bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous Determination of Microvascular Endothelial Glycocalyx Structure and Albumin Flux in vivo
Authors: Betteridge Kai , Arkill Kenton , Neal Chris , Bates David , Salmon Andrew
Published: June 2021

Endothelial Glycocalyx coats the luminal surface of all blood vessels and is a key regulator of permeability. We aimed to design a combined confocal‐fluorescent imaging method for assessing structural‐functional relationships between glycocalyx and albumin flux (PsBSA) in systemic mesenteric microvessels of rats in vivo.

Mesenteric microvessels were cannulated using double barrel theta style micropipettes and perfused with unlabeled 4% BSA and Alexa Fluor 488 labeled BSA in sequence, which was imaged using fluorescent microscopy to calculate PsBSA. Endothelial glycocalyx depth was then quantified by changing the perfusates to trimethylamino‐diphenylhexatriene (TMA‐DPH: membrane label) and tetramethylrhodamine‐isothiocyanate‐conjugated Wheat Germ Agglutinin (TRITC‐WGA lectin: glycocalyx label), and imaged using Confocal Microscopy. To validate the technique the glycocalyx structure was modulated in real time using neuraminidase or vehicle control.

Neuraminidase decreased glycocalyx depth (peak to peak) (p < 0.05, two‐way ANOVA & unpaired t‐test) and its fractional distribution (fractional coverage) (p < 0.05, unpaired t‐test) in a time dependent manner which directly correlated to a paired significant increase in PsBSA in the same microvessels in vivo (p < 0.05 by Pearson's correlation) (p < 0.001 by two‐way ANOVA).

We have effectively demonstrated a technique for linking structural estimates of glycocalyx to functional measurements of albumin flux in vivo and our results indicate an activity and time dependent functional response to neuraminidase cleavage of sialoglycoproteins.
Acute Aortic Regurgitation And The Autonomic Modulation To The Heart
Authors: De Gobbi Juliana , da Silva Paloma , Omoto Ana Carolina , Gregolini Patricia , Fazan Rubens
Published: June 2021

Aortic regurgitation (AR) produces a volume overload to the heart. Acute AR determines poor prognostic, and its main cause is infective endocarditis. The role of autonomic participation on this situation is still missing. We studied hemodynamic parameters, autonomic modulation, heart rate (HR) variability and baroreflex sensibility (BRS) in acute AR rats.Male Wistar rats (250‐280g) were undergone to sham or AR surgery. Following one week the rats received a catheter into the femoral artery (direct measurements of arterial pressure, AP), and another into the jugular vein (drug administration). Intrinsic HR (IHR) was evaluated after simultaneous blockade with atenolol (6 mg/kg) and atropine (3 mg/kg). The sympathetic tonus (ST) and vagal tonus (VT) were obtained from IHR minus the maximum HR after atropine and the lowest HR after atenolol, respectively. Overall variability of HR in the time domain and BRS were calculated from basal recordings. Diastolic pressure was lower in AR rats(70 ± 6 vs sham 99 ± 5 mmHg). There were no changes for IHR, ST, VT or HR variability. Acute AR impaired BRS (1,10 ± 0,11 vs sham 1,61 ± 0,14 ms/mmHg). The results show that acute AR does not altered autonomic modulation to the heart, although it produces a decrease in the BRS, this import mechanism is dismished in onset sustained volume overload to the heart. Financial support: FAPESP 2013/00742‐7
Imbalance between matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 and calponin‐1 in early hypertensive vascular remodeling
Authors: Belo Vanessa , Tanus‐Santos José Eduardo , Castro Michele
Published: June 2021

Increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 contributes to hypertension‐induced chronic vascular remodeling. Calponin is a contractile protein, which is cleaved by MMP‐2, and a differentiation marker of vascular smooth muscle cells (VMSCs). Reduced calponin levels are associated with phenotype switch which leads to migration and remodeling. We examined whether there is a relationship between MMP‐2 and calponin‐1 with arterial remodeling in the early and chronic phases of two‐kidney, one‐clip (2K1C) hypertension. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was assessed in sham and 2K1C rats at 1, 2 and 10 weeks by tail‐cuff plethysmography. Aortic MMP‐2 and calponin‐1 were determined by Western blot. Quantitative morphometry was performed in aortic sections to analyze structural changes. SBP increased from 152 ± 8 mmHg in 1 week of hypertension to 180 ± 8 mmHg and 194 ± 3 mmHg in 2 and 10 weeks (p<0.05 vs. Sham). We observed increased MMP‐2 and reduced calponin‐1 in aortas of 2K1C rats at 1 week of hypertension (P<0.05 r=‐0.74), followed by early, non‐significant changes in arterial structure. Increased MMP‐2 and calponin were observed at 2 and 10 weeks of hypertension (P<0.05), which were accompanied by increased aortic media thickness and media/lumen (P<0.05). These results indicate that an imbalance between MMP‐2 and calponin‐1 occurs only in early hypertension and may be a starting point of chronic arterial remodeling. Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico.
Classical Macrophage Activation Decreases The Level of Extracellular MicroRNA‐223 Secreted by Bone‐Marrow‐Derived Macrophage
Authors: Chang Richard , Song Hui , Ying Wei , Splawn Taylor , Zhou Beiyan
Published: June 2021

Compelling evidence demonstrated that adipose‐tissue‐resident macrophages (ATMs) are critical educators in adipose tissue niche by regulating adipocyte functions. ATMs in obese objects primarily display a classical activation status with pro‐inflammatory features (M1), which is a major shift from ATMs in lean adipose tissues that exhibit mainly anti‐inflammatory profiles (M2). As the major cell compartment in adipose stroma, ATMs exert profound regulatory effects by secreting large amount of molecules upon environmental cues, including various cytokines and chemokines. Recent study suggested that, in addition to protein and peptide molecules, RNAs can also be detected in the extracellular fluid and may function as a new type of cell communicating molecules. However, why these exRNAs are produced and how they function are yet to be determined.

To better understand the regulatory mechanism of ATMs on adipose tissue function, we generated exRNA profiles from the conditioned medium from M1 and M2 macrophages. Interestingly, our results revealed that exRNA profiles are distinct from intracellular RNAs. This evidence supports that exRNAs secretion is a novel marker of macrophage secretion. In conclusion, our study provides the first sets of evidence to support that ATMs can regulate adipose tissue function by actively releasing exRNAs acting in a paracrine manner in the context of obesity‐associated metabolic syndromes.
Role of GCN2 in Guiding the Cellular and Molecular Response to Asparaginase in the Pancreas
Authors: Phillipson‐Weiner Lindsey , Mirek Emily , Wang Yongping , Wilson Gabriel , Anthony Tracy
Published: June 2021

Asparaginase is a chemotherapy agent used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Asparaginase can cause severe pancreatitis but the molecular basis is unknown. In liver of mice, the eIF2 kinase GCN2 is essential for mitigating metabolic stress caused by asparaginase. This study examined the role of GCN2 in the pancreas of mice treated with asparaginase. Eight week old wild type or GCN2 KO mice were injected once daily for 8 d with either 3 IU/g BW of saline or asparaginase. Eight hours after final injection, mice were sacrificed and pancreata were weighed and harvested. In GCN2 KO mice treated with asparaginase, pancreas weights were significantly increased (P<0.05) and the organs visibly enlarged. Histological examination revealed ductal dilatation and swollen acinar cells in GCN2 KO only. Oil red O staining and measurement of pancreas triglycerides ruled out lipid accumulation as a contributing factor. No sign of cell death by TUNEL stain were detected in the pancreas, and serum amylase activity did not differ among treatment groups. However, Pancreatitis Associated Protein (PAP) mRNA expression was elevated in livers of asparaginase‐treated GCN2 KO mice only. Phosphorylation of eIF2 and pancreatic expression of asparagine synthetase were similar among treatment groups, but mTORC1 signaling was decreased to the greatest extent in the pancreata of asparaginase‐treated GCN2 KO mice. These data suggest that loss of GCN2 predisposes the pancreas toward the development of asparaginase‐associated pancreatitis. Funded by NIH HD070487
Altered signaling pathway governing protein metabolism in skeletal muscle of the Japanese black bear during hibernation
Authors: Miyazaki Mitsunori , Shimozuru Michito , Tsubota Toshio
Published: June 2021

Hibernating mammals experience prolonged periods of torpor and starvation during winter survival. While continued physical inactivity and malnutrition lead to profound loss of skeletal muscle in most mammals, hibernating animals show limited muscle atrophy and can successfully maintain physical function following hibernation. Since net balance between protein synthesis and degradation determines total mass of skeletal muscle, we hypothesized that hibernating animals uniquely alter the regulatory mechanisms governing protein metabolism to prevent muscle atrophy during hibernation. In this study, alteration of signaling pathways regulating protein metabolism was examined in skeletal muscle of the Japanese black bear (Ursus thibetanus japonicus). Sartorius muscle samples were collected from bear leg on late November and early April (pre/post‐hibernation). Ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway (as assessed by increased expression of Atrogin1 and MuRF1 mRNA) was significantly activated in skeletal muscle following hibernation. In contrast, as indicated by a significant increase in S6K1 phosphorylation, activation state of mTOR signaling which functions as a central regulator of protein synthesis was increased following hibernation. Additionally, gene expression of myostatin, a negative regulator of muscle mass, was significantly decreased on post‐hibernation. These observations suggest that protein synthesis rate may be enhanced in skeletal muscle of hibernating bear, which then lead to limited loss of muscle mass and maintenance of physical performance. This work was supported by JSPS KAKENHI Grant Number 25702041 and 26560369.
Influence of N‐Acetylcysteine on Apoptosis in White‐Gastrocnemius Muscle of Rats With Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Martinez Paula , Lopes V , Pagan L , Bonomo C , Gomes M , Oliveira Junior S , Cezar M , Damatto R , Lima A , Fernandes D , Laurindo F , Zornoff L , Okoshi K , Okoshi M
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of the antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) on apoptosis in skeletal muscle of rats with myocardial infarction (MI)‐induced HF. Methods: MI was induced by left coronary occlusion. Four months later, rats were assigned to three groups: Sham (n=7), MI‐C (MI without treatment, n=9), and MI‐NAC (MI treated with N‐acetylcysteine, 120 mg/kg/day, n=10). Rats with small MI were excluded. Six months after surgery, reactive oxygen species generation was assessed by HPLC analysis of dihydroethidium (DHE) oxidation fluorescent products, 2‐hydroxyethidium (EOH) and ethidium, in gastrocnemius muscle (white portion). Apoptosis was analyzed by quantification of DNA fragmentation using an ELISA kit.

Results

MI size did not differ between MI‐C and MI‐NAC groups (p>0.05; Student's t test). EOH/DHE ratio was higher in MI‐C than in Sham and MI‐NAC (Sham 21.3±4.9; MI‐C 46.3±24.5; MI‐NAC 25.9±10.4 nM/µM/g tissue; p =0.014; ANOVA and Bonferroni). The ethidium/DHE ratio was similar between groups. DNA fragmentation was higher in MI‐C than Sham and similar in MI‐C and MI‐NAC (Sham 1.37±0.48; MI‐C 2.85±1.65; MI‐NAC 2.60±0.92 arbitrary units/g tissue; p =0.045; ANOVA and Bonferroni).

Conclusion

NAC administration does not attenuate apoptosis in gastrocnemius muscle of heart failure rats.

Financial support: FAPESP and CNPq.
Can HSP27 and HSP70 be Used as Biomarkers for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Diagnosis?
Authors: Al Kayal Hanine , Abou Abass Hassan , El Sabbah Ahmad , Ramadan Wiam , Khashfe Hassan , Al Kwatly Khalil , Joumaa Wissam
Published: June 2021

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is one of the major causes of death worldwide and it is accompanied by increased levels of Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs) and inflammation.

The aim of this study was to determine, using Enzyme‐Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA) technique, the serum levels of HSP27 and HSP70 in healthy non‐smokers (HNS) and smokers (HS) volunteers and in patients with mild to moderate COPD (COPD I,II), severe to very severe COPD (COPD III,IV) and COPD exacerbation (ECOPD).

Our results show that between HNS and HS volunteers no significant effect was observed in serum HSP27 and HSP70 (HNS: HSP27: 1.78±0.11 ng/ml [1.10‐2.15], HSP70: 0.17±0.04 ng/ml [0.02‐0.32]; HS: HSP27: 1.96±0.03 ng/ml [1.73‐2.05], HSP70: 0.13±0.03 ng/ml [0.05‐0.35], n=19). In COPD I, II patients, serum HSP27 and HSP70 were increased by 49% and 141% respectively. However, although no more effect in serum HSP70 was observed in COPD III,IV and ECOPD patients, the serum HSP27 was increased by 24% in COPD III,IV patients (as compared with COPD I,II, n=20) and no more effect was observed in ECOPD patients (as compared with COPD III,IV, n=20).

These results suggest that HSP27 and HSP70 can be used as diagnostic biomarkers for COPD. Furthermore, we suggest that HSP27 can also be used as a biomarker for COPD progression.
Antagonism of corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) in the locus coeruleus (LC) increase respiratory response to hypercapnia
Authors: Incheglu Jolene , da Silva Glauber , Bicego Kenia , Gargaglioni Luciane
Published: June 2021

LC is a noradrenergic pontine group that acts as a central chemoreceptor to CO2/pH and it is involved in the cognitive aspects of stress response, in part through the action of CRF. Thus, we tested the involvement of CRF1 receptors (CRF1) located in the LC in the ventilatory and thermal responses induced by hypercapnia (7%CO2) in rats. To this end, we injected antalarmin (a CRF1 antagonist, 0.05 µg/0.1 µL) into the LC of male Wistar rats. Pulmonary ventilation (VE) and body temperature (Tb, dataloggers) were measured in air and followed by 7% CO2 in unanesthetized rats. VE and Tb were not different between groups under normocapnia. The hypercapnic ventilatory response of CRF1 antagonist treated animals was 23.2% higher at 15 min after CO2 exposure compared with vehicle animals (CRF1: 2166.3 ± 206.6 vs vehicle: 1664.3 ± 155.9), due to an increased tidal volume. Our results suggest that CRF1 receptors in the LC contribute to the hypercapnic chemoreflex control in unanesthetized rats. Financial Support: FAPESP and CNPq.
A Nonpeptide Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptor Agonist Prevents Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Horowitz Alana , Rathinasabapathy Anandharajan , Shenoy Vinayak , Horton Kelsey , Raizada Mohan , Steckelings Ulrike , Unger Thomas , Sumners Colin , Katovich Michael
Published: June 2021

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a devastating disease characterized by scarring of the lung tissue. A dysregulated renin angiotensin system (RAS) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of PF. Emerging evidence indicate a protective role for the angiotensin type II receptor (AT2R) in cardiopulmonary diseases; however, the role of the AT2R in PF has not been fully elucidated. We have taken advantage of a recently identified non‐peptide AT2R agonist, Compound 21 (C21), to investigate its effects in the bleomycin (BLM) model of PF. A single intratracheal instillation of 2.5 mg/kg of BLM induced PF in rats. Immediately after BLM administration, a subset of animals was treated daily with C21 (0.03mg/kg, ip) for 2 weeks, after which hemodynamic parameters were measured, and tissues collected for histological analyses. BLM administration significantly increased right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and induced maladaptive cardiac remodeling. C21 treatment significantly prevented BLM‐induced elevation in RVSP, attenuated ventricular hypertrophy and improved cardiac function. Histopathological assessment of the lungs showed considerable decrease in collagen deposition in the C21 treated group as compared with BLM (Control: 0.07+0.058; BLM: 5.02+0.18; BLM+C21: 3.59+0.26). Collectively, our results suggest that the AT2R agonist, C21 exerts potent antifibrotic effects and may hold promise for patients with PF.
Internet addiction among students of different countries
Authors: Karp Leonid , Salpynov Zhandos , Akhelova Sholpan
Published: June 2021

The process of informatization and computerization in the modern society can influence health of the youth.

Objective

to investigate Internet addiction (IA) among university students of 3 countries: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine.

Methods

Problematic Internet Use (PIU) indices were calculated according to 4 scales: social comfort, loneliness, distraction, and impulsiveness. The total number of respondents was 578. We used Student's t‐test, Spearmen's rank correlation coefficient, and the Cronbach alpha coefficient to demonstrate the reliability of our tests.

The majority of both male and female students reported using the Internet 5 or more times a week. We detected a statistically significant difference between men and women according to the latter type of activity, where females were more likely to use the Internet for entertainment than males (p<0.05). Only 5.1% of all students had a feeling of euphoria while being on‐line while 40.2% had that feeling only sometimes. There was no significant difference according to gender (p<0.05). We compared the separate categories of the PIU between the students of the universities by gender. Data showed statistically significant differences among men in three out of four categories. The high value of the Spearman rank correlation coefficient testifies about the inverse association connection between the number of answers and their rank. We found higher PIU indices among Kazakhstani students in the category of Social Comfort, in comparison with the students of the Uzbekistani with high PIU indices in the category of Diminished Impulse Control.
Prostaglandin E2 Inhibition Promotes Human Aortic Smooth Muscle Cell Differentiation
Authors: Adedoyin Oreoluwa , Loftin Charles
Published: June 2021

INTRODUCTION

In a mouse model of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) induced by chronic angiotensin II (AngII) infusion, the effectiveness of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) inhibition in attenuating AAA progression is associated with maintenance of a differentiated smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotype. However, the mechanisms responsible for COX‐2‐dependent aortic SMC phenotypic modulation are unknown. Therefore, we assessed the hypothesis that COX‐2 reduces human aortic SMC (hASMC) differentiation by the action of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2).

METHODS

Cultured hASMCs were treated with varying concentrations of AngII, PGE2, or inhibitors of COX‐2 and PGE2 synthetic pathway. The effects of these treatments on the expression of SMC differentiation markers and components of these pathways were examined.

RESULTS

COX‐2 inhibition with celecoxib significantly reduced PGE2 levels and increased expression of alpha‐actin (marker of differentiation), whereas exogenous PGE2 treatment reduced hASMC differentiation. AngII treatment resulted in increased protein expression of the inducible PGE2 synthase ‐ microsomal PGE2 synthase (mPGES‐1) and decrease in alpha‐actin. Inhibition of mPGES‐1 and PGE2 by 15‐deoxyPGJ2 resulted in increased alpha‐actin whereas mPGES‐1 knockdown reduced PGE2 synthesis, and promoted hASMC differentiation.

CONCLUSION

COX‐2 inhibition by celecoxib may increase hASMC differentiation by inhibiting production of mPGES‐1‐derived PGE2. Specific inhibition of mPGES‐1 may serve as a potential target for attenuating AAA progression by maintaining a differentiated SMC phenotype.

FUNDING

NIH HL083122
Muscle Flap Closures in Spine Surgery
Authors: Price Meghan J. , Tillis Rose , Howell Elizabeth P. , Ramirez Luis , Dalton Tara , Baëta César , Mehta Vikram , Abd-El-Barr Muhammad M. , Karikari Isaac O. , Goodwin C. Rory , Brown David A.
Published: June 2021

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to identify preoperative factors that impact the decision to perform prophylactic muscle flap closure and assess risk factors for wound healing complications in patients undergoing spinal procedures with and without muscle flap closure.

Summary of Background Data:

Prior studies suggest that muscle flap closure following complex spine surgery results in a lower risk of wound healing complications. However, these studies have been limited to single institutions and/or surgeons.

Methods:

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for all patients undergoing spine surgery between 2005 and 2017 with and without concomitant muscle flaps. Preoperative and perioperative variables were extracted. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess risk factors influencing surgical site infection (SSI) and wound disruption, as well as to delineate which preoperative factors increased the likelihood of patients receiving flap closures a priori.

Results:

Concomitant muscle flaps were performed on 758 patients; 301,670 patients did not receive a flap. Overall 29 (3.83%) patients in the flap group experienced SSI compared to 5154 (1.71%) in the nonflap group (P<0.0001). Preoperative steroid use [odds ratio (OR) 0.5; P<0.0001], wound infection (OR 0.24; P<0.0001), elevated white blood cell count (OR 1.034; P<0.0001), low hematocrit (OR 0.94; P<0.0001), preoperative transfusion (OR 0.22; P=0.0068) were significantly associated with utilization of muscle flaps. Perioperative factors including a contaminated wound (OR 4.72; P<0.0001), the American Society of Anesthesiologists classification of severe disease (OR 1.92; P=0.024), and longer operative time (OR 1.001; P=0.0024) were significantly associated with postoperative wound disruption. In addition, after propensity score matching for these factors that increase risk of wound complications, there was no difference in the rates of SSI between the flap and nonflap group.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that patients with a higher burden of illness preoperatively are more likely to receive prophylactic paraspinal flaps which can reduce the rates of wound-related complications.
Systematic Review of the Role of Mohs Micrographic Surgery in the Management of Early-Stage Melanoma of the Head and Neck
Authors: Theunissen Chantal C.W. , Lee Ming Hua , Murad Fadi G. , Waldman Abigail H.
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

The role of Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) in the management of melanoma of the head and neck (HNM) has been controversial. The authors systematically reviewed the local recurrence rate of melanoma in situ (MIS) and T1a melanomas using MMS compared with conventional wide local excision (WLE) and staged excision (SE).

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review the local recurrence rate of early-stage melanomas of the HNM treated with MMS versus WLE or SE.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A search of English medical literature was conducted through the common databases until November 26, 2019. Using PRISMA guidelines for the treatment of MIS and T1a melanoma with MMS, WLE, or SE, our search yielded a total of 32 articles.

RESULTS

Mohs micrographic surgery has a lower local recurrence rate for early-stage melanomas over both SE and WLE {pooled recurrence risk 0.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.4–1.1) versus 2.5% (95% CI 1.5–3.4) versus 8.7% (95% CI 5.1–12.2) (p < .001), respectively}.

CONCLUSION

Mohs micrographic surgery may offer a lower recurrence rate than SE or WLE in the management of early-stage melanomas of the face or HNM. Further clinical validation in a randomized controlled trial is required.
Characterizing the Parental Perspective of Food-Related Quality of Life in Families After Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Diagnosis
Authors: Fisher Kelly , Byham-Gray Laura , Rothpletz-Puglia Pamela
Published: June 2021

Food-related quality of life is defined as achieving adequate nutrition, deriving pleasure, and maintaining social activities through eating and drinking. The objective of this qualitative study was to characterize the parental perspective about eating experiences and family functioning after diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease in their child in order to describe how these experiences may impact food-related quality of life. Semistructured interviews were completed with 10 parents of a child with inflammatory bowel disease. Conventional content analysis was conducted with steps to ensure trustworthiness. Family Systems Theory was the interpretive framework. Ambiguous nutrition information emerged as the main theme. Families experienced various and conflicting viewpoints regarding the role of diet, which presented a challenge after diagnosis. Parents reported frustration regarding the lack of uniform and personalized nutrition guidance. Our results support that families desire shared decision-making in regard to medication and diet, which is an important clinical practice implication for the entire gastroenterology medical team. Understanding the challenges faced by families after a major medical diagnosis in a child provides insight into designing medical interventions that maintain optimal quality of life in families.
Graphene production by cracking
Authors: Bohm Sivasambu , Ingle Avinash , Bohm H. L. Mallika , Fenech-Salerno Benji , Wu Shuwei , Torrisi Felice
Published: June 2021

In recent years, graphene has found its use in numerous industrial applications due to its unique properties. While its impermeable and conductive nature can replace currently used anticorrosive toxic pigments in coating systems, due to its large strength to weight ratio, graphene can be an important component as a next-generation additive for automotive, aerospace and construction applications. The current bottlenecks in using graphene and graphene oxide and other two-dimensional materials are the availability of cost-effective, high-quality materials and their effective incorporation (functionalization and dispersion) into the product matrices. On overcoming these factors, graphene may attract significant demands in terms of volume consumption. Graphene can be produced on industrial scales and through cost-effective top-down routes such as chemical, electrochemical and/or high-pressure mechanical exfoliation. Graphene, depending on end applications, can be chemically tuned and modified via functionalization so that easy incorporation into product matrices is possible. This paper discusses different production methods and their impact on the quality of graphene produced in terms of energy input. Graphene with an average thickness below five layers was produced by both methods with varied defects. However, a higher yield of graphene with a lower number of layers was produced via the high-pressure exfoliation route.

This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘A cracking approach to inventing new tough materials: fracture stranger than friction’.
Fatigue crack growth in epoxy polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Kinloch Anthony J. , Jones Rhys , Michopoulos John G.
Published: June 2021

The present paper describes detailed analyses of experimental data for the cyclic-fatigue behaviour of epoxy nanocomposite polymers. It has been shown that the data may be interpreted using the Hartman–Schijve relationship to yield a unique, ‘master’, linear relationship for each epoxy nanocomposite polymer. By fitting the experimental data to the Hartman–Schijve relationship, two key materials parameters may be deduced: (i) the termA, which may be thought of as the fatigue equivalent to the quasi-static value of the fracture energy,Gc, and (ii) the fatigue threshold value,ΔGthr, below which no significant fatigue crack growth (FCG) occurs. It has then been established that the values of these parameters, together with the slope,n, and intercept,D, of the Hartman–Schijve master relationship, may be used (i) to compute the experimental results measured for the fatigue behaviour of the epoxy nanocomposite polymers, (ii) to understand the observed fracture and fatigue behaviour of these materials with respect to the structure of the epoxy nanocomposite polymers, and (iii) to deduce the ‘upper-bound’, i.e. ‘worst-case’, FCG rate curve which may be used by industry as a material development, material selection, design and service-life prediction tool when these epoxy nanocomposite polymers are used in engineering applications such as structural adhesives and/or as matrices in fibre-reinforced composites.

This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘A cracking approach to inventing new tough materials: fracture stranger than friction’.
Toughening materials: enhancing resistance to fracture
Authors: Ritchie Robert O.
Published: June 2021

It has been said that ‘God invented plasticity, but the Devil invented fracture!’ Both mechanisms represent the two prime modes of structural failure, respectively, plastic collapse and the rupture/breaking of a component, but the concept of developing materials with enhanced resistance to fracture can be difficult. This is because fracture resistance invariably involves a compromise—between strength and ductility, between strength and toughness—fundamentally leading to a ‘conflict’ between nano-/micro-structural damage and the mechanisms of toughening. Here, we examine the two major classes of such toughening: (i) 
intrinsic toughening
, which occurs ahead of a crack tip and is motivated by plasticity—this is the principal mode of fracture resistance in ductile materials, and (ii)
extrinsic toughening
, which occurs at, or in the wake of, a crack tip and is associated with crack-tip shielding—this is generally the sole mode of fracture resistance in brittle materials. We briefly examine how these distinct mechanistic processes have been used to toughen synthetic materials—intrinsically in gradient materials and in multiple principal-element metallic alloys with the example of metallic glasses and high-entropy alloys, and extrinsically in ceramics with the example of ceramic-matrix composites—in comparison to Nature which has been especially adept in creating biological/natural materials which are toughened by one or both mechanistic classes, despite often consisting of constituents with meagre mechanical properties. The success of Nature has been driven by its ability to cultivate the development of materials with multiple length-scale hierarchical structures that display ingenious gradients and structural adaptability, a philosophy which we need to emulate and more importantly learn to synthesize to make structural materials of the future with unprecedented combinations of mechanical properties.

This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘A cracking approach to inventing new tough materials: fracture stranger than friction’.
Mapping the lean supply chain management research through citation classics
Authors: Garcia-Buendia Noelia , Moyano-Fuentes José , Maqueira Juan Manuel
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to systematically identify the key intellectual developments of the lean supply chain management (LSCM) field from its very first beginning by analyzing the publications that have been highly cited.

Design/methodology/approach

The citation classics method has been used to examine the origins and evolution of the research field. In total, 74 articles have been identified as having the highest impact on LSCM research published from its beginnings to the present day. Key aspects and links among the scientific contributions are studied by descriptive, bibliometric, network and content analysis.

Findings

Publication and citation trends, methodologies used, top journals, most influential authors, institutions and countries, collaboration patterns and evolution of the most used keywords are some of the aspects studied. Three main research areas are identified: LSCM foundations and implementation, lean-agile supply chain and performance assessment and the role of sustainability, which offers a holistic view of the field and enables the identification of potential avenues for future research susceptible to contribute to advancing the knowledge on LSCM.

Originality/value

This study provides a useful insight into the development of the LSCM field and can help researchers as it explores the state-of-the-art of LSCM by identifying the most relevant contributions in the area, the main research lines addressed by the scientific community in this topic and opportunities for further research on LSCM for years to come.
Experience of lean application in higher education institutions
Authors: Simonyte Sandrita , Adomaitiene Roma , Ruzele Darius
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Recently, there has been an increasing interest in the concept of Lean; however, the Lean concept in higher education institutions (HEIs) is still not very popular, and these institutions face challenges in implementing Lean activities. The purpose of this study is to identify worldwide experiences of Lean implementation in HEIs and to share best practices of Lean implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted by surveying 34 Lean practitioners from HEIs.

Findings

This study outlined the importance of the complexity of the community and its processes as the main barrier for Lean implementation in the HEI. The study highlighted that Lean determined positive change in the institutions and that strong leadership, commitment of top management as well as good communication and teamwork were the keys to successful implementation of Lean.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides valuable insights and aspects of implementation and maintenance of Lean initiatives in HEIs around the world; however, a detailed analysis would require a larger number of respondents.

Practical implications

This study proposes that practitioners implementing Lean in HEIs should identify barriers, plan their activities and take into account success factors. According to the results of this study, managers of HEIs should deal with the main barrier – the complexity of the community and its processes. In addition, they should carry out employees’ and Lean facilitators’ training on Lean and ensure that the main success factors such as strong leadership practices, senior management’s commitment, good communication and teamwork are present.

Originality/value

This study adds to the existing knowledge on global experiences of applying Lean in HEIs.
Operationalising the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) in support of brain injury survivors – views from practice
Authors: Scott Jade , Weatherhead Stephen , Manthorpe Jill
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), as part of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (DoLS, 2007), was established to provide a legal framework for decision-making in respect of adults who lack capacity to make decisions in relation to their care and residence in England and Wales. The purpose of this study was to explore the DoLS decision-making process from the perspectives of health and social care practitioners when working with individuals with an acquired brain injury (ABI).

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 12 health and social care practitioners were interviewed in 2019–2020 about their experiences of using and making or supporting decisions in the DoLS framework with ABI survivors. Data were analysed, and a tentative explanation of variations in DoLS decision-making was developed.

Findings

Three distinct approaches emerged capturing different decision-making styles (risk-averse, risk-balancing and risk-simplifying) which appeared to influence the outcome of DoLS assessments. A range of mediating factors seemed to account for the variability in these styles. The wider contextual challenges that impact upon practitioners’ overall experiences and use of DoLS processes in their ABI practice were noted.

Research limitations/implications

The findings highlight a need for changes in practice and policy in relation to how DoLS or similar processes are used in decision-making practice with ABI survivors and may be relevant to the implementation of the Liberty Protection Safeguards that are replacing the DoLS system.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to explore accounts of DoLS decision-making practices in ABI service.
Working in a prison: Challenges, rewards, and the impact on mental health and well-being
Authors: Dennard Sophie , Tracy Derek K. , Beeney Aaron , Craster Laura , Bailey Fiona , Baureek Anisah , Barton Michael , Turrell Jeanette , Poynton Sarah , Navkarov Vafo , Kothari Radha
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Prisons are uniquely challenging working environments. Staff are often exposed to direct and indirect trauma, impacting negatively on their mental well-being. Due to the limited research into prison staff experience, this paper aims to explore what staff find most challenging, how they cope, what support they would like and rewarding aspects of their work.

Design/methodology/approach

This service development project was facilitated through a staff well-being event. A qualitative approach was used and 74 staff members provided anonymised responses. An inductive and data-driven approach was used to analyse the data, and the trustworthiness of the analysis was considered using criteria established by Lincoln and Guba (1985).

Findings

Thematic analysis identified six themes, namely, the challenging nature of the work, interactions with prisoners, staff interactions, inadequate resources, staff support and development and coping strategies. Key findings include managing distress, self-harm and violence and limited resources presenting challenges. Role variety and opportunities to support prisoners were reported as positive. A variety of coping strategies were identified. Wider availability of supervision and reflective practice was suggested by staff.

Practical implications

Recommendations for increased staff support are made. Suggestions for future research investigating methods to increase rewarding aspects of work within prisons are given.

Originality/value

This analysis adds to the limited body of qualitative research investigating prison staff experiences; in particular, aspects of the work that they find rewarding such as the role variety and opportunities to make positive changes to prisoners’ lives. Novel coping strategies were identified, including cognitive reframing and behavioural strategies for managing stress, which could be encouraged to increase resilience.
A framework for the development of targeted gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) methods: Synthetic cannabinoids
Authors: Sisco Edward , Burns Amber , Moorthy Arun S.
Published: June 2021

With the increased presence of novel psychoactive substances (NPSs) in casework, drug analysis has become more challenging. To address these challenges, new screening technologies with improved specificity are being implemented, allowing for the creation and adoption of targeted confirmatory analyses that produce more conclusive results. This paper outlines a six‐step, data‐driven, framework to develop and evaluate gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) methods for targeted classes of drugs. The process emphasizes maximizing retention time differences (to minimize the potential for retention time acceptance windows to overlap) and understanding the trade‐offs between sensitivity and reproducibility using a test solution containing pairs of compounds that are difficult to distinguish. The method is then evaluated by expanding the panel of compounds analyzed, identifying limitations in compound discrimination, comparing to current methods, and analyzing representative casework to establish usability. To demonstrate this framework, a method for synthetic cannabinoids was created. The developed method utilizes a DB‐200 column and an isothermal temperature program. It was found that sensitivity could be adjusted, without compromising reproducibility, by altering the split ratio and injection volume. The targeted method successfully differentiated 50 cannabinoids based on either retention time differences or mass spectral dissimilarity – determined using a newly developed spectral comparison test. Compared to a general method used for casework, the targeted method was an order of magnitude more sensitive, a minute shorter, and provided major increases in retention time differences. This framework can be implemented and adapted to develop targeted methods for other applications or compound classes.
Preliminary study on the effect of using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to control Spodoptera frugiperda
Authors: Lu Hui , Li Fen , Zhu Xiaoming , Tang Jihong , Lyu Baoqian , Wu Shaoying
Published: June 2021

Spraying insecticides by unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is an effective method to prevent and control Spodoptera frugiperda. This study investigated the influences of different UAV types, spray adjuvants, spray times, maize growth periods, and insecticides on S. frugiperda in three cities, Hainan Province, China. The results showed that at least two times are needed to spray insecticides using UAVs when controlling the S. frugiperda. Both UAVs had a substantially higher control effect and lower cost than artificial spray methods. Oil spray adjuvant Refei was more suitable for both UAVs than Tiancheng to control pests. Chlorantraniliprole had the best control effect of up to 90%. The control effects at the seedling stage and small bell stage of S. frugiperda were 94.3% and 91.3%, respectively. Spraying at 7:00 am and 7:00 pm by UAV of T20 had good control effect on S. frugiperda in three cities.
Asia‐Pacific Special Interest Group: The first ten years
Authors: Downes Simon , Ralston Anna
Published: June 2021

Introduction: The Asia‐Pacific Special Interest Group (APSIG) was formed in 2009 by the Australian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine (ACPSEM) to support radiation oncology services in low‐to‐middle income countries in our region. In 2017, APSIG moved to the ACPSEM’s charity, the Better Healthcare Technology (BHT) Foundation, enabling improvement in fundraising, marketing and partnerships with like‐minded organizations.

Methods: APSIG’s main activity is to recruit certified medical physicists as volunteers to train local staff in countries such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar and Mongolia. APSIG also supports remote mentoring, coordinates the delivery of donated radiotherapy equipment, and brings Asia‐Pacific medical physicists to Australia and New Zealand for conferences and hospital training.

Results: The number of APSIG volunteer assignments has been steadily increasing over the last decade. Challenges include the limited number of ACPSEM certified medical physics volunteers, the limited opportunities to train the local physicists due to their heavy workloads, and language barriers. The COVID‐19 pandemic has halted volunteer assignments for now but a range of alternative means of assistance such as webinars, online tutorials and virtual meetings are planned to continue APSIG’s activities.

Conclusion: APSIG will continue to provide a support service to radiation oncology staff in the Asia‐Pacific region. APSIG and the BHT Foundation’s work promotes quality health care by supporting medical physicists in Asia‐Pacific countries and championing better radiotherapy technology access and treatment knowledge sharing.
Blood purification with CytoSorb in critically ill COVID‐19 patients: A case series of 26 patients
Authors: Nassiri Amir Ahmad , Hakemi Monir Sadat , Miri Mir Mohammad , Shahrami Reza , Koomleh Azadeh Ahmadi , Sabaghian Tahereh
Published: June 2021

Severe forms of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) can progress to sepsis‐like complications accompanied by “cytokine storm” for which the most effective treatment has not yet been established. Our study describes the results of CytoSorb hemoadsorption in COVID‐19 patients treated on the intensive care unit (ICU). In this retrospective study, 26 patients with COVID‐19 and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) were treated with hemoadsorption therapy. Pre‐, and post‐treatment values (clinical and laboratory) were compared. Data are expressed as mean (confidence intervals, CI), or median [interquartile ranges, IQR], as appropriate. Patients received 2 hemoadsorption treatments. This resulted in a significant decrease in norepinephrine requirements, and inflammatory marker plasma concentrations (procalcitonin, C‐reactive protein, ferritin) when comparing pre versus post treatment levels. The PaO2/FiO2 and overall organ function (ie, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment—SOFA score) also improved significantly. Patients stayed on the ICU for 9 days and 21 of them survived. To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the largest case series to date reporting early experiences on extracorporeal hemoadsorption therapy in SARS‐CoV‐2 positive patients with hyperinflammation and moderate ARDS. Treatment proved to be effective, technically feasible and well‐tolerated.
Optimizing conservation in species‐specific agricultural landscapes
Authors: Yeiser John M. , Morgan John J. , Baxley Danna L. , Chandler Richard B. , Martin James A.
Published: June 2021

Recovery of grassland birds in agricultural landscapes is a global imperative. Agricultural landscapes are complex, and the value of resource patches may vary substantially among species. The spatial extent at which landscape features affect populations (i.e., scale of effect) may also differ among species. There is a need for regional‐scale conservation planning that considers landscape‐scale and species‐specific responses of grassland birds to environmental change. We developed a spatially explicit approach to optimizing grassland conservation in the context of species‐specific landscapes and prioritization of species recovery and applied it to a conservation program in Kentucky (USA). We used a hierarchical distance‐sampling model with an embedded scale of effect predictor to estimate the relationship between landscape structure and abundance of eastern meadowlarks (Sturnella magna), field sparrows (Spizella pusilla), and northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus). We used a novel spatially explicit optimization procedure rooted in multi‐attribute utility theory to design alternative conservation strategies (e.g., prioritize only northern bobwhite recovery or assign equal weight to each species’ recovery). Eastern meadowlarks and field sparrows were more likely to respond to landscape‐scale resource patch adjacencies than landscape‐scale patch densities. Northern bobwhite responded to both landscape‐scale resource patch adjacencies and densities and responded strongly to increased grassland density. Effects of landscape features on local abundance decreased as distance increased and had negligible influence at 0.8 km for eastern meadowlarks (0.7–1.2 km 95% Bayesian credibility intervals [BCI]), 2.5 km for field sparrows (1.5–5.8 km 95% BCI), and 8.4 km for bobwhite (6.4–26 km 95% BCI). Northern bobwhites were predicted to benefit greatly from future grassland conservation regardless of conservation priorities, but eastern meadowlark and field sparrow were not. Our results suggest similar species can respond differently to broad‐scale conservation practices because of species‐specific, distance‐dependent relationships with landscape structure. Our framework is quantitative, conceptually simple, customizable, and predictive and can be used to optimize conservation in heterogeneous ecosystems while considering landscape‐scale processes and explicit prioritization of species recovery.