bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Friendly reminder: hi! It is that time again ☺”: understanding PMTCT care text message design preferences amongst pre- and post-partum women and their male partners
Authors: Mabachi Natabhona M. , Brown Melinda , Wexler Catherine , Goggin Kathy , Maloba May , Olungae Dama , Gautney Brad , Finocchario-Kessler Sarah
Published: August 2021

Background

Prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) services in Kenya can be strengthened through the delivery of relevant and culturally appropriate SMS messages.

Methods

This study reports on the results of focus groups conducted with pre and postnatal women living with HIV (5 groups,n = 40) and their male partners (3 groups,n = 33) to elicit feedback and develop messages to support HIV+ women’s adherence to ART medication, ANC appointments and a facility-based birth. The principles of message design informed message development.

Results

Respondents wanted ART adherence messages that were low in verbal immediacy (ambiguous), came from an anonymous source, and were customized in timing and frequency. Unlike other studies, low message immediacy was prioritized over customization of message content. For retention, participants preferred messages with high verbal immediacy—direct appointment reminders and references to the baby—sent infrequently from a clinical source.

Conclusion

Overall, participants favored content that was brief, cheerful, and emotionally appealing.
Adherence to a reliable PJI diagnostic protocol minimizes unsuspected positive cultures rate
Authors: Pérez-Prieto Daniel , Hinarejos Pedro , Alier Albert , Sorlí Lluïsa , Martínez Santos , Puig Lluís , Monllau Juan C.
Published: August 2021

Background

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the incidence of unsuspected PJI when prosthetic revisions are thoroughly evaluated by PJI dedicated orthopedic surgeon before surgery. The hypothesis is that the incidence of unsuspected PJI is reduced by applying this protocol.

Methods

This is a historical cohort study carried out in one university hospital. The prosthetic revision assessment was carried out in January 2019. From that date on, all patients that were programmed for hip or knee revision (either by an orthopedic surgeon specialized or not in septic revisions) were scheduled for a preoperative visit with the same orthopedic surgeon specialized in septic revisions. The diagnostic algorithm applied was based on the Pro-Implant Foundation diagnostic criteria. Prior to the revision assessment, the indication for joint aspiration was done at the surgeons’ discretion (non-specialized in septic revisions) and the preoperative identification of PJI was also done by a hip or knee surgeon (not specialized in septic surgery).

Results

Based on the PIF criteria, there were 15 infections among the revisions in group 1 and 18 PJI in group 2 (p > 0.05). The most interesting finding was that there were 7 patients with unsuspected positive cultures in group 1. That represents 11% of all revisions. No patient in group 2 was found with unsuspected positive cultures (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

A thorough PJI diagnostic algorithm should be implemented before prosthetic revision to avoid unsuspected positive cultures.
Results of an experimental study of subgingival cleaning effectiveness in the furcation area
Authors: Seidel Miriam , Borenius Hannah , Schorr Susanne , Christofzik David , Graetz Christian
Published: August 2021

Background

Sufficient biofilm removal in the furcation area (FA) is a major challenge in the clinical practice of supportive periodontal therapy. The aim of the present experimental study was to simulate subgingival cleaning of the FA using a powered scaler (sonic scaler (AIR), ultrasonic scaler (US)) for conventional mechanical debridement versus two air polishing with nonabrasive powder (LAPA-1: glycine powder, LAPA-2: erythritol powder) and different nozzles for supra-/subgingival cleaning for each device.

Methods

Seven trained and calibrated operators with ≥ 2 years each of professional experience in treating periodontitis used the instruments to clean 3D-printed replicas of six molars with through-and-through FA (four 3-rooted and two 2-rooted teeth) in a manikin head. AIR and US were used in the control group; air polishing instruments were used in the test group. For reproducible evaluation, the test teeth were separated vertically into two or three parts, illuminated with ultraviolet light, photographed and evaluated planimetrically. Treatment time (TrT, in s) and relative cleaning efficacy (RCE, in %) were measured.

Results

Overall, 3-rooted molars (RCE in the entire FA, 23.19 ± 20.98%) could be cleaned significantly less effectively than 2-rooted molars (53.04 ± 28.45%, p < 0.001), regardless of the instrument used. In the cleaning of the entire FA, significantly higher RCE values were achieved with conventional mechanical debridement (AIR/US: 46.04 ± 25.96%/39.63 ± 22.02%; AIR vs. US: p > 0.05) than with air polishing (LAPA-1/LAPA-2: 34.06 ± 29.48%/17.09 ± 18.85%; LAPA-1 vs. LAPA-2: p < 0.001) regardless of whether a supra- or subgingival cleaning nozzle used (p < 0.001). Only LAPA-1 with a subgingival nozzle showed RCE values comparable to those of US (41.07 ± 28.95% vs. 39.63 ± 22.02%, p > 0.05). TrT was longest for US (299.40 ± 120.69 s) and shortest for LAPA-1 with a supragingival nozzle (129.67 ± 60.92 s, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

All of the examined instruments were effective to some degree in removing the simulated biofilm from the FA, but they differed substantially in cleaning efficacy. Only one air polishing device (LAPA-1) with a rigid subgingival nozzle was able to achieve RCE values similar to those of US. The current investigation confirmed that conventional mechanical debridement with powered scalers were most effective, but treatment took longer with these devices than air polishing.
A longitudinal investigation of mental health, perceived learning environment and burdens in a cohort of first-year German medical students’ before and during the COVID-19 ‘new normal’
Authors: Schindler Ann-Kathrin , Polujanski Sabine , Rotthoff Thomas
Published: August 2021

Background

Medical students’ propensity to develop mental morbidity has been described for decades but remains unresolved. To assess student mental health person-centred and longitudinally, we have been investigating a cohort of German students since October 2019. After their first semester under ‘normal’ conditions, rapid changes became necessary due to the COVID-19 situation. In line with the initial aim, we investigated students’ change of mental health, perceived learning environment and burdens in the ‘new normal’.

Methods

Students in a newly founded German medical study programme (n = 63) answered a questionnaire each semester (October 2019 = entering medical school; December 2019 = ‘old normal’; June 2020 = ‘new normal’; December 2020 = ‘new normal’) on their well-being (FAHW-12), burnout (Maslach Inventory), depression (PHQ-9), perception of the learning environment (DREEM), burdens and protective attitudes in the ‘new normal’ (items designed for the study).

Results

Friedman tests reveal overall significant differences (all p < .001) in depression and burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, personal accomplishment); changes in well-being were identified as just non-significant (p = .05). The effects were explained by a significant increase in burnout and depression identified post-hoc from October 2019 to December 2019. No increase in severity was identified in the ‘new normal’ semesters. The learning environment was perceived positively even with a significant improvement for June 2020 (repeated measures ANOVA p < .001). Study-related burdens (e.g. procrastination of online-learning material) took on greater relevance than burdens related to physicians’ occupation (e.g. potential for students' recruitment to the healthcare system during their studies).

Conclusions

The ‘new’ when entering medical school had a greater impact on our students’ mental health than the ‘new normal’. The readiness for change in the context of a newly designed study programme may have been beneficial with regard to students’ positively perceived learning environment during the virtual semesters. Monitoring medical students’ mental health longitudinally should be a concern regardless of a pandemic.
Mobile applications for road traffic health and safety in the mirror of the Haddon’s matrix
Authors: Aghayari Hossein , Kalankesh Leila R. , Sadeghi-Bazargani Homayoun , Feizi-Derakhshi Mohammad-Reza
Published: August 2021

Background

Road traffic accidents have been one of the leading causes of death. Despite the increasing trend of road traffic apps, there is no comprehensive analysis of their features and no taxonomy for the apps based on traffic safety theories. This study aimed to explore the characteristics of available mobile apps on road traffic health/safety and classify them with emphasis on Haddon’s matrix.

Methods

The researchers examined the mobile applications related to road traffic health/safety using qualitative content analysis. Google Play was searched using a combination of the keywords. Haddon’s matrix was applied to analyze and classify those mobile apps residing in the categories of Road Traffic health & Safety, and Road Traffic Training.

Results

Overall, 913 mobile apps met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. Classification of the apps based on their features resulted in 4 categories and 21 subcategories. A total number of 657 mobile apps were classified based on Haddon’s matrix. About 45.67% of these apps were categorized as the road traffic health & safety group.

Conclusions

Haddon’s matrix appears to have the potential to reveal the strengths and weaknesses of existing mobile apps in the road traffic accident domain. Future development of mobile apps in this domain should take into account the existing gap.
Positive attitudes to advance care planning – a Norwegian general population survey
Authors: Sævareid Trygve Johannes L. , Pedersen Reidar , Magelssen Morten
Published: August 2021

Background

Authorities recommend advance care planning and public acceptance of it is a prerequisite for widespread implementation. Therefore, we did the first study of the Norwegian public with an aim of getting knowledge on their attitudes to issues related to advance care planning.

Methods

An electronic survey to a nationally representative web panel of Norwegian adults.

Results

From 1035 complete responses (response rate 40.7%), we found that more than nine out of ten of the general public wanted to participate in advance care planning, believed it to be useful for many, and wanted to make important healthcare decisions themselves. Almost nine out of ten wanted to be accompanied by next of kin during advance care planning. Most (69%) wanted health care personnel to initiate advance care planning and preferred it to be timed to serious illness with limited lifetime (68%). Only about 9% stated that health care personnel should have the final say in healthcare decisions in serious illness.

Conclusions

Developing and implementing advance care planning as a public health initiative seems warranted based on the results of this study. Patient perspectives should be promoted in decision-making processes. Nevertheless, training of health care personnel should emphasise voluntariness and an individual approach to initiating, timing and conducting advance care planning because of individual variations.
DNA methylation atlas and machinery in the developing and regenerating annelid Platynereis dumerilii
Authors: Planques Anabelle , Kerner Pierre , Ferry Laure , Grunau Christoph , Gazave Eve , Vervoort Michel
Published: August 2021

Background

Methylation of cytosines in DNA (5mC methylation) is a major epigenetic modification that modulates gene expression and constitutes the basis for mechanisms regulating multiple aspects of embryonic development and cell reprogramming in vertebrates. In mammals, 5mC methylation of promoter regions is linked to transcriptional repression. Transcription regulation by 5mC methylation notably involves the nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase complex (NuRD complex) which bridges DNA methylation and histone modifications. However, less is known about regulatory mechanisms involving 5mC methylation and their function in non-vertebrate animals. In this paper, we study 5mC methylation in the marine annelid worm Platynereis dumerilii, an emerging evolutionary and developmental biology model capable of regenerating the posterior part of its body post-amputation.

Results

Using in silico and experimental approaches, we show that P. dumerilii displays a high level of DNA methylation comparable to that of mammalian somatic cells. 5mC methylation in P. dumerilii is dynamic along the life cycle of the animal and markedly decreases at the transition between larval to post-larval stages. We identify a full repertoire of mainly single-copy genes encoding the machinery associated with 5mC methylation or members of the NuRD complex in P. dumerilii and show that this repertoire is close to the one inferred for the last common ancestor of bilaterians. These genes are dynamically expressed during P. dumerilii development and regeneration. Treatment with the DNA hypomethylating agent Decitabine impairs P. dumerilii larval development and regeneration and has long-term effects on post-regenerative growth.

Conclusions

Our data reveal high levels of 5mC methylation in the annelid P. dumerilii, highlighting that this feature is not specific to vertebrates in the bilaterian clade. Analysis of DNA methylation levels and machinery gene expression during development and regeneration, as well as the use of a chemical inhibitor of DNA methylation, suggest an involvement of 5mC methylation in P. dumerilii development and regeneration. We also present data indicating that P. dumerilii constitutes a promising model to study biological roles and mechanisms of DNA methylation in non-vertebrate bilaterians and to provide new knowledge about evolution of the functions of this key epigenetic modification in bilaterian animals.
Use of systemic glucocorticoids and risk of breast cancer in a prospective cohort of postmenopausal women
Authors: Cairat Manon , Al Rahmoun Marie , Gunter Marc J. , Heudel Pierre-Etienne , Severi Gianluca , Dossus Laure , Fournier Agnès
Published: August 2021

Background

Glucocorticoids could theoretically decrease breast cancer risk through their anti-inflammatory effects or increase risk through immunosuppression. However, epidemiological evidence is limited regarding the associations between glucocorticoid use and breast cancer risk.

Methods

We investigated the association between systemic glucocorticoid use and breast cancer incidence in the E3N cohort, which includes 98,995 women with information on various characteristics collected from repeated questionnaires complemented with drug reimbursement data available from 2004. Women with at least two reimbursements of systemic glucocorticoids in any previous 3-month period since January 1, 2004, were defined as exposed. We considered exposure as a time-varying parameter, and we used multivariable Cox regression models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) of breast cancer. We performed a competing risk analysis using a cause-specific hazard approach to study the heterogeneity by tumour subtype/stage/grade.

Results

Among 62,512 postmenopausal women (median age at inclusion of 63 years old), 2864 developed breast cancer during a median follow-up of 9 years (between years 2004 and 2014). Compared with non-exposure, glucocorticoid exposure was not associated with overall breast cancer risk [HR = 0.94 (0.85–1.05)]; however, it was associated with a higher risk of in situ breast cancer and a lower risk of invasive breast cancer [HRinsitu = 1.34 (1.01–1.78); HRinvasive = 0.86 (0.76–0.97); Phomogeneity = 0.01]. Regarding the risk of invasive breast cancer, glucocorticoid exposure was inversely associated with oestrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer [HRER+ = 0.82 (0.72–0.94); HRER− = 1.21 (0.88–1.66); Phomogeneity = 0.03]; it was also inversely associated with the risk of stage 1 or stage 2 tumours but positively associated with the risk of stage 3/4 breast cancers [HRstage1 = 0.87 (0.75–1.01); HRstage2 = 0.67 (0.52–0.86); HRstage3/4 = 1.49 (1.02–2.20); Phomogeneity = 0.01].

Conclusion

This study suggests that the association between systemic glucocorticoid use and breast cancer risk may differ by tumour subtype and stage.
MiR-144-5p, an exosomal miRNA from bone marrow-derived macrophage in type 2 diabetes, impairs bone fracture healing via targeting Smad1
Authors: Zhang Dong , Wu Yifan , Li Zonghuan , Chen Hairen , Huang Siyuan , Jian Chao , Yu Aixi
Published: August 2021

Background

Patients with diabetes have an increased risk of nonunion and delayed union of fractures. Macrophages have been shown as a key player in diabetic complications. However, it remains obscure how diabetic milieu affects macrophage-derived exosomes and its implications on osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. In this study, we aim to define the impact of diabetic milieu on macrophage-derived exosomes, role of extracellular vesicles in intercellular communication with BMSCs, and subsequent effects on osteogenic differentiation and fracture repair.

Results

The osteogenic potential and the ability of fracture repair of exosomes derived from diabetic bone marrow-derived macrophages (dBMDM-exos) were revealed to be lower, as compared with non-diabetic bone marrow-derived macrophages (nBMDM-exos) in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, miR-144-5p levels were sharply elevated in dBMDM-exos and it could be transferred into BMSCs to regulate bone regeneration by targeting Smad1. In addition, the adverse effects of dBMDM-exos on the osteogenic potential and the ability of fracture repair were reversed through the suppression of miR-144-5p inhibition in vitro and vivo.

Conclusions

The results demonstrated an important role of exosomal miR-144-5p in bone regeneration, offering insight into developing new strategy for the improvement of fracture healing in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Graphic Abstract
Queering reproductive access: reproductive justice in assisted reproductive technologies
Authors: Tam Michelle W.
Published: August 2021

Background

Advancements in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and policy development have enabled more people to have biologically related children in Canada. However, as ART continues to focus on infertility and low fertility of heterosexual couples, ART access and research has been uneven towards meeting the reproductive needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, two-spirit, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQ2SIA +) people. Furthermore, experiences of reproduction are impacted by intersectional lived realities of race, gender, sexuality, and class. This commentary utilizes a reproductive justice (RJ) framework to consider reproductive access for LGBTQ2SIA + Black, Indigenous, and people of colour (BIPOC), while simultaneously engaging through a critical lens RJ has on ART. An RJ framework considers the constitutive elements of reproductive capacity and decision making that are not often at the forefront of reproductive health discussions. Additionally, this commentary discusses reproductive rights violations and reproductive violence such as coerced and forced sterilizations that have and are currently occurring in Canada. This article considers systems of access and structures of regulation that seek to control the reproductive capacities of marginalized communities, while empowering accessibility and upholding white supremacy and heteronormativity. In thinking through research and access in ART, who are ART users and whose reproduction is centered in research and access in Canada?

Conclusion

A reproductive justice framework is urgently needed to address inequities of sexual and reproductive health access in Canada.
Effects of water-soluble components of atmospheric particulates from rare earth mining areas in China on lung cancer cell cycle
Authors: Xia Yuan , Zhang Xulong , Sun Dejun , Gao Yumin , Zhang Xiaoe , Wang Li , Cai Qingjun , Wang Qihao , Sun Juan
Published: August 2021

Background

This study aims to investigate the effects of water soluble particulate matter (WSPM) on the viability and protein expression profile of human lung adenocarcinoma cell A549 in the Bayou Obo rare earth mining area, and explore the influence of WSPM on the A549 cell cycle.

Results

It was found that WSPM can inhibit the viability of A549 cells and induce cell arrest in the G2/M phase. Compared with controls, exposure to WSPM10 and WSPM2.5 induced 134 and 116 proteins to be differentially expressed in A549 cells, respectively. In addition, 33 and 31 differentially expressed proteins were further confirmed, and was consistent with the proteomic analysis. The most prominent enrichment in ribosome-associated proteins were presented. WhenRPL6,RPL13, orRPL18Agene expression was inhibited, A549 cells were arrested in the G1 phase, affecting the expression ofCyclin D1,p21,RB1,Cyclin A2,Cyclin B1,CDC25A,CDK2,CHEK2andE2F1. Furthermore, the La3+, Ce3+, Nd3+and F-in WSPM also inhibited the viability of A549 cells. After 24 h of exposure to 2 mM of NaF, A549 cells were also arrested in the G2/M phase, while the other three compounds did not have this effect. These four compounds affected the cell cycle regulatory factors in A549 cells, mainly focusing on effecting the expression ofCDK2,CDK4,RB1,ATM,TP53andMDM2genes. These results are consistent with the those from WSPM exposure.

Conclusions

These results revealed that WSPM from rare earth mines decreased the viability of A549 cells, and induced cell cycle G2/M phase arrest, and even apoptosis, which may be independent of the NF-κB/MYD88 pathway, and be perceived by the TLR4 receptor. The dysfunction of the cell cycle is correlated to the down-expression of ribosomal proteins (RPs). However, it is not the direct reason for the A549 cell arrest in the G2/M phase. La3+, Ce3+, and F-are probably the main toxic substances in WSPM, and may be regulate the A549 cell cycle by affecting the expression of genes, such asMDM2, RB1, ATM, TP53, E2F1,CDK2andCDK4. These results indicate the importance for further research into the relationship between APM and lung cancer.
Rapid deployment of a community engagement study and educational trial via social media: implementation of the UC-COVID study
Authors: Wisk Lauren E. , Buhr Russell G.
Published: August 2021

Background

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated adoption of scarce resource allocation (SRA) policies, we sought to rapidly deploy a novel survey to ascertain community values and preferences for SRA and to test the utility of a brief intervention to improve knowledge of and values alignment with a new SRA policy. Given social distancing and precipitous evolution of the pandemic, Internet-enabled recruitment was deemed the best method to engage a community-based sample. We quantify the efficiency and acceptability of this Internet-based recruitment for engaging a trial cohort and describe the approach used for implementing a health-related trial entirely online using off-the-shelf tools.

Methods

We recruited 1971 adult participants (≥ 18 years) via engagement with community partners and organizations and outreach through direct and social media messaging. We quantified response rate and participant characteristics of our sample, examine sample representativeness, and evaluate potential non-response bias.

Results

Recruitment was similarly derived from direct referral from partner organizations and broader social media based outreach, with extremely low study entry from organic (non-invited) search activity. Of social media platforms, Facebook was the highest yield recruitment source. Bot activity was present but minimal and identifiable through meta-data and engagement behavior. Recruited participants differed from broader populations in terms of sex, ethnicity, and education, but had similar prevalence of chronic conditions. Retention was satisfactory, with entrance into the first follow-up survey for 61% of those invited.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that rapid recruitment into a longitudinal intervention trial via social media is feasible, efficient, and acceptable. Recruitment in conjunction with community partners representing target populations, and with outreach across multiple platforms, is recommended to optimize sample size and diversity. Trial implementation, engagement tracking, and retention are feasible with off-the-shelf tools using preexisting platforms.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04373135. Registered on May 4, 2020
Metabolic side effects of antipsychotic drugs in individuals with schizophrenia during medium- to long-term treatment: protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Schneider-Thoma Johannes , Kapfhammer Angelika , Wang Dongfang , Bighelli Irene , Siafis Spyridon , Wu Hui , Hansen Wulf-Peter , Davis John M. , Salanti Georgia , Leucht Stefan
Published: August 2021

Background

Antipsychotic drugs and especially the newer compounds are known to cause metabolic side effects. However, a comprehensive comparison of the different substances regarding their propensity to cause metabolic side effects in medium- to long-term treatment of schizophrenia is lacking.

Methods

We will conduct a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA). We will include randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which participants received either placebo or an antipsychotic (i.e. placebo-controlled trials and head-to-head comparisons of drugs). We will include studies in individuals with schizophrenia or related disorders (such as schizophreniform or schizoaffective disorders) at any stage of the disease (acute episode; maintenance phase). We will include studies with a duration of more than 3 months (medium- to long-term treatment). The primary outcome will be the change in body weight. Secondary outcomes will be the further metabolic parameters: fastening glucose, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglycerides. We will search for eligible studies (independent of the publication status) in Cochrane Schizophrenia Group’s Study-Based Register of Trials, which is compiled by regular searches in trial registries and multiple electronic databases from their inception onwards including MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO. Additionally, we will search previously published systematic reviews and websites of pharmaceutical companies for eligible studies. At least two reviewers will independently conduct the process of study selection and data extraction. We will use the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool to evaluate the risk of bias in studies. We will conduct random-effects NMA within a Bayesian framework to synthesize all evidence for each outcome. We will conduct sensitivity and subgroup analyses to assess the robustness of the findings and to explore heterogeneity. The confidence in the results will be evaluated using the Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis (CINeMA) framework.

Discussion

This systematic review and network meta-analysis will provide a synthesis of the existing evidence from RCTs how antipsychotic drugs differ in terms of metabolic side effects during medium- to long-term treatment. The findings have the potential to influence the choice of antipsychotic medication made by individuals with schizophrenia and their physicians.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42020175414
A new extragradient algorithm with adaptive step-size for solving split equilibrium problems
Authors: Suleiman Yusuf I. , Kumam Poom , Rehman Habib ur , Kumam Wiyada
Published: August 2021

He (J. Inequal. Appl. 2012:Article ID 162 2012) introduced the proximal point CQ algorithm (PPCQ) for solving the split equilibrium problem (SEP). However, the PPCQ converges weakly to a solution of the SEP and is restricted to monotone bifunctions. In addition, the step-size used in the PPCQ is a fixed constant μ in the interval $(0, \frac{1}{ \| A \|^{2} } )$
(
0
,

1

∥
A
∥

2

)
. This often leads to excessive numerical computation in each iteration, which may affect the applicability of the PPCQ. In order to overcome these intrinsic drawbacks, we propose a robust step-size $\{ \mu _{n} \}_{n=1}^{\infty }$

{

μ
n

}

n
=
1

∞

which does not require computation of $\| A \|$
∥
A
∥
and apply the adaptive step-size rule on $\{ \mu _{n} \}_{n=1}^{\infty }$

{

μ
n

}

n
=
1

∞

in such a way that it adjusts itself in accordance with the movement of associated components of the algorithm in each iteration. Then, we introduce a self-adaptive extragradient-CQ algorithm (SECQ) for solving the SEP and prove that our proposed SECQ converges strongly to a solution of the SEP with more general pseudomonotone equilibrium bifunctions. Finally, we present a preliminary numerical test to demonstrate that our SECQ outperforms the PPCQ.
Productivity growth and sectoral interactions under Domar aggregation: a study for the Brazilian economy from 2000 to 2014
Authors: Santini Theo , Araujo Ricardo Azevedo
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we use the Domar aggregation approach to study the evolution of Brazil’s productivity growth from 2000 to 2014, thus allowing us a disaggregated assessment of the issue. We found that the Brazilian economy’s overall performance is the outcome of a decrease in the economy’s density, as defined by the existing backward and forward connections amongst industries in intermediate inputs chains. It also can be explained by the poor performance of its sectors. Despite the relatively high density of the manufacturing sector, it performed a negative role concerning aggregate productivity growth both directly and indirectly. Directly insofar as that sector had negatives productivity growths during the period under consideration, and indirectly due to its high interconnection, which spread negative rather than positive productivity gains across the economy. Therefore, to improve the Brazilian economy’s poor performance, it is mandatory to restore the manufacturing sector’s capability to yield and spread productivity gains.
Review and perspectives of enhanced volatile fatty acids production from acidogenic fermentation of lignocellulosic biomass wastes
Authors: Sun Jiachen , Zhang Le , Loh Kai-Chee
Published: August 2021

Lignocellulosic biomass wastes are abundant resources that are usually valorized for methane-rich biogas via anaerobic digestion. Conversion of lignocellulose into volatile fatty acids (VFA) rather than biogas is attracting attention due to the higher value-added products that come with VFA utilization. This review consolidated the latest studies associated with characteristics of lignocellulosic biomass, the effects of process parameters during acidogenic fermentation, and the intensification strategies to accumulate more VFA. The differences between anaerobic digestion technology and acidogenic fermentation technology were discussed. Performance-enhancing strategies surveyed included (1) alkaline fermentation; (2) co-digestion and high solid-state fermentation; (3) pretreatments; (4) use of high loading rate and short retention time; (5) integration with electrochemical technology, and (6) adoption of membrane bioreactors. The recommended operations include: mesophilic temperature (thermophilic for high loading rate fermentation), C/N ratio (20–40), OLR (< 12 g volatile solids (VS)/(L·d)), and the maximum HRT (8–12 days), alkaline fermentation, membrane technology or electrodialysis recovery. Lastly, perspectives were put into place based on critical analysis on status of acidogenic fermentation of lignocellulosic biomass wastes for VFA production.
Assessment of necessity of neuronavigation in localization of calvarial extra-axial lesions in the setting of limited resources
Authors: Soffar Hussein , Alsawy Mohamed F.
Published: August 2021

Background

Neuronavigation is a very beneficial tool in modern neurosurgical practice. However, the neuronavigation is not available in most of the hospitals in our country raising the question about its importance in localizing the calvarial extra-axial lesions and to what extent it is safe to operate without it.

Methods

We studied twenty patients with calvarial extra-axial lesions who underwent surgical interventions. All lesions were preoperatively located with both neuronavigation and the usual linear measurements. Both methods were compared regarding the time consumed to localize the tumor and the accuracy of each method to anticipate the actual center of the tumor.

Results

The mean error of distance between the planned center of the tumor and the actual was 6.50 ± 1.762 mm in conventional method, whereas the error was 3.85 ± 1.309 mm in IGS method. Much more time was consumed during the neuronavigation method including booting, registration, and positioning. A statistically significant difference was found between the mean time passed in the conventional method and IGS method (2.05 ± 0.826, 24.90 ± 1.334, respectively), P-value < 0.001.

Conclusion

In the setting of limited resources, the linear measurement localization method seems to have an accepted accuracy in the localization of calvarial extra-axial lesions and it saves more time than neuronavigation method.
Evolution of pectin synthesis relevant galacturonosyltransferase gene family and its expression during cotton fiber development
Authors: FAN Senmiao , LIU Aiying , ZOU Xianyan , ZHANG Zhen , GE Qun , GONG Wankui , LI Junwen , GONG Juwu , SHI Yuzhen , DENG Xiaoying , JIA Tingting , YUAN Youlu , SHANG Haihong
Published: August 2021

Background

Pectin is a key substance involved in cell wall development, and the galacturonosyltransferases (GAUTs) gene family is a critical participant in the pectin synthesis pathway. Systematic and comprehensive research on GAUTs has not been performed in cotton. Analysis of the evolution and expression patterns of the GAUT gene family in different cotton species is needed to increase knowledge of the function of pectin in cotton fiber development.

Results

In this study, we have identified 131 GAUT genes in the genomes of four Gossypium species (G. raimondii, G. barbadense, G. hirsutum, and G. arboreum), and classified them as GAUT-A, GAUT-B and GAUT-C, which coding probable galacturonosyltransferases. Among them, the GAUT genes encode proteins GAUT1 to GAUT15. All GAUT proteins except for GAUT7 contain a conserved glycosyl transferase family 8 domain (H-DN-A-SVV-S-V-H-T-F). The conserved sequence of GAUT7 is PLN (phospholamban) 02769 domain. According to cis-elemet analysis, GAUT genes transcript levels may be regulated by hormones such as JA, GA, SA, ABA, Me-JA, and IAA. The evolution and transcription patterns of the GAUT gene family in different cotton species and the transcript levels in upland cotton lines with different fiber strength were analyzed. Peak transcript level of GhGAUT genes have been observed before 15 DPA. In the six materials with high fiber strength, the transcription of GhGAUT genes were concentrated from 10 to 15 DPA; while the highest transcript levels in low fiber strength materials were detected between 5 and 10 DPA. These results lays the foundation for future research on gene function during cotton fiber development.

Conclusions

The GAUT gene family may affect cotton fiber development, including fiber elongation and fiber thickening. In the low strength fiber lines, GAUTs mainly participate in fiber elongation, whereas their major effect on cotton with high strength fiber is related to both elongation and thickening.
Foundation News
Authors: Bharadwaj Pallavi , Burk Katie
Published: August 2021

Many of the world's most pressing humanitarian issues fall into categories where geoscientists can make significant contributions because of their unique and advanced knowledge about the earth. These issues include water, sanitation, and hygiene; food security; disaster risk reduction, which encompasses landslides, earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes; and environmental and cultural conservation.
Scholte wave inversion and passive source imaging with ocean-bottom DAS
Authors: Williams Ethan F. , Fernández-Ruiz María R. , Magalhaes Regina , Vanthillo Roel , Zhan Zhongwen , González-Herráez Miguel , Martins Hugo F.
Published: August 2021

Geotechnical characterization of marine sediments remains an outstanding challenge for offshore energy development, including foundation design and site selection of wind turbines and offshore platforms. We demonstrate that passive distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) surveys offer a new solution for shallow offshore geotechnical investigation where seafloor power or communications cables with fiber-optic links are available. We analyze Scholte waves recorded by DAS on a 42 km power cable in the Belgian offshore area of the southern North Sea. Ambient noise crosscorrelations converge acceptably with just over one hour of data, permitting multimodal Scholte wave dispersion measurement and shear-wave velocity inversion along the cable. We identify anomalous off-axis Scholte wave arrivals in noise crosscorrelations at high frequencies. Using a simple passive source imaging approach, we associate these arrivals with individual wind turbines, which suggests they are generated by structural vibrations. While many technological barriers must be overcome before ocean-bottom DAS can be applied to global seismic monitoring in the deep oceans, high-frequency passive surveys for high-resolution geotechnical characterization and monitoring in coastal regions are easily achievable today.
The dynamic response of coseismic liquefaction-induced ruptures associated with the 2019Mw5.8 Mirpur, Pakistan, earthquake using HVSR measurements
Authors: Khan Muhammad Younis , Turab Syed Ali , Ali Liaqat , Shah Muhammad Tahir , Qadri S. M. Talha , Latif Khalid , Kanli Ali Ismet , Akhter Muhammad Gulraiz
Published: August 2021

The Mirpur area of Pakistan was severely damaged by extensive coseismic liquefaction following an earthquake of Mw5.8 on 24 September 2019. Villages within 6 km of the epicenter were adversely affected due to extensive coseismic liquefaction-induced surface and shallow subsurface deformations. The earthquake affected all types of buildings and key infrastructure (e.g., the Upper Jhelum Canal and the main Jhelum–Jatlan road). Field observations and associated effects are presented, including horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) data sets acquired from three sites to evaluate the site response characteristics of the liquefaction-affected soil profiles. As a result, rupture events strongly influenced spectral features (amplitude and frequency) and site-specific 1D shear-wave velocity profiles at sites S1 and S2. The dynamic behavior of HVSRs across ruptures at sites S1 and S2 corresponds to varied levels of seismic amplification, demonstrating the impact of liquefaction-induced ruptures of seismic origin on the site response that have not been reported previously in the literature. The consistent HVSR pattern of well-established high-frequency peaks at site S3 adjacent to partially damaged to completely collapsed buildings of different types further indicates the susceptibility of potential liquefaction hazard. These results agree with the surface liquefaction signatures in the field, revealed by inverted electrical resistivity tomography models in terms of liquified sand plugs, clay lenses and associated fractures, and increasing trends of radon concentration in the soil with decrease in the distance toward ruptures. Additionally, the successful application of HVSR as a cost-effective and speedy tool attests to the potential of the proposed approach in furnishing complementary information for better assessment of liquefaction hazards in the developing world, where financial constraints are a major issue. This can help with seismic hazard analysis and mitigation in the Mirpur area and may have applications in other seismically active regions of the world.
Seismic Soundoff
Authors: Geary Andrew
Published: August 2021

In this episode, Andrew Geary speaks with Ali Tura about his upcoming Distinguished Lecture, “Recent advances in seismic reservoir characterization and monitoring.” Tura provides an overview of the three advances he highlights in his lecture and shares a few that didn't make the list. In addition, he explains why carbon sequestration is the most important issue facing the industry and why geophysics is well positioned to support sequestration for enhanced oil recovery. Hear the full episode at https://seg.org/podcast/post/12481 .
A service evaluation of short-term mentalisation based treatment for personality disorder
Authors: McGowan Niall M. , Syam Nandana , McKenna Debra , Pearce Steve , Saunders Kate E. A.
Published: August 2021

Background

People with personality disorder experience long waiting times for access to psychological treatments, resulting from a limited availability of long-term psychotherapies and a paucity of evidence-based brief interventions. Mentalisation-based treatment (MBT) is an efficacious therapeutic modality for personality disorder, but little is known about its viability as a short-term treatment.

Aims

We aimed to evaluate mental health, client satisfaction and psychological functioning outcomes before and after a 10-week group MBT programme as part of a stepped-care out-patient personality disorder service.

Method

We examined routinely collected pre–post treatment outcomes from 176 individuals (73% female) aged 20–63 years, attending a dedicated out-patient personality disorder service, who completed MBT treatment. Participants completed assessments examining mentalising capacity, client satisfaction, emotional reactivity, psychiatric symptom distress and social functioning.

Results

Post-MBT outcomes suggested increased mentalising capacity (mean difference 5.1, 95% CI 3.4–6.8, P < 0.001) and increased client satisfaction with care (mean difference 4.3, 95% CI 3.3–5.2, P < 0.001). Post-MBT emotional reactivity (mean difference −6.3, 95% CI −8.4 to −4.3, P < 0.001), psychiatric symptom distress (mean difference −5.2, 95% CI −6.8 to −3.7, P < 0.001) and impaired social functioning (mean difference −0.7, 95% CI −1.2 to −0.3, P = 0.002) were significantly lower than pre-treatment. Improved mentalising capacity predicted improvements in emotional reactivity (β = −0.56, P < 0.001) and social functioning (β = −0.35, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Short-term MBT as a low-intensity treatment for personality disorder was associated with positive pre–post treatment changes in social and psychological functioning. MBT as deployed in this out-patient service expands access to personality disorder treatment.
Clinical Outcomes Following Regionalization of Gastric Cancer Care in a US Integrated Health Care System
Authors: Teh Swee H. , Uong Stephen , Lin Teresa Y. , Shiraga Sharon , Li Yan , Gong I-Yeh , Herrinton Lisa J. , Li Robert A.
Published: August 2021

PURPOSE

In 2016, Kaiser Permanente Northern California regionalized gastric cancer care, introducing a regional comprehensive multidisciplinary care team, standardizing staging and chemotherapy, and implementing laparoscopic gastrectomy and D2 lymphadenectomy for patients eligible for curative-intent surgery. This study evaluated the effect of regionalization on outcomes.

METHODS

The retrospective cohort study included gastric cancer cases diagnosed from January 2010 to May 2018. Information was obtained from the electronic medical record, cancer registry, state vital statistics, and chart review. Overall survival was compared in patients with all stages of disease, stage I-III disease, and curative-intent gastrectomy patients using annual inception cohorts. For the latter, the surgical approach and surgical outcomes were also compared.

RESULTS

Among 1,429 eligible patients with gastric cancer with all stages of disease, one third were treated after regionalization, 650 had stage I-III disease, and 394 underwent curative-intent surgery. Among surgical patients, neoadjuvant chemotherapy utilization increased from 35% to 66% ( P < .0001), laparoscopic gastrectomy increased from 18% to 92% ( P < .0001), and D2 lymphadenectomy increased from 2% to 80% ( P < .0001). Dissection of ≥ 15 lymph nodes increased from 61% to 95% ( P < .0001). Surgical complication rates did not appear to increase after regionalization. Length of hospitalization decreased from 7 to 3 days ( P < .001). Overall survival at 2 years was as follows: all stages, 32.8% pre and 37.3% post ( P = .20); stage I-III cases with or without surgery, 55.6% and 61.1%, respectively ( P = .25); and among surgery patients, 72.7% and 85.5%, respectively ( P < .03).

CONCLUSION

Regionalization of gastric cancer care within an integrated system allowed comprehensive multidisciplinary care, conversion to laparoscopic gastrectomy and D2 lymphadenectomy, increased overall survival among surgery patients, and no increase in surgical complications.
Heat transport enhancement in confined Rayleigh-Bénard convection feels the shape of the container
(a)
Authors: Hartmann Robert , Chong Kai Leong , Stevens Richard J. A. M. , Verzicco Roberto , Lohse Detlef
Published: August 2021

Moderate spatial confinement enhances the heat transfer in turbulent Rayleigh-Bénard (RB) convection (Chong K. L. et al., Phys. Rev. Lett., 115 (2015) 264503). Here, by performing direct numerical simulations, we answer the question how the shape of the RB cell affects this enhancement. We compare three different geometries: a box with rectangular base (i.e., stronger confined in one horizontal direction), a box with square base (i.e., equally confined in both horizontal directions), and a cylinder (i.e., symmetrically confined in the radial direction). In all cases the confinement can be described by the same confinement parameter

, given as height-over-width aspect ratio. The explored parameter range is

,

for the Rayleigh number, and a Prandtl number of

. We find that both the optimal confinement parameter

for maximal heat transfer and the actual heat transfer enhancement strongly depend on the cell geometry. The differences can be explained by the formation of different vertically coherent flow structures within the specific geometries. The enhancement is largest in the cylindrical cell, owing to the formation of a domain-spanning flow structure at the optimal confinement parameter

.
Distribution of the time of the maximum for stationary processes
Authors: Mori Francesco , Majumdar Satya N. , Schehr Grégory
Published: August 2021

We consider a one-dimensional stationary stochastic process

of duration T. We study the probability density function (PDF)

of the time

at which

reaches its global maximum. By using a path integral method, we compute

for a number of equilibrium and nonequilibrium stationary processes, including the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process, Brownian motion with stochastic resetting and a single confined run-and-tumble particle. For a large class of equilibrium stationary processes that correspond to diffusion in a confining potential, we show that the scaled distribution

, for large T, has a universal form (independent of the details of the potential). This universal distribution is uniform in the “bulk”, i.e., for

and has a nontrivial edge scaling behavior for

(and when

), that we compute exactly. Moreover, we show that for any equilibrium process the PDF

is symmetric around

, i.e.,

. This symmetry provides a simple method to decide whether a given stationary time series

is at equilibrium or not.