bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Propofol and survival: an updated meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Kotani Yuki , Pruna Alessandro , Turi Stefano , Borghi Giovanni , Lee Todd C. , Zangrillo Alberto , Landoni Giovanni , Pasin Laura
Published: April 2023

Background

Propofol is one of the most widely used hypnotic agents in the world. Nonetheless, propofol might have detrimental effects on clinically relevant outcomes, possibly due to inhibition of other interventions' organ protective properties. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to evaluate if propofol reduced survival compared to any other hypnotic agent in any clinical setting.

Methods

We searched eligible studies in PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Register of Clinical Trials. The following inclusion criteria were used: random treatment allocation and comparison between propofol and any comparator in any clinical setting. The primary outcome was mortality at the longest follow-up available. We conducted a fixed-effects meta-analysis for the risk ratio (RR). Using this RR and 95% confidence interval, we estimated the probability of any harm (RR > 1) through Bayesian statistics. We registered this systematic review and meta-analysis in PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42022323143).

Results

We identified 252 randomized trials comprising 30,757 patients. Mortality was higher in the propofol group than in the comparator group (760/14,754 [5.2%] vs. 682/16,003 [4.3%]; RR = 1.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.20; p = 0.03; I2 = 0%; number needed to harm = 235), corresponding to a 98.4% probability of any increase in mortality. A statistically significant mortality increase in the propofol group was confirmed in subgroups of cardiac surgery, adult patients, volatile agent as comparator, large studies, and studies with low mortality in the comparator arm.

Conclusions

Propofol may reduce survival in perioperative and critically ill patients. This needs careful assessment of the risk versus benefit of propofol compared to other agents while planning for large, pragmatic multicentric randomized controlled trials to provide a definitive answer.

Graphical Abstract
FLIM imaging revealed spontaneous osteogenic differentiation of stem cells on gradient pore size tissue-engineered constructs
Authors: Rodimova Svetlana , Mozherov Artem , Elagin Vadim , Karabut Maria , Shchechkin Ilya , Kozlov Dmitry , Krylov Dmitry , Gavrina Alena , Kaplin Vladislav , Epifanov Evgenii , Minaev Nikita , Bardakova Ksenia , Solovieva Anna , Timashev Peter , Zagaynova Elena , Kuznetsova Daria
Published: April 2023

Background

There is an urgent clinical need for targeted strategies aimed at the treatment of bone defects resulting from fractures, infections or tumors. 3D scaffolds represent an alternative to allogeneic MSC transplantation, due to their mimicry of the cell niche and the preservation of tissue structure. The actual structure of the scaffold itself can affect both effective cell adhesion and its osteoinductive properties. Currently, the effects of the structural heterogeneity of scaffolds on the behavior of cells and tissues at the site of damage have not been extensively studied.

Methods

Both homogeneous and heterogeneous scaffolds were generated from poly(L-lactic acid) methacrylated in supercritical carbon dioxide medium and were fabricated by two-photon polymerization. The homogeneous scaffolds consist of three layers of cylinders of the same diameter, whereas the heterogeneous (gradient pore sizes) scaffolds contain the middle layer of cylinders of increased diameter, imitating the native structure of spongy bone. To evaluate the osteoinductive properties of both types of scaffold, we performed in vitro and in vivo experiments. Multiphoton microscopy with fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy was used for determining the metabolic states of MSCs, as a sensitive marker of cell differentiation. The results obtained from this approach were verified using standard markers of osteogenic differentiation and based on data from morphological analysis.

Results

The heterogeneous scaffolds showed improved osteoinductive properties, accelerated the metabolic rearrangements associated with osteogenic differentiation, and enhanced the efficiency of bone tissue recovery, thereby providing for both the development of appropriate morphology and mineralization.

Conclusions

The authors suggest that the heterogeneous tissue constructs are a promising tool for the restoration of bone defects. And, furthermore, that our results demonstrate that the use of label-free bioimaging methods can be considered as an effective approach for intravital assessment of the efficiency of differentiation of MSCs on scaffolds.
Investigation of chemical structure recognition by encoder–decoder models in learning progress
Authors: Nemoto Shumpei , Mizuno Tadahaya , Kusuhara Hiroyuki
Published: April 2023

Descriptor generation methods using latent representations of encoder–decoder (ED) models with SMILES as input are useful because of the continuity of descriptor and restorability to the structure. However, it is not clear how the structure is recognized in the learning progress of ED models. In this work, we created ED models of various learning progress and investigated the relationship between structural information and learning progress. We showed that compound substructures were learned early in ED models by monitoring the accuracy of downstream tasks and input–output substructure similarity using substructure-based descriptors, which suggests that existing evaluation methods based on the accuracy of downstream tasks may not be sensitive enough to evaluate the performance of ED models with SMILES as descriptor generation methods. On the other hand, we showed that structure restoration was time-consuming, and in particular, insufficient learning led to the estimation of a larger structure than the actual one. It can be inferred that determining the endpoint of the structure is a difficult task for the model. To our knowledge, this is the first study to link the learning progress of SMILES by ED model to chemical structures for a wide range of chemicals.

Graphical Abstract
Comparison of local ablative therapies, including radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, stereotactic ablative radiotherapy, and particle radiotherapy, for inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cheng Po-Lung , Wu Ping-Hsiu , Kao We-Yu , Lai Yen-Ting , Hsu Jason C. , Chiou Jeng-Fong , Wu Meng-Huang , Lee Hsin-Lun
Published: April 2023

Surgical intervention is the first-line treatment in well-selected hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. However, only a few patients are suitable to receive radical surgery. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate local control among four local ablative therapies in inoperable HCC patients, including radiofrequency ablation therapy (RFA), microwave ablation therapy (MWA), stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR), and particle radiotherapy. The primary outcome was the local control rate and the secondary were regional and distant progression rates, overall survival rate, and adverse events. We included twenty-six studies from PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. MWA (p < 0.001) and particle radiotherapy (p < 0.001) showed better performance of local control compared to RFA, while SABR (p = 0.276) showed a non-significant trend. However, SABR (p = 0.002) and particle radiotherapy (p < 0.001) showed better performance than RFA in HCCs of ≥ 30 mm in size. MWA showed a similar result to RFA while SABR and particle radiotherapy showed a lower survival rate in the 2-, 3-, and 4-year overall survival rates. Our results indicate that MWA, SABR and particle radiotherapy were safe and no inferior to RFA in local control rate. Besides, the local control rates of SABR and particle radiotherapy are better than RFA in HCC of ≥ 30 mm in size. As a result, we suggested that MWA, SABR and particle radiotherapy to be effective alternatives to RFA for inoperable HCC. Moreover, the tumor size should be taken into consideration for optimal treatment selection between local ablative therapies.
Tensor decomposition for painting analysis. Part 1: pigment characterization
Authors: Ciortan Irina M. , Poulsson Tina G. , George Sony , Hardeberg Jon Y.
Published: April 2023

Photo-sensitive materials tend to change with exposure to light. Often, this change is visible when it affects the reflectance of the material in the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum. In order to understand the photo-degradation mechanisms and their impact on fugitive materials, high-end scientific analysis is required. In a two-part article, we present a multi-modal approach to model fading effects in the spectral, temporal (first part) and spatial dimensions (second part). Specifically, we collect data from the same artwork, namely “A Japanese Lantern” by Norwegian artist, Oda Krohg, with two techniques, point-based microfading spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging. In this first part, we focus on characterizing the pigments in the painting based on their spectral and fading characteristics. To begin with, using microfading data of a region in the painting, we analyze the color deterioration of the measured points. Then, we train a tensor decomposition model to reduce the measured materials to a spectral basis of unmixed pigments and, at the same time, to recover the fading rate of these endmembers (i.e. pure, unmixed chemical signals). Afterwards, we apply linear regression to predict the fading rate in the future. We validate the quality of these predictions by spectrally comparing them with temporal observations not included in the training part. Furthermore, we statistically assess the goodness of our model in explaining new data, collected from another region of the painting. Finally, we propose a visual way to explore the artist’s palette, where potential matches between endmembers and reference spectral libraries can be evaluated based on three metrics at once.
Simultaneous electrical resistivity and elastic wave velocity measurements during triaxial deformation of granite under brine-saturated conditions
Authors: Katayama Ikuo , Aoi Yu , Tanimoto Kazumasa , Akamatsu Yuya , Sawayama Kazuki
Published: April 2023

We report the first experiments, where simultaneous electrical resistivity and elastic wave velocity measurements are acquired during the triaxial deformation of granite under brine-saturated conditions. Both the resistivity and elastic wave velocity increase slightly during the early stage of deformation owing to crack closure, and then decrease systematically owing to crack development as the sample approaches failure. We observe a complex relationship among the resistivity, elastic wave velocity, and porosity during deformation that is likely attributed to their different sensitivities to crack orientation, tortuosity, and connectivity. The electrical resistivity changes tend to decline as the sample approaches failure owing to the nearly complete crack connectivity, whereas the elastic wave velocities continue to decrease. These characteristic changes in resistivity and velocity at the discrete stages of deformation may provide a clue to understanding structural changes in crystalline basements that are related to crack development and fluid infiltration.

Graphical Abstract
Virologic Nonsuppression Among Patients With HIV Newly Diagnosed With Cancer at Uganda Cancer Institute: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kauma Geraldine , Ddungu Henry , Ssewanyana Isaac , Nyesiga Sharon , Bogere Naghib , Namulema-Diiro Teddy , Byakika-Kibwika Pauline , Namukwaya Elizabeth , Kizza Harriet Mayanja
Published: April 2023

PURPOSE

AIDS-related mortality declined markedly since the introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART); however, cancer mortality in Africa was higher than its incidence in 2020. People living with HIV (PLWHIV) are at an increased risk of malignancy and death from malignancy compared with the general population. In Uganda, AIDS-defining malignancies (ADMs), including cervical cancer, Kaposi sarcoma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, are among the commonest malignancies. Virologic nonsuppression has been identified as an important predictor of mortality among PLWHIV diagnosed with cancer. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and to identify factors associated with virologic nonsuppression among PLWHIV newly diagnosed with cancer.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study that was carried out between December 2018 and April 2019 at the Uganda Cancer Institute. PLWHIV who had been on ART for at least 6 months and were newly diagnosed with cancer were enrolled.

RESULTS

A total of 167 participants were enrolled. Cervical cancer was the commonest ADM (n = 45; 50.6%) of all ADMs, while esophageal and breast cancers were the commonest non-ADMs, accounting for 17.5% (n = 14) each of all non-ADMs. The prevalence of virologic nonsuppression was 15%. Having Kaposi sarcoma (odds ratio [OR], 8.15; P = .003), being poorly adherent to ART (OR, 4.1; P = .045), and being on second-line ART (OR, 5.68; P = .011) were associated with virologic nonsuppression.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of virologic nonsuppression is high among patients with HIV newly diagnosed with cancer. These findings emphasize the need for strengthening of adherence strategies, optimizing ART regimens, and prioritization of viral load testing among PLWHIV with newly diagnosed malignancy.
Molecular Photoinduced Charge Separation: Fundamentals and Application
Authors: Imahori Hiroshi
Published: April 2023

We have designed and synthesized a number of donor-acceptor linked systems to elucidate the science of photoinduced charge separation. In particular, porphyrin-fullerene and polymer-fullerene linked molecules have been found to be very useful as model systems for addressing issues in excited-state generation, charge separation, and charge dissociation. We have also proposed a new concept, “dynamic exciton” to establish new comprehensive photochemistry dealing with manipulation of locally excited state, charge-transfer state, and charge-separated state involving mutual transformation. Simultaneously, it is pivotal to adopt time-dependent dynamic effects on electron and spin behaviors entangled with movement of atomic nuclei (i.e., vibration, rotation, and fluctuation) and their collective motion into molecular donor-acceptor systems. Versatile dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells as well as donor/acceptor molecules for bulk heterojunction organic solar cells have also been tailored toward better understanding the underlying mechanism as well as improving their photovoltaic performances. Meanwhile, giant dipole moment produced from donor-acceptor linked molecules by light has been successfully utilized to regulate the membrane potential of living biological cells. This is the first example of the use of charge-separated state in optogenetics and is promising as neuronal therapy by light.
Research’s policies on health: fundamental texts of the European Union and Greece
Authors: Masoura Photini , Skitsou Alexandra , Laizinou Alexandra-Nektaria , Charalambous George
Published: April 2023

The research on health has to offer new data which are based on empirical facts. That fact doesn’t make the research immoral or without limits. The purpose of this study is the survey of the existing knowledge about the scientific research on the health’s field and the promotion of the major institutional legislation that set the boundaries of the research as well as of the problems that arise from it. We noticed a lack of published articles about the European policies around research on health. We present new data and we ended up to conclusions which for the first time are been published in this domain. Main aim is to expand the policies that the European Union follows on the field  of health’s scientific research that come up through studying relevant legislation.
We studied the main international and European institutional and legislative articles as well as Greek domestic law through Google scholar and   the website (of)  World Medical Association , through the Greece’s  National printing house , the Greek parliament, the European council  and the European’s Commission’s site that sets the boundaries of the scientific study on the health’s field and we proceed on a historical flashback so we would be able to explain the need of the creation of these legislative texts. The research took place in December of 2017 and it got repeated in March-April of 2021. The medical research was originally aiming the improvement of the human life. In the legislative texts which try to put restrictions in the ways of the scientific research’s conduction, there are some gaps. New forms of scientific research create some questions considering the subject’s safety. In conclusion several concerns came up which demand to be answered with insight and creative thought.
New record of Hexanchus griseus in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea with insights into its biology and feeding ecology
Authors: RUIZ-GARCÍA DAVID , GARCÍA-SALINAS PABLO , RAGA JUAN ANTONIO , MOURA ANDRÉ E. , DROMBY MORGANE , BARRÍA CLAUDIO
Published: April 2023

On 15 March 2021, a male Hexanchus griseus was incidentally captured by a commercial bottom trawler at 550-730 m depth in the Gulf of Valencia (Spain). The specimen measured 251.8 cm in total length, weighed 86.2 kg and its reproductive system was fully developed, characterizing it as the smallest mature male bluntnose sixgill shark recorded in the Mediterranean Sea. The specimen hosted the ectoparasitic copepod Demoleus heptapus. Remains of a Stenella coeruleoalba calf were identified in its stomach content by applying molecular methods. The feeding behaviour of H. griseus as either actively preying on live cetaceans or as scavenging on carcasses is reviewed and discussed to better understand the species’ role in marine food webs.
Mediterranean juvenile white seabream rely on phytal fauna as primary food source in coastal nursery areas
Authors: ARROYO NINA LARISSA , CUADROS AMALIA , BASTERRETXEA GOTZON , MORANTA JOAN
Published: April 2023

Nursery areas are essential fish habitats due to their relevance in the survival of early stages of fish populations. They are also considered as of high priority in marine conservation strategies. Here, we investigated the diet of white seabream [Diplodussargus (Linnaeus, 1758)] settlers in six nursery areas located in the shallow waters of coves in Minorca Island (Balearic Islands, Spain). Our aim was to characterize the food sources at different stages of juvenile development and their site-related variability in order to discern the importance of trophic links in cove selection during settling. The gut contents of 101 juveniles captured at different coves, three to the north of the island (N), and three in the southern coast (S), revealed a marked preference for feeding on crustaceans and, in particular, on harpacticoid copepods (>90% of gut contents). Copepods represented the main food source (80 ±4.4%; mean ±S.E.) in younger seabream individuals (10 - 15 mm length). A higher diversity in prey items was observed in the larger size-classes (s2: 16 - 23 and S3: 24 - 30 mm, respectively), which incorporated other prey items such as amphipods, isopods, foraminiferans or ostracods. Diet composition did not vary between the two surveyed locations (North vs. South of the island), but it did show significant differences among the six coves (p<0.001). Comparison between cove sediment infaunal composition and gut contents revealed that predation on sediment communities was scarce. Instead, diet was typically of phytal origin. Our results highlight the importance of the algal component of shallow coastal areas as a foraging habitat. In particular, harpacticoid copepods were key for survival during early development phases. The potential use of harpacticoid copepods to track ontogenic shifts in habitat use by juvenile fish is discussed.
The hidden invasion of the alien seagrass Halophila stipulacea (Forsskål) Ascherson along Southeastern Italy
Authors: TOSO ANDREA , MUSCO LUIGI
Published: April 2023

The seagrass Halophila stipulacea (Forsskål) Ascherson (Hydrocharitaceae) is a non-indigenous species (NIS) for the MediterraneanSea. This species is expected to have a high potential for invasiveness based on models predicting the present and futuresuitability of the Mediterranean coasts with respect to the plant requirements. This species was recorded for the first time alongthe Apulian coast in the Otranto harbor in 2011. Such a record was not considered in recent publications dealing with the speciesdistribution and its forecasted invasion pathway, probably due to the scant information provided. One decade after its first recordin the area, we confirmed the presence of the H. stipulacea meadow in the same locality (Otranto), and we identified four new H.stipulacea meadows along the Ionian coast are between 1 and 30 m deep in touristic areas. Indirect evidence suggests that the plantis actively spreading along the southeastern Italian coast, and monitoring programs aiming at mapping its distribution in the area,as well as its potential effect on the native biota, are required.
Case Report: Management strategy of rare case first-generation antipsychotic drug induced neglected femoral neck fracture in schizophrenia patients
Authors: Harahap Rudiansyah , Meisari Putri Anugerah , Tjandra Kevin Christian
Published: April 2023

Background: The early onset of femoral neck fracture is commonly treated by bone grafting surgery. However rare cases of neglected femoral neck fractures in schizophrenic patients need to be treated by arthroplasty because of the rapid destruction of the femoral head within the acetabulum.

Case presentation: We report a rare unique case of first-generation antipsychotic drug-induced neglected femoral neck fracture in a 41-year-old man presenting after a month complaining of not being able to walk due to falling in a ditch. X-ray examination findings revealed total destruction of the femoral head within the acetabulum with no acetabulum dysplasia detected. Ordinarily, it should be treated with a bone grafting procedure since no dysplasia was detected and it was an early onset case. However,  arthroplasty was chosen because the femoral head was destructed. Three months post-surgery x-ray shows the acetabulum dysplasia and lytic lesion that confirm drug-induced bone destruction by the first-generation antipsychotic drug.

Conclusions: We suggest that even though rare, first-generation antipsychotic drugs neglected femoral neck fractures in schizophrenia patients can be successfully treated by arthroplasty supported by the patient’s compliance. Bone mineral density (BMD) test is also suggested to monitor the bone density of schizophrenia patients.
Blood pressure and 10-year all-cause mortality: Findings from the PERU MIGRANT Study
Authors: Hidalgo-Benites Aida , Senosain-Leon Valeria , Carrillo-Larco Rodrigo M. , Ruiz-Alejos Andrea , Gilman Robert H. , Smeeth Liam , Miranda J. Jaime , Bernabé-Ortiz Antonio
Published: April 2023

Background

The long-term impact of elevated blood pressure on mortality outcomes has been recently revisited due to proposed changes in cut-offs for hypertension. This study aimed at assessing the association between high blood pressure levels and 10-year mortality using the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC-7) and the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) 2017 blood pressure guidelines.

Methods

Data of the PERU MIGRANT Study, a prospective ongoing cohort, was used. The outcome of interest was 10-year all-cause mortality, and exposures were blood pressure categories according to the JNC-7 and ACC/AHA 2017 guidelines. Log-rank test, Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression models were used to assess the associations of interest controlling for confounders. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated.

Results

A total of 976 records, mean age of 60.4 (SD: 11.4), 513 (52.6%) women, were analyzed. Hypertension prevalence at baseline almost doubled from 16.0% (95% CI 13.7%–18.4%) to 31.3% (95% CI 28.4%–34.3%), using the JNC-7 and ACC/AHA 2017 definitions, respectively. Sixty-three (6.4%) participants died during the 10-year follow-up, equating to a mortality rate of 3.6 (95% CI 2.4–4.7) per 1000 person-years. Using JNC-7, and compared to those with normal blood pressure, those with pre-hypertension and hypertension had 2-fold and 3.5-fold increased risk of death, respectively. Similar mortality effect sizes were estimated using ACC/AHA 2017 for stage 1 and stage 2 hypertension.

Conclusions

Blood pressure levels under two different definitions increased the risk of 10-year all-cause mortality. Hypertension prevalence doubled using ACC/AHA 2017 compared to JNC-7. The choice of blood pressure cut-offs to classify hypertension categories need to be balanced against the patients benefit and the capacities of the health system to adequately handle a large proportion of new patients.
Developing and testing a protocol using a common data model for federated collection and analysis of national perinatal health indicators in Europe
Authors: Zeitlin Jennifer , Philibert Marianne , Estupiñán-Romero Francisco , Loghi Marzia , Sakkeus Luule , Draušnik Željka , Alcaide Adela Recio , Durox Mélanie , Cap Jan , Dimnjakovic Jelena , Misins Janis , Bernal Delgado Enrique , Thissen Martin , Gissler Mika ,   Euro-Peristat Research Group
Published: April 2023

Context: International comparisons of the health of mothers and babies provide essential benchmarks for guiding health practice and policy, but statistics are not routinely compiled in a comparable way. These data are especially critical during health emergencies, such as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The Population Health Information Research Infrastructure (PHIRI) project aimed to promote the exchange of population data in Europe and included a Use Case on perinatal health.

Objective: To develop and test a protocol for federated analysis of population birth data in Europe.

Methods: The Euro-Peristat network with participants from 31 countries developed a Common Data Model (CDM) and R scripts to exchange and analyse aggregated data on perinatal indicators. Building on recommended Euro-Peristat indicators, complemented by a three-round consensus process, the network specified variables for a CDM and common outputs. The protocol was tested using routine birth data for 2015 to 2020; a survey was conducted assessing data provider experiences and opinions.

Results: The CDM included 17 core data items for the testing phase and 18 for a future expanded phase. 28 countries and the four UK nations created individual person-level databases and ran R scripts to produce anonymous aggregate tables. Seven had all core items, 17 had 13-16, while eight had ≤12. Limitations were not having all items in the same database, required for this protocol. Infant death and mode of birth were most frequently missing. Countries took from under a day to several weeks to set up the CDM, after which the protocol was easy and quick to use.

Conclusion:  This open-source protocol enables rapid production and analysis of perinatal indicators and constitutes a roadmap for a sustainable European information system. It also provides minimum standards for improving national data systems and can be used in other countries to facilitate comparison of perinatal indicators.
Suicide among psychiatrists, psychologists and psychotherapists.
Authors: Sterna Władysław
Published: April 2023

Liczne publikacje dotyczą problemu samobójstwa pacjenta, prób zrozumienia powodów, oraz metod jak najlepszego pomagania. O wiele mniej pisze się o reakcji klinicysty na śmierć swojego pacjenta i przeżyć z tym związanych. W piśmiennictwie polskim brakuje publikacji odnośnie do samobójstwa samego klinicysty, potencjalnych jego uwarunkowań i przyczyn, wpływu na innych a także zapobiegnia temu zjawisku. Niniejszy artykuł podejmuje próbę omówienia problemu. Na wstępie zwrócono uwagę na specyficzne trudności w przeżywaniu tego rodzaju śmierci przez bliskich. Przedstawiono w nim dostępne dane na temat samobójstw w grupie lekarzy psychiatrów a także psychologów i psychoterapeutów. Większość publikacji kładzie nacisk na zwiększone ryzyko samobójstwa w tej grupie zawodowej. Zwrócono uwagę na potencjalne bariery w poszukiwaniu adekwatnej pomocy. Omówiono możliwe reakcje środowiska zawodowego a także to, co się dzieje z pacjentem po samobójstwie jego terapeuty i co znacznie utrudnia dalsze poszukiwanie przez niego pomocy. Na koniec przedstawiono rekomendacje dotyczące prewencji samobójstw klinicystów, z których najważniejszą jest wprowadzenie dyskursu oraz szkoleń na ten temat w środowisku zawodowym.
Adjustable Distributionally Robust Optimization with Infinitely Constrained Ambiguity Sets
Authors: Ruan Haolin , Chen Zhi , Ho Chin Pang
Published: April 2023

We study adjustable distributionally robust optimization problems, where their ambiguity sets can potentially encompass an infinite number of expectation constraints. Although such ambiguity sets have great modeling flexibility in characterizing uncertain probability distributions, the corresponding adjustable problems remain computationally intractable and challenging. To overcome this issue, we propose a greedy improvement procedure that consists of solving, via the (extended) linear decision rule approximation, a sequence of tractable subproblems—each of which considers a relaxed and finitely constrained ambiguity set that can be iteratively tightened to the infinitely constrained one. Through three numerical studies of adjustable distributionally robust optimization models, we show that our approach can yield improved solutions in a systematic way for both two-stage and multistage problems.

History: Accepted by Pascal Van Hentenryck, Area Editor for Computational Modeling: Methods & Analysis.

Funding: Financial support by the Early Career Scheme from the Hong Kong Research Grants Council [Project No. CityU 21502820], the CityU Start-Up Grant [Project No. 9610481], the CityU Strategic Research Grant [Project No. 7005688], the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Project No. 72032005], and Chow Sang Sang Group Research Fund sponsored by Chow Sang Sang Holdings International Limited [Project No. 9229076] is gratefully acknowledged.

Supplemental Material: The software that supports the findings of this study is available within the paper and its Supplemental Information ( https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/suppl/10.1287/ijoc.2021.0181 ), as well as from the IJOC GitHub software repository ( https://github.com/INFORMSJoC/2021.0181 ). The complete IJOC Software and Data Repository is available at https://informsjoc.github.io/ .
AS PRÁTICAS DE MULTILETRAMENTOS NO PROJETO TECENDO HISTÓRIAS
Authors: Barreto Borges Andrea , Fernandes Coelho Nunes Diego
Published: April 2023

Este artigo apresenta uma análise das práticas de multiletramentos desenvolvidas no Projeto Tecendo Histórias, com ênfase na interação dos estudantes com os aspectos culturais do contexto em que estão inseridos. Este trabalho justifica-se pela relevância dessa proposta de extensão, desenvolvida no IFBA, campus de Santo Antônio de Jesus, por meio da qual foram realizadas pesquisas, cujos resultados foram registrados e socializados através de uma revista digital, com publicação de textos multimodais. Esta investigação objetiva analisar as práticas de multiletramentos a partir de temáticas relacionadas a Santo Antônio de Jesus, local ondevivem os sujeitos escritores. Os resultados da análise apontam para a importância das propostas que envolvam múltiplas linguagens e tecnologias, assim como demonstram a eficácia de atividades de escrita sobre as culturas das comunidades nas quais as pessoas envolvidas nas práticas multiletradas estão inseridas.
Motionless volumetric structured light sheet microscopy
Authors: Peterson Tyler , Mann Shivani , Sun Belinda L. , Peng Leilei , Cai Haijiang , Liang Rongguang
Published: April 2023

To meet the increasing need for low-cost, compact imaging technology with cellular resolution, we have developed a microLED-based structured light sheet microscope for three-dimensional ex vivo and in vivo imaging of biological tissue in multiple modalities. All the illumination structure is generated directly at the microLED panel—which serves as the source—so light sheet scanning and modulation is completely digital, yielding a system that is simpler and less prone to error than previously reported methods. Volumetric images with optical sectioning are thus achieved in an inexpensive, compact form factor without any moving parts. We demonstrate the unique properties and general applicability of our technique by ex vivo imaging of porcine and murine tissue from the gastrointestinal tract, kidney, and brain.
The effect of becoming a Fistula Advocate on the recovery of women with Obstetric Fistula in Sierra Leone: A qualitative study
Authors: Vowles Zoë , Bash-Taqi Regina , Kamara Alusine , Kuteh Mabel , Silverio Sergio A. , Turay Ibrahim , Peckham Stephen
Published: April 2023

Engaging women affected by Obstetric Fistula as advocates has been proposed as an effective strategy to raise awareness of the condition. Limited literature exists on the experience of those who become advocates. A model of community education, in Sierra Leone, trained women affected by Obstetric Fistula to become volunteer Fistula Advocates. This study explored Advocates’ perception of their role and its influence on their recovery and reintegration. This was a qualitative study, undertaken in Sierra Leone, collecting data from 7 Fistula Advocates and 3 Key Informants (with roles in either clinical or outreach care for women with Obstetric Fistula or training and supervision of Advocates), using semi-structured interviews. Data was subject to a thematic analysis and related to a conceptual framework for mental health recovery. Intrinsic factors motivating Advocates to undertake this role were influenced by psycho-social support received and the possibility for financial independence. Advocates used personal stories in their work to define a new identity, change perceptions and reduce stigma. Benefits associated with the interactions and relationships created through providing and receiving peer support were voiced. Surgical treatment was described as an important factor influencing recovery. The Advocates said economic empowerment helped recovery and reintegration, and the voluntary nature of the Advocate role limited the impact of this. Overall Advocates perceived their role positively, reporting psychological, social, and economic benefits. The complexities of recovery from Obstetric Fistula were highlighted and connections drawn between the treatment of physical symptoms, the socio-cultural context and mental health recovery. They described the role positively influencing existing relationships and initiating supportive, empowering social interactions between women affected by Obstetric Fistula and with Non-Governmental Organisation staff and community members. The study offers insights into the potential for community-based approaches to facilitate access to treatment for sensitive and stigmatising health problems and support recovery.
Individually unique, fixed stripe configurations of Octopus chierchiae allow for photoidentification in long-term studies
Authors: Liu Benjamin , Song Leo , Kelkar Saumitra , Ramji Anna , Caldwell Roy
Published: April 2023

The Lesser Pacific Striped Octopus,Octopus chierchiae, is a small iteroparous octopus known to inhabit intertidal regions of the Pacific coast of Central America. Many details about its life history and ecology remain unknown. For apparently rare and delicate animals such asO.chierchiae, non-extractive sampling methods are necessary to study individuals and populations over time. After photographically documenting the physical development of 25 octopuses from hatching, we have concluded thatO.chierchiaehas individually unique stripe configurations that remain constant throughout their post-hatchling lifetimes. Furthermore, using photographs taken of animals in captivity on different dates over many months, we show that untrained volunteers can accurately identify whether or not a pair of images depicts the same individual octopus. These results demonstrate that laboratory-reared individuals could be identified via photographs taken at different points in their lifetimes, which suggests wild individuals can also be recognized and observed for longitudinal field studies. In addition, our results imply potential for photoidentification and community science to be used as non-extractive, non-intrusive sampling methods for future studies of wildO.chierchiae.
Comparing multiscale, presence-only habitat suitability models created with structured survey data and community science data for a rare warbler species at the southern range margin
Authors: Whitenack Lauren E. , Snell Taylor Sara J. , Tomcho Aimee , Hurlbert Allen H.
Published: April 2023

Golden-winged Warblers (Vermivora chrysoptera, Parulidae) are declining migrant songbirds that breed in the Great Lakes and Appalachian regions of North America. Within their breeding range, Golden-winged Warblers are found in early successional habitats adjacent to mature hardwood forest, and previous work has found that Golden-winged Warbler habitat preferences are scale-dependent. Golden-winged Warbler Working Group management recommendations were written to apply to large regions of the breeding range, but there may be localized differences in both habitat availability and preferences. Rapid declines at the southernmost extent of their breeding range in Western North Carolina necessitate investigation into landscape characteristics governing distribution in this subregion. Furthermore, with the increase in availability of community science data from platforms such as eBird, it would be valuable to know if community science data produces similar distribution models as systemic sampling data. In this study, we described patterns of Golden-winged Warbler presence in Western North Carolina by examining habitat variables at multiple spatial scales using data from standardized Audubon North Carolina (NC) playback surveys and community science data from eBird. We compared model performance and predictions between Audubon NC and eBird models and found that Golden-winged Warbler presence is associated with sites which, at a local scale (150m), have less mature forest, more young forest, more herb/shrub cover, and more road cover, and at a landscape scale (2500m), have less herb/shrub cover. Golden-winged Warbler presence is also associated with higher elevations and smaller slopes. eBird and Audubon models had similar variable importance values, response curves, and overall performance. Based on variable importance values, elevation, mature forest at the local scale, and road cover at the local scale are the primary variables driving the difference between Golden-winged Warbler breeding sites and random background sites in Western North Carolina. Additionally, our results validate the use of eBird data, since they produce species distribution modeling results that are similar to results obtained from more standardized survey methods.
Uncomfortably high: Testing reveals inflated THC potency on retail Cannabis labels
Authors: Schwabe Anna L. , Johnson Vanessa , Harrelson Joshua , McGlaughlin Mitchell E.
Published: April 2023

Legal Cannabis products in the United States are required to report THC potency (total THC % by dry weight) on packaging, however concerns have been raised that reported THC potency values are inaccurate. Multiple studies have demonstrated that THC potency is a primary factor in determining pricing for Cannabis flower, so it has an outsized role in the marketplace. Reports of inflated THC potency and “lab shopping” to obtain higher THC potency results have been circulating for some time, but a side-by-side investigation of the reported potency and flower in the package has not previously been conducted. Using HPLC, we analyzed THC potency in 23 samples from 10 dispensaries throughout the Colorado Front Range and compared the results to the THC potency reported on the packaging. Average observed THC potency was 14.98 +/- 2.23%, which is substantially lower than recent reports summarizing dispensary reported THC potency. The average observed THC potency was 23.1% lower than the lowest label reported values and 35.6% lower than the highest label reported values. Overall, ~70% of the samples were more than 15% lower than the THC potency numbers reported on the label, with three samples having only one half of the reported maximum THC potency. Although the exact source of the discrepancies is difficult to determine, a lack of standardized testing protocols, limited regulatory oversight, and financial incentives to market high THC potency likely play a significant role. Given our results it is urgent that steps are taken to increase label accuracy of Cannabis being sold to the public. The lack of accurate reporting of THC potency can have impacts on medical patients controlling dosage, recreational consumers expecting an effect aligned with price, and trust in the industry as a whole. As the legal cannabis market continues to grow, it is essential that the industry moves toward selling products with more accurate labeling.
Viewing distance and character size in the use of smartphones across the lifespan
Authors: Boccardo Laura , Gurioli Massimo , Grasso Paolo Antonino
Published: April 2023

The use of smartphones has seen an extraordinary growth in recent years, thus the understanding of visual habits associated with the use of such devices across the lifespan is becoming important. In the present study we measured viewing distance and character size in a group of non-presbyopes (n = 157) and a group of presbyopes (n = 60) while participants read a simple text message on their smartphone. Results showed that non-presbyopes use shorter viewing distances as compared to presbyopes, a behavior causing a significantly higher accommodative demand. Presbyopes also use larger character sizes and this behavior is more evident whenever difficulties in near vision emerge in the Near Activity Visual Questionnaire (NAVQ, Italian version). Nevertheless, the two groups did not differ in the measurement of angular size subtended by the smallest detail of the letters. Overall, our data reveal that non-presbyopes and presbyopes have different visual habits when using a smartphone. These differences should be considered when determining the best near correction.
Characterizing nrDNA ITS1, 5.8S and ITS2 secondary structures and their phylogenetic utility in the legume tribe Hedysareae with special reference to Hedysarum
Authors: Nafisi Haniyeh , Kaveh Akram , Kazempour-Osaloo Shahrokh
Published: April 2023

This is the first study to systematically evaluate rRNA secondary structures of Hedysareae with an emphasis onHedysarum. ITS2 and 5.8S regions of the genus shared a common secondary structure with a four-fingered central loop, whereas ITS1 possessed five distinct structures. The secondary structural features of the two regions provided advantageous data for clades, species groups, and closely related species. Hemi-CBCs were mostly observed in the reconstruction of species groups, and Nsts, mostly between closely related species. The investigations showed that ITS1 varied more than ITS2 in length, GC content, and most of the diversity indices within the tribe. Maximum likelihood analyses of the synchronized sequence-structure tree of ITS1 were performed. The accuracy and phylogenetic signals of ITS1 were higher than ITS2. The similar GC content, and no CBC, in both spacers, fortified the close relationship of CEGO andH. sectionsStracheyaandHedysarumclades in the synchronized sequence-structure tree topology of ITS1. In both regions, no inter-generic CBCs were detected inside the CEGO clade and the inter-sectional level ofHedysarum. But, in the ITS2 region, a CBC was detected betweenH. sectionMulticaulia, andTavernieraversusH. sectionsHedysarum, andStracheya. The lowest inter-sectional genetic distance and structural features were found betweenH. sect.HedysarumandH. sect.Stracheyaclades in the ITS2 region.
Influences of race and clinical variables on psychiatric genetic research participation: Results from a schizophrenia sample
Authors: Xavier Rose Mary , Shanavas Yuktha , Britt Brian M. , George Wales T.
Published: April 2023

Advances in genetics has led to a better understanding of both genetic and environmental contributions to psychiatric mental health disorders. But psychiatric genetics research is predominantly Eurocentric, and individuals of non-European ancestry continue to be significantly underrepresented in research studies with potential to worsen existing mental health disparities. The objective of this study was to examine factors associated with genetic study participation in a schizophrenia sample. The study sample was extracted from the Clinical Antipsychotics Trial of Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE) schizophrenia study which enrolled 1493 patients with chronic schizophrenia between the ages of 18–65 years and incorporated an optional genetic sub-study. Using a logistic regression model (N = 1249), we examined sociodemographic and clinical variables that were independently associated with the outcome i.e., participation in the genetic sub-study. The genetic sub-study had a lower proportion of Black (30% in genetic vs 40% in CATIE overall) and other race (4% vs 6%) participants. Increased severity of psychopathology symptoms (odds ratio [OR] = 0.78, p = 0.004) decreased the odds whereas better reasoning scores (OR = 1.16, p = 0.036) increased the odds of genetic study participation. Compared to Black participants, White participants were significantly more likely to participate in the genetic sub-study (OR = 1.43, p = 0.009). Clinical factors in addition to race significantly impact genetic study participation of individuals with chronic schizophrenia. Our findings highlight the need for future research that examines the interactive effects of race and clinical factors such as symptom severity on psychiatrically ill individuals’ choice to participate in genetics studies and to identify targeted strategies to increase equitable representation in psychiatric genetics research.