bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantum and braided ZX calculus*
Authors: Majid Shahn
Published: March 2022

We apply quantum group methods to quantum computing, starting with the notion of interacting Frobenius Hopf algebras for ZX calculus with noncommutative algebra and noncocommutative coalgebra. We introduce the notion of *-structures in ZX calculus at this algebraic level and construct examples based on the quantum group u

q
(sl
2) at a root of unity. We provide an abstract formulation of the Hadamard gate related to Hopf algebra self-duality. We then solve the problem of extending the notion of interacting Hopf algebras and ZX calculus to take place in a braided tensor category. In the ribbon case, the Hadamard gate coming from braided self-duality obeys a modular identity. We give the example of b

q
(sl
2), the self-dual braided version of u

q
(sl
2).
Noisy monitored quantum dynamics of ergodic multi-qubit systems
Authors: Schomerus Henning
Published: March 2022

I employ random-matrix methods to set up and solve statistical models of noisy nonunitary dynamics that appear in the context of monitored quantum systems. The models cover a range of scenarios combining random dynamics and measurements of variable strength of one or several qubits. The combined dynamics drive the system into states whose statistics reflect the competition of randomizing unitary evolution and the measurement-induced backaction collapsing the state. These effects are mediated by entanglement, as I describe in detail by analytical results. For the paradigmatic case of monitoring via a single designated qubit, this reveals a simple statistical mechanism, in which the monitoring conditions the state of the monitored qubit, which then imposes statistical constraints on the remaining quantities of the system. For the case of monitoring several qubits with prescribed strength, the developed formalism allows one to set up the statistical description and solve it numerically. Finally, I also compare the analytical results to the monitored dynamics of a quantum kicked top, revealing two regimes where the statistical model either describes the full stationary dynamics, or resolves time scales during particular parts of the evolution.
Study behaviour of ratchet mechanism manufactured with 3D printing technology
Authors: Rizescu C I , Baciu D E , Rizescu D
Published: March 2022

In the present paper, there was developed research for the behavior of ratchet mechanism and ratchet wheel considering several materials and technologies. A ratchet wheel and pawl allow rotation of the shaft in only one direction. Considering 3D printing technologies, the paper approaches the designing and machining of a classic ratchet mechanism, generally well known, but there were highlighted some special particularities. That is known that the ratchet mechanisms are used mainly to low-speed applications, as well as in those applications where noise and vibration are of low importance. Using materials like PLA (Polylactic Acid) or ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) for example, noise and vibrations can be considerably reduced. Another advantage is that the entire mechanism has lightweight. In this work, there were considered different infill percentages, 20% and 30%, for the 3D printed parts. The designed experimental setup allows rapid changing of the mechanical elements. There were developed several mechanisms, considering different numbers of teeth for the ratchet wheel and two materials. This paper aims the study of the behavior of machine elements obtained as 3D Printed parts like gears, bellows, bushes, sliders, brakes, diaphragms, leaf, and helical springs, bearings, clutches, etc., presented by authors in the previous papers.
A study of Fused Filament Fabrication process efficiency: ABS vs PLA materials
Authors: Ninikas K , Kechagias J , Fountas N A , Vaxevanidis N M
Published: March 2022

A study of the shape accuracy of pieces created using the Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) process is presented. Accuracy of the parts coming from 3D Printing (3DP) technologies is an essential criterion, primarily when used in assembly configurations. Two polymers; PLA and ABS, three infill percentages; 20, 50, and 70 (%), three numbers for shells; 1, 2 and 3 and three different layer heights; 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 (mm) were the variables and their corresponding levels. A benchmark specimen was designed whilst nine experiments were performed according to the Taguchi methodology. Dimensional accuracy readings then followed, and the results were analysed using descriptive statistical tools such as analysis of means (ANOM), analysis of variance (ANOVA) and contour plots. The presented results indicate that 3D printed parts of PLA material exhibited better dimensional accuracy than ABS ones.
Innovative process for material separation of printed circuit boards (PCB) with laser technology
Authors: Zink M , Sover A , Vogel T
Published: March 2022

In the last years, the worldwide amount of electronic waste has increased, according to a report of the United Nations University. Our society urgently needs new solutions for the recycling of electronic waste, which is often not recycled in an environmentally friendly way. However, the electronic waste contains a large quantity of noble metals. They are excellent for reuse and can be melted and reshaped several times. For this purpose, they must be separated into their components before recycling. The laser technology has a great potential for an environmentally friendly, cost-effective and at the same time material-appropriate separation of the individual materials from different hybrid components. The possibility of using a laser to mechanically and physically separate the individual layers of a printed circuit board was studied for this paper. The first tests have shown that it is possible to separate the individual PCB materials to facilitate optimal reuse of them.
Superalloy manufacturing application on CNC machine tool
Authors: But Adrian
Published: March 2022

The paper presents one real application to manufacturing a superalloy material, taking into consideration their properties (creep-rupture) that recommend them for high-temperature applications dedicated to the aerospace manufacturing area. Aspects related to milling operations on the CNC machine tool are underlined. Thus, several milling strategies are detailed, depending on the type of cutting tool and the material of the removable inserts, but also aspects related to the milling process itself, which involves information’s about the characteristics of the material of the part, optimal ways of chip formation depending on the type of inserts. Three different milling strategies were analysed with the target to obtain the best solution to manufacturing the superalloy materials to keep is possible, more the time live of the cutting tools, but at the same time, to reduce the time of manufacturing. It was obtained a significant reducing time of manufacturing and was implemented different milling CAM solutions with useful conclusions for future applications.
Obtaining one-sheeted revolution hyperboloid surface by cutting
Authors: Slătineanu L , Hriţuc A , Dodun O , Nagîţ G , Beşliu-Băncescu I
Published: March 2022

There are situations when obtaining surfaces that correspond to one-sheeted revolution hyperboloid surface is formulated in industrial practice. Solving such a problem may require the use of expensive procedures and equipment. The analysis of some solutions from the specialized literature led to the acceptance of some possibilities to obtain certain surfaces specific to the one- sheeted revolution hyperboloids by turning and milling. A technological solution that involves using a milling device adaptable to a universal lathe has been proposed.
Numerical analysis of the stresses appeared around some lifting ears from a cylinder used in the petrochemical industry
Authors: Iamandei A , Ripeanu R G , Stanciu L , Popa I , Vasilescu S
Published: March 2022

In the petrochemical industry there are many devices with cylindrical shapes such as: columns and horizontal or vertical vessels. All these devices, during the fitting or transporting processes must be raised using some special ears. Using the same methodology with those presented in [1,2,4,5], the paper presents the stresses that appear around some raising ears (made from curved beams) welded on the cylindrical shell. The connection between the ears and cylinder are analysed in two cases: when the ear is welded directly on the cylinder and when the ear is welded on a reinforcement pad welded on the cylinder. Maximum stresses obtained in certain elements of the cylinder (for different thicknesses of the shell) are compared with the allowable limits of the materials.
New approach in solving derivative causality problems in the bond-graph method
Authors: Ibănescu M , Ibănescu R
Published: March 2022

From the bond-graph model of a dynamic system, the state equations can be obtained. When the system contains only energy storing elements in integral causality, the system of state equations is immediately and directly determined. When the model contains at least one energy storing element in derivative causality, the resulted system of differential-algebraic equations arises some difficulties in finding the final form of the system of state equations. The work presents a new method of deducing the state equations in case of bond-graph models with one, or several energy storing elements in derivative causality. This method is based on the kinetic energy of the system and offers the possibility to avoid a difficult mathematical calculus for the transition from a system of differential algebraic equations to the system of state equations.
Theoretical and experimental results of stepped tubes with circular cross-sections
Authors: Predoiu C P , Tabacu S , Negrea R F , Popa D
Published: March 2022

The present work focuses on investigating the axial crushing process of circular cross-section tubes with variable diameters using theoretical and experimental methods. In case of an impact, the energy should be consumed by the controlled deformation of the sacrificial structures. The specimens are designed as structures with the same height and have sectors with different diameters and thicknesses. Following the experimental tests, finite element analysis was performed, and the dataset was processed using Matlab. The solution generates a theoretical mean crushing force curve, including the height sectors with different diameters and the mean crushing force curves for experimental and simulation results. The methodology provides the background for a future investigation.
New applications for shape memory alloys in angular - contact ball bearings preloading systems
Authors: Zamă Andrei , Olaru Dumitru , Paleu Viorel
Published: March 2022

Shape Memory Alloys (SMA) have been researched extensively in the past forty years. The different available compositions of these alloys can make them suitable for certain applications with specific requirements. The increasing demand for high precision machinery and equipment brought forward the need to search for alloys that that can perform better under stress than conventional materials. This is the case of Shape Memory Alloys. As their name suggests, these alloys can regain their initial shape after being subjected to external stresses, up to a specific degree. Due to the research carried out over the past two decades on these alloys, they became better known and more accessible, being tested in order to be integrated in various applications. One such application consists of using a shape memory alloy formed into disc springs in order to optimize the preloading of angular contact ball bearings. The tests were conducted using a device especially developed for this research, with the purpose of recording the friction torque evolution and the preload induced by disc springs during the operation of the rolling bearings in order to assess the possibility of using elastic elements for active ball bearings preloading systems.
Biogas from poultry waste - a source of energy
Authors: Halmaciu A I , Ionel I , Wächter M R , Vetres I
Published: March 2022

The latest excessive industrial development has led to both the increase of the fossil fuel consumption and an excessive pollution. A saving solution would be considered renewable energy sources, best based on wastes, which prove energy content. The current work focuses on a case study for the biogas production, using anaerobic digestion of poultry dejections, by means of a latest generation bio-processor. These dejections are presently and normally used only as fertilizer. The experiment was performed simultaneously in 6 digesters, which were loaded daily with a quantity of material resulting from the calculated recipe, based on the characteristics of the poultry litter. Preliminary experimental analysis such as calorific value, humidity and volatile content were run. Following the results obtained, one can state that the poultry litter can be used as raw material for the anaerobic biogas production, in the future, as well.
Theoretical and experimental research on the quality of thermoformed foils using 3D-printed plastic moulds
Authors: Boca M A , Sover A , Slătineanu L
Published: March 2022

An innovative approach to additive manufacturing consists in the possibility of producing moulds that can be used for traditional manufacturing processes such as thermoforming. The quality and dimensional precision of the interior surfaces of the plastic foils obtained after thermoforming is closely related to the used mould. The influencing factors considered are the different thermal and mechanical properties offered by the wide range of available plastic materials for additive manufacturing (AM), the multitude of printing parameters, and the technological process by means of which the mould was obtained. For the production of plastic moulds, Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) processes, as well as materials specific to each technology, are used. This paper identifies and explains issues concerning the surface quality of the thermoformed foil through a systemic analysis approach and by conducting laboratory experiments. Optical 3D scanning equipment and software are employed to determine the proper additive process and materials for thermoforming process. The best quality of the finished product was obtained in the case of a male mould made by the SLS technology and PS foil with a thickness of 0.7 mm.
Holistic management of next generation manufacturing system
Authors: Frumuşanu Gabriel , Afteni Cezarina , Epureanu Alexandru
Published: March 2022

The manufacturing system is a widely addressed subject. Many researchers have worked since a significant number of years in this field. Still, manufacturing system performance is capped by the insufficient level of accordance between manufacturing system and product. At the same time, global energy and global information networks have been created during recent years. Besides other applications, these networks can be turned in hard and soft infrastructure supporting the manufacturing system. For this reason, many specialists consider that the conceptual rebuilding of the manufacturing system is a notable challenge. This paper answers to this challenge by suggesting a holonic technique for manufacturing system management at basic, operational level. The proposed technique lays on the following hypothesis: i) next generation manufacturing system will be a modular cyber-physical system, ii) the typical management task is decision making, and iii) the procedure for decision making consists in options identification, followed by their comparative assessment. The approach is to manage the manufacturing system activity by holonic modelling of the system functioning, followed by the identification of a dedicated holarchy. The proposed technique aims to mitigate system performance in what concerns responsiveness capacity, investment efficiency and production costs. The technique is presented in architectural conceptual manner.
Industry management transformation in digital age
Authors: Shatilova Olena , Sobolieva Tetiana , Batenko Liudmyla , Sahaidak Mykhailo , Omelianenko Tetiana
Published: March 2022

The article is devoted to the topical problems of adapting company management to the modern conditions of the digitization and Industry 4.0 formation. The essence of digital transformation is characterized and the main spheres of its impact are highlighted. There are the main characteristics of the modern companies that operate under the conditions of Industry 4.0, problems, prospects and key factors of ensuring the competitiveness of companies in the context of digital transformation. The ways of the company management development under the influence of digital transformation have been investigated.
Revealing thickness dependence of hardness, strain rate sensitivity, and creep resistance of nano-crystalline magnesium/titanium multilayers by nanoindentation
Authors: Lu Congda , Ding Jie , Song Yuxuan , Ma Yi
Published: March 2022

The size effect on mechanical properties of hcp/hcp multilayer has been short of understanding hitherto. In this study, we prepared Magnesium/Titanium (Mg/Ti) multilayers with various individual layer thicknesses (h = 50, 100, 150, 200 nm) by magnetron sputtering. Relying on nanoindentation, hardness and elastic modulus were little changed for the multilayers with h of 50 ∼ 150 nm, while they were evidently lower when h increased to 200 nm. The determined strain rate sensitivities were 0.029, 0.032, 0.035, and 0.062 for the samples with h = 50, 100, 150, 200 nm, respectively. According to evolution of grain size, it suggests that Hall-Petch law dominates the strengthen effect of this hcp/hcp multilayers, rather than blocking effect of interface and decrease of dislocation content by reducing individual layer thickness. On the other hand, creep resistance was gradually promoted as reducing h. It indicates that interface and dislocation content could be important for the time-dependent plastic deformation. The room-temperature creep mechanism was discussed based on the strain rate sensitivity of steady-state creep flow. It indicates that dislocation glide could be suppressed and grain boundary glide, dislocation climb, and even interface glade could be plausible when h decreased to 50 nm.
Spatial transcriptomic profiles of mouse uterine microenvironments at pregnancy day 7.5
Authors: Li Rong , Wang Tian-yuan , Xu Xin , Emery Olivia M , Yi MyeongJin , Wu San-Pin , DeMayo Francesco J
Published: March 2022

Uterine dysfunctions lead to fertility disorders and pregnancy complications. Normal uterine functions at pregnancy depend on crosstalk among multiple cell types in uterine microenvironments. Here, we performed the spatial transcriptomics and single-cell RNA-seq assays to determine local gene expression profiles at the embryo implantation site of the mouse uterus on pregnancy day 7.5 (D7.5). The spatial transcriptomic annotation identified 11 domains of distinct gene signatures, including a mesometrial myometrium, an anti-mesometrial myometrium, a mesometrial decidua enriched with natural killer cells, a vascular sinus zone for maternal vessel remodeling, a fetal–maternal interface, a primary decidual zone, a transition decidual zone, a secondary decidual zone, undifferentiated stroma, uterine glands, and the embryo. The scRNA-Seq identified 12 types of cells in the D7.5 uterus including three types of stromal fibroblasts with differentiated and undifferentiated markers, one cluster of epithelium including luminal and glandular epithelium, mesothelium, endothelia, pericytes, myelomonocytic cell, natural killer cells, and lymphocyte B. These single-cell RNA signatures were then utilized to deconvolute the cell-type compositions of each individual uterine microenvironment. Functional annotation assays on spatial transcriptomic data revealed uterine microenvironments with distinguished metabolic preferences, immune responses, and various cellular behaviors that are regulated by region-specific endocrine and paracrine signals. Global interactome among regions is also projected based on the spatial transcriptomic data. This study provides high-resolution transcriptome profiles with locality information at the embryo implantation site to facilitate further investigations on molecular mechanisms for normal pregnancy progression.
Oral disease is linked to low nestling condition and brood size in a raptor species living in a highly modified environment
Authors: Blanco Guillermo , Frías Óscar , Pitarch Aida , Carrete Martina
Published: March 2022

Anthropogenic stressors can favor the occurrence of noninfectious disease that can be worsened by the impact of opportunistic pathogens, making the epizootiology of environmental diseases difficult to unravel. The incidence and impact of oral lesions in nestlings of a facultative scavenger species, the black kite Milvus migrans, were examined over seven breeding seasons in the highly degraded environment close to Madrid, Spain. We found an overall prevalence of 31% of nestlings with oral lesions, with no clear spatial pattern in nests with affected and unaffected individuals. The occurrence and number of oral lesions were negatively associated with nestling body condition and brood size. Broods, where all siblings had oral lesions, were smaller than those where some or all siblings were apparently healthy, suggesting that oral disease could be causing nestling mortality and, consequently, brood size reduction. In turn, nestling body condition was negatively affected by lesion occurrence, brood size, and laying date. Although these relationships were bidirectional, piecewise structural equation modeling analyses showed a greater negative effect of body condition on lesion occurrence than vice versa, indicating that nestlings in poorer body condition were more likely to develop oral lesions (which could contribute to aggravate their state of deterioration) than those in better condition. Nestlings from small broods were also more likely to have oral disease (directly or indirectly through their lower body condition) than nestlings from large broods. Nestlings that hatched last in the broods showed greater development stress than those that hatched first. Anthropogenic stressors could trigger poor body condition, and contribute to microbiota dysbiosis-related diseases. Although further research is needed to determine the consequences for the long-term fitness of individuals, actions should be taken to mitigate adverse conditions that may favor the appearance of environmental diseases associated with peri-urban areas, given their rapid expansion over natural areas.
Stable QTL for malate levels in ripe fruit and their transferability acrossVitisspecies
Authors: Reshef Noam , Karn Avinash , Manns David C , Mansfield Anna Katharine , Cadle-Davidson Lance , Reisch Bruce , Sacks Gavin L
Published: March 2022

Malate is a major contributor to the sourness of grape berries (Vitis spp.) and their products, such as wine. Excessive malate at maturity, commonly observed in wild Vitis grapes, is detrimental to grape and wine quality and complicates the introgression of valuable disease resistance and cold hardy genes through breeding. This study investigated an interspecific Vitis family that exhibited strong and stable variation in malate at ripeness for five years and tested the separate contribution of accumulation, degradation, and dilution to malate concentration in ripe fruit in the last year of study. Genotyping was performed using transferable rhAmpSeq haplotype markers, based on the Vitis collinear core genome. Three significant QTL for ripe fruit malate on chromosomes 1, 7, and 17, accounted for over two-fold and 6.9 g/L differences, and explained 40.6% of the phenotypic variation. QTL on chromosomes 7 and 17 were stable in all and in three out of five years, respectively. Variation in pre-veraison malate was the major contributor to variation in ripe fruit malate (39%), and based on two and five years of data, respectively, their associated QTL overlapped on chromosome 7, indicating a common genetic basis. However, use of transferable markers on a closely related Vitis family did not yield a common QTL across families. This suggests that diverse physiological mechanisms regulate the levels of this key metabolite in the Vitis genus, a conclusion supported by a review of over a dozen publications from the past decade, showing malate-associated genetic loci on all 19 chromosomes.
Tumbling and subsequent aging improves tenderness of beef longissimus lumborum and semitendinosus steaks by disrupting myofibrillar structure and enhancing proteolysis
Authors: Tuell Jacob R , Nondorf Mariah J , Abdelhaseib Maha , Setyabrata Derico , Kim Yuan H Brad
Published: March 2022

Tenderness is an important sensory attribute to the overall eating experience of beef. Identifying novel methods to ensure consistent tenderness, especially in inherently tough cuts, is critical for the industry. This study investigated if tumbling without brine inclusion could be an effective method to improve the quality and palatability attributes of beef longissimus lumborum (LL) and semitendinosus (ST) steaks. Furthermore, interactions with postmortem aging were evaluated to determine how tumbling might affect protein degradation and muscle ultrastructure. At 5 d postmortem, pairs of LL and ST muscles from beef carcasses (n = 16) were bisected, vacuum packaged, and tumbled for 0, 40, 80, or 120 min. Sections were divided and subsequently aged an additional 0 or 10 d at 2 °C. Tumbling for any duration improved instrumental tenderness of LL (P < 0.001) but not ST (P > 0.05) steaks, regardless of aging time. Tumbling exacerbated moisture loss in both muscles shown by greater purge and cooking losses (P < 0.05). Myofibrillar fragmentation was induced through tumbling in both muscles (P < 0.001), which was supported by transmission electron microscopy images. Tumbling for 120 min followed by 10 d of aging resulted in less abundant intact troponin-T in both LL and ST (P < 0.05), as well as less intact desmin in ST (P < 0.05); however, calpain-1 autolysis was not affected by tumbling (P > 0.05). No effects of tumbling, aging, nor the interaction were found for the content and solubility of collagen (P > 0.05). Consumer panelists (n = 120/muscle) rated LL steaks tumbled for any duration higher for tenderness and overall liking compared to control steaks (P < 0.05). For ST, significant interactions were found for consumer liking of tenderness and juiciness. In general, tumbling without subsequent aging resulted in poorer juiciness than non-tumbled (P < 0.05), while at 10 d no differences in juiciness were found between treatments (P > 0.05). For ST steaks that were aged 10 d, 120 min of tumbling resulted in greater tenderness liking than non–tumbled steaks (P < 0.05). These results suggest that tumbling would result in myofibrillar fragmentation and may benefit the degradation of myofibrillar proteins; however, there would be negligible impacts on collagen. Accordingly, tumbling without brine inclusion alone may be sufficient to improve tenderness and overall liking of LL steaks, while combined tumbling with subsequent postmortem aging would be necessary to improve tenderness liking of ST.
Assessing Insecticide Susceptibility and Resistance Intensity of Anopheles gambiae s.l. Populations From Some Districts of Benin Republic, West Africa
Authors: Kpanou Casimir Dossou , Sagbohan Hermann W , Sovi Arthur , Osse Razaki , Padonou Gil G , Salako Albert , Tokponnon Filémon , Fassinou Arsène Jacques , Yovogan Boulais , Nwangwu Udoka C , Adoha Constantin J , Odjo Esdras Mahoutin , Ahogni Idelphonse , Sidick Aboubakar , Saïd Baba-Moussa Lamine , Akogbéto Martin
Published: March 2022

Pyrethroid resistance is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this study was to assess the insecticide resistance intensity in Anopheles gambiae s.l. (Diptera: Culicidae) in four districts of Benin in order to better understand how pyrethroid-only nets are likely to be effective. Thus, adult females of An. gambiae s.l., reared from field-collected larvae were used for assessing resistance intensity to permethrin and deltamethrin. They were tested at 1×, 5×, and 10× the diagnostic dose, using both WHO susceptibility tube testing and CDC bottle bioassays. Identification of molecular species, as well as of L1014F Kdr and Ace-1R mutations was performed using the PCR. The level of expression of biochemical enzymes was also evaluated. Overall, moderate to high resistance intensity to permethrin and deltamethrin was observed, irrespective of the testing method. While the L1014F Kdr frequency was high (>75%), Ace-1R was low (≤6%) in An. gambiaes.s. and Anopheles coluzzii, the two predominant species [52% (95% CI: 44.8–59.1) and 45% (95% CI: 38.0–52.2), respectively]. Anopheles arabiensis was found at very low frequency (3%, 95%CI: 1.1–6.4). For Biochemical analyses, α and β-esterases were over-expressed in all four districts, while mixed-function oxidases (MFOs) were over-expressed in only one. Overall, the two testing methods led to comparable conclusions, though there were a few inconsistencies between them. The moderate-high resistance intensity observed in the study area suggests that dual active-ingredient (AI) long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) may provide better control of insecticide-resistant mosquitoes.
Race, Specificity, and Statistics in Victorian Medicine
Authors: Seth Suman
Published: March 2022

This paper focuses on Edmund Parkes’ Manual of Practical Hygiene, Prepared Especially for Use in the Medical Service of the Army (1864), a text that would become the standard within British military medicine for decades to come. Within Parkes’ Manual, I argue, we can see the confluence of three streams of thinking – each beginning in the 1830s and 1840s – that led to a new orthodoxy on race-medicine in the Victorian period. The first flowed from an ‘avalanche of numbers’, to use Hacking’s phrase, concerning military medical statistics, a set of seemingly objective data that made race medically ‘real’ in a form that had not been evident before. The second was the solidification of fixist conceptions of race after the collapse of what George Stocking called the ‘Prichardian paradigm’ in British ethnology. The third involved what has become known, in the history of medicine, as the ‘doctrine of specific etiology’, the idea that the cause of certain diseases was the cause of each of those diseases alone. These three factors together led to a novel set of racial arguments, one that assumed the reality and permanence of race and that explained differences in susceptibility and immunity not, as was common earlier, in terms of climatic habituation, but rather in terms of the fixity and peculiarity of internal differences.
Pain catastrophizing
Authors: Thompson Osheeca J. , Powell-Roach Keesha , Taylor Janiece L. , Terry Ellen L. , Booker Staja Q.
Published: March 2022

Pain is a subjective experience and its perception and expression vary widely. Pain catastrophizing, which refers to patients' thoughts or feelings about their pain, may impact their communication of pain and nurses' subsequent response. This article discusses how nurses can more readily recognize, assess, and manage pain catastrophizing.
Nurses' critical role in CPT code valuation
Authors: Volpert Elisabeth , Van Keuren Korinne , Trainum Brooke
Published: March 2022

Relative value units (RVUs) are a measurement of practice efficiency and patient complexity. RVUs are reviewed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services through the Resource-Based Relative-Value Scale Update Committee, which determines recommendations regarding the Current Procedural Terminology code valuations for the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. This article discusses the importance of nurses' participation in the accurate valuation of their work and in the process of developing and revising RVUs.
Abortion Safety and Use With Normally Prescribed Mifepristone in Canada
Authors: Schummers Laura , Darling Elizabeth K. , Dunn Sheila , McGrail Kimberlyn , Gayowsky Anastasia , Law Michael R. , Laba Tracey-Lea , Kaczorowski Janusz , Norman Wendy V.
Published: March 2022

(Abstracted from N Engl J Med 2022;386:57–67)

A medical abortion regimen of mifepristone and misoprostol is safe. In the United States, mifepristone is approved for use only with onerous Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) restrictions, which include mandatory prescriber certification, observed dispensing of doses by the prescriber or medical facility (excluding pharmacies), and with submission of a prespecified patient consent form.
Screening for Autosomal Recessive and X-Linked Conditions During Pregnancy and Preconception: A Practice Resource of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG)
Authors: Gregg Anthony R. , Aarabi Mahmoud , Klugman Susan , Leach Natalia T. , Bashford Michael T. , Goldwaser Tamar , Chen Emily , Sparks Teresa N. , Reddi Honey V. , Rajkovic Aleksandar , Dungan Jeffrey S.
Published: March 2022

(Abstracted from Genet Med 2021;23:1793–1806)

Carrier screening can be used to determine if an individual or couple is at risk to have a child with an autosomal recessive or X-linked genetic disorder. The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) last published documents specific to carrier screening in 2004 and 2008.
The Supreme Court, the Texas Abortion Law (SB8), and the Beginning of the End of Roe v Wade?
Authors: Cohen I. Glenn , Adashi Eli Y. , Gostin Lawrence O.
Published: March 2022

(Abstracted from JAMA 2021;326:1473–1474)

A total of 13 states have enacted fetal heartbeat laws banning abortion once embryonic cardiac activity is detected. Despite enforcement of these laws being found unconstitutional by various courts, on September 1, 2021, the US Supreme Court allowed passage of a Texas fetal heartbeat law (SB8).
Use of a Smartphone App to Explore Potential Underuse of Prophylactic Aspirin for Preeclampsia
Authors: Krishnamurti Tamar , Davis Alexander L. , Rodriguez Samantha , Hayani Laila , Bernard Miriam , Simhan Hyagriv N.
Published: March 2022

(Abstracted from JAMA Netw Open 2021;4:e2130804)

Preeclampsia is a leading factor associated with maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Effective prophylaxis can be achieved with low-dose aspirin (LDASA) 75 to 150 mg daily during pregnancy if initiated early in moderate- to high-risk patients.
Description of Clinician-Diagnosed Regression at Time of Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis in Toddlers
Authors: Zaro Christopher , Harris Holly , Sideridis Georgios , Barbaresi William , Harstad Elizabeth
Published: March 2022

Objective:

Previous studies have reported varying rates of regression in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We sought to (1) determine the rate of clinician-diagnosed regression for young children with ASD and (2) compare developmental functioning and ASD symptoms of children with versus without regression.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective chart review of toddlers (age 18–36 months) with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-5 ASD. We abstracted cognitive, language, adaptive, and motor functioning standard scores and ASD core symptoms. Regression was defined as “clinician-diagnosed regression accompanied by recommendation for a medical workup.” We used propensity scores to match each participant with regression (n = 20) one-to-one with a participant without regression (n = 20). We compared the groups on developmental scores using independent sample t tests and on core ASD symptoms using Pearson's χ2 test.

Results:

Of the 500 children with ASD, n = 20 (4%) had regression (defined above). Children with regression had lower Bayley cognitive and language scores and lower Vineland adaptive scores compared with those without regression (cognitive: 78.0 vs 85.5, p < 0.05; language: 56.9 vs 68.2, p < 0.01; adaptive: 70.0 vs 80.3; p < 0.01). There was no difference in motor scores across groups. There were no significant differences in the frequency of exhibiting core ASD symptoms for those with versus without regression.

Conclusion:

In this clinical sample of children with ASD, regression was diagnosed in a small percentage (4%). Those with regression had lower cognitive, language, and adaptive skills compared with those without regression. Rates of clinician-diagnosed regression referred for medical workup are significantly lower than prior estimates based on parent report.
Postoperative anxiety and depression in surgical gastric cancer patients: their longitudinal change, risk factors, and correlation with survival
Authors: Liu Ping , Wang Zhe
Published: March 2022

Anxiety and depression are important concerns negatively affecting life quality and prognosis in cancer patients. Then, this prospective cohort study aimed to explore the longitudinal change and potential risk factors for postoperative anxiety and depression in surgical gastric cancer patients.

A total of 226 surgical gastric cancer patients were consecutively enrolled. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to assess the anxiety and depression status at baseline (M0), 12th month (M12), 24th month (M24), and 36th month (M36) after hospital discharge, then the HADS for anxiety (HADS-A) score and HADS for depression (HADS-D) score were calculated. Diseasefree survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated.

HADS-A and HADS-D scores were gradually increased from M0 to M36, and their occurrences and grades were also worsened piece by piece. Additionally, older age, female, unemployed before surgery, single/divorced/widowed marry status, poor education duration, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, large tumor size, high TNM stage, and adjuvant chemotherapy were independent risk factors for postoperative anxiety or depression. Regarding survival, DFS and OS appeared to be shorter in anxiety patients compared to nonanxiety patients at M0 but showed no statistical significance. However, DFS and OS were worse in depression patients compared to non-depression patients at M0.

In conclusion, postoperative anxiety and depression are gradually worsened, relating to poor prognosis, and their main risk factors include female, single/divorced/widowed marry status, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, large tumor size, and high TNM stage in gastric cancer patients.
Oral pigmentation as an adverse effect of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine use
Authors: Silva Pedro Urquiza Jayme , Oliveira Millena Barroso , Vieira Walbert , Cardoso Sérgio Vitorino , Blumenberg Cauane , Franco Ademir , Siqueira Walter Luiz , Paranhos Luiz Renato
Published: March 2022

Background

Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are 2 medications used to treat some systemic diseases.

Objective

The aim of this scoping review was to assess the occurrence of oral pigmentation induced by chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine and to understand the pathogenic mechanism behind this phenomenon.

Methods

The review was performed according to the list of PRISMA SrC recommendations and the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis for Scoping Reviews. MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, EMBASE, SciELO, Web of Science, Lilacs, and LIVIVO were primary sources, and “gray literature” was searched in OpenThesis and Open Access Thesis and Dissertations (OATD). Studies that screened the occurrence of oral pigmentation associated to the use of chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine were considered eligible. No restrictions of year and language of publication were applied. Study selection and data extraction were performed by 2 independent reviewers. The risk of bias was assessed through the JBI tool, depending on the design of the selected studies.

Results

The initial search resulted in 2238 studies, of which 19 were eligible. Sixteen studies were case reports, 2 had case-control design and 1 was cross-sectional. Throughout the studies, 44 cases of oral pigmentation were reported. The hard palate was the anatomic region most affected with pigmentation (66%). According to the case reports, most of the lesions (44%) were bluish-gray. The minimum time from the beginning of treatment (chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine) to the occurrence of pigmentation was 6 months. The mean treatment time with the medications was 4.9 years, and the mean drug dosage was 244 mg. Most of the studies (63.1%) had low risk of bias (high methodological quality).

Conclusions

The outcomes of this study suggest that hyperpigmentation depend on drug dosage and treatment length. Hyperpigmentation was detected after a long period of treatment with chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine.
Associations of walking and resistance training with chronic low back pain in older adults
Authors: Nah Sangun , Park Seong San , Choi Sungwoo , Jang Hae-Dong , Moon Ji Eun , Han Sangsoo
Published: March 2022

Physical activities, such as resistance training and walking, are known to be effective against chronic low back pain (CLBP). However, few studies have examined the associations of walking and resistance training with CLBP in the general older population. Therefore, this study analyzed these relationships in the older Korean population (aged ≥65 years), with the goal of determining which exercise is better for CLBP.

This cross-sectional study analyzed Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data for the period 2012 to 2015. The Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which provides representative data for the Korean population, uses a clustered, multistage, random sampling method with stratification based on geographic area, age, and sex. Three multiple logistic regression models were generated in this study to determine the associations of walking and resistance training with CLBP.

A total of 5233 participants were enrolled, 3641 (69.6%) of whom were free from CLBP; the remaining 1592 (30.4%) had CLBP. 78.4% and 64.8% of the non-CLBP and CLBP group patients, respectively, walked at least once a week. Also, 23.5% and 11.6% of the participants in the non-CLBP and CLBP groups, respectively, engaged in resistance training at least once a week. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, which was adjusted for all potential confounders, walking was significantly associated with a lower risk of CLBP (1-2d/wk: odds ratio [OR] = 0.65, P = .002; 3-4d/wk: OR = 0.69, P = .004; ≥5 d/wk: OR = 0.57, P < .001). However, resistance training showed no association with the risk of CLBP.

In this cross-sectional study, walking was associated with a lower risk of CLBP. In particular, walking >5days per week had the maximum benefit in a lower risk of CLBP. Therefore, clinicians can consider recommending walking to patients with CLBP for optimal pain improvement.
Efficacy of Geumguesingi-hwan (jinkuishenqi-wan, kinkijinki-gan) in decreasing blood glucose levels in patients with uncomplicated type 2 diabetes
Authors: Choi Hyun-Jin , Baek Ji-Soo , Jeon Cheon-Hoo , Shin Seon-Mi , Cho Chung-Sik
Published: March 2022

Background:

The purpose of a systematic review and meta-analysis is to verify the clinical efficacy and safety of Geumguesingihwan for patients with uncomplicated type 2 diabetes.

Methods:

The systematic review and meta-analysis will be performed following the guidelines of the National Evidence-based Healthcare Collaborating Agency. We will conduct a systematic search of randomized controlled trials in 8 electronic databases until August 31, 2021.

Results:

This study will provide evidence regarding the clinical efficacy of Geumguesingi-hwan from the following 3 perspectives: improving blood glucose level, insulin resistance, and β-cell function. Additionally, we will examine the safety of Geumguesingi-hwan by evaluating the adverse effects.

Conclusions:

This study will verify the antidiabetic efficacy and safety of Geumguesingi-hwan in patients with uncomplicated type 2 diabetes.
Incidence and risk factors of preoperative isolated calf deep venous thrombosis following hip fractures
Authors: Zhao Weiguang , Zhao Jianlong , Liu Tiantian , Liu Zhenwu , Liu Li
Published: March 2022

There is still a lack of data on isolated calf deep vein thrombosis (ICDVT) following hip fractures surgery. The study aimed to determine the incidence of preoperative ICDVT and the associated risk factors in patients with hip fractures requiring surgery.

The 289 patients who required hip surgery were included, duplex ultrasonography was routinely used to make a definite diagnosis of preoperative ICDVT located in unilateral or bilateral calf. Data on demographics and laboratory-associated blood biomarkers results were included. Univariate analyses were used to analyse the data of demographics, comorbidities, personal history operation related indexes and laboratory biomarkers, then the multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to identify the independent risk factors associated with ICDVT.

Sixty-eight (23.5%) patients were diagnosed with preoperative ICDVTs. The univariate analyses showed significant differences regarding ICDVT were age, current smoking, alcohol consumption, time from injury to operation, albumin, white blood cells, lymphocyte, red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and activated partial thromboplastin time level among the 44 factors. The multivariable model confirmed 3 risk factors were significantly independent in association with preoperative ICDVTs, including current smoking, time delay from injury to operation and activated partial thromboplastin time ( < 28seconds).

The incidence of preoperative ICDVT in hip fracture was 23.5%, and patients with associated risk factors are prone to form ICDVTs, identification of these factors may help to reduce the incidence of ICDVT with hip fractures by taking early prevention measures.
The effectiveness and safety of Simiao Xiaobi decoction on rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Chae Soo-Yeon , Woo Yeonju , Kim Joo-Hee , Kim Eun-Jung , Seo Byung-Kwan , Baek Yong-Hyeon , Park Seong-Sik , Sung Won-Suk
Published: March 2022

Background:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common chronic autoimmune disease that contributes to progressive disability, systemic complications, higher mortality, and societal burden. Typical symptoms of RA include symmetrical pain and swelling in multiple joints, morning stiffness, and elevated levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and rheumatoid factor. The representative treatment for RA is medication, including disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, glucocorticoids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, these medications are not yet curative nor preventative and are associated with several adverse effects, leading to their discontinuation. Recent articles reported that Simiao Xiaobi decoction (SXD) could relieve the symptoms of RA by clinical trial and experimental study, but an evidence-based review on the effectiveness and safety of SXD on RA has not yet been provided.

Methods:

Searching for randomized controlled trials on the use of SXD for RA will be performed by using multiple electronic databases, manual search, and contacting the authors by e-mail if needed. Studies will be selected according to the predefined criteria and the data collected on study participants, interventions, control groups, outcome measurements, their results, adverse events, and risk of bias will be summarized. The primary outcome will be the disease activity score (including effective rate, swollen joint count, tender joint count, and morning stiffness), and the secondary outcomes will be blood tests (including erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and rheumatoid factor) and adverse events. We will use Review Manager software to perform a meta-analysis, the Cochrane Collaboration “risk of bias” tool for assessing the risk of bias, and grades of recommendation, assessment, development and evaluation for the determination of the quality of evidence.

Trial registration number:

https://inplasy.com; INPLASY202230026.

Results:

We are going to investigate the effectiveness and safety of SXD for RA.

Conclusion:

This study will provide reliable evidence on whether SXD is effective on RA.