bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increasing the number of midwives is necessary but not sufficient: using global data to support the case for investment in both midwife availability and the enabling work environment in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Nove Andrea , Boyce Martin , Neal Sarah , Homer Caroline S. E. , Lavender Tina , Matthews Zoë , Downe Soo
Published: July 2024

Background

Most countries are off-track to achieve global maternal and newborn health goals. Global stakeholders agree that investment in midwifery is an important element of the solution. During a global shortage of health workers, strategic decisions must be made about how to configure services to achieve the best possible outcomes with the available resources. This paper aims to assess the relationship between the strength of low- and middle-income countries’ (LMICs’) midwifery profession and key maternal and newborn health outcomes, and thus to prompt policy dialogue about service configuration.

Methods

Using the most recent available data from publicly available global databases for the period 2000–2020, we conducted an ecological study to examine the association between the number of midwives per 10,000 population and: (i) maternal mortality, (ii) neonatal mortality, and (iii) caesarean birth rate in LMICs. We developed a composite measure of the strength of the midwifery profession, and examined its relationship with maternal mortality.

Results

In LMICs (especially low-income countries), higher availability of midwives is associated with lower maternal and neonatal mortality. In upper-middle-income countries, higher availability of midwives is associated with caesarean birth rates close to 10–15%. However, some countries achieved good outcomes without increasing midwife availability, and some have increased midwife availability and not achieved good outcomes. Similarly, while stronger midwifery service structures are associated with greater reductions in maternal mortality, this is not true in every country.

Conclusions

A complex web of health system factors and social determinants contribute to maternal and newborn health outcomes, but there is enough evidence from this and other studies to indicate that midwives can be a highly cost-effective element of national strategies to improve these outcomes.
The effect of bilateral ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block on postoperative pain control in idiopathic scoliosis patients undergoing posterior spine fusion surgery: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gao Jingchun , Ren Yi , Guo Dong
Published: July 2024

Background

Posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for the correction of idiopathic scoliosis is associated with severe postoperative pain. Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) has been proposed to provide analgesia and reduce opioid consumption. We aimed to investigate the effect of bilateral ultrasound-guided single-shot ESPB on postoperative analgesia in pediatric patients undergoing PSF.

Methods

This double-blinded, randomized controlled trial will enroll 74 AIS patients undergoing elective PSF. Participants will be assigned to the ESPB group or control group at a 1:1 ratio. Patients in the ESPB group will receive ultrasound-guided bilateral ESPB preoperatively, and patients in the control group received sham ESPB using normal saline. The primary joint endpoints are the area under the curve (AUC) of numerical rating scale (NRS) score and opioid consumption in postoperative 24 h. The secondary endpoints are numerical rating scale (NRS) score and opioid consumption at postoperative 0.5, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h, rescue analgesia, recovery outcomes, and adverse events.

Discussion

At present, studies investigating the effect of ESPB on pediatric patients are still needed. This study focuses on the effect of ESPB on pediatric patients undergoing PSF on postoperative pain control and intends to provide a new strategy of multimodal analgesia management for major spine surgery.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2300074505. Registered on August 8, 2023.
Group intervention for family members of people with borderline personality disorder based on Dialectical Behavior Therapy: Implementation of the Family Connections® program in France and Switzerland
Authors: Cohen Satchel , Salamin Virginie , Perroud Nader , Dieben Karen , Ducasse Déborah , Durpoix Amaury , Guenot Florence , Tissot Hervé , Kramer Ueli , Speranza Mario
Published: July 2024

Background

Families and significant others of people with borderline personality disorder (BPD) show increased levels of psychological distress. Family Connections®, a 12-week group intervention based on the principles of Dialectical Behavior Therapy, was designed to provide families with both information about the disorder and emotion regulation skills. It has been progressively implemented in French-speaking European countries.

Methods

We conducted an observational, multicenter study in France and Switzerland. In total, 149 participants of the Family Connections program were included among five centers. Burden, depression, coping, and emotion regulation were assessed before and after the intervention.

Results

One-way repeated measures MANOVA showed that the burden, depressive symptoms, emotion regulation and coping all changed significantly after the intervention (p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.297). T-tests showed that the burden significantly decreased after the intervention (p < 0.0001, d = -0.48), as did depressive symptoms (p < 0.0001, d = -0.36) and difficulties in emotion regulation (p < 0.0001, d =-0.32) whereas coping improved (p < 0.0001, d = 0.53). Two-way mixed ANOVA showed that burden reduction was stronger among female than male participants (p = 0.048, η2 = 0.027). Before the intervention, the burden was higher for female than male participants (p < 0.001). An initial linear regression showed the burden reduction to be associated with a decrease in the resignation of the participants (β = 0.19, p = 0.047). A second linear regression showed the burden reduction to be associated with the intensity of the relatives’ symptoms at baseline (β = 0.22, p = 0.008) and improvement of emotional clarity of the participants (β = 0.25, p = 0.006).

Conclusion

This Dialectical Behavior Therapy-Based psychoeducational intervention is an appropriate way to support French-speaking European families of people with BPD.
An overview of gel-based cleaning approaches for art conservation
Authors: Khaksar-Baghan Niayesh , Koochakzaei Alireza , Hamzavi Yaser
Published: July 2024

This article presents a thorough overview of gel-based cleaning methods used in art conservation. It covers the evolution of traditional approaches and the development of advanced gel systems. The paper examines the structure, characterization, and classification of gels, as well as their mechanical properties, which are crucial in art conservation. Various types of gels, including hydrogels, organogels, xerogels, semi-IPNs, and microgels, are discussed in detail, highlighting their unique properties and suitability for specific conservation applications. The advantages, limitations, and applications of both natural and synthesized polymers that form the basis for these gels are also analyzed. Case studies are presented to demonstrate the practicality and effectiveness of gels in cleaning different materials such as paper, paintings, metals, and textiles. These case studies showcase successful removal of stains, pollutants, and unwanted layers while preserving the integrity and aesthetic value of the artworks. By contributing to the existing knowledge on gel-based cleaning approaches in art conservation, this comprehensive review establishes a foundation for future research and development in this field. The review concludes with a discussion on the challenges and potential future directions in the development and optimization of gel-based cleaning methods for art conservation. Overall, this article is a valuable resource for researchers, conservators, and students in the field of art conservation, providing essential information and insights into the use of gels as effective and safe cleaning agents.
Effects of fasudil on glial cell activation induced by tooth movement
Authors: Chen Wenyuanfeng , Qu Yuan , Liu Yining , Zhang Guorui , Sharhan Hasan M. , Zhang Xinzhu , Zhang Kunwu , Cao Baocheng
Published: July 2024

Background

Orthodontic pain affects the physical and mental health of patients. The spinal trigeminal subnucleus caudalis (SPVC) contributes to the transmission of pain information and serves as a relay station for integrating orofacial damage information. Recently, glial cells have been found to be crucial for both acute and maintenance phases of pain. It has also been demonstrated that rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitors can manage different pain models by inhibiting glial cell activation. Here, we hypothesized that orthodontic pain is related to glial cells in the SPVC, and Fasudil, a representative rho/rock kinase inhibitor, can relieve orthodontic pain by regulating the function of glial cells and the related inflammatory factors. In this study, we constructed a rat model of tooth movement pain and used immunofluorescence staining to evaluate the activation of microglia and astrocytes. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect the release of related cytokines and the expression of pain-related genes in the SPVC. Simultaneously, we investigated the effect of Fasudil on the aforementioned indicators.

Results

In the SPVC, the expression of c-Fos peaked on day 1 along with the expression of OX42 (related to microglial activation), CD16 (a pro-inflammatory factor), and CD206 (an anti-inflammatory factor) on day 3 after tooth movement, followed by a gradual decrease. GFAP-staining showed that the number of activated astrocytes was the highest on day 5 and that cell morphology became complex. After Fasudil treatment, the expression of these proteins showed a downward trend. The mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory factors (IL-1β and TNF-α) peaked on day 3, and the mRNA expression of the anti-inflammatory factor TGF-β was the lowest 3 days after tooth movement. Fasudil inhibited the mRNA expression of pain-related genes encoding CSF-1, t-PA, CTSS, and BDNF.

Conclusion

This study shows that tooth movement can cause the activation of glial cells in SPVC, and ROCK inhibitor Fasudil can inhibit the activation of glial cells and reduce the expression of the related inflammatory factors. This study presents for the first time the potential application of Fasudil in othodontic pain.
Composition, antioxidant and development-promoting activity of fermentation modified crude polysaccharides from stem and leaves of Chenopodium album L.
Authors: Liu Na , Wang Yuan , An Xiaoping , Qi Jingwei , Wang Buyu , Du Juan , Wang Wenwen
Published: July 2024

Chenopodium albumL. (CAL) has many bioactive compounds and pharmacological activities. Fermentation is the preferred modification method of releasing target bioactive. We prepared two crude polysaccharides: SLC (the polysaccharide from the unfermented stem and leaves of CAL) and FSLC (the polysaccharide from the fermented stem and leaves of CAL). In vitro antioxidant and composition of SLC and FSLC were compared, and the effects of FSLC on antioxidant activity in the IPEC-J2 cells model and development-promoting activity in the zebrafish model were evaluated. The results revealed that FSLC possesses stronger DPPH, hydroxyl radical scavenging, and reducing power than SLC. The levels of total polysaccharide, polyphenol, and flavonoid, as well as the molar ratio of glucuronic acid increased in FSLC. Compared with SLC, the relative contents of protocatechuic acid, protocatechualdehyde, gentisic acid, vanillic acid, p-coumaric acid, quercetin, ferulic acid methyl ester, hispidulin, diosmetin, cinnamic acid, isorhamnetin, syringic acid and kaempferol in FSLC increased. In IPEC-J2 cells, antioxidant enzyme activities and GSH levels were significantly increased, while the MDA level was reduced by treatment with 0.25 mg/mL FSLC. In the zebrafish model, treatment with 25 ~ 300 μg/mL of FSLC had no harmful impact on the morphology and viability of embryos at 12 ~72 hpf. At 48 and 60 hpf, treatment with 100 ~ 300 μg/mL FSLC increased the hatching rate of embryos. At 72hpf, treatment with 100 ~ 300 μg/mL FSLC could relieve morphological abnormalities caused by LPS in zebrafish and improve the hatching rate of embryos. Together, these results provide useful information on the potential for applying polysaccharides from the stems and leaves of CAL as natural feed additives to exert its antioxidant and development-promoting functions.

Graphical Abstract
Effect of soil factors on flavonoid metabolites in Striga asiatica using LC–MS based on untargeted metabolomics
Authors: Tang Siqi , Wei Kaixin , Huang Hao , Li Xinghua , Min Yuxin , Tai Jiayi , Xu Yi , Chen Lei , Yan Shimeng , Xiong Qiangqiang , Li Xiaojun
Published: July 2024

Background

Striga asiatica (L.) O. Kuntze is a traditional medicinal plant rich in flavonoids, which has various pharmacological effects such as anti-hepatitis and antioxidant activities. However, there is a scarcity of resources, and artificial cultivation has not yet been achieved. This study explored the association between flavonoid metabolites and soil physicochemical properties and trace elements in different habitats, with the aim of offering theoretical guidance for the high-quality artificial cultivation of S. asiatica.

Results

The results showed that S. asiatica has low requirements for soil fertility and prefers to grow in acidic soil with high contents of potassium and available potassium, while low contents of phosphorus, nitrogen and alkali hydrolyzed nitrogen. Additionally, 1592 kinds of metabolites were identified from S. asiatica, including 78 flavonoids.

Conclusions

The flavonoid metabolites were strongly related to soil factors. Reasonable application of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers as well as controlling the contents of sodium, manganese and boron in the soil, can promote the synthesis of flavonoid metabolites in the plant. Moreover, kaempferide, glycitein, luteolin, apigenin and genistein may be the metabolic markers for identifying different regions.

Graphical Abstract
F-18 FDG PET/CT scan in recurrent prosthetic valve endocarditis without detectable abnormality on echo: a case report
Authors: Denil Nurnadiah A. , Arunasalem Reana D. , Amir Hassan Siti Zarina
Published: July 2024

Background

Infective endocarditis poses many clinical and diagnostic challenge. The diagnosis of infective endocarditis is made by high index of clinical suspicion based on the American Heart Association modified Duke’s criteria, and the main imaging modality of choice is echocardiography.

Case presentation

Here, we reported a case of recurrent infective endocarditis revealed by FDG PET/CT study despite completion of antibiotics and negative on echocardiography. A 38-year-old female with history of double-valve replacement for aortic stenosis presented with 1-week history of chest pain, dyspnea and intermittent fever. She was treated with 5 weeks of antibiotic with IV Cephalexin for prosthetic valve endocarditis. The repeated blood culture after IV antibiotic was negative for infection. She represented again with episodes of palpitation. Post-treatment blood investigation showed normal leukocyte level with increasing CRP and Troponin T level. The repeated blood culture and transesophageal echo was negative. The F-18 FDG PET/CT showed a mild hypermetabolic focus at the inferior basal myocardial wall adjacent to the prosthetic valve, however not involving the paraaortic region which is likely secondary to ongoing inflamed myocardium. As the fear of another relapse of endocarditis, oral suppression antibiotic therapy was continued for another 6 months.

Conclusions

This case report illustrates a patient with a prosthetic valve replacement detected by F-18 FDG PET/CT, which one could have overlooked an endocarditis if one had relied on transesophageal echo (TEE) alone. F-18 FDG PET/CT is a promising adjunctive tool in the diagnostic workup of patients with suspected IE, particularly prosthetic device endocarditis where the TEE sensitivity is lower. In our patient, the positive F-18 FDG PET/CT governs the subsequent therapeutic consequences which include adjustment of antibiotic and length of treatment, and it prevents unnecessary intervention.
Patient and Caregiver Experience With the Hope and Prognostic Uncertainty of Immunotherapy: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Boulanger Mary C. , Falade Ayo S. , Hsu Kelly , Sommer Robert K. , Zhou Ashley , Sarathy Roshni , Lawrence Donald , Sullivan Ryan J. , Traeger Lara , Greer Joseph A. , Temel Jennifer S. , Petrillo Laura A.
Published: July 2024

PURPOSE

Immunotherapy has improved survival for patients with melanoma and non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Yet, as responses vary widely, immunotherapy also introduces challenges in prognostic communication. In this study, we sought to explore how patients and caregivers learned about the goal of immunotherapy and their experience of living with uncertainty.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a qualitative study of patients with stage III or IV melanoma or stage IV NSCLC within 12 weeks of initiating or 12 months of discontinuing immunotherapy, and their caregivers. We conducted in-depth interviews with participants to explore how they learned about immunotherapy from oncology clinicians and how they experienced uncertainty. We used a framework approach to analyze interview transcripts and synthesized concepts into themes.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients and 10 caregivers participated; median age was 67 years and most were male (68%), white (95%), married (61%), and had melanoma (62%). We identified four themes: (1) the oncology team shaped participants' hopeful expectations of immunotherapy, including as a potential cure among those with melanoma; (2) distress related to prognostic uncertainty particularly affected patients who experienced toxicity or progressive disease; (3) patients who did not have long-term responses experienced overwhelming disappointment; and (4) some patients and caregivers had conflicting preferences for prognostic information. Participants provided suggestions to improve education and underscored unmet psychosocial needs.

CONCLUSION

Patients and caregivers held optimistic expectations of immunotherapy, which resulted in heightened disappointment among the subset with progression or toxicity. Clinicians should elicit information preferences of both patients and caregivers, as these may be disparate. Our results highlight the need to optimize prognostic communication and support for living with uncertainty among patients receiving immunotherapy.
Rotational Latissimus Dorsi Flap for Lateral Repair of Thoracic Cerebrospinal Fluid-Pleural Fistula: Case Report
Authors: Ambreen Yamenah , Weber Matthieu , Baum Justin , Kneuertz Peter J. , Xu David S.
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE:

Giant calcified thoracic discs are challenging surgical pathologies that tend to be more centrally located and calcified. This complicates the removal process and potentiates the formation of dural defects, resulting in persistent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks and the formation of pleural fistulas. The typical intervention for this is CSF diversion through external ventricular drain or lumbar drain placement, followed by direct repair. However, if all these measures fail, subsequent salvage techniques have not been described previously.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION:

A 45-year-old man with past medical history of obesity (body mass index: 58), hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus presented to the emergency department with thoracic myelopathy symptoms. MR demonstrated a giant calcified thoracic discs at T7-T8 with severe spinal cord compression. Intraoperatively, the disc was found fused to the dura and removal caused a large ventrolateral dural dehiscence. CSF diversion and direct repair were attempted unsuccessfully, so a salvage procedure with a rotational pedicled latissimus dorsi flap was performed. The patient's latissimus dorsi was exposed and resected from attachments, maintaining thoracodorsal blood supply, while removing thoracodorsal innervation. The flap was then rotated into the previous corpectomy site. The dural defect was repaired with a sealant patch, overlayed with a parietal pleural flap and the latissimus dorsi flap. By the patient's last follow-up, he had full functional independence at home.

CONCLUSION:

We present a surgical case highlighting the challenges of managing postoperative CSF-pleural fistula occurring after giant calcified thoracic disc removal and the successful use of a novel rotational latissimus dorsi flap to definitively repair the fistula after unsuccessful primary interventions.
Thymic epithelial organoids mediate T-cell development
Authors: Hübscher Tania , Lorenzo-Martín L. Francisco , Barthlott Thomas , Tillard Lucie , Langer Jakob J. , Rouse Paul , Blackburn C. Clare , Holländer Georg , Lutolf Matthias P.
Published: July 2024

Although the advent of organoids has opened unprecedented perspectives for basic and translational research, immune system-related organoids remain largely underdeveloped. Here, we established organoids from the thymus, the lymphoid organ responsible for T-cell development. We identified conditions enabling mouse thymic epithelial progenitor cell proliferation and development into organoids with diverse cell populations and transcriptional profiles resembling in vivo thymic epithelial cells (TECs) more closely than traditional TEC cultures. In contrast to these two-dimensional cultures, thymic epithelial organoids maintained thymus functionality in vitro and mediated physiological T-cell development upon reaggregation with T-cell progenitors. The reaggregates showed in vivo-like epithelial diversity and the ability to attract T-cell progenitors. Thymic epithelial organoids are the first organoids originating from the stromal compartment of a lymphoid organ. They provide new opportunities to study TEC biology and T-cell development in vitro, paving the way for future thymic regeneration strategies in ageing or acute injuries.
Human organoid model of pontocerebellar hypoplasia 2a recapitulates brain region-specific size differences
Authors: Kagermeier Theresa , Hauser Stefan , Sarieva Kseniia , Laugwitz Lucia , Groeschel Samuel , Janzarik Wibke G. , Yentür Zeynep , Becker Katharina , Schöls Ludger , Krägeloh-Mann Ingeborg , Mayer Simone
Published: July 2024

Pontocerebellar hypoplasia type 2a (PCH2a) is an ultra-rare, autosomal recessive pediatric disorder with limited treatment options. Its anatomical hallmark is hypoplasia of the cerebellum and pons accompanied by progressive microcephaly. A homozygous founder variant in TSEN54, which encodes a tRNA splicing endonuclease (TSEN) complex subunit, is causal. The pathological mechanism of PCH2a remains unknown due to the lack of a model system. Therefore, we developed human models of PCH2a using regionalized neural organoids. We generated induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines from three males with genetically confirmed PCH2a and subsequently differentiated cerebellar and neocortical organoids. Mirroring clinical neuroimaging findings, PCH2a cerebellar organoids were reduced in size compared to controls starting early in differentiation. Neocortical PCH2a organoids demonstrated milder growth deficits. Although PCH2a cerebellar organoids did not upregulate apoptosis, their stem cell zones showed altered proliferation kinetics, with increased proliferation at day 30 and reduced proliferation at day 50 compared to controls. In summary, we generated a human model of PCH2a, providing the foundation for deciphering brain region-specific disease mechanisms. Our first analyses suggest a neurodevelopmental aspect of PCH2a.
Argonaute protein CSR-1 restricts localization of holocentromere protein HCP-3, the C. elegans CENP-A homolog
Authors: Wong Charmaine Yan Yu , Tsui Hok Ning , Wang Yue , Yuen Karen Wing Yee
Published: July 2024

Chromosome segregation errors caused by centromere malfunction can lead to chromosome instability and aneuploidy. In Caenorhabditis elegans, the Argonaute protein CSR-1 is essential for proper chromosome segregation, although the specific mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we investigated how CSR-1 regulates centromere and kinetochore function in C. elegans embryos. We found that depletion of CSR-1 results in defects in mitotic progression and chromosome positioning relative to the spindle pole. Knockdown of CSR-1 does not affect mRNA and protein levels of the centromeric histone H3 variant and CENP-A homolog HCP-3 but does increase the localization of HCP-3 and some kinetochore proteins to the mitotic chromosomes. Such elevation of HCP-3 chromatin localization depends on EGO-1, which is an upstream factor in the CSR-1 RNA interference (RNAi) pathway, and PIWI domain activity of CSR-1. Our results suggest that CSR-1 restricts the level of HCP-3 at the holocentromeres, prevents erroneous kinetochore assembly and thereby promotes accurate chromosome segregation. Our work sheds light on the role of CSR-1 in regulating deposition of HCP-3 on chromatin and centromere function in embryos.
Joint synergy and muscle activity in the motion of the ankle–foot complex
Authors: Zhang Xinyue , Sun Ronglei
Published: July 2024

The movement of the ankle–foot complex joints is coupled as a result of various physiological and physical constraints. This study introduces a novel approach to the analysis of joint synergies and their physiological basis by focusing on joint rotational directions and the types of muscle contractions. We developed a biomimetic model of the ankle–foot complex with seven degrees of freedom, considering the skeletal configuration and physiological axis directions. Motion capture experiments were conducted with eight participants performing dorsiflexion and plantarflexion in open-chain states, as well as various walking tasks in closed-chain states, across different ground inclinations (±10, ±5, 0 deg) and walking speeds (3 and 4 km h−1). Hierarchical cluster analysis identified joint synergy clusters and motion primitives, revealing that in open-chain movements, plantarflexion of the ankle, tarsometatarsal and metatarsophalangeal joints exhibited synergy with the inversion of the remaining joints in the complex; meanwhile, dorsiflexion was aligned with eversion. During closed-chain movements, the synergies grouping was exchanged in the subtalar, talonavicular and metatarsophalangeal joints. Further analysis showed that in open-chain movements, synergy patterns influenced by multi-joint muscles crossing oblique joint axes contribute to foot motion. In closed-chain movements, these changes in synergistic patterns enhance the propulsion of the center of mass towards the contralateral leg and improve foot arch compliance, facilitating human motion. Our work enhances the understanding of the physiological mechanisms underlying synergistic motion within the ankle–foot complex.
The Utility of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Elderly Patients with Melanoma
Authors: Kakish Hanna , Jung Carmen A. , Doh Susan J. , Mulligan Kathleen M. , Sheng Iris , Ammori John B. , Mangla Ankit , Hoehn Richard S. , Rothermel Luke D.
Published: July 2024

Background

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is performed less often for older patients with melanoma. We investigated the association of SLNB and melanoma-specific survival (MSS) in the elderly.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER: 2010–2019) for patients ≥ 70 years with cT2-4N0M0 melanoma. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazard models to evaluate the impact of SLNB performance and SLN status on MSS at increasing age cutoffs. In addition, we evaluated the association of different factors with SLNB performance using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

We identified 11,548 patients. Sentinel lymph node biopsy occurred in 6754 (58.5%) patients, 1050 (15.5%) of whom had a positive SLN. On adjusted SEER analysis, a negative SLN was independently associated with improved MSS (overall hazard ratio [HR] 0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.63–0.67) for patients up to 87 years old. Positive SLNB was independently associated with inferior MSS (HR 1.71, 95% CI 1.93–1.98). Increasing age groups were significantly associated with decreased SLNB performance.

Conclusions

Sentinel lymph node biopsy is associated with cancer-specific survival and adds prognostic information for elderly patients with melanoma. Sentinel lymph node biopsy performance should not be eliminated in elderly patients based on age alone, unless justified by poor performance status, patient preference, or other surgical contraindications. Decreased SLNB performance with increasing age in our cohort may indicate a missed therapeutic opportunity in the care of elderly patients with melanoma.
Genome assembly catalog for species in the Japanese Red List: unlocking endangered biodiversity through genomic inventory
Authors: Kryukov Kirill , Nakahama Naoyuki , Kuraku Shigehiro
Published: July 2024

Improvements in DNA sequencing technology are allowing the dramatic increase of whole genome data for a wide variety of species. Such genome sequence data can assist the monitoring of intraspecific genetic diversity, but is often lacking for threatened species. In this project, we focused on the national Red List, a catalog of extinct and threatened species, issued by the Japanese government. We combined the data included in it with the record of genome assembly in NCBI and tabulated the assembly availability of the species in the list. The combined data shows a low percentage (2.1%) of the availability of whole genome sequence data for the taxa ranked on the Japanese Red List as well as a strong bias towards mammals and birds in Animalia and vascular plants in Plantae. Our data presentation highlights potential systematic limitations in genome sequencing (e.g., budget for sequencing large genomes of amphibians) and instructs future policies including which taxon needs more effort for genome sequencing. The resultant tables are available in the original website https://treethinkers.nig.ac.jp/redlist/ and are regularly updated.
‘What seems to be missing is actual reality’ Why don’t postdocs engage with career-focused professional development?
Authors: Etheridge Mollie , Hampton Jessica , Ioppolo Becky , Abel Lara , Tal-Perry Noam , Dawson Katherine , Collier Marie , Matthews Zoe , Murray Kate , Osborn Sylvia , Simmonds Liz , Wooding Steven
Published: July 2024

Background The relationship dynamics between postdoctoral researchers and their managers – typically Principal Investigators (PIs) - can directly and indirectly impact the professional development activities that postdocs participate in. Although career and development (C&D) conversations can be a platform through which both parties communicate about the postdoc’s development needs and career aspirations, it is unclear how frequently postdocs are having these types of conversations. Evidence from across the UK indicates that this group receive little feedback on their performance. Methods To explore interventions that could empower postdocs to initiate C&D conversations, we conducted a pilot study at the University of Cambridge where current postdocs were offered workshops utilizing two widely available professional development tools. Both workshops included 360-degree feedback interventions, and we hypothesized that the feedback gathered through these tools could give postdocs both a launching pad for facilitating a conversation with their PI and address the aforementioned feedback shortfall. Results Although most of the participant sample reported already having C&D conversations, those who did not report as such demonstrated mixed feelings about whether facilitating these types of discussions is even part of the PI role. Insights from participants’ engagement with the 360-degree feedback tools also show that participants were mindful of time constraints when seeking feedback, indicating that the usefulness of such interventions may be inhibited by wider cultural issues in the sector. Conclusions Through the development of what we call ‘the researcher development framework, this study highlights the shortcomings of using professional development interventions to address cultural issues.
The Main Development Lines of the Polymeric Chemical Industry in Cooperation with Defense-Industrial Sector
Authors: Lomovcev D. , Shevarin P. , Lomovcev P.
Published: July 2024

The provision of the defense-industrial sector with the domestic chemical materials and components is considered by the authors as one of the main tasks of the Russian defense capacity strengthening and the industry restricting. The range of the polymer application in the military production, called-for the modern tactic rules of engagement, is investigated in the article.
Statistical analysis of land use in Udmurt Republic
Authors: Mustafina Aisylu , Vechtomova Polina
Published: July 2024

The authors of this work conducted a statistical analysis of land use in the Udmurt Republic in 2011-2022. The dynamics of land areas by category is given. The study found that the largest decrease in farmland area occurred in the first half of the period under review. Over the 12 years studied, the area of this category decreased by 7.5 thousand hectares. The rate of reduction is 6.6 thousand hectares/10 years, i.e. every 10 years the category of agricultural land decreases by 6.6 thousand hectares. Every 10 years, the land area of settlements increases by 1.8 thousand hectares, which indicates an increase in the urban population and an increase in the number of urban residents. By 2022, the area of land occupied by settlements increased to 204.3 thousand hectares. The area of industrial and other lands is increasing at a rate of 4.2 thousand hectares in 10 years. For 2022, the area of industrial land amounted to 42.9 thousand hectares. For 2011-2022, the area of the analyzed category increased by 4.6 thousand hectares. In 2016, the land area of specially protected natural areas increased by 17.3 thousand hectares (from 1.9 to 21.6 thousand hectares), since the lands of the forest fund were transferred to this category. The area of forest land decreased from 2046.8 to 2029.4 thousand hectares. Over the 12 years under consideration, the land area of the water fund decreased by 0.5 thousand hectares, the maximum area was in 2011 and amounted to 29.2 thousand hectares. Starting from 2011 and ending in 2022, the total area of reserve land remained relatively stable (19.5-20.7 thousand hectares), the changes do not exceed 1.2 thousand hectares. As of 2022, the area of irrigated land of the Udmurt Republic amounted to 18.2 thousand hectares, and drained - 23 thousand hectares. Over the past 11 years, the area of good irrigated land has increased by 5.9 thousand hectares, the areas of satisfactory and unsatisfactory land have decreased by 4.6 thousand hectares and 3.8 thousand hectares, respectively.
En torno a la conjugación de los nuevos movimientos sociales y la identidad. Explorando las políticas de identidad.
Authors: Tutor-Antón Aritz
Published: July 2024

El artículo se aproxima a las políticas de identidad desde la genealogía y paraguas que ofrece la teoría de los Nuevos Movimientos Sociales. El objetivo es desentrañar de qué modo se relacionan, y eventualmente se articulan, los Nuevos Movimientos Sociales que ponen en el centro cuestiones posmaterialistas como la identidad y los movimientos clásicos que pugnan por cuestiones redistributivas. Este acercamiento se realiza desde una revisión teórica, de modo que la perspectiva planteada se desarrolla en el ámbito epistemológico, desde un punto de vista cualitativo y hermenéutico. El texto explora los vínculos entre estas nuevas formas de acción colectiva y la reivindicación identitaria, actualizando el enfoque sobre una expresión política que está plenamente vigente y en constante auge. Después, se hace un repaso de las críticas que ha recibido, relacionando éstas con el contexto histórico y político. Con un análisis de las rutas críticas que han ahondado en la tensión entre la vindicación de lo particular y lo universal, se busca formular tesis que sirvan para extrapolar y generalizar de situaciones concretas a demandas compartidas. Finalmente, se consideran algunas salidas políticas y epistemológicas que hagan compatible estas luchas con acciones políticas de mayor alcance social e impacto político.
El general, el constructor y el médico: tres casos de urbanizadores en Bogotá a finales del siglo XIX
Authors: Martínez Ruiz Enrique
Published: July 2024

Durante las últimas décadas del siglo XIX, surgieron los primeros proyectos de urbanización que expandieron el área de Bogotá mucho más allá de sus límites coloniales. En este libro el autor, Enrique Martínez, investiga aquellas que fueron promovidas por Juan Clímaco Arbeláez Gómez, Paulino Rosas Esteban y Enrique Pardo Roche, quienes muy temprano se aventuraron en esta prometedora empresa. Gracias a esto, ellos progresivamente encarnaron la figura del “urbanizador capitalista”, es decir, del empresario que busca generar utilidades al transformar terrenos rurales en lotes urbanos. El minucioso análisis de las escrituras y la cartografía histórica de la ciudad, en el que se apoya, aborda por primera vez algunos casos desconocidos, como el de Barro Colorado y el poblado de Tunjuelito, y ofrece nuevos detalles de otros ya estudiados, como los Lotes de Chapinero, una contribución novedosa a la historiografía sobre Bogotá.
Murciélagos trabajando: Cómo eres me dice qué haces
Authors: González-Bautista Gala Roxana , Gutiérrez-Granados Gabriel , Sánchez-Cordero Víctor
Published: July 2024

Los murciélagos son uno de los grupos de animales que mayor misterio encierra por su estética, sus hábitos nocturnos y por los mitos y leyendas de la cultura popular. Lamentablemente, muchas de sus especies se encuentran bajo alguna situación de riesgo y esto debería ser relevante ¿Por qué? Hay muchas razones. Una fascinante es la gran cantidad de funciones que realizan en los ecosistemas y que podemos interpretar a través de sus características.
¿Cómo te controlo perro?
Authors: Pérez-Rivero Juan José , Salcedo Jiménez José
Published: July 2024

Uno de los principales problemas de la tenencia irresponsable de perros domésticos es su abandono, una parte de ellos se convierten en perros ferales afectando a las poblaciones de animales silvestres endémicos.
Tres elefantes que se columpiaban hacia la extinción
Authors: Ortega Jorge , Valencia M. Pablo , Alemán-Silva Jorge
Published: July 2024

Parece sencillo definir a un elefante, hasta un niño podría hacerlo. Básicamente es apuntar a un animal de gran tamaño, con orejas grandes, patas robustas, trompa alargada, grandes colmillos, etcétera; sin embargo, actualmente se tienen descritas tres especies de elefantes, cuyas características permiten definirlos en entidades taxonómicas distintas.
Regulating and Directing the Healthy Development of Various Types of Capital in China under the Guidance of the Capital View of Historical Materialism
Authors: He Ganqiang
Published: July 2024

Only by adhering to the scientific concept of capital as explained by Marx in Capital, and by drawing a clear line between the two different views of capital based on materialist and idealist conceptions of history, can we understand the phenomenon of capital in the real economy of contemporary China. In the real economy of developing commodity production, public and private capital share some common features, but there are differences in their nature. The misunderstanding, created by Western bourgeois economics, of the relationship between public and private capital harms efforts to achieve a scientific regulation of the healthy development of various types of capital, and needs to be clarified. Where the practical work of regulating and guiding the healthy development of capital is concerned, great importance should be attached to restoring and guaranteeing the dominant position of public capital within social capital as a whole; to ensuring that state-owned capital effectively fulfills the dominant role; to strictly governing the otherwise disorderly development of private capital; to strengthening control over the quantity and quality of foreign capital introduced to the economy; and to keeping state-owned capital firmly in control of the national financial system.
Temporality and Stratification in the Transformation of Value into Price
Authors: Ghamin Mohsen , Sahabi Bahram , Assari Arani Abbas , Mahdavi Abolghasem
Published: July 2024

This article aims to illuminate temporality in value determination and stratification of value and price in the transformation of value into price. This leads to an understanding of value-relocating through the two concepts presented in this study: current-value-relocating (CVR) and integrated-value-relocating (IVR). Based on Marx’s exploration of the labor process and social reproduction and focusing on two components of a commodity’s value and the relation between the individual and aggregate level, the article seeks to propose a non-linear conception of temporality in value determination, which justifies the application of simultaneous equations in value determination. Furthermore, through the depiction of the stratification of value and price, the study insists on retaining the relations among their components in different layers. Lastly, the research attempts to explain all price-value deviations at the aggregate and individual levels in two forms: CVR and IVR.
Real Competition and Profit Rate Equalisation: Theory and Evidence from the Norwegian Economy
Authors: Lafalla Victor Magariño
Published: July 2024

The existence of long-run profitability differentials in market economies is a fundamental question that all traditions of economic thought since the times of the classical economists have dealt with in some form or another. In consideration of the modern synthesis of the classical views on competition into what has come to be known as the Theory of Real Competition, this article presents both a consistent theoretical basis from which to argue in favour of the tendential elimination of profitability premia across industries, as well as empirical evidence pointing to such conclusion from the Norwegian economy. The data, which covers 26 industries across nearly five decades (1971–2017), is used to estimate average and incremental total long-run profit rate differentials following two distinct methodologies. The first method has been commonly used in the prior literature, and the second has been newly systematised by this study’s author. Both methods are critically scrutinised, and their results compared to allow for a more robust conclusion. The findings suggest that average profit rates exhibit a weak tendency towards equalisation in Norway, and that such tendency is much stronger for incremental profit rates.
A-Si/SiO2 nanolaminates for tuning the complex refractive index and band gap in optical interference coatings: publisher’s note
Authors: Kreuzer Karl , Farr Philipp , Vergohl Michael , Bruns Stefan , Melzig Thomas , Patzig Christian , Feder Rene
Published: July 2024

This publisher’s note reports corrections in Appl. Opt. 63, 1641 (2024)APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.515083.
Sub-cycle dynamics in two-color high-harmonic generation from laser-produced plasmas
Authors: Mathijssen Jan , Salumbides Edcel J. , Eikema Kjeld S. E. , Witte Stefan
Published: July 2024

We present high-order harmonic generation (HHG) in laser-produced aluminium and tin plasmas driven by a two-color field with orthogonal polarization, leading to the generation of both odd and even harmonics. We shape the effective drive field with sub-cycle resolution by controlling the phase between the fundamental wave and its second harmonic. The shape of the drive field influences the electron trajectories of the various harmonics generated in these plasmas. Here we focus on intermediate harmonic orders, with energies around the ionization potential of the target atoms. Clear oscillatory signals are observed in the HHG signals, with strongly harmonic-order-dependent modulation depth and oscillation phase. These results provide evidence for a significant influence of the Coulomb potential on the laser-driven electron trajectories in this spectral range.
Terminated polymer waveguide with low coupling loss to single-mode fiber for 100 Gbps optical interconnects and beyond
Authors: Liu Xu , Ma Lin , Yu Qiancheng , Wu Jinhua , Immonen Marika , Li Chao , He Zhixue , He Zuyuan
Published: July 2024

We designed and fabricated terminated polymer waveguides with low coupling loss to a standard single-mode fiber (SSMF) for 100 Gbps optical interconnects application and beyond. The mode field diameter of the polymer waveguide is designed to perfectly match that of the SSMF with a theoretical coupling loss as small as 0.07 dB. The fabricated polymer waveguides on FR-4 substrates exhibit both a low propagation loss of 0.32 dB/cm and a low coupling loss of less than 0.17 dB to SSMF at a wavelength of 1310 nm. These low loss values indicate good compatibilities with both printed circuit boards and fiber optics. Both single-lane 56 Gbaud (112 Gbps) and 60 Gbaud (120 Gbps) 4-level pulse amplitude modulation (PAM4) optical transmission using terminated polymer waveguides have been successfully demonstrated. The bit error ratio (BER) for PAM4 transmission at both data rates reached a level of 10−4 which is well below the forward error correction (FEC) limitation with a power penalty of less than 1 dB. The bandwidth of the test equipment rather than the polymer waveguide itself limits the high-speed optical interconnect performances in our experiments. The results imply that the polymer waveguide is a promising media for single-lane 100 Gbps optical interconnects application and beyond.
Effect of core geometry on the channel capacity of a multimode optical fiber
Authors: Uppu Ravitej , Hammer Henry
Published: July 2024

We employ complex wavefront shaping methods to investigate the frequency correlations of multimode interference in circular and rectilinear core geometry fibers. Our measurements reveal an up to 40% increase in the frequency correlation bandwidth in rectilinear core fibers compared to conventional circular core fibers commonly used for spatial-multiplexed optical communication. We show that harnessing this increased frequency correlation bandwidth can improve the channel capacity of optical communication by over 20%. This enhancement and the convenient rectilinear core geometry could find immediate application as chip-to-chip interconnects in scaling up photonic quantum processors.
Wide field-of-view interference filter based on strong light matter coupling
Authors: Manousiadis Pavlos , Samuel Ifor D. , Turnbull Graham
Published: July 2024

Distributed Bragg reflectors are an invaluable component in photonics with wide applications across many fields. They can be designed to give high transmission or reflection at specific wavelengths, but these characteristics vary strongly with the angle of incidence. In many fields, ranging from fluorescence microscopy to optical communications it would be desirable to have wavelength filters which exhibit the same transmission spectrum across a range of incidence angles. Here we show that strong light-matter coupling can be used to make a polaritonic narrowband filter which maintains the desired transmission spectrum for much wider ranges of angles of incidence. We experimentally demonstrate a device with maximum transmission >0.7, with narrowband transmission <20 nm, and wide-field of view of 44 degrees.