bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real time reconstruction of the fast electron spectrum from high intensity laser plasma interaction using gamma counting technique
Authors: Zavorotnyi A. , Savel'ev A.
Published: March 2023

X-ray and gamma fluxes from the high intensity laser-plasma
interaction are extremely short, well beyond temporal resolution of
any detectors. If laser pulses come repetitively, the single photon
counting technique allows to accumulate the photon spectra, however,
its relation to the spectrum of the initial fast electron population
in plasma is not straightforward. We present efficient and fast
approach based on the Geant4 package that significantly reduces
computer time needed to re-construct the high energy tail of
electron spectrum from experimental data accounting for the pileup
effect. Here, we first tabulate gamma spectrum from monoenergetic
electron bunches of different energy for a given experimental setup,
and then compose the simulated spectrum. To account for the pileups,
we derive analytical formula to reverse the data. We also consider
errors coming from the approximation of the initial electron
spectrum by the sum of monoenergetic impacts, the finite range of
the electron spectrum, etc. and give estimates on how to choose
modelling parameters to minimize the approximation errors. Finally,
we present an example of the experimental data treatment for the
case of laser-solid interaction using 50 fs laser pulse with
intensity above 1018 W/cm2.
The automatic measurement system for internal stress of acrylic
Authors: Yang Xiaoyu , Heng Yuekun , Chen Zhiqiang , Wei Cunfeng , Zhang Zhiming , Wei Long
Published: March 2023

The manual measurement system for internal stress of acrylic
was designed and realized, which is based on photo-elastic principle
and spectrometric method. The manual measurement system can support
mobile and quantitative measurement, and plays an important role in
the fields of material research and engineering project. With the
extensive application of the stress measurement system, automation
is required to promote measuring efficiency and overcome the
shortcomings of the manual measurement system. Electric control
turntable was chosen as the key component for automation and adopted
in the automatic measurement system. The automatic measurement
system is controlled by program and user interface for operation has
also been improved. The automatic measurement system has been
realized and used for measuring internal stress of acrylic in the
laboratory, which achieved the expected effect. The components of
the automatic measurement system, the user interface for control
program and data processing, and the stress measurements of the
acrylic samples by the automatic measurement system are discussed in
this article.
Customizing ethical tools for Malaysian farmers: a case for GM crops technology
Authors: Omar H , Idris S H , Nashir I M , Jayabalan S , Majeed A B A , Amin L , Omar H
Published: March 2023

The socio-economic and cultural factors are rarely at the centre stage in the discourse on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) compared to the scientific and technological aspects. This study described the indicators for the ethical principles of genetically modified (GM) crops that can protect the rights of Malaysian farmers. Respect for life and the need to balance the benefits and harms are the indicators of general principles of ethics. It is vital for a decision to comprise of both scientific evidence and ethical consideration. Ethics focuses on what we should or should not do and locality-based. Therefore, ethical principles must be part of the evaluation criteria of policy practices. They must also be custom-made to suit Malaysian farmers. Ethical decision-making regarding genetic modification is complicated since it encompasses many ethical aspects of our lives. This paper aims to analyze and customize the indicators of ethical principles and guidelines on using GM crops in Malaysia to protect Malaysian farmers. A meta-analysis exploration comprised of system-matic review of established research within GM crops’ agronomic, socio-economic, cultural, and environmental effects is employed to consolidate the evidence. The outcome is the formation of an ethical tool comprised of nine indicators that suits farmers in Malaysia.
The regional transformation of Kulon Progo Regency based on land cover change and sustainable land use analysis
Authors: Ardi I A , Yusliana  , Priyoga I
Published: March 2023

Regional transformation is an unavoidable process in regional growth and development. The transformation process is strongly influenced by various factors, directly or indirectly. Changes in land use have an impact on the attractiveness that gives rise to new activities and changes in activities will have an impact on changes in land use or use. Based on the analysis of land cover and changes in population concentration using the NDBI satellite image processing approach, it is known that in the last 10 years there have been considerable changes in Kulon Progo Regency. In 2011 the dominance of land for fields, plantations, and forests was still quite high. Five years later, in 2016 there was a significant change in paddy fields, especially in coastal areas. Residential activities appear to have begun to develop, concentrated in Wates Urban Area and Sentolo-Nanggulan corridor. In 2021 there will be significant changes in the coastal area, several years after the construction and operation of Yogyakarta International Airport. The transformation process is still ongoing, it is necessary to anticipate in the future management of the area, especially when it is associated with the potential for disaster risk in certain parts of the region.
The challenges of green supply chain management (GSCM) system implementation in civil construction project
Authors: Nusa F N M , Isa C M M , Rahman S H A , Tarudin N F , Mohamad N D , Soffi N S M , Mohamad M M , Fam S F , Preece C N
Published: March 2023

Nowadays, the construction industry has negatively affected the local environment and community through the noise, air, water, and land pollution. The implementation of Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) has been recognized as a green approach in reducing environmental issues in the construction industry. However, GSCM had no significant effect on athletic performance because not many company owners or managers had implemented green supply chain management in companies. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the challenges to implement GSCM concepts in civil engineering construction. Through a questionnaire survey, fifty respondents from civil engineering companies at Sepang and Hulu Langat Selangor participated. The findings were analysed using SPSS software and the Relative Importance Index (RII). Different in perspective and culture, financial limitations and fear of failure were internal challenges against implementing GSCM. Meanwhile, the external challenges were a lack of support and guidelines from the government, not having an engagement of management from third parties, and not having actual environmental measurements of the GSCM system. This study is significant for apprehending the challenges and ineffectiveness of GSCM practices in Malaysia.
Predicting sand size distribution based on well logs of east Malaysia basins
Authors: Geraman J J A J , Mat-Shayuti M S , Othman N H , Alias N H , Marpani F , Tengku Mohd T A
Published: March 2023

Sand management is an integral part of petroleum production especially in brown fields. A big influence in sand control strategy is sand size distribution, which is not always accessible due to difficult and costly coring analysis. Hence, this paper aims to test the ability of selected numerical models in predicting the sand size distribution based on well logs and reports. Three models were tested namely Krumbein and Monk, Berg, and Van Baaren, with the estimations later were compared with the actual data from the fields of Sabah and Sarawak located in East Malaysia basins. From the result, the model by Van Baaren showed the closest agreement with the actual data, with excellent accuracy for particle size close to 100 µm. This was followed by Berg, while Krumbein and Monk model displayed the least fitting. The models then were fine-tuned by introducing correction coefficients determined via numerical solver, and the calibrated formulas improved the accuracy by 12%. Despite more studies and refinement are required before this method can be proliferated, the result from this study indicates its huge potential.
Climate change and stock market: a review
Authors: Tay Bee-Hoong
Published: March 2023

Climate change-related events are having a growing impact on the economy and financial markets. However, it is still difficult to quantify how climate change affects the financial system. The purpose of this research is to provide an overview of the relationship between climate risk factors and the stock market. The review focuses on the regions and methodologies used based on the selected publications for the past five years. The results revealed that most studies focused on developed economies, like those in the US and Europe, and adopted time series and panel regression in the analysis. The findings imply that future studies may focus on a wider range of issues, including developing countries and more advanced techniques in the analysis. The study also showed that, based on the evidence currently available, little is known about how investors assess climate threats; hence, a future study may close this knowledge gap. However, since this research reviewed the selected studies for the last five years, it has several limitations. A comprehensive investigation is needed, especially regarding the potential impacts of the pandemic on the environment and how it could spread to the stock market.
Geochemical assesment of heavy metals in postmining laterite nickel, North Konawe Southeast Sulawesi
Authors: Mustafa M , Maulana A , Irfan U R , Tonggiroh A
Published: March 2023

This study aims to determine the concentration and migration of various heavy metals in soil texture. A total of 21 soil samples from Block A (12 samples) and Block B (9 samples), were inductively combined with ICP-OES methodology to determine the concentration levels of Mn,Cr,Ni,Fe,Zn and ICP-MS for Co,Pb,Cd in soil samples as toxic contaminants. The results showed I-geo indicated contamination levels that ranged from practically uncontaminated for Cd, uncontaminated to moderately for Pb, uncontaminated to moderately contaminated soil for Fe, moderately contaminated for Co,Zn,moderately to heavily contaminated For Mn,Ni , heavily contaminated for Cr. I-geo relationship and heavy metal concentration. Although Block A and Block Igeo have the same category, which is of concern are Cd and Pb, the concentrations of these two heavy metals are very small. Generally, Cd and Pb react chemically under acidic conditions, whereas lateritic soil is an alkaline oxide soil. Heavy metals Cr and Mn function freely to control the mobility of Fe, Co, Ni. And Fe only controls Co and Ni. While Pb, Zn Cd are included in the low mobility group or zero contamination. Multidimensional scaling statistics (MDS) for two-dimensional mapping in blocks A Mn, Co, Ni, Cr shows active mobility following the soil depth where the chemical function of Fe controls the mobility of Mn so that the concentration of Mn increases, three-dimensional mapping shows that Cr and Fe function to control the mobility of Co, Mn,Ni so that the concentration increases. Two-dimensional mapping in Block B, Cr and Mn functions freely to control the mobility of Fe, Co, Ni. And Fe only controls Co and Ni. While Pb, Zn Cd are included in the low mobility group or zero contamination, three-dimensional mapping is known to have active concentrations of Cr and Mn and control the mobility of Ni, Co, Fe.
The development of quadcopter using Arducopter APM 2.8 with autopilot for tracking point of drop-off goods
Authors: Suparta W , Basuki A , Arsyad M
Published: March 2023

This research reported the development of a drone withinside the shape of a quadrotor to track positions over a certain geographic area on autopilot. The system includes an Ardupilot Mega (APM) 2.8 flight controller, Ublox NEO M8N GPS module with compass, Racerstar 920kV 2-4S Brushless Motor, Flysky Receiver FS-iA6B with FS-i6 Remote Control Transmitter, DJI F450 quadcopter frame kits with touchdown tools skid, and a LiPo Battery 3300 mAh 35C. The ground control system is set up and run through an open-source software so-known as Mission Planner. The tracking system is evolved as a payload together with BME280 sensors controlled through Arduino Uno R3 SMD. Google Maps from Mission Planner are set via waypoints. The readings from the BME280 barometer sensor are used to examine the right coordinates on the waypoint. This correction may be very crucial while a drone is implemented to a delivery system. The results show that the average error at every waypoint is 5%, which shows that one waypoint can be used as a drop-off point factor for goods to customers.
Statistical analysis of stone mastic asphalt containing steel fiber
Authors: Shaffie E , Shiong F , Ismail N N , Ahmad J , Arshad A K , Ismail M Y
Published: March 2023

The use of various fibers in asphalt mixes has been developed and applied to enhance pavement performance. The conventional asphalt mixture can be improved by including steel fibre as an additive in the asphalt mixture. However, the use of steel fibre in SMA mixtures was not widely studied. Consequently, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of steel fibre on the volumetric properties and characterize the performance of steel fibre in SMA mixture. Different steel fiber proportions of 0%, 0.3%, 0.5%, and 0.7% by the total weight of the mixture were used in this study. The test conducted includes the Marshall stability and Flow test, and the Resilient Modulus Test. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) from Design Expert Software was then performed to determine the most optimum properties from the experimental data. The test results revealed that adding steel fiber greatly improved the SMA mixture’s resistance to deformation while also increasing its stability, reducing the abrasion loss, and increasing the stiffness of the SMA mixture. Optimized performance was observed at 0.3% steel fiber content and 1598 MPa of resilient modulus. The relative error results show acceptable agreement between the prediction and the experiment which is considered tolerable and acceptable. This demonstrates that the software optimization of the specific SMA with steel fiber characteristics by the RSM technique has the desired precision for laboratory tests.
Structural, particle size distribution, and electrochemical behavior of double perovskite oxide doped Ce0.8Sm0.2O1.9 for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Subardi A , Fu Y P
Published: March 2023

Double perovskite SmBa0.5Sr0.5Co2O5+δ(70%)+Ce0.8Sm0.2O1.9(30%) as SBSC70+SDC30 cathode was fabricated using solid-state reaction technique and investigated as cathode material for solid oxide fuel cells operating at intermediate temperature (IT-SOFC). This work aims to determine the effect of SDC electrolyte doping into double perovskite cathodes on SOFC performance. LS-POP carried out particle size distribution analysis, and the equipment operates on a light source (HE-Ne laser) basis. XRD was used to determine the structure of the cathode powder, and SEM was used to analyze the microstructure morphology. Symmetrical cells were tested using a potentiostat Voltalab PGZ 301. The distribution of particle size for the SBSC70+SDC30 cathode was in the range of 1.41-2.03 µm. The polarization resistance (Rp) value of SBSC70+SDC30 cathode decreases with increasing temperature from 1.22 cm2 at 600°C to 0.21 cm2 at 800°C. The SBSC70+SDC30 activation energy (Ea) for Rp was 117. 3 kJ mol−1. From the overall results, double perovskite SBSC70+SDC30 cathode has potential as a cathode of medium temperature SOFC cells.
Nitrogen sources affect the growth of local strain Euglena sp. isolated from Dieng Peatland, Central Java, Indonesia, and their potential as bio-avtur
Authors: Erfianti T , Maghfiroh K Q , Amelia R , Kurnianto D , Sadewo B R , Marno S , Devi I , Dewayanto N , Budiman A , Suyono E A
Published: March 2023

Euglena sp. is a member of the Euglena genus that has been successfully isolated under extreme conditions. The pH level of Dieng Peatland is 2.0-3.5. that suitable for the growth of Euglena. There are several ways to increase biofuel production in Euglena sp. by increasing the production of lipids and fatty acids produced through cultivation engineering, metabolic engineering and genetic engineering. One of the efforts in increasing growth, biomass and lipid levels in microalgae, especially Euglena sp. is to provide nitrogen variation in his cultivation medium. The concentration of nitrogen applied to the culture medium is able to increase growth, biomass production and total lipids in microalgae. The aim of this article was to analyze the effect of nitrogen sources in form of Sodium Nitrate (NaNO3) on the growth of microalgae and biomass production. The results showed that NaNO3 stimulated Euglena sp. to produce the highest amount of biomass (0,377 gram/L) after adding 1,5 grams of NaNO3.
The Thermal Manifestation Monitoring Program at Muara Labuh Case Studies
Authors: Sihotang Mauliate , Azis Herwin , Ganefianto Novi , Azka Ghilman , Aulia Nurul , Nugroho Indra A. , Suryantini  , Wibowo Hendro
Published: March 2023

The thermal manifestations at the Muara Labuh field are monitored regularly to see their behaviors in response to the field production. The monitoring results are then used to identify and mitigate any potential hazards associated with the thermal area changes. This paper presents the monitoring results on the main thermal features Idung Mancung (IM) fumaroles complex, located in the vicinity of the steam cap production zone in the Northeast (NE) Sector of the field. Due to its proximity to the main production area, this thermal complex is considered to be susceptible to any reservoir changes. The thermal manifestations characteristics monitored are areal extent, numbers of the thermal funnels, the activities, physical and chemical characteristics, and geophysical signatures. Baseline data were taken from previous remote sensing studies, geology maps, and thermal manifestation geochemistry surveys prior to production periods. Remote sensing studies using true color composite (TCC) and NDVI suggest that the IM fumarole area covers the wider area prior to stage-1 project development in 2017. After production, periodic aerial photo analysis suggests no changes in IM fumarole thermal area growth. The fact is supported by the periodic Thermal Infra-Red Image (TIR), which shows no sign of thermal anomaly still contained inside the IM fumarole baseline area. IM fumarole field checks show that lack of thermal area changes and no sign that the manifestations have become more aggressive. Temperature and flow rate observation on several manifestation funnels indicates that rainfall rate variation affects the manifestation activities and temperature. As for the fumarole gas chemistry, the IM main fumarole shows a decreasing trend in NCG and CO2 contents from 2016 to 2021 and increasing in H2S, which indicates the return of degassing fluid. After one year of field operation, the microgravity and leveling survey in the IM fumarole area show slight changes from -0.1 to -0.14 mGal. The changes correspond with the area subsidence rate of -10 to -15 mm/yr. These changes are still considered low compared to other operating geothermal fields and did not directly affect the thermal manifestation activity.
Hululais Field Review from Geoscientific Exploration to Exploitation Stage
Authors: Dwikorianto Tavip , Daud Yunus , Martha Agustya Adi , Mulyanto
Published: March 2023

Geothermal studies in Hululais carried out by Pertamina was started in 1993 with an exploration survey. The detailed geological mapping as the earliest geothermal resource assessment of Hululais was done internally by Pertamina. The geochemical study was done together with the geological study. The geophysical study was carried out using three methods. The gravity survey was run in 1993 for 320 points along 12 trace lines, while the magnetotelluric survey was conducted in 2006 and 2012 for 64 locations with 1-2 km spacing. The microearthquake survey was done in 2012 for 115 days monitoring time by six sensors in 10 km spacing and in 2019. The conceptual model as a product of the integrated study of three geoscientific surveys shows that the upflow zone is interpreted in Suban Agung – Suban Gregok in the southern area. Fumarole, mud pool and steam-heated hot spring are found in this zone. The outflow zone is interpreted towards the north in Semelako area supported by the chloride hot spring. The appearance of these manifestations is possibly controlled by fault structure in Musi Segment zone of Sumatra Fault Zone (SFZ). The heat source comes from granodiorite intrusion below Bukit Beriti Besar – Bukit Gedang Hululais. The cap rock has 500 meters thick in the upflow zone and increases to 800 meters thick towards the outflow zone in the northern part of the study area. The upflow zone was proved by two exploration wells that drilled until 3000 mMD. The first well in Suban Agung has a high temperature reach 300°C with neutral reservoir fluids and good fault structure permeability. The second exploration well that drilled towards outflow zone shows a temperature of 205°C with neutral reservoir fluids but with low permeability. In the exploitation stage, 21 development wells have been drilled for making the update conceptual model. Among them, ten wells are production wells and the remains are reinjection ones. The permeability in the reinjection wells is not so good compared to the production wells. It might be due to secondary mineral filling in the fault structure permeability zone, so this situation causes a problem in injection water to the reservoir. Investigation of the subsurface permeability distribution in the Hululais reservoir is challenging, so further research should be done to answer this challenge.
Preliminary Estimation of Geological Structure Based on Relocated Hypocenter of Microearthquake: Case Study at “X” Geothermal Field
Authors: Hermawan Irfan Berrizki , Rachmat Mohammad , Afnimar  , Pratama Angga Bakti , Lawrens Fernando , Prabowo Billy Sugiartono , Delliansyah Rendy , Ryannugroho Riskiray , Hakim Firdaus Al , Widyoyudo Wiku , Iskandar Chevy , Fajri Reza Jamil
Published: March 2023

Generally, analysis of geological structure in the geothermal field is carried out using remote sensing methods, geological mapping, and gravity analysis. These methods can provide the distribution of geological structure on the surface but cannot provide information on whether the structure is active or not. This study aims to utilize improved hypocenter location which can be used to delineate the distribution of active faults. This is useful for obtain a better interpretation of geological structures in geothermal areas. Hypocenter locations are determined by picking the arrival time of the P-wave and S-wave. This method sometimes leads to uncertainty of hypocenter location due to subjectivity of picking arrival time. The double-difference method is applied with additional input pairing events from waveform cross-correlation (WCC) to overcome the uncertainty of hypocenter location. The result shows 3 microearthquake clusters formed in the western, central, and eastern parts of the “X” Geothermal Field. The cluster formed in the western area shows that there are two orientations of conjugated hypocenter distribution with the orientation of NW-SE and NE-SW. These hypocenters reveal the presence of geological structures which provide permeability pathways for fluids rising in the western part of the geothermal field. Multiplet-clustering analysis in the middle cluster which coincides with the reservoir zone shows two different sub-clusters indicating the possibility of two different sources mechanism working in the area. By integrating all the analysis and hypocenter distribution, these methods provide a better interpretation of structure’s distribution in the “X” Geothermal Field.
Sensory Integration Deficits in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Implications for Apraxia
Authors: Baumard Josselin , Lesourd Mathieu , Remigereau Chrystelle , Jarry Christophe , Lebaz Samuel , Etcharry-Bouyx Frédérique , Chauviré Valérie , Osiurak François , Le Gall Didier
Published: March 2023

Objective

Apraxia is the inability to perform voluntary, skilled movements following brain lesions, in the absence of sensory integration deficits. Yet, patients with neurodegenerative diseases (ND) may have sensory integration deficits, so we tested the associations and dissociations between apraxia and sensory integration.

Methods

A total of 44 patients with ND and 20 healthy controls underwent extensive testing of sensory integration (i.e., localization of tactile, visual, and proprioceptive stimuli; agraphesthesia; astereognosis) and apraxia (i.e., finger dexterity, imitation, tool use).

Results

The results showed (i) that patients with Alzheimer’s disease, corticobasal syndrome, or posterior cortical atrophy were impaired on both dimensions; (ii) An association between both dimensions; (iii) that when sensory integration was controlled for, the frequency of apraxia decreased dramatically in some clinical subgroups.

Conclusion

In a non-negligible portion of patients, the hypothesis of a disruption of sensory integration can be more parsimonious than the hypothesis of apraxia in case of impaired skilled gestures. Clinicians and researchers are advised to integrate sensory integration measures along with their evaluation of apraxia.
Somatic variants of MAP3K3 are sufficient to cause cerebral and spinal cord cavernous malformations
Authors: Ren Jian , Huang Yazi , Ren Yeqing , Tu Tianqi , Qiu Baoshan , Ai Daosheng , Bi Zhanying , Bai Xue , Li Fengzhi , Li Jun-Liszt , Chen Xing-jun , Feng Ziyan , Guo Zongpei , Lei Jianfeng , Tian An , Cui Ziwei , Lindner Volkhard , Adams Ralf H , Wang Yibo , Zhao Fei , Körbelin Jakob , Sun Wenzhi , Wang Yilong , Zhang Hongqi , Hong Tao , Ge Woo-ping
Published: March 2023

Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) and spinal cord cavernous malformations (SCCMs) are common vascular abnormalities of the CNS that can lead to seizure, haemorrhage and other neurological deficits. Approximately 85% of patients present with sporadic (versus congenital) CCMs. Somatic mutations in MAP3K3 and PIK3CA were recently reported in patients with sporadic CCM, yet it remains unknown whether MAP3K3 mutation is sufficient to induce CCMs. Here we analysed whole-exome sequencing data for patients with CCM and found that ∼40% of them have a single, specific MAP3K3 mutation [c.1323C>G (p.Ile441Met)] but not any other known mutations in CCM-related genes.

We developed a mouse model of CCM with MAP3K3I441M uniquely expressed in the endothelium of the CNS. We detected pathological phenotypes similar to those found in patients with MAP3K3I441M. The combination of in vivo imaging and genetic labelling revealed that CCMs were initiated with endothelial expansion followed by disruption of the blood–brain barrier. Experiments with our MAP3K3I441M mouse model demonstrated that CCM can be alleviated by treatment with rapamycin, the mTOR inhibitor. CCM pathogenesis has usually been attributed to acquisition of two or three distinct genetic mutations involving the genes CCM1/2/3 and/or PIK3CA. However, our results demonstrate that a single genetic hit is sufficient to cause CCMs.
Nonsystematic Reporting Biases of the SARS-CoV-2 Variant Mu Could Impact Our Understanding of the Epidemiological Dynamics of Emerging Variants
Authors: Petrone Mary E , Lucas Carolina , Menasche Bridget , Breban Mallery I , Yildirim Inci , Campbell Melissa , Omer Saad B , Holmes Edward C , Ko Albert I , Grubaugh Nathan D , Iwasaki Akiko , Wilen Craig B , Vogels Chantal B F , Fauver Joseph R
Published: March 2023

Developing a timely and effective response to emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) is of paramount public health importance. Global health surveillance does not rely on genomic data alone to identify concerning variants when they emerge. Instead, methods that utilize genomic data to estimate the epidemiological dynamics of emerging lineages have the potential to serve as an early warning system. However, these methods assume that genomic data are uniformly reported across circulating lineages. In this study, we analyze differences in reporting delays among SARS-CoV-2 VOCs as a plausible explanation for the timing of the global response to the former VOC Mu. Mu likely emerged in South America in mid-2020, where its circulation was largely confined. In this study, we demonstrate that Mu was designated as a VOC ∼1 year after it emerged and find that the reporting of genomic data for Mu differed significantly than that of other VOCs within countries, states, and individual laboratories. Our findings suggest that nonsystematic biases in the reporting of genomic data may have delayed the global response to Mu. Until they are resolved, the surveillance gaps that affected the global response to Mu could impede the rapid and accurate assessment of future emerging variants.
Definitive radiotherapy consisting of external beam radiotherapy without central shielding and 3D image-guided brachytherapy for patients with cervical cancer: feasibility for Japanese patients and dose–response analyses for local control in the low-dose range
Authors: Toita Takafumi , Wada Kentaro , Sutani Shinya , Umezawa Rei , Maemoto Hitoshi , Ii Noriko , Kawamura Tomoko , Ikushima Hitoshi , Takenaka Ryosuke , Konishi Koji , Yorozu Atsunori , Jingu Keiichi , Ariga Takuro , Nomoto Yoshihito , Yamashita Hideomi
Published: March 2023

Objective

To assess the feasibility of external beam radiotherapy without central shielding in definitive radiotherapy for Japanese patients with cervical cancer.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed the data of cervical cancer patients treated with definitive radiotherapy consisting of external beam radiotherapy without central shielding and three-dimensional-image-guided brachytherapy.

Results

The study included 167 patients (T1 + 2 = 108, T3 + 4 = 59) from eight Japanese institutions. For three-dimensional-image-guided brachytherapy, intra-cavitary and interstitial brachytherapy was utilized in 33 patients (20%). The median follow-up was 26.6 months (interquartile range, 20–43.2). The maximum rectal D2 (75 Gy)/bladder D2 (90 Gy) constraints were deviated by 6%/10% and 10%/5% for T1 + 2 and T3 + 4, respectively. The 2-year incidence of ≥grade 3 proctitis/cystitis was 4%/1% for T1 + 2 and 10%/2% for T3 + 4. The 2-year local progression-free survival was 89% for T1 + 2 and 82% for T3 + 4. For T1 + 2, the 2-year local progression-free survival for the high-risk clinical target volume D90 ≥ 68 Gy (indicated by receiver operating characteristic analysis; area under the curve = 0.711) was 92% versus 67% for <68 Gy (log-rank; P = 0.019). Cox multivariate analysis indicated that the high-risk clinical target volume D90 was one of independent predictors of local failure (P = 0.0006). For T3 + 4, the 2-year local progression-free survival was 87% for the high-risk clinical target volume <82 cm3 (area under the curve = 0.67) and 43% for ≥82 cm3 (P = 0.0004). Only the high-risk clinical target volume was an independent predictor of local failure (P = 0.0024).

Conclusions

Definitive radiotherapy consisting of external beam radiotherapy without central shielding and three-dimensional-image-guided brachytherapy was feasible for Japanese patients with cervical cancer. Dose de-escalation from the current global standards is suggested for patients with T1 + 2 disease.
Can Civic Friendship Ground Public Reason?
Authors: Billingham Paul , Taylor Anthony
Published: March 2023

Public reason views hold that the exercise of political power must be acceptable to all reasonable citizens. A growing number of philosophers argue that this reasonable acceptability principle (RAP) can be justified by appealing to the value of civic friendship. They claim that a valuable form of political community can only be achieved among the citizens of pluralistic societies if they refrain from appealing to controversial ideals and values when justifying the exercise of political power to one another. This paper argues against such accounts. In order to justify RAP, one must explain and defend a conception of reasonableness. Civic friendship is unfit to perform this task, rendering it unable to ground public reason alone. Meanwhile, pluralist views that combine civic friendship with other considerations in order to specify RAP either fail or make civic friendship a spare wheel in the argument for public reason.
Patient Perceptions of Integrating Meditation-based Interventions in Office-based Opioid Treatment with Buprenorphine: A Mixed-methods Survey
Authors: Tofighi Babak , Marini Christina , Lee Joshua D. , Garland Eric L.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Recent findings support the provision of meditation-based interventions (MBIs) in primary care. However, the acceptability of MBI among patients prescribed medications for opioid use disorder (eg, buprenorphine) in primary care remains unclear. This study assessed experiences and preferences for adopting MBI among patients prescribed buprenorphine in office-based opioid treatment (OBOT).

Methods

This 23-item, semistructured cross-sectional survey was administered by study staff to patients enrolled in OBOT (N = 72) and consisted of demographic and clinical characteristics, perceptions, experiences with MBI, and preferred strategies to access MBI to support their treatment on buprenorphine.

Results

Most participants reported practicing at least 1 category of MBI (90.3%) on at least a daily (39.6%) or weekly (41.7%) basis including (1) spiritual meditation (eg, centering prayer; 67.7%); (2) nonmantra meditation (eg, comfortable posture; 61.3%); (3) mindfulness meditation (eg, mindfulness-based stress reduction; 54.8%); and (4) mantra meditation (eg, transcendental meditation; 29.0%). Interest in MBI was motivated by improving one's general health and well-being (73.4%), treatment outcomes with medications for OUD (eg, buprenorphine; 60.9%), and relationships with others (60.9%). Perceived clinical benefits of MBI included reduced anxiety or depression symptoms (70.3%), pain (62.5%), illicit substance or alcohol use (60.9%), cravings for illicit substances (57.8%), and opioid-related withdrawal symptoms (51.6%).

Conclusions

Findings from this study indicate high acceptability for adopting MBI among patients prescribed buprenorphine in OBOT. Further research is needed to assess the efficacy of MBI to improve clinical outcomes among patients initiating buprenorphine in OBOT.
An analysis of state-reported hospital transfer data of urology patients
Authors: Teplitsky Seth L. , Bylund Jason , Bettis Amber , Pearson Kendall , Waters Teresa , Harris Andrew M.
Published: March 2023

Background

We examined the trends over time of urology patient transfers in rural and urban settings, at the state level, to better characterize transfer trends in the United States.

Materials and methods

Data were collected from the State Inpatient Database and Emergency Department Database produced by the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project. We reviewed the data of all the patients who had been transferred 1 or more times between 2014 and 2016. The data reviewed were from all nonfederal, short-term general hospitals in the states of Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Nebraska, and New York. The transfers were categorized into emergency department (ED)–to–ED transfers, inpatient-to-inpatient transfers, and ED-to-inpatient transfers at the different facilities.

Results

Overall, 3.33% (17,519/526,126) of all patient transfers were specific to urology. The mean age of the transferred patients specific to urology was 64.7 years, with 55% of these patients being females. Most of the transferred patients resided in nonmetropolitan or small-metropolitan areas (79.2%). Many transfers occurred at night (43.4%) and during weekends (27.3%). In 2014, the more rural states of Arkansas, Iowa, and Nebraska had higher transfer rates (>35 transfers per 100,000 inhabitants) compared with the more urban states of Florida and New York (both <10 transfers per 100,000). Medicare was significantly more likely to be the payer in the rural states (66%–82%) than in the more populated states (52%–58%).

Conclusions

We found significant differences in hospital transfer patterns between rural and highly populated states. Understanding these key differences may help in the optimization of hospital transfers, potentially lowering costs, improving patient outcomes, and enhancing patient experience of care.
The Satisfaction With Care of Patients With Schizophrenia in Taiwan: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Patient-Centered Care Domains
Authors: CHEN Tsung-Tai , CHUEH Ke-Hsin , CHEN Kao-Chen , CHOU Chi-Ling , YANG Jing-Jung
Published: March 2023

Background

Pharmacological interventions combined with nonpharmacological treatments such as patient-centered care (PCC)-related activities are widely used to enhance outcomes in patients with schizophrenia. However, few studies have examined and identified the PCC factors essential to achieving better outcomes in patients with schizophrenia.

Purpose

This study was designed to identify the Picker-Institute-identified PCC domains associated with satisfaction and to determine which of these domains are most important in the context of schizophrenia care.

Methods

Data were collected using patient surveys in outpatient settings and record reviews at two hospitals in northern Taiwan between November and December 2016. PCC data were collected in five domains: (a) support of patient autonomy; (b) goal setting; (c) collaboration and integration of healthcare services; (d) information, education, and communication; and (e) emotional support. The outcome measure was patient satisfaction. The study controlled for demographic factors, including age, gender, education, occupation, marriage, and urbanization level in the respondent's area of residence. Clinical characteristics included the Clinical Global Impressions severity and improvement index scores, previous admission, previous emergency department visit, and readmission within 1 year. Methods were adopted to prevent common method variance bias. Multivariable linear regression with stepwise selection and the generalized estimating equation were used to analyze the data.

Results

After controlling for confounding factors, the generalized estimating equation model found only three PCC factors significantly associated with patient satisfaction, which differed slightly from the results of the multivariable linear regression. These three factors are as follows, in order of importance: information, education, and communication (parameter = 0.65 [0.37, 0.92], p < .001); emotional support (parameter = 0.52 [0.22, 0.81], p < .001); and goal setting (parameter = 0.31 [0.10, 0.51], p = .004).

Conclusions

The three critical PCC-related factors were evaluated in terms of enhancing patient satisfaction in patients with schizophrenia. Practicable strategies related to these three factors should also be developed for implementation in clinical settings.
Application and development of noninvasive biomarkers for colorectal cancer screening: a systematic review
Authors: Song Dan , Wang Fei , Ju Yongzhi , He Qianru , Sun Tingting , Deng Wanglong , Ding Ran , Zhang Chao , Xu Qing , Qi Chuang , Bao Jun
Published: March 2023

Background:

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer-related death (9.4% of the 9.9 million cancer deaths). However, CRC develops slowly, and early detection and intervention can effectively improve the survival rate and quality of life. Although colonoscopy can detect and diagnose CRC, it is unsuitable for CRC screening in average-risk populations. Some commercial kits based on DNA mutation or methylation are approved for screening, but the low sensitivity for advanced adenoma or early-stage CRC would limit the applications.

Main results:

Recently, researchers have focused on developing noninvasive or minimally invasive, easily accessible biomarkers with higher sensitivity and accuracy for CRC screening. Numerous reports describe advances in biomarkers, including DNA mutations and methylation, mRNA and miRNA, gut microbes, and metabolites, as well as low-throughput multiomics panels. In small cohorts, the specificity and sensitivity improved when fecal immunochemical testing combined with other biomarkers; further verification in large cohorts is expected. In addition, the continuous improvement of laboratory technology has also improved the sensitivity of detection technology, such as PCR, and the application of CRISPR/Cas technology. Besides, artificial intelligence has extensively promoted the mining of biomarkers. Machine learning was performed to construct a diagnosis model for CRC screening based on the cfDNA fragment features from whole-genome sequencing data. In another study, multiomics markers, including cfDNA, epigenetic, and protein signals, were also discovered by machine learning. Finally, advancements in sensor technology promote the applicability of volatile organic compounds in CRC early detection.

Conclusion:

Here, the authors review advances in early detection and screening of CRC based on different biomarker types. Most studies reported optimistic findings based on preliminary research, and prospective clinical studies are ongoing. These promising biomarkers are expected to more accurately identify early-stage patients with CRC and be applied in the future.
The role of cytoreductive nephrectomy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma in the targeted therapy and immunological therapy era: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Bo , Li Jinze , Huang Yin , Tang Bo , Jiang Jinjiang , Chen Zeyu , Li Jin , Wang Puze , Cao Dehong , Liu Liangren , Wei Qiang
Published: March 2023

Background:

The role of cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) remains controversial. In addition, several unanswered questions regarding the use of CN remain: Can CN provide survival benefits for patients with mRCC? Where do we place CN in the treatment sequence paradigm among patients with mRCC? How do we best stratify patients with mRCC for CN therapy?

Materials and Methods:

A search strategy was conducted in the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Studies were included only in the English language. The risk of bias assessment was made by using ROBINS-I (Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions) and RoB 2 (Risk of Bias 2) tools. The expected outcomes were analyzed by meta-analyses with the fixed-effects model or random effects model, including overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). The measure of effect was the hazard ratio (HR) with a 95% CI, and sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the reliability of the final results.

Results:

A total of 30 studies were included in the qualitative analysis. The HR for OS was 0.55 (95% CI, 0.50–0.61), and PFS was 0.72 (95% CI, 0.66–0.80), favoring CN compared with no CN. The upfront CN plus targeted therapy (TT) group had superior OS (HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.51–0.64) compared with the TT alone group. Furthermore, upfront CN plus systemic therapy (ST) was associated with numerically inferior OS compared with ST plus deferred CN in patients with mRCC (HR, 1.31; 95% CI, 0.98–1.74). Finally, the leave-one-out test of sensitivity analysis indicated that the results of this meta-analysis were stable and reliable in the overall HR estimates for these survival outcomes.

Conclusions:

First, CN was associated with better survival than no CN in patients with mRCC. Second, the combination of upfront CN and TT may lead to superior survival outcomes compared to TT alone in patients with mRCC. Survival outcomes were similar between the upfront CN+ST group and the ST+deferred CN group in patients with mRCC. Exact patient selection based on baseline prognostic factors is needed to promise maximal survival for patients with mRCC.
Role of local ablative treatment in oligometastatic non-small cell lung cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Rim Chai Hong , Cho Won Kyung , Park Sunmin , Yoon Won Sup , Yang Dae Sik
Published: March 2023

Introduction:

This meta-analysis analyzed the oncologic role of local ablative treatment (LAT) in oligometastatic nonsmall cell lung cancer.

Method:

Pubmed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched until October, 2022. Studies comparing LAT with standard care (control) were included. Sensitivity analyses were performed including randomized controlled studies (RCTs). Subgroup analyses were performed according to specific categories and metastatic burden. The primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Considering the median OS and PFS from landmark studies, 2-year OS and 1-year PFS rates were used to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs).

Results:

A total of 20 studies (four RCTs) encompassing 1750 patients were included. Surgery and radiotherapy (60 and 90% of studies) were mainly used as LATs. Pooled ORs of OS and PFS were 3.492 (95% CI:2.612–4.699, P<0.001) and 3.743 (95% CI: 2.586–5.419, P<0.001), favoring LAT, respectively. Sensitivity analyses, including RCTs showed ORs of 4.111 (P<0.001) and 4.959 (P=0.001) regarding OS and PFS, favoring LCT, respectively. Pooled 1-year and 2-year OS rates were 83.8 and 58.4% in LAT arms, whereas 64.4 and 31% in control arms; pooled 1-year and 2-year PFS rates were 64.6 and 32.8% in LAT arms, and 36.1 and 10% in control arms. In subgroup analyses, the pooled ORs were 3.981 (P<0.001), 3.355 (P<0.001), and 1.726 (P=0.373) in synchronous, oligopersistence, and oligoprogression/recurrence subgroups, respectively. Regarding PFS comparison, pooled ORs were 5.631 (P<0.001), 3.484 (P<0.001), and 1.777 (P=0.07), respectively. According to metastatic burden categories, pooled ORs favored LAT arms in both analyses including low-metastatic and high-metastatic burden subgroups.

Conclusion:

The present study supports the role of LAT in treating nonsmall cell lung cancer oligometastasis. The oligoprogression/recurrence disease could have less LAT benefit than synchronous or oligopersistent disease.
Proposed dietary recommendations for iron overload: a guide for physician practice
Authors: Saleh Hasan , Seaman Leigh Ann K. , Palmer William C.
Published: March 2023

Purpose of Review

Iron overload disorders such as hemochromatosis involve unregulated absorption of dietary iron, leading to excessive iron accumulation in multiple organs. Phlebotomy is the standard of care for removal of excess iron, but dietary modification is not standardized in practice. The purpose of this article is to help standardize hemochromatosis diet counseling based on commonly asked patient questions.

Recent Findings

The clinical benefit regarding dietary modification in iron overload patients is limited due to lack of large clinical trials, but preliminary results are promising. Recent studies suggest diet modification could reduce iron burden in hemochromatosis patients resulting in less annual phlebotomy as supported through small patient studies, concepts of physiology, and animal studies.

This article is a guide for physicians to counsel hemochromatosis patients based on commonly asked questions such as foods to avoid, foods to consume, use of alcohol, and use of supplements. The goal of this guide is to help standardize hemochromatosis diet counseling to reduce phlebotomy amount in patients. Standardization of diet counseling could help facilitate future patient studies to analyze the clinical significance.