bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Work Experience of Chinese Male Nurses Based on the Job Demands-Resources Model: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Gao Yiming , Li Jian , Xie Zihui , Zhao Xiangyu , Zhao Di , Wang Qing , Zhou Miao , Li Ping
Published: February 2023

Aim. This study aimed to quantitatively compare the effects of perceived social support, resilience, and task load on occupational burnout and flow at work in male nurses, as well as the complex relationships among these variables. Background. Male nurses play a vital role in the healthcare system. However, little is known about the key factors that may improve the work experience of male nurses. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to December 2021. A convenience sample of 356 male nurses completed measures of general information, burnout, flow at work, perceived social support, resilience, and task load. Dominance analysis and network analysis were used to explore the associations between the variables studied. Results. Among the variables studied, perceived social support most strongly predicted burnout, while perceived social support and resilience had equal predictive weights in flow at work. The network analysis found that resilience was the bridge indicator with the strongest connections to other variables. Conclusion. The interventions focused on the perceived social support and resilience of male nurses could help improve their work experience. Implications for Nursing Management. Nursing administrators should give male nurses more support and understanding to reduce burnout at work. At the same time, administrators can conduct psychological lectures to improve male nurses’ resilience, thereby increasing their flow at work. Providing challenging tasks that match male nurses’ skills could also help improve their work experience.
Simultaneous Identification of Time-Varying Parameters and External Loads Based on Extended Kalman Filter: Approach and Validation
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxiong , He Jia , Hua Xugang , Chen Zhengqing , Feng Zhouquan
Published: February 2023

Online identification of time-variant parameters without knowledge of external loads is an important but challenging task for structural health monitoring and vibration control. In this study, a two-stage approach, named extended Kalman filter with forgetting factor matrix under unknown inputs (EKF-FFM-UI), is proposed for simultaneously identifying the time-variant parameters and external loads. In stage 1, an extended Kalman filter under unknown inputs (EKF-UI) approach previously proposed by the authors is employed for estimating the structural states and unknown loads. This EKF-UI approach is solely suitable for time-invariant system identification. Therefore, the aim of stage 2 is to improve this approach for the purpose of possessing tracking capability. In this stage, the acceleration responses are first reconstructed by using the differential equation of motion and employed for improving the accuracy of estimated structural states. A forgetting factor matrix is introduced into the priori estimation error covariance matrix to track time-varying parameters. The square errors between the measurements and the corresponding estimates are defined as an index and used for detecting the damage time instant. Then, a covariance resetting technique is employed to assure that such changes in structural parameters can be efficiently captured. A shear-type building structure without/with magneto-rheological (MR) dampers and a fixed beam structure are used as numerical examples for validating the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Experimental tests on a six-story building model are also conducted. Results show the time-varying parameters and unknown inputs can be simultaneously identified with acceptable accuracy.
Investigating the Mediating Effect of Patient Self‐Efficacy on the Relationship between Patient Safety Engagement and Patient Safety in Healthcare Professionals
Authors: Wang Xule , Zhao Yanli
Published: February 2023

Patient safety and involvement of the patients in their safety engagement activities are considered the most important elements in the healthcare professions due to their impact on various individual and organizational outcomes. The study used responses of 456 patients. The simple random sampling (SRS) technique was used to collect data from the respondents. The researcher used individuals as the unit of analysis in this study. The results revealed that patient safety engagement had a positive significant effect on patient safety. When the mediating variable of self‐efficacy was analyzed, it showed a significant mediated effect on patient safety. Therefore, it was concluded that self‐efficacy mediated the relationship between patient safety engagement and patient safety. The findings of the current study convey that engagement of the patient in the practices for patient safety is predicted through the level of self‐efficacy of the patient. The study discussed various implications for theory and practice. The study also discussed potential avenues for future research.
Terminalia brownii Fresen: Stem Bark Dichloromethane Extract Alleviates Pyrogallol‐Induced Suppression of Innate Immune Responses in Swiss Albino Mice
Authors: Mbiri Jane Wanja , Ogila Kenneth , Kisangau Patrick , Gicheru Michael
Published: February 2023

Terminalia brownii is widely used in folklore medicine and has diverse biological activities. However, its effect on the immune system is yet to be studied. Therefore, our study evaluated the immunomodulatory effect of T. brownii on nonspecific immunity. Innate immunity is the initial defence phase against pathogens or injuries. Dichloromethane plant extracts were tested on female Swiss albino mice and Wister rats. The effect of the extract on innate immunity was assessed via total and differential leukocyte counts, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, and nitric oxide production by mouse macrophages. The 3‐(4, 5‐dimethyl thiazolyl‐2)‐2, 5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was employed for viability testing. Phytochemical profiling was carried out using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry, while toxicity studies were carried out following the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development guidelines. Our results demonstrated that administration of T. brownii stem bark dichloromethane extract to pyrogallol‐immuno compromised mice significantly (p < 0.05) increased total and differential leukocyte counts compared with the control. The extract showed no adverse effect on the viability of Vero cells and macrophages and significantly (p < 0.05) augmented tumor necrosis factor‐alpha and nitric oxide production. Hexadecanoic acid, linoleic acid, octadecanoic acid, squalene, campesterol, stigmasterol, and β‐sitosterol, all of which stimulate, were identified in the extract. The extract did not cause any death or toxic signs in rats. In conclusion, T. brownii dichloromethane extract has an immunoenhancing effect on innate immune responses and is not toxic. The observed immunoenhancing impact of the extract was attributed to the presence of the identified compounds. The results of this study provide crucial ethnopharmacological leads towards the development of novel immunomodulators for managing immune‐related disorders.
Evaluation of the Practice of Performing Abdominal CT Scan with Manually Administered Fixed Dose of Contrast in Achieving Adequate Hepatic Enhancement: An Institutional-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Legesse Tesfaye Kebede , Getaneh Mekdelawit Mengistu , Issa Semira Abrar
Published: February 2023

Background. Intravenous (IV) iodine-based contrast agents are administered during computed tomography (CT) examination to enhance the density differences between lesions and surrounding parenchyma, which is important for lesion characterization, and to demonstrate vascular anatomy and vessel patency. Quality of contrast enhancement has a significant influence on diagnostic interpretation and subsequent management. In this study, we assessed the quality of portal venous phase abdominal CT scans performed with a manual injection of a fixed dose of contrast, which is the routine practice at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH). The effect of age and sex was also assessed. Method. A hospital-based retrospective review was performed to identify patients who have had a precontrast and postcontrast abdominal CT scan from November 4, 2020, to September 30, 2022. All patients with abdominal CT scans having precontrast and portal venous phase scans were included in the study. All CT scans were reviewed by the principal investigator and the quality of contrast enhancement was assessed. Results. In this study, there were a total of 379 patients. The mean hepatic attenuations in precontrast and portal venous phase scans were 59.05 ± 6.69 HU and 103.73 ± 12.84 HU. The proportion of scans with less than 50 HU enhancement was 68% (n = 258). There was a significant association between age and sex with contrast enhancement. Conclusion. The hepatic contrast enhancement pattern of abdominal CT scan at the study institution reveals a concerning degree of image quality. This is evidenced by the high number of suboptimal contrast enhancement indices and the highly variable enhancement patterns across different patients. This can have a negative impact on the diagnostic performance of CT imaging and can adversely affect the management. Furthermore, both sex and age affect the pattern of enhancement.
The Comprehensive Analysis of N6-Methyadenosine Writer METTL3 and METTL14 in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Ge Yiling , Zhang Yihan , Yang Sheng , Liu Tong , Zhang Tianyi , Feng Yanlu , Wang Chuntao , Liang Geyu
Published: February 2023

Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) and methyltransferase-like 14 (METTL14) were two core components of the N6-methyadenosine (m6A) methyltransferase complex (MTC) and played a basic role in maintaining an appropriate m6A level of target genes. In gastric cancer (GC), previous researches on the expression and role of METTL3 and METTL14 were not consistent, and their specific function and mechanism have remained elusive. In this study, the expression of METTL3 and METTL14 was evaluated based on the TCGA database, 9 paired GEO datasets, and our 33 GC patient samples, and METTL3 was highly expressed and acted as a poor prognostic factor, whereas METTL14 showed no significant difference. Moreover, GO and GSEA analyses were performed, and the results pointed out that METTL3 and METTL14 were jointly involved in multiple biological processes, while they could also take part in different oncogenic pathways independently. And BCLAF1 was predicted and identified as a novel shared target of METTL3 and METTL14 in GC. In total, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of METTL3 and METTL14 in GC including their expression, function, and role, which could provide a novel insight into the research of m6A modification in GC.
Durvalumab plus Cetuximab in Patients with Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An Open-label, Nonrandomized, Phase II Clinical Trial
Authors: Gulati Shuchi , Crist McKenzie , Riaz Muhammed Kashif , Takiar Vinita , Lehn Maria , Monroe Ilaina , Palackdharry Sarah , Kurtzweil Nicky , Jandarov Roman , Harun Nusrat , Wise-Draper Trisha M.
Published: February 2023

Purpose:

The efficacy of cetuximab is poor in metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Cetuximab initiates natural killer (NK) cell–mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, with resultant recruitment of immune cells and suppression of antitumor immunity. We hypothesized that adding an immune-checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) could overcome this and lead to an enhanced antitumor response.

Patients and Methods:

A phase II study of cetuximab and durvalumab in metastatic HNSCC was conducted. Eligible patients had measurable disease. Patients who had received both cetuximab and an ICI were excluded. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR) by RECIST 1.1 at 6 months.

Results:

As of April 2022, 35 patients enrolled, of whom 33 received at least 1 dose of durvalumab and were included in the response analysis. Eleven patients (33%) had received prior platinum-based chemotherapy, 10 an ICI (30%), and 1 patient (3%) cetuximab. ORR was 39% (13/33) with a median duration of response of 8.6 months [95% confidence interval (CI): 6.5–16.8]. Median progression-free and overall survivals were 5.8 months (95% CI: 3.7–14.1) and 9.6 months (95% CI: 4.8–16.3), respectively. There were 16 grade 3 treatment-related adverse events (TRAE) and one grade 4 TRAE, with no treatment-related deaths. Overall and progression-free survival did not correlate with PD-L1 status. NK cell cytotoxic activity was increased by cetuximab and further increased with the addition of durvalumab in responders.

Conclusions:

The combination of cetuximab and durvalumab demonstrated durable activity with a tolerable safety profile in metastatic HNSCC and warrants further investigation.
Predictive Role of the Systemic Immune Inflammation Index for Intravesical BCG Response in Intermediate- and High-Risk Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Bolat Deniz , Baltaci Sumer , Akgul Murat , Karabay Emre , Izol Volkan , Aslan Guven , Eskicorapci Saadettin , Sahin Hayrettin , Turkeri Levent ,   Members of Bladder Cancer Study Group of Turkish Urooncology Association
Published: February 2023

Introduction: In this study, we aimed to explore using the predictive role of systemic immune inflammation index (SII) for responses of intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) therapy in patients with intermediate- and high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Methods: From 9 centers, we reviewed the data of patients treated for intermediate- and high-risk NMIBC between 2011 and 2021. All patients enrolled in the study presented with T1 and/or high-grade tumors on initial TURB had undergone re-TURB within 4–6 weeks after initial TURB and had received at least a 6-week course of intravesical BCG induction. SII was calculated with the formula SII = (P × N)/L, where P, N, and L refer to peripheral platelet, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts, respectively. In patients with intermediate- and high-risk NMIBC, the clinicopathological features and follow-up data were evaluated to compare SII with other systemic inflammation-based prognostic indices. These included the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-neutrophil ratio (PNR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR). Results: A total of 269 patients were enrolled in the study. Median follow-up time was 39 months. Disease recurrence and progression were observed in 71 (26.4%) and 19 (7.1%) patients, respectively. For groups with and without disease recurrence in terms of NLR, PLR, PNR, and SII calculated prior to intravesical BCG treatment, no statistically significant differences were observed (p = 0.470, p = 0.247, p = 0.495, and p = 0.243, respectively). Moreover, there were also no statistically significant differences between the groups with and without disease progression in terms of NLR, PLR, PNR, and SII (p = 0.504, p = 0.165, p = 0.410, and p = 0.242, respectively). SII did not show any statistically significant difference between early (<6 months) and late (≥6 months) recurrence (p = 0.492) and progression groups (p = 0.216). Conclusion: For patients with intermediate- and high-risk NMIBC, serum SII levels do not present as an appropriate biomarker for the prediction of disease recurrence and progression following intravesical BCG therapy. A possible explanation for the failure of SII to predict BCG response may be found in the impact of Turkey’s nationwide tuberculosis vaccination program.
Learning Curve for Endoscopic Combined Intra-Renal Surgery Using Vacuum-Assisted Device
Authors: Mazzon Giorgio , Claps Francesco , Germinale Federico , Brusa Davide , Choong Simon , Caruso Adara , Pirozzi Marco , Antonelli Alessandro , Cerruto Maria Angela , Celia Antonio
Published: February 2023

Introduction: The aim of the study was to provide data related to endoscopic combined intra-renal surgery learning curve using minimally invasive techniques with vacuum-assisted devices. Minimal data exist on the learning curve for these techniques. Methods: We conducted a prospective study monitoring the training of a mentored surgeon learning ECIRS with vacuum assistance. We use varied parameters for improvements. After collection of peri-operative data, tendency lines and CUSUM analysis were used to investigate the learning curves. Results: 111 patients have been included. Guy’s Stone Score 3 and 4 stones 51.3% of all cases. The mostly used percutaneous sheath was 16 Fr (87.3%). SFR was 78.4%. 52.3% patients were tubeless, and 38.7% achieved trifecta. High-degree complication rate was 3.6%. Operative time improved after 72 cases. We observed a decrease of complications throughout the case series, with improvement after 17 cases. In terms of trifecta, proficiency was reached after 53 cases. Proficiency seems achievable in a limited number of procedures, but results did not plateau. Higher number of cases might be necessary for excellence. Discussion: A surgeon learning ECIRS with vacuum assistance can obtain proficiency in 17–50 cases. The number of procedures required for excellence remains unclear. Exclusion of more complex cases might positively affect the training, reducing unnecessary complications.
NEFL-Related Charcot-Marie Tooth Disease due to P440L Mutation in Two Italian Families: Expanding the Phenotype and Defining Modulating Factors
Authors: Petrucci Antonio , Lispi Ludovico , Garibaldi Matteo , Frezza Erika , Moro Francesca , Massa Roberto , Santorelli Filippo Maria
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Mutations in the neurofilament polypeptide light chain (NEFL) gene account for <1% of all forms of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) diseases and present with different phenotypes, including demyelinating, axonal and intermediate neuropathies, and with diverse pattern of transmission, with dominant and recessive inheritance being described. Methods: Here, we present clinical and molecular data in two new unrelated Italian families, affected with CMT. Results: We studied fifteen subjects (11 women, 4 men), age range 23–62 year. Onset of symptoms was mainly in childhood, with running/walking difficulties; some patients were pauci-asymptomatic; almost all shared variably distributed features of absent/reduced deep tendon reflexes, impaired gait, reduced sensation, and distal weakness in the legs. Skeletal deformities were seldom documented and were of mild degree. Additional features included sensorineural hearing loss in 3 patients, underactive bladder in 2 patients, and cardiac conduction abnormalities, requiring pacemaker implantation, in one child. Central nervous system (CNS) impairment was not documented in any subject. Neurophysiological investigation disclosed feature suggestive of demyelinating sensory-motor polyneuropathy in one family and resembling an intermediate form in the other. Multigene panel analysis of all known CMT genes revealed two heterozygous variants in NEFL: p.E488K and p.P440L. While the latter change segregated with the phenotype, the p.E488K variant appeared to act as a modifier factor being associated with axonal nerve damage. Conclusions: CMT related to P440L mutation in NEFL is associated with a mild, childhood-onset phenotype, showing prevalently sensory distal limbs involving and with motor impairment predominantly involving anterolateral leg muscles, in the absence of CNS involvement. Additional findings, never reported so far in patients with NEFL mutation, are cardiological and urinary dysfunctions. Our study expands the array of clinical features associated with NEFL-related CMT.
Addressing Emotional Dysregulation and Potential Pharmacogenetic Implication of 5-HTTLPR Genotype in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Tan Hao Xuan , Md Kamal Adam , Thurairajasingam Sivakumar , Phipps Maude Elvira
Published: February 2023

Background: This review unpacks the emotional presentation of externalizing behaviors in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), by diving into the psychophysiology, neurophysiology, and neurogenetics in relation to executive function. The correlations among these three variables are identified, showing that standard assessments for ADHD leave out the emotional dysregulation element. This may lead to suboptimal management outcomes during the developmental progression into adolescence and adulthood. Summary: The emotional impulsivity manifestation in adolescence and adulthood related to the under-managed emotional dysregulation in childhood is found to be associated with subtle confounding impact of 5-HTTLPR (serotonin-transporter-linked promoter region) genotype. The genotype of interest affects the neurochemistry, neurophysiology, and psychophysiology of the cognition for executive function. The established practice of using methylphenidate in treating ADHD surprisingly has a neurogenetic effect in targeting the genotype of interest. Methylphenidate provides neuroprotective effects throughout the neurodevelopment timeline from childhood to adulthood. Key Messages: The emotional dysregulation element in ADHD which is often overlooked should be addressed to improve the prognostic outcomes in adolescence and adulthood.
Risk of Target Organ Damage in Children With Primary Ambulatory Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chung Jason , Robinson Cal H. , Yu Andrew , Bamhraz Abdulaziz A. , Ewusie Joycelyne E. , Sanger Stephanie , Mitsnefes Mark , Parekh Rulan S. , Raina Rupesh , Thabane Lehana , Dionne Janis M. , Chanchlani Rahul
Published: February 2023

Background:

Target organ damage (TOD) such as left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), abnormal pulse wave velocity, and elevated carotid intima-media thickness are common among adults with hypertension and are associated with overt cardiovascular events. The risk of TOD among children and adolescents with hypertension confirmed by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is poorly understood. In this systematic review, we compare the risks of TOD among children and adolescents with ambulatory hypertension to normotensive individuals.

Methods:

A literature search was conducted to include all relevant English-language publications from January 1974 to March 2021. Studies were included if patients underwent 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and ≥1 TOD was reported. Ambulatory hypertension was defined by society guidelines. Primary outcome was the risk of TOD, including LVH, left ventricular mass index, pulse wave velocity, and carotid intima-media thickness among children with ambulatory hypertension compared with those with ambulatory normotension. Meta-regression calculated the effect of body mass index on TOD.

Results:

Of 12 252 studies, 38 (n=3609 individuals) were included for analysis. Children with ambulatory hypertension had an increased risk of LVH (odds ratio, 4.69 [95% CI, 2.69–8.19]), elevated left ventricular mass index (pooled difference, 5.13 g/m
2.7
; [95% CI, 3.78–6.49]), elevated pulse wave velocity (pooled difference, 0.39 m/s [95% CI, 0.20–0.58]), and elevated carotid intima-media thickness (pooled difference, 0.04 mm [95% CI, 0.02–0.05]), compared with normotensive children. Meta-regression showed a significant positive effect of body mass index on left ventricular mass index and carotid intima-media thickness.

Conclusions:

Children with ambulatory hypertension have adverse TOD profiles, which may increase their risk for future cardiovascular disease. This review highlights the importance of optimizing blood pressure control and screening for TOD in children with ambulatory hypertension.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/
; Unique identifier: CRD42020189359
Therapeutic Hypothermia Inhibits Hypoxia‐Induced Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis Via the MiR‐483‐3p/Cdk9 Axis
Authors: Xue Qiqi , Zhang Qianru , Guo Zhenzhen , Wu Liping , Chen Yafen , Chen Zhongli , Yang Ke , Cao Jiumei
Published: February 2023

Background

Therapeutic hypothermia has a beneficial effect on cardiac function after acute myocardial infarction, but the exact mechanism is still unclear. Recent research has suggested that microRNAs participate in acute myocardial infarction to regulate cardiomyocyte survival. This study aimed to explore the ability of hypothermia‐regulated microRNA‐483‐3p (miR‐483‐3p) to inhibit hypoxia‐induced myocardial infarction.

Methods and Results

Primary cardiomyocytes were cultured under hypoxia at 32 °C to mimic therapeutic hypothermia, and the differentially expressed microRNAs were determined by RNA sequencing. Therapeutic hypothermia recovered hypoxia‐induced increases in apoptosis, decreases in ATP levels, and decreases in miR‐483‐3p expression. Overexpression of miR‐483‐3p exhibited effects similar to those of therapeutic hypothermia on hypoxia in the treatment of cardiomyocytes to associate with maintaining the mitochondrial membrane potential, and cyclin‐dependent kinase 9 (Cdk9) was identified as a target gene with downregulated expression by miR‐483‐3p. Knockdown of Cdk9 also promoted cardiac survival, ATP production, and mitochondrial membrane potential stability under hypoxia. In vivo, the expression of miR‐483‐3p and Cdk9 was tested in the cardiac tissue of the mice with acute myocardial infarction, and the expression of miR‐483‐3p decreased and Cdk9 increased in the region of myocardial infarction. However, miR‐483‐3p was overexpressed with lentivirus, which suppressed apoptosis, infarct size (miR‐483‐3p, 22.00±4.04% versus negative control, 28.57±5.44%,
P
<0.05), and Cdk9 expression to improve cardiac contractility.

Conclusions

MiR‐483‐3p antagonizes hypoxia, leading to cardiomyocyte injury by targeting Cdk9, which is a new mechanism of therapeutic hypothermia.
Evaluating High‐Confidence Genes in Conotruncal Cardiac Defects by Gene Burden Analyses
Authors: Chui Martin M. C. , Mak Christopher C. Y. , Yu Mullin H. C. , Wong Sandra Y. Y. , Lun Kin‐Shing , Yung Tak‐Cheung , Kwong Anna K. Y. , Chow Pak‐Cheong , Chung Brian H. Y.
Published: February 2023

Background

In nonsyndromic conotruncal cardiac defects, the use of next‐generation sequencing for clinical diagnosis is increasingly adopted, but gene‐disease associations in research are only partially translated to diagnostic panels, suggesting a need for evidence‐based consensus.

Methods and Results

In an exome data set of 245 patients with conotruncal cardiac defects, we performed burden analysis on a high‐confidence congenital heart disease gene list (n=132) with rare (<0.01%) and ultrarare (absent in the Genome Aggregation Database) protein‐altering variants. Overall, we confirmed an excess of rare variants compared with ethnicity‐matched controls and identified 2 known genes (
GATA6, NOTCH1
) and 4 candidate genes supported by the literature (
ANKRD11, DOCK6, NPHP4
, and
STRA6
). Ultrarare variant analysis was performed in combination with 3 other published studies (n=1451) and identified 3 genes (
FLT4, NOTCH1, TBX1
) to be significant, whereas a subgroup analysis involving 391 Chinese subjects identified only
GATA6
as significant.

Conclusions

We suggest that these significant genes in our rare and ultrarare burden analyses warrant prioritization for clinical testing implied for rare inherited and de novo variants. Additionally, associations on ClinVar for these genes were predominantly variants of uncertain significance. Therefore, a more stringent assessment of gene‐disease associations in a larger and ethnically diverse cohort is required to be prudent for future curation of conotruncal cardiac defect genes.
A Cross-National Study of Fear Appeal Messages in YouTube Trending Videos About COVID-19
Authors: Ng Yee Man Margaret
Published: February 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the need for investigating the prevalence and nature of health communication on social media. Applying the Extended Parallel Process Model, this study analyzes the use of fear appeals in 2,152 YouTube trending videos across six countries (the United States, Brazil, Russia, Taiwan, Canada, and New Zealand) from January to May 2020. The findings reveal that, during the early stage of the outbreak, COVID-19-themed videos gained early attention in Taiwan but encountered a prolonged delay in the United States and Brazil. Specifically, COVID-19 videos featured the least in Brazil’s trending list. The results from a supervised machine learning coding approach further suggest that videos’ threat levels exceeded efficacy beliefs across all countries. This imbalance of threat–efficacy messages was most significant in hard-hit countries Brazil and Russia, which social media may run the risk of feeding fear to the public agenda. These findings alert content creators and social media platforms to create a threat–efficacy equilibrium, prioritizing content that promotes a sense of self- and community efficacy and increases people’s belief that effective protective actions are available.
A Comparison of Short Versus Long Course Intravenous Antibiotics When Treating Urinary Tract Infection in Infants <60 Days of Age
Authors: Zu’bi Fadi , Pokarowski Martha , Al-Kutbi Rusul , Science Michelle , Vallipuram Janaki , O’Kelly Fardod , Chua Michael , Friedman Jeremy , Koyle Martin
Published: February 2023

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common reason for hospitalization in infants younger than 60 days, and the optimal approach to intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy upon UTI diagnosis in this cohort is unknown. We determined whether there was an association between IV antibiotic therapy duration (long [>3 days] vs short [≤3 days]) and treatment failure via a retrospective review of infants with confirmed UTIs receiving IV antibiotics at a tertiary referral center. A total of 403 infants were included; 39% were treated with ampicillin and cefotaxime, and 34% with ampicillin and gentamycin or tobramycin. The median IV antibiotic duration was 5 (interquartile range: 3-10) days, and 5% of patients experienced treatment failure. The treatment failure rate was similar in both short- and long-course IV antibiotic groups ( P > .05), and there was no significant association between treatment duration and failure. We conclude that treatment failure for infants hospitalized with UTI is uncommon and not associated with IV antibiotic duration.
Fisheye-based visual aligned regulation for wheeled mobile robots
Authors: Zhu Guoxin , Li Baoquan , Shi Wuxi , Zhang Xuebo
Published: February 2023

In this paper, a fisheye-based visual servo regulation method is proposed for wheeled mobile robots, which utilizes motion planning algorithms to provide trajectories for driving the robot to desired poses in an aligned pattern. To satisfy the wide field-of-view (FOV) requirement in robotic systems, the image projection model of fisheye is analyzed, and derivation and estimation of homography for fisheye vision are implemented to facilitate robotic pose calculation. Compared with traditional visual regulation schemes, motion planning and trajectory tracking techniques are combined to make mobile robots reach given poses in the frontal aligned style, which guarantees the robot to move smoothly and is extendable such as for car-like robots. Desired image trajectories are calculated reversely by the fisheye model with respect to the planned geometric path, and then a tracking controller is employed for maneuvering the mobile robot. Simulation and comparative experimental results are collected to verify effectiveness of the proposed strategy.
The effects of acute Methylene Blue administration on cerebral blood flow and metabolism in humans and rats
Authors: Singh Nisha , MacNicol Eilidh , DiPasquale Ottavia , Randall Karen , Lythgoe David , Mazibuko Ndabezinhle , Simmons Camilla , Selvaggi Pierluigi , Stephenson Stephanie , Turkheimer Federico E , Cash Diana , Zelaya Fernando , Colasanti Alessandro
Published: February 2023

Methylene Blue (MB) is a brain-penetrating drug with putative neuroprotective, antioxidant and metabolic enhancing effects. In vitro studies suggest that MB enhances mitochondrial complexes activity. However, no study has directly assessed the metabolic effects of MB in the human brain. We used in vivo neuroimaging to measure the effect of MB on cerebral blood flow (CBF) and brain metabolism in humans and in rats. Two doses of MB (0.5 and 1 mg/kg in humans; 2 and 4 mg/kg in rats; iv) induced reductions in global cerebral blood flow (CBF) in humans (F(1.74, 12.17)5.82, p = 0.02) and rats (F(1,5)26.04, p = 0.0038). Human cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2) was also significantly reduced (F(1.26, 8.84)8.01, p = 0.016), as was the rat cerebral metabolic rate of glucose (CMRglu) (t = 2.6(16) p = 0.018). This was contrary to our hypothesis that MB will increase CBF and energy metrics. Nevertheless, our results were reproducible across species and dose dependent. One possible explanation is that the concentrations used, although clinically relevant, reflect MB’s hormetic effects, i.e., higher concentrations produce inhibitory rather than augmentation effects on metabolism. Additionally, here we used healthy volunteers and healthy rats with normal cerebral metabolism where MB’s ability to enhance cerebral metabolism might be limited.
Identifying the distinct spectral dynamics of laminar-specific interhemispheric connectivity with bilateral line-scanning fMRI
Authors: Choi Sangcheon , Chen Yi , Zeng Hang , Biswal Bharat , Yu Xin
Published: February 2023

Despite extensive efforts to identify interhemispheric functional connectivity (FC) with resting-state (rs-) fMRI, correlated low-frequency rs-fMRI signal fluctuation across homotopic cortices originates from multiple sources. It remains challenging to differentiate circuit-specific FC from global regulation. Here, we developed a bilateral line-scanning fMRI method to detect laminar-specific rs-fMRI signals from homologous forepaw somatosensory cortices with high spatial and temporal resolution in rat brains. Based on spectral coherence analysis, two distinct bilateral fluctuation spectral features were identified: ultra-slow fluctuation (<0.04 Hz) across all cortical laminae versus Layer (L) 2/3-specific evoked BOLD at 0.05 Hz based on 4 s on/16 s off block design and resting-state fluctuations at 0.08–0.1 Hz. Based on the measurements of evoked BOLD signal at corpus callosum (CC), this L2/3-specific 0.05 Hz signal is likely associated with neuronal circuit-specific activity driven by the callosal projection, which dampened ultra-slow oscillation less than 0.04 Hz. Also, the rs-fMRI power variability clustering analysis showed that the appearance of L2/3-specific 0.08–0.1 Hz signal fluctuation is independent of the ultra-slow oscillation across different trials. Thus, distinct laminar-specific bilateral FC patterns at different frequency ranges can be identified by the bilateral line-scanning fMRI method.
Post-buckling of variable stiffness curvilinear fibre-reinforced general lay-up composite beams by sinusoidal shear flexible theory
Authors: Manickam Ganapathi , Polit Olivier , Haboussi Mohamed , Chettiar Alfred , Kulkarni Vedang , Gunasekaran Vijay
Published: February 2023

The mechanical post-buckling behaviour of variable stiffness layered composite beams reinforced by curvilinear fibres subjected to compressive loads is investigated here using a sine function-based shear flexible beam model. The neutral axis stretching force stemming from the axial movement restraints is accounted for through von Karman’s assumption based geometrical nonlinearity. Furthermore, the modified beam constitutive equation arising from the consideration of the Poisson’s effect is introduced in the formulation for the laminated beam analysis with general lay-up or ply sequences. The governing equations incorporating the incremental stiffness matrices are formed through the minimization of total potential energy principle and are solved by numerical method. The solutions for the developed governing equations are evaluated iteratively based on eigenvalue analysis and the characteristics of post-buckling of laminated beams can be inferred through the relationship between the beam deflection level and post-buckling axial load. An in-depth analysis selecting many design parameters for instance lamina’s curvilinear fibre angles, beam slenderness ratio, lay-up and edge conditions, load type and so on is dealt with in bringing out the behaviour of variable stiffness laminated beam in linear and post-buckling regions. Also, the influence of flexible end supports by restraining elastically against ends rotation is studied on the beam elastic stability behaviour.
Study on damaged micro-mechanism of pipe wall during braking and anchoring process of pipeline intelligent plugging robot
Authors: Tang Yang , Minghai Zhou , Sun Peng , Wu Jie , Wang Qiang , Wu Ju
Published: February 2023

Pipeline intelligent plugging robot (PIPR) realizes braking and anchoring through hard contact of slip and pipeline. This process will cause bite marks on the inner wall of the pipeline, which will aggravate corrosion and shorten the service life of the pipeline. Therefore, it is necessary to comprehensively consider slip anchoring performance and degree of pipeline damage, and optimize slip structure parameters of PIPR, to reduce the damage caused by hard contact between slip and pipeline. Based on force analysis and the hard contact mechanism of PIPR in the course of the anchoring process, the damage factors of pipe walls are analyzed, and a finite element analysis model of slip and pipeline is established. The plastic strain of the inner surface of the pipeline, the plastic strain of slip, and the von Mises stress under three parameters of slip tooth top angle, tooth inclination angle, and tooth number are comprehensively evaluated. In addition, visible indoor tests are established to verify the simulation model. The results show that the optimal tooth structure of slip is tooth top angle [Formula: see text], tooth inclination angle [Formula: see text], and tooth number [Formula: see text]. This study will provide a reference for the optimal design of the slip of PIPR. It has important engineering significance for the successful implementation of its anchoring operations.
Emerging Principles of Attention and Information Demand
Authors: Gottlieb Jacqueline
Published: February 2023

I review recent literature on information demand and its implications for attention control. I argue that this literature motivates a view of attention as a mechanism that reduces uncertainty by selectively sampling sensory stimuli on the basis of expected information gain (EIG). I discuss emerging evidence on how individuals estimate the two quantities that determine EIG, prior uncertainty and stimulus diagnosticity (predictive accuracy). I also discuss the neural mechanisms that compute EIG and integrate it with rewards in frontoparietal, executive, and neuromodulatory circuits. I end by considering the implications of this framework for a broader understanding of the factors that assign relevance to sensory stimuli and the role of attention in decision making and other cognitive functions.
A method for determining the ductile damage parameters of high strength steels and weld metal
Authors: Wang Xu , Shuai Jian , Ren Wei , Zhang Tieyao , He Jianying , Zhang Zhiliang
Published: February 2023

The microvoid based Gurson-Tvergaard-Needleman (GTN) model is a powerful tool for predicting ductile fracture behavior, and application of such model to steels and welds needs the identification of microvoid related damage parameters. Currently, there is no standard damage parameter identification method available. In this study the previously proposed complete Gurson model (CGM) where a physical void coalescence mechanism is incorporated into the GTN model is revisited. According to the CGM, the void nucleation process dictates ductile fracture. By adopting the cluster nucleation model with an effective initial void volume fraction as the only controlling parameter, a method is proposed to explicitly determine the effective initial void volume fraction from the strain at maximum load and strain at fracture of a specially designed notched tensile specimen. The proposed equation has been experimentally verified by applying to three high strength materials, including a X80 pipeline steel and associated weld metal, and a 15CrMo steel. A general procedure for damage parameter identification is also suggested. It is argued that the obtained effective initial void volume fraction can be treated as a type of material ductility indicator.
A novel damage index integrating piezoelectric impedance and ultrasonic guided wave for damage monitoring of bolted joints
Authors: Liao Weilin , Sun Hu , Wang Yishou , Qing Xinlin
Published: February 2023

The structural safety of bolted joints, one of the typical connection techniques utilized in engineering applications, is threatened by the harsh service environment. Herein, a novel damage index (DI) integrating piezoelectric impedance and ultrasonic guided wave is proposed for satisfying the damage monitoring needs of bolted joints. By integrating the two sensing techniques, the shortcomings of a single sensing technique in terms of signal interpretation, stability, and structural adaptability are eliminated. The novel damage severity factor DIZ-V is formed by fusing the damage indices DIZ and DIV weighted by multi-class DIs of the two sensing techniques. Thanks to DIZ-V and a damage mode identification factor presented in this paper, the damage modes and damage severity of early-stage bolt loosening and crack damage are identified. Furthermore, a novel dynamic superposition model (DSM) based on a dynamic-update baseline is developed to address the deficiency that the static baseline method (SBM) has. SBM utilizes the undamaged state signal as the baseline and has the problem of being prone to failure in the later-stage of monitoring. Thus, the phenomenon of nonlinear variation of DIZ-V caused by damage deterioration was avoided via DSM optimization. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method were verified by conducting a series of practical damage identification tests on aluminum bolted joints. And the results demonstrated that the proposed technique could not only identify the severity and mode of damage, but also has excellent reliability. Therefore, the novel damage monitoring technique for bolted joints is a good complement to the existing techniques, which can provide a new strategy for damage monitoring.
Contributing Factors for Success of Nontraditional Students at Online Doctoral Programs
Authors: Kebritchi Mansureh , Rominger Ryan , McCaslin Mark
Published: February 2023

Online education has become an integral part of higher education with the ever-increasing demand for online doctoral programs. The purpose of this mixed-method study was to explore the nature of student success and contributing factors to improving student success for nontraditional students in an online doctoral program. Relationships between students’ grittiness, Big Five personality traits, and their success were explored. Purposeful sampling was used to recruit 136 doctoral alumni, faculty, and administrators. The findings indicated nature of student success is defined by the completion of a degree and professional advancement by enhancement of personal and program qualities, relationship with faculty, soft, technical, social skills, and social support. Students’ grittiness, but not their personality traits, was correlated with the length of completing their studies. A student success model was developed with student grit, program-student goal alignment, and a supportive program structure. The findings help to improve doctoral programs and student success.
Longitudinal developmental profile of newborns and toddlers treated for spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Ngawa Magali , Dal Farra Fabian , Marinescu Andrei-Dan , Servais Laurent
Published: February 2023

Background:

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) results from a loss-of-function mutation in the SMN1 gene. SMA patients suffer progressive motor disability, although no intellectual impairments have been described. Three drugs have been recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). These drugs result in longer life expectancy for SMA type 1 (SMA1) patients.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to assess longitudinally the psychomotor development of patients with SMA1 treated after the symptom onset and of patients treated presymptomatically.

Design:

Longitudinal, monocentric, noninterventional, prospective study.

Methods:

Our study included 11 SMA1 patients and seven presymptomatic SMA patients. The SMA1 patients were treated with an approved drug beginning after onset of symptoms; treatment for the presymptomatic patients was begun before symptom onset. They were longitudinally evaluated between September 2018 and January 2022 using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development™ – Third Edition.

Results:

At each time point, all patients treated presymptomatically scored above those treated postsymptomatically on the motor scale. The cognitive scores of six of the seven patients treated presymptomatically were average; one patient was in the low average range. In the 11 postsymptomatically treated patients, four scored either in the low average or the abnormal range on the cognitive scale, but a positive trend was observed during the follow-up.

Conclusion:

A significant proportion of patients treated postsymptomatically scored below average on cognitive and communicative scales, with most significant concerns raised about the age of 1 year. Our study indicates that intellectual development should be considered as an important outcome in treated SMA1 patients. Cognitive and communicative evaluations should be performed as part of standard of care, and guidance should be provided to parents for optimal stimulation.
The Effect of Job Rotation in a Fixed Wage Setting Model
Authors: Shahiri Hazrul , Husin Kamal Azri , Khain Wye Chung
Published: February 2023

The study investigates the extent job rotation on the career development of Royal Malaysian Navy officers in a fixed wage setting model. It attempts to fill in the gap in literatures concerning the impact of job rotation in a non-conventional wage setting model. The present study is benefited from an actual data set of Royal Malaysian Navy officers that is obtained from Department of Human Resource, Royal Malaysian Navy in 2017. The data consists of 1,686 officers that are ranked from Lieutenant RMN (ZA18/44) to Captain RMN (ZA24/5)2. The analysis of an Ordinary Least Squares OLS regression showed that job rotation is positively associated with education level, training, and experience. The likelihood of job rotation increases if the nature of job is more flexible in terms of hours of work, skill, and content. Further, there is a significant effect of job rotation on wage. Specifically, a quantile regression indicates that the low rank positions such as Lieutenant and Lieutenant Commander are benefited more from job rotation than a Captain in terms of wage premium. However, the small effect of job rotation in the fixed wage setting environment suggests a need to review the way job rotation is being implemented by Department of Human Resource, Royal Malaysian Navy. In this regard, work experience should be viewed as an important catalyst for enhancing the positive wage impact of job rotation, so much so that it outweighs the role played by educational attainment in the Malaysian navy sector.