bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dwelling on the Connection Between SO(3) and Rotation Matrices in Rigid Multibody Dynamics – Part 2: Comparison Against Formulations Using Euler Parameters or Euler Angles
Authors: Taves Jay , Kissel Alexandra , Negrut Dan
Published: November 2021

We compare three solution approaches that use the index 3 set of differential algebraic equations (DAEs) to solve the constrained multibody dynamics problem through straight discretization via an implicit time integrator. The first approach is described in a companion paper and dwells on the connection between the orientation matrix and the SO(3) group. Its salient point is that the orientation matrix A is a problem unknown, directly computed without resorting to the use of other position-level generalized coordinates such as Euler angles or Euler parameters. The second approach employs Euler angles as part of the position-level generalized coordinates, and uses them to subsequently evaluate the orientation matrix A. The third approach replaces the Euler angles with Euler parameters (quaternions). The numerical integration method of choice in this contribution is first order implicit Euler. We report a similar number of iterations for convergence for all solution implementations (called rA, rε, and rp); we also observed an approximately twofold speedup of rA over rp and rε. The tests were carried out in conjunction with three models: simple pendulum, slider crank, and four-link mechanism. These simulation results were obtained using two Python simulation engines that were developed independently as part of this formulation comparison undertaking. The codes are available in a GitHub public repository and were developed to provide two different perspectives on the formulation performance issue. The improvements in simulation speed are traced back to a simpler form of the equations of motion and more concise Jacobians that enter the numerical solution. It remains to investigate whether these speed gains carry to higher order integration formulas, where the underlying Lie-group structure of SO(3) brings additional complexity in the rA solution.
Three-dimensional vibration patterns of alto saxophone reeds measured on different mouthpieces under mimicked realistic playing conditions
Authors: Ukshini Enis , Dirckx Joris J. J.
Published: November 2021

In single reed musical instruments, vibrations of the reed, in conjunction with the geometry of the mouthpiece and the acoustic feedback of the instrument, play an essential role in sound generation. Up until now, three-dimensional (3D) reed vibration patterns have only been studied under external acoustic stimulation, or at a single note and lip force. This paper investigates vibration patterns of saxophone reeds under imitated realistic playing conditions. On different notes displacement measurements on the entire optically accessible part of the reed are performed using stroboscopic digital image correlation. These vibration data are decomposed onto the harmonic frequencies of the generated note pitch and into the operational modes. Motion data as a function of time are shown on single points. All points on the reed predominantly move in phase, corresponding to the first flexural mode of the reed. At higher note harmonics very low amplitude higher vibration modes are superimposed on the fundamental mode. Mouthpiece characteristics and lip force influence the vibration patterns. Vibration patterns differ strongly from earlier measurements on free vibrating reeds. Results show that single-point measurements on the tip of the reed can give a good indication of the 3D vibration amplitude, also at higher note pitches.
Targeting the spliceosome through RBM39 degradation results in exceptional responses in high-risk neuroblastoma models
Authors: Singh Shivendra , Quarni Waise , Goralski Maria , Wan Shibiao , Jin Hongjian , Van de Velde Lee-Ann , Fang Jie , Wu Qiong , Abu-Zaid Ahmed , Wang Tingting , Singh Ravi , Craft David , Fan Yiping , Confer Thomas , Johnson Melissa , Akers Walter J. , Wang Ruoning , Murray Peter J. , Thomas Paul G. , Nijhawan Deepak , Davidoff Andrew M. , Yang Jun
Published: November 2021

Degradation of RBM39 by indisulam leads to exceptional response in high-risk neuroblastoma.
The Antimalaria Drug Artesunate Inhibits Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Replication by Activating AMPK and Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathways
Authors: Long Feixiang , Zhang Mingxin , Yang Xia , Liang Xiaohuan , Su Lizhan , An Tongqing , Zhang Guihong , Zeng Zhenling , Liu Yahong , Chen Weisan , Chen Jianxin
Published: November 2021

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infections have continuously threatened the pork industry worldwide. Vaccination strategies provide very limited protection against PRRSV infection, and no effective drug is commercially available.
Unveiling Ecological and Genetic Novelty within Lytic and Lysogenic Viral Communities of Hot Spring Phototrophic Microbial Mats
Authors: Guajardo-Leiva Sergio , Santos Fernando , Salgado Oscar , Regeard Christophe , Quillet Laurent , Díez Beatriz
Published: November 2021

Hot springs harbor microbial communities dominated by a limited variety of microorganisms and, as such, have become a model for studying community ecology and understanding how biotic and abiotic interactions shape their structure. Viruses in hot springs are shown to be ubiquitous, numerous, and active components of these communities.
The Use of Flocked Swabs with a Protective Medium Increases the Recovery of Live Brucella spp. and DNA Detection
Authors: Freddi Luca , Djokic Vitomir , Petot-Bottin Fathia , Girault Guillaume , Perrot Ludivine , Ferreira Vicente Acacia , Ponsart Claire
Published: November 2021

In order to protect public and veterinary health from highly zoonotic bacteria such as members of the genus
Brucella
and prevent their dissemination into the environment, direct diagnostics are of utmost importance. However, in addition to the highly specific diagnostic tests, the sampling methods, time necessary for specimens to reach the laboratories, and transport conditions are important factors to consider in order to increase the sensitivity of performed tests, especially bacterial culturing and qPCR.
Csp1, a Cold Shock Protein Homolog in Xylella fastidiosa Influences Cell Attachment, Pili Formation, and Gene Expression
Authors: Wei Wei , Sawyer Teresa , Burbank Lindsey
Published: November 2021

Xylella fastidiosa
is a major threat to the worldwide agriculture industry (1, 2). Despite its global importance, many aspects of
X. fastidiosa
biology and pathogenicity are poorly understood.
Severe refeeding syndrome after human chorionic gonadotropin diet: a potentially lethal complication
Authors: Schunemann Max J , Bertschinger Martina , Trachsel Christian , Bachli Esther
Published: November 2021

We present the case of a young male patient who presented with paralysing muscle weakness due to severe hypokalaemia and hypophosphataemia. The initial patient history evaluations could not establish the aetiology. Only after we reviewed the patient’s history did he reveal that he had been following a severe calorie-restricted regime, the human chorionic gonadotropin diet, which had ended 2 days prior to developing symptoms. This information then allowed us to diagnose severe refeeding syndrome. As a further complication, the patient developed rhabdomyolysis. After correction of serum electrolytes, symptoms resolved completely. This case emphasises the potential harm of severely calorie-restricted diets, often recommended by online ‘experts’. Furthermore, we underline the importance of thorough history taking.
Case of positional dyspnoea and hypoxia secondary to intracardiac shunting
Authors: Sritharan Vasanth , Forshall Thomas , Joshi Vijay , Shetty Prashanth
Published: November 2021

Platypnea-orthodexia syndrome (POS) is a rare but well-characterised condition where hypoxaemia and breathlessness occur while upright but resolve once recumbent. Early recognition can result in excellent outcomes for patients and can prevent unnecessary investigations for patients, especially if they present repeatedly to hospital after missed diagnosis. We present a case of a 75-year-old woman with a chronic history of breathlessness who was picked up after observations at a routine outpatient clinic. Early recognition of the POS allowed for appropriate investigations to take place identifying a patent foramen ovale (PFO). She was referred to the tertiary centre for closure of her PFO with complete resolution of her symptoms.
Choledochoduodenal fistula: a rare complication of acute peptic ulcer bleeding
Authors: Sreekumar Shruti , Vithayathil Mathew , Gaur Pritika , Karim Shwan
Published: November 2021

A 75-year-old man presented with a 3-week history of melaena and right upper quadrant pain. This was on a background of significant alcohol intake and a complex medical history. He was haemodynamically unstable with investigations indicating a new iron-deficiency anaemia. After resuscitation, urgent intervention was required under general anaesthesia. This involved a triple phase abdominal CT, followed by emergency oesophagogastroduodenoscopy. This revealed deep ulceration with extension to the pancreatic head and common bile duct. There was also evidence of pneumobilia on CT, secondary to a choledochoduodenal fistula. Treatment encompassed an invasive and medical approach. Following treatment, the patient was stable, with follow-up endoscopy exhibiting good duodenal mucosal healing.
Large and rapid local recurrence of clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Thomson Alice , Hennessey Derek , Goad Jeremy , Kinnear Ned
Published: November 2021

After radical nephrectomy, clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) recurs locally in <3% of patients. Recurrences typically occur 1-2 years postoperatively and grow at 5–20 mm per year. In contrast, this patient’s recurrence was unexpectedly large and swift. A 71-year-old woman was initially found on workup for recurrent urinary tract infections to have a 12 cm left renal tumour. After negative staging scans, she progressed to left open radical nephrectomy. Histology revealed a stage T2b 12 cm ccRCCwith sarcomatoid differentiation, International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade 4, with clear margins. Only 3 months later, the patient developed left-sided abdominal pain, and CT scans revealed a 15 cm left retroperitoneal local recurrence, as well as widespread peritoneal tumours. In discussion with her treating team, the patient and her family elected not to undergo biopsy or systemic therapy. The patient was palliated and passed away 8 days after re-presentation.
Implementation of the WHO’s collaborative framework for the management of tuberculosis and diabetes: a scoping review
Authors: Salifu Rita Suhuyini , Hlongwa Mbuzeleni , Hlongwana Khumbulani
Published: November 2021

Objective

To map evidence on the implementation of the WHO’s collaborative framework for the management of tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes mellitus (DM) comorbidity, globally.

Design

Scoping review.

Methods

Guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review framework, this review mapped literature on the global implementation of the framework for the management of TB and DM comorbidity, globally. An extensive literature search for peer-reviewed studies, theses, studies in the press and a list of references from the selected studies was conducted to source-eligible studies. PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Science Direct, the EBSCOhost platform (academic search complete, health source: nursing/academic edition, CINAHL with full text), Scopus and the WHO library were used to source the literature. We performed title screening of articles using keywords in the databases, after which two independent reviewers (RS and PV) screened abstracts and full articles. Studies from August 2011 to May 2021 were included in this review and the screening was guided by the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Findings were analysed using the thematic content analysis approach and results presented in the form of a narrative report. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension was used as a checklist and for explaining the scoping review process.

Results

This review found evidence of the WHO TB-DM collaborative framework’s implementation in 35 countries across the globe. TB-DM comorbidity was identified in patients through bidirectional screening of both patients with TB and patients with DM in rural and urban settings.

Conclusion

Due to the paucity of evidence on mechanisms of collaboration, we recommend further research in other implementing countries to identify techniques used for diagnosis and integration of TB and DM services, in order to ensure that effective and joint management of TB-DM comorbidity in populations is achieved.
Predictors of hospitalisations and emergency department presentations shortly after entering a residential aged care facility in Australia: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Inacio Maria C , Jorissen Robert N , Wesselingh Steve , Sluggett Janet K , Whitehead Craig , Maddison John , Forward John , Bourke Alice , Harvey Gillian , Crotty Maria
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To: (1) examine the 90-day incidence of unplanned hospitalisation and emergency department (ED) presentations after residential aged care facility (RACF) entry, (2) examine individual-related, facility-related, medication-related, system-related and healthcare-related predictors of these outcomes and (3) create individual risk profiles.

Design

Retrospective cohort study using the Registry of Senior Australians. Fine-Gray models estimated subdistribution HRs and 95% CIs. Harrell’s C-index assessed risk models’ predictive ability.

Setting and participants

Individuals aged ≥65 years old entering a RACF as permanent residents in three Australian states between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2016 (N=116 192 individuals in 1967 RACFs).

Predictors examined

Individual-related, facility-related, medication-related, system and healthcare-related predictors ascertained at assessments or within 90 days, 6 months or 1 year prior to RACF entry.

Outcome measures

90-day unplanned hospitalisation and ED presentation post-RACF entry.

Results

The cohort median age was 85 years old (IQR 80–89), 62% (N=71 861) were women, and 50.5% (N=58 714) had dementia. The 90-day incidence of unplanned hospitalisations was 18.0% (N=20 919) and 22.6% (N=26 242) had ED presentations. There were 34 predictors of unplanned hospitalisations and 34 predictors of ED presentations identified, 27 common to both outcomes and 7 were unique to each. The hospitalisation and ED presentation models out-of-sample Harrell’s C-index was 0.664 (95% CI 0.657 to 0.672) and 0.655 (95% CI 0.648 to 0.662), respectively. Some common predictors of high risk of unplanned hospitalisation and ED presentations included: being a man, age, delirium history, higher activity of daily living, behavioural and complex care needs, as well as history, number and recency of healthcare use (including hospital, general practitioners attendances), experience of a high sedative load and several medications.

Conclusions

Within 90 days of RACF entry, 18.0% of individuals had unplanned hospitalisations and 22.6% had ED presentations. Several predictors, including modifiable factors, were identified at the time of care entry. This is an actionable period for targeting individuals at risk of hospitalisations.
FPGAPRO: A Defense Framework Against Crosstalk-Induced Secret Leakage in FPGA
Authors: Luo Yukui , Duan Shijin , Xu Xiaolin
Published: November 2021

With the emerging cloud-computing development, FPGAs are being integrated with cloud servers for higher performance. Recently, it has been explored to enable multiple users to share the hardware resources of a remote FPGA, i.e., to execute their own applications simultaneously. Although being a promising technique, multi-tenant FPGA unfortunately brings its unique security concerns. It has been demonstrated that the capacitive crosstalk between FPGA long-wires can be a side-channel to extract secret information, giving adversaries the opportunity to implement crosstalk-based side-channel attacks. Moreover, recent work reveals that medium-wires and multiplexers in
configurable logic block (CLB)
are also vulnerable to crosstalk-based information leakage.

In this work, we propose

FPGAPRO: a defense framework leveraging
P
lacement,
R
outing, and
O
bfuscation

to mitigate the secret leakage on FPGA components, including long-wires, medium-wires, and logic elements in CLB. As a user-friendly defense strategy, FPGAPRO focuses on protecting the
security-sensitive
instances meanwhile considering critical path delay for performance maintenance. As the proof-of-concept, the experimental result demonstrates that FPGAPRO can effectively reduce the crosstalk-caused side-channel leakage by 138 times. Besides, the performance analysis shows that this strategy prevents the maximum frequency from timing violation.
Evaluation Flexural Strength of PMMA Resins with the Addition of Nanoparticles
Authors: Akay Canan , Karakış Duygu , Pat Suat
Published: November 2021

The flexural strength of heat cure acrylic resin was investigated by adding different concentrations of TiO2 and ZrO2 nanoparticles to increase its mechanical properties. ZrO2 and TiO2 nanoparticles were added at 1, 3, and 5% concentrations to the powder portion of heat polymerized acrylic resins. A total of 49 samples were prepared in 65 × 10 × 3 mm size. The structural characterisations of all experimental groups were determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Flexural strength of the resin specimens was evaluated with a three-point bending test in a universal test machine and then examined under by scanning electron microscope to assess its topographic characteristics. The highest flexural strength value was obtained for 3% TiO2, while the lowest values were obtained for 1% and 5% TiO2. 1% ZrO2 and 3% TiO2 groups showed statistically higher flexural strength values than the control group. The addition of 3% and 5% ZrO2 and 1% and 5% TiO2 showed statistically lower flexural strength than the control group. The addition of ZrO2 and TiO2 nanoparticles for strengthening acrylic resin is directly related to the amount of concentration. The addition of 1% ZrO2 and 3% TiO2 is recommended to strengthen heat cure acrylic resin due to its high flexural strength values.
PV-specific loss of the transcriptional coactivator PGC-1α slows down the evolution of epileptic activity in an acute ictogenic model
Authors: Mackenzie-Gray Scott Connie , Parrish R. Ryley , Walsh Darren , Racca Claudia , Cowell Rita M. , Trevelyan Andrew J.
Published: November 2021

Parvalbumin expressing interneurons are considered to play an important role in regulating cortical activity. We were surprised, therefore, to find that knocking down the transcriptional coactivator, PGC-1α, specifically in this class of interneurons appears to slow ictogenesis. This anti-ictogenic effect is associated with reduced activity in preictal discharges, but with a far longer period of these discharges before the first seizure-like events finally start. Thus, PGC-1α knockdown may promote schizophrenia while reducing epileptic tendencies.
Mechanical and Microscopic Properties of Graphite/Laterite Nanocomposites
Authors: Gao Yuhao , Li Jianzhong , Zhang Yuxin , Sun Xu , Yang Leiyong
Published: November 2021

The effectiveness and improvement mechanism of graphite nanoparticles (GN) in strength properties and microstructure characteristics of regional laterite were analysed in this study. Dry density was also taken into consideration, and the effects of graphite nanoparticle (GN) content and dry density were mainly addressed. Triaxial tests, consolidation tests, and penetration tests were used to analyse the effectiveness of different dry densities and graphite nanoparticle mass ratios on the properties of laterite; microscopic methods such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests were used to analyse the improvement mechanism. The results show that the increase in dry density can make the laterite more compact. The large specific surface area and nanoeffects of the graphite nanoparticles (GN) induce the attraction between soil particles after mixing, both of which make the laterite’s shear strength; compression index and impermeability have been enhanced to varying degrees. The microscopic tests showed that, as the content of graphite nanoparticles (GN) continues to increase, when it exceeds 1.0%, the attraction between soil particles increases and coarse particles are formed, which leads to the increase of the pores of the soil. In addition, the graphite nanoparticles have a certain degree of lubricity, a high amount of graphite nanoparticles enters the laterite soil layer, increasing the distance and gap between the layers, making it easy to separate the coarse particles from the coarse particles, and the strength increase is reduced. However, it is still stronger than that of the plain laterite.
Enhancing Packet‐Level Wi‐Fi Device Authentication Protocol Leveraging Channel State Information
Authors: Song Yubo , Chen Bing , Wu Tianqi , Zheng Tianyu , Chen Hongyuan , Wang Junbo
Published: November 2021

Wi‐Fi device authentication is crucial for defending against impersonation attacks and information forgery attacks. Most of the existing authentication technologies rely on complex cryptographic algorithms. However, they cannot be supported well on the devices with limited hardware resources. A fine‐grained device authentication technology based on channel state information (CSI) provides a noncryptographic method, which uses the CSI fingerprints for authentication since CSI can uniquely identify the devices. But long‐term authentication based on CSI fingerprints is a challenging work. First, the CSI fingerprints are environment‐sensitive, which means that the local authenticator should be updated to adapt to the changing channel state. Second, the local authenticator trained with old CSI fingerprints is outdated when users reconnect to the network after being offline for a long time, thus, it needs to be retrained in the access phase with new fingerprints. To tackle these challenges, we propose a CSI‐based enhancing Wi‐Fi device authentication protocol and an authentication framework. The protocol helps to collect new CSI fingerprints for authenticator’s training in access phase and performs the fingerprints’ dispersion analysis for authentication. In the association phase, it provides packet‐level authentication and updates the authenticator with valid CSI fingerprints. The authenticator consists of an ensemble of small‐scale autoencoders, which has high enough time efficiency for packet‐level authentication and authenticator’s update. Experiments show that the accuracy of the framework is up to 98.7%, and the authenticator updating method can help the framework maintains high accuracy.
Novel Likely Pathogenic Variants Identified by Panel-Based Exome Sequencing in Congenital Cataract Patients
Authors: Chen Doudou , Yang Tao , Zhu Siquan
Published: November 2021

Purpose. To identify likely pathogenic variants in three families with congenital cataracts via panel-based exome sequencing. Methods. A panel containing 153 genes associated with congenital cataracts was designed. Genes were selected through reference to databases including the Human Gene Mutation Database (HGMD), Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), Genetic Home Reference, and the latest peer-reviewed publications on the genetics of hereditary cataracts. Panel-based exome sequencing was performed with the Illumina HiSeq X-Ten platform, and then the identified variants were confirmed with Sanger sequencing and evaluated according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) criteria. Results. Three likely pathogenic variants were found. A novel CRYBB2: c.230G > T p.G77V variant was identified in family A, a novel CRYBB2: c.230G > A p.G77D variant was identified in family B, and a novel CRYGD: c.475delG p.A159Pfs∗9 variant was identified in family C. Conclusion. Panel-based exome sequencing revealed three likely pathogenic variants in three unrelated Chinese families with congenital cataracts. These data expand the genetic spectrum associated with congenital cataracts.
Management of a Complex Supracondylar Periprosthetic Femur Fracture with Intramedullary Strut Allograft and Bilateral Locking Plates
Authors: Moukarzel Rita , Aouad Dany , Daher Mohammad , Ghanem Wendy , Ezzeddine Hady , El Rassi George
Published: November 2021

Supracondylar periprosthetic femoral fractures occurring above total knee replacements have been considered a rare entity. However, they continue to increase in frequency with the increasing number of arthroplasties and the improvement in morbidity and mortality in the concerned patient population. The management of periprosthetic distal femoral fractures is a challenging orthopedic problem. In this brief communication, a case of 49-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis who sustained a low distal comminuted periprosthetic femoral fracture is presented. Her fracture was eventually managed with an intramedullary fibular strut allograft and bilateral locking plate placement reaching satisfactory healing and restoration of alignment. The primary aim of this report is to provide insight into this novel technique as a successful alternative to other standard surgical options.
Fault Dynamic Modeling and Characteristic Parameter Simulation of Rolling Bearing with Inner Ring Local Defects
Authors: Fengling Zhang , Yuwei Zhang , Jiaoyue Guan , Jing Tian , Yingjie Wang
Published: November 2021

To further study the fault mechanism and fault features of rolling bearings, a two‐DOF rolling bearing fault dynamic model with inner ring local defects considering the bearing radial clearance and time‐varying displacement excitation is established based on Hertz contact theory. By comparing the simulated fault signal with bearing fault test data in the time domain and frequency domain, the accuracy of the established fault dynamic model is verified. Finally, the change rules of the characteristic parameters of the bearing inner ring fault signal, including effective value, absolute mean value, square root amplitude, peak value, kurtosis factor, pulse factor, peak factor, and shape factor, are simulated by the fault dynamic model. The results highlight that the proposed fault dynamic model is in good agreement with the experimental results. The model can simulate the fault signal characteristic parameters with the change of defect width, external load, and rotating speed effectively. The study in this paper is of engineering application value for bearing condition monitoring and fault diagnosis.
[Retracted] Comparison of Curative Complications between Mammotome‐Assisted Minimally Invasive Resection and Conventional Open Resection for Breast Neoplasm: A Retrospective Clinical Study
Authors: Li Rui , Li Jingyan , Chen Shanzheng , Xiao Binglan , Liu Lihua , Zhu Ning
Published: November 2021

Background. To know the clinical value of mammotome‐assisted minimally invasive resection (MAMIR) in the treatment of patients with breast neoplasm, we performed a retrospective clinical study for the patients treated with the MAMIR and conventional open resection (COR). Methods. Postoperative complications were compared between 40 patients treated with the MAMIR and 40 patients treated with the COR. The postoperative complications mainly included intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization days, operative time, surgical scar, and incidence of postoperative complications. Results. We found that the amount of intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization days, operative time, surgical scar, and incidence of postoperative complications in the MAMIR group were significantly lower than those of patients in the COR group. Conclusion. Our results indicated that patients with breast neoplasm treated with the MAMIR had better outcomes, which reinforced the advantage of this approach.
Clinical Applications of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Ocular Oncology: Pearls and Pitfalls
Authors: Pellegrini Marco , Staurenghi Giovanni , Preziosa Chiara
Published: November 2021

Background: Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a valuable imaging tool for the diagnosis of several retinal and choroidal diseases. Its role in ocular oncology is clinically promising but still controversial. In this review, we report the main applications and limits of the use of OCTA for the study of intraocular tumors. Summary: OCTA allows a rapid, safe, low-cost, and high-resolution visualization of the retinal and choroidal vasculature. Attempts have been made to use this technology in ocular oncology to differentiate benign and malignant lesions and to assist physicians in the evaluation and monitoring of post-treatment complications. Main limitations include failure in correct segmentation due to the tumor inner profile or thickness, poor penetration of the laser into the lesion, masking effect from overlying fluid, media opacities and poor fixation. Key Messages: The main applications of OCTA in ocular oncology consist of the documentation of tumor-associated choroidal neovascularizations and the study of vascular changes following tumor treatments. In particular, the diffusion of wide-field protocols makes OCTA suitable for the diagnosis and follow-up of radiation chorio-retinopathy, allowing a detailed visualization of both macular and peripheral ischemic changes. Optimistically, future innovations in OCTA technology may offer new perspectives in the diagnosis and follow-up of intraocular tumors.
Smoking Cessation in Stroke Survivors in the United States: A Nationwide Analysis
Authors: Parikh Neal S. , Parasram Melvin , White Halina , Merkler Alexander E. , Navi Babak B. , Kamel Hooman
Published: November 2021

Background:

Continued smoking after stroke is associated with a high risk of stroke recurrence and other cardiovascular disease. We sought to comprehensively understand the epidemiology of smoking cessation in stroke survivors in the United States. Furthermore, we compared smoking cessation in stroke and cancer survivors because cancer is another smoking-related condition in which smoking cessation is prioritized.

Methods:

We performed a cross-sectional analysis of data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, an annual, nationally representative health survey. Using pooled data from 2013 to 2019, we identified stroke and cancer survivors with a history of smoking. We used survey procedures to estimate frequencies and summarize quit ratios with attention to demographic and geographic (state-wise and rural-urban) factors for stroke survivors. The quit ratio is conventionally defined as the proportion of ever smokers who have quit. Then, we used multivariable logistic regression to compare quit ratios in stroke and cancer survivors while adjusting for demographics and smoking-related comorbidities.

Results:

Among 4 434 604 Americans with a history of stroke and smoking, the median age was 68 years (interquartile range, 59–76), and 45.4% were women. The overall quit ratio was 60.8% (95% CI, 60.1%–61.6%). Quit ratios varied by age group, sex, race and ethnicity, and several geographic factors. There was marked geographic variation in quit ratios, ranging from 48.3% in Kentucky to 71.5% in California. Furthermore, compared with cancer survivors, stroke survivors were less likely to have quit smoking (odds ratio, 0.72 [95% CI, 0.67–0.79]) after accounting for differences in demographics and smoking-related comorbidities.

Conclusions:

There were considerable demographic and geographic disparities in smoking quit ratios in stroke survivors, who were less likely to have quit smoking than cancer survivors. A targeted initiative is needed to improve smoking cessation for stroke survivors.
Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMSCs) Enhance Endometrial Stromal Cell Migration and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Adenomyosis Through Upregulation of Neuropilin 1
Authors: Kang Xiaofang , Zhu Hongcheng
Published: November 2021

Hormone support (estrogen and progesterone) is a key factor in decidualization and embryo implantation. Elevated levels of estrogen lead to luteal phase defects through Neuropilin 1, a membranecytoskeleton junction protein. This study aimed to explore the effect of BMSCs on endometrial
stromal cells (ESCs) in adenomyosis. ESCs obtained from patients with adenomyosis were cocultured with BMSCs in the absence of presence of Neuropilin 1 inhibitor followed by analysis of expression of decidualization-related genes by RT-qPCR and western blot, cell viability by MTT assay, cell
invasion and migration by Transwell assay, oxidative stress factors by ROS kit. Treatment with Neuropilin 1 inhibitor significantly decreased ESC proliferation and invasion, blocked epithelialmesenchymal transition (EMT) process, and restrained decidualization with a downregulation of decidualization-related
genes. Furthermore, inhibition of Neuropilin 1 exerted effects through estrogen regulation. However, co-culture with BMSCs restored ESC activity by promoting Neuropilin expression and enhanced intrauterine ESC decidualization. In conclusion, Neuropilin 1 inhibitor restrains decidualization
through estrogen regulation which can be abrogated by estrogen receptor antagonists. BMSCs restore the damaged ESC decidualization through increasing Neuropilin 1 expression, which provides new insights into the adverse effect of Neuropilin 1 on human ESCs, suggesting that BMSC is a potential
therapeutic drug candidate for adenomyosis.
Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell (BMSC)-Derived Exosomal miR-168-5p Inhibits Proliferation and Chemotherapy Resistance in Gastric Cancer by Downregulation of Cyclin D1 and P Glycoprotein
Authors: Wu ZhongXin , Huang Tianyi
Published: November 2021

miR-168-5p is indicated as an upstream effector of the tumor suppressor signal pathway in ovarian cancer and bladder cancer, but the role in gastric cancer (GC) remains unknown. This study aims to reveal the expression and significance of miR-168-5p in GC. RT-qPCR analysis was used
to detect the expression of miR-168-5p in GC tissues and plasma, and the relationship of miR-168-5p and CCND1 was evaluated. GC cells were co-cultured with BMSCs or transfected with miR-168-5p mimic. CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry were conducted to assess the effect of miR-168-5p in GC and
the interaction between BMSCs and cancer cell progression. Animal experiment was established to explore the in vivo effect of miR-168-5p. miR-168-5p is poorly expressed in gastric cancer cells and the plasma of patients with gastric cancer. BMSC co-culture is similar to miR-168-5p mimic
induced miR-168-5p expression increase. miR-168-5p overexpression decreased the proliferative, invasive and migratory capacities of GC cells, and promoted apoptosis. Mechanically, miR-168-5p targeted and decreased the expression of CCND1. Additionally, the low miR-168-5p expression in GC was
closely related to poor prognosis and malignant transformation. BMSC exosomes carrying miR-168-5p suppress cell progression in GC when inhibiting the expression of CCND1 and P glycoprotein, which indicates potential diagnostic and prognostic value of miR-168-5p and helps the development of
miR-168-5p-based treatment for drug-resistant GC.
Stromal Cell-Derived Factor-1α (SDF-1α) Promotes Growth and Migration of Bone Marrow Stromal Cells (BMSCs) and Gastric Cancer Cells Through Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/AKT (PI3K/Akt) Pathway
Authors: Yan Ming , Bai Ringxing , Zhang Hongyi , Yan Wenmao
Published: November 2021

SDF-1α activity is closely related to information transmission and cell migration when contributing to lymphatic metastasis in various tumors. Herein, we explored the interaction among SDF-1α, CXCR4 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in gastric cancer (GC) and
their roles in this disorder. Human GC cells KATO-III and BMSCs were co-cultured without contact. GC cells were transfected with SDF-1α, CXCR4 inhibitor, and PI3K inhibitor. After examining the efficiency of transfection, cell migration was evaluated using Transwell chamber, and
expression SDF-1α, CD133, and CXCR4 was determined by RT-qPCR. With transfection rate of 98%, the number of migrated cells reduced upon inhibition of CXCR4 and PI3K. Luciferase activity in 565 nm are high than CXCR4 inhibition group. (p < 0.05). Likewise, up-regulation
of SDF-1α increased the expression of SDF-1 (0.825±0.061), CD133 (0.875±0.058), CXCR4 (0.801±0.052), and Akt (0.852±0.062), compared to the blank group, CXCR4 inhibition group and PI3K inhibition group (p < 0.05). Down-regulation of CXCR4
and PI3K, however, decreased the expression insignificantly (p > 0.05). Collectively, up-regulation of SDF-1α activates CXCR4 signaling pathway of BMSCs and stimulates its downstream PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and and increases the expression of CD133, thereby promoting
malignant behaviors of GC cells.
Trauma Visits to a Pediatric Emergency Department During the COVID-19 Quarantine and “Stay at Home” Period
Authors: Sethuraman Usha , Kannikeswaran Nirupama , Singer Adam , Krouse Carolyn B , Cloutier Dawn , Farooqi Ahmad , Donoghue Lydia , Stankovic Curt
Published: November 2021

Background

Impact of social distancing on pediatric injuries is unknown.

Methods

We retrospectively compared injury visits to a pediatric emergency department by individuals ≤21 years during “Stay at Home” (SHO) period to the same period in 2019 (non-SHO). Demographics, types, and outcomes of injuries were noted.

Results

Although, there was a 35.6% reduction in trauma-related emergency department visits during SHO period (1226 vs 1904), the proportion of injury visits increased (15.5% vs 8.1%, P < .001) and mean age was lower (5.8 yrs ±4.5 vs 8.4 yrs ± 5.2, P < .001). There were significant increases in visits related to child physical abuse (CPA), firearms, and dog bites. Further, significant increases in trauma alerts ( P < .01), injury severity ( P < .01), critical care admissions ( P < .001), and deaths ( P < .01) occurred during the SHO period.

Conclusions

Although overall trauma-related visits decreased during SHO, the proportion of these visits and their severity increased. Trauma visits related to child physical abuse, dog bites, and firearms increased. Further studies are required to assess the long-term impact of pandemic on pediatric trauma epidemiology.
For the People and the Profession
Authors: Richards William O.
Published: November 2021

In 1982 Dean Warren delivered the presidential address “Not for the Profession… For the People” in which he identified substandard surgical residency programs graduating residents who were unable to pass American Board of Surgery exams. Drs. Warren and Shires as members of the independent ACGME began to close the substandard programs in order to improve surgical care for average Americans i.e. “for the people”. By 2003 these changes dramatically reduced the failure rate for the ABS exams and trained good surgeons who could operate independently however the residents were on duty for every other or every third night. In 2003 the ACGME mandated duty hour restrictions in order improve resident wellness and improve the training environment for the profession. However, work hour restrictions reduced the time surgical residents spent in the hospital environment primarily when residents had more autonomy and had exposure to emergency cases which degraded readiness for independent practice. Surgical educators in the 2 decades after the work hour restrictions have improved techniques of training so graduates could not only pass the board exams but also be prepared for independent practice. Surgical residency training has improved by both the changes implemented by the independent ACGME in 1981 and by the work hour restrictions mandated in 2003. Five recommendations are made to ensure that Dr Warren's culture of excellence in surgical training continues in an environment that enhances wellbeing of the trainee i.e. “For the People and the Profession”.
normalising power and engaged narrative methodology: refugee women, the forgotten category in the public discourse
Authors: Ghorashi Halleh
Published: November 2021

Since the beginning of the 21st century, the discourse of othering of non-Western migrants has been growing in many European societies. And since 2015, refugees have become a quite visible component in this discourse. Although, for decades, the dominant image of refugees has been constructed as people ‘at risk’, new competing images of refugee men ‘as risk’ have recently gained ground. For refugee women, however, the image of being victims and ‘at risk’ still prevails. This shows a strong underlying gendered logic of feminine vulnerability and masculine threat. In this article, I show how these images are situated within the dominant Dutch discourse of migration with taken-for-granted taxonomies of the self and the other. Specific in this normalised discourse for refugee women is that their agency is either ignored or their possible position as activists is not acknowledged to exist. Using examples from two studies in which my research team engaged with the method of narrative engaged research, I show the importance of this particular narrative method in unsettling the normalising power of othering. The theoretical argument of this article engages with ongoing discussions on power and agency. It argues that, when the power of exclusion works through repetition and is manifested in the daily normalisation of actions, agency needs to provide an alternative in the same fluid manner. Narratives in dialogue provide an illuminating angle for discussing this specific kind of agency, as I will show through some examples from research.
religious agency in Latin America’s hinterland
Authors: Sarkar Radha
Published: November 2021

Does religiosity help or hinder the exercise of agency? This article brings new evidence to bear on this long-standing debate, examining the life and work of the indigenous activist and follower of liberation theology, Rigoberta Menchú, in Guatemala, and the experiences of a millenarian community in Brazil, particularly one of its leaders, Dona Dodô. The two cases elucidate the dynamics of agency and piety, challenging the idea that pious individuals lack agency. In particular, the article interrogates the construction of pious women as doubly oppressed by the forces of religion and patriarchy, and argues that, on the contrary, it was in the course of religious observance that Menchú and members of the millenarian community mounted challenges to ecclesiastical as well as political orders. Thus, the article underscores the possibilities for resistance and contention through piety rather than at odds with it. In studying these historical figures, the article looks beyond the Global North, which has inspired much of the theorising on religion and agency, to women and men marginalised by their ethnicity, poverty and rurality. In doing so, it demonstrates how religion can enable action among those far from traditional centres of power.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Token Economy Practices in K-5 Educational Settings, 2000 to 2019
Authors: Kim Ji Young , Fienup Daniel M. , Oh Alice E. , Wang Ye
Published: November 2021

Token economy systems have been widely used as an evidence-based classroom management strategy to reinforce and improve prosocial responses. While token economies have been widely applied to educational settings, there have been mixed results regarding the effectiveness depending on the classroom type. To better understand the components contributing to the effectiveness, the researchers analyzed 24 token economy studies conducted in general and special education classrooms from kindergarten to fifth grade between 2000 and 2019. Eight token economy components and effect sizes were identified for each study and compared across different classroom types. The results showed that the token economy intervention yielded large effect sizes for both general and special education classroom types. There were differences in the usage of token components including backup reinforcer types, token production rate, and exchange production rate based on classroom types. Implications for future research and practice for educators and clinicians are discussed.
Analyzing Teachers’ Professional Interactions in a School as Social Capital: A Social Network Approach
Authors: Penuel William , Riel Margaret , Krause Ann , Frank Kenneth
Published: November 2021

Background/Context

Researchers have proposed a number of lenses for analyzing teacher professional communities in recent years. These lenses have been useful in describing key dynamics of professional communities; however, none provides a compelling approach to how to integrate data from the school as a whole with case study data on individual interactions to create a coherent account of the structure and dynamics of teacher professional communities.

Objective

Our objective was to present and illustrate the application of social capital theory for analyzing the role of formal and informal teacher interactions in helping teachers enact changes to instruction associated with ambitious school reforms. Social capital theory posits that valued resources and expertise are embedded within social networks and that it is through social ties that one gains access to and can make use of resources to effect change. The network perspective directs researchers to focus simultaneously on the overall social structure of a school and on the expertise and resources exchanged through interactions among teachers that take place in meetings, staff rooms, hallways, and classrooms.

Setting

Our illustrations are contrasting cases of teacher communities in two elementary schools in California. In both school communities, the principals were committed to the idea of fostering greater interaction among colleagues as a strategy to improve literacy instruction. Both schools had similar levels of resources to support their goals through external funding from the state, but the schools had had different levels of success in implementing their reforms at the time of the study.

Research Design

We used an explanatory case study methodology that relied on social network, survey, and interview methods as sources of evidence for several alternative hypotheses relating to how the distribution of resources and expertise may have contributed to these schools’ different levels of success in implementing their reforms.

Conclusions/Recommendations

The comparative case analysis of the two schools provided evidence that analyzing the internal structure of the school community was necessary to help account for the distribution of access to resources and expertise in these two schools. Moreover, there was some evidence from survey and network data that the distribution of valued resources and expertise was related to the level of change observed in each school.