bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Harnessing the Lived Experience of Transgender and Gender Diverse People as Practice Knowledge in Social Work: A Standpoint Analysis
Authors: Kia Hannah , MacKinnon Kinnon Ross , Göncü Kaan
Published: November 2022

Transgender (trans) and gender diverse (TGD) people continue experiencing profound expressions of stigma and discrimination in their attempts at accessing care, including support from the social work profession. Incorporating the lived experience of TGD people as practice knowledge in social work may serve to enhance the profession's relationship with TGD communities and mitigate historical barriers of this population to relevant services. In this study, we draw on qualitative data based on individual interviews with 20 TGD people and 10 social workers in a Western Canadian province to explore the potential of leveraging the lived experience of TGD people as practice insight in social work. Our analysis, which is supported with the tenets of feminist standpoint theory, reveals that incorporating the lived experience of TGD people in social work as practice knowledge may inform and catalyze interventions that (1) validate TGD bodies, identities and experiences; (2) contribute to networks of advocacy and support founded on shared community knowledge and (3) promote resistance and transformation. In our discussion, we explore practical implications of our research for practice at multiple levels, including the potential of engaging TGD ‘peers’ with relevant lived experience in the direct delivery of certain psychosocial interventions.
Bolted joint preload decay and the effect of multiple reuse
Authors: Whitelaw Maddison
Published: November 2022

Improper design or maintenance of threaded fastener bolted joints can lead to safety issues and/or loss of life due to failure of the joint. This paper describes the effect of multiple uses of threaded fasteners on the associated loss of preload. Experimental test data is used to model the behaviour of fastener usage against preload loss; a predictive capability is derived accounting for fastener diameter changes. Assessment of the behaviour identifies that fastener thread pitch is an important contributor to the decay of preload due to reuse.
Trajectory planning of lower limb rehabilitation action for cable-driven rehabilitation robots
Authors: Li Yang , Cao Dianguo , Wang Jinqiang , Wu Yuqiang
Published: November 2022

In view of the problem that the current research rarely pays attention to the planning of actual rehabilitation actions, a trajectory planning strategy of the lower limb rehabilitation actions for cable-driven rehabilitation robots (CDRRs) is presented in this paper. First, the inverse kinematics model and forward kinematics model of the patient’s lower limb meeting the needs of rehabilitation training were established. Then, a direct solution method based on space geometry was proposed according to the state and constraints of the patient. The mapping from the patient’s lower limb end point trajectory to the patient’s lower leg trajectory was realized by the above two ways. Finally, considering of the movement of the winders, the inverse kinematics model of the reconfigurable CDRR was derived. Through a reasonable cable distribution, patient’s lower leg was regarded as the mobile platform of the CDRR, and the mapping between the ankle joint trajectory of the patient’s lower limb and the cable length change of the CDRR was finally realized. Taking flexion knee joint rehabilitation action as an example, it is shown that this trajectory planning strategy can plan the trajectory of the required rehabilitation action in a three-dimensional space in the simulation and experimental results.
Enhancement of the cooling by mixed convection of a CPU using a rotating heat sink: Numerical study
Authors: Bakhti Fatima Zohra , Si-Ameur Mohamed , Zerguine Belqassim
Published: November 2022

The technological progress made in recent years has driven electronic apparatus to become not only more efficient and work faster but also considerably smaller in weight and size. Furthermore, the power densities of these devices have known an impressive increase. However, the challenge for the electronic industry is the lifetime device improvement by controlling the adequate removal of their excess heat. The use of more efficient cooling systems is, therefore, crucial in order to ensure durable device functionality. In this work, computational simulation was carried out to study the enhancement cooling process mixed convection of an electronic component (CPU mounted in a motherboard) using a new design of a heat exchanger by combining the heat sink (the finned surface) and the fan in a single component, this allows more heat to be moved faster and with less energy than a conventional cooler. Three radial heat sinks (HS18, HS24 and HS36) are considered depending on circumferential fin numbers ( n  =  18, 24 and 36). The effect of Reynolds number, heat flux and rotational velocity is investigated, and the optimum comprehensive performance was determined. The results reveal the cooling performance turns out to be better for heat sink with n  =  36. The rotational velocity operates a significant effect on the temperature field only for values below than 900 rpm. We also found that the improvement in the Nusselt number and its percentage enhancement is intensified with increased rotational velocity and decreased with heat flux. A bigger Ω and ReΩ meant a more obvious heat transfer enhancement (NuΩ/Nu0) in the case of smaller Q, but (NuΩ/Nu0) decreased with increasing Q.
Nanosize Al2O3 reinforcement in Si-rich aluminum MMC for enhanced tribological performance in engine components
Authors: Singla Amneesh , Singh Yashvir
Published: November 2022

Aluminum metal matrix composites are increasingly popular nowadays because of their wide range of uses. The low weight and excellent mechanical qualities, such as strength and hardness, of Al-Al2O3 composites make them useful in many fields, including automotive, aerospace, electronics, aeronautics, and military. Most of the engine components are made of aluminum-silicon alloys because of their excellent casting and forming properties. In engine components wear is a crucial parameter to be considered therefore in this investigation Al-Si alloy with varying percentages of V2O5 has been considered to develop the Al-Al2O3 composite and evaluate its tribological aspect. For composite development, a novel in-situ approach has been used with the help of the stir-casting method. The tribological behavior of the different composites was examined experimentally and studied with sliding distance, applied load, and the amount of reinforcement. Composites show a significant increase in hardness relative to the base alloy because of the generation of hard alumina particles within the melt. The wear behavior of in-situ Al-Al2O3 composites was studied using a pin-on-disc setup. In terms of COF and wear rate, the composite with a 1% addition of V2O5 performed better in the trial.
A diffuse reflectance portable near infrared spectroscopy system for the determination of biuret content in urea fertilizer
Authors: Liu Jing , Yu Shaohui , Hu Shupeng , Ling Ziyang , Gao Jiguang , Liu Binmei , Yu Lixiang , Yang Yang , Yang Ye , Wang Qi , Ni Xiaoyu , Zhao Liping , Wu Yuejin
Published: November 2022

Simple, rapid, and reliable determination of the biuret content in urea fertilizer is very important for the development of fertilizer industry. A near infrared diffuse reflectance measurement system with a portable spectrometer was developed, in which the reference and dark background spectrum could also be recorded automatically in addition to the absorbance data. The key performances of the proposed NIR system have been tested on urea fertilizer. Numerical experiments showed that the coefficient of determination (R2) of the external validation set was 0.97, with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.04%. The ratios of the performance deviation (RPD) value in the calibration and validation sets were 12 and 3.5, respectively. It can be concluded that this NIR system for the determination of biuret content in urea fertilizer may potentially be used as an alternative method to traditional wet chemical methods due to its simplicity, sensitivity, and portability.
Transgenic Rodent Models in Toxicological and Environmental Research: Future Perspectives
Authors: Christapher Parayil Varghese , Ganeson Thanapakiam , Chinni Suresh V. , Parasuraman Subramani
Published: November 2022

The coexistence of humans and animals has existed for centuries. Over the past decade, animal research has played a critical role in drug development and discovery. More and more diverse animals, including transgenic animals, are used in basic research than in applied research. Transgenic animals are generated using molecular genetic techniques to add functional genes, alter gene products, delete genes, insert reporter genes into regulatory sequences, replace or repair genes, and make changes in gene expression. These genetically engineered animals are unique tools for studying a wide range of biomedical issues, allowing the exhibition of specific genetic alterations in various biological systems. Over the past two decades, transgenic animal models have played a critical role in improving our understanding of gene regulation and function in biological systems and human disease. This review article aims to highlight the role of transgenic animals in pharmacological, toxicological, and environmental research. The review accounts for various types of transgenic animals and their appropriateness in multiple types of studies.
The schoty (abacus) as the phenomenon of Russian accounting
Authors: Sokolov Viatcheslav , Karelskaia Svetlana , Zuga Ekaterina
Published: November 2022

The Russian abacus (the schoty [счёты]) is a unique Russian counting device that has no comparable counterparts anywhere in the world. It was developed when a decimal system was introduced in Russia in the sixteenth century. The Russian abacus took its familiar form in the eighteenth century, and it is still used for arithmetic calculations and for teaching maths at school, as an example of decimal calculations. The widespread use of the Russian abacus in business activities made it an integral part of entrepreneurship and accounting. The Russian abacus became more associated with Russian merchants and accountants than ledgers, and it was depicted in works of fine art. This article describes the history of the schoty, evidence about them from Western historians and mathematicians, the principles for its use as well as its role in accounting, and the descriptions of the schoty in literature and art.
A Critical Assessment of the National Expert Survey Data of the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor
Authors: Rietveld Cornelius A. , Patel Pankaj C.
Published: November 2022

Data collected through the National Expert Survey (NES) of the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) are widely used to benchmark and assess the quality and impact of national entrepreneurial ecosystems. Based on a comprehensive analysis of the publicly available NES data, we show that the construct validity of the survey is not sufficient and that the experts differ so greatly in their evaluations of the entrepreneurial framework conditions (EFCs) in a country that meaningful cross-country and within-country (longitudinal) analyses are precluded. We conclude that the currently available NES data are not suited for motivating policy decisions.
Teratoma of the Tongue in a Fetus: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Zhang Chao , Yuan Cui-Li , Fang Qian , Hu Shuangye
Published: November 2022

Teratomas are tumors composed of multiple embryonic germ layers of tissue, and those occurring in the tongue of the fetus are extremely rare. This paper reports the case of a 20-week-old fetus diagnosed with oral masses combined with a cleft lip and palate using prenatal ultrasonography. The patient decided to terminate the pregnancy due to economic factors after prenatal genetic consultation. The mother underwent induction termination and delivered a stillborn male fetus. The mass originated from the tongue and was pathologically confirmed as a mature teratoma by histology. Teratoma of the tongue is a rare congenital tumor that is usually benign. Its etiology is multifactorial, and prenatal karyotyping is necessary. Ultrasound is the main method of prenatal diagnosis, and magnetic resonance imaging is an effective complement to ultrasonography. Tumors can cause other malformations and abnormalities, and their location and size have an essential impact on prognosis. The imaging approach should focus on the associated abnormalities in order to assess the impact of the mass on the fetal airway and swallowing. Appropriate follow-up imaging can be helpful in the dynamic assessment of management.
Tamoxifen retinopathy and macular telangiectasia: A comparative case series
Authors: Venkatesh Ramesh , Sharief Shama , Jayadev Chaitra , Reddy Nikitha Gurram , Mangla Rubble , Agrawal Rohit , Yadav Naresh Kumar , Chhablani Jay
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To report a case series of tamoxifen retinopathy (TR) with and without type 2 macular telangiectasia (MacTel) and compare their clinical and imaging findings.

Methods

Retrospective comparative study. Female patients with tamoxifen use or with clinical diagnosis of type 2 MacTel were divided into 4 groups: Group A—tamoxifen use without retinopathy; Group B—tamoxifen use with retinopathy; Group C—type 2 MacTel with tamoxifen use and Group D—type 2 MacTel without tamoxifen use. Clinical and image analysis was conducted.

Results

There were 6 patients (11 eyes) in group A, 8 (13 eyes) patients in Group B, 2 patients (4 eyes) in Group C and 8 patients (14 eyes) in Group D respectively. TR patients were young, showed retinal crystals, perifoveal greying and no retinal pigment clumps (RPC) on examination. Foveal contour irregularity (n = 13, 100%) and outer retinal layer damage (n = 11, 85%) were common OCT findings seen in TR. In group C, all eyes showed 360° middle retinal layer (MRL) hyperreflectivity (100% vs 86%) and presence of outer retinal hyporeflective cavitation (100% vs 43%) on OCT compared to patients in group D. Abnormal autofluoroscence, detection and leakage from the telangiectatic vessels on fluorescein and OCT angiography was seen in type 2 MacTel disease.

Conclusion

Patients with TR showed retinal crystals and outer retinal hyporeflective foveal cavitation on OCT. Patients with type 2 MacTel having with tamoxifen intake showed hyporeflective outer retinal foveal cavitation and 360° perifoveal MRL hyperreflectivity on OCT. RPC was observed exclusively in the type 2 MacTel group.
Severe febrile neutropenia associated with satralizumab in an Argentinian neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder patient
Authors: Pestchanker Claudia , Diaconchuk Melina , Lopez Paula , Montaño María Rosa , Romero William , Zalazar Guillermo , Carnero Contentti Edgar
Published: November 2022

Background:

Recently, satralizumab (interleukin-6 receptor blocker) was approved for seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) patients. In SAkuraSky trial, mild neutropenia was reported in 15% of patients under satralizumab. Most neutropenias were transient; grade 3–4 was not related to serious infections. So far, no severe neutropenia (<100 cell/mm3) has been reported worldwide.

Methods:

We present an aquaporin-4-antibody-positive NMOSD patient who developed severe febrile neutropenia 2 weeks after adding satralizumab to her azathioprine treatment.

Conclusion:

Analytic control for satralizumab is recommended at 4 weeks. However, we recommend this control at week 2, in order to closely monitor neutrophil count and prevent further complications.
Evaluating the impact of business coaching programmes by taking perceptions seriously
Authors: Ton Giel , van Rijn Fédes , Pamuk Haki
Published: November 2022

The paper addresses the challenges of evaluating the impact of business coaching programmes with a varied portfolio of firms working across sectors and countries. Observable indicators of changes in business management practices are rarely relevant across sectors. Therefore, evaluators need to rely on the perceptions of the managers who have received coaching. We designed an online survey to compare the effectiveness of business coaching within a portfolio and across programmes. The survey was applied to the portfolio of two private sector development programmes. We derived so-called ‘contribution scores’ from individuals’ perceptions of how business management practices had changed and their perceptions of the role of business coaching in bringing about these changes. The survey included some features to reflect on response reliability. We show that the tool seems fairly reliable for comparative analysis and helped to identify the types of firms and contexts where business coaching support appears more effective.
Influence of pulsed Nd:YAG laser welding power on the microstructures and nano creep behaviour of Ti5Al2.5Sn beads
Authors: Asif Huzaifa , Khan Fahd Nawaz , Shehbaz Tauheed , Junaid Massab , Baig Mirza Nadeem
Published: November 2022

Pulsed Nd:YAG laser beam welding was performed at five different power levels (360 W, 380 W, 400 W, 420 W and 440 W), and the relationship between microstructure and nano creep behaviour was investigated for Ti5Al2.5Sn alloy. Microstructural analysis indicated a reduction in grain size in fusion zone, with an increase in the average laser power. In the fusion zone (FZ) of all the beads, acicular α and ά martensite were observed and confirmed by SEM analysis. Due to the formation of the α and ά phases during welding, the microhardness and nanohardness in the FZ increased by ∼71% and ∼58%, respectively, above that of the base alloy. Nano creep analysis suggested diffusional creep as the deformation mechanism in all the beads, except the one performed at an average power of 440 W since its stress exponent was less than 2.
The role of perceived value in shaping luxury service customers’ self-brand connection
Authors: Lu Shiwen , Ahn Jiseon
Published: November 2022

Building on the literature on luxury consumption behavior, this study investigates customers’ perceived values on their patronage behavior toward luxury service brands. Partial least squares-structural equation modeling is used to test the research model with a sample of 177 American luxury hotel customers. The findings suggest that functional, individual, and social values from experiences influence customers’ perceived connection with a luxury service brand. The bond between customers and brands affects customers’ patronage behavior. Moreover, the role of the self-brand connection on the relationship between the perceived value and behavioral intention indicates that the impact of functional, individual, and social values on patronage behavior, and the self-brand connection is different depending on the perceived congruity with the luxury hotel brand. However, the affluent customers’ perception of financial value does not enhance the self-brand connection. The results suggest that it would be more effective for luxury hotel service providers to build strong and meaningful ties with customers. This study identifies the role of the self-brand connection in the relationships between multidimensional perceived value (i.e. financial, functional, individual, social) and loyal behavior in the luxury service context.
The investigation of effects on the engine performance characteristics of different channel geometries in the displacer cylinder for a beta-type Stirling engine with the slider-crank drive mechanism
Authors: Yaman Hayri , Doğan Battal , Erol Derviş , Yeşilyurt Murat Kadir
Published: November 2022

This study was focused to develop a power generation system that could use renewable energy resources more efficiently. In accordance with this purpose, the design, manufacturing, and testing of a Stirling engine with a β-type slider-crank drive mechanism were carried out. Helium, nitrogen, and air were utilized as working fluids, and experimental studies were performed at various charge pressures. Moreover, the effects of three different channel geometries in the displacer cylinder on the performance were researched. The maximum power was obtained as 160.5 W in a 120-slot channel displacer cylinder in the helium working fluid at a charge pressure of 4 bar and 400 rpm engine speed. The highest torque was found to be 7.92 Nm in a 66-slot channel displacer cylinder in the helium working fluid at the aforementioned charge pressure and 100 rpm engine speed. The lowest engine power output among the maximum engine powers was obtained to be 48.3 W when air was used as a working fluid at a pressure of 4 bar and an engine speed of 200 rpm, using a smooth displacer cylinder. Use of channels in the displacer cylinder and the increased number of channels had positive effects on engine performance. It was determined that the maximum engine power output obtained in the experimental studies was 46.0% and 49.86% higher in the 66-slot channel, and 120-slot channel cylinders, respectively, compared to the smooth displacer cylinder. It has been observed that when the number of channels on the displacer cylinder was increased by approximately 81.8%, an increase of approximately 2.62% was obtained in the engine power output. This situation revealed that optimization of the number of channels is important.
Deep learning prediction of stroke thrombus red blood cell content from multiparametric MRI
Authors: Christiansen Spencer D , Liu Junmin , Bullrich Maria Bres , Sharma Manas , Boulton Melfort , Pandey Sachin K , Sposato Luciano A , Drangova Maria
Published: November 2022

Background and purpose

Thrombus red blood cell (RBC) content has been shown to be a significant factor influencing the efficacy of acute ischemic stroke treatment. In this study, our objective was to evaluate the ability of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to predict ischemic stroke thrombus RBC content using multiparametric MR images.

Materials and methods

Retrieved stroke thrombi were scanned ex vivo using a three-dimensional multi-echo gradient echo sequence and histologically analyzed. 188 thrombus R2*, quantitative susceptibility mapping and late-echo GRE magnitude image slices were used to train and test a 3-layer CNN through cross-validation. Data augmentation techniques involving input equalization and random image transformation were employed to improve network performance. The network was assessed for its ability to quantitatively predict RBC content and to classify thrombi into RBC-rich and RBC-poor groups.

Results

The CNN predicted thrombus RBC content with an accuracy of 62% (95% CI 48–76%) when trained on the original dataset and improved to 72% (95% CI 60–84%) on the augmented dataset. The network classified thrombi as RBC-rich or poor with an accuracy of 71% (95% CI 58–84%) and an area under the curve of 0.72 (95% CI 0.57–0.87) when trained on the original dataset and improved to 80% (95% CI 69–91%) and 0.84 (95% CI 0.73–0.95), respectively, on the augmented dataset.

Conclusions

The CNN was able to accurately predict thrombus RBC content using multiparametric MR images, and could provide a means to guide treatment strategy in acute ischemic stroke.
Catastrophic Trunnion Failure in an Anatomic Titanium Alloy Stem
Authors: Pruitt Benjamin P. , Mears Simon C , Apple Andrew E. , Stambough Jeffrey B. , Barnes C. Lowry , Stronach Benjamin M.
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Certain titanium alloy stems have been shown to be susceptible to failure at the neck with catastrophic trunnion failure. Failure has been particularly noted in the single wedge Accolade 1 stem design. Other stems also used this alloy including the anatomic designed Citation stem.

Methods

This case series details 3 catastrophic failures of the TMZF version of the Citation femoral stem.

Results

Each of these failures appear to be attributed to cyclical wear of the TMZF trunnion against the cobalt chromium femoral head. Wear resulted in ultimate implant failure and significant metal debris in the joint capsule at the time of revision surgery.

Discussion

While surgeons are aware of the risk of catastrophic failure for the Accolade 1 stem, failure may similarly happen in the TMZF Citation stem. Surgeons should monitor these implants with care and discuss the potential for trunnion failure with their patients.
Stroke-like migraine attacks after radiation therapy (SMART) syndrome presenting as a migraine copycat: A case report
Authors: Gharehbagh Sanaz Shoja , Nguyen Nina TTN , Beier Dagmar
Published: November 2022

Background:

Stroke-like migraine attacks after radiation therapy (SMART) syndrome is a possible long term consequence of cranial beam radiation therapy and may present as a perfect mimic of migraine with or without aura.

Methods and Results:

We present a 57-year-old man suffering from diffuse astrocytoma and presenting with SMART syndrome perfectly mimicking his antecedent migraine with visual aura. He was treated with intravenous steroid therapy inducing rapid response.

Conclusion:

SMART syndrome is a rare complex delayed complication of brain radiation therapy, which may present as an isolated migraine with or without aura even decades after cranial radiation. Thus, a sudden intensification or relapse of a previous migraine in a patient with remote cranial radiotherapy constitutes a red flag even decades after cranial irradiation and cured or stable tumor disease on a recent brain MRI. Moreover, SMART syndrome adds to the list of secondary headaches not yet listed in the current International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD3).
Crystal chemistry of povondraite by single-crystal XRD, EMPA, Mössbauer spectroscopy and FTIR
Authors: Bosi Ferdinando , Skogby Henrik , Hovis Guy L.
Published: November 2022

Five povondraite crystals from San Francisco Mine, Villa Tunari, Bolivia, have been structurally and chemically characterised by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and electron microprobe analysis. For the first time, this characterisation is accompanied by Mössbauer spectroscopic and single-crystal infrared spectroscopic data, which show the exclusive presence of Fe3+ at both the octahedrally-coordinated Y and Z sites as well as slight disorder of (OH) and O over the O(1) and O(3) sites.

The data obtained along with those for earlier-studied bosiite and oxy-dravite oxy-tourmalines show a complete substitution series described by the reaction YFe3+3 + ZMg + ZFe3+4 ↔ YAl2 + YMg + ZAl5 (i.e. Fe3+Al–1) with variation of the structural parameters dominated by Fe3+ (or Al). Povondraite is the tourmaline member having the largest unit-cell parameters due to the larger size of Fe3+ relative to other trivalent cations (V > Cr > Al). In the tourmaline-supergroup minerals, the a and c unit-cell parameters vary from ~15.60 Å to ~16.25 Å and ~7.00 Å to ~7.50 Å, respectively. Their values increase with increasing Fe3+ or decreasing Al. End-member compositions related to the smallest and largest a and c parameters are, respectively, NaAl3Al6(Si3B3O18)(BO3)3(OH)3(OH) (synthetic tourmaline) and NaFe3+3(Fe3+4Mg2)(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3O (povondraite).
Revisiting the condensation reaction of lignin in alkaline pulping with quantitativity part III: predominant formation of α-β-type over α-5-type condensation product in soda cooking treatments of apocynol and creosol
Authors: Komatsu Toshihiro , Yokoyama Tomoya
Published: November 2022

Progress in the condensation of lignin is believed to interfere with delignification in alkaline pulping processes without any clear evidence, which motivated us to revisit it quantitatively. This study is the 3rd in the series which evaluates the condensation reactions of lignin in model systems of soda cooking processes using 4-(1-hydroxyethyl)-2-methoxyphenol (apocynol, Ap) and 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol (creosol, Cr). Ap was primarily converted to 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol (vinylguaiacol, Vg) via the quinone methide intermediate to establish equilibrium before condensation reactions proceeded. Only the α-5-type condensation product between Ap and Cr (ApCr, 1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-methylphenyl)ethane) and the α-β-type condensation product between Ap and Vg or two molecules of Vg (ApVg, trans-1,3-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)but-1-ene) were identified without detecting any self-condensation products of Ap. The α-β-type condensation has not been well known and is an important finding of this study. The formation of ApVg was over 10 times faster than that of ApCr, which demonstrates that the α-β-type condensation is a major mode in soda cooking. However, because origins of α-β-type condensation substructures, such as C6-C2-type enol ethers, do not exist in native lignin, the results support our previous conclusion that the condensation reactions of lignin progress less frequently than previously believed.
Silver Halide-Based Nanomaterials in Biomedical Applications and Biosensing Diagnostics
Authors: Zhang Lin , Zhang Hong
Published: November 2022

In recent years, silver halide (AgX, X = Cl, Br, I)-based photocatalytic materials have received increasing research attention owing to their excellent visible-light-driven photocatalytic performance for applications in organic pollutant degradation, HER, OER, and biomedical engineering. Ag as a noble metal has a surface plasma effect and can form Schottky junctions with AgX, which significantly promotes electron transport and increases photocatalytic efficiency. Therefore, Ag/AgX can reduce the recombination rate of electrons and holes more than pure AgX, leading to using AgX as a photocatalytic material in biomedical applications. The use of AgX-based materials in photocatalytic fields can be classified into three categories: AgX (Ag/AgX), AgX composites, and supported AgX materials. In this review, we introduce recent developments made in biomedical applications and biosensing diagnostics of AgX (Ag/AgX) photocatalytic materials. In addition, this review also discusses the photocatalytic mechanism and applications of AgX (Ag/AgX) and supported AgX materials.
The Effects of Rf4 and the Genetic Mechanism Behind Fertility Restoration of Wild Abortive Cytoplasmic Male Sterility (WA-CMS) in Japonica Rice (Oryza sativa ssp. Japonica)
Authors: Zhang Honggen , Li Xixu , Xu Zuopeng , Zhao Xiangqiang , Wan Zihao , Cheng Xiaojun , Liu Qiaoquan , Gu Minghong , Tang Shuzhu
Published: November 2022

Wild abortive-type cytoplasmic male sterility (WA-type CMS) has been exclusively used in hybrid seed production in indica rice cultivars, and fertility restoration in WA-type CMS is controlled by two major restorer genes, Rf3 and Rf4, through a sporophytic mechanism. However, the genetic mechanism underlying fertility restoration in WA-type CMS in japonica cultivars is poorly understood. In the present study, C418, a leading Chinsurah Boro II- (BT)-type japonica restorer line, showed partial restoration ability in WA-type japonica CMS lines. The 1:1 segregation ratio of partially fertile to sterile plants in a three-cross F1 population indicated that fertility restoration is controlled by one dominant gene. Gene mapping and sequencing results revealed that the target gene should be Rf4. The Rf4 gene restores fertility through a sporophytic mechanism, but the Rf4 pollen grains show a preferential fertilization in the testcross F1 plants. Furthermore, Rf4 was confirmed to have only a minor effect on fertility restoration in WA-type japonica CMS lines, and Rf gene dosage effects influenced the fertility restoration of WA-type CMS in japonica rice. The results of our study not only provide valuable insights into the complex genetic mechanisms underlying fertility restoration of WA-type CMS but will also facilitate the efficient utilization of WA-type CMS in japonica rice lines.
Effects of whole body vibration exercise combined with weighted vest in older adults: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Srisaphonphusitti Lertwanlop , Manimmanakorn Nuttaset , Manimmanakorn Apiwan , Hamlin Michael John
Published: November 2022

Background

To evaluate the training effects of whole body vibration (WBV) combined with weighted vest (WV) in older adults.

Methods

This randomized controlled trial study was conducted in healthy older adults living in the community. Fifty-one participants were randomly allocated into 3 groups: group 1 (n = 17), WBV alone, training on WBV at a frequency 30 Hz, amplitude 2 mm, 10 sets of 1 min squats, with 60 s rest, group 2 (n = 15), WV alone, squat exercise, 10 sets of 1 min, with 60 s rest, while WV loaded with 10% body weight and group 3 (n = 19), WBV + WV, combining WBV exercise with the addition of a WV. All groups completed training 3 times per week for 8 weeks. The outcomes were total muscle mass, muscle thickness, maximal isometric strength, single-leg-stance and timed-up-and-go evaluated at baseline and after training.

Results

As a result of training all groups improved their isometric muscle strength with little difference between groups. The single-leg-stance significantly improved only in WBV + WV group 25.1 ± 10.8 s (mean ± 95% CI, p < 0.01). The timed-up-and-go improved in all groups, but the improvement was significantly greater in the WBV + WV group (17.5 ± 6.9%) compared to the WV (8.5 ± 3.2%) and WBV groups (9.2 ± 5.4%, p = 0.043, 0.023 respectively). Rectus femoris muscle thickness and total muscle mass were significantly increased in all groups equally with little difference between groups.

Conclusion

The combined WBV + WV had a greater effect on the single-leg-stance and the timed-up-and-go compared to WV or WBV alone.

Trial registration

TCTR20190306001. Thai Clinical Trials Registry (www.thaiclinicaltrials.org). Date of registration: 6 March 2019.
Risk factors for severe Covid-19 breakthrough infections: an observational longitudinal study
Authors: Ben Fredj Sihem , Ghammem Rim , Zammit Nawel , Maatouk Amani , Haddad Nihel , Haddad Nouha , Kachroudi Manel , Rebai Senda , Laadhari Hafsia , Ghodhbani Mohamed Mizouni , Maatoug Jihen , Ghannem Hassen
Published: November 2022

Background

The drive to vaccinate large populations is nowadays the main instrument for combating the pandemic and preventing serious disease and death. However, breakthrough infection (post-vaccination infection) still happens after vaccination among fully vaccinated people. We aimed to assess the severity outcomes and to determine its associated factors among vaccinated COVID-19 cases in the governorate of Sousse, Tunisia.

Methods

We carried out a five-month observational longitudinal study including all the population of Sousse. Confirmed infections of SARS-CoV-2 and the vaccination status are recorded in the daily COVID- 19 database of the Regional Office of the Tunisian Ministry of Health. We included all post-vaccination COVID-19 cases for the analysis of the COVID-19 serious outcomes. Data were collected via 15-min telephonic call interviews conducted by trained interviewers. Descriptive analysis with calculating incidence rates of confirmed COVID-19 cases per 100,000 inhabitants was conducted. In binary logistic regression, adjusted odds ratios along with 95% intervals confidence were performed to determine factors related to severe or critical COVID-19.

Results

As of 31 July 2021, 107,545 persons over 19 years old have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccination. Among the vaccinated population, we traced and included 765 breakthrough infection cases, and the incidence rate was 711.3 per week. The majority were female (sex-ratio = 0.8), and the average age of the overall cases was 55.7 years. The prevalence of severe or critical cases in vaccinated COVID-19 patients occurs in 10.8% of cases. Patients with a medical history of cardiovascular diseases had more than two times increased odds to have a severe or critical disease. We also found the highest self-estimation of adherence to preventive measures was inversely correlated to serious cases and having an incomplete vaccination schema was strongly associated with complications.

Conclusions

We tried to provide evidence about the breakthrough infections to improve measures of prevention and control of COVID-19. Boosting immunity for vulnerable patients added to maintaining and promoting preventive measures are not only essential to prevent severe cases of breakthrough infections of COVID-19, but also other influenza-like diseases.
A qualitative exploration of people living with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis experience of a virtual pulmonary rehabilitation programme
Authors: O’Shea Orlagh , Murphy Grainne , Forde Luke , O’Reilly Katherine M. A.
Published: November 2022

Background

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is recommended in the treatment of people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Little is known about the experiences of people with IPF of PR. Due to Covid-19 there has been a rapid shift of PR services to remote/virtual delivery.

Objective

To explore people living with IPFs experience of a virtual PR (VPR) programme.

Methods

All patients with a diagnosis of IPF in a stable phase of the disease were invited to participate in virtual PR: a 10 week exercise programme delivered twice-weekly for one hour. One-to-one semi- structured interviews were conducted within one week following the programme. All interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using Braun and Clarke thematic analysis by two independent assessors.

Results

N=13 participants took part in the semi-structured interviews, mean (standard deviation (SD)) age 69.5(10.4) years; 7M:6F. Mean (SD) FEV1 2.6(0.3)L, FVC 2.9(0.4)L. Four key themes were identified: 1) The impact of VPR on health and outlook, (2) The reality of VPR, (3) Being active after VPR and (4) Living with IPF during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Participants reported high levels of enjoyment and engagement with the programme regardless of the health benefits experienced. Most participants expressed a desire for a longer programme. Participants expressed different levels of maintenance with exercise since finishing the programme, specific motivators and strategies for maintenance included lung transplant, the maintenance of benefits from the programme and social support. COVID-19 and the restrictions imposed had some negative impacts on some participants lives, engaging with PR helped overcome some of these.

Conclusion

Despite the progressive nature of IPF, all participants expressed high levels of enjoyment with the programme. Future research should explore strategies for maintenance post PR and the optimum duration of PR for people with IPF.
Patient journey mapping to investigate quality and cultural safety in burn care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families – development, application and implications
Authors: Fraser Sarah , Mackean Tamara , Grant Julian , Hunter Kate , Ryder Courtney , Kelly Janet , Holland Andrew J. A. , Griffin Bronwyn , Clapham Kathleen , Teague Warwick J. , Darton Anne , Ivers Rebecca Q.
Published: November 2022

Background

Quality and safety in Australian healthcare is inequitably distributed, highlighted by gaps in the provision of quality care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Burns have potential for long-term adverse outcomes, and quality care, including culturally safe care, is critical to recovery. This study aimed to develop and apply an Aboriginal Patient Journey Mapping (APJM) tool to investigate the quality of healthcare systems for burn care with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

Study design

Interface research methodology, using biomedical and cultural evidence, informed the modification of an existing APJM tool. The tool was then applied to the journey of one family accessing a paediatric tertiary burn care site. Data were collected through yarning with the family, case note review and clinician interviews. Data were analysed using Emden’s core story and thematic analysis methods. Reflexivity informed consideration of the implications of the APJM tool, including its effectiveness and efficiency in eliciting information about quality and cultural safety.

Results

Through application of a modified APJM tool, gaps in quality care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families were identified at the individual, service and system levels. Engagement in innovative methodology incorporating more than biomedical standards of care, uncovered critical information about the experiences of culturally safe care in complex patient journeys.

Conclusion

Based on our application of the tool, APJM can identify and evaluate specific aspects of culturally safe care as experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and be used for quality improvement.
Dermatological manifestations of tick-borne viral infections found in the United States
Authors: Rupani Ammie , Elshabrawy Hatem A. , Bechelli Jeremy
Published: November 2022

Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are bacterial, viral, and parasitic diseases transmitted by ticks. Viral TBDs have increased in prevalence over the last decade with many new pathogenic viruses being discovered. Doxycycline is often empirically prescribed by clinicians to treat symptomatic patients following tick bites due to suspicions of bacterial TBDs such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis. However, viral TBDs are included in the differential diagnosis if patients do not clinically improve following antibiotic therapy. Several viral TBDs present with dermatological manifestations. Recognizing the differences in clinical presentations of TBDs, particularly of newly emerging viral TBDs in the United States, can help physicians identify the viral TBD, and possibly rule out viral illnesses with different clinical presentations. Therefore, this review discusses clinical manifestations, with an emphasis on dermatologic manifestations of Heartland Virus, Bourbon Virus, Powassan Virus, Deer Tick Virus and Colorado Tick Fever Virus.

Key points

Viral tick-borne diseases have increased in prevalence over the last decade and often have similar clinical manifestations to other tick-borne diseases, including bacterial infections. Here, we review the dermatologic manifestations of Heartland Virus (HRTV), Bourbon Virus (BRBV), Powassan Virus (POWV), Deer Tick Virus (DTV) and Colorado Tick Fever Virus (CTFV) that are important for clinicians.
Transcriptional differences between coronavirus disease 2019 and bacterial sepsis
Authors: Ito Hiroshi , Ishikawa Masakazu , Matsumoto Hisatake , Sugihara Fuminori , Okuzaki Daisuke , Hirata Haruhiko , Ogura Hiroshi
Published: November 2022

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, has led to major public health crises worldwide. Several studies have reported the comprehensive mRNA expression analysis of immune-related genes in patients with COVID-19, using blood samples, to understand its pathogenesis; however, the characteristics of RNA expression in COVID-19 and bacterial sepsis have not been compared. The current study aimed to address this gap.

Methods

RNA-sequencing and bioinformatics analyses were used to compare the transcriptome expression of whole blood samples from patients with COVID-19 and patients with sepsis who were admitted to the intensive care unit of Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine.

Results

The COVID-19 and sepsis cohorts showed upregulation of mitochondrial- and neutrophil-related transcripts, respectively. Compared with that in the control cohort, neutrophil-related transcripts were upregulated in both the COVID-19 and sepsis cohorts. In contrast, mitochondrial-related transcripts were upregulated in the COVID-19 cohort and downregulated in the sepsis cohort, compared to those in the control cohort. Moreover, transcript levels of the pro-apoptotic genes BAK1, CYCS, BBC3, CASP7, and CASP8 were upregulated in the COVID-19 cohort, whereas those of anti-apoptotic genes, such as BCL2L11 and BCL2L1, were upregulated in the sepsis cohort.

Conclusions

This study clarified the differential expression of transcripts related to neutrophils and mitochondria in sepsis and COVID-19 conditions. Mitochondrial-related transcripts were downregulated in sepsis than in COVID-19 conditions, and our results indicated suboptimal intrinsic apoptotic features in sepsis samples compared with that in COVID-19 samples. This study is expected to contribute to the development of specific treatments for COVID-19.
Small extracellular vesicles as key players in cancer development caused by human oncogenic viruses
Authors: Mahmoudvand Shahab , Shokri Somayeh , Nakhaie Mohsen , Jalilian Farid Azizi , Mehri-Ghahfarrokhi Ameneh , Yarani Reza , Shojaeian Ali
Published: November 2022

Background

Exosomes are the smallest group of extracellular vesicles in size from 30 to 150 nm, surrounded by a lipid bilayer membrane, and originate from multivesicular bodies secreted by different types of cells, such as virus-infected cells. The critical role of exosomes is information transfer among cells, representing a unique way for intercellular communication via a load of many kinds of molecules, including various signaling proteins and nucleic acids. In this review, we aimed to comprehensively investigate the role of exosomes in promoting human oncogenic viruses-associated cancers.

Methods

Our search was conducted for published researches between 2000 and 2022 by using several international databases includeing Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science as well as Google scholar. We also reviewed additional evidence from relevant published articles.

Results

It has been shown that exosomes can create the conditions for viral spread in viral infections. Exosome secretion in a human tumor virus can switch on the cell signaling pathways by transferring exosome-encapsulated molecules, including viral oncoproteins, signal transduction molecules, and virus-encoded miRNAs, into various cells.

Conclusion

Given the role of exosomes in viruses-associated cancers, they can also be considered as molecular targets in diagnosis and treatment.
Experience of psychologists in the delivery of cognitive behaviour therapy in a non-western culture for treatment of substance abuse: a qualitative study
Authors: Azad Abrar Hussain , Khan Shahzad Ali , Ali Ijaz , Shafi Hina , Khan Nisar Ahmed , Umar Shaaray Abrar
Published: November 2022

Background

Psychotherapy is the preferred form of treatment for psychological disorders worldwide. Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely used psychotherapies due to its proven efficacy for psychological disorders, including substance abuse. However, CBT was developed in the West according to the culture of developed countries. Therefore, it requires cross-cultural adaptation for non-Western countries. Pakistan is one of the developing non-Western countries where substance use disorders are increasing at an alarming rate. Despite the proven efficacy of CBT for substance use disorders, there is a dearth of its utilization in Pakistan. Therefore, in the present study, in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with CBT practitioners in Pakistan to understand barriers and challenges in this regard. The study was a part of a broader project aimed at cultural adaptation of CBT for people with substance use disorders (SUDs) in Pakistan.

Methods

In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with CBT practitioners (N = 8) working in rehabilitation centres and hospitals in Islamabad, Pakistan. Thematic content analysis was conducted to develop core themes from the data.

Results

CBT for SUDs requires some adjustments according to Pakistani culture for successful utilization. The challenges in providing CBT for SUDs revolved around three main themes, i.e., the mental health system, societal practices, and therapeutic issues, and 10 subthemes.

Conclusion

In order to utilize the benefits of CBT for SUDs in Pakistan, cultural adaptation is necessary as an initial step. However, its delivery requires stringent modifications in the health care system to address these challenges.