bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new transmissometer method that measures runway visibility across a short distance
Authors: Abud Mariam Mohamed
Published: September 2023

The present technique developed a transmissometer idea for intensity measurements in the ecosystem across an 80 cm distance. The method relies on the transmission of an optical or infrared (diode laser 785 nm) signal obtained on spectrum analyses (ocean optics HG4000) received signal from the laser under unique conditions (light dust, heavy dust, and waterdrops) at a short distance. Thus, this approach is useful to measure the intensities of the laser beam and locate the visibility measurements of laser transmissometers in the rain and special care to the dust. The results showed that heavy dust enhanced the visibility measurements for distinct intensity distributions between showers and dust. Since light and heavy dust within a single transmittance can easily cover the entire runway visual range (RVR) range for a brief period, visibility measurements were crucial. The full-scale value corresponds to infinite visibility for heavy dust (0.8611) and minimum visibility for drop rain conditions (0.01073).
Ming-Era Remittance Systems and Standard Cash in the Xingshi Yinyuan Zhuan
Authors: Liu Xiaoyi
Published: September 2023

The pre-modern Chinese novel Xingshi yinyuan zhuan provides a wealth of information on the use of silver and copper cash in the economy of the late Ming dynasty. An analysis of the text reveals that there was no mechanism for remote remittance in the modern financial sense during this period. Therefore, it is necessary to reexamine several research works which have claimed the existence of remote remittance in financial history studies. Upon scrutinizing the various types of standard cash minted from the Jiajing to Chongzhen eras, it is evident that the popular “yellow-fringed coin” referred to in the Xingshi yinyuan zhuan was actually an umbrella term that encompassed both yellow coins and lathed-rim coins. Furthermore, the decimal conversion coins mentioned in the text that were withdrawn from the market due to unusability were most likely the decuple coins in the Tianqi era universal currency. The political incompetence of the late Ming period also caused the common people to reject the universal currency of the period, which was more valuable than the universal currency of previous periods.
Ethos and Karma: the Construction of Business Ethics and Social Ethics in Popular Novels from the 16th to 18th Centuries
Authors: Zhao Yi
Published: September 2023

The common concept of karma and retribution in the general religious life of Chinese society was not only expressed in the popular literature that has flourished since the Song dynasty, but also reacted to society through the processing, refining, and deepening of popular fiction. Popular novels from the 16th to 18th centuries synchronized with the fresh ideas of New Chan Buddhism, New Daoism, and New Confucianism, which gradually developed an ethos and karma model. It used real life as a metaphor for explaining cause and effect in the construction of new business and social ethics that were urgently needed at the time. The business ethics it reflected and constructed not only included the affirmation of business and the advocacy of hard work to obtain wealth and promote fair competition, but also criticized blindly pursuing profits, especially emphasizing that wealth was determined by destiny and could not be forced. The core of the new social ethics was to establish rules connecting traditional morality and becoming rich, which not only stressed that scholars, farmers, craftsmen, and businessmen should do their parts, but also always put scholarly study as the highest pursuit; while criticizing social injustice, people still strongly desired to pass the imperial examination. This paper examines the great social changes that were occurring in the Ming dynasty, especially in the areas of business ethics and the perception of wealth, through popular literature from Ming China.
The Relationship between Literati Livelihoods and the Development of Novels and Operas in the Canal Region during the Ming and Qing Dynasties
Authors: Xu Yongbin
Published: September 2023

Along the Grand Canal and in adjacent areas, where the pursuit of livelihoods among literati was most concentrated and visible, were important centers for the creation and dissemination of Ming and Qing dynasty novels and operas. To a large extent, the pursuit of livelihoods among literati brought about the birth of a large number of literary works, particularly Ming dynasty and Qing dynasty novels and operas. On the one hand, literati earned a wage through their livelihoods, improved their living environments, and laid a certain economic backdrop for later Ming and Qing novels and operas; on the other hand, through reader acceptance and market feedback, the literati put forward requirements for literary creation that closely aligned with readers and the market, and to a certain degree brought about changes in the subject matter and artistry of novels and operas. It can be said that the fertile Jiangnan region and the Grand Canal gave birth to literary and artistic giants and works that have been passed down through the centuries. The present article is an analysis of the relationship between literati livelihoods and the development of Ming and Qing novels and operas in the Grand Canal region.
Labor Legislation in China: Cyclical Competition between the State and the Market
Authors: Baohua Dong
Published: September 2023

China’s first labor law was passed in 1995 in order to protect the legitimate rights and interests of laborers. It also was the superstructure created to match the developing labor market and employment reform of the Reform Era by “establishing and safeguarding the labor system suited to the socialist market economy.” In 2007, the prc then passed the second foundational labor law, the Labor Contract Law, which took as its purpose the establishment and development of harmonious and stable labor relations. A major distinction between these two laws is that the 1995 Labor Law emphasized market-oriented flexibility while the 2008 Labor Contract Law, by strengthening the role of labor regulation, emphasizes a state-oriented stability. Since the 2008 lcl, all labor legislation and amendments have those two laws as their origin, creating cycles between reliance on the bottom-up spontaneous power of the market and the top-down regulatory power of the state. So far, there have been 3 cycles of legislation and revision of China’s labor legislation; each five years apart in 2008, 2013, and 2018. This cyclical contest reveals the basic realities of China’s political economy. I use the last twenty years of data on labor disputes to highlight the cyclical nature of China’s labor legislation and the social and political forces that drive these cycles.
Predictor of No-Reflow in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Seçkin Göbüt Özden , Ünlü Serkan
Published: September 2023

We have carefully read the article titled ‘Prognostic Nutritional Index as a Predictor of No-Reflow Occurrence in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Who Underwent Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention' and find it to be of significant interest. The no-reflow phenomenon (NRP) stands as a formidable complication of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), carrying a high mortality risk. Managing NRP entails pharmacological and mechanical interventions, making its prediction a crucial aspect in the management of STEMI cases. We extend our gratitude to you and the authors for conducting this valuable and thought-provoking study. We anticipate that our insights will serve as a guide for future comprehensive studies in this dynamic area.
Do programme budget mechanisms improve the efficiency of public spending? Elements of theory and empirical data from Cameroon
Authors: Onana Simon Pierre
Published: September 2023

This paper sets out to explore the effect of programme budget mechanisms on the efficiency of public spending. To do so, we first conducted an exploratory study among eight officials involved in the preparation and execution of the State budget. This exploratory study then enabled us to construct the variables to produce an analytical model. A survey was carried out among 475 performance chain actors in the central services of 29 ministerial departments of the State of Cameroon. The results obtained using descriptive statistics and simple probit regressions suggest that the mechanisms introduced by the programme budget have a mixed effect on the efficiency of public spending. While, on the one hand, structuring the budget into programmes, actions, activities and tasks, performance measurement indicators and a priori controls on the quality of programmes may have a positive effect on the efficiency of public spending; on the other hand, allocating appropriations according to expected results and costs and a posteriori internal and external budgetary controls have a negative influence on the efficiency of public spending. The study recommends developing the external budgetary controls and introducing internal controls that focus more on performance rather than consistency.
A Theological Response to Secularism as Public Policy
Authors: Giddy Patrick
Published: September 2023

Secular public policy comes in two basic versions, namely the Anglo-Saxon and the Francophone versions, roughly reflecting the two versions of the Christian religion—the Protestant and the Catholic respectively—which the public body seeks to put to one side. To the extent that these correlations do hold, a theological interrogation is called for. Such interrogation can focus on what is a constitutive element of democracy, and overlooked in both cases of secularity, namely the value of solidarity. But the enactment of solidarity is a secular religious expression, beyond any ‘closed immanence’ that might be thought to characterize the public space. In recognizing this, the Christian churches are ethically bound to move to a major reformulation of their basic doctrines and secular society to rethink its displacement of religion.
Co-Teaching in a Digital World: It's Not Teaching by Title, It's Teaching by Talent
Authors: Coy Kimberly , Miller Libbi R
Published: September 2023

While virtual and online schools for students in grades K-12 gained in popularity before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and served a wide variety of student populations, including students with disabilities during the pandemic virtual teaching became the reluctant norm. As online school sites have begun to welcome students with disabilities, inclusive classroom practices such as co-teaching as a model for instruction became an interesting step. The purpose of this year-long, before COVID-19, case study was to better understand the implementation of the co-teaching model at an online K-8 school. Data analysis revealed salient themes which informed the following findings: A need for preplanning before implementation and sustained professional development during implementation, universal benefits for all students with accessibility within the least restrictive environment, and redefining the roles of general education teachers for successful collaboration. Implications and scholarly significance are shared.
The Association Between Trajectories of Perceived Unmet Needs for Home and Community-Based Services and Life Satisfaction Among Chinese Older Adults: The Moderating Effect of Psychological Resilience
Authors: Wang Hui , Liu Huijun , Wu Bei , Hai Lun
Published: September 2023

This study examined whether trajectories of perceived unmet needs for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) were associated with life satisfaction among Chinese older adults and whether the association was moderated by psychological resilience. Data came from five waves (2005-2018) of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). Latent class growth analysis revealed three distinct trajectories of perceived unmet HCBS needs: “increasing” ( n = 977, 36.24%), “persistent” ( n = 570, 21.14%), and “decreasing” ( n = 1149, 42.62%). Multiple regression estimates showed that the increasing group was associated with lower life satisfaction, and the association was moderated by psychological resilience, especially for older adults who were male, living in rural, and oldest-old. Results indicate that inequalities in cumulative exposure to perceived unmet HCBS needs may further lead to increasing inequalities in life satisfaction. Interventions focused on minimizing the provision-need gap of HCBS and enhancing personal resilience should be considered to improve the life satisfaction of older adults.
Conjunctural geographies of the economy in Isabella Weber’s How China Escaped Shock Therapy
Authors: Meulbroek Chris
Published: September 2023

This contribution frames Isabella Weber’s How China Escaped Shock Therapy as an opportunity for geographers to theoretically and methodologically engage with a growing literature on the intellectual histories of economics. I draw out three key themes in the book that provide entry points for geographical theorizing. First, Weber understands economic knowledge to be shaped not solely by its original context but by the historical-geographical trajectories and mobilities of its producers and consumers; second, she traces the institutional processes through which economic ideas re-emerge across time and space, offering key intellectual resources for dealing with context-specific governance dilemmas and economic problems; and third, her granular accounts of elite-intellectual contestation offer a way to reveal complexity and contradiction on the inside of dominant economic-geographical imaginaries. The book is a conjunctural historical geography of China’s economy, which is both empirically specific and theoretically-general.
Literature review and hazard identification relating to fire safety in commercial plastic recycling facilities
Authors: Devine Courtney , Flores Natalia , Walls Richard
Published: September 2023

The fire risks associated with the plastic recycling process has received limited focus to date. The purpose of this article is to investigate available literature on fire incidents, detail the plastic recycling process, identify fire hazards in the plastic recycling process and consider strategies found in literature that have been adopted from research on waste and general recycling facilities. Calculated fire loads may be as high as 20 GJ/m2. Codes and standards in the literature addressing some of these hazards are discussed along with the shortfalls of the guidelines and recommendations. The primary shortfall identified is the impracticality from both a business process and financial perspective. The article concludes by recommending further work in which the hazards identified can be studied and simulated to design against destructive fires in a way that is both practical and financially feasible.
Embracing Food Well-Being: Lessons from Chefs’ Caring Actions in the Fight Against Food Waste
Authors: Pizzetti Marta , Longo Cristina , Türe Meltem
Published: September 2023

This research analyzes world-renowned chefs’ fight against food waste as a manifestation of care, and aims to contribute to the understanding of food well-being (FWB). A qualitative study was conducted to analyze a large set of data triangulated from multiple sources (online streaming platforms, books, newspapers, magazines, websites, and social media channels). The findings reveal that, in proclaiming their responsibility to act against food waste, chefs challenge a wasteful food culture by weaving a web of care targeted at both supporting and training consumers and other stakeholders in the food supply chain. In doing so, the chefs leverage their position in society and within the food supply chain to connect multiple stakeholders in order to form a mutually beneficial and positive relationship with food. The results contribute to the conceptualization of FWB by highlighting the relational and dynamic nature of care in the FWB model. The study has policy implications for fighting food waste and enhancing FWB.
Towards a taxonomy of personality facets
Authors: Irwing Paul , Hughes David J , Tokarev Alexander , Booth Tom
Published: September 2023

We describe three studies that together provide a first approximation to a comprehensive taxonomy of unique personality facets. In Study 1, we semantically sorted, removed synonyms, and factor analysed 1772 personality items taken from seven major omnibus personality inventories and four narrow inventories. Study 1 identified 61 base facets. In Study 2, we conducted a systematic review of the literature to identify facets missing from the 61 base facets. We identified 16 novel facets. We then created standardised, open access items for the 77 facets. In Study 3, we administered the items to a novel sample ( N = 1096) and assessed the psychometric properties of the facets. The ultimate result was 70 personality facet scales that are open access, psychometrically robust, unidimensional, and discriminant. We call this inventory the Facet-level Multidimensional Assessment of Personality or Facet MAP, version 1. The Facet MAP contains scales equivalent to almost all scales present in major personality inventories, and in most cases, many more as well. As the Facet MAP develops, we hope it will eventually provide a comprehensive taxonomy of personality facets, which will prove useful in reducing construct proliferation and facilitating numerous avenues of important personality research. The Facet MAP items and user manual can be found at: facetmap.org.
Understanding the efficiency and evolution of China's Green Economy: A province-level analysis
Authors: Hu Yanyong , Zhang Xuchao , Wu Jiaxi , Meng Zheng
Published: September 2023

The efficiency level, evolution characteristics, and factors driving the green economy in all provinces and regions should be clarified to achieve high-quality economic development and meet China's “double carbon” target. This study conducted the Super-Effective Slack-Based Model considering unexpected outputs to evaluate province-level Green Economic Efficiency (GEE) analysis (including 30 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the Central Government) in China from 2005 to 2020. Moreover, the distribution and dynamic evolution trend of GEE development was estimated through Kernel density estimation. Besides, GEE and its factors (i.e., industrial structure rationalization [ISR], industrial structure advancement [ISA], and urbanization level [UL]) were examined using a Panel vector autoregressive model that was built in this study. As indicated by the result of this study, China's GEE level generally displayed a “U-shaped” development trend of declining, stabilizing, and then rising, whereas the overall efficiency level is low, where the national GEE average reached 0.6934. The regional GEE level exhibited a significant “ladder” distribution, with the highest level, the second level, and the lowest level in the east, the middle, and the west, respectively. The GEE level varied significantly with the province, and most of the levels were at a medium efficiency level. Notably, 60% of regions had medium efficiency in 2020. The levels of ISR, ISA, and UL play significant roles in boosting green economic growth. This study provides valuable insights into the drivers of green economic growth in China guiding policy decisions on achieving a sustainable and low-carbon economy. As China strives to fulfill its ambitious carbon reduction goals, the findings of this study highlight the significance of continuing to prioritize green economic development at the provincial level.
Functional Properties of the Water Extract from Eriocheir sinensis (Chinese mitten crab) Via Evaluation of Protective Effects on Reflux Esophagitis Model
Authors: Nam Hyeon Hwa , Song Jun Ho , Lee Jun , Moon Byeong Cheol , Noh Sumin , Nan Li , Choo Byung Kil , Kim Joong-Sun
Published: September 2023

Objectives

In the study, we investigated the effects of an Eriocheir sinensis water extract on a reflux esophagitis-induced rat model.

Background

The crab has been used as a traditional medicine and food source in many countries worldwide for a long time, and the crab contains various useful substances such as chitin, protein, calcium carbonate, etc.

Materials and Methods

All rats were fasted for 24 h and then orally pretreated with saline, Eriocheir sinensis (100 mg/kg), or ranitidine (40 mg/kg). Reflux esophagitis was induced by pylorus and forestomach ligation. Morphological changes in the mucosal damage in the esophagus were analyzed by the ImageJ program. Also, the expression of the inflammatory proteins and cytokine in the esophagus was measured by western blot assay to demonstrate the protective effects of Eriocheir sinensis in reflux esophagitis model. Histological analysis of esophagus was performed by hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) staining.

Results

In the reflux esophagitis induction group, the esophageal tissue damage caused by the induction of reflux was 60% of the whole. Eriocheir sinensis administration significantly ameliorated esophageal mucosal damage by 40%, also determined by histological evaluation of reflux esophagitis in rats. Eriocheir sinensis was also found to downregulate the expression levels of proteins such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and tight junction protein (claudin-5) compared to the reflux esophagitis induction group. In addition, Eriocheir sinensis markedly attenuated the activation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and the phosphorylation of the inhibitor of NF-κB (IκBα).

Conclusion

These results indicated that Eriocheir sinensis suppressed the development of esophagitis and modulated inflammation by regulating NF-κB activation. Based on these findings, we concluded that Eriocheir sinensis can protect the esophageal mucosa from reflux esophagitis.
Black Lives Matter Toward Afromodernity: Political Speech, Barbarism, and the Euromodern World
Authors: Chevannes Derefe Kimarley
Published: September 2023

This paper proffers an Afromodern analysis of black liberation, embodied in the Black Lives Matter movement. In doing so, it revisits the historical concept of barbarism as a critical modality for human silencing, in order to make sense of anti-black racism in our extant social order and its re-articulation through systematic discourses of black criminality. The essay explores two dialectically opposing modernities as having differentiated effects on the construction of the human being. Euromodernity barbarizes the black subject as a carceral being, absent political speech. Afromodernity, contrastingly, fashions the black subject as a communicative being endowed with political speech and as such, black politics becomes not a relic of barbarism, but in lieu, embodies a modern re-enactment of political society. The paper concludes that Black Lives Matter functions as an Afromodern displacement of Euromodern anti-black racism by contesting American democracy as a carceral apparatus to ensure a democratic revolution.
Theorizing how interventions work in evaluation: Process-tracing methods and theorizing process theories of change
Authors: Camacho Garland Gabriela , Beach Derek
Published: September 2023

This article argues for the importance of theory and theorizing for an evaluation in the form of a process theory of change. A process theory of change centers its theoretical attention on key episodes that explain how things worked, in which the causal linkages are unpacked. The key lies in answering why actors do what they do (and thus whether these actions can be traced back to the intervention). This theorization has three steps: (1) definition of intervention and potential contribution; (2) theorization of potential contribution pathways; and (3) unpacking the process. This procedure is illustrated with a hypothetical example.
Experimental investigation on the flexural behavior of concrete beams reinforced with HRB635 high-strength steel reinforcement
Authors: Sha Huiling , Chong Xun , Jiang Qing , Huang Junqi , Zhou An , Zhu Hua
Published: September 2023

High-strength steel reinforcement offers promising application prospects in buildings with large spans and loads, as it can reduce steel congestion and simplify construction process. To investigate the mechanical behavior of flexural members reinforced with high-strength steel and measures to control crack width, in this study, static loading tests were conducted on 17 full-scale reinforced concrete (RC) beams with HRB635 high-strength steel reinforcement, six of which were reinforced with steel fiber. The failure mode, flexural strength, ductility, crack width, and deflection of the specimens were investigated, and the effects of different key parameters, including the reinforcement ratio and diameter, concrete strength, and steel fiber volume fraction were also analyzed. Test results indicated that the tensile strength of HRB635 reinforcement could be fully utilized, while the ductility ratios of high-strength steel reinforced concrete (HSS-RC) beams were less than those of beams with normal strength reinforcement. The maximum crack widths of most specimens without steel fibers exceeded the threshold defined in GB 50010-2010, indicating that the design of HSS-RC beams may be controlled by the requirements of serviceability limit state. Furthermore, the crack widths predicting methods defined in GB 50010-2010 and EN 1992-1-1 are more accurate for HSS-RC beams, while the deflection predicting methods defined in GB 50010-2010 and ACI 318-19 both underestimated the deflection of HSS-RC beams. This study could provide a theoretical basis for the engineering application of HRB635 high-strength steel reinforcement.
Pseudo transposition of the mandibular lateral incisor to the first premolar space: A literature review and case series
Authors: Humdani Anam , Higgins Shane , Kotecha Sheena
Published: September 2023

Tooth transposition is the positional interchange of two adjacent teeth, which may be incomplete or complete. The root apex may remain in a normal position despite a severely displaced crown. The aim of this paper is to provide a literature review on the incidence, aetiology and treatment options for pseudo-transposed mandibular incisors. A case series is also presented highlighting the various management techniques that have been utilised in treating five cases of pseudo-transposed mandibular lateral incisors.
Who cares for carers? Responsibilization and the discourse of self-care in health and social care literature during the COVID-19 pandemic. A critical review
Authors: Palęcka Alicja
Published: September 2023

COVID-19 outbreak produced an unprecedented crisis in care sectors. Nursing home workers, healthcare, social care, and clinical social workers (HSCW) often took the burden of managing the crisis in their facilities, risking increased stress, trauma, and burnout. As a response to this issue, increased interest in self-care in health and social work literature could be observed. Yet, the concept of self-care is problematic, as it focuses attention on the individual responsibility to care for oneself, regardless of organisational and structural factors and obstacles. The article provides a critical literature review, focused on risk factors and psychological consequences of the pandemic in health and social care and clinical social work, and on the proposed response, namely, self-care. The aim of the article is to systematise knowledge about approaches to self-care in these sectors and to critically review those approaches. Critiques of self-care are considered, including those informed by Foucauldian perspective of governmentality and responsibilization. The concept of community care is introduced as an implication and an answer to these critiques.
Does the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29 (MSIS-29) have the range to capture the experience of fully ambulatory multiple sclerosis patients? Learnings from the ASCLEPIOS studies
Authors: Regnault Antoine , Loubert Angely , Brennan Róisín , Meunier Juliette , Naujoks Christel , Cano Stefan , Adlard Nicholas
Published: September 2023

Background

Trials of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for multiple sclerosis (MS) often include patients with minimal disability. Patient-reported outcome instruments used in these trials have often not captured physical and psychological treatment effects concomitant with observed clinical benefits.

Objective

To examine whether the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29 (MSIS-29) captures changes in the impact of MS in a sample of patients enrolled in the Phase 3 ASCLEPIOS studies (ofatumumab vs. teriflunomide).

Methods

Measurement properties (i.e. item fit, reliability, and targeting) of the MSIS-29 were analyzed using Rasch measurement theory (RMT) in data from two phase 3 ofatumumab clinical trials including patients with relapsing-remitting or secondary progressive MS ( N = 1882). Targeting of the MSIS-29 items to the patient population was explored within groups categorized by Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores.

Results

Under RMT analyses, both the Physical and Psychological Impact scales of the MSIS-29 were not appropriately targeted to the overall sample of patients. In particular, 49% and 30% of patients with an EDSS score ≤ 2.5 had fewer physical and psychological impacts, respectively, than would typically be captured by these MSIS-29 items compared to patients with EDSS scores of ≥ 3.

Conclusion

The MSIS-29 is commonly used to evaluate the patient-reported physical and psychological impact of MS. However, it may be limited in evaluating changes associated with DMTs in patients with minimal disability.
Feng shui and the scientific testing of chi claims
Authors: Matthews Michael R
Published: September 2023

This paper documents the long history of feng shui belief and practice in Chinese culture, and its spread worldwide in the past half century. It shows that commitment to the peculiar qi or chi entity is central to feng shui and more generally to traditional Chinese writings on medicine, astrology, philosophy, politics, literature, natural philosophy and science. Despite their centrality and omnipresence, chi claims have rarely been scientifically appraised. This is, in part, because they are stated so vaguely and mysteriously that no definite test is possible. This paper examines, and refutes, the claims of one rare but well-credentialled, multi-university-based research programme affirming the reality of chi. The paper shows that the cost of seriously endorsing a chi-based explanation of any putative effect is a rejection of the entire ontological, epistemological and methodological edifice of modern science. Chi explanations are incompatible with both a methodological and an ontological naturalist understanding of science.
The RITA-T (Rapid Interactive Screening Test for Autism in Toddlers) Community Model to Improve Access and Early Identification of Autism in Young Children
Authors: Choueiri Roula , Garrison William T. , Tokatli Valerie , Daneshvar Naaz , Belgrad Jillian , Zhu Guangyu , Zhang Bo
Published: September 2023

Objective: To evaluate improved identification and the generalization of the RITA-T (Rapid interactive Screening Test for Autism in Toddlers) model through partnerships with Primary Care (PC), Early Intervention (EI), and Autism Diagnosticians. Methods: Over 3 years (2018-2021), 15 EI and 9 PC (MD and NP) centers participated in this project. We trained providers on the RITA-T and established screening models. We reviewed charts of all toddlers referred through this model and compared wait times, and diagnoses, to those evaluated through regular referral in a tertiary-based autism clinic. We also examined the RITA-T psychometrics. Results: 377 toddlers met our inclusion criteria. Wait time for diagnosis was an average of 2.8 months and led to further collaboration between community providers. RITA-T cut-off scores stayed consistent. Providers reported improved confidence and easy integration of this model. Conclusions: This model is generalizable and improves the Early Identification of ASD.
Group Acupuncture Therapy With Yoga Therapy for Chronic Neck, Low Back, and Osteoarthritis Pain in Safety Net Settings for an Underserved Population: A Feasibility Pilot Study
Authors: Teets Raymond , Nielsen Arya , Moonaz Steffany , Anderson Belinda J , Mah Donna M , Walter Eve , Milanes Mirta , Jyung Hyowoun , Soto Cossio Luz E , Meissner Paul , McKee M Diane , Kligler Benjamin
Published: September 2023

Background

Acupuncture and yoga have both been shown to be effective in chronic pain. Underrepresented populations have poorer pain outcomes with less access to effective pain care.

Objective

To assess the feasibility of bundling group acupuncture with yoga therapy for chronic neck, back or osteoarthritis pain in safety net settings.

Methods

This was a feasibility pilot in Bronx and Harlem primary care community health centers. Participants with chronic neck, back or osteoarthritis pain received acupuncture and yoga therapy over a 10-week period. Participants received 10 weekly acupuncture treatments in group setting; with Yoga therapy sessions beginning immediately following the 3rd session. Primary outcome was pain interference and pain intensity on the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI); Outcomes were measured at baseline, 10-week close of intervention, and 24-week follow-up.

Results

93 patients were determined to be eligible and completed the baseline interview. The majority of participants were non-White and Medicaid recipients. 78 (84%) completed the intervention and 10-week survey, and 58 (62%) completed the 24-week post intervention survey. Participants received an average number of 6.5 acupuncture sessions (out of a possible 10), and 4 yoga sessions (out of a possible 8) over the 10-week intervention. Patients showed statistically significant improvements in pain at the close of the intervention and at a somewhat lesser rate, at 24-weeks post intervention. Challenges included telephone outreach and site coordination integrating acupuncture with yoga therapy. The trial also had to be stopped early due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions

Bundling acupuncture therapy and yoga therapy is feasible for an underrepresented population with chronic pain in urban community health centers with preliminary indications of acceptability and benefit to participants.
A robust approach to 3D neuron shape representation for quantification and classification
Authors: Jiang Jiaxiang , Goebel Michael , Borba Cezar , Smith William , Manjunath B. S.
Published: September 2023

We consider the problem of finding an accurate representation of neuron shapes, extracting sub-cellular features, and classifying neurons based on neuron shapes. In neuroscience research, the skeleton representation is often used as a compact and abstract representation of neuron shapes. However, existing methods are limited to getting and analyzing “curve” skeletons which can only be applied for tubular shapes. This paper presents a 3D neuron morphology analysis method for more general and complex neuron shapes. First, we introduce the concept of skeleton mesh to represent general neuron shapes and propose a novel method for computing mesh representations from 3D surface point clouds. A skeleton graph is then obtained from skeleton mesh and is used to extract sub-cellular features. Finally, an unsupervised learning method is used to embed the skeleton graph for neuron classification. Extensive experiment results are provided and demonstrate the robustness of our method to analyze neuron morphology.
Combined use of CDAI and blood indices for assessing endoscopic activity in ileocolic Crohn’s disease
Authors: Hu Xiaolin , Li Jiajia , Sun Yunyun , Wu Dacheng , Zhao Tiantian , Ma Maofeng , Chen Jie , Wang Mei , Hou Sicong
Published: September 2023

Background

Mucosal healing has become the primary treatment target for patients with Crohn’s disease (CD). We aimed to develop a noninvasive and convenient tool to evaluate the endoscopic activity in patients with ileocolic CD.

Methods

A retrospective multicenter study including 300 CD patients (training, 210 patients; test, 90 patients) was conducted at two tertiary referral centers. Independent risk factors associated with endoscopic activity were explored, which were then combined into a comprehensive index. The predictive performance was evaluated with the area under receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Cohen’s Kappa was adopted to examine the consistency between each indicator and endoscopic activity.

Results

A total of 210 CD patients were recruited in the training cohort. We found that Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (CDAI), C-reactive protein (CRP) and platelet-to-lymphocyte percentage ratio (PLpR) were independently associated with endoscopic activity. Additionally, the comprehensive index generated from the above three indices achieved good discrimination and performed better than CDAI in AUC (0.849 vs. 0.769, P < 0.05). This was further well demonstrated by the external test cohort, which showed good discrimination (AUC: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.744–0.936). Intra-individual comparison revealed the comprehensive index to be superior in the prediction of endoscopic activity. In the subgroup analysis, the AUC of comprehensive index was significantly higher than CDAI especially in inflammatory phenotype (0.824 vs. 0.751, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Combining CDAI, CRP and PLpR significantly improved the accuracy for predicting endoscopic activity in ileocolic CD, which can help better monitor an endoscopic flare.
Prediction of spontaneous preterm birth using CCL2 and CXCL10 in maternal serum of symptomatic high-risk pregnant women: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Hoffmann Jessica Alana , Gründler Kathleen , Richter Dagmar- Ulrike , Stubert Johannes
Published: September 2023

Introduction

CCL2 and CXCL10 are putative biomarkers for the prediction of spontaneous preterm birth. This study evaluates these markers in a cohort of pregnant high-risk women.

Material and methods

In our prospective study, we included 109 women with signs of preterm labor between 20 + 0 and 31 + 6 weeks of gestation. Inclusion criteria were regular (< 3/30 min) or painful contractions, cervical length < 25 mm or a history of previous preterm birth (PTB). Blood samples were obtained upon first admission to our clinic. Biomarker concentrations were measured using pre-coated sandwich immunoassays (ELISA). Primary study outcome was spontaneous preterm birth < 34 weeks, secondary outcome was delivery < 37 weeks or within seven days after study inclusion.

Results

Sixteen women (14.7%) delivered < 34 weeks and twenty women between 34 + 0 and 36 + 6 weeks (18.4%). Six patients (5.5%) gave birth within seven days after study admission. CXCL10 showed higher medium serum levels in women with PTB < 34 weeks (115 pg/ml compared to 61 pg/ml ≥ 34 weeks; p < 0.001) and < 37 weeks (103 pg/ml vs. 53 pg/ml; p < 0.001). In contrary, lower CCL2 serum levels were associated with PTB < 34 weeks (46 pg/ml vs. 73 pg/ml; p = 0.032) and birth within 7 days (25 pg/ml vs. 73 pg/ml; p = 0.008). The CXCL10/CCL2-ratio further improved the predictive model with a ROC-AUC of 0.83 (95% CI 0.73–0.93, p < 0.001) for delivery < 34 weeks. These corresponds to a sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of 0.67, 0.86 and 0.43 at a cut-off of 2.2.

Conclusion

Low maternal serum CCL2 levels are associated with a higher risk of preterm delivery within seven days. High CXCL10 serum levels are more associated with a high risk for preterm birth < 34 weeks. Elevated CXCL10/CCL2-ratio is showing the best predictive performance.

Trial registration number (DRKS-ID)

DRKS00010763, Registration date: September 02, 2016.
The effect of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity on survival in gastric cancer
Authors: Şahin Muzaffer Ece Hakan , Akbaş Feray , Yardimci Aytul Hande , Şahin Eren
Published: September 2023

Background

Sarcopenic obesity arises from increased muscle catabolism triggered by inflammation and inactivity. Its significance lies in its role in contributing to morbidity and mortality in gastric cancer. This study aims to explore the potential correlation between sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity, and gastric cancer, as well as their effect on survival.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study included 162 patients aged ≥ 18 years who were diagnosed with stomach cancer. Patient age, gender, diagnostic laboratory results, and cancer characteristics were documented. Sarcopenia was assessed using the skeletal muscle index (SMI) (cm2/m2), calculated by measuring muscle mass area from a cross-sectional image at the L3 vertebra level of computed tomography (CT).

Results

Among the 162 patients, 52.5% exhibited sarcopenia (with cut-off limits of 52.4 cm2/m2 for males and 38.5 cm2/m2 for females), and 4.9% showed sarcopenic obesity. Average skeletal muscle area (SMA) was 146.8 cm2; SMI was 50.6 cm2/m2 in men and 96.9 cm2 and 40.6 cm2/m2 in women, respectively. Sarcopenia significantly reduced mean survival (p = 0.033). There was no association between sarcopenic obesity and mortality (p > 0.05), but mortality was higher in sarcopenic obesity patients (p = 0.041). Patient weight acted as a protective factor against mortality, supporting the obesity paradox. Tumor characteristics, metabolic parameters, and concurrent comorbidities did not significantly impact sarcopenia or mortality.

Conclusion

Sarcopenia is more prevalent in the elderly population and is linked to increased mortality in gastric cancer patients. Paradoxically, higher body mass index (BMI) was associated with improved survival. Computed tomography offers a practical and reliable method for measuring muscle mass and distinguishing these distinctions.

Trial registration

This study was approved by Istanbul Training and Research Hospital Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the University of Health Sciences (29.05.2020/2383).
Intra-articular temperature monitoring during radiofrequency ablation in ex-vivo bovine hip joints via Fiber Bragg grating sensors
Authors: Longo Umile Giuseppe , De Tommasi Francesca , Salvatore Giuseppe , Lalli Alberto , Lo Presti Daniela , Massaroni Carlo , Schena Emiliano
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Radiofrequency ablation is an increasingly used surgical option for ablation, resection and coagulation of soft tissues in joint arthroscopy. One of the major issues of thermal ablation is the temperature monitoring across the target areas, as cellular mortality is a direct consequence of thermal dosimetry. Temperatures from 45 °C to 50 °C are at risk of damage to chondrocytes. One of the most reliable tools for temperature monitoring is represented by fiber optic sensors, as they allow accurate and real-time temperature measurement via a minimally invasive approach. The aim of this study was to determine, by fiber Bragg grating sensors (FBGs), the safety of radiofrequency ablation in tissue heating applied to ex-vivo bovine hip joints.

Methods

Ex vivo bovine hips were subjected to radiofrequency ablation, specifically in the acetabular labrum, for a total of two experiments. The WEREWOLF System (Smith + Nephew, Watford, UK) was employed in high operating mode and in a controlled ablation way. One optical fiber embedding seven FBGs was used to record multipoint temperature variations. Each sensor was 1 mm in length with a distance from edge to edge with each other of 2 mm.

Results

The maximum variation was recorded in both the tests by the FBG1 (i.e., the closest one to the electrode tip) and was lower than to 2.8 °C. The other sensors (from FBG2 to FBG7) did not record a significant temperature change throughout the duration of the experiment (maximum up to 0.7 °C for FBG7).

Conclusions

No significant increase in temperature was observed at any of the seven sites. The sensor nearest to the radiofrequency source exhibited the highest temperature rise, but the variation was only 3 °C. The minimal temperature increase registered at the measurement sites, according to existing literature, is not expected to be cytotoxic. FBGs demonstrate the potential to fulfil the strict requirements for temperature measurements during arthroscopic surgery.
Do metal implants for total hip arthroplasty affect bioelectrical impedance analysis? A retrospective study
Authors: Ukai Taku , Watanabe Masahiko
Published: September 2023

Background

Evaluation of body composition after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is essential because it can be used to evaluate muscle and functional recovery. Muscle volume and degeneration are evaluated using computed tomography (CT). However, CT evaluation of muscle volume has several limitations, such as radiation exposure and high medical cost. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) has gained attention for resolving these limitations of CT. BIA takes advantage of the microelectric current; thus, metal implants may affect the results. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the effects of metal implants on BIA after THA.

Methods

Two groups of patients were assessed (Group 1: 70 patients who underwent unilateral THA and BIA; Group 2: 35 patients who underwent THA and BIA before and after THA). Electric impedance (resistance and reactance) of the operated and non-operated lower limbs was compared in Group 1. The pre- and post-operative impedances of the torso and operated ipsilateral limbs were compared in Group 2.

Results

Regarding electric impedance in Group 1, no significant differences were observed in electrical resistance and reactance between the operated and non-operated lower limbs. Concerning electric impedance in Group 2, postoperative electric resistance of the torso was significantly lower than that preoperatively. However, no significant difference was seen in electric resistance and reactance of the operated ipsilateral limbs preoperatively and postoperatively.

Conclusions

Electrical resistance and reactance of the limbs did not change significantly after THA. BIA is useful for measuring body composition after THA.