bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lessons for Decision-Analysis Practice from the Automotive Industry
Authors: Bordley Robert F.
Published: December 2022

Decision analysis is widely used in making decisions involving low-probability, high-consequence events (e.g., drug discovery, oil and gas drilling, risk reduction). This paper focuses on the automotive industries in which more intermediate uncertainties are important. As in any large organization, different members of the organization have different information and different incentives. In this setting, influence diagrams proved invaluable in identifying the information creditable models need, discovering new distinctions of high value, developing win/win compromises, and enabling higher-value technology transfer. However, these examples also highlight the need for more research on addressing motivational biases within organizations.

History: This paper was refereed. This paper was accepted for the Special Issue of INFORMS Journal on Applied Analytics—Decision Analysis.
MODELING AND ANALYSIS OF THE ECOMOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF AZERBAIJAN BASED ON THE PRODUCTION FUNCTION
Authors: Ahmadova Esmira
Published: December 2022

The study aims to identify the economic development potential by modeling and identifying the turning points in the development of the Azerbaijani economy corresponding to the phases in the economic cycle. Overall, the paper presents the results of the analysis of the development of the Azerbaijani economy using production functions (PF). The empirical characteristics of the PF made it possible to periodize the considered time interval i.e. identify areas with different behavior of empirical characteristics. Moreover, it was revealed that these sections are repeated within a certain period. The specifics of economy modeling are determined using the methods of production variables based on the annual data of the State Statistical Committee for 1997–2021.  The methodological basis of the study is the economic and mathematical apparatus of the classic Cobb–Douglas production function. The calculations were performed using freely distributed modern software, the statistical environment R: which is one of the most dynamically developing programs in its class. As a result of the study, we identified the chronological boundaries of short-term and medium-term economic cycles in the economy of Azerbaijan, analyzed the patterns of production variables in different periods of the cycle. The article provides the results of modeling the GDP dynamics in Azerbaijan, which are described by production functions with a significantly different set of parameters; identifies important macroeconomic variables; provides an econometric analysis of the models, production variables, and corresponding conclusions.
SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL DISTRIBUTION OF NITRATES AND NITRITES IN THE FARMS’ WATER OF TIMIS COUNTY, ROMANIA: A CASE-STUDY
Authors: Petrescu Cristina
Published: December 2022

The present study aimed to investigate the spatial and temporal distribution of nitrates and nitrites in the farms’ water of Timis County. The sample for the study consisted of 4028 analysis bulletins of the nitrate and nitrite concentrations, measured in 41 farms and local water sources over two years (2016- 2242 and 2017- 1904 water samples) by the Surveillance Service, Public Health Direction, Timis. The data has been analysed with an observational case study of the spatial and temporal distribution of nitrate and nitrite concentrations in the farm water in Timis County. It has been found that the mean concentrations of nitrite and nitrate were lower than the standards, with a statistically significant difference (t=8.11, Sig.< 0.001) between the 2 years of study and with higher values recorded in 2016 than in 2017. A specific spatial distribution of the mean concentrations of these two substances was slightly high in old, polluted localities and pig farms in Timis County.
PARENTAL CONTROL OVER MEDIA CONSUMPTION IN SLOVAK FAMILIES
Authors: Bielčiková Kristína , Hollá Katarína
Published: December 2022

Introduction: A child’s upbringing begins with his/her birth as he/she gradually adapts to the current family habits and society, so that the child is prepared for all circumstances. From birth, a child perceives the warmth, the light, and the love of his/her mother. They also perceive the influence of the media, and it is, therefore, desirable to prepare children to use them correctly and safely. Children use several types of media as a source of information, entertainment, and leisure.

Objectives: The study aims to identify and analyse adolescents’ media consumption and to highlight parental control in Slovak families.

Methods: the data for the study is conducted with an online questionnaire focusing on media literacy and parental mediation, which is then distributed among the pupils in Slovakia.

Results: The study finds that boys spend most of their time on the computer or laptop, and the most common activity is playing games. Connecting to social networking sites for chatting is popular among girls. The use of mobile phones with internet access is common among both genders. Boys are found to have more restrictions on the time spent online and the content consumed. Age wise, media consumption of 11 and 12 year olds is restrictive. For older pupils, there is not much parental control.

Conclusion: Media literacy is important for families today. Parents must adapt to the digital age and equip their children to use online media responsibly. The study highlights the possibilities for family media education and draws attention to age and gender-wise differences in the parental control on media consumption of adolescents in Slovak families.
THE HYMNONYM ‘SONG’ – A ROOT WORD IN BULGARIAN AND RUSSIAN PHRASEOLOGY
Authors: Ilieva Teodora
Published: December 2022

The present article deals with the hymnonym of ‘song’ as a root word in 17 phraseological microsemantic cores in Bulgarian and Russian languages, excerpted from many phraseological dictionaries and media texts. The taxonomic material,the basis for the semantic-syntactic analysis belongs to a wider phrase field – of real (full) phraseological units and non-real phraseological expressions. A comparison is between the phrases in the two languages, highlighting the common Slavic uses and differences, the specific expressions (direct, metaphorical, metonymic, and other uses of ‘song’), which are the linguistic picture of each ethnic phenotype. I analyze and categorise the phraseologisms on several grounds according to their syntactic structure (bi-element: A + S,  V + S, S+ S;  three-element: V + A + S, S + pr + S, V + Pron. + S; poly-element: V + A + c + A + S, V + pr + S + Pron, V + pr + S + A + S, V + comp. + A + S, pr + S + S + V).
Sosialisasi Pengurusan Nomor Induk Berusaha (NIB) sebagai Dokumen Awal Sertifikasi Halal
Authors: Puspita Niniek Fajar , Zuchrillah Daril Ridho , Hamzah Afan , Pudjiastuti Lily , Ningrum Eva Oktavia
Published: December 2022

Indonesia telah lama menjadi negara yang memiliki potensi besar dalam industri halal. Namun, masyarakat Indonesia belum memahami akan pentingnya label sertifikat halal pada produk yang mereka gunakan. Kecamatan Tanjonganom, Kabupaten Nganjuk merupakan salah satu kecamatan yang memiliki jumlah UMKM yang banyak dan telah memberikan kontribusi dalam peningkatan pendapatan daerah. Berkembangnya UMKM di Kecamatan Tanjonganom tersebut terkendala dengan produk yang belum mempunyai label sertifikasi halal dari LPPOM MUI Jawa Timur. Hal ini disebabkan oleh kurangnya pengetahuan para pelaku UMKM terhadap prosedur pengurusan sertifikasi halal produk. Di satu sisi, kesadaran masyarakat akan mengkonsumsi produk yang berlabel halal semakin meningkat. Prosedur pengurusan sertifikasi halal memerlukan berbagai macam dokumen, salah satunya adalah Nomor Induk Berusaha (NIB). Pelaksanaan kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat ini dimulai dari analisa kondisi masyarakat mitra dengan bekerjasama Dinas Perindustrian Kabupaten Nganjuk. Setelah itu merancang kerangka kerja dan pelaksanaan program, dengan mengikuti pelatihan kader penggerak halal dan pengurusan NIB, serta memetakan produk unggulan Tanjonganom yang telah bersertifikat halal. Hasil Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat ini adalah para UMKM yang mengikuti pelatihan pengurusan NIB telah mendapatkan terbitan NIB. Dalam kerjasama jangka Panjang, tim abdimas akan membantu untuk mendaftarkan produk-produk unggulan Tanjonganom dalam Sertifikat Halal.
Implementasi Greenhouse Terintegrasi dengan Pompa Air Berbasis Photovoltaic untuk Menunjang Kebutuhan Pangan Sayur
Authors: Putra Dimas Fajar Uman , Wibowo Rony Seto , Aryani Ni Ketut , Penangsang Ontoseno , Soeprijanto Adi
Published: December 2022

Indonesia sebagai negara kepulauan memiliki lebih dari 17.000 pulau dimana salah satunya adalah Pulau Bawean yang merupakan bagian dari Kabupaten Gresik, Jawa Timur. Kondisi geografis dari Pulau Bawean yang terletak di Laut Jawa menyebabkan penduduk masih mengandalkan pasokan pangan khususnya sayuran dari Pulau Jawa. Akan tetapi, cuaca yang tidak menentu dapat menyebabkan bahan pokok seperti sayur-sayuran rawan terjadi kenaikan harga. Oleh karena itu, perlu dilakukan produksi pangan alternatif salah satunya adalah dengan metode hidroponik. Hidroponik dipilih sebagai metode penanaman karena tidak memerlukan lahan yang luas serta perawatannya yang lebih praktis. Skema pengabdian masyarakat yang dilakukan oleh Laboratorium Simulasi Sistem Tenaga Departemen Teknik Elektro ITS turut membantu dalam menunjang kebutuhan pangan sayur di Dusun Daun Laut, Desa Daun, Sangkapura, Kabupaten Gresik, Jawa Timur dengan (i) pembuatan greenhouse yang terintegrasi dengan pompa air bertenaga surya, (ii) melaksanakan kegiatan sosialisasi mengenai tata cara penggunaan solar panel serta cara untuk menanam tanaman hidroponik. Dengan adanya pengabdian masyarakat ini diharapkan mampu meningkatkan produksi pangan di Pulau Bawean dengan cara yang lebih ramah lingkungan.
Highlighting the latest research: November 2022
Authors: Palmer Sarah Jane
Published: December 2022

Sarah Jane Palmer presents a selection of recently published articles of interest to nurses working in cardiovascular nursing. The aim of this roundup is to provide a brief overview of the research papers selected. A full reference is provided for those who wish to look at the research in further detail
Better Together: Complete Metadata as Robust Infrastructure
Authors: Feeney Patricia , Liffers Matthias , Cheng Estelle , Vierkant Paul
Published: December 2022

According to the survey we conducted prior to this webinar series dedicated to the APAC community, metadata quality was one of the most voted topics to be covered in the webinars, which is understandable - out of FAIRsFAIR’s 15 assessment metrics for the FAIRness of research objects, 12 are about metadata. Rich and persistent metadata that incorporate identifiers and encode generic and domain-specific information, accessibility and licensing, and links between objects using standardized vocabulary and communication protocols is the cornerstone of a versatile, equitable, and trustworthy scholarly infrastructure ecosystem. In this webinar, we want to focus on the various aspects of enriching the metadata of research outputs. What is considered rich or complete, what does it mean to the metadata capture and curation workflows, how is this process supported, what services are underpinned by which part of the metadata, etc? In this webinar, we’ll hear from Matthias Liffers from ARDC and representatives from Crossref, DataCite, and ORCID, to share their perspectives and provide guidance toward a world with richer metadata. This webinar takes place on Nov 28, 2022, 06:00 AM Universal Time UTC/ 14:00 Beijing. This webinar will last 90 minutes including time for Q&A. The slides and recording will be shared afterward with all who register for the event.
Accelerated discharge after aseptic revision knee arthroplasty is not associated with early readmission and reoperation
Authors: Cochrane Niall H. , Kim Billy , Seyler Thorsten M. , Bolognesi Michael P. , Wellman Samuel S. , Ryan Sean P.
Published: December 2022

Aims

In the last decade, perioperative advancements have expanded the use of outpatient primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Despite this, there remains limited data on expedited discharge after revision TKA. This study compared 30-day readmissions and reoperations in patients undergoing revision TKA with a hospital stay greater or less than 24 hours. The authors hypothesized that expedited discharge in select patients would not be associated with increased 30-day readmissions and reoperations.

Methods

Aseptic revision TKAs in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database were reviewed from 2013 to 2020. TKAs were stratified by length of hospital stay (greater or less than 24 hours). Patient demographic details, medical comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, operating time, components revised, 30-day readmissions, and reoperations were compared. Multivariate analysis evaluated predictors of discharge prior to 24 hours, 30-day readmission, and reoperation.

Results

Of 21,610 aseptic revision TKAs evaluated, 530 were discharged within 24 hours. Short-stay patients were younger (63.1 years (49 to 78) vs 65.1 years (18 to 94)), with lower BMI (32.3 kg/m2 (17 to 47) vs 33.6 kg/m2 (19 to 54) and lower ASA grades. Diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, and cancer were all associated with a hospital stay over 24 hours. Single component revisions (56.8% (n = 301) vs 32.4% (n = 6,823)), and shorter mean operating time (89.7 minutes (25 to 275) vs 130.2 minutes (30 to 517)) were associated with accelerated discharge. Accelerated discharge was not associated with 30-day readmission and reoperation.

Conclusion

Accelerated discharge after revision TKA did not increase short-term complications, readmissions, or reoperations. Further efforts to decrease hospital stays in this setting should be evaluated. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(12):1323–1328.
Management of glenoid bone loss in primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty
Authors: Wilcox Ben , Campbell Ryan J. , Low Adrian K. , Yeoh Timothy
Published: December 2022

Aims

Rates of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) continue to grow. Glenoid bone loss and deformity remains a technical challenge to the surgeon and may reduce improvements in patients’ outcomes. However, there is no consensus as to the optimal surgical technique to best reconstruct these patients’ anatomy. This review aims to compare the outcomes of glenoid bone grafting versus augmented glenoid prostheses in the management of glenoid bone loss in primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

Methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated study-level data in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. We performed searches of Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), and PubMed from their dates of inception to January 2022. From included studies, we analyzed data for preoperative and postoperative range of motion (ROM), patient-reported functional outcomes, and complication rates.

Results

A total of 13 studies (919 shoulders) were included in the analysis. The mean age of patients at initial evaluation was 72.2 years (42 to 87), with a mean follow-up time of 40.7 months (24 to 120). Nine studies with 292 rTSAs evaluated the use of bone graft and five studies with 627 rTSAs evaluated the use of augmented glenoid baseplates. One study was analyzed in both groups. Both techniques demonstrated improvement in patient-reported outcome measures and ROM assessment, with augmented prostheses outperforming bone grafting on improvements in the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score. There was a higher complication rate (8.9% vs 3.5%; p < 0.001) and revision rate among the bone grafting group compared with the patients who were treated with augmented prostheses (2.4% vs 0.6%; p = 0.022).

Conclusion

This review provides strong evidence that both bone graft and augmented glenoid baseplate techniques to address glenoid bone loss give excellent ROM and functional outcomes in primary rTSA. The use of augmented base plates may confer fewer complications and revisions. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(12):1334–1342.
The role of Staphylococcus aureus small colony variants in intraosseous invasion and colonization in periprosthetic joint infection
Authors: Cai Yuanqing , Huang Changyu , Chen Xiaoqing , Chen Yang , Huang Zida , Zhang Chaofan , Zhang Wenming , Fang Xinyu
Published: December 2022

Aims

This study aimed to explore the role of small colony variants (SCVs) of Staphylococcus aureus in intraosseous invasion and colonization in patients with periprosthetic joint infection (PJI).

Methods

A PJI diagnosis was made according to the MusculoSkeletal Infection Society (MSIS) for PJI. Bone and tissue samples were collected intraoperatively and the intracellular invasion and intraosseous colonization were detected. Transcriptomics of PJI samples were analyzed and verified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results

SCVs can be isolated from samples collected from chronic PJIs intraoperatively. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and immunofluorescence (IF) showed that there was more S. aureus in bone samples collected from chronic PJIs, but much less in bone samples from acute PJIs, providing a potential mechanism of PJI. Immunofluorescence results showed that SCVs of S. aureus were more likely to invade osteoblasts in vitro. Furthermore, TEM and IF also demonstrated that SCVs of S. aureus were more likely to invade and colonize in vivo . Cluster analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) showed that there were substantial differences in gene expression profiles between chronic and acute PJI. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed that these differentially expressed genes were enriched to chemokine-related signal pathways. PCR also verified these results.

Conclusion

Our study has shown that the S. aureus SCVs have a greater ability to invade and colonize in bone, resulting in S. aureus remaining in bone tissues long-term, thus explaining the pathogenesis of chronic PJI. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(12):843–853.
The Entanglement of the Disciplines: Why an Afrocentric Methodology to Advance Humanizing Research on People of the African Diaspora
Authors: Flannery Ifetayo M.
Published: December 2022

This review identifies some of the pitfalls in assuming the dominant theories, constructions of race and power, and methodological tools scholars are left to inherit in their traditional disciplinary training. In a quest for a new episteme for Black life, Africana Studies created space for methodological frameworks such as Afrocentricity. This analysis offers examples through an Afrocentric methodology to confront and repair research on Black populations that assume
othering, permanent dislocation from power, land, and authority- particular to Africans in diaspora, and methodological constraints around language and conceptual construction in research on Black life. An Afrocentric methodology can and should be advanced beyond scholarship proliferating within Africana Studies. Research considerations and questions that distinguish disciplinary method from methodology are discussed. Additionally, a new conceptual framing is offered here —
cultural location, as a theoretical tool for historical and cultural examinations of African diasporic groups that applies the aforementioned reorientation toward humanizing research.
Towards a Bad Bitches’ Pedagogy
Authors: Ali Khalilah
Published: December 2022

In this paper, I present a personal narrative approach, grounded in Connelly and Clandinin’s ontological and epistemological stance that “humans are story-telling organisms”1 to discuss my construction of a uniquely working class Black feminist educator identity. This narrative inquiry is an adapted counter-methodological researcher approach that was born out of an interlinkage of my explorations into the histories of Black women educators, hip hop feminisms, and Higginbotham’s respectability politics,2 as it is understood in popular cultural terrain, and as the concept contrasts with and complements notions of (dis)respectability. I situate the paper within a critical hip hop feminist framework and access raunch aesthetics’ use of the sartorial and performative bad-assedness to understand how I have come to craft a transgressive teacher identity. By embracing a vernacular transgressive archetype of the
bad bitch pedagogue, I analyze and complicate my own intersectional identity as a working-class Black woman who navigated an adversarial bourgeoisie traditionalist educational system as a teacher, unwed custodial parent, cultural worker and advocate for Black youth.
The Cycle That Brought Me, This Self, and Art Together
Authors: Salam Niga , Jamal Bzhwen
Published: December 2022

This account details one individual’s struggle with the social construction of womanhood in Kurdish society, those roles that females are taught, misogyny and self-hatred that they see deeply imbedded in Kurdish society. Connecting their artwork to their private self, the authors open the space of their personal struggles with gender identification and being queer.
Molecular dynamics simulations of defects and excitons in glasses
Authors: Corrales L. René
Published: December 2022

The interaction of excited electrons and holes with defects in network semiconducting and insulating glasses is examined. Of particular interest is the diffusion of vacancy sites in oxide materials that can aggregate to form voids and eventually lead to the formation of nanoscale bubbles. This is a process that is known to occur in nuclear waste materials, but the mechanisms remain unclear. A radioactive decay event can release energy in the keV to MeV range that is dispersed amongst the emission of alpha-particles, beta-particles, and gamma rays (depending upon the radionuclide), and into the momentum of the remaining ion. The particle emission lead primarily to electronic excitation energies and self-trapped excitons, whereas the momentum on the ion leads to a recoil cascade. These processes lead to an abundance of bond breaking and topological rearrangement. During the lifetimes of these events, defects such as vacancies, peroxides and E’ centers are formed, and also leads to the etching and formation of molecular oxygen. The underlying physics and chemistry of these processes are studied using a semi-empirical methodology specifically designed to examine amorphous networked materials. The method can be implemented in parallel to study large system sizes as required in the simulation of recoil cascades, and contains enough electronic information to model excited states that lead to the formation of excitons. An overview of the model approach and its application for determining the diffusion barriers of defects in the presence of excitons will be discussed.
Photosensitivity in multi-valent rare earth ion doped aluminosilicate glass optical fiber
Authors: Oh K. , Paek U.C. , Morse T.F.
Published: December 2022

Multivalent rare earth ion, Sm+2/Sm+3 was incorporated into aluminosilicate glass fiber using an aerosol delivery technique. Co-doping of trivalent and divalent states of the ions has been spectroscopically confirmed. Irradiated by multi-line CW Ar ion laser of 1 Watt, the fiber showed photoinduced refractive change of 7.6 × 10−5. Bleaching of Sm+2 absorption band was also observed. Photoionization of Sm+2 is believed to be a main cause of the photosensitivity.
Refractive index changes in Ge-doped silica glass induced by a KrF excimer laser irradiation
Authors: Nishikawa H. , Miyake Y. , Watanabe E. , Ito D.
Published: December 2022

Refractive-index changes (Δn) in Ge-doped silica glass exposed to KrF excimer laser were studied by the measurements of the diffraction efficiency from a grating formed using a phase mask. The Δn of 3.2 × 10-3 was observed for a hydrogentreated (150 atm, 2 weeks, room temperature) sample after a KrF laser irradiation (25 Hz, 0.5 J/cm2/pulse, 27 kJ/cm2), while the Δn obtained for a non-treated sample is less than 10−4. The depth profile of the Δn for the hydrogen-treated sample is limited by the distribution in the hydrogen concentration inside the sample, while it is determined by the attenuation of the ultraviolet light for the non-treated sample. Ultraviolet (UV) optical absorption measurements show that the decrease at a 5.1 eV band and the increase at ~6 eV are stronger in the hydrogen treated sample than in the non-treated one. Correlation between the observed refractive index change and UV absorption change will be discussed. Also, the role of hydrogen on the enhanced photosensitivity will be discussed.
Nonlinear Index of refraction of germanium selenide glass at 10.6 μm
Authors: Schardt C.R. , Simmons J.H. , LeNeindre L. , Lucas P. , Lucas J.
Published: December 2022

We report on the nonlinear index of refraction in germanium selenide glasses at the CO2 laser wavelength of 10.6 μm. This frequency is near the low frequency edge of the germanium selenide infrared window. The nonlinear index is measured by the z-scan technique probed with a CO2 laser. The measurements were done with the laser operating in both continuous and pulsed modes. Compositions of germanium selenide glasses varying from 2 to 40 at. % germanium are studied and the data is compared to the structure and infrared spectra of these glasses.
Chalcogenide glasses with high nonlinear refractive index
Authors: Smektala F. , Quemard C. , LeNeindre L. , Lucas J. , Barthelemy A. , De Angelis C.
Published: December 2022

Nonlinear refractive index and nonlinear absorption of several chalcogenide glasses have been measured by the Z-scan method at 1.05 μm in order to evaluate their capability to be used in telecommunication all optical ultrafast switching devices. Value obtained for the reference glass As2S3, well known to present nonlinearities several orders of magnitude higher than silica glass, agree to those found in the literature. Glasses in the GeSe and GeSeAs systems have been characterized. Values of nonlinear refractive index four times higher than those of as2s3 have been obtained for a GeSeAs glass.
Solarization of soda-lime-silicate glass containing manganese
Authors: Long B.T. , Peters Lyle J. , Schreiber Henry D.
Published: December 2022

Soda-lime-silicate glasses containing different amounts of Mn2+ and Mn3+ (in concert with varying concentrations of iron or antimony) were exposed to high-intensity ultraviolet light. After solarization, the manganese did not appear to change valency from the reduced Mn2+ back to the colored Mn3+ state. However, most glasses exhibited an increase in the background absorption in the visible and ultraviolet spectrum from 800 to 300 nm, probably attributable to the degradation of the glass surface by the ultraviolet radiation.
Mid-IR high power transmission through chalcogenide glass fibers
Authors: Busse L.E. , Sanghera J.S. , Aggarwal I.D.
Published: December 2022

Chalcogenide fibers which are being developed at the Naval Research Laboratory have low optical loss and good mechanical strength, making them practical for use in a variety of mid-infrared applications, including fiber-coupled laser threat warning systems and fiber optic chemical sensors. Current results for both CW and pulsed laser transmission through these chalcogenide fibers in the 2-11 micron wavelength region will be presented. Results and predictions for laser induced optical damage thresholds for glass and fiber will also be discussed. Important issues for optimum infrared power delivery will be addressed, including a novel fiber end termination method and antireflection coatings for the fiber endfaces.
Picosecond Population Modulation Spectroscopy Applied to GaAs Interfaces
Authors: Harris J. , Sugai S. , Nurmikko A. V.
Published: December 2022

We have demonstrated the applicability of sensitive picosecond population modulation methods to characterize GaAs interfaces in a MBE-grown GaAs/GaInP double heterojunction and the free GaAs surface with emphasis on free carrier confinement and interface recombination. Two synchronously pumped mode-locked cw dye lasers (DCM) were used for excitation and probing, the former electro-optically modulated at near 10 MHz, and the change in time delayed transmission or reflection of the probe beam from the sample was detected by phase sensitive electronics. In this way optically induced changes less than 1×10−7 in magnitude could be detected as shown earlier in the pioneering work of Heritage, Levine and co-workers in Raman gain spectroscopy (1). The induced changes were spectrally and temporally resolved near the Eo+Δo interband transition from the spin-orbit split-off band to the conduction band edge in GaAs, and near the fundamental edge in Ga.47In.53P. These two critical point energies differ by less than 100 meV at 77K and were thus conveniently accessible by the same dye laser in the visible (~6400 A).
Focusing while Tracking Sun Light Intensity by an Adaptive Holographic Lens
Authors: Halevy-Politch Jacob , Fisher Uryel
Published: December 2022

We describe an adaptive lens for concentrating while tracking the sun light. Lab experiments, including sun’s relative movement, demonstrated the ability of focusing while tracking sun’s light in real-time.
Prevalent coinfection and associated factors for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus in patients submitted to renal replacement therapy: A cross-sectional study of 21 dialysis units in the State of Mexico
Authors: Palomo-Piñón Silvia , Antonio-Villa Neftali Eduardo , García-Cortés Luis Rey , Rojano-Mejía David , González-Palomo Paula , Martínez-Olivares Marilin Victoria , Santillán-Arreygué Leopoldo , Bertadillo-Mendoza Olga Margarita , Mejia-Rodriguez Oliva , Ontiveros Abraham Santos , de los Angeles Dichi-Romero Maria , Herrera-Morales Blanca Estela , Serafín-Méndez Berenice , Nava-Ayala Flor Araceli , Torres-Valle Delfino , Medrano-Lopez Francisco , Aguinao-Velazquez Tabata Gabriela , de los Santos Antonio Aguilar , Cruz Alfonso Hernandez , Cruz-Arce Maria Adriana , Espinosa Marcos Sebastian Pineda , Mejia-Dominguez Laura
Published: December 2022

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) predispose to viral coinfections in patients submitted to renal replacement therapy (RRT); nevertheless, few reports have been performed to elucidate the current epidemiology within this population in Mexico.

Aim

To estimate the prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV coinfection and to explore factors associated with prevalent coinfection in patients living with renal failure undergoing to RRT.

Methods

A multicenter cross-sectional recruitment across 21 units at the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS) at the State of Mexico was performed during 2019. A standardized clinical questionnaire was performed to elucidate individual and relatives-related conditions. A treatment facility questionnaire was applied to the chief responsible of each unit to explore treatment facility variables. Serological testing, clinical, biochemical, and anthropometrical parameters were extracted from clinical records.

Result

In 1,304 patients (57.5% male, mean age 45.5 (SD: 15.6) years, and 95.8% in hemodialysis), the prevalence of any viral coinfection was 3.14% (95% CI: 2.32%-4.23%). The highest viral coinfection prevalence were for HCV, HBV, and HIV, in which men and subjects diagnosed after 2010’s had the highest rates. We identify that being submitted to peritoneal dialysis, being treated in a surrogated dialysis center and living with a close relative with prior hepatitis coinfection were associated factors for any viral coinfection.

Conclusion

In patients submitted to RRT, the prevalence of viral coinfection remains high compared with general population. Screening strategies, medical awareness and targeted public healthcare policies should prioritize better care practices within patients submitted to RRT in Mexico.
The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on cardiac rehabilitation of patients following acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Haskiah Feras , Jbara Rana , Minha Saar , Assali Abid , Sela Yaron , Pereg David
Published: December 2022

Background

Cardiac rehabilitation improves prognosis and symptoms in cardiac patients. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, cardiac rehabilitation services were temporarily suspended between April and August. We aimed to investigate the effect of cardiac rehabilitation suspension during the COVID-19 pandemic on patients’ exercise capacity and metabolic parameters.

Methods

Included were patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation following hospital admission for ACS. Exercise capacity, weight and body fat percentage were compared between baseline, pre- and post-lockdown visits.

Results

A total of 281 patients participated in the cardiac rehabilitation program prior to its suspension. Of them, only 198 (70%) patients returned to the program on its renewal and were included in the analysis. Exercise capacity improved significantly in the pre-lockdown stress test compared to baseline. However, there was a significant decrease in exercise capacity in the post compared to pre-lockdown test (8.1±6.3 and 7.1±2.1 METs in pre- and post-lockdown measurements, respectively, p<0.001). Of the 99 (50%) of patients that demonstrated at least 10% improvement in exercise capacity in the pre-lockdown test, 48(48.5%) patients returned to their baseline values in the post-lockdown test. Post-lockdown assessment demonstrated a significant weight gain (80.3 and 81.1kg, in pre- and post-lockdown measurements, respectively, p<0.001) as well as an increase in visceral fat level and body fat percentage.

Conclusions

Cardiac rehabilitation suspension for 4 months during COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant reduction in exercise capacity and increased weight and body fat percent. These findings highlight the importance of remote cardiac rehabilitation services that can continue uninterrupted in times of pandemic.
Novel 3D organotypic co-culture model of pleura
Authors: Metelmann Isabella B. , Kraemer Sebastian , Steinert Matthias , Langer Stefan , Stock Peggy , Kurow Olga
Published: December 2022

Pleural mesothelial cells are the predominant cell type in the pleural cavity, but their role in the pathogenesis of pleural diseases needs to be further elucidated. 3D organotypic models are an encouraging approach for an in vivo understanding of molecular disease development. The aim of the present study was to develop a 3D organotypic model of the pleural mesothelium. Specimens of human pleura parietalis were obtained from patients undergoing surgery at the University Hospital Leipzig, Germany. 3D co-culture model of pleura was established from human pleural mesothelial cells and fibroblasts. The model was compared to human pleura tissue by phase-contrast and light microscopy, immunochemistry and -fluorescence as well as solute permeation test. Histological assessment of the 3D co-culture model displayed the presence of both cell types mimicking the morphology of the human pleura. Vimentin and Cytokeratin, PHD1 showed a similar expression pattern in pleural biopsies and 3D model. Expression of Ki-67 indicates the presence of proliferating cells. Tight junctional marker ZO-1 was found localized at contact zones between mesothelial cells. Each of these markers were expressed in both the 3D co-culture model and human biopsies. Permeability of 3D organotypic co-culture model of pleura was found to be higher for 70 kDa-Dextran and no significant difference was seen in the permeability for small dextran (4 kDa). In summary, the presented 3D organoid of pleura functions as a robust assay for pleural research serving as a precise reproduction of the in vivo morphology and microenvironment.
Brimonidine and timolol concentrations in the human vitreous and aqueous humors after topical instillation of a 0.1% brimonidine tartrate and 0.5% timolol fixed-combination ophthalmic solution: An interventional study
Authors: Orii Yusuke , Kunikane Eriko , Yamada Yutaka , Morioka Masakazu , Iwasaki Kentaro , Arimura Shogo , Mizuno Akemi , Inatani Masaru
Published: December 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the concentrations of brimonidine and timolol in the vitreous and aqueous humors after instillation of a 0.1% brimonidine tartrate and 0.5% timolol fixed-combination ophthalmic solution.

Methods

This single-arm open-label interventional study included patients with macular holes or idiopathic epiretinal membranes who were scheduled for vitrectomy. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. A 0.1% brimonidine tartrate and 0.5% timolol fixed-combination ophthalmic solution was administered topically twice daily for 1 week preoperatively. The vitreous and aqueous humors were sampled before vitrectomy, and brimonidine and timolol concentrations were quantified using liquid chromatography-tandem spectrometry. This study was registered with the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCT, ID jRCTs051200008; date of access and registration: April 28, 2020). The study protocol was approved by the University of Fukui Certified Review Board (CRB) and complied with the tenets of the Declaration of Helsinki.

Results

Eight eyes of eight patients (7 phakic eyes and 1 pseudophakic eye) were included in this study. The mean brimonidine concentrations in the vitreous and aqueous humors were 5.04 ± 4.08 nM and 324 ± 172 nM, respectively. Five of the eight patients had brimonidine concentrations >2 nM in the vitreous humor, which is necessary to activate α2 receptors. The mean timolol concentrations in the vitreous and aqueous humors were 65.6 ± 56.0 nM and 3,160 ± 1,570 nM, respectively. Brimonidine concentrations showed significant positive correlations with timolol concentrations in the vitreous humor (P < 0.0001, R2 = 0.97) and aqueous humor (P < 0.0001, R2 = 0.96).

Conclusions

The majority of patients who received a 0.1% brimonidine tartrate and 0.5% timolol topical fixed-combination ophthalmic solution showed a brimonidine concentration >2 nM in the vitreous humor. Brimonidine and timolol may be distributed in the ocular tissues through an identical pathway after topical instillation.
Nuclear corepressor SMRT acts as a strong regulator of both β-oxidation and suppressor of fibrosis in the differentiation process of mouse skeletal muscle cells
Authors: Shimizu Hiroaki , Horibata Yasuhiro , Amano Izuki , Ritter Megan J. , Domae Mariko , Ando Hiromi , Sugimoto Hiroyuki , Cohen Ronald N. , Hollenberg Anthony N.
Published: December 2022

Background

Silencing Mediator of Retinoid and Thyroid hormone receptors (SMRT; NCoR2) is a transcriptional corepressor (CoR) which has been recognized as an important player in the regulation of hepatic lipogenesis and in somatic development in mouse embryo. SMRT protein is also widely expressed in mouse connective tissues, for example adipocytes and muscle. We recently reported that mice with global deletion of SMRT develop significant obesity and muscle wasting which are independent from thyroid hormone (TH) signaling and thermogenesis. However, the tissue specific role of SMRT in skeletal muscle is still not clear.

Methods

To clarify role of SMRT in muscle differentiation, we made myogenic C2C12 clones which lack SMRT protein (C2C12-SKO) by using CRISPR-Cas9. Wild-type C2C12 (C2C12-WT) and C2C12-SKO cells were cultured in differentiation medium, and the resulting gene and protein profiles were compared between the two cell lines both before and after differentiation. We also analyzed muscle tissues which were dissected from whole body SMRT knockout (KO) mice and their controls.

Results

We found significant up-regulation of muscle specific β-oxidation markers; Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor δ (PPARδ) and PPARγ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) in the C2C12-SKO cells, suggesting that the cells had a similar gene profile to what is found in exercised rodent skeletal muscle. On the other hand, confocal microscopic analysis showed the significant loss of myotubes in C2C12-SKO cells similar to the morphology found in immature myoblasts. Proteomics analysis also confirmed that the C2C12-SKO cells had higher expression of markers of fibrosis (ex. Collagen1A1; COL1A1 and Fibroblast growth factor-2; FGF-2), indicating the up-regulation of Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) receptor signaling. Consistent with this, treatment with a specific TGF-β receptor inhibitor ameliorated both the defects in myotube differentiation and fibrosis.

Conclusion

Taken together, we demonstrate that SMRT functions as a pivotal transcriptional mediator for both β-oxidation and the prevention for the fibrosis via TGF-β receptor signaling in the differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts. In contrast to the results from C2C12 cells, SMRT does not appear to play a role in adult skeletal muscle of whole body SMRT KO mice. Thus, SMRT plays a significant role in the differentiation of myoblasts.
Reducing the effect of immortal time bias affects the analysis of prevention of delirium by suvorexant in critically ill patients: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Shiotsuka Junji , Uchino Shigehiko , Sasabuchi Yusuke , Masuyama Tomoyuki , Lefor Alan Kawarai , Sanui Masamitsu
Published: December 2022

Background

Studies assessing the effect of suvorexant on delirium prevention included patients treated before development of delirium, which can introduce immortal time bias. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of suvorexant on delirium, comparing patients treated before the onset of delirium with patients treated within 72h of admission using the same dataset.

Methods

Data from adult patients admitted to the ICU from August 2018 to July 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. In “any time before” analysis, the incidence of delirium was compared for patients who received suvorexant at any time during their ICU stay (suvorexant) (unless delirium developed before treatment) with patients who either did not receive suvorexant or received suvorexant after development of delirium (control). This design was used in previously published studies. In “within 72h” analysis, the incidence of delirium was compared for patients who received suvorexant within 72 hours of admission (suvorexant) and patients who did not receive suvorexant or received it more than 72 hours after admission (control). Patients who developed delirium during the initial 72 hours were excluded from “within 72h” analysis (N = 799).

Results

“Within 72h” analysis included 1,255 patients, and “any time before” analysis included 2,054 patients (of 6599 admissions). The unadjusted hazard ratio of “any time before” analysis was 0.16 and the 95% confidence interval was 0.13–0.21 (p<0.01). The adjusted hazard ratio was 0.21, and the 95% confidence interval was 0.16–0.27 (p<0.01). “Within 72h” analysis had an unadjusted hazard ratio of 0.54 and the 95% confidence interval was 0.36–0.82 (p<0.01). However, this association lost statistical significance after adjustment for potential confounders (adjusted hazard ratio 1.02, 95% confidence interval 0.65–1.59, p = 0.93).

Conclusion

Reducing the effect of immortal time bias led to a significantly reduced effect of suvorexant for the prevention of delirium.
What happened during COVID-19 in African ICUs? An observational study of pulmonary co-infections, superinfections, and mortality in Morocco
Authors: Aissaoui Younes , Ennassimi Youssef , Myatt Ismail , El Bouhiaoui Mohammed , Nabil Mehdi , Bahi Mohammed , Arsalane Lamiae , Miloudi Mouhcine , Belhadj Ayoub
Published: December 2022

Background

There is a growing literature showing that critically ill COVID-19 patients have an increased risk of pulmonary co-infections and superinfections. However, studies in developing countries, especially African countries, are lacking. The objective was to describe the prevalence of bacterial co-infections and superinfections in critically ill adults with severe COVID-19 pneumonia in Morocco, the micro-organisms involved, and the impact of these infections on survival.

Methods

This retrospective study included severe COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) between April 2020 and April 2021. The diagnosis of pulmonary co-infections and superinfections was based on the identification of pathogens from lower respiratory tract samples. Co-infection was defined as the identification of a respiratory pathogen, diagnosed concurrently with SARS-Cov2 pneumonia. Superinfections include hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). A multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify factors independently associated with mortality.

Results

Data from 155 patients were analyzed. The median age was 68 years [62–72] with 87% of patients being male. A large proportion of patients (68%) received antibiotics before ICU admission. Regarding ventilatory management, the majority of patients (88%) underwent non-invasive ventilation (NIV). Sixty-five patients (42%) were placed under invasive mechanical ventilation, mostly after failure of NIV. The prevalence of co-infections, HAP and VAP was respectively 4%, 12% and 40% (64 VAP/1000 ventilation days). The most isolated pathogens were Enterobacterales for HAP and Acinetobacter sp. for VAP. The proportion of extra-drug resistant (XDR) bacteria was 78% for Acinetobacter sp. and 24% for Enterobacterales. Overall ICU mortality in this cohort was 64.5%. Patients with superinfection showed a higher risk of death (OR = 6.4, 95% CI: 1.8–22; p = 0.004).

Conclusions

In this single-ICU Moroccan COVID-19 cohort, bacterial co-infections were relatively uncommon. Conversely, high rates of superinfections were observed, with an increased frequency of antimicrobial resistance. Patients with superinfections showed a higher risk of death.
Evaluation of class participation in non-face-to-face CPR training for medical students
Authors: Cho Young Shin , Park Hye Ji , Choi Daun , Park Hang A. , Kim Sola , Park Ju Ok , Wang Soon-Joo , Lee Choung Ah
Published: December 2022

Background

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) education requires that learners practice key skills to promote mastery. Our aim in this study was to evaluate differences in post-education performance and class participation during CPR training between face-to- face (FF) and non-face-to-face (NFF) learning formats.

Methods

This was a randomized controlled study of third-year medical students from two university hospital, allocated to either the FF or NFF format for CPR education. The learning scenario addressed single-person CPR, consisting of chest compression only, and excluded breathing. The Kahoot! application was used for NFF. Between-group comparisons for class participation and CPR skills were based on video recordings.

Results

Seventy students participated in our study, with 35 randomly allocated to the FF and NFF groups. There were no between-group differences in terms of age, sex, previous basic life support training, and willingness and confidence in performing CPR. Compared to the FF group, the NFF group demonstrated significant differences during CPR, including fewer calling for assistance and using of defibrillator (p = 0.006), as well as fewer checking for breathing (p = 0.007), and fewer counting during chest compression (p = 0.006). Additionally, < 30% of learners in the NFF group completed rhythm analysis after the last defibrillator shock delivery and resumed immediate chest compression (p < 0.001). All students in both groups passed the post-training assessment.

Conclusion

Class participation in NFF learning was lower than that in FF learning. Although the post-education evaluation in the NFF group was not inferior, efforts on promoting active participation in NFF learning are required.