bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Significance of the prostate central gland and total gland volume ratio in the diagnosis of prostate cancer patients in the prostate specific antigen grey zone
Authors: Guo Zhui-Feng , Yang Fan , Lu Xu-Wei , Wu Jia-Wen , He Chang , Han Cong-Hui
Published: July 2021

Objective

To explore the significance of the prostate central gland to total gland volume ratio (PVc/PV) in the diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa) in patients with prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels in the grey zone (4–10 ng/ml).

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled patients that had undergone prostate biopsy. The volume of the prostate and the central prostate gland were measured. The differences in PSA, the ratio of free to total PSA (f/tPSA), PSA density (PSAD) and PVc/PV between the PCa and non-PCa groups were compared. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for PCa and clinically significant PCa (csPCa) diagnosis were calculated according to PSA (reference), f/tPSA, PSAD and PVc/PV.

Results

This study enrolled 136 patients. There was no significant difference in PSA and f/tPSA between the PCa and non-PCa groups, while there were significant differences in PSAD and PVc/PV. The area under the curve values of PVc/PV for PCa or csPCa diagnosis were 0.876 and 0.933, respectively; and for PSAD, they were 0.705 and 0.790, respectively. These were significantly different compared with the PSA curve, whereas f/tPSA showed no significant difference from the PSA curve.

Conclusion

PVc/PV could be a predictor of PCa when PSA is between 4–10 ng/ml.
Novel inflammatory markers in the blood of patients with knee synovitis
Authors: Gao Kun , Zhang Yong , Sun Shufen , Lin Baocheng , Liu Weidong , Lai Wenqiang , Wu Yihong , Lin Zhanpeng , Jiang Yinglu , Cao Yafei , Yu Weiji , Chen Dayu
Published: July 2021

Objective

Synovitis is a joint disease that seriously affects patient quality of life, but there are currently no diagnostic markers. The albumin to fibrinogen ratio (AFR) and monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR) are non-invasive and cost-effective markers for various systemic inflammatory diseases. However, these markers have not yet been investigated for synovitis. This cross-sectional study evaluated the predictive ability of AFR and MLR in patients with non-specific knee synovitis.

Methods

One hundred fifty-five patients with knee synovitis and 108 healthy control patients were enrolled. Patient characteristics, blood parameters, AFRs, and MLRs were assessed, and the diagnostic value of these factors was determined.

Results

Among 125 patients included, patients with synovitis had a lower AFR and higher MLR than control subjects. The diagnostic values of AFR and MLR were 0.86 and 0.84, respectively, and higher compared with other parameters by receiver operating characteristic curve assessments. Additionally, MLR was negatively correlated with AFR. Late-stage patients showed significantly lower AFRs and significantly higher MLRs than early-stage patients. Binary logistic regression analyses indicated that AFR was an independent predictor for synovitis severity.

Conclusions

The AFR and MLR had high diagnostic value for knee synovitis. The AFR was an independent predictor for synovitis severity.
Management of Tooth Size Arch Perimeter Discrepancy: An Indian Board of Orthodontics Case Report
Authors: Kochar Gagan Deep
Published: July 2021

This case was submitted to the board under Category I for the Indian Board of Orthodontics examination. This communication describes the management of a female patient who presented with severe crowding in both upper and lower arches. Comprehensive fixed orthodontic mechanotherapy including extractions of all first premolars was carried out. Stable harmonious occlusion was achieved on long-term follow-up.
Disparities by deprivation: The geographical impact of unprecedented changes in local authority financing on the voluntary sector in England
Authors: Clifford David
Published: July 2021

Over the last decade, the local government finance system in England has experienced ‘genuinely revolutionary change’: overall revenues have declined and councils are now more reliant on locally raised taxes. Importantly, the nature of change has varied geographically: urban councils serving poorer communities have experienced the biggest declines in their service spending. This paper considers the impact of these spatially uneven changes on the voluntary sector. We follow through time charities known to be in receipt of local government funding at the time of peak council budgets in 2009–2010 and describe trends in the income of these charities until 2016–2017. We show that, just as the pattern of change in local government financing has been spatially uneven, so the trend in charities’ income has varied geographically. Indeed the spatially regressive nature of recent change in charities’ income is remarkable: while the median charity in the least deprived decile of the local authority distribution experienced little change in their income, the median charity in the most deprived decile experienced a 20% decline. The results provide the strongest evidence to date that, in countries with a history of partnership between government and the voluntary sector, voluntary organisations in more deprived areas are particularly vulnerable to sizeable reductions in the level of local government spending. Indeed, by illustrating for the first time the sizeable reductions in the income of charities in disadvantaged communities, the results demonstrate an important mechanism through which ‘austerity urbanism’ becomes salient in the lives of individuals in deprived areas.
Fresh Osteochondral and Chondral Allograft Preservation and Storage Media: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Tabbaa Suzanne M. , Guilak Farshid , Sah Robert L. , Bugbee William D.
Published: July 2021

Background:

Storage procedures and parameters have a significant influence on the health of fresh osteochondral allograft (OCA) cartilage. To date, there is a lack of agreement on the optimal storage conditions for OCAs.

Purpose:

To systematically review the literature on (1) experimental designs and reporting of key variables of ex vivo (laboratory) studies, (2) the effects of various storage solutions and conditions on cartilage health ex vivo, and (3) in vivo animal studies and human clinical studies evaluating the effect of fresh OCA storage on osteochondral repair and outcomes.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 5.

Methods:

A systematic review was performed using the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases. The inclusion criteria were laboratory studies (ex vivo) reporting cartilage health outcomes after prolonged storage (>3 days) of fresh osteochondral or chondral tissue explants and animal studies (in vivo) reporting outcomes of fresh OCA. The inclusion criteria for clinical studies were studies (>5 patients) that analyzed the relationship of storage time or chondrocyte viability at time of implantation to patient outcomes. Frozen, cryopreserved, decellularized, synthetic, or tissue-engineered grafts were excluded.

Results:

A total of 55 peer-reviewed articles met the inclusion criteria. Ex vivo studies reported a spectrum of tissue sources and storage solutions and conditions, although the majority of studies lacked complete reporting of key variables, including storage solution formula and environmental conditions. The effect of various conditions (eg, temperature) and storage solutions on cartilage health were inconsistent. Although 60% of animal models suggest that storage time may influence outcomes and 80% indicate inferior outcomes with frozen OCA as compared with fresh OCA, 75% of clinical studies report no correlation between storage time and outcomes.

Conclusion:

Given the variability in experimental designs and lack of reporting across studies, it is still not possible to determine optimal storage conditions, although animal studies suggest that storage time and chondrocyte viability influence osteochondral repair outcomes. A list of recommendations was developed to encourage reporting of key variables, such as media formulation, environmental factors, and methodologies used. High-quality clinical data are needed to investigate the effects of storage and graft health on outcomes.
Return to Baseline Physical Activity After Bone–Patellar Tendon–Bone Versus Hamstring Tendon Autografts for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Bergeron Jeremy J. , Sercia Quentin P. , Drager Justin , Pelet Stéphane , Belzile Etienne L.
Published: July 2021

Background:

Bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB) and hamstring tendon (HT) autografts are the most utilized grafts for primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The ability of a patient to return to a preinjury level of physical activity is a key consideration in choice of graft; the influence of graft choice on this metric lacks consensus in the literature.

Purpose:

To assess the effects of autograft choice (BPTB vs HT) for primary ACL reconstruction on return to baseline level of physical activity and/or sports participation.

Study Design:

Meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

A systematic review of randomized controlled trials comparing the use of BPTB and HT autografts for primary ACL reconstruction was conducted. The electronic databases EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Web of Science were comprehensively queried through September 23, 2019. The primary outcome was return to preinjury level of activity/sports. Secondary outcomes included knee stability testing (Lachman, KT-1000 arthrometer, and pivot-shift tests) and clinical subjective knee scores (Tegner, Cincinnati, International Knee Documentation Committee, and Lysholm). Two independent reviewers were involved in the screening of titles and abstracts, data extraction, and the assessment of risk of bias. Meta-analyses were performed respecting the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Intervention.

Results:

A total of 29 studies (N = 3099 patients) were eligible for this review, of which 13 (n = 1029 patients) reported on return to baseline level of sports as an endpoint. The risk ratio (RR) of using BPTB vs HT on return to baseline sport level was 1.03 (0.91-1.17; P = .63). Absence of a positive pivot-shift test was the only secondary outcome, with a statistically significant RR of 0.66 (95% CI, 0.50-0.86) in favor of BPTB autografts ( P = .002).

Conclusion:

In reviewing the current literature, no recommendation can be made on the optimal graft choice when using a return to baseline level of physical activity and/or sports participation as a primary metric.
Prediction of Shoulder Stiffness After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
Authors: Audigé Laurent , Aghlmandi Soheila , Grobet Cécile , Stojanov Thomas , Müller Andreas M. , Felsch Quinten , Gleich Johannes , Flury Matthias , Scheibel Markus
Published: July 2021

Background:

Postoperative shoulder stiffness (POSS) is a prevalent adverse event after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) that is associated with major limitations in everyday activities and prolonged rehabilitation.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose was to develop a predictive model for determining the risk of POSS within 6 months after primary ARCR. We hypothesized that sufficient discrimination ability of such a model could be achieved using a local institutional database.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Consecutive primary ARCRs documented in a local clinical registry between 2013 and 2017 were included, and patients who experienced POSS before the final clinical 6-month follow-up were identified. A total of 29 prognostic factor candidates were considered, including patient-related factors (n = 7), disease-related factors (n = 9), rotator cuff integrity factors (n = 6), and operative details (n = 7). We used imputed data for the primary analysis, and a sensitivity analysis was conducted using complete case data. Logistic regression was applied to develop a model based on clinical relevance and statistical criteria. To avoid overfitting in the multivariable model, highly correlated predictors were not included together in any model. A final prognostic model with a maximum of 8 prognostic factors was considered. The model’s predictive accuracy was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Internal validation was performed using bootstrapping.

Results:

Of 1330 ARCR cases (N = 1330 patients), 112 (8.4%) patients had POSS. Our final model had a moderate predictive ability with an AUC of 0.67. The predicted risks of POSS ranged from 2.3% to 38.9% and were significantly higher in women; patients with partial tears, low baseline passive shoulder abduction, and lack of tendon degeneration; and when no acromioplasty was performed.

Conclusion:

A prognostic model for POSS was developed for patients with ARCR, offering a personalized risk evaluation to support the future decision process for surgery and rehabilitation.
Seminal vesicle leiomyosarcoma: Case report and literature review
Authors: Frascheri Florencia , Lopez Francisco , Ameri Carlos , Blas Leandro
Published: July 2021

Introduction and background:

Primary leiomyosarcoma of the seminal vesicle is an extremely rare and highly malignant disease with less than 15 cases reported.

Case description:

A 34-year-old man presented with acute urinary symptoms. Imagen studies showed an abdominal mass (80 mm × 65 mm × 50 mm) with contrast enhancement, compressing the right side of the bladder but with a clear cleavage level between surrounding organs. The patient underwent a transrectal US-guided biopsy which was informed as compatible with leiomyosarcoma by immunohistochemical characterization. We performed a cystoprostatectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy plus radiotherapy. Pathology showed a 7.5 cm × 6 cm nodular para-vesical Leiomyosarcoma histological grade 2 with 0/22 lymph nodes involved. Twelve months after the surgery no recurrences have presented.

Conclusion:

A multi-disciplinary therapeutic approach, combined with close follow-up, is mandatory to obtain good outcomes in such rare and challenging cases.
Acceptability of Phone Calls and Texts to Promote Healthy Behaviors Among Spanish-Speaking Hispanics
Authors: Jin Qi , Boyce Tawny W. , Kang Huining , Nervi Laura , Sussman Andrew L. , Guest Dolores D.
Published: July 2021

Individualized short message service (SMS; i.e., text messages) and/or phone calls (PC) in Spanish were examined as an effective interventional approach to increasing daily fruits and vegetables (F&V) and physical activity (PA) among community-dwelling Spanish-speaking Hispanics. Participants were randomized to one of three ordered groups: Control ( n = 25), SMS ( n = 27), or SMS + PC ( n = 26). PA and F&V intake were measured at baseline and 12 weeks later, when acceptability and usefulness were evaluated. Using the Cochran-Armitage test, we found an increasing trend in the proportion of vegetable intake ( p = .03) and leisure time PA ( p = .004) across the interventions. Most respondents from the SMS and SMS + PC groups approved the modalities and frequency of contact and reported following the advice provided. SMS + PC was the most effective intervention to improve PA and vegetable intake among respondents. These findings support feasibility and acceptability of using remote access platforms, specifically, text and phone-based health communication strategies, with Spanish-speaking participants.
Magnetic nanostructured lipid carrier for dual triggered curcumin delivery: Preparation, characterization and toxicity evaluation on isolated rat liver mitochondria
Authors: Yoozbashi Mohammad , Rashidzadeh Hamid , Kermanian Mehraneh , Sadighian Somayeh , Hosseini Mir-Jamal , Kaboli Zahra , Rostamizadeh Kobra
Published: July 2021

In this research, magnetic nanostructured lipid carriers (Mag-NLCs) were synthesized for curcumin (CUR) delivery. NLCs are drug-delivery systems prepared by mixing solid and liquid (oil) lipids. For preparation of NLCs, cetylpalmitate was selected as solid lipid and fish oil as liquid lipid. CUR-Mag-NLCs were prepared using high-pressure homogenization technique and were characterized by methods including X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The CUR-Mag-NLCs were developed as a particle with a size of 140 ± 3.6 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.196, and a zeta potential of −22.6 mV. VSM analysis showed that the CUR-Mag-NLCs have excellent magnetic properties. Release rate of the drug was higher at 42 °C than 37 °C, indicating that release of the synthesized nanoparticles is temperature-dependent. Evaluation of mitochondrial toxicity was done using the isolated rats liver mitochondria including glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and the ferric- reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) assays to study biosafety of the CUR-Mag-NLCs. Results of In vitro study on the isolated mitochondria revealed that both CUR-Mag-NLCs and curcumin have no specific mitochondrial toxicity.
A Process Evaluation of San Francisco’s Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion Program
Authors: Magaña Erica Jovanna , Perrone Dina , Malm Aili
Published: July 2021

In 2016, San Francisco (SF) implemented the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program, a harm reduction–based pre-booking diversion system for people who violate drug laws and/or are engaged in sex work. LEAD is set apart from existing diversion programs, as it uses police as point of entry. Prior LEAD studies indicate some success in reducing recidivism and improving life outcomes. However, less is known about program implementation, including barriers and facilitators. Relying on policy documents, interviews, and focus groups, this study describes the LEAD SF’s development, operations, adaptations, and challenges. It also identifies the unique context of LEAD SF that led to implementation barriers and facilitators. Results show that SF experienced success in collaboration, relationship building, and client connections to services but experienced challenges in securing and maintaining police officer buy-in and keeping clear and open lines of communication regarding LEAD goals, objectives, policies, and procedures. This led to the termination of LEAD SF in 2020.
Evaluating Risk and Protective Factors for Suicidality and Self-Harm in Australian Adolescents With Traditional Bullying and Cyberbullying Victimizations
Authors: Islam Md Irteja , Yunus Fakir Md , Kabir Enamul , Khanam Rasheda
Published: July 2021

Purpose:

To identify and compare important risk and protective factors associated with suicidality and self-harm among traditional bullying and cyberbullying victims aged 14-17-years in Australia.

Design:

Cross-sectional population-based study.

Setting:

Young Minds Matter, a nationwide survey in Australia.

Subjects:

Adolescents aged 14-17-years (n = 2125).

Measures:

Suicidality and self-harm were outcome variables, and explanatory variables included sociodemographic factors (age, gender, country of birth, household income, location, family type), risk factors (parental distress, family functioning, family history of substance use, child substance use, mental disorder, psychosis, eating disorders, sexual activity) and protective factors (high self-esteem, positive mental health or resilience, school connectedness, sleep) among 2 types of bullying victims—traditional and cyber. Traditional bullying includes physical (hit, kick, push) or verbal (tease, rumors, threat, ignorance), and cyberbullying includes teasing messages/pictures via email, social medial using the internet and/or mobile phones.

Analysis:

Bivariate analysis and binary logistic regression models. Statistical metrics include Hosmer-Lemeshow Goodness-of-Fit-test, VIF test, Linktest and ROC curve for model performance and fitness.

Results:

Overall, 25.6% of adolescents were traditional bullying victims and 12% were cyberbullying victims. The percentages of suicidality (34.4% vs 21.6%) and self-harm (32.8% vs 22.3%) were higher in cyberbullying victims than in traditional bullying victims. Girls were more often bullied and likely to experience suicidal and self-harming behavior than boys. Parental distress, mental disorder and psychosis were found to be significantly associated with the increase risk for self-harm and suicidality among both bullying victims (p < 0.05). While, eating disorder and sexual activity increased the risk of suicidality in traditional bullying victims and self-harm in cyberbullying victims, respectively. Positive mental health/resilience and adequate sleep were found be significantly associated with decreased suicidality and self-harm in both bullying victims.

Conclusion:

Suicidality and self-harm were common in bullying victims. The findings highlight that the risk and protective factors associated with suicidality and self-harm among adolescent who experienced traditional and cyberbullying victimization should be considered for the promotion of effective self-harm and suicide prevention and intervention programs.
Stressful Life Events and Obesity in the United States: The Role of Nativity and Length of Residence
Authors: Cuevas Adolfo G. , Stanton Michael V. , Carvalho Keri , Eckert Natalie , Ortiz Kasim , Assari Shervin , Ransome Yusuf
Published: July 2021

Purpose:

Obesity is a public health issue in the United States (US), that disproportionately affects marginalized group members. Stressful life events (SLE) have been implicated as an obesogenic risk factor. However, there is scant research examining of the role of nativity status and length of residence in the relationship between SLE and obesity.

Design:

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting:

Wave 2 of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions.

Sample:

A total of 34,653 participants were included in these analyses, of whom 10,169 (29.39%) had obesity.

Measures:

Obesity (measured using body mass index), stressful life events, race/ethnicity, gender, educational attainment, family income, marital status, current smoking status, and alcohol abuse.

Analysis:

Weighted logistic regression analysis.

Results:

A total of 10,169 (29.39%) had obesity. There was a significant interaction between SLE and nativity status/length of residence [F (3, 34,642) = 60.50, p < 0.01]. Based on stratified analyses, SLE were associated with greater odds of obesity for US-born individuals (OR = 1.07; 95% CI [1.05, 1.08]) and foreign-born individuals living in the US for ≥ 20 years (OR = 1.17; 95% CI [1.10, 1.25]). There was no evidence that SLE were associated with greater odds of obesity for foreign-born individuals living in the US <10 years (OR = 1.06; 95% CI [0.94, 1.21]) and 11-19 years (OR = 1.00; 95% CI [0.91, 1.09]).

Conclusions:

Number of SLE may be a risk factor for obesity, particularly for US-born adults and foreign-born adults living the US >20 years. Further research is needed to understand the pathways that may link SLE to obesity among these groups.
Human Milk Antibodies Against SARS-CoV-2: A Longitudinal Follow-Up Study
Authors: Juncker Hannah G. , Romijn M. , Loth Veerle N. , Caniels Tom G. , de Groot Christianne J.M. , Pajkrt Dasja , van Gils Marit J. , van Goudoever Johannes B. , van Keulen Britt J.
Published: July 2021

Background

Human milk contains antibodies against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) following Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). These antibodies may serve as protection against COVID-19 in infants. However, the evolution of these human milk antibodies over time is unclear.

Research Aim

To elucidate the evolution of immunoglobulin A (IgA) against SARS-CoV-2 in human milk after a SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods

This longitudinal follow-up study included lactating mothers ( N = 24) who had participated in the COVID MILK study. To assess the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, serum and human milk samples were collected 14–143 days after the onset of clinical symptoms related to COVID-19. Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay was used to detect antibodies against the ectodomain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.

Results

SARS-CoV-2 antibodies remain present up to 5 months (143 days) in human milk after onset of COVID-19 symptoms. Overall, SARS-CoV-2 IgA in human milk seems to gradually decrease over time.

Conclusion

Human milk from SARS-CoV-2 convalescent lactating mothers contains specific IgA antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein up to at least 5 months post-infection. Passive viral immunity can be transferred via human milk and may serve as protection for infants against COVID-19.
More than technical experts: Engineering professionals’ perspectives on the role of soft skills in their practice
Authors: Munir Fouzia
Published: July 2021

In the 21st century, with the exponential rise in global population and a greater demand for environmental resources, the focus of engineering is on integrated solutions within a multifarious context. To successfully navigate today’s multidisciplinary and multicultural environment, engineers require soft skills in addition to their technical or hard skills: these include leadership, interpersonal, communication and problem-solving skills. They support engineering professionals in meeting the challenges of working in multidisciplinary teams which make decisions that will help shape define the future. This study explores the perspectives of engineering professionals working in different engineering disciplines to understand the role soft skills play in their professions. It finds that technical competence is not considered enough; to succeed in the complex world of engineering, employers look for graduates who can enhance their technical expertise with complementary soft skills. Engineers have to work alongside various stakeholders to develop technologies for the benefit of humankind. Most of the content in engineering education institutions focuses on technical aspects, and it is imperative to highlight and implement soft skills training.
Demons of the mind: The ‘psy’ sciences and film in the long 1960s
Authors: Snelson Tim , Macauley William R.
Published: July 2021

This introduction provides context for a collection of articles that came out of a research symposium held at the Science Museum's Dana Research Centre in 2018 for the ‘ Demons of Mind: the Interactions of the ‘Psy’ Sciences and Cinema in the Sixties' project. Across a range of events and research outputs, Demons of the Mind sought to map the multifarious interventions and influences of the ‘psy’ sciences (psychology, psychiatry, and psychoanalysis) on film culture in the long 1960s. The articles that follow discuss, in order: critical engagement with theories of child development in 1960s British science fiction; the ‘horrors’ of contemporary psychiatry and neuroscience portrayed in the Hollywood blockbuster The Exorcist (1973); British social realist filmmakers' alliances with proponents of ‘anti-psychiatry’; experimental filmmaker Jane Arden's coalescence of radical psychiatry and radical feminist techniques in her ‘psychodrama’ The Other Side of the Underneath (1973); and the deployment of film technologies by ‘psy’ professionals during the post-war period to capture and interpret mother-infant interaction.
Effect of friction stir welding parameters on the material flow, mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of dissimilar AA5083-AA6061 joints
Authors: Kumar Kethavath Kranthi , Kumar Adepu , Satyanarayana MVNV
Published: July 2021

Material flow has a significant impact on the joint properties and is one of the most challenging aspects to be understood in dissimilar friction stir welding. The present study emphasizes the role of process parameters on material flow, mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of dissimilar friction stir welds of AA5083-AA6061. Microstructural analysis revealed that the onion ring sub-layer width observed at the stir zone was substantially changed by varying process parameters. It was understood that the higher rotational speeds promote better intermixing and enhanced mechanical properties. The notch tensile strength values were in correlation with the intermixing of materials at the stir zone and the highest notch tensile strength value was obtained at 1400 rpm and 60 mm/min. A remarkable degree of material intermixing and fragmentation of intermetallics at higher rotational speeds resulted in better corrosion resistance.
Estimations of leakages through gaps at ‘transition’ contacts using computational fluid dynamics and photoimaging of core-flow cavitation features in Gerotor pumps
Authors: Roy Debanshu , Maiti Rathindranath , Das Prasanta K , Antoniak Piotr , Stryczek Jaroslaw
Published: July 2021

Chambers in the Gerotor pump units are separated by metal-to-metal geometrically form-closed higher pair active contacts in the lobes of star and ring components. With rotation when the chamber volumes expand and contract, the active contacts move on lobe profiles and are subjected to deformations due to contact stress caused by fluid pressure and transmitted torque. Evidently at two transition active contacts, which separate the high-pressure chambers from the low-pressure chambers, gaps are generated due to contact deformations. However, it is for a short period of time during operation and mostly not at the same time in the two transition contacts. From our experimental visual investigation by photoimaging technique on flow processes, we have visualized that at some angular positions of the star–ring, cavitation occurs inside the chamber. In an earlier work, in the estimation of gaps in transition contacts, we have first evaluated the stresses, deformations at all ideally form-closed active contacts in our chosen Gerotor pump using static structural analysis in the Ansys® environment. In the present work, to investigate the flow characteristics, including the formation of cavitations in the Gerotor pump, numerical analysis using the computational fluid dynamics tool in the Ansys® environment has been carried out. We analyze the flow process for the different angular positions of a star. Results obtained by the numerical analysis have good agreement with the flow patterns visualized experimentally.
Iterative learning control of air pressure variation inside a high-speed train under the excitation of the tunnel pressure wave with a fixed-morphologic form
Authors: He Zhiying , Chen Chunjun , Wang Dongwei , Deng Chao , Hu Jia , Li Ming
Published: July 2021

Based on the characteristics that the tunnel pressure wave has a fixed-morphologic form when the same train passes through the same tunnel, an applicational approach based on the iterative learning control (ILC) is developed, aiming at overcoming the drawbacks of the traditional strategy for controlling the air pressure variation inside a high-speed train carriage. To achieve the goal, the control system is mathematically modelled. Then, the problem is formulated. The task of suppressing the influence of the tunnel pressure wave on the air pressure inside the carriages is shifted as an ILC problem of tracking the comfort index with varying trial length. The algorithm of refreshing the control signal from trial to trial is determined and the process of ILC control is designed. Next, the convergence of the newly-developed applicational ILC algorithm is discussed and the algorithm is simulated by the simulation signal and field-test signal. Results show that the applicational ILC algorithm be more adaptable in handling the control of the air pressure inside carriage under the excitation of varying-amplitude, varying-scale and varying-initial-states tunnel pressure wave. Meanwhile, the matching with tunnel pressure wave makes the applicational ILC algorithm will take both the riding comfort and fresh air into consideration, which upgrades the performances when the high-speed train passing through long tunnels.
What Is Time Good for in Working Memory?
Authors: Mızrak Eda , Oberauer Klaus
Published: July 2021

Giving people more time to process information in working memory improves their performance on working memory tasks. It is often assumed that free time given after presentation of an item enables maintenance processes to counteract forgetting of this item, suggesting that time has a retroactive benefit. Two other hypotheses—short-term consolidation and temporal distinctiveness—entail a local effect of time on immediately preceding and following items. Here, we show instead a novel global and proactive benefit of time in working memory. In three serial-recall experiments ( Ns = 21, 25, and 26 young adults, respectively), we varied the position and duration of the free time within a seven-item list of consonants. Experiment 1 showed that the effect is global and not local. Experiments 2a and 2b showed that increased interitem time benefited performance only for the subsequent items, implying a proactive benefit. This finding rules out maintenance processes, short-term consolidation, and temporal distinctiveness as explanations of the free-time benefit but is consistent with the proposal of a gradually recovering encoding resource.
Treatment outcomes in refractory lupus nephritis: Data from an observational study
Authors: Gururani Subodh , Devarasetti Phani Kumar , Uppin Megha , Rajasekhar Liza
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Despite current advances in treatment, refractory lupus nephritis (RLN) continues to pose a challenge. The present paper studies the clinical profile and treatment outcomes in patients with RLN.

Methods

This observational, bidirectional study enrolled consecutive lupus nephritis (LN) patients from August 2018 to January 2019, who either failed to improve within three months, did not achieve partial renal response (PR) at six months, or did not achieve complete renal response (CR) after two years of treatment. Patients were followed every three months; treatment details and outcomes [CR, PR, no renal response (NR)], doubling serum creatinine, and death were recorded. Group comparisons were made using ANOVA and chi-square test. Factors affecting renal response were studied using linear regression.

Results

Forty-five of forty-eight enrolled patients completed at least nine months of follow-up and were included in outcome analysis. The median (IQR) SLE duration was three years (2-6 years). The majority of patients (n = 25) had proliferative LN (ISN/RPS class III/IV), with nine patients having pure membranous LN (class V). The mean activity and chronicity indices were 8 and 0. Over a median (IQR) follow-up period of 15 (12-27) months, 28 had CR, 9 had PR, and 8 showed no response to a switch in an immunosuppressive (IS) agent. Repeat renal biopsy (n = 8) with a mean (±SD) biopsy interval of 2 (±1) years showed histological class transformation in more than half of the patients. There was no significant difference in treatment outcome and time to attain response based on individual IS agent or sequence of IS agents used. None of the variables (duration of SLE or nephritis, baseline SLEDAI, leukopenia, hypertension, elevated anti-dsDNA, low complements, serum albumin, 24-hour urinary protein, biopsy class) predicted renal response on univariate analysis. No patient had a doubling of serum creatinine or progression to end-stage renal disease. There were three deaths, all related to infection.

Conclusion

A change in immunosuppression produces response in most RLN patients while a fifth of them showed no response to therapy. No predictor of renal response was identified. Histologic class switch was frequent. Renal function did not decline over a year of follow-up.
Adverse drug reactions to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Izuka Shinji , Yamashita Hiroyuki , Takahashi Yuko , Kaneko Hiroshi
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), a prophylactic agent against pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), can cause adverse drug reactions (ADRs), particularly in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the risk factors for ADRs remain unclear. Thus, we sought to examine the prevalence of TMP-SMX-related ADRs in patients with SLE and identify specific risk factors for ADR development in these patients.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data from patients with connective tissue disease (CTD) who were administered TMP-SMX as a PCP prophylactic. The prevalence of ADRs was compared between patients with SLE and those with other CTDs. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify risk factors for ADRs in patients with SLE.

Results

Of the 424 patients with CTD included in our study (SLE, n = 162; other CTDs, n = 262), 22 with SLE (13.6%) developed ADRs, and this rate was significantly higher than that observed in patients with non-SLE CTDs (n = 18 [6.9%], p = 0.033). In patients with SLE, univariate analyses revealed direct associations of ADRs with anti-Sm (p < 0.001), anti-RNP (p = 0.02), and anti-Ro/SS-A antibodies (p = 0.042). Multivariate analysis identified a significant association between anti-Sm antibody levels and the development of ADRs (adjusted odds ratio 5.27, 95% confidence interval 1.80–15.40, p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Patients with SLE who are prophylactically administered TMP-SMX are at high risk of ADRs. Among these patients, those who display a positive anti-Sm antibody should be carefully monitored for ADRs.
An experimental study on quasi-static indentation, low-velocity impact and damage behaviors of laminated composites at high temperatures
Authors: Djele Akim , Karakuzu Ramazan
Published: July 2021

Nowadays, fiber reinforced laminated composites are widely used in many applications due to their high strength/weight ratio. However, these materials are very sensitive to transverse loading. The low-velocity impact test has been widely used by researchers to simulate the transverse loading. However, the low-velocity impact tests are highly toilsome, and this test requires expensive hardware and software systems. To reduce the experimental costs of the low-velocity impact test, it will be more attractive, much simpler, cheaper and more widely available to achieve impact behavior using quasi-static tests. Thus, to compare both tests, in this work the absorbed energy and force-deflection curves obtained by low-velocity impact and quasi-static indentation loading in two different fiber reinforced epoxy composites have been investigated. The Carbon-Kevlar hybrid fabrics and S2 glass fabrics were used as reinforcements. For low-velocity impact tests, a range of energies was used between 20 and 80 J. For quasi-static indentation test, the crosshead speeds were increased gradually from 1 mm/min to 60 mm/min. In addition, tests at 23°C, 40°C, 60°C and 80°C were made to examine the effect of temperature on these tests. As a result of the quasi-static tests performed, the amount of energy required to perforate the samples at a certain test speed is at the same level as the low-velocity impact test. Thus, the required energy amount for the perforation of the materials can be found by performing a quasi-static test at an appropriate speed, rather than the low-velocity impact test.
Mental Health and COVID-19: Policies, Guidelines, and Initiatives from the Asia-Pacific Region
Authors: Samy Alexander Lourdes , Awang Bono Suzanna , Tan Shu Leed , Low Wah-Yun
Published: July 2021

The COVID-19 outbreak was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020 due to rapid intercontinental spread and high morbidity and mortality. Globally, the disease has had a major impact on human lives, including health, economic, employment, psychological, and overall well-being. The COVID-19, besides causing respiratory, neurological, and cardiovascular diseases, has had significant impact on mental health. Major mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and stress, have risen in parallel with increasing prevalence of COVID-19. Many population groups, including children, the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, and health care workers, have been affected. This review gives an overall assessment of the prevalence of COVID-19-associated psychological morbidity. In countries in the Asia-Pacific region, prevalence of depression ranged between 4.9% and 43.1%, anxiety from 7.0% to 43.0%, and stress from 3.4% to 35.7%. As COVID-19 continues to severely affect the psychosocial well-being of the population at large, countries have developed and revised policies, guidelines, and introduced new initiatives to curb mental health issues among their citizens. In the long run, pre-disaster preparedness is important to alleviate long-term post-pandemic psychiatric morbidity and to develop psychological resilience toward disasters and pandemic, alongside investment for better mental health coverage.
Is Adherence to the Provisional Institute of Medicine Guidelines of Weight Gain Associated With Better Perinatal Outcomes? A Retrospective Cohort Study of Twin Pregnancies in Southwest China
Authors: Yan Jie , Tang Li , Xu Min
Published: July 2021

The applicability of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations of gestational weight gain (GWG) for Chinese twin gestations is uncertain. In this article, we aimed to investigate the associations between GWG among twin gestations, as categorized according to the 2009 IOM guidelines and perinatal outcomes in Chengdu, China. A retrospective cohort study of pregnant women delivering live twins ≥28 weeks at a tertiary maternal and child hospital was conducted. The incidences of perinatal outcomes were compared across three groups—that is, women with low, adequate, and excessive GWG. Logistic regression analyses were next performed to confirm the associations while taking into account potential confounders. Results showed that low GWG was associated with a higher risk of preterm birth, low and very low birthweight, neonatal intensive care unit admission, and gestational diabetes, whereas preeclampsia was more frequent among excessive GWG women. In conclusion, adherence to the 2009 IOM guidelines for twin pregnancies are associated with improved perinatal outcomes. This has the potential to improve short- and long-term public health outcomes.
A matter of fragmentation? Challenges for collective bargaining and employment conditions in the Spanish long-term care sector
Authors: Sánchez-Mira Núria , Olivares Raquel Serrano , Oto Pilar Carrasquer
Published: July 2021

The long-term care system in Spain has been characterised by decentralisation, marketisation, fiscal austerity and its reliance on informal family care and cheap migrant labour. Focusing on home-help services, this article addresses the extent to which the sector’s multi-level system of collective bargaining can be characterised as fragmented and whether this has had a negative effect on employment conditions. The research involved an analysis of the legal and collective bargaining framework, expert interviews and employee focus groups. We argue that the precedence given to sectoral agreements within public procurement processes is one main factor preventing a move towards ‘disorganised decentralisation’ in the aftermath of the 2012 labour market reform. Moderate decentralisation has favoured heterogeneity in pay and working conditions at regional and provincial levels. However, these mid-level collective agreements have improved standards with respect to the national collective agreement, and there has been a minor increase in the number of company-level collective agreements since the reform. The limited professionalisation, the lack of recognition of skills and effort in occupational classifications, and the organisation of working time emerge as key contributors to the sector’s poor employment conditions.
Trade union struggle for workwear in Swedish elder care
Authors: Thörnquist Annette
Published: July 2021

This article investigates why it took over 20 years of trade union struggle before workers in Swedish elder care were granted the right to free workwear. How did the Swedish Municipal Workers’ Union (Kommunal) tackle the problem; what obstacles did the union face; and why was the matter finally regulated by the state (in 2015 and 2018) and not by collective agreement in line with the Swedish model of self-regulation? The study draws mainly on an analysis of important court cases. The results indicate that the process was protracted mainly because of the unclear legal basis for pursuing demands concerning workwear, municipalities’ (local authorities’) opposition to a general obligation to provide workwear, mainly for financial reasons, and the fact that the issue was deadlocked between the remits of two government authorities, representing patient safety and work safety respectively. The main reason why the union eventually preferred to fight for a legislative solution was that a negotiated solution would probably have come at the expense of other urgent union demands in this female-dominated low-wage sector. When Kommunal intensified the struggle for free workwear in the 2010s, the union also stepped up its struggle against the structural gender differences in wages in the municipal sector.
The Effect of Local Heat Therapy versus Cold Rub Gel on Pain and Joint Functions in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Ariana Moslem , Afrasiabifar Ardashir , Najafi Doulatabad Shahla , Mosavi Asadolah , Behnammoghadam Mohammad
Published: July 2021

This study compared the effect of local heat therapy versus cold rub gel on pain and joint function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. One hundred seventeen patients with knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to cold rub gel, local heat therapy, and control group. Data were collected by knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score at a week prior to the interventions and on weeks of 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the interventions. A significant difference was found between the three groups in terms of pain severity ( p = .001), joint symptoms ( p = .001), ADL function ( p = .001), Sport and Recreation function ( p = .001), except Knee related QOL ( p = .3). Cold rub gel and heat therapy were both effective in improving pain and joint function in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Analysis of thermo-mechanical coupling damage behavior in long-term performance of microelectromechanical systems actuators
Authors: Cheng Jiaxing , Li Zhaoxia
Published: July 2021

Effective numerical analysis is significant for the optimal design and reliability evaluation of MEMS, but the complexity of multi-physical field couplings and irreversible damage accumulation in long-term performance make the analysis difficult. In the present paper, the continuum damage mechanics method is used to develop a creep damage model and conduct long-term performance analysis for MEMS thermal actuators with coupled thermo-mechanical damage behavior. The developed damage model can make a connection between the material deterioration due to microstructure changes and the macroscopic responses (the change of thermo-mechanical performance or structure failure). The numerical simulations of coupled thermo-mechanical behavior in long-term performance are implemented using the finite element method, which is validated through comparison with previous literature. The numerical results demonstrate that the proposed damage model and numerical method can provide effective assessment in the long-term performance of MEMS thermal actuators.