bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generalized Linear Mixed Models for Categorical and Ordinal Responses
Authors: Salinas Ruíz Josafhat , Montesinos López Osval Antonio , Hernández Ramírez Gabriela , Crossa Hiriart Jose
Published: August 2023

According to Agresti (2013), a multinomial distribution is a generalization of a binomial distribution in cases with more than two possible ordered (ordinal) or unordered (nominal) outcomes. Given a response with more than two possible outcomes and independent trials with probabilities of similar category for each trial, the distribution of counts across categories follows a multinomial distribution. Quinn and Keough (2002) believe that several methods exist for multinomial data analysis. The most common form of categorical data analysis in biological sciences, which results in frequency counts, is creating cross-tabulations or contingency tables and chi-squared tests to examine associations between two or more categorical variables. However, such an approach is ill suited for a study aimed at estimating the response when there is a change in the explanatory variable(s), as contingency tables are used to analyze the association between variables without considering a predictor or response variable. In this analysis, the results are valid as long as less than 20% of the cells have an expected count less than five and none are less than one (Logan 2010). Fisher’s exact test extends the chi-squared test in studies involving small sample sizes.
Vulnerable Households in the Energy Transition
Authors: Bardazzi Rossella , Pazienza Maria Grazia
Published: August 2023

Energy transitions are multi-dimensional and multi-actor processes involving technical systems, social networks and societal institutions and regimes (Sovacool and Geels, Energy Research & Social Science 22:232–237, 2016). Interactions between firms, households, policymakers and social bodies are at the core of the shift from one energy system to another. This nexus of interactions is even more important to be analysed when considering the current energy transition towards decarbonization, which is mainly policy-driven rather than social- or technology-driven.
Exact large charge in $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 SYM and semiclassical string theory
Authors: Paul Hynek , Perlmutter Eric , Raj Himanshu
Published: August 2023

Abstract

In four-dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 super Yang-Mills theory with gauge group SU(N), we present a closed-form solution for a family of integrated four-point functions involving stress tensor multiplet composites of arbitrary R-charge. These integrated correlators are shown to be equivalent to a one-dimensional semi-infinite lattice of harmonic oscillators with nearest-neighbor interactions, evolving over the fundamental domain of SL(2, ℤ). The solution, exceptionally simple in an SL(2, ℤ)-invariant eigenbasis, is exact in the R-charge p, rank N, and complexified gauge coupling τ. This permits a systematic and non-perturbative large charge expansion for any N and τ. Especially novel is a double-scaled “gravity regime” in which p ~ N2 ≫ 1, holographically dual to a large charge regime of semiclassical type IIB string theory in AdS5 × S5. Our results in this limit provide a holographic computation of integrated semiclassical string amplitudes at arbitrary string coupling, including an emergent string scale with a large charge dressing factor. We compare to extremal correlators in superconformal QCD, for which we predict new genus expansions at large charge scaling with N.
Holography from lattice $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 super Yang-Mills
Authors: Catterall Simon , Giedt Joel , Toga Goksu Can
Published: August 2023

Abstract

In this paper we use lattice simulation to study four dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 super Yang-Mills (SYM) theory. We have focused on the three color theory on lattices of size 124 and for ’t Hooft couplings up to λ = 40.0. Our lattice action is based on a discretization of the Marcus or GL twist of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 SYM and retains one exact supersymmetry for non-zero lattice spacing. We show that lattice theory exists in a single non-Abelian Coulomb phase for all ’t Hooft couplings. Furthermore the static potential we obtain from correlators of Polyakov lines is in good agreement with that obtained from holography — specifically the potential has a Coulombic form with a coefficent that varies as the square root of the ’t Hooft coupling.
A multi-channel U-Matrix model of hadron interaction at high energy
Authors: Oueslati Rami
Published: August 2023

Abstract

The present phenomenological study investigates a multi-channel model of high-energy hadron interactions by considering a full parton configurations space and the U-matrix unitarisation scheme of the elastic amplitude, comparing it to the two-channel model, and examining the consequences of up-to-date high-energy collider data on the best fits to various hadronic observables in pp and $$ p\overline{p} $$
p

p
¯

collisions. The findings of this study reveal that the data are well-fitted with the multi-channel model and that the difference compared to the two-channel one is negligible. Of particular significance is the observation that the U-matrix unitarisation is likely incompatible with uncorrelated pomeron exchange, as suggested by the equivalence between the U-matrix multi-channel and eikonal two-channel descriptions. Based on our best fit, predictions for the ρ parameter, the double diffractive cross-section, and the elastic differential cross-section are provided. We shed light on the effect of taking into account a multi-channel model on present and future cosmic ray data.
Dual-tracer PET/CT protocol with [18F]FDG and [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 outperforms single-tracer PET/CT with [18F]FDG in different cancer types, resulting in larger functional and gross tumor volume
Authors: Wegen Simone , Weindler Jasmin , Voltin Conrad-Amadeus , van Heek Lutz , Schomäcker Klaus , Fischer Thomas , Marnitz Simone , Kobe Carsten , Drzezga Alexander , Roth Katrin S.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) detected by positron-emission tomography (PET) using fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI) appears to be a promising target for cancer imaging, staging, and therapy, providing added value and strength as a complement to [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) in cancer imaging. We recently introduced a combined single-session/dual-tracer protocol with [18F]FDG and [68Ga]Ga-FAPI for cancer imaging and staging. Malignant tissue visualization and target-to-background uptake ratios (TBRs) as well as functional tumor volume (FTV) and gross tumor volume (GTV) were assessed in the present study with single-tracer [18F]FDG PET/computed tomography (CT) and with dual-tracer [18F]FDG&[68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT.

Methods

A total of 19 patients with head and neck and gastrointestinal cancers received initial [18F]FDG-PET/CT followed by dual-tracer PET/CT after additional injection of [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 during the same medical appointment (on average 13.9 ± 12.3 min after injection of [18F]FDG). Two readers visually compared detection rate of malignant tissue, TBR, FTV, and GTV for tumor and metastatic tissue in single- and dual-tracer PET/CT.

Results

The diagnostic performance of dual-tracer compared to single-tracer PET/CT was equal in 13 patients and superior in 6 patients. The mean TBRs of tumors and metastases in dual-tracer PET/CTs were mostly higher compared to single-tracer PET/CT using maximal count rates (CRmax). GTV and FTV were significantly larger when measured on dual-tracer compared to single-tracer PET/CT.

Conclusion

Dual-tracer PET/CT with [18F]FDG and [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 showed better visualization due to a generally higher TBR and larger FTV and GTV compared to [18F]FDG-PET/CT in several tumor entities, suggesting that [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 provides added value in pretherapeutic staging.
A generalisation of the aggregate association index (AAI): incorporating a linear transformation of the cells of a 2 × 2 table
Authors: Beh Eric J. , Tran Duy , Hudson Irene L.
Published: August 2023

The analysis of aggregate, or marginal, data for contingency tables is an increasingly important area of statistics, applied sciences and the social sciences. This is largely due to confidentiality issues arising from the imposition of government and corporate protection and data collection methods. The availability of only aggregate data makes it difficult to draw conclusions about the association between categorical variables at the individual level. For data analysts, this issue is of growing concern, especially for those dealing with the aggregate analysis of a single 2 × 2 table or stratified 2 × 2 tables and lies in the field of ecological inference. As an alternative to ecological inference techniques, one may consider the aggregate association index (AAI) to obtain valuable information about the magnitude and direction of the association between two categorical variables of a single 2 × 2 table or stratified 2 × 2 tables given only the marginal totals. Conventionally, the AAI has been examined by considering $${\mathrm{p}}_{11}$$

p
11

—the proportion of the sample that lies in the (1, 1)th cell of a given 2 × 2 table. However, the AAI can be expanded for other association indices. Therefore, a new generalisation of the original AAI is given here by reformulating and expanding the index so that it incorporates any linear transformation of $${\mathrm{p}}_{11}$$

p
11

. This study shall consider the consistency of the AAI under the transformation by examining four classic association indices, namely the independence ratio, Pearson’s ratio, standardised residual and adjusted standardised residual, although others may be incorporated into this general framework. We will show how these indices can be utilised to examine the strength and direction of association given only the marginal totals. Therefore, this work enhances our understanding of the AAI and establishes its links with common association indices.
Complications 8 weeks after an obstetric second-degree perineal laceration in relation to body mass index
Authors: Otterheim Maria , Hjertberg Linda , Pihl Sofia , Uustal Eva , Blomberg Marie
Published: August 2023

Introduction and hypothesis

How body mass index (BMI) affects pelvic floor function after a second-degree perineal laceration is unknown. The hypothesis of this study is that pelvic floor dysfunction and complications after an obstetric second-degree perineal laceration are more common in women with a higher BMI 8 weeks postpartum.

Methods

This register-based cohort study includes 10,876 primiparous women with an obstetric second-degree perineal laceration between 2014 and 2021. Data were retrieved from the Swedish Perineal Laceration Registry. Outcomes in relation to maternal BMI were urinary incontinence (UI), anal incontinence (AI) and common complications attributable to the laceration. Uni- and multivariate logistic regressions were used for comparison between normal weight (BMI < 24.9, reference), overweight (25.0–29.9) and obese (≥ 30) women.

Results

Multivariate analyses showed an increased risk for UI in both overweight and obese women compared to normal-weight women 8 weeks after a second-degree perineal laceration with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 1.21 (CI 1.02–1.44) and 1.27 (CI 1.13–1.58) respectively. Overweight and obese women had a decreased risk for AI (aOR 0.81, CI 0.68–0.96; aOR 0.72, CI 0.57–0.90 respectively) compared with normal-weight women. No significant differences were found in the univariate analyses over BMI strata concerning complications after perineal laceration.

Conclusions

Primiparous overweight and obese women report less AI and more UI than normal-weight women 8 weeks after a second-degree perineal laceration. No differences were found regarding complications. These findings are new and merit further study to find potential preventive factors and interventions after a second-degree perineal laceration.
Continuous home cage monitoring of activity and sleep in mice during repeated paroxetine treatment and discontinuation
Authors: Collins Helen M. , Pinacho Raquel , Tam S. K. Eric , Sharp Trevor , Bannerman David M. , Peirson Stuart N.
Published: August 2023

Rationale

Non-invasive home cage monitoring is emerging as a valuable tool to assess the effects of experimental interventions on mouse behaviour. A field in which these techniques may prove useful is the study of repeated selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatment and discontinuation. SSRI discontinuation syndrome is an under-researched condition that includes the emergence of sleep disturbances following treatment cessation.

Objectives

We used passive infrared (PIR) monitoring to investigate changes in activity, sleep, and circadian rhythms during repeated treatment with the SSRI paroxetine and its discontinuation in mice.

Methods

Male mice received paroxetine (10 mg/kg/day, s.c.) for 12 days, then were swapped to saline injections for a 13 day discontinuation period and compared to mice that received saline injections throughout. Mice were continuously tracked using the Continuous Open Mouse Phenotyping of Activity and Sleep Status (COMPASS) system.

Results

Repeated paroxetine treatment reduced activity and increased behaviourally-defined sleep in the dark phase. These effects recovered to saline-control levels within 24 h of paroxetine cessation, yet there was also evidence of a lengthening of sleep bouts in the dark phase for up to a week following discontinuation.

Conclusions

This study provides the first example of how continuous non-invasive home cage monitoring can be used to detect objective behavioural changes in activity and sleep during and after drug treatment in mice. These data suggest that effects of paroxetine administration reversed soon after its discontinuation but identified an emergent change in sleep bout duration, which could be used as a biomarker in future preclinical studies to prevent or minimise SSRI discontinuation symptoms.
A Quantitative Comparison of Oil Sources on Shorelines of Prince William Sound, Alaska, 17 Years After the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill
Authors: Short Jeffrey W. , Maselko Jacek M.
Published: August 2023

Environmental damage caused by accidental discharges of pollutants depends in part on the degree of prior contamination, in that increased pollution of an already heavily contaminated region will usually be considered less detrimental than equivalent pollution of a pristine region. Quantitative comparisons of specific pollution events with the extent and severity of prior contamination are rare, owing to difficulties in identifying and assessing contaminants remaining from prior pollution events, and in some cases contaminants from natural sources. The 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill (EVOS) presents an unusual opportunity to quantitatively evaluate residual contaminants from petroleum sources on shorelines of Prince William Sound (PWS), Alaska. Here, we evaluate surface oil contamination from Monterey Formation petroleum-derived residues (released into PWS from ruptured storage tanks during the 1964 earthquake) on 200 shoreline segments selected at random within the EVOS spill path. We compare these results with previously estimated contamination from the EVOS and from other human activities. Our results indicate that residual shoreline contamination from the EVOS is more than ~ 50% greater than the sum total from human activity sites, that residual contamination by Monterey Formation sources is negligible in comparison to that from the EVOS, and that most of the shorelines in PWS were as close to pristine prior to the EVOS as is likely to be found anywhere else worldwide.
Pulsed thulium:YAG laser—ready to dust all urinary stone composition types? Results from a PEARLS analysis
Authors: Kwok Jia-Lun , Ventimiglia Eugenio , De Coninck Vincent , Corrales Mariela , Sierra Alba , Panthier Frédéric , Pauchard Felipe , Schmid Florian , Hunziker Manuela , Poyet Cédric , Daudon Michel , Traxer Olivier , Eberli Daniel , Keller Etienne Xavier
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To evaluate whether stone dust can be obtained from all prevailing stone composition types using the novel pulsed thulium:YAG (p-Tm:YAG), including analysis of stone particle size after lithotripsy.

Methods

Human urinary stones of 7 different compositions were subjected to in vitro lithotripsy using a p-Tm:YAG laser with 270 µm silica core fibers (Thulio®, Dornier MedTech GmbH®, Wessling, Germany). A cumulative energy of 1000 J was applied to each stone using one of three laser settings: 0.1 J × 100 Hz, 0.4 J × 25 Hz and 2.0 J × 5 Hz (average power 10 W). After lithotripsy, larger remnant fragments were separated from stone dust using a previously described method depending on the floating ability of dust particles. Fragments and dust samples were then passed through laboratory sieves to evaluate stone particle count according to a semiquantitative analysis relying on a previous definition of stone dust (i.e., stone particles ≤ 250 µm).

Results

The p-Tm:YAG laser was able to produce stone dust from lithotripsy up to measured smallest mesh size of 63 µm in all seven stone composition types. Notably, all dust samples from all seven stone types and with all three laser settings had high counts of particles in the size range agreeing with the definition stone dust, i.e., ≤ 250 µm.

Conclusion

This is the first study in the literature proving the p-Tm:YAG laser capable of dusting all prevailing human urinary stone compositions, with production of dust particles ≤ 250 µm. These findings are pivotal for the broader future implementation of the p-Tm:YAG in clinical routine.
Integration of photoperiodic and temperature cues by the circadian clock to regulate insect seasonal adaptations
Authors: Hidalgo Sergio , Chiu Joanna C.
Published: August 2023

Organisms adapt to unfavorable seasonal conditions to survive. These seasonal adaptations rely on the correct interpretation of environmental cues such as photoperiod, and temperature. Genetic studies in several organisms, including the genetic powerhouse Drosophila melanogaster, indicate that circadian clock components, such as period and timeless, are involved in photoperiodic-dependent seasonal adaptations, but our understanding of this process is far from complete. In particular, the role of temperature as a key factor to complement photoperiodic response is not well understood. The development of new sequencing technologies has proven extremely useful in understanding the plastic changes that the clock and other cellular components undergo in different environmental conditions, including changes in gene expression and alternative splicing. This article discusses the integration of photoperiod and temperature for seasonal biology as well as downstream molecular and cellular pathways involved in the regulation of physiological adaptations that occur with changing seasons. We focus our discussion on the current understanding of the involvement of the molecular clock and the circadian clock neuronal circuits in these adaptations in D. melanogaster.
Technical skill assessment in minimally invasive surgery using artificial intelligence: a systematic review
Authors: Pedrett Romina , Mascagni Pietro , Beldi Guido , Padoy Nicolas , Lavanchy Joël L.
Published: August 2023

Background

Technical skill assessment in surgery relies on expert opinion. Therefore, it is time-consuming, costly, and often lacks objectivity. Analysis of intraoperative data by artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential for automated technical skill assessment. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the performance, external validity, and generalizability of AI models for technical skill assessment in minimally invasive surgery.

Methods

A systematic search of Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and IEEE Xplore was performed to identify original articles reporting the use of AI in the assessment of technical skill in minimally invasive surgery. Risk of bias (RoB) and quality of the included studies were analyzed according to Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies criteria and the modified Joanna Briggs Institute checklists, respectively. Findings were reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement.

Results

In total, 1958 articles were identified, 50 articles met eligibility criteria and were analyzed. Motion data extracted from surgical videos (n = 25) or kinematic data from robotic systems or sensors (n = 22) were the most frequent input data for AI. Most studies used deep learning (n = 34) and predicted technical skills using an ordinal assessment scale (n = 36) with good accuracies in simulated settings. However, all proposed models were in development stage, only 4 studies were externally validated and 8 showed a low RoB.

Conclusion

AI showed good performance in technical skill assessment in minimally invasive surgery. However, models often lacked external validity and generalizability. Therefore, models should be benchmarked using predefined performance metrics and tested in clinical implementation studies.
Supernumerary Nipples and Renal Malformations: A Family Study
Authors: Brown Justin , Schwartz Robert A.
Published: August 2023

We describe a family with supernumerary nipples and kidney and urinary tract malformations. The proband is a 59-year-old man with a supernumerary nipple and recendy identified hypoplastic kidney, bladder diverticulum, and hypotonic bladder. His mother also has a supernumerary nipple and a recently identified hypoplastic kidney. Of his three children, all male, one has a supernumerary nipple but has not been evaluated for a kidney or urinary tract malformation. This familial disorder is discussed.
CDK4/6 inhibitors versus weekly paclitaxel for treatment of ER+/HER2- advanced breast cancer with impending or established visceral crisis
Authors: Behrouzi Roya , Armstrong Anne C. , Howell Sacha J.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

ER+/HER2- advanced breast cancer (ABC) with visceral crisis (VC) or impending VC (IVC) is commonly treated with chemotherapy instead of CDK4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i). However, there is little evidence to confirm which treatment is superior. This study compared outcomes of patients with ER+/HER2- ABC and IVC/VC treated with CDK4/6i or weekly paclitaxel.

Methods

Patients with ER+/HER2- ABC receiving first line treatment at a large tertiary UK cancer centre from 1-Mar-2017 to 30-Jun-2021 were retrospectively identified. Hospital records were screened for IVC/VC affecting the liver, lungs/mediastinum, gastrointestinal tract and/or bone marrow. Baseline demographics, clinical data and survival outcomes were recorded up to 30-Jul-2022.

Results

27/396 (6.8%) patients with ABC who received CDK4/6i and 32/86 (37.2%) who received paclitaxel had IVC/VC. Median time to treatment failure (TTF), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were significantly longer in the CDK4/6i compared to paclitaxel cohort: TTF 17.3 vs. 3.5 months (HR 0.33, 95%CI 0.17–0.61, p = 0.0002), PFS 17.8 vs. 4.5 months (HR 0.38, 95%CI 0.21–0.67, p = 0.002), OS 24.6 vs. 6.7 months (HR 0.37, 95%CI 0.20–0.68, p = 0.002). The median time to first improvement in IVC/VC was similar in patients receiving CDK4/6i compared to paclitaxel (3.9 vs. 3.6 weeks, p = 0.773). Disease control at 4 months was not significantly different in the CDK4/6i and paclitaxel cohorts (77.8% vs. 59.4%, p = 0.168). In multivariate analysis, treatment with CDK4/6i was independently associated with a longer PFS compared to paclitaxel (HR 0.31, 95%CI 0.12–0.78, p = 0.015).

Conclusion

In this retrospective study, patients with ER+/HER2- ABC and IVC/VC treated with CDK4/6i had a significantly better survival compared to those treated with weekly paclitaxel. Further prospective studies that minimise possible selection bias are recommended.
Trophic status determination of the Egyptian Eastern Mediterranean Sea based on phytoplankton diversity and their biochemical contents
Authors: Ismail Mona M. , Diab Mohamed H. , El-Sheekh Mostafa M.
Published: August 2023

The present study attempted to test the applicability of using phytoplankton as a bioindicator for assessing water quality along the Eastern Alexandria coast, Egypt. Eight stations were selected to cover the different characteristics of seawater during the summer 2022. Six algal groups were detected in different ratios: Bacillariophyceae, Cyanophyceae, Dinophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Silicoflagellata, and Euglenophyceae. Phytoplankton abundance was found highest at the Port Said (PS) beach, and the lowest abundance was detected at Ras El Bar (RB) beach. According to the evaluation of phytoplankton abundance, all the studied stations are oligotrophic state except PS was eutrophic. Based on Chl a concentration, the selected stations could be described as good-bad from west to east. The Shannon diversity and Pielou evenness indexes classified the studied stations as being moderate pollution except for PS and RB stations. The existence of organic pollution indicators species like Navicula, Synedra, and Euglena is a warning indication of the declining water quality especially in B and M stations. The biochemical compositions of the collected phytoplankton were spatial fluctuated. Protein and carbohydrates were the dominant macromolecules in the phytoplankton community compared with lipids. These macromolecules are used to assess trophic states whereas the ratio between protein and carbohydrate > 1 represents a healthy coast as observed in some stations. Thus, phytoplankton should be considered a bioindicator within Water Framework Directive monitoring programs for the Mediterranean Sea. For the long-term monitoring of the Mediterranean Sea’s ecosystem, it is recommended that the macromolecules of phytoplankton should be determined.
The minimal genus problem for right angled Artin groups
Authors: Boyd Rachael , Kastenholz Thorben , Mutanguha Jean Pierre
Published: August 2023

We investigate the minimal genus problem for the second homology of a right angled Artin group (RAAG). Firstly, we present a lower bound for the minimal genus of a second homology class, equal to half the rank of the corresponding cap product matrix. We show that for complete graphs, trees, and complete bipartite graphs, this bound is an equality, and furthermore in these cases the minimal genus can always be realised by a disjoint union of tori. Additionally, we give a full characterisation of classes that are representable by a single torus. However, the minimal genus of a second homology class of a RAAG is not always realised by a disjoint union of tori as an example we construct in the pentagon shows.
Adineta vaga under fire: simulating the impact of radiation
Authors: Perrot Alexandre , Hespeels Boris , Van Doninck Karine , Heuskin Anne-Catherine
Published: August 2023

Previous studies have demonstrated the remarkable resistance of bdelloid rotifers to ionizing radiation, making them an interesting model system for studying radiation effects on living organisms. In this study, we use simulations, instead of direct experimental exposures, to examine whether all bdelloids are affected equally by radiation exposure and to explore the relationship between biological data and energy deposition patterns induced by low and high linear energy transfer (LET) radiation. To this end, tool for particle simulation (TOPAS) a simulation tool, widely used in the field of medical physics and radiation therapy, was utilized. Using simulations for proton, iron ions, and X-ray exposure, our findings showed that all individuals, cells, and nuclei were effectively hit by the administered doses of 4 MeV protons, 0.5 GeV/n 56Fe, and X-ray radiation. The results support that the impact on survival and fertility rate measured in Adineta vaga is caused by radiation-induced damage rather than the absence of hits in certain individuals or germinal cells. Notably, simulations revealed significant differences between low- and high-LET radiation concerning irradiated individuals' nuclei. Specifically, for an equivalent dose, high-LET radiation requires fewer incident particles compared to low-LET radiation, resulting in a sparser distribution of radiation hits on the nucleus surface. In conclusion, the study supports the idea that reduced fertility described in high-LET exposed samples is associated with complex DNA damage caused by the condensed energy deposition pattern of high-LET radiation compared to low-LET.
Evidence summary on the non-pharmacological management of sleep disorders in shift workers
Authors: Wu Jin-yu , Li Hui , Shuai Jun-kun , He Yue , Li Peng-cheng
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate, and integrate the relevant evidence on the non-pharmacological management of sleep disorders in shift workers to provide a reference for improving sleep of shift workers.

Methods

According to the “6S” pyramid model of evidence, a comprehensive search was conducted in evidence-based databases, including BMJ-Best Practice, UpToDate, DynaMed, Cochrane Library, and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI); clinical practice guideline websites, such as the Guidelines International Network; professional association websites, such as the World Sleep Society; and literature databases, including PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, and Chinese Biology Medicine disc (CBM) from inception to November 30, 2022. Two researchers independently evaluated the literature in accordance with the evaluation standards; conducted the extraction, classification, and synthesis of the evidence; and evaluated its grade and recommendation grade.

Results

A total of 18 studies were included, including 2 clinical decisions, 2 guidelines, 3 expert consensuses, and 11 systematic reviews. In total, 25 pieces of evidence were summarized from 6 aspects: sleep assessment, sleep scheduling, sleep hygiene, light therapy, workplace intervention, and other managements.

Conclusion

This study summarized the best evidence for the non-pharmacological management of sleep disorders in shift workers. Shift workers should reasonably arrange their sleep time and develop good sleep hygiene. Additionally, work organizations should jointly promote sleep to improve the sleep conditions of shift workers and promote their physical and mental health.
An integrated and real-time social distancing, mask detection, and facial temperature video measurement system for pandemic monitoring
Authors: Elhanashi Abdussalam , Saponara Sergio , Dini Pierpaolo , Zheng Qinghe , Morita Daiki , Raytchev Bisser
Published: August 2023

This paper presents a new Edge-AI algorithm for real-time and multi-feature (social distancing, mask detection, and facial temperature) measurement to minimize the spread of COVID-19 among individuals. COVID-19 has extenuated the need for an intelligent surveillance video system that can monitor the status of social distancing, mask detection, and measure the temperature of faces simultaneously using deep learning (DL) models. In this research, we utilized the fusion of three different YOLOv4-tiny object detectors for each task of the integrated system. This DL model is used for object detection and targeted for real-time applications. The proposed models have been trained for different data sets, which include people detection, mask detection, and facial detection for measuring the temperature, and evaluated on these existing data sets. Thermal and visible cameras have been used for the proposed approach. The thermal camera is used for social distancing and facial temperature measurement, while a visible camera is used for mask detection. The proposed method has been executed on NVIDIA platforms to assess algorithmic performance. For evaluation of the trained models, accuracy, recall, and precision have been measured. We obtained promising results for real-time detection for human recognition. Different couples of thermal and visible cameras and different NVIDIA edge platforms have been adopted to explore solutions with different trade-offs between cost and performance. The multi-feature algorithm is designed to monitor the individuals continuously in the targeted environments, thus reducing the impact of COVID-19 spread.
Non-response After Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy—the Theoretical Need for Revisional Bariatric Surgery: Results from the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry
Authors: Axer Stephan , Szabo Eva , Näslund Ingmar
Published: August 2023

Background

Revisional surgery is a second-line treatment option after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and gastric bypass (GBP) in patients with primary or secondary non-response. The aim was to analyze the theoretical need for revisional surgery after SG and GBP when applying four indication benchmarks.

Method

Based on data from the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry, SG and GBP were compared regarding four endpoints: 1. excess weight loss (%EWL) < 50%, 2. weight regain of more than 10 kg after nadir, 3. fulfillment of previous IFSO-guidelines, or 4. ADA criteria for bariatric metabolic surgery 2 years after primary surgery.

Results

A total of 60,426 individuals were included in the study (SG: n = 7856 and GBP: n = 52,570). Compared to patients in the GBP group, more SG patients failed to achieve a %EWL > 50% (23.0% versus 8.5%, p < .001), regained more than 10 kg after nadir (4.3% versus 2.5%, p < .001), and more often fulfilled the IFSO criteria (8.0% versus 4.5%, p < .001) or the ADA criteria (3.3% versus 1.8%, p < 001) at the 2-year follow-up.

Conclusion

SG is associated with a higher risk for weight non-response compared to GBP. To offer revisional bariatric surgery to all non-responders exceeds the bounds of feasibility and operability. Hence, individual prioritization and intensified evaluation of alternative second-line treatments are necessary.

Graphical Abstract
Navigators and Negotiators: An Ecologically Informed Qualitative Study of Providers’ Perspectives on Their Roles in School-Based Mental Health Services
Authors: Lakind Davielle , Becker Kimberly D. , Chu Wendy , Boyd Meredith R. , Chorpita Bruce F.
Published: August 2023

School-based mental health services (SMHS) offer a unique opportunity to embed support within a key developmental context, yet little research has examined SMHS providers’ fit within schools’ complex ecologies. Using a social-ecological framework, this qualitative study draws on focus groups with 67 SMHS providers from two large mental health systems to examine how school setting characteristics and interactions with school actors influenced their experiences providing SMHS. Thematic analysis revealed the importance of feeling valued by and connected to school staff, which facilitated strong ongoing communication and more effective collaboration. Providers described a flexible approach to communication and collaboration, including leveraging opportunities for informal conversation (e.g., in hallways or classrooms) to overcome barriers and boost their perceived value and connectedness. Opportunities for communication and connectedness were enhanced when providers worked in fewer schools, held roles on interdisciplinary teams, spent time in common spaces, when school staff shared providers’ understanding of mental health and SMHS, and when school policies and structural features facilitated their inclusion. Providers also discussed the variety of factors, including their place in the school ecology, that informed student wellbeing (e.g., disciplinary versus supportive responses to challenging student behaviors). This study suggests potential mechanisms on individual, school, and district levels to strengthen SMHS providers’ value and connectedness within the school ecology, and the importance of these factors to maintain strong communication and collaboration and effectively support youth and families.
Key factors influencing farmers’ adoption of sustainable innovations: a systematic literature review and research agenda
Authors: Rizzo Giuseppina , Migliore Giuseppina , Schifani Giorgio , Vecchio Riccardo
Published: August 2023

Despite the benefits of sustainable innovations in the agricultural sector being widely recognized, their adoption rate remains below the level designated by the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. To understand the reasons behind this phenomenon, the current systematic literature review (SLR) provides a comprehensive overview of factors affecting farmers’ innovation adoption behavior in developed countries. A total of 44 studies, published since 2010, were identified, analyzed, and summarized. The analysis revealed that specific innovation characteristics foster the innovation adoption process, together with individual psychological and socio-demographic features. It emerged that the path to adopting sustainable innovations can be driven by environmental values; for example, when comparing organic and conventional farming, organic farmers have a stronger environmental view and are more likely to take less into account economic gains. On the contrary, complexity of innovation, a high degree of innovation aversion, and a low perceived control over innovation are among the core barriers to the innovation adoption. Findings provide important insights on potential research avenues that could further depict farmers’ adoption dynamics of sustainable innovations.
3D-porous-GAN: a high-performance 3D GAN for digital core reconstruction from a single 3D image
Authors: Shi Xiangchao , Li Dandan , Chen Junhai , Chen Yan
Published: August 2023

The 3D digital rock technology is extensively utilized in analyzing rock physical properties, reservoir modeling, and other related fields. This technology enables the visualization, quantification, and analysis of microstructures in rock cores, leading to precise predictions and optimized designs of reservoir properties. Although the accuracy of 3D digital rock reconstruction algorithms based on physical experiments is high, the associated acquisition costs and reconstruction processes are expensive and complex, respectively. On the other hand, the 3D digital rock random reconstruction method based on 2D slices is advantageous in terms of its low cost and easy implementation, but its reconstruction effect still requires significant improvement. This article draws inspiration from the Concurrent single-image generative adversarial network and proposes an innovative algorithm to reconstruct 3D digital rock by improving the generator, discriminator, and noise vector in the network structure. Compared to traditional numerical reconstruction methods and generative adversarial network algorithms, the method proposed in this paper is shown to achieve good agreement with real samples in terms of Dykstra-Parson coefficient, porosity, two-point correlation function, Minkowski functionals, and visual display.
Drug delivery methods for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Pérez-Herrero Edgar , Lanier Olivia L. , Krishnan Neha , D’Andrea Abby , Peppas Nicholas A.
Published: August 2023

Despite the fact that numerous immunotherapy-based drugs have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of primary and metastatic tumors, only a small proportion of the population can benefit from them because of primary and acquired resistances. Moreover, the translation of immunotherapy from the bench to the clinical practice is being challenging because of the short half-lives of the involved molecules, the difficulties to accomplish their delivery to the target sites, and some serious adverse effects that are being associated with these approaches. The emergence of drug delivery vehicles in the field of immunotherapy is helping to overcome these difficulties and limitations and this review describes how, providing some illustrative examples. Moreover, this article provides an exhaustive review of the studies that have been published to date on the particular case of hematological cancers.

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The potential link between acromegaly and risk of acute ischemic stroke in patients with pituitary adenoma: a new perspective
Authors: Alnaaim Saud A. , Al-kuraishy Hayder M. , Zailaie Mohammad Mitran , Alexiou Athanasios , Papadakis Marios , Saad Hebatallah M. , Batiha Gaber El-Saber
Published: August 2023

Acromegaly is an endocrine disorder due to the excess production of growth hormone (GH) from the anterior pituitary gland after closed epiphyseal growth plates. Acromegaly is mainly caused by benign GH-secreting pituitary adenoma. Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is one of the most common cardiovascular complications. It ranks second after ischemic heart disease (IHD) as a cause of disability and death in high-income countries globally. Thus, this review aimed to elucidate the possible link between acromegaly and the development of AIS. The local effects of acromegaly in the development of AIS are related to the development of pituitary adenoma and associated surgical and radiotherapies. Pituitary adenoma triggers the development of AIS through different mechanisms, particularly aneurysmal formation, associated thrombosis, and alteration of cerebral microcirculation. Cardiovascular complications and mortality were higher in patients with pituitary adenoma. The systemic effect of acromegaly-induced cardio–metabolic disorders may increase the risk for the development of AIS. Additionally, acromegaly contributes to the development of endothelial dysfunction (ED), inflammatory and oxidative stress, and induction of thrombosis that increases the risk for the development of AIS. Moreover, activated signaling pathways, including activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), nod-like receptor pyrin 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in acromegaly may induce systemic inflammation with the development of cardiovascular complications mainly AIS. Taken together, acromegaly triggers the development of AIS through local and systemic effects by inducing the formation of a cerebral vessel aneurysm, the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, the development of oxidative stress, ED, and thrombosis correspondingly.
Conformal Human–Machine Integration Using Highly Bending-Insensitive, Unpixelated, and Waterproof Epidermal Electronics Toward Metaverse
Authors: Wei Chao , Lin Wansheng , Wang Liang , Cao Zhicheng , Huang Zijian , Liao Qingliang , Guo Ziquan , Su Yuhan , Zheng Yuanjin , Liao Xinqin , Chen Zhong
Published: August 2023

Efficient and flexible interactions require precisely converting human intentions into computer-recognizable signals, which is critical to the breakthrough development of metaverse. Interactive electronics face common dilemmas, which realize high-precision and stable touch detection but are rigid, bulky, and thick or achieve high flexibility to wear but lose precision. Here, we construct highly bending-insensitive, unpixelated, and waterproof epidermal interfaces (BUW epidermal interfaces) and demonstrate their interactive applications of conformal human–machine integration. The BUW epidermal interface based on the addressable electrical contact structure exhibits high-precision and stable touch detection, high flexibility, rapid response time, excellent stability, and versatile “cut-and-paste” character. Regardless of whether being flat or bent, the BUW epidermal interface can be conformally attached to the human skin for real-time, comfortable, and unrestrained interactions. This research provides promising insight into the functional composite and structural design strategies for developing epidermal electronics, which offers a new technology route and may further broaden human–machine interactions toward metaverse.
LNKs-RVEs complex ticks in the circadian gating of plant temperature stress responses
Authors: Xu Xiaodong , Xie Qiguang
Published: August 2023

Recently, Kidokoro et al. found that protein complex LNK3,4-RVE4,8 and LNK1,2-RVE4,8 of the circadian clock modulates plant cold- and high-temperature tolerance, respectively. Here, we reviewed the discovery of LNKs, the dynamically formed morning-phased clock complexes, and their critical role on endogenous circadian rhythms. In addition, we summarized the research work on LNKs with the interacting proteins RVEs, CCA1 in temperature responses and discussed how the circadian clock confer increased fitness via gating the rhythmic expression of their target genes.
Reflecting on the consequences of the Iranian university entrance examination: a systematic-narrative hybrid literature review
Authors: Parviz Muhammed
Published: August 2023

Today, numerous countries utilize unified methods and systematic standardized examinations such as national examinations as formal procedures to select qualified applicants for admission to higher education institutions since higher education is viewed as the major path and criterion to upward mobility. In Iran, the university entrance examination is of primary importance, as it serves a sensitive high-stakes test upon which the Iranian applicants’ academic destinies depend. Considering this significance, the present study aimed to systematically review the recent developments and current state of the National University Entrance Examination (NUEE) in Iran which is locally known as “Konkour”. To this end, a systematic-narrative hybrid literature review (SNHLR) was chosen for the purpose of the study. Following a manual search, 74 peer-reviewed research articles published (inter)nationally were selected and examined in order to identify key themes, patterns, gaps, and trends with regard to the consequences of “Konkour”. The findings revealed that Iranian university applicants have faced various negative consequences such as socioeconomic, psychological, and educational implications as a result of “Konkour”. Several challenges and key gaps in the existing studies are also highlighted which need to be empirically addressed in future research. Some suggestions and potential solutions are finally recommended in order to rectify the higher education admission system.
Cultural Trauma of World War II: The Case of the Upper Silesian Village of Bojszowy
Authors: Turoń-Kowalska Agnieszka , Nawrocki Tomasz , Pyszkowska Anna
Published: August 2023

This article analyzes the trauma of war present in the collective memory of the inhabitants of the village of Bojszowy. It may transform into a cultural trauma that significantly determines the community’s identity. Combining four strands of literature—memory studies, nationalist studies, historical studies, and psychological studies—the authors argue that in the community under study, the trauma connected with Upper Silesians’ service in the Wehrmacht during World War II constitutes such a collective cultural trauma. Based on the study of the collective memory of the Silesian community and interviews with the Silesian intellectual elite, the article analyzes in detail how the memory of these events has changed the identity of the Upper Silesian community in recent years. This does not mean that we underestimate the importance of the other elements that make up the Upper Silesian tragedy. A combination of local circumstances meant that the service of Silesians in the Wehrmacht was crucial to the occurrence of cultural trauma (in J. Alexander’s terms).
Introduction to the Special Issue Precarious Labor, Capitalist Transformation, and the State: Insights from Central Asia
Authors: Galdini Franco , Totaro Maurizio , Tourtellotte Laura
Published: August 2023

The end of the Soviet Union marked a turning point in the radical reconfiguration of labor relations in the post-Soviet world, including in Central Asia. The effects of this “unmaking” of Soviet working life—to paraphrase Humphrey1—were articulated in new capital-labor relations that led to a heightened sense of financial and existential insecurity across large sections of Central Asian societies. Thirty years on, mass labor precarization in the region appears in line with broader trends in the global political economy, where, despite enduring and even significant differences between countries in the Global North and the Global South, “[c]ontingent, precarious, and temporary jobs are becoming the norm.”2