bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Natural Limits to Extraterritoriality: Contested Sovereignty in a Periphery of Ottoman Istanbul
Authors: Doyle Gabriel
Published: November 2023

This article examines a dispute between a French missionary hospital and Ottoman state officials over water and cultivated fields in Şişli, a periphery of Istanbul. It uses micro-history to illuminate the spatial and material implications of extraterritoriality and to reveal the role this legal privilege played in the urbanization of Ottoman cities. While European residents within Ottoman territory conceived of extraterritoriality as allowing geographic enclaves, Ottoman authorities resisted the legal fragmentation of the city and considered that all natural resources remained under the sultan’s sovereignty. These diverging understandings of extraterritoriality, in the context of asymmetric relations between European powers and the Ottoman empire, framed an urban dispute that resulted in sanitation reforms, the construction of walled enclosures, and negotiations to clarify the property rights of foreigners. In the process, Şişli became incorporated as an urbanized neighborhood of Istanbul.
A new genotype of hepatitis A virus causing transient liver enzyme elevations in Mauritius-origin laboratory-housed Macaca fascicularis
Authors: Mecklenburg Lars , Ducore Rebecca , Boyle Molly , Newell Andrew , Boone Laura , Luft Joerg , Romeike Annette , Haverkamp Ann-Kathrin , Mansfield Keith , Penraat Kelley A. , Baczenas JJ , Minor Nick , O’Connor Shelby L. , O’Connor David H.
Published: November 2023

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infects humans and nonhuman primates, typically causing an acute self-limited illness. Three HAV genotypes have been described so far for humans, and three genotypes have been described for nonhuman primates. We observed transiently elevated liver enzymes in Mauritius-origin laboratory-housed macaques in Germany and were not able to demonstrate an etiology including HAV by serology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). HAV is a rare pathogen in cynomolgus macaques, and since all employees were routinely vaccinated against HAV, it was not a part of the routine vaccination and screening program. A deep sequencing approach identified a new HAV genotype (referred to as Simian_HAV_Macaca/Germany/Mue-1/2022) in blood samples from affected animals. This HAV was demonstrated by reverse transcription PCR in blood and liver and by in situ hybridization in liver, gall bladder, and septal ducts. A commercial vaccine was used to protect animals from liver enzyme elevation. The newly identified simian HAV genotype demonstrates 80% nucleotide sequence identity to other simian and human HAV genotypes. There was deeper divergence between Simian_HAV_Macaca/Germany/Mue-1/2022 and other previously described HAVs, including both human and simian viruses. In situ hybridization indicated persistence in the biliary epithelium up to 3 months after liver enzymes were elevated. Vaccination using a commercial vaccine against human HAV prevented reoccurrence of liver enzyme elevations. Because available assays for HAV did not detect this new HAV genotype, knowledge of its existence may ameliorate potential significant epidemiological and research implications in laboratories globally.
Edge-on impact behaviors of helicoidal fiber arrangement of composite laminates
Authors: Deng Yabin , Jiang Hongyong , Ren Yiru
Published: November 2023

To improve the low-velocity edge-on impact resistance of composite laminates, a helicoidal fiber arrangement of composite laminates (HFACLs) emulated from the micro-structure of the dactyl club is proposed. A finite element method with the progressive intralaminar and interlaminar damage model is adopted for verifications and investigations. Based on the verified model, the failure behaviors and reinforcement mechanisms of the HFACLs subjected to edge-on impact load are extensively revealed. To explore the effect of the rate of variation of helix angle, three types of helicoidal configurations with different derivatives are designed, including helicoidal-Sinusoidal (HS), helicoidal-Linear (HL), and helicoidal-Exponential (HE). From the predicted results, the HFACLs have a higher resistance load and shallower penetration depth. The maximum increase in resistance load and reduction in penetration depth can reach 50.66% and 26.37%, respectively. The laminate with a slight helix angle (HS laminate) variation rate has better edge-on impact resistance. In addition, the effects of impactor ellipticity and impact kinetic energy on edge-on impact response are studied. This study deepened an understanding of the edge-on impact failure mechanisms of the composite laminates and provided a design guideline for the edge-on impact-resistant design of composite laminates.
Validity of Intelligence Assessment Among the Roma Minority Population
Authors: Czekóová Kristína , Urbánek Tomáš
Published: November 2023

An accurate assessment of cognitive abilities in populations that differ from the majority in cultural and linguistic characteristics is one of the main challenges in cognitive testing. Previously developed methods for assessment of the validity of cognitive scores in individuals with diverse backgrounds, such as the Culture-Language Interpretative Matrix (C-LIM), have not been empirically substantiated. We tested the applicability of the C-LIM in the European context, by comparing selected test scores from the Woodcock-Johnson-IV Test of Cognitive Abilities (WJ-IV) between Roma children aged 7–11 years ( n = 399) and their counterparts from the normative population ( n = 131). The largest differences were detected in WJ-IV tests requiring abstract reasoning and manipulation with complex signs. Furthermore, the C-LIM did not reliably discriminate between our groups and its use appears to be inappropriate for making diagnostic decisions about children from populations that do not traditionally rely on processes such as categorical thinking, abstract reasoning, and generalization.
Sex Differences in the Relationship Between Emotional Support and Self-rated Health among Chinese Elderly
Authors: Zeng Xuejiao , Liu Xiaoming , Mahe Jinli , Guo Kai , Wang Lei , Li Liansheng , Jing Lipeng
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to explore sex differences in the association between emotional support and self-rated health among the elderly.

Design

This was a cross-sectional survey based on the sub-project of China’s National Basic Public Health Service Project—Health Management Services for the Elderly.

Setting

Participants were recruited from ten rural townships in Jingyuan County, Gansu Province, Northwestern China.

Subjects

1405 subjects aged 60 or above.

Methods

Emotional support (consisting of 5 items) and self-rated health (evaluated by EQ-VAS) were investigated in this study. Multiple linear regression was conducted to consider the potential relationship.

Results

The frequency of children visit and the number of providers of emotional support were positively associated with self-rated health among older women (β = 1.13, 95%CI = 0.25-2.02; β = 1.80, 95%CI = 1.01-2.58), whereas the number of close friends had a positive association with self-rated health among older men (β = 1.11, 95%CI = 0.20-2.01). The number of close relatives and the frequency of seeking emotional support were not found to be associated with self-rated health among both older men and older women.

Conclusion

The study has found that the relationship between emotional support and self-rated health was differed by sex, calling attention to the need for sex-specific interventions.
Heat transfer characteristics and cooling capacity of online quenching equipment for plate
Authors: Shi Jiaxin , Yang Xiong , Yu Wei , Xia Ziwei , Lu Xinwu , Jia Guojun , Wang Yide
Published: November 2023

The finite element method was taken to simulate the heat transfer characteristics and capacity of the online cooling equipment of a 3500 mm medium thickness plate production line. The cooling field on the steel plate surface could be divided into the impact zone and the wall jet zone after cooling water was sprayed on the surface of the steel plate. The impact zone had an intense heat transfer capacity because of the static pressure and the high radial velocity of cooling water. The maximum heat transfer coefficient (HTC) in the impact zone of spray and laminar cooling equipment could reach 20,334 and 10,096 W/(m2 °C), respectively. In the wall jet zone, the radial velocity of cooling water was the main factor affecting the heat transfer capacity. With the decrease in velocity, the HTC decreased gradually. There is a linear relationship between the average HTC and the water flow. The average HTCs of spray and laminar cooling equipment in the common range of water flow were 5904–7255 W/(m2 °C) and 3012–3369 W/(m2 °C), respectively. The HTCs were verified in the 3500 mm medium thickness plate production line.
Burden of lupus activity on health care resources utilization in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Authors: Alvarado Rodolfo Nicolas , Alle Gelsomina , Tobar–Jaramillo Mayra Alejandra , Palomino Luis Carlos , Cáceres Agustín Gabriel , Rosa Javier Eduardo , Machnicki Gerardo , Zazzetti Federico , Soriano Enrique , Scolnik Marina
Published: November 2023

Objective

The aim is to analyze health care resource utilization (HCRU) of patients with lupus (SLE) from a health management organization (HMO) in Buenos Aires, Argentina, compared with matched controls and comparing periods of flare, low disease activity, and remission.

Methods

This is a retrospective observational study including all SLE incident cases (ACR 1997/SLICC 2012 criteria) between 2000 and 2020 and 5 matched controls. Clinical data and HCRU (medical and nonmedical consultations, lab and imaging tests performed, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and drugs prescribed) were obtained from administrative databases and electronic medical records. For each patient with SLE, an activity state was determined in every month of follow-up: flare (BILAG A or 2 BILAG B); low disease activity (LLDAS); remission (DORIS definition); or intermediate activity (not fulfilling any of previous). Incidence rates for each HCRU item and incidence rate ratios between SLE and control patients were and between remission and flare periods were calculated. Multivariate negative binomial logistic regression analyses were performed for identification of variables associated with major resource use.

Results

A total of 62 SLE and 310 control patients were included, 88.7% were women, the median age at diagnosis was 46 years, and were followed for more than 8 years. Patients with SLE contributed with 537.2 patient-years (CI 95% 461.1–613.3) and controls with 2761.9 patient-years (CI 95% 2600.9–2922.8). HCRU in patients with SLE was significantly higher than in controls in all items, even in remission periods. Patients with SLE remained 74.4% of the time in remission, 12.1% in LLDAS, 12.2% in intermediate activity, and 1.3% in flare (there were 64 flares in 36 patients). HCRU was significantly higher during flare periods compared with remission periods. Number of flares was independently associated with emergency department consultations, lab tests and X-ray performed, number of drugs prescribed, and hospitalizations.

Conclusion

Significantly more HCRU was observed in patients with SLE in flare compared to remission periods.
Stress Training in the Classroom: Evidence of Learning Transfer and Psychological Gains
Authors: Flinchbaugh Carol , Moore Whitney , Gandhi Shammi
Published: November 2023

Stress is ubiquitous in life and creates a need for effective responses in any domain. In this exploratory study, our goal was to understand better how business students learn and use stress management techniques in the classroom context and how this learning applies to different domains. We used thematic coding and textual analysis of weekly student journal reflections about their use of different stress management techniques over 12 weeks. Moving beyond their use of stress techniques in the classroom, students’ comments suggest that their broad use of tools, led to improved well-being (i.e., increased positive affect, reduced stress, and negative affect) beyond the classroom into other life domains. An analysis of student statements further showed increases in their present-focused cognitive orientation, the key dimension of mindfulness, over time. Their heightened present-focused cognitive orientation seems to stem from their practice of the deep breathing stress management technique. Thus, the results suggest that an explicit focus on students’ stress reduction in the classroom may have important implications for how educators can better prepare students for addressing stress and improving psychological and cognitive gains through applied learning across multiple life experiences.
Acute acquired concomitant esotropia: May COVID-19 lockdowns have changed its presentation?
Authors: Cassano Flavio , Procoli Ugo , Ferrari Luisa Micelli , Buonamassa Rosa , Zaccaro Filomena , Boscia Francesco , Alessio Giovanni
Published: November 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the effects of COVID-19 lockdown in Italy on the features of Acute Acquired Concomitant Esotropia (AACE).

Subjects

Patients of the Polyclinic Hospital of Bari diagnosed with AACE between January 2018 and December 2021, subdivided in pre-lockdown group – diagnosed before March 2020 – and post-lockdown group.

Methods

Medical records were reviewed, and statistical analysis performed. Deviation size was assessed in the 9 cardinal positions of gaze with refractive correction. Wilcoxon test for unpaired samples was used to compare data of age, near maximum deviation and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) for each eye; Student's t test was used to compare far maximum deviation, difference far/near maximum deviation and spherical equivalent data. Fisher exact test was used to compare subtype cases (Bielschowsky vs Non-Bielschowsky) in the two groups. A p-value lower than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The primary outcome measure was the difference in AACE subtypes between the two groups.

Results

Nineteen patients were included, of which 12 males (63.2%); 7 belong to the pre-lockdown group and 12 to the post-lockdown group. The difference in types between the two groups proved to be statistically significant (p = 0.01977). The differences in the mean of age, right BCVA, right spherical equivalent and mean spherical equivalent between the two groups proved to be statistically significant (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

After the COVID-19 pandemic, the profile of the typical patient with AACE has probably changed, and now it is more probably myopic and elderly than before. Thus, we observed an increase in the Bielschowsky subtype.
Is the Urinary and Gut Microbiome Associated With Bladder Cancer?
Authors: Chorbińska Joanna , Krajewski Wojciech , Nowak Łukasz , Bardowska Klaudia , Żebrowska-Różańska Paulina , Łaczmański Łukasz , Pacyga-Prus Katarzyna , Górska Sabina , Małkiewicz Bartosz , Szydełko Tomasz
Published: November 2023

Background:

Microbiome dysbiosis plays a role in the pathogenesis of many urological diseases, including bladder cancer (BC). The aim of the study was to compare the urinary and gut microbiota of patients with BC with a healthy control (HC) group.

Methods:

The study group included patients hospitalized in 2020 to 2021 with diagnosed BC and HC. Prior to the transurethral resection of bladder tumor, patients collected their urine and stool which was then subjected to 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Results:

Overall, 25 patients were enrolled in the study: 18 in the BC group and 7 in the HC group. Analysis of the urine and stool microbiome showed no statistically significant differences between patients with BC and HC in alpha diversity, beta diversity, and difference in taxa relative abundance. Detailed analysis of urine and stool microbiome depending on patient- and tumor-related characteristics also showed no statistically significant differences in alpha diversity and beta diversity. Differences in abundance (ANCOM) were noted in both types of samples in patients with BC. In the urine test, genus Lactobacillus was more common in patients with a positive history of Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) therapy, while genus Howardella and the strain Streptococcus anginosus were more common in women. In stool samples, abundance of phylum Desulfobacterota was most abundant in Grade G1 and least in G2. Class Alphaproteobacteria, order Rhodospirillales, order Flavobacteriales, and family Flavobacteriaceae were more common in women.

Conclusions:

The microbiome of urine and stool of patients with BC does not differ significantly from that of HC; however, its composition in patients with BC varies according to the patient’s sex.
Thermal effect analysis of a steel truss cable-stayed bridge with two-layer decks under sunlight
Authors: Zhu Jinsong , Zhang Yuanhao , Zhou Shuai , Rong Wei
Published: November 2023

Due to the sheltering effect of the upper structures and the significant influence of temperature changes in the cables, the steel truss cable-stayed bridge with two-layer decks exhibits complex spatial thermal effects under solar radiation and environmental temperature. In order to study the temperature distribution characteristics and thermal deformation during the construction stage, the thermal effect of a steel truss cable-stayed bridge with two-layer decks under construction is analyzed through numerical simulation. Firstly, a temperature field analysis algorithm, which considers geo-meteorological factors and the sheltering relationship between members, was used to simulate the structure's transient temperature field and thermal deformation. Then, the temperature distribution characteristics and thermal deformation under the influence of seasons were discussed. The results indicated that the web members and the lower deck showed a significant temperature difference when shaded by the upper structure, with a maximum temperature difference of 7.6°C; The transverse temperature difference of the lower chord was the main factor controlling the transverse deformation of the steel truss girder; During a day in summer, the maximum vertical, longitudinal, and transverse deformations of the main members at the closure during the maximum single cantilever stage were 7.2 cm, 6.4 cm, and 5.9 cm, respectively.
The Evolution of Hand Proprioceptive and Motor Impairments in the Sub-Acute Phase After Stroke
Authors: Zbytniewska-Mégret Monika , Salzmann Christian , Kanzler Christoph M. , Hassa Thomas , Gassert Roger , Lambercy Olivier , Liepert Joachim
Published: November 2023

Background

Hand proprioception is essential for fine movements and therefore many activities of daily living. Although frequently impaired after stroke, it is unclear how hand proprioception evolves in the sub-acute phase and whether it follows a similar pattern of changes as motor impairments.

Objective

This work investigates whether there is a corresponding pattern of changes over time in hand proprioception and motor function as comprehensively quantified by a combination of robotic, clinical, and neurophysiological assessments.

Methods

Finger proprioception (position sense) and motor function (force, velocity, range of motion) were evaluated using robotic assessments at baseline (<3 months after stroke) and up to 4 weeks later (discharge). Clinical assessments (among others, Box & Block Test [BBT]) as well as Somatosensory/Motor Evoked Potentials (SSEP/MEP) were additionally performed.

Results

Complete datasets from 45 participants post-stroke were obtained. For 42% of all study participants proprioception and motor function had a dissociated pattern of changes (only 1 function considerably improved). This dissociation was either due to the absence of a measurable impairment in 1 modality at baseline, or due to a severe lesion of central somatosensory or motor tracts (absent SSEP/MEP). Better baseline BBT correlated with proprioceptive gains, while proprioceptive impairment at baseline did not correlate with change in BBT.

Conclusions

Proprioception and motor function frequently followed a dissociated pattern of changes in sub-acute stroke. This highlights the importance of monitoring both functions, which could help to further personalize therapies.
Experimental design on high-speed sliding wear
Authors: Liew Irene , Hill Raymond , Palazotto Anthony , Liu Tony
Published: November 2023

This paper recounts research that develops, conducts, and analyzes an experimental design characterizing wear rates of various materials sliding at high speeds along an AISI 4340 steel rail. The work supports Holloman Air Force Base’s engineering of a more wear-resistant rocket slipper for their high-speed test track. A design of experiments approach is used to systematically identify and evaluate potential slipper attributes that mitigate wear based on a heat transfer model. Results include recommendations of slipper materials that theoretically perform similar to or better than the baseline Vascomax®C300 maraging steel as well as statistical evaluation of the finite element analysis heat transfer model of the Air Force Research Laboratory’s pin-on-disk rig.
Accurate time-frequency estimation in sαs noise via memory-dependent derivative
Authors: Huang Pan , Xiao Jun , Sun Weitao , Wang Meng
Published: November 2023

This letter presents a time-frequency estimation approach based on memory-dependent derivative to obtain accurate spectrograph interpolation information. The memory correlation derivative is the convolution of a time-varying signal with a dynamic weighting function over a past time period with respect to a common derivative. Considering the described method, discrete data from previous times can be derived to estimate the signal values at the current time and to reduce the effect of noise. Fourier transforms with different scales and delay transforms are used as kernel functions to obtain energy-concentrated time-frequency curves with higher resolution and without frequency leakage. Besides, the memory-dependent derivative with adjustable scale factor is used to overcome time-frequency grid mismatches. Furthermore, differing from the phase accumulation manner of conventional time-frequency estimation, ℓ1-norm suppresses the heavy-tailed effect from outliers, thus the robustness of estimator can be enhanced greatly. By suitably choices of scale factor, the estimator can be tuned to exhibit high resolution in targeted regions of the time-frequency spectrum.
Axillary artery aneurysms in pediatric patients: A narrative review
Authors: Palma Francesca , Asciutto Giuseppe , Usai Marco Virgilio
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Axillary artery aneurysms in children are rare and multifactorial. The presenting clinical picture can range from an incidental discovery to threatening symptoms, including loss of extremity function. With the present study we aim to give a comprehensive review of the existing literature focusing on the etiology and management of this rare but threatening pathology.

Method

A comprehensive review was made in a multi-staged manner. All identified studies have been categorized based on the type of lesions (true or false aneurysm) and their etiologies.

Results

The treatments differ from the extension of the lesions and from the etiology.

Conclusions

Open surgery repair with great saphenous vein is still the best long-term approach, but even endovascular, embolization, or conservative management can be considered.
Neurological disorders in pregnant women in low- and middle-income countries—Management gaps, impacts, and future prospects: A review perspective
Authors: Debrah Anastasia Fosuah , Adebusoye Favour Tope , Shah Muhammad Hamza , Awuah Wireko Andrew , Tenkorang Pearl Ohenewaa , Bharadwaj Hareesha Rishab , Wellington Jack , Ghosh Shankhaneel , Abiy Lydia , Fernandes Carolina , Abdul-Rahman Toufik , Lychko Volodymyr , Volodymyrivna Babar Tetyana , Mykolayivna Nikitina Iryna
Published: November 2023

Neurological disorders during pregnancy are a substantial threat to women’s health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Furthermore, a critical shortage of mental health workers and neurologists exacerbates the already pressing issue, where a lack of coordination of respective healthcare among multidisciplinary teams involved in managing these conditions perpetuates the current state of affairs. Financial restrictions and societal stigmas associated with neurological disorders in pregnancy amplify the situation. Addressing these difficulties would necessitate a multifaceted approach comprising investments in healthcare infrastructure, healthcare professional education and training, increased government support for research, and the implementation of innovative care models. Improving access to specialized treatment and coordinated management of antenatal neurological diseases will precipitate improved health outcomes for women and their families in low- and middle-income countries.
The role of morphemic knowledge during novel word learning
Authors: Behzadnia Ali , Ziegler Johannes C. , Colenbrander Danielle , Bürki Audrey , Beyersmann Elisabeth
Published: November 2023

This study used a novel word learning paradigm to investigate the role of morphology in the acquisition of complex words, when participants have no prior lexical knowledge of the embedded morphemic constituents. The influence of morphological family size on novel word learning was examined by comparing novel stems ( torb) combined with large morphological families (e.g., torbnel, torbilm, torbla, torbiph) as opposed to small morphological families (e.g., torbilm, torbla). In two online experiments, participants learned complex novel words by associating words with pictures. Following training, participants performed a recognition and a spelling task where they were exposed to novel words that either did or did not contain a trained morpheme. As predicted, items consisting of a trained and an untrained constituent were harder to reject but easier to spell than those that did not contain any trained constituents. Moreover, novel words including trained constituents with large morphological families were harder to reject than those including constituents with small morphological families. The findings suggest that participants acquired novel morphemic constituents without prior knowledge of the constituents and point to the important facilitatory role of morphological family size in novel word learning.
Toward a High-Quality System: A Critique of Chinese Special Education Policy Development and the Guidelines for the Evaluation of the Quality of Special Education Schools
Authors: Zhang (张玲) Ling , Deng (邓昱昊) Yuhao
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study reviews the development of special education policies in China and analyzes the major characteristics of policy changes from a critical perspective within specific sociocultural contexts in China.

Design/Approach/Methods

Interpretations of the newly published Guidelines for the Evaluation of the Quality of Special Education Schools are highlighted to reveal the recent manifestations of policy mandates for special education in China.

Findings

China accelerated its policy formulation on special education after the 1980s, moving away from a focus on universalization to quality enhancement and a holistic high-quality “special education system” under the mandate of legislation rather than non-binding regulatory recommendations. This policy aims to develop a high-quality system with accountability that responds to global trends toward inclusive education and fulfills local needs in a pragmatic manner. The mandatory approach to appropriate student development indicates that the goals of equitable and high-quality inclusive education have been taken as core evaluation indicators of the provision of special education in China.

Originality/Value

The paper's findings indicate that future policies need to be more concrete and operational for special education to be implemented effectively.
A Practical Guide to Conversation Research: How to Study What People Say to Each Other
Authors: Yeomans Michael , Boland F. Katelynn , Collins Hanne K. , Abi-Esber Nicole , Brooks Alison Wood
Published: November 2023

Conversation—a verbal interaction between two or more people—is a complex, pervasive, and consequential human behavior. Conversations have been studied across many academic disciplines. However, advances in recording and analysis techniques over the last decade have allowed researchers to more directly and precisely examine conversations in natural contexts and at a larger scale than ever before, and these advances open new paths to understand humanity and the social world. Existing reviews of text analysis and conversation research have focused on text generated by a single author (e.g., product reviews, news articles, and public speeches) and thus leave open questions about the unique challenges presented by interactive conversation data (i.e., dialogue). In this article, we suggest approaches to overcome common challenges in the workflow of conversation science, including recording and transcribing conversations, structuring data (to merge turn-level and speaker-level data sets), extracting and aggregating linguistic features, estimating effects, and sharing data. This practical guide is meant to shed light on current best practices and empower more researchers to study conversations more directly—to expand the community of conversation scholars and contribute to a greater cumulative scientific understanding of the social world.
A New Dynamics Analysis Model for Five-Axis Machining of Curved Surface Based on Dimension Reduction and Mapping
Authors: Guo Minglong , Wei Zhaocheng , Wang Minjie , Zhao Zhiwei , Liu Shengxian
Published: November 2023

The equipment used in various fields contains an increasing number of parts with curved surfaces of increasing size. Five-axis computer numerical control (CNC) milling is the main parts machining method, while dynamics analysis has always been a research hotspot. The cutting conditions determined by the cutter axis, tool path, and workpiece geometry are complex and changeable, which has made dynamics research a major challenge. For this reason, this paper introduces the innovative idea of applying dimension reduction and mapping to the five-axis machining of curved surfaces, and proposes an efficient dynamics analysis model. To simplify the research object, the cutter position points along the tool path were discretized into inclined plane five-axis machining. The cutter dip angle and feed deflection angle were used to define the spatial position relationship in five-axis machining. These were then taken as the new base variables to construct an abstract two-dimensional space and establish the mapping relationship between the cutter position point and space point sets to further simplify the dimensions of the research object. Based on the in-cut cutting edge solved by the space limitation method, the dynamics of the inclined plane five-axis machining unit were studied, and the results were uniformly stored in the abstract space to produce a database. Finally, the prediction of the milling force and vibration state along the tool path became a data extraction process that significantly improved efficiency. Two experiments were also conducted which proved the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed dynamics analysis model. This study has great potential for the online synchronization of intelligent machining of large surfaces.
Awareness and use of five imaging decision rules for musculoskeletal injuries: a systematic review
Authors: Kharel Priti , Zadro Joshua R. , Chen Zhang , Himbury Madii A. , Traeger Adrian C. , Linklater James , Maher Christopher G.
Published: November 2023

Background

Several validated decision rules are available for clinicians to guide the appropriate use of imaging for patients with musculoskeletal injuries, including the Canadian CT Head Rule, Canadian C-Spine Rule, National Emergency X-Radiography Utilization Study (NEXUS) guideline, Ottawa Ankle Rules and Ottawa Knee Rules. However, it is unclear to what extent clinicians are aware of the rules and are using these five rules in practice.

Objective

To determine the proportion of clinicians that are aware of five imaging decision rules and the proportion that use them in practice.

Design

Systematic review.

Methods

This was a systematic review conducted in accordance with the ‘Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses’ (PRISMA) statement. We performed searches in MEDLINE (via Ovid), CINAHL (via EBSCO), EMBASE (via Ovid), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Web of Science and Scopus databases to identify observational and experimental studies with data on the following outcomes among clinicians related to five validated imaging decision rules: awareness, use, attitudes, knowledge, and barriers and facilitators to implementation. Where possible, we pooled data using medians to summarise these outcomes.

Results

We included 39 studies. Studies were conducted in 15 countries (e.g. the USA, Canada, the UK, Australasia, New Zealand) and included various clinician types (e.g. emergency physicians, emergency nurses and nurse practitioners). Among the five decision rules, clinicians’ awareness was highest for the Canadian C-Spine Rule (84%, n = 3 studies) and lowest for the Ottawa Knee Rules (18%, n = 2). Clinicians’ use was highest for NEXUS (median percentage ranging from 7 to 77%, n = 4) followed by Canadian C-Spine Rule (56–71%, n = 7 studies) and lowest for the Ottawa Knee Rules which ranged from 18 to 58% (n = 4).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that awareness of the five imaging decision rules is low. Changing clinicians’ attitudes and knowledge towards these decision rules and addressing barriers to their implementation could increase use.
MiRNome variations in milk fractions during feed restrictions of different intensities in dairy cows
Authors: Leduc A. , Le Guillou S. , Laloë D. , Herve L. , Laubier J. , Poton P. , Faulconnier Y. , Pires J. , Gele M. , Martin P. , Leroux C. , Boutinaud M. , Le Provost F.
Published: November 2023

Background

In dairy cows, diet is one factor that can affect their milk production and composition. However, the effect of feed restriction on milk miRNome has not yet been described. Indeed, milk is the body fluid with the highest RNA concentration, which includes numerous microRNA. Its presence in the four different milk fractions, whole milk, fat globules, mammary epithelial cells and extracellular vesicles, is still poorly documented. This study aimed to describe the effects of different feed restrictions on the miRNome composition of different milk fractions.

Results

Two feed restrictions were applied to lactating dairy cows, one of high intensity and one of moderate intensity. 2,896 mature microRNA were identified in the different milk fractions studied, including 1,493 that were already known in the bovine species. Among the 1,096 microRNA that were sufficiently abundant to be informative, the abundance of 1,027 of them varied between fractions: 36 of those were exclusive to one milk fraction. Feed restriction affected the abundance of 155 microRNA, with whole milk and milk extracellular vesicles being the most affected, whereas milk fat globules and exfoliated mammary epithelial cells were little or not affected at all. The high intensity feed restriction led to more microRNA variations in milk than moderate restriction. The target prediction of known microRNA that varied under feed restriction suggested the modification of some key pathways for lactation related to milk fat and protein metabolisms, cell cycle, and stress responses.

Conclusions

This study highlighted that the miRNome of each milk fraction is specific, with mostly the same microRNA composition but with variations in abundance between fractions. These specific miRNomes were affected differently by feed restrictions, the intensity of which appeared to be a major factor modulating milk miRNomes. These findings offer opportunities for future research on the use of milk miRNA as biomarkers of energy status in dairy cows, which is affected by feed restrictions.
Impact of clonal lineages on susceptibility of Staphylococcus lugdunensis to chlorhexidine digluconate and chloride benzalkonium
Authors: Destruel Laurie , Lecomte Marine , Grand Maxime , Leoz Marie , Pestel-Caron Martine , Dahyot Sandrine
Published: November 2023

Background

Little is known about susceptibility of Staphylococcus lugdunensis to antiseptics. The objective of this study was to evaluate, at the molecular and phenotypic level, the susceptibility of 49 clinical S. lugdunensis strains (belonging to the seven clonal complexes [CCs] defined by multilocus sequence typing) to two antiseptics frequently used in healthcare settings (chlorhexidine digluconate [CHX] and chloride benzalkonium [BAC]).

Results

The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), by broth microdilution method, varied for BAC from 0.25 mg/L to 8 mg/L (MIC50 = 1 mg/L, MIC90 = 2 mg/L) and for CHX from 0.5 mg/L to 2 mg/L (MIC50 = 1 mg/L, MIC90 = 2 mg/L). The BAC and CHX minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) varied from 2 mg/L to 8 mg/L (MBC50 = 4 mg/L, MBC90 = 8 mg/L) and from 2 mg/L to 4 mg/L (MBC50 and MBC90 = 4 mg/L), respectively. A reduced susceptibility to CHX (MIC = 2 mg/L) was observed for 12.2% of the strains and that to BAC (MIC ≥ 4 mg/L) for 4.1%. The norA resistance gene was detected in all the 49 isolates, whereas the qacA gene was rarely encountered (two strains; 4.1%). The qacC, qacG, qacH, and qacJ genes were not detected. The two strains harboring the qacA gene had reduced susceptibility to both antiseptics and belonged to CC3.

Conclusion

The norA gene was detected in all the strains, suggesting that it could belong to the core genome of S. lugdunensis. S. lugdunensis is highly susceptible to both antiseptics tested. Reduced susceptibility to BAC and CHX was a rare phenomenon. Of note, a tendency to higher MICs of BAC was detected for CC3 isolates. These results should be confirmed on a larger collection of strains.
Monitoring the neural activity associated with praying in Sahaja Yoga meditation
Authors: Perez-Diaz Oscar , Barrós-Loscertales Alfonso , Schjoedt Uffe , González-Mora José L. , Rubia Katya , Suero José , Hernández Sergio Elías
Published: November 2023

Background

Sahaja Yoga Meditation draws on many religious traditions and uses a variety of techniques including Christian prayer to reach a state known as thoughtless awareness, or mental silence. While there are many studies on the neural correlates of meditation, few studies have focused on the neural correlates of praying. Thus, the aim of our research was to study the neural activity associated with the prayer practices in Sahaja Yoga Mediation, which have not been studied before, to explore effects beyond repetitive speech or “mantra effects”. Sixteen experienced Sahaja Yoga Meditation practitioners were scanned using task based functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging while performing formalised and improvised forms of praying and their equivalent secular tasks.

Results

Our results showed the deactivation of bilateral thalamus during both prayers compared to secular conditions and the activation in the medial prefrontal cortex that was reduced by religious and formalised secular speech conditions but increased during improvised secular speech; similarly, frontal regions were deactivated when comparing prayers to their secular equivalents.

Discussion

These results seem to depict two important factors related with praying in Sahaja Yoga Meditation merging inner concentration and social cognition. First, the perception of the surroundings mediated by the thalamus may be decreased during these prayers probably due to the establishment of inner concentration and, second, frontal deactivation effects could be related to reduced social judgement and ‘mentalizing’, particularly in the medial prefrontal cortex. Our findings suggest that praying by Sahaja Yoga Meditation practitioners is neurophenomenologically different from the social cognitive attempt of praying within Christian praying practices.
The effect of warming ropivacaine on ultrasound-guided subgluteal sciatic nerve block: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: He Jiliang , Ma Yijun , Zhou Nannan , Xu Jingpin , Wu Weidong , Jiang Jiajie , Zhang Fengjiang
Published: November 2023

Background

There is a long latent period for the sciatic nerve block before a satisfactory block is attained. Changes in the temperature of local anesthetics may influence the characters of the peripheral nerve block. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of warming ropivacaine on the ultrasound-guided subgluteal sciatic nerve block.

Methods

Fifty-four patients for distal lower limbs surgery were randomly allocated into warming group (group W, n = 27) or room tempeture group (group R, n = 27) with the ultrasound-guided subgluteal sciatic nerve block. The group W received 30 ml of ropivacaine 0.5% at 30℃ and the group R received 30 ml of ropivacaine 0.5% at 23℃. The sensory and motor blockade were assessed every 2 min for 30 min after injection. The primary outcome was the onset time of limb sensory blockade.

Results

The onset time of sensory blockade was shorter in group W than in group R (16 (16,18) min vs 22 (20,23) min, p < 0.001), and the onset time of motor blockade was also shorter in group W than in group R (22 (20,24) min vs 26 (24,28) min, p < 0.001). The onset time of sensory blockade for each nerve was shorter in group W than in group R (p < 0.001). No obvious differences for the duration of sensory and motor blockade and the patient satisfaction were discovered between both groups. No complications associated with nerve block were observed 2 days after surgery.

Conclusions

Warming ropivacaine 0.5% to 30℃ accelerates the onset time of sensory and motor blockade in the ultrasound-guided subgluteal sciatic nerve block and it has no influence on the duration of sensory and motor blockade.

Trial registration

The trial was registered on October 3, 2022 in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (https://www.chictr.org.cn/bin/project/edit?pid=181104), registration number ChiCTR2200064350 (03/10/2022).
Survival of cervical cancer patients at Moi teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret in western Kenya
Authors: Mwaliko E. , Itsura P. , Keter A. , De Bacquer Dirk , Buziba N. , Bastiaens H. , Jackie A. , Obala A. , Naanyu V. , Gichangi P. , Temmerman M.
Published: November 2023

Background

Cervical cancer is a major health burden and the second most common cancer after breast cancer among women in Kenya. Worldwide cervical cancer constitutes 3.1% of all cancer cases. Mortality rates are greatest among the low-income countries because of lack of awareness, screening and early-detection programs and adequate treatment facilities.

The main aim was to estimate survival and determine survival predictors of women with cervical cancer and limited resources in western Kenya.

Methods

Retrospective charts review of women diagnosed with cervical cancer and follow-up for two years from the date of the histologic diagnosis. The outcome of interest was death or survival at two years. Kaplan Meier estimates of survival, log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards regression were used in the survival analysis.

Results

One hundred and sixty-two (162) participants were included in the review. The median duration was 0.8 (interquartile range (IQR) 0.3, 1.6) years. The mean age at diagnosis was 50.6 years (SD12.5). The mean parity was 5.9 (SD 2.6). Fifty percent (50%) did not have health insurance. Twenty six percent (26%) used hormonal contraceptives, 25.9% were HIV positive and 70% of them were on anti-retroviral treatment.

The participants were followed up for 152.6 person years. Of the 162 women in the study, 70 (43.2%) died giving an overall incidence rate (IR) of 45.9 deaths per 100 person years of follow up. The hazard ratios were better for the patients who survived (0.44 vs 0.88, p-value < 0.001), those who had medical insurance (0.70 vs 0.48, p-value = 0.007) and those with early stage at diagnosis (0.88 vs 0.39, p-value < 0.001). Participants who were diagnosed at late stage of the disease according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics staging for cervical cancer (FIGO stage 2B-4B) had more than eight times increased hazard of death compared to those who were diagnosed at early stage (1-2A): Hazard Ratio: 8.01 (95% CI 3.65, 17.57). Similarly, those who underwent surgical management had 84% reduced hazard of mortality compared to those who were referred for other modes of care: HR: 0.16 (95% CI: 0.07, 0.38).

Conclusion

Majority of the participants were diagnosed late after presenting with symptoms. The 1 and 2-year survival probability after diagnosis of cervical cancer was 57% AND 45% respectively. It is imperative that women present early since surgery gives better prognosis or better still screening of all women prioritized.
The impact of pediatric intensivists on the management of pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis in pediatric intensive care units
Authors: Choi Ah Young , Park Esther
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The impact of pediatric intensivists on managing pediatric patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of pediatric intensivists on outcomes in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs).

Methods

This was a two-institution retrospective study of patients with DKA admitted to the PICU between 2012 and 2023. Pediatric patients (< 19 years of age) were included if they met the moderate to severe DKA criteria on PICU admission. The patients were subsequently divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of a pediatric intensivist. The primary outcome was the PICU length of stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes were adverse events during DKA treatment, hospital LOS, and mortality.

Results

Fifty-two patients admitted to the PICU with a median age of 13.00 years (range, 0–18 years) were included; 32 (61.54%) were female. Patients managed by pediatric intensivists had significantly shorter PICU LOS (2.52 vs. 3.69 days, p < 0.05). Also, adverse events during DKA treatment were significantly decreased in the high-intensity group compared to the low-intensity group (12.50% vs. 50.00%, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

High-intensity ICU staffing was associated with shorter PICU LOS and lower adverse events in pediatric patients with DKA. Our results suggest that dedicated pediatric intensivists can improve outcomes of critically ill pediatric patients with DKA.