Cutting Edge Research Articles

Insights from a Decade of 'Cutting Edge Research in Homeopathy'.

Insights from a Decade of 'Cutting Edge Research in Homeopathy'.

Two for the price of one: The benefits of job sharing to increase women representation in surgical specialties

Background: Women represent over 50% of medical school classes in Canada, yet only 36.8% of surgical residency applicants identified as female from 1995-2019. One potential explanation for this discrepancy is the lack of work-life balance. Job sharing is an alternative work schedule in which two employees share the responsibilities of one full-time job. Although job sharing is not common in medicine, it may provide a solution to this issue. This paper proposes the implementation of job sharing to increase women representation in surgical specialties and discusses the benefits it would provide to patients, physicians, and the healthcare system.
 Methods: The authors developed a pitch for job sharing in medicine after conducting a review of the literature as part of their participation in the Cutting Edge Womxn in Surgery Hackathon at Dalhousie University.
 Results: Job sharing has been successfully implemented in other industries and could have numerous benefits in medicine, such as preventing burnout and increasing women representation in surgical specialties. Physicians who practice job sharing report feeling supported while having improved work-life balance.
 Conclusion: Job sharing is a promising solution to increase women representation in surgical specialties and prevent burnout among physicians. The implementation of job sharing would benefit patients, physicians, and administration. By targeting excessive workload and promoting work-life balance, physicians can feel more satisfied in their roles and provide higher quality care to their patients. Job sharing warrants further exploration as a potential solution to the underrepresentation of women in surgical specialties and the burnout epidemic in the medical profession.

The CATERPILLERS.

This Pillars of Immunology article is a commentary on “Cutting Edge: CATERPILLER: A large family of mammalian genes containing CARD, pyrin, nucleotide-binding, and leucine-rich repeat domains,” a pivotal article written by J. A. Harton, M. W. Linhoff, J. Zhang, and J. P.-Y. Ting,” and published in The Journal of Immunology, in 2002. https://doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.169.8.4088.

Computer Controlled Local Anaesthesia Delivery (CCLAD) System Wand®STA, SleeperOne®, Dentapen® - Electronically Programmed Injection Devices; A Cutting Edge Technology for Painless Dental Anesthesia - A Mini Review

Local anesthesia is an integral part of dentistry, which is mandatory before operative dental procedures. But it may itself cause pain at the time of needle prick and delivery of anesthetic solution. Computer controlled Local anesthesia delivery (CCLAD) systems like Dentapen®, Wand® STA, SleeperOne® are multi-speed, electronic injection device that adapts to a technique for controlled anesthetic injections for painless anesthesia. The device offers better comfort to patients by minimizing pain and elimination of fear of injection. The system helps the dentists to avoid muscle strain caused by repeated manual injections. It has some certain advantages like automatic priming at onset of device and auto-aspiration to locate the accurate injection site; thus obliterates the chances of hematoma formation and trismus. The CCLAD systems continuously monitor the pressure applied at the injection site to avoid over pressure which is inherent to manual injection which causes pain. They adapt the injection flow accordingly up to the optimum measurement of anesthetic dose which is processed by advanced control algorithms in order to deliver a smooth injection flow. CCLADs are especially suited for pediatric dentistry. The different modes and speeds allow the injection almost unnoticeable and nonthreatening which eliminates the apprehension of the patient, those are usually phobic to conventional injection prick.

Effects of Cutting Edge Radius on the Surface Integrity of Milled Ti6Al4V Alloy

Effects of Cutting Edge Radius on the Surface Integrity of Milled Ti6Al4V Alloy

Living Well Together in a Climate-Changed Future: Religious Imaginaries on the Cutting Edge of Genetic Technology

This essay focuses on the emotional and relational investments of scientists and others engaged in and supportive of genetic technologies used in conservation efforts, with particular attention to the different moral and religious imaginaries that fuel endeavors to save species threatened by climate change and extinction. I argue that two distinct visions and competing religious repertoires can be discerned in the secular landscape of genetic technologies deployed in coral restoration and de-extinction. Each endeavor brings forth its own forms of magic, myth- and meaning-making. At the heart of coral protection is the symbol of the holobiont, suggestive of cooperative endeavors, collective labor, networking, and distributed and embodied knowledge. Central to de-extinction imaginaries are motifs of individual competition, machine metaphors, “selfish” genetic components, and a spirit of entrepreneurial excitement and profiteering. The essay contrasts these two visions as competing accounts of relationality—or the lack thereof—and asks which religious and moral imaginaries we should embrace as we move into an era marked by intensified technological intervention and high-risk efforts to address the effects of climate change. I suggest that the values that drive de-extinction technologies are largely at odds with environmental and social goals of living well together, as humans and more-than-humans, in a present and future world transformed by climate change and species death.

Practices of the “Library as Place” in Norway

ABSTRACTIn modern society, though public libraries must be equal and neutral “places” to address social problems such as the crisis of democracy and social isolation, it is unclear how the roles and functions of “Library as Place” appear in modern library management policies or practices. This study aimed to clarify the characteristics of public library policies in Norway and Oslo and the practices of the Oslo public library from the perspective of the “Library as Place.” Using Kawamoto and Koizumi's (2023) model, a qualitative content analysis and case analysis were conducted of the roles and functions of “Libraries as Place” in Oslo, Norway, identifying the access to materials and information that libraries have traditionally afforded alongside the implementation of distinctive functions such as Cultural activities, Cutting edge, Improving life skills, and Meeting place as concrete practices. These functions contribute to public libraries becoming places in the heart of the community whose services are accessible to all.

Unveiling the Cutting Edge: A Comprehensive Survey of Localization Techniques in WSN, Leveraging Optimization and Machine Learning Approaches

Unveiling the Cutting Edge: A Comprehensive Survey of Localization Techniques in WSN, Leveraging Optimization and Machine Learning Approaches

42836 Cutting edge: an analysis of United States patents for dermatologic surgery from 2012 to 2022

42836 Cutting edge: an analysis of United States patents for dermatologic surgery from 2012 to 2022

Una prospettiva d'avanguardia: la storia delle donne e di genere in Italia

Discussione del volume Women's History at the Cutting Edge. An Italian Perspective.

An inter-specialty cancer training programme curriculum for Europe

IntroductionMultidisciplinary and multi-professional collaboration is vital in providing better outcomes for patients The aim of the INTERACT-EUROPE Project (Wide Ranging Cooperation and Cutting Edge Innovation As A Response To Cancer Training Needs) was to develop an inter-specialty curriculum. A pilot project will enable a pioneer cohort to acquire a sample of the competencies needed. MethodsA scoping review, qualitative and quantitative surveys were undertaken. The quantitative survey results are reported here. Respondents, including members of education boards, curriculum committees, trainee committees of European specialist societies and the ECO Patient Advisory Committee, were asked to score 127 proposed competencies on a 7-point Likert scale as to their value in achieving the aims of the curriculum. Results were discussed and competencies developed at two stakeholder meetings. A consultative document, shared with stakeholders and available online, requested views regarding the other components of the curriculum. ResultsEleven competencies were revised, three omitted and three added. The competencies were organised according to the CanMEDS framework with 13 Entrustable Professional Activities, 23 competencies and 127 enabling competencies covering all roles in the framework. Recommendations regarding the infrastructure, organisational aspects, eligibility of trainees and training centres, programme contents, assessment and evaluation were developed using the replies to the consultative document. ConclusionsAn Inter-specialty Cancer Training Programme Curriculum and a pilot programme with virtual and face-to-face components have been developed with the aim of improving the care of people affected by cancer.

Formation of A Hardened Surface Layer Under Complex Laser Action on the Cutting Edge of Parts Made of Structural Carbon Steels

The purpose of the work was to study the effect of laser modification of the cutting edge on changes in the structure and mechanical properties of the surface layer of parts made of hot–rolled structural carbon steels of grades 20, 35, 45 using a fiber laser.Methods. Structural carbon steels of grades 20, 35, 45 were selected as the objects of the study. To study the effect of laser modification on changes in the structure and mechanical properties of machine parts using laser cutting, special samples were made in the form of plates with a thickness of 2 mm (st20 and st45) and 4 mm (st35). After gas laser cutting, laser modification of the Q-switch cutting edge was performed with a fiber pulsed laser.Results. The regularities of changes in the structure of the zone of gas-laser thermal exposure after laser treatment (cutting, modification) are revealed. It has been established that repeated laser treatment (laser modification) of the cutting edge does not lead to a change in the structural components and microhardness in the zone of gas-laser thermal effects obtained after laser cutting. It has been established that the nature of the microhardness change is the same for all the studied steel grades: the highest values are reached near the surface of gas-laser treatment and are, for example, for steel grade 35 470-560 HV, which is 3,2-3,9 times greater than the initial microhardness (145 HV). Thus, a hardened layer with increased wear resistance is formed on the surface of the part after laser treatment. It is shown that the use of laser surface modification as an additional operation in the manufacture of parts by laser cutting makes it possible to improve the quality (roughness) of the surface layer. At the same time, the greatest effect of reducing roughness is given by laser modification in three passes along the X-Y plane.Conclusion. The results obtained can be used in the creation of resource-saving material processing processes.

Applying Blockchain consensus mechanisms to Network Service Federation: Analysis and performance evaluation

Cutting edge (vertical) applications may swiftly saturate service providers’ virtualized infrastructure. In 5G and beyond, service providers seek out for innovative solutions such as Network Service Federation (NSF) which allows orchestration of external domain services/resources to provide a zero-downtime end-to-end vertical service. Distributed ledger technologies, such as Blockchain, are used to enhance the federation process. In this article, we propose and evaluate the application of Blockchain technology for NSF. We evaluate four different consensus mechanisms: Proof-of-Work (PoW), Proof-of-Authority (PoA), Practical Byzantine-Fault Tolerant (PBFT), and Proof-of-Stake (PoS). The experimental evaluation is executed using Ethereum, Tendermint and Cosmos platforms. Results show that the evaluated consensus mechanisms enable the use of NSF for both latency-sensitive and security stringent vertical applications.

The Cutting Edge in Facial Plastic Surgery.

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Unveiling Cutting Edge Innovations in the Catalytic Valorization of Biodiesel Byproduct Glycerol into Value Added Products

AbstractThe increasing production of biodiesel has led to a glut in the production of glycerol, which is a byproduct. This has resulted in the quest for alternative applications using glycerol as a cheap and readily available starting material. One promising approach is the catalytic valorization of glycerol, which converts glycerol into valuable chemicals such as 1,2‐propanediol, lactic acid, and acrolein. The glycerol formed affects the efficiency of the biodiesel, and hence it must be removed. Different processes can convert glycerol to various useful products like glycerol carbonate, glycidol, solketal, lactic acid, and glyceric acid. These different products, the processes used for synthesis, and the various catalysts used have been discussed. The most effective methods for the syntheses, the numerous catalyst systems, mechanisms of the reactions, and applications of these products in different fields are discussed in this review. The paper also discusses the challenges and opportunities of glycerol valorization, including the need for improved catalyst selectivity and activity and the potential for integrating glycerol valorization with other biorefinery processes. Overall, the catalytic valorization of glycerol offers a promising pathway for utilizing this abundantly available resource, and this review provides valuable insights for researchers and practitioners working in this area.

Performance study of CrN coatings prepared by DC magnetron sputtering

Cutting edge declaration strategies and the progression of advanced troublesome coating materials are fundamental for the making of high-quality mechanical components. The point of this work is to induce prepared CrN coatings by magnetron sputtering at unmistakable nitrogen stream rates and to look at the effect of moving nitrogen stream rates on the composition, film thickness and mechanical properties of the gotten chromium nitride coatings. The outcomes appear that the nitrogen stream rate impacts the sputtering rate of the coating, i.e. the affirmation rate diminishes as the degree of nitrogen interior the plasma increments. In expansion, as the nitrogen stream rate increments, the grain gage of the coating diminishes, and the hardness modulus of the coating increments. Flexibility data illustrate that extending the N2 stream rate increases the wear resistance and flexibility of the coating.

Clinical and Genetic Aspects of Alopecia Areata: A Cutting Edge Review.

Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic, non-scarring, immune-mediated skin disease that affects approximately 0.5-2% of the global population. The etiology of AA is complex and involves genetic and environmental factors, with significant advancements in genetic research occurring in recent years. In addition to well-known genes such as PTPN22, CTLA4, and IL2, which have been widely supported as being associated with AA, an increasing number of specific gene-related loci have been discovered through advances in genetic research. For instance, gene analysis of microRNAs can reveal the critical role of miRNAs in regulating gene expression, aiding in the understanding of cellular and organismal functional regulatory mechanisms. Furthermore, numerous studies have confirmed the existence of correlations between AA and other immune-related diseases. Examples include hyperthyroidism and rheumatoid arthritis. By understanding the interrelationships between AA and other immune diseases, we can further comprehend potential shared genetic foundations or pathogenic mechanisms among different diseases. Genetic research plays a crucial role in unraveling the pathogenesis of AA, as the identification of genetic variations associated with AA can assist in formulating more effective and targeted treatment strategies.

BPA Endocrine Disruptor Detection at the Cutting Edge: FPIA and ELISA Immunoassays.

BPA is a chemical commonly used in the production of polymer-based materials that can have detrimental effects on the thyroid gland and impact human reproductive health. Various expensive methods, such as liquid and gas chromatography, have been suggested for detecting BPA. The fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) is an inexpensive and efficient homogeneous mix-and-read method that allows for high-throughput screening. FPIA offers high specificity and sensitivity and can be carried out in a single phase within a timeframe of 20-30 min. In this study, new tracer molecules were designed that linked the fluorescein fluorophore with and without a spacer to the bisphenol A moiety. To assess the influence of the C6 spacer on the sensitivity of an assay based on the respective antibody, hapten-protein conjugates were synthesized and assessed for performance in an ELISA setup, and this resulted in a highly sensitive assay with a detection limit of 0.05 g/L. The lowest limit of detection was reached by employing the spacer derivate in the FPIA and was 1.0 μg/L, working range from 2 to 155 μg/L. The validation of the methods was conducted using actual samples compared to LC-MS/MS, which served as the reference method. The FPIA and ELISA both demonstrated satisfactory concordance.

If Providing Best Care Means Being at the Cutting Edge of Research, Should It Be Implemented System-wide? Comment on "'We're Not Providing the Best Care If We Are Not on the Cutting Edge of Research': A Research Impact Evaluation at a Regional Australian Hospital and Health Service".

The COVID-19 pandemic intensified debates about the desirability of integrating health research systems into healthcare systems. An excellent evaluation undertaken prior to the pandemic examined a purposeful strategy to improve healthcare through an expansion in research capacity in the Townsville Hospital and Health Service (THHS), a regional service in northern Queensland. This comment puts that evaluation into a rapidly developing wider context, drawing on other work showing an association between research engagement in healthcare organisations and their improved healthcare. In most previous studies this impact arose as a by-product of the research activity. The Townsville scheme went further. But while the evaluation identified some progress and impacts, they were patchy, not system-wide. Recent pre-pandemic studies showed that going even further and integrating a health research system across a national healthcare system markedly improved healthcare, despite continuing challenges. The UK's research experiences during COVID-19 are giving additional momentum to this approach globally.

Cutting Edge Research? Realistic Expectations of Priorities, Scope and Engagement Comment on "'We're Not Providing the Best Care If We Are Not on the Cutting Edge of Research': A Research Impact Evaluation at a Regional Australian Hospital and Health Service".

While research is linked with informed decision-making and improved healthcare delivery and patient outcomes, the process of generating and translating research evidence in practice and capturing its impact can often be challenging. Based on document and database reviews and interviews in a regional Australian health system, Brown et al discuss the challenges of assessing the impact of research investments over a ten-year period. This commentary explores three inter-related lessons from this article for developing and sustaining a research culture and supporting translation in a health system: (i) achieving a shared definition and expectation of research; (ii) the importance of stakeholder engagement particularly for research prioritisation; and (iii) enabling research across a system. In doing so, it highlights the role and value of engaging knowledge generators and end-users from clinical, management and community domains not only in research development but most importantly in research prioritisation.