. , Pavlov Konstantin M. , Gureyev Timur E.
Published: May 2023

A new method is developed for 3D reconstruction of multimaterial objects using propagation-based x-ray phase-contrast tomography (PB-CT) with phase retrieval via contrast-transfer-function (CTF) formalism. The approach differs from conventional PB-CT algorithms, which apply phase retrieval to individual 2D projections. Instead, this method involves performing phase retrieval to the CT-reconstructed volume in 3D. The CTF formalism is further extended to the cases of partially coherent illumination and strongly absorbing samples. Simulated results demonstrate that the proposed post-reconstruction CTF method provides fast and stable phase retrieval, producing results equivalent to conventional pre-reconstruction 2D CTF phase retrieval. Moreover, it is shown that application can be highly localized to isolated objects of interest, without a significant loss of quality, thus leading to increased computational efficiency. Combined with the extended validity of the CTF to greater propagation distances, this method provides additional advantages over approaches based on the transport-of-intensity equation.
Image edge smoothing method for light-field displays based on joint design of optical structure and elemental images
Authors: Yu Xunbo , Li Hanyu , Su Xiwen , Gao Xin , Sang Xinzhu , Yan Binbin
Published: May 2023

Image visual quality is of fundamental importance for three-dimensional (3D) light-field displays. The pixels of a light-field display are enlarged after the imaging of the light-field system, increasing the graininess of the image, which leads to a severe decline in the image edge smoothness as well as image quality. In this paper, a joint optimization method is proposed to minimize the “sawtooth edge” phenomenon of reconstructed images in light-field display systems. In the joint optimization scheme, neural networks are used to simultaneously optimize the point spread functions of the optical components and elemental images, and the optical components are designed based on the results. The simulations and experimental data show that a less grainy 3D image is achievable through the proposed joint edge smoothing method.