bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating SARS-CoV-2 Susceptibility in Animal Species: A Scoping Review
Authors: Rutherford Connor , Kafle Pratap , Soos Catherine , Epp Tasha , Bradford Lori , Jenkins Emily
Published: June 2022

In the early stages of response to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, it was imperative for researchers to rapidly determine what animal species may be susceptible to the virus, under low knowledge and high uncertainty conditions. In this scoping review, the animal species being evaluated for SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility, the methods used to evaluate susceptibility, and comparing the evaluations between different studies were conducted. Using the PRISMA-ScR methodology, publications and reports from peer-reviewed and gray literature sources were collected from databases, Google Scholar, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), snowballing, and recommendations from experts. Inclusion and relevance criteria were applied, and information was subsequently extracted, categorized, summarized, and analyzed. Ninety seven sources (publications and reports) were identified which investigated 649 animal species from eight different classes: Mammalia, Aves, Actinopterygii, Reptilia, Amphibia, Insecta, Chondrichthyes, and Coelacanthimorpha. Sources used four different methods to evaluate susceptibility, in silico, in vitro, in vivo, and epidemiological analysis. Along with the different methods, how each source described “susceptibility” and evaluated the susceptibility of different animal species to SARS-CoV-2 varied, with conflicting susceptibility evaluations evident between different sources. Early in the pandemic, in silico methods were used the most to predict animal species susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 and helped guide more costly and intensive studies using in vivo or epidemiological analyses. However, the limitations of all methods must be recognized, and evaluations made by in silico and in vitro should be re-evaluated when more information becomes available, such as demonstrated susceptibility through in vivo and epidemiological analysis.
Iatrogenic Pericarditis and Cardiac Tamponade Following Distal Wire Perforation: A Serial Case Report
Authors: Yahya Achmad Fauzi , Sari Minsy Titi , Saboe Aninka
Published: June 2022

Distal wire perforation is an infrequent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) complication, which may progress to one of the fearful conditions, cardiac tamponade, and rarely to iatrogenic pericarditis. We described 2 cases of acute pericarditis and cardiac tamponade following distal guidewire coronary artery perforation that was successfully managed with pericardiocentesis, anti-inflammatory agents, and meticulous follow-up. Although uncommon, acute traumatic pericarditis may also be considered as a complication after a complex PCI.
An Examination of Melanoma Detection and Characteristics at a Nova Scotia Tertiary Care Centre, From 2015-2019
Authors: Tsai Meng-Chiao , Hodgson Kevin , Sandila Navjot , Bosworth Alia , Hull Peter R.
Published: June 2022

Background

Melanoma is one of the most common cancers in Canada, 1 with the highest incidence in Nova Scotia (NS).

Objectives

To describe the demographics, lesion characteristics, and diagnostic accuracy of suspected melanomas excised at the largest center in NS.

Methods

The dermatopathology database was interrogated for cases of possible melanoma from 2015 through 2019. Age, gender, site of lesion, pathologic diagnosis, Breslow depth, and equivocal pathology were assessed.

Results

984 lesions had a clinical diagnosis of possible melanoma, identifying 301 melanomas. Of these, 142 (47%) were melanoma in situ (MIS) which in females occurred mostly on the extremities, while in males the head predominated. For invasive melanoma (IM), the extremities remained predominant for women, while the back was most common in men. Lower extremity lesions were more likely to be invasive and female patients were more likely to present with them at a younger age compared to males. The pathology was challenging for 23.94% of MIS, and 16.18% of IM. A mean of 3.1 lesions were excised for every melanoma identified.

Conclusions

Early diagnosis of melanoma is challenging clinically and pathologically. Our melanoma detection rate was 31%, with an increasing trend in the proportion of MIS, and decreasing trend in the proportion of IM over the years. Almost 50% of melanomas were detected in early stages, supporting positive outcomes. Melanomas were more common on extremities in females and the back in males. Melanomas on the lower limbs were more likely to be invasive regardless of gender.
What makes hospitality employers attractive to Gen Z? A means-end-chain perspective
Authors: Kapuściński Grzegorz , Zhang Nathan , Wang Rachel
Published: June 2022

Success in attracting talent in the hospitality industry rests on employers’ ability to project value proposition that closely corresponds with the requirements of its target employees. Despite their importance to the hospitality industry, Gen Z perspectives on employer attractiveness received limited attention in the academic literature. This study applies an employee-centric approach to employer brands to identify motivational structures which determine Gen Z hospitality employer choices. Underpinned by means-end-chain theory, the study uncovers the hierarchical knowledge structures that link employer attributes, the benefits derived from these attributes, and personal values. Findings confirm the usefulness of the means-end-chain theory in generating insights into motivational structures of potential employees. The value structures of Gen Z are psychological, development and social value. Findings are relevant to hospitality employer brands as it allows them to understand how attributes are interpreted by potential employees, and lead to benefits and higher value forms. In turn, this enables employers to tailor their value proposition to match their offer to Gen Z and employers’ resource base.
The Application of the Conflict Rules of the European Social Security Coordination to Telework During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Verschueren Herwig
Published: June 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the normal use of European conflict rules determining the applicable social security legislation was temporarily suspended to avoid changes in the applicable legislation as a result of telework, which was being obliged or recommended. The purpose was to avoid the consequences of such a change. However, these forms of remote work are expected to remain in existence after the pandemic, even when the suspension of the conflict rules is no longer in place. So, the question arises whether the suspension of the strict application of the conflict rules should be prolonged after the pandemic, or whether these conflict rules should be applied differently or even amended. First, this article discusses the measures that were taken during the pandemic. Next, it will highlight the consequences if the temporary measures are not prolonged after the pandemic for the determination of the applicable social security legislation. It will explore the possible re-interpretation of or even amendments to these rules in order to adapt them to the continuation of telework.
A Struggle for Framing and Interpretation: The Impact of the ‘Basic Income Experiments’ on Social Policy Reform in the Netherlands
Authors: Roosma Femke
Published: June 2022

In the period from 1st October 2017 to 31st December 2019, the Dutch government allowed several municipalities to carry out so-called ‘basic income experiments’, ‘trust’ experiments, or ‘experiments low in regulation’. These experiments focused on giving exemptions on obligations attached to social benefits, allowing people to keep extra earnings on top of their social assistance benefits, and providing more guidance in finding work. In this paper, I critically evaluate the extent to which these experiments have had an effect on social policy in the Netherlands in both the short and long run. For municipalities, the main goal of these experiments was to examine whether an approach focused on trust and intrinsic motivation would lead to increased labour market participation and higher wellbeing. The national government approved the experiments; but in its evaluation, it focused solely on the outflow to work in line with the existing workfare approach. In the short run, the effects of the experiments appeared disappointing for those with the ambition of fundamentally reforming the social security system. However, in the struggle for framing and interpretation, advocates of a different social policy approach obtained success in the long run. Although the Participation Act was not initially amended, the recent coalition agreement of the new Government does propose a change related to the outcomes of the experiment; and in recent party manifestos, there are more far-reaching proposals to change social policy in the direction of a universal basic income.
Incipient Fault Detection of Helical Gearbox Based on Variational Mode Decomposition and Time Synchronous Averaging
Authors: Tofighi Niaki Soheil , Alavi Hassan , Ohadi Abdolreza
Published: June 2022

As the fault detection methods diagnose defects in the earlier stage, the subsequent costs will be reduced. Feature extraction from the vibration signal is the foremost step for incipient fault detection of gearboxes. However, the current statistical features in the time and frequency domains cannot diagnose the early or low intensity faults. In this research, for the first time, besides these features, some other features are extracted by combining variational mode decomposition and time synchronous average (VMD-TSA) to overcome the problem. The combinations have occurred in two ways. First, the Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMFs) of the TSA signal are calculated by VMD, and the Amplitude Energy (AE) and Permutation Entropy (PE) of the first four IMFs are computed. Secondly, the IMFs of vibration signals are calculated, and the TSA features are extracted from the most informative IMF. Moreover, 16 features in the time domain, 13 features in the frequency domain, and 9 features by TSA are extracted from the vibration signals. These features are extracted from healthy and four faulty conditions: crack, spalling, chipping, and wear in three different severities. After feature extraction, the Relief-F algorithm selects the informative features, and selected features are utilized for fault detection by a Feed-Forward Neural network (FNN) classifier. In this study, the ability of the VMD-TSA method is compared with others like Empirical Mode Decomposition-TSA (EMD-TSA) and Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition-TSA (EEMD-TSA), which shows that the proposed method is more powerful than others in early fault detection. Besides, the classification accuracy of these methods is compared with some other feature selection methods like Laplacian Score (LS), Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and Minimum Redundancy-Maximum Relevance (MRMR). Also, the performance of the FNN classifier is compared with the Support Vector Machine (SVM). As shown in this study, the VMD-TSA features improve the early fault detection in a positive manner. For instance, the classification accuracy of all features without VMD-TSA in crack fault detection is 93.98%. However, by adding VMD-TSA features, the accuracy grows up to 99.48% in the same conditions.
Blade crack detection using variational model decomposition and time-delayed feedback nonlinear tri-stable stochastic resonance
Authors: Ma Tianchi , Song Di , Shen Junxian , Xu Feiyun
Published: June 2022

For centrifugal fans, the emergence of amplitude modulation (AM) components is a pivotal feature for blade crack fault. However, AM features extraction are challenging under strong interferences. A novel method is proposed to solve this problem using variational mode decomposition (VMD) and time-delayed feedback nonlinear tri-stable stochastic resonance (TFNTSR). Firstly, an improved degree of cyclostationarity (IDCS) index is constructed for parameters optimization. Then, intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) are obtained using the VMD method, and one of them which has the maximum IDCS value is selected. Finally, the selected IMF is further processed by the TFNTSR method, thereby completing the blade crack detection. Verified by simulations and experiments, VMD-TFNTSR method has a better performance on blade crack detection.
Illuminance uniformity in obstructed LED surgical lighting
Authors: Zhou H , Ding R , Qin J , Pan Y , Wang M
Published: June 2022

Uniform illumination is key to surgery. According to the standard, the illuminance uniformity is measured with no obstruction, which cannot fully reflect the performance in the working environment. This study aimed to measure the illuminance uniformity with obstruction. Besides, the illuminance attenuation dispersion rate was introduced. The illuminance uniformity test was set up under the IEC Standard, and five different types of luminaires were measured. The appropriate sizes of the light spots were chosen first. Subsequently, the light sources with light field diameters d50 and d10 with or without obstacles were measured, and the illuminance attenuation dispersion rate was calculated. The experimental results showed that the d50/d10 ratio did not appear to be affected by obstructions. There appeared visible deformation of the light spot shape in some products. As we assumed, there were significant differences in the illuminance attenuation dispersion rate among these products. Although d50/d10 ratio did not seem to be affected by the obstructions, the shape of the light spot deformed. The illuminance attenuation dispersion rate may be a key parameter to judge the LED surgical lighting.
The Experiences and Perceptions of Sexually Abused Children as Participants in the Legal Process: Key Conclusions From a Scoping Literature Review
Authors: Field Noa , Katz Carmit
Published: June 2022

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a phenomenon that receives attention from researchers and practitioners worldwide. An unknown percent of cases are disclosed bravely by children to authorities. One part of those children’s journey can involve the legal process, which aims to decide whether a crime happened and, if so, to sentence the offender. To do so, a considerable amount of evidence is required. Part of what makes CSA cases complex is that the child’s word is often the only evidence. There are growing discussions concerning the importance of children’s participation in the legal process, pointing to its contribution to practitioners’ decision-making as well as children’s wellbeing. The current scoping review aimed to examine the existing knowledge regarding how children experience and perceive participation in the legal process following CSA. Although this issue has been previously addressed, the current study was designed to systematically spotlight studies that pinpoint children’s perceptions and experiences. Using PRISMA guidelines, 17 manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals over the last 11 years were identified. The analysis yielded a major theme of children’s need for validation, with four subthemes relating to the need to be protected, the need to be seen and heard, the need to be believed, and the need to be provided with support. The themes and how they relate to other aspects of sexually abused children’s lives are discussed as well as practical implications for future studies. The main conclusion relates to the necessity for a holistic approach with children throughout the legal process.
Providing a Supportive Environment for Disclosure of Sexual Violence and Abuse in a Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare Setting: A Realist Review
Authors: Caswell Rachel J. , Ross Jonathan D. C. , Maidment Ian , Bradbury-Jones Caroline
Published: June 2022

Background: Sexual and reproductive healthcare services (SRHS) are an environment where medical care relevant to sexual violence and abuse (SV) is available. However, barriers to disclosure need to be overcome to allow timely access to this care. There is limited research identifying and explaining how interventions remove barriers and create a safe and supportive environment for disclosure. The purpose of this review was to develop and refine theories that explain how, for whom and in what context SRHS facilitate disclosure. Methods: Following published realist standards we undertook a realist review. After focussing the review question and identifying key contextual barriers, articles pertaining to these were identified using a traditional systematic database search. This strategy was supplemented with iterative searches. Results: Searches yielded 3172 citations, and 28 articles with sufficient information were included to develop the emerging theories. Four evidence-informed theories were developed proposing ways in which a safe and supportive environment for the disclosure of SV is enabled in SRHS. The theories consider how interventions may overcome barriers surrounding SV disclosure at individual, service-delivery and societal levels. Conclusions: Benefits of SRHS engagement with health promotion and health activism activities to address societal level barriers like lack of service awareness and stereotypic views on SV are presented. Although trauma informed practice and person-centred care were central in creating a safe and supportive environment for disclosure the review found them to be poorly defined in this setting.
Transdisciplinary Preliminary Evaluation of Goal Maintenance in Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Boone Anna E. , Hart Eric , Wolf Timothy J.
Published: June 2022

Women treated for breast cancer often experience decreases in executive functioning, including goal maintenance, which interferes with daily living. The objective of this study was to conduct a preliminary comparison of cognitive neuroscience assessment performance with neuropsychological, self-report, and performance-based assessments of goal maintenance in women with breast cancer. Women treated for breast cancer in the preceding 3 years completed a battery of cognitive assessments. Relationships between assessment methods were evaluated using Spearman rho correlations. Consistent with prior literature, the AY condition of the Dot Pattern Expectancy (DPX) assessment had the highest error rate. No consistent relationships between the DPX and other methods of assessment were identified; however, some moderate correlations were identified between assessments. Women treated for breast cancer present with DPX performance patterns similar to that of healthy controls in past literature. A larger study is required to confirm relationships between measures of goal maintenance across disciplines.
The effect of flux composition on tensile strength of re-engineered E308H-16 electrode
Authors: Solomon Chuka Nwigbo , Adanma Uzoma Okpe , Echezona Nnaemeka Obika , Arinze Everest Chinweze , Godknows Chibueze Igwebuike
Published: June 2022

A stainless steel flux for manual metal arc welding (MMAW) has been developed. The coated electrode is a rutile electrode whose basic components are titanium (IV) oxide and stainless steel powder. Some of the other components were substituted; the more popular but expensive potassium silicate binder was replaced with readily available sodium silicate binder. For the binder to perform effectively, it was enriched with potassium carbonate, which was sourced locally from palm bunch. Cellulose, a good gas former was replaced with starch, which was gotten from cassava. The components were sieved into 75 µm particle size. The experimental design was set up using Central Composite Design in Design Expert software. The design varied the percentage composition of calcium carbonate, binder, titanium (IV) oxide, silicon (IV) oxide, and stainless steel powder. Twenty-six (26) test samples were produced using the central composite design tool of the design expert software and tested for tensile strength. The experimental results were analyzed and optimized using Response Surface Methodology and Validated using the ANOVA tool of the Design Expert software. An optimal composition of 10% CaCO3, 13% Binder, 13% Titanium oxide, 12% silicon (IV) oxide, and 36% stainless steel powder were obtained to give a corresponding 539.7 N/mm2 tensile strength.
Developing and evaluating a toolkit of strategies to support remote inclusive research teams
Authors: Kramer Jessica M. , Schwartz Ariel , Hallock Taye , Myrvold Raine , Hwang I-Ting , Pfeiffer Beth , The Inclusive Cats Research Team
Published: June 2022

Research teams must collaborate with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to identify effective and inclusive responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and other public health emergencies. Collaborating remotely requires telecommunication and other technologies. We designed and evaluated a digital “Toolkit for Remote Inclusive Research” to provide research teams with evidence-informed strategies to make remote research accessible to and inclusive of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. First, we completed a rapid scoping review to identify technology used by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities on collaborative research teams. Second, we designed a digital toolkit featuring 23 strategies identified in the review. Third, six inclusive researchers evaluated the toolkit. We illustrate how our team used these evidence-informed strategies during the past year to develop this and other tools to support inclusive research.
TV drama production studios of Istanbul: From empty sound stages to standing sets
Authors: Kayhan Sezen
Published: June 2022

This study explores the transformation of production spaces from empty sound stages to standing sets, drawing on the findings from fieldwork involving 14 key players; studio owners and managers, screenwriters and art directors. The sets containing standing decors of hospital rooms, police stations, jails and courtrooms, transformed from abandoned factories, warehouses and administrative buildings in Istanbul, mostly lack proper infrastructure and appropriate security measures. Examining their transformation shows that the demanded and repeated storylines of the Turkish TV series also shape these locations and create a cheap and fast studio system based on supply and demand, putting creativity and security of the crews into question. The research also aims to contribute to the critical debate about the production studies focusing solely on the means of production and excluding the text and the audience, with showing the need for a more comprehensive approach. In order to apprehend the intertwined relationship between production, representation and consumption, this study examines the links between the formation of the production spaces, the content of the TV series and the ratings.
Validity and Reliability of A New Low-Cost Linear Position Transducer to Measure Mean Propulsive Velocity: The ADR device
Authors: Lopez-Torres Olga , Fernandez-Elias Valentin Emilio , Li Jiaxin , Gomez-Ruano Miguel Angel , Guadalupe-Grau Amelia
Published: June 2022

Many sports and recreational strength training coaches consider movement velocity essential to improve performance, and velocity-based training has gained attention over the past decade. Furthermore, there is a lack of low-cost, easy to use, and reliable methods to measure movement velocity. Therefore, this current research aims to analyze the validity and reliability of a new linear position transducer device (ADR) for the measurement of barbell mean propulsive velocity. Seventeen trained participants ( n = 14 men; n = 3 women; 21.2 ± 4.0 years) performed an incremental bench press exercise test against five different loads (45%, 55%, 65%, 75%, and 85% 1RM) at maximal concentric velocity. Barbell displacement was derived simultaneously from three devices including: a linear velocity transducer (T-Force, criterion measurement) and two linear position transducers (ADR and Speed4lifts (S4L)). The ADR mean propulsive velocity measurements demonstrated substantial validity compared to both T-Force and S4L at all loads (between the r values and p values r = .86–.99 p < 0.001). The ADR device was reliable showing very high Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC (95% CI): 0.95 (0.90–0.98), 0.96 (0.91–0.98), 0.75 (0.55–0.88), 0.91 (0.83–0.93), 0.85 (0.72–0.93) for 45%, 55%, 65%, 75%, and 85% 1RM, respectively); low coefficients of variation (CV (95% CI): 9.93 (7.93–11.93, 11.25 (9.25–13.25), 6.78 (4.78–8.78), 10.95 (8.95–12.95), 14.40 (12.40–16.40) for 45%, 55%, 65%, 75%, and 85% 1RM, respectively), and small standardized typical error values (STE = 0.2–0.6). In conclusion, the ADR device can be considered an affordable, reliable, and valid method to measure movement velocity, thereby making it a practical resource for coaches when assessing velocity-based training at gyms.
Optimised sight adjustment processes for archers
Authors: Park James L
Published: June 2022

During an archery competition, archers frequently fail to correctly adjust their bow’s sight so that their arrow groups are centred on the target. Arrows are shot in ends of three or six, depending on the phase of the competition, and consequently each end provides very limited data on which to make sight adjustments, although at the conclusion of the competition it is usually obvious if an archer has succeeded in the task or not. This paper considers three sight optimisation processes with a view to minimise score loss both in ranking rounds and in matches. It is shown that archers should take a more aggressive rather than a less aggressive approach to sight movements, especially for the first end. Each sight adjustment process can be implemented using a simple look-up table.
Clinical relevance of endoscopic peri-appendiceal red patch in ulcerative colitis patients
Authors: Reijntjes Maud A. , Heuthorst Lianne , Gecse Krisztina , Mookhoek Aart , Bemelman Willem A. , Buskens Christianne J.
Published: June 2022

Background:

Increasing evidence is suggesting appendectomy as an alternative treatment for ulcerative colitis (UC), especially in case of histological appendiceal inflammation. Therefore, preoperative identification of appendiceal inflammation could be beneficial. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of peri-appendiceal red patch (PARP) on colonoscopy. In addition, prognostic relevance of PARP for disease course and its predictive value for histological appendiceal inflammation in patients undergoing appendectomy was assessed.

Methods:

UC patients undergoing colonoscopy in 2014/2015 were included to determine PARP-prevalence in a cross-sectional study. Findings were correlated to patient and disease characteristics, upscaling of treatment and colectomy rates after cross-sectional colonoscopy. In patients undergoing appendiceal resection, histopathological inflammation was assessed using the Robarts Histopathology Index (RHI).

Results:

In total, 249 patients were included of which 17.7% (44/249) had a PARP. Patients with PARP were significantly younger with a shorter disease course. The majority of patients with PARP (61.4%) was in endoscopic remission. Patients with PARP required more upscaling of medical therapy (81.8% vs. 58.0%, p < 0.01), and more PARP patients underwent colectomy (13.6% vs. 4.9%, p = 0.04). Patients with PARP had a higher median RHI in resection specimens (14 vs. 7, p < 0.01).

Conclusion:

PARP was present during colonoscopy regardless disease activity and was predominantly found in UC patients with younger age and shorter disease duration. PARP patients had a more severe course of UC, and in case of appendectomy, more severe histopathological appendiceal inflammation. Appendectomy as an experimental therapy for UC has been suggested to be predominantly effective in UC patients with appendiceal inflammation. This study demonstrates that presence of a PARP on colonoscopy predicts appendiceal inflammation. After consensus has been reached on the therapeutic effect of appendectomy, assessing PARP presence during colonoscopy could therefore contribute to identifying patients most likely to respond.
Cancer and stroke: commonly encountered by clinicians, but little evidence to guide clinical approach
Authors: Woock Malin , Martinez-Majander Nicolas , Seiffge David J. , Selvik Henriette Aurora , Nordanstig Annika , Redfors Petra , Lindgren Erik , Sanchez van Kammen Mayte , Rentzos Alexandros , Coutinho Jonathan M. , Doyle Karen , Naess Halvor , Putaala Jukka , Jood Katarina , Tatlisumak Turgut
Published: June 2022

The association between stroke and cancer is well-established. Because of an aging population and longer survival rates, the frequency of synchronous stroke and cancer will become even more common. Different pathophysiologic mechanisms have been proposed how cancer or cancer treatment directly or via coagulation disturbances can mediate stroke. Increased serum levels of D-dimer, fibrin degradation products, and CRP are more often seen in stroke with concomitant cancer, and the clot retrieved during thrombectomy has a more fibrin- and platelet-rich constitution compared with that of atherosclerotic etiology. Multiple infarctions are more common in patients with active cancer compared with those without a cancer diagnosis. New MRI techniques may help in detecting typical patterns seen in the presence of a concomitant cancer. In ischemic stroke patients, a newly published cancer probability score can help clinicians in their decision-making when to suspect an underlying malignancy in a stroke patient and to start cancer-screening studies. Treating stroke patients with synchronous cancer can be a delicate matter. Limited evidence suggests that administration of intravenous thrombolysis appears safe in non-axial intracranial and non-metastatic cancer patients. Endovascular thrombectomy is probably rather safe in these patients, but probably futile in most patients placed on palliative care due to their advanced disease. In this topical review, we discuss the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and prognosis of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes as well as cerebral venous thrombosis and concomitant cancer. We further summarize the current evidence on acute management and secondary preventive therapy.
Gender dimorphism in survival of patients with lymph node metastasis of bladder cancer
Authors: Guo Yadong , Zheng Zongtai , Zhang Wentao , Mao Shiyu , Yang Fuhan , Li Wei , Yan Yang , Yao Xudong
Published: June 2022

Background:

The effect of gender on the prognosis of bladder cancer (BCa) in different metastatic sites is insufficiently understood. We aimed to assess the impact and potential mechanisms of a combination of gender dimorphism and BCa metastasis sites on the risk of death.

Methods:

Independent predictors of overall survival and cancer-specific survival were analyzed after stratification by gender and metastasis sites from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Furthermore, gender-differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and function-enriched annotations for patients with lymph node metastasis (LNM) were identified from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. A gender-associated signature was constructed in TCGA and validated in the IMvigor210 trial, and the magnetic resonance imaging-based radiomics signature was developed in our center to predict the gender-associated signature.

Results:

In patients with metastatic BCa, the most common site of metastasis is bone in men and lung in women. Moreover, stratified by sex, LNM had a better prognosis in men than visceral metastasis, which was not observed in female. Similarly, stratified by the metastasis site, the prognosis of men in patients with LNM is better than that of women, which was not observed in visceral metastasis patients. Enrichment of DEGs between sexes in patients with LNM may be related to metastasis and tumor immunity, especially the role of neutrophils. Moreover, the gender-associated signature is related to the clinicopathological characteristics of patients, and patients in the high-risk group had worse survival outcomes, and higher susceptibility to cisplatin, docetaxel, camptothecin, and paclitaxel. A nomogram combined with the signature and clinical staging showed significant predictive power in survival prediction. Furthermore, patients with high radiomics scores had a strong tendency for high-risk group.

Conclusion:

These results may improve the understanding of the differences in tumor biology between sexes and thus provide additional evidence for individualized treatment in BCa.
Rehabilitation Variability Following Osteochondral Autograft and Allograft Transplantation of the Knee
Authors: Crowley Stephen G. , Pedersen Anthony , Fortney Thomas A. , Swindell Hasani W. , Saltzman Bryan M. , Popkin Charles A. , Trofa David P.
Published: June 2022

Objective

The aim of this study is to assess the variability of postoperative rehabilitation protocols used by orthopedic surgery residency programs for osteochondral autograft transplantation (OAT) and osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCA) of the knee.

Design

Online postoperative OAT and OCA rehabilitation protocols from US orthopedic programs and the scientific literature were reviewed. A custom scoring rubric was developed to analyze each protocol for the presence of discrete rehabilitation modalities and the timing of each intervention.

Results

A total of 16 programs (10.3%) from 155 US academic orthopedic programs published online protocols and a total of 35 protocols were analyzed. Twenty-one protocols (88%) recommended immediate postoperative bracing following OAT and 17 protocols (100%) recommended immediate postoperative bracing following OCA. The average time protocols permitted weight-bearing as tolerated (WBAT) was 5.2 weeks (range = 0-8 weeks) following OAT and 6.2 weeks (range = 0-8 weeks) following OCA. There was considerable variation in the inclusion and timing of strength, proprioception, agility, and pivoting exercises. Following OAT, 2 protocols (8%) recommended functional testing as criteria for return to sport at an average time of 12.0 weeks (range = 12-24 weeks). Following OCA, 1 protocol (6%) recommended functional testing as criteria for return to sport at an average time of 12.0 weeks (range = 12-24 weeks).

Conclusion

A minority of US academic orthopedic programs publish OAT and OCA rehabilitation protocols online. Among the protocols currently available, there is significant variability in the inclusion of specific rehabilitation components and timing of many modalities. Evidence-based standardization of elements of postoperative rehabilitation may help improve patient care and subsequent outcomes.
An Anthropocene species of trouble? Negative synergies between earth system change and geological destratification
Authors: Clark Nigel , Rickards Lauren
Published: June 2022

It is already well understood that unbinding materials and energy from their lithic reservoirs impacts upon Earth systems. But that is just the first stage of a cycle of ‘Anthropocene trouble’. This paper tracks the multiple ways in which subsequent Earth system change reacts back upon the social infrastructures of subsurface exploitation and the landscapes they produce. Shifting fire regimes, intensifying hydrometeorological events and sea level rise impact upon the infrastructures of hydrocarbon extraction, hydroclimatic change impacts upon infrastructures and landscapes of mineral extraction, and both pyroclimatic and hydroclimatic change impact upon nuclear infrastructures and on landscapes already contaminated by radioactive materials. To make sense of these ‘negative synergies’ we draw upon social science diagnoses of late modern hazards as well Anthropocene science’s deepening collaboration between ‘hard rock’ geology and Earth system science.
An Examination of the Impact of Social and Cultural Traditions Contributing to Overweight and Obesity Among Black Women
Authors: Spinner Jovonni R.
Published: June 2022

Black women living in Prince George’s (PG) County, Maryland, have high rates of overweight and obesity. Obesity significantly impacts Black women, leading to poor physical and mental health, decreased social well-being, and a financial strain on the healthcare system. Despite living in an affluent area and having middle to high incomes and high education levels, Black women living in PG County have difficulty managing their weight. This study explores how social and cultural factors and social networks impact the weight of Black women living in PG County, Maryland. A qualitative case study design guided by social cognitive theory was employed to conduct semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 15 women. Key social and cultural factors (income, family network, peer network, and living in PG County) influenced participants’ attitudes and behaviors toward their weight and strategies to manage their weight. Additionally, participants expressed that Black culture is more accepting of larger and curvier body types, and this reinforces a positive body image and less desire to achieve an ideal BMI. Participants also expressed that COVID-19 impacted their weight management strategies. This study adds to the literature by better explaining some of the underlying factors that influence decision-making around weight management among Black women who live in PG County, Maryland.
Exploring Nurses’ Perceptions of Medication Error Risk Factors: Findings From a Sequential Qualitative Study
Authors: Savva Georgios , Papastavrou Evridiki , Charalambous Andreas , Vryonides Stavros , Merkouris Anastasios
Published: June 2022

A focus group study was conducted to explore nurses’ perceptions of medication administration error associated factors in two medical wards of a tertiary hospital. Nurses were invited to participate in focus group discussions. Thematic analysis was employed and identified four themes: professional practice environment related factors, person-related factors, drug-related factors, and processes and procedures. Staffing, interruptions, system failures, insufficient leadership, and patient acuity were perceived as risk factors for medication errors. The findings of this study complement the findings of an observational study which investigated medication administration errors in the same setting. Although some findings were similar, important risk factors were identified only through focus group discussions with nurses. Nurses’ perceptions of factors influencing medication administration errors provide important considerations in addressing factors that contribute to errors and for improving patient safety.
IMF After ORIF in Maxillofacial Fractures—Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Ezhilarasi Sundaram , Katrolia Ravi
Published: June 2022

Maxillofacial injuries are increasing in frequency due to increasing reliance on road transportation and increasing socioeconomic activities. The primary management of most of the maxillofacial traumas is closed reduction with maxillomandibular/intermaxillary fixation (IMF). But owing to the advantages offered by open reduction and internal fixation it has become more popular nowadays. This article includes a case report and literature review regarding the necessity of IMF after open reduction and internal fixation.
Black Triangle and Vitiated Esthetic Vis-à-Vis Management: A Review
Authors: Ikbal Aziz , Siddiqui Zeba Rahman , Fatima Tasneem
Published: June 2022

Along with functional periodontal health, esthetic demand is increasing among patients. Creating a perfect smile through periodontal plastic procedures or multidisciplinary approaches involving orthodontic, restorative, and prosthetic specialties is a real challenge in esthetic dentistry. “Black triangle” is one of the common causes that can compromise esthetic. Black triangle is open gingival embrasure cervical to interproximal contact. Its presence may also cause problem in phonetic and retention of food debris. This article discusses the definition, causes, classification, prevalence, and various approaches in handling the case of black triangle.
Routine Stress-Rest Tc-99m MIBI Myocardial Perfusion Scintigraphy Underestimates Ischemia and Viability
Authors: Ora Manish , Pradhan Prasanta Kumar , Garg Naveen , Kheruka Subhash
Published: June 2022

Objective:

The study included patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease. It aimed to demonstrate the incremental value of the routine nitrate augmentation in stress-rest technetium-99m methoxyisobutylisonitrile (Tc-99m MIBI) myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS).

Material and Methods:

Standard stress and rest MPS was performed, followed by a second rest study with isosorbide dinitrate intervention within 5 days. The redistribution of Tc-99m MIBI was compared between stress and rest images, and interpretation of the study done as normal, scarred, and ischemia ± mixed lesion groups. The rest studies were compared with the rest nitrate studies. Summed rest score (SRS) and summed rest nitrate score (SRNS) were calculated. The summed difference score (SDS) of SRS and SRNS was calculated for each group.

Results:

A total of 50 patients were included in the study. Based on the routine MPS, patients were divided into the scar (n = 20), ischemia (n = 18), and normal (n = 12) groups. After the administration of nitrate, a significant fall in the blood pressure ( P < .001) and an increase in the heart rate ( P < .001) were noted. SDS was not significant in the normal MPS group (0.17 ± 0.57, P = .19). In comparison, substantial SDS was found in the ischemia ± mixed lesion (4.33 ± 3.43) and scarred (3.5 ± 3.15), respectively (both P < .001). Percentage improvement in the SRS from SRNS was found less than 2% for normal MPS while 18% and 29% for scarred and mixed groups, respectively.

Conclusion:

Routine MPS (stress followed by rest) underestimate ischemia and viability, which can be significantly reduced by utilizing nitrate augmentation in all patients with abnormal stress MPS. This could lead to a significant change in the extent and severity of ischemia and viability.
Roger & Out (a poem in two parts)
Authors: Schwartz Hillel
Published: June 2022

A poem concerning the haptic indices and aftermaths of death and memory, for a special issue on Touch.
Research on the Influence of Multiple Parameters on the Responses of a B-type Subway Train
Authors: Liu Yanwen , Yang Bing , Xiao Shoune , Zhu Tao , Yang Guangwu , Xiu Ruixian
Published: June 2022

To obtain improved comprehensive crashworthiness criteria for a B-type subway train, the influence laws of the vehicle design collision weight M and empty stroke D on the train’s collision responses were investigated, and multi-objective optimization and decision-making were performed to minimize TS (total compression displacement along the moving train) and TAMA (the overall mean acceleration along the moving train). Firstly, a one-dimensional train collision dynamics model was established and verified by comparing with the results of the finite element model. Secondly, based on the dynamics model, the influence laws of M and D on the collision responses, such as the energy-absorbing devices’ displacements and absorbed energy, vehicles’ velocity and acceleration, TS, TAMA and the coupling correlation effect were investigated. Then, surrogate models for TS and TAMA were developed using the optimal Latin hypercube method (OLHD) and response surface method (RSM), and multi-objective optimization was conducted using the particle swarm optimization algorithm method (MPOSO). Finally, the entropy method was used to obtain the weight coefficients for TS and TAMA, and multi-objective decision-making was performed. The results indicate that D and M significantly affect the compression displacements and energy absorption of the first three collision interfaces, but have limited impact on the last three collision interfaces. The velocity versus time curves of vehicle M1 and M2 are shifted and parallel with different D. However, the velocity versus time curves of all the vehicles are shifted but gradually divergent with different M. The maximum collision instantaneous accelerations of the vehicles are directly determined by M, but are only slightly affected by D. Under the coupling effect, all concerned collision responses are strongly correlated with M; however, the responses are weakly correlated with D except for the compression displacement at the M2-M3 collision interface and the maximum collision instantaneous acceleration of vehicle M2. The comprehensive crashworthiness criteria of the B-type subway train were significantly improved after multi-objective optimization and decision-making. The research provides more theoretical and engineering application references for the subway train crashworthiness design.
Morphological Heredity of Intermetallic Nb5Si3 Dendrites in Hypereutectic Nb-Si Based Alloys via Non-Equilibrium Solidification
Authors: Guo Yueling , Jia Lina , Lu Wenjun , Zhang Hu
Published: June 2022

For hypereutectic Nb-Si based alloys, primary Nb5Si3 phases typically grow in a faceted mode during equilibrium or near-equilibrium solidification, which damages the ductility and toughness. To address this issue, here we artificially manipulate the growth morphology of Nb5Si3 using electron beam surface melting (EBSM) and subsequent annealing treatments. Results show that such a non-equilibrium solidification pathway enables the transition from faceted growth to non-faceted dendritic growth of Nb5Si3, along with evident microstructure refinement, generation of metastable β-Nb5Si3 phases and elimination of chemical segregation. The transformation from β-Nb5Si3 to α-Nb5Si3 and Nb solid solution (Nbss) particles is triggered by the annealing treatment at 1450 °C for 5 h. Also, we find the annealing-mediated formation of inherited Nb5Si3 dendrites that maintain the dendritic morphology of the original as-solidified β-Nb5Si3 dendrites. This work thus provides a feasible routine to obtain thermally stable and refined α-Nb5Si3 dendrites in hypereutectic Nb-Si based alloys.
Application of a bending vibration method without weighing specimens to the practical wooden members conditions
Authors: Kubojima Yoshitaka , Sonoda Satomi , Kato Hideo
Published: June 2022

A vibration test to measure the mass of a specimen without weighing it using the difference between the resonance frequency with an additional mass and that without it (vibration method with additional mass, VAM) was applied to small, clear, and wooden specimens assuming practical situations. An apparatus that provided various end conditions by compressing the ends of the specimens was used in the tests. Bending vibration tests were performed on the specimens installed in the apparatus with/without an additional mass. Because the mass ratio (estimated mass by VAM/measured mass), namely, MVAM/M0, which represents the estimation accuracy of VAM, was stable when the compressive strength was sufficiently large, VAM could be adequately used when the specimen was properly installed in the apparatus. The end condition at maximum compressive stress by the apparatus was an imperfect fixed condition. The MVAM/M0 value greatly deviated from 1 in the specimens with a large height. The deviation in MVAM/M0 from 1 was due to the introduction of the measured resonance frequencies with/without a concentrated mass into the frequency equation that required resonance frequencies under an ideal fixed–fixed condition. A correction method for MVAM/M0 was then proposed.