bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tests of lateral acceleration during a controlled skid - various types of vehicles
Authors: Frej D. , Jaśkiewicz M. , Jurecki R. , Kurczyński D. , Łagowski P. , Stańczyk T.L. , Zuska A. , Szumska E.M. , Grabski P.
Published: July 2022

This article presents the values of lateral acceleration during controlled slip for a passenger vehicle and a city bus. Skidding is one of the most dangerous road situations that can occur while driving a vehicle. They can happen to anyone, without exception whether someone has experience or is a young driver. The lateral accelerations during the controlled skidding presented in the article showed higher values for a passenger vehicle. The article refers to drawing attention to the lateral accelerations acting on the vehicle during the slip. It depends on the driving system of the driver whether he will be able to make the correct choice in a dangerous situation. Therefore, improving driving techniques, especially in a skidding situation, should be generally available to drivers.
Vibration damping performance of the electrohydraulic self-leveling unit of the tracked platform of robotic bricklaying combine
Authors: Dindorf R. , Woś P.
Published: July 2022

The study proposes the use of a semi-active hydro-pneumatic spring damper unit for damping pressure pulsations in the servohydraulic leveling system of an electrohydraulic self-leveling unit of a tracked platform of a robotic bricklaying combine (RBC). The semi-active hydro-pneumatic spring damper unit consisted of a gas spring in the hydro-pneumatic accumulator and a controlled hydraulic damping valve. A model of a hydro-pneumatic accumulator with a connection tube was presented, using lumped hydraulic elements in the form of resistance, inductance, and capacitance (RLC). This model was transformed into a form of frequency impedance, from which the amplitude and phase characteristics were determined. The complex impedance of the throttle valve was determined, in which the real part is resistance and the imaginary part is reactance. Finally, the damping performance characteristics of a semi-active hydro-pneumatic spring damper unit were analyzed.
The bicycle model of a 4WS car lateral dynamics for lane change controller
Authors: Dębowski A , Faryński J J , Żardecki D P
Published: July 2022

The article shows the validity of four-wheel steering (4WS) bicycle model. At the beginning it is presented in which tasks, connected with 4WS vehicles, the bicycle model is applied. Then the equations in local coordinate system and their forms in global coordinate system are presented. The research tested the response of the model to a lane change manoeuvre, using transfer functions and a “bang-bang” control signal. The transfer functions was connected with static ratio characteristic to construct full four-wheel steering model. A reference signal generator and vehicle model were constructed in analytical form and checked in Matlab&Simulink using sample vehicle’s data from another literature item. One example of simulations was shown. The results presented led to interesting conclusions and indicated directions for further research. This research will include the issue of regulators derivation. This will allow for the construction of a fully functioning control system. The effects of this activities will be tested again in simulation environment.
The issue of empirical testing of Highly Automated Vehicles
Authors: Więckowski Dariusz
Published: July 2022

The study concerns the issue of empirical testing of Highly Automated Vehicles (HAVs). The driver assistance systems used in the HAVs have been listed. The principles of testing conventional vehicles have been presented and reference has been made to specific tests described in normative documents. The dissimilarity of testing the HAVs has been presented against this background.
Experimental testing of selected energy absorbers in the context of their use in rear underrun protective devices
Authors: Jackowski J , Posuniak P , Rożnowicz Z
Published: July 2022

The energy-absorbing structures have been being developed for many years by various research centres all over the world. The article presents experimental test results obtained for selected structures designed for the absorbing of kinetic energy in order to reduce the loads on occupants of a motorcar when hitting the rear of a motor truck. The differences between selected energy-absorbing structures have been analysed, based on impact resistance indicators having been determined. The main objective of this research work was to verify the applicability of selected energy absorbers to the rear underrun protective devices as the truck parts accountable for vehicles’ passive safety.
Assessment of the vehicle body side stiffness influence on the process of hazard generating in front-to-side vehicles’ collision
Authors: Ziubiński M , Prochowski L
Published: July 2022

A vehicles’ collision is a complex energy process, determined by many factors. In the front-to-side collision, the hazards for he occupants of the struck vehicle results from the inertial loads they are subjected to together with the vehicle and from excessive deformation of the bodywork, often involving the space occupied by people. Action is needed to reduce this hazard. One of such actions is to increase the stiffness of the side part of the vehicle body in order to limit the range of its deformation. However, this is an activity that requires a compromise approach, because as stiffness increases, greater lateral forces on the struck vehicle will occur, which will result in inertial loads. The aim of the study is to assess the impact of changes in the stiffness of the side part of the bodywork on the course of the hazard emergence process during a front-to-side vehicles’ collision. Model tests in the PC-Crash program have been prepared and implemented. Their results allowed to establish the relationship between the increased side-stiffness and the characteristic values of physical quantities, which are the measure of the hazard and its effects in a vehicles’ collision.
Selection of child seats in terms of vibration comfort
Authors: Frej D , Zuska A , Kubiak P
Published: July 2022

The article presents the results of laboratory and road tests of the impact of the method of fastening child seats on the vibration comfort of children transported in them. The tested child seats were mounted facing the direction of travel on the rear seat of a passenger vehicle. Two child seats were used in the work, the first (red) was attached to the rear seat behind the driver’s seat using the ISOFIX base. The second child seat (grey) is attached to the rear seat behind the passenger seat with standard seat belts. During the measurements, the child seats were loaded with the mass of 5 kg, 10 kg and 15 kg, simulating the mass of a child fastened in a child seat. The child seats used can be mounted both forward and rearward facing. In the conducted research, they were installed in a passenger vehicle facing the direction of travel. Laboratory and road tests based on registered vertical accelerations showed a negative impact of using the ISOFIX base in terms of vibration comfort.
Simulation tests of the integrated lane change control system
Authors: Gidlewski M , Jemioł L , Żardecki D
Published: July 2022

This paper presents the concept of an integrated control system for lane change by a two-axle truck. In earlier works the authors used only a controller coupled to the steering system for sudden lane changes. Nowadays, the steering system controller is integrated with ESP (Electronic Stability Program) which causes momentary braking of chosen vehicle wheels when traffic destabilization threatens. A simulation study of the integrated control system operation during sudden lane change was performed for an unladen and fully laden car on a wet road in near limiting conditions. The test results were compared with those obtained when this maneuver was performed using only the steering controller.
Hazards arising during road accidents in cases of vehicle adaptation for the person with special needs
Authors: Prochowski L , Ziubiński M , Mantur T
Published: July 2022

Independent transport of people with special needs often requires the adaptation of a motorcar to increase the comfort of use and enable proper operating of a vehicle. This adaptation involves, for example, mounting special devices on the steering wheel. This violates the so-called survival zone, defined by (UN/ECE) regulation No. 21. and can deteriorate the occupant’s safety. This study shows the risk for the driver caused by an additional knob mounted on a steering wheel. Model tests were prepared and carried out with the use of the PC-Crash program environment. The simulations of the frontal collisions into the obstacle were computed and the dynamic loads affecting the driver with and without additional adaptation elements on the steering wheel were assessed. Obtained results portray that the impact of the driver’s head into the adaptation element during the collision is possible. This causes a visible increase in the HIC15 head injury indicator by up to 80% for a collision speed of 65 km/h compared to a car without an adaptation device. It was found that the risk of head injury is on average 15% greater compared to the variant without an adaptation device.
Comparison of freight forwarder liability in selected countries of the European Union and selected countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)
Authors: Poliak M , Salamakhina E , Lakhmetkina N , Zhuravleva N
Published: July 2022

The continuous flow of movement of goods on the world market forces manufacturers to turn to intermediaries who are able to organize cargo transportation services. At the moment, the most common intermediary is a freight forwarder. This article defines the understanding of the term freight forwarder, its role in the supply chain, as well as the risks associated with transportation. This article analyses the part of forwarding contract which deals with a limitation of the forwarder’s liability. The limitation of the forwarder’s liability allows predicting the amount of compensation to the cargo owner in case of damage or loss of goods. In addition to the previously conducted analysis of the freight forwarder’s liability in the selected countries of the European Union, an analysis of the responsibility of freight forwarders in the selected CIS countries was carried out. Among other things, it was determined which national regulations regulate freight forwarding activities in these countries. The limitations of the liability of freight forwarders proposed by the conditions of the expedition of the national Associations of logistics and forwarding, compiled on the basis of the standard rules of the FIATA organization, are also considered.
Evaluation of the safety of overweight and/or oversized traffic based on the analysis of lateral acceleration during transport
Authors: Vrábel J. , Loman M. , Paľo J. , Šarkan B. , Hudcovský A.
Published: July 2022

Ensuring the safety and smoothness of road traffic in transports, which by their parameters may cause a special situation in road traffic, is the primary task of the team of workers accompanying overweight and/or oversized vehicles. In order to successfully carry out such an activity, it is necessary not only the appropriate technical equipment but also the knowledge of accompanying staff on the issue of critical points during transport and knowledge of how to prevent the danger in the most appropriate way. For these reasons, there is a need to focus the interest of companies on the course of such transport and to increase the safety of all road users through trained staff to accompany vehicles performing overweight and/or oversized transport.
Carpooling and the reduction of urban traffic
Authors: Szymanek Andrzej , Stokłosa Józef , Zawisza Tomasz
Published: July 2022

The article presents the results of research that quantitatively confirm the well-known thesis on the impact of carpooling (measured by the declared carpooling indicator, DCI) on a significant reduction in the intensity of urban traffic flows. Of course, it is about joint journeys by passenger cars, which (especially in medium-sized and large cities) are an important source of transport congestion, and the connection with the intensity of traffic is obvious. The working hypothesis was verified by conducting observations and measurements in the central area of a medium-sized city in Poland. It is the city of Radom, 100 km south of Warsaw, with a population of 215,000. residents. To verify the hypothesis, the average daily traffic volume, ADTV were compared with the average reduced average daily traffic volume, RADTV. These were determined - by simulating carpooling, in which the main control variable (although not the only one) was the indicator, DCI, i.e. the number of additional passengers in a passenger car. It turned out that RADTV values decreased significantly (therefore congestion decreased) when DCI values increased. This is illustrated by the DCI - RADTV dependence graphs for different days of the week and different measurement locations. This relationship was confirmed by calculating the Spearman’s rank correlation index between the DCI and RADTV variables.
Determining the trajectory of the vehicle motion on the basis of the recorded physical quantities describing its dynamics during typical maneuvers in road traffic
Authors: Pusty T
Published: July 2022

The paper compares the results of the vehicle motion trajectory calculations determined on the basis of the recorded waveforms of the acceleration vector and angular velocity components during the double lane change maneuver, taking into account the errors of acceleration sensors reset (zeroing). The differences in the results of the calculations were determined and possible causes of these differences were indicated. The test results indicate that special attention should be paid to zeroing the acceleration sensors, in particular the ay component.
Experimental study for optimizing superfinishing process parameters of high-quality alloy bearing steel
Authors: Qasem Isam , Hussien Ahmed A , Janvekar Ayub Ahmed , Kataraki Pramodkumar S , Pracki Mirosław , Abdul Mujeebu M
Published: July 2022

Superfinishing is one of the methods of high-quality surface machining of elements subjected to high surface wear. It is used for machining external and internal cylindrical surfaces using various models of tools. This experimental study was aimed at determining the effect of machining parameters on surface roughness of high-quality alloy bearing steel. The factors considered were angle of crosshatch pattern (realized by the rotational speed at constant velocity and oscillation), machining time, and pressure of the tool on the machined surface. The experiment was carried out according to the analysis planned for two tools with granulations of 500 and 800. The polynomial and exponential regression equations for subsequent roughness and performance parameters were determined statistically. The multidimensional correlations based on the t-student distribution were established. The results showed that the optimum surface quality depended on the process parameters: grain size, machining time, crosshatch angle, and the contact pressure. The time at which the machining process starts to stabilize with a steady surface roughness was determined to be 120 s. The maximum enhancement of surface roughness was 75% for crosshatch angle of 13°, contact pressure of 0.21 MPa, and granulation of 800. For both 500 and 800 granulations, the diameter loss was in the range of 1–12 microns.
Effect of Ni addition on CPP-GMR response in electrodeposited Co-Ni/Cu multilayered nanocylinders with an ultra-large aspect ratio
Authors: Nagao Kenta , Hayashida Masamitsu , Ohgai Takeshi
Published: July 2022

Effect of Co–Ni alloy composition on the current perpendicular-to-plane giant magnetoresistance (CPP-GMR) response of electrochemically synthesized Co–Ni/Cu multilayered nanocylinders was studied using anodized aluminum oxide membranes (AAOM) with nanochannel diameter D ∼67 nm and length L ∼70 μm. Co–Ni/Cu multilayered nanocylinders, which have an aspect ratio L/D of ∼1,045, were fabricated in the AAOM nanochannel templates by utilizing a pulse-current electrochemical growth process in an electrolytic bath with Co2+, Ni2+ and Cu2+ ions. Co–Ni/Cu alternating structure with Co84Ni16 alloy layer-thickness of 9.6 nm and Cu layer-thickness of 3.8 nm was clearly observed in a nanocylinder with a diameter of 63 nm. The alternating structure was composed from crystalline layers with preferential orientations in hcp-CoNi (002) and fcc-Cu (111). The Co–Ni/Cu multilayered nanocylinders were easily magnetized in the long axis direction because of the extremely large aspect ratio L/D. In Co84Ni16/Cu multilayered nanocylinders, the coercivity and squareness were ∼0.46 kOe and ∼0.5, respectively. The CPP-GMR value was achieved up to 22.5% (at room temperature) in Co84Ni16/Cu multilayered nanocylinders.
Effect of wind turbulence on monitoring soil CO2 flux using the closed gas chamber method
Authors: Jiang Junjie , Hu Junguo , Gu Kechen , Zhang Shouquan
Published: July 2022

This study evaluated the performance of closed chamber monitoring of soil carbon dioxide (CO2) flux in a wind turbulence environment to improve the accuracy of constructing an ecosystem carbon budget. The effect of wind turbulence–induced barometric pressure fluctuations on soil CO2 emissions was explored using soil pore pressure difference data from different monitoring sites in the field, and the factors associated with errors in the monitoring of closed gas chambers were analysed. Subsequently, a gas chamber measurement error study was conducted in conjunction with the flux calculation model based on the phenomena observed in the field. The results showed that the simply designed closed gas chamber exerted a strong isolation effect on wind turbulence and did not simulate the actual monitoring environment. The error of the linear flux model in a turbulent wind environment for 10 min was 3%–7% greater than that in the absence of wind (error of 12%), and the calculation error of the exponential fitting model in a turbulent environment was also close to 10%. In addition, the error in the calculation model was positively correlated with the wind turbulence intensity and soil dispersion coefficient. Therefore, for a windy environment, the closed gas chamber and flux calculation models must be improved. Otherwise, a large deviation between the monitored flux and actual values will occur.
Review of electrofuel feasibility—prospects for road, ocean, and air transport
Authors: Brynolf Selma , Hansson Julia , Anderson James E , Skov Iva Ridjan , Wallington Timothy J , Grahn Maria , Korberg Andrei David , Malmgren Elin , Taljegård Maria
Published: July 2022

To meet climate targets the emissions of greenhouse gases from transport need to be reduced considerably. Electrofuels (e-fuels) produced from low-CO2 electricity, water, and carbon (or nitrogen) are potential low-climate-impact transportation fuels. The purpose of this review is to provide a technoeconomic assessment of the feasibility and potential of e-fuels for road, ocean, and air transport. The assessment is based on a review of publications discussing e-fuels for one or more transport modes. For each transport mode, (a) e-fuel options are mapped, (b) cost per transport unit (e.g. vehicle km) and carbon abatement costs are estimated and compared to conventional options, (c) prospects and challenges are highlighted, and (d) policy context is described. Carbon abatement costs for e-fuels (considering vehicle cost, fuel production and distribution cost) are estimated to be in the range 110–1250 € tonne−1 CO2 with e-gasoline and e-diesel at the high end of the range. The investigated combined biofuel and e-fuels production pathways (based on forest residues and waste) are more cost-competitive than the stand-alone e-fuel production pathways, but the global availability of sustainable biomass is limited making these pathways more constrained. While the potential for e-fuels to decarbonize the transport sector has been discussed extensively in the literature, many uncertainties in terms of production costs, vehicle costs and environmental performance remain. It is too early to rule out or strongly promote particular e-fuels for different transport modes. For e-fuels to play a significant role in transportation, their attractiveness relative to other transport options needs to be improved. Incentives will be needed for e-fuels to be cost-effective and increased clarity on how e-fuels are linked to existing policies is needed.
Experimental investigation on mechanical properties of AA7068/marble dust/fly ash hybrid composite processed by stir casting technique
Authors: KSD Sudheer , P Srinivasa Rao , Ch Ratnam
Published: July 2022

Aluminum alloys have wide applications in serval industrial sectors like aerospace, automobile and manufacturing industries. Aluminum reinforced with industrial wastes manufactured through stir casting technique showed potential industrial applications. These hybrid aluminum metal matrix composites are light in weight compared to their counterparts. However, stir casting process parameters effects the mechanical properties of the stir casted aluminum hybrid composites. Hence, there is a need for research to find the optimal stir casting process parameters. The current work focusses on experimental investigation of stir casting technique to find the effect of the process parameters on the uniform distribution of reinforced marble dust and fly ash particulates and mechanical properties such as the tensile strength and the hardness. The various parameters considered in this work especially stirring speed (300, 350, 400) rpm, stirring time (3, 5, and 7) min, stirring temperature (750 °C, 800 °C, and 850 °C) and percentage of reinforcement (3%, 5% and 7%). The mathematical and statistical approach of Response Surface Method (RSM) is used to optimize the stir casting parameters in addition to study interaction effects of process parameters by using response surface and interaction plots. Fabricated metal matrix composites have been characterized by using a Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), inorder to examine the particle dispersion in the aluminium matrix. The significance of statistical results was evaluated with the analysis of variance (ANOVA) based on P-values and coefficients of corelation (R2). Results indicate that the best values for tensile strength and hardness is achieved at processing conditions of stirring at 900 °C with stirrer speed of 407.56 rpm and the stirring time 7.46 min. The 8.11% reinforcement has the highest tensile strength and hardness values of 347.84 MPa and 153.70 Hv, respectively, with composite desirability of 0.96.
A new model-free control method for SMA wire actuators based on DRL
Authors: Lu Yifan , Xu Jie , Jiang Jun , Zhang Rongru , Yue Honghao , Zhang Qiang , Zhou Yuanzi
Published: July 2022

Shape memory alloy (SMA) has been widely used in different applications due to its unique shape memory property. However, when used as an actuator, it exhibits a hysteresis behavior in its relation between temperature and strain, which is highly nonlinear and difficult to control. Although studies have been conducted on establishing various constitutive models of SMA, it is still difficult to achieve the precise control of the SMA wire with the existing models. In this work, a new promising approach regarding the SMA control task as a reinforcement learning (RL) problem is proposed to address this issue, which does not require accurate mathematical models. Both RL and an improved method named deep reinforcement learning (DRL) are used to solve the problem of precise control of a 1D SMA wire actuator, respectively. The simulation results indicate that with the DRL method, the agent can precisely control the output deformation of the SMA wire after only ten episodes of training. Compared with the DRL method, the RL agent can also achieve the same training target but with hundreds of training.
Gradient-based sparse principal component analysis with extensions to online learning
Authors: Qiu Yixuan , Lei Jing , Roeder Kathryn
Published: July 2022

Sparse principal component analysis is an important technique for simultaneous dimensionality reduction and variable selection with high-dimensional data. In this work we combine the unique geometric structure of the sparse principal component analysis problem with recent advances in convex optimization to develop novel gradient-based sparse principal component analysis algorithms. These algorithms enjoy the same global convergence guarantee as the original alternating direction method of multipliers, and can be more efficiently implemented with the rich toolbox developed for gradient methods from the deep learning literature. Most notably, these gradient-based algorithms can be combined with stochastic gradient descent methods to produce efficient online sparse principal component analysis algorithms with provable numerical and statistical performance guarantees. The practical performance and usefulness of the new algorithms are demonstrated in various simulation studies. As an application, we show how the scalability and statistical accuracy of our method enable us to find interesting functional gene groups in high-dimensional RNA sequencing data.
Young mother with lupus and life-altering cardiocerebrovascular nightmare: a case report
Authors: Sukmawati Indah , Christiani Agatha , Langow Sandra Sinthya , Lukito Antonia Anna
Published: July 2022

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) predominantly affects women and increases their cardiovascular disease risk up to three-fold. Young women with SLE face various challenges and gender-specific issues, especially concerning pregnancy.

Case summary

A female patient, 37 years old, married with two children, hospitalized for SLE, consulted for chest pain, shortness of breath, and dry cough. She quit her medication in the past 7 years prior to her admission in the hope of conceiving. Physical examinations showed signs of heart failure. Electrocardiogram revealed recent myocardial infarction. She had increased hs-Troponin T 180.3 pg/mL and NTproBNP 13 419 ng/L. An echocardiogram demonstrated a low ejection fraction at 30.4%, left ventricle thrombus, and wall motion abnormalities. The angiogram showed severe coronary artery disease. Her condition was then complicated by embolic stroke and recurrent bleeding from anticoagulant subcutaneous punctured sites.

Discussion

Patients with SLE are prone to hypercoagulability and accelerated atherosclerosis, which may lead to pre-mature mortality. In this case, balancing risk for bleeding vs. ischaemia is a see-saw decision. The current risk scores do not cater specifically to this population, but the existing ones suggest this patient will have an equally undesired outcome. Hence, a multi-disciplinary team discussion was needed. Considering the immense risk of any intervention at the time, the decision was to administer a conservative treatment.

Conclusion

Recognizing and anticipating gender-specific issues in managing patients with SLE are keys to preventing catastrophic complications. Multi-disciplinary team involvement is critical in dealing with complex cases.
Design, effectiveness, and economic outcomes of contemporary chronic disease clinical decision support systems: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Winnie , Howard Kirsten , Gorham Gillian , O’Bryan Claire Maree , Coffey Patrick , Balasubramanya Bhavya , Abeyaratne Asanga , Cass Alan
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Electronic health record-based clinical decision support (CDS) has the potential to improve health outcomes. This systematic review investigates the design, effectiveness, and economic outcomes of CDS targeting several common chronic diseases.

Material and Methods

We conducted a search in PubMed (Medline), EBSCOHOST (CINAHL, APA PsychInfo, EconLit), and Web of Science. We limited the search to studies from 2011 to 2021. Studies were included if the CDS was electronic health record-based and targeted one or more of the following chronic diseases: cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia. Studies with effectiveness or economic outcomes were considered for inclusion, and a meta-analysis was conducted.

Results

The review included 76 studies with effectiveness outcomes and 9 with economic outcomes. Of the effectiveness studies, 63% described a positive outcome that favored the CDS intervention group. However, meta-analysis demonstrated that effect sizes were heterogenous and small, with limited clinical and statistical significance. Of the economic studies, most full economic evaluations (n = 5) used a modeled analysis approach. Cost-effectiveness of CDS varied widely between studies, with an estimated incremental cost-effectiveness ratio ranging between USD$2192 to USD$151 955 per QALY.

Conclusion

We summarize contemporary chronic disease CDS designs and evaluation results. The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness results for CDS interventions are highly heterogeneous, likely due to differences in implementation context and evaluation methodology. Improved quality of reporting, particularly from modeled economic evaluations, would assist decision makers to better interpret and utilize results from these primary research studies.

Registration

PROSPERO (CRD42020203716)
Oligomeric state of the aspartate:alanine transporter from Tetragenococcus halophilus
Authors: Miyamoto Akari , Yamanaka Takashi , Suzuki Satomi , Kunii Kota , Kurono Kenichiro , Yoshimi Akira , Hidaka Masafumi , Ogasawara Satoshi , Nanatani Kei , Abe Keietsu
Published: July 2022

The aspartate:alanine exchanger family of membrane transporters includes industrially important transporters such as succinate exporter and glutamate exporter. No high-resolution structure is available from this family so far, and the transport mechanism of these transporters also remains unclear. In the present study, we focus on the oligomeric status of the aspartate:alanine antiporter (AspT) of Tetragenococcus halophilus, which is the prototype of this family. To investigate the oligomeric structure of AspT, we established a system that produces high yields of highly purified AspT and determined the oligomeric structure of AspT by analysis with size exclusion chromatography coupled with multi-angle light scattering and blue native PAGE and by comparison of the wild-type AspT with a single-cysteine mutant that forms spontaneous inter-molecular thiol crosslinking. All the results consistently support the notion that AspT is a homodimer in solutions and in membranes.
Preoperative arterial embolization and wound complications after resection of malignant bone tumor in the pelvis: a nationwide database study
Authors: Zhang Liuzhe , Michihata Nobuaki , Matsui Hiroki , Fushimi Kiyohide , Yasunaga Hideo , Tsuda Yusuke , Tanaka Sakae , Kobayashi Hiroshi
Published: July 2022

Background

Massive intraoperative blood loss is common in pelvic malignant bone tumor surgery, and preoperative arterial embolization may be used in selected cases. Preoperative arterial embolization reportedly increases wound complications in pelvic fracture surgery, but little evidence is available regarding pelvic bone tumor surgery.

Methods

Using a Japanese nationwide database (Diagnosis Procedure Combination database), we searched for patients who underwent pelvic malignant bone tumor surgery between July 2010 and March 2018. The primary endpoint was wound complications, defined as any wound requiring re-operation, negative pressure wound therapy or both. Univariate analyses (the chi-squared test for categorical variables, the unpaired t-test for continuous variables) and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the association between preoperative arterial embolization and wound complications.

Results

Among the 266 eligible patients, 43 (16%, 43/266) underwent embolization and 69 (26%, 69/266) developed wound complications. In the univariate analyses, preoperative arterial embolization (P < 0.001), duration of anesthesia (P < 0.001), the volume of blood transfusion (P < 0.001) and duration of indwelling drain tube (P < 0.001) were associated with wound complications. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, preoperative arterial embolization was significantly associated with wound complications (odds ratio, 3.92; 95% confidence interval, 1.80–8.56; P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Preoperative arterial embolization may be associated with increased wound complications after pelvic malignant tumor surgery.
Categorization by Score of Mosquito Species (Diptera: Culicidae) Related to Yellow Fever Epizootics in Argentina
Authors: Cano Maria Eugenia , Marti Gerardo Anibal , Alencar Jeronimo , Silva Shayenne Olsson Freitas , Micieli Maria Victoria
Published: July 2022

The mosquito-borne yellow fever virus (YFV) is the cause of a zoonotic disease, with both sylvatic and urban cycles. Some mosquito species have been associated directly with transmission of the virus in South America, although the importance given to each species varies depending on the bibliography, geographical location, or year of publication. For Argentina, few publications have assessed the involvement of mosquito species, especially those included in the sylvatic cycle. Therefore, the goal of our paper was to gather all the information available in South America and categorize all mosquito species potentially involved in the YFV transmission cycle in Argentina according to incriminating vector criteria. Based on three main characteristics (‘Hosts’, ‘Mosquito vector’, and ‘YF outbreak’), we generated scales of importance by species, one exclusively for Argentina and another for all of South America, Sabethes albiprivus Theobald, 1903 was the most important species in Argentina; whereas the most important species in South America were Haemagogus janthinomys Dyar 1921, Hg. leucocelaenus Dyar and Shannon, 1924, and Sa. chloropterus Von Humboldt, 1819. Our review highlights the lack of research that evaluates the importance of these species for YFV transmission in Argentina, while serving as a starting point to establish priorities for research on the bionomics and vector status of these species.
Species Diversity of Anopheles Mosquitoes and Plasmodium vivax Infection Rates, Gyeonggi Province, Republic of Korea During 2020
Authors: Lee So Youn , Kim Heung Chul , Klein Terry A , Ryu Jihun , Won Min Hyeok , Choi Jae Won , Kim Myung Soon , Chong Sung Tae , Lee Si Hyeock , Kim Young Ho , Kim Ju Hyeon , Choi Kwang Shik
Published: July 2022

There are currently >300 malaria cases reported annually in the Republic of Korea (ROK), with most cases attributed to exposure in northern Gangwon and Gyeonggi provinces near the demilitarized zone (DMZ). The species diversity and malaria infection rate were determined for a sample of Anopheles mosquitoes collected from May to early November 2020 for six sites in a malaria high-risk area in/near the DMZ and two malaria low-risk areas in southern Gyeonggi province using Mosquito Magnet traps in the ROK. A total of 1864 Anopheles spp. were identified to species by PCR. Overall, An. kleini (31.4%, 510/1622) was the most frequently species assayed, followed by An. pullus (25.5%, 413/1622), An. sineroides (23.9%, 387/1622), and An. sinensis (10.2%, 165/1622), while the other four species only accunted for 9.1% (147/1622) collected in/near the DMZ. Only three species, An. pullus, An. sinensis, and An. sineroides were collected at Humphreys US Army Garrison (USAG) (235 individuals), while only An. sinensis was collected at Yongsan USAG (7 individuals). A total of 36 Anopheles specimens belonging to five species collected in/near the DMZ were positive for Plasmodium vivax by PCR. Anopheles kleini (9) was the most frequent species positive for P. vivax, followed by An. belenrae (8), An. pullus (8), An. sinensis (5), An. sineroides (5), and a member of the Anopheles Lindesayi Complex in the ROK (1). This is the first report of P. vivax in a member of the An. Lindesayi Complex in the ROK. These findings can assist in guiding future malaria vector management in the ROK.
Rice bodies in children with rheumatic disorders: A case series and systematic literature review
Authors: Sener Seher , Tanali Gizem , Ergen Fatma Bilge , Kasap Cuceoglu Muserref , Balik Zeynep , Bayindir Yagmur , Aliyev Emil , Basaran Ozge , Bilginer Yelda , Ozen Seza , Batu Ezgi Deniz
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Rice body (RB) formation is an uncommon inflammatory process seen in systemic disorders. In this study, we aimed to assess characteristic features of RBs in pediatric patients.

Method

We retrospectively evaluated pediatric patients who underwent joint/extremity magnetic resonance imaging. A systematic literature review was conducted for articles including children with RBs.

Results

We found 24 patients (median age 6.1 years; F/M = 2.4) with RBs [23 with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and one with arthralgia]. The most prevalent location for RBs was the knee joint (75%). RBs were most frequently seen as diffuse multiple millimetric structures. In three out of five patients with follow-up magnetic resonance imaging, resolution or regression of RBs was observed without surgical intervention. Our literature search identified 13 pediatric patients with RBs. Most (84.6%) had JIA, and the knee joint (71.4%) was the most commonly affected joint. Surgery was preferred in our 3 patients (12.5%) and 10 literature patients (83.3%) in the treatment.

Conclusion

Our results showed that RBs were most commonly detected in the knee joint, and most cases were secondary to JIA. Although surgery is used as a treatment option, we observed that RBs can occasionally disappear during follow-up without surgical intervention.
Chemicals Affecting Cyanobacterial Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) Accumulation: 2-Phenylethanol Treatment Combined with Nitrogen Deprivation Synergistically Enhanced Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) Storage in Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 and Anabaena sp. TISTR8076
Authors: Sukkasam Nannaphat , Incharoensakdi Aran , Monshupanee Tanakarn
Published: July 2022

Various photoautotrophic cyanobacteria increase the accumulation of bioplastic poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) under nitrogen deprivation (–N) for energy storage. Several metabolic engineering enhanced cyanobacterial PHB accumulation, but these strategies are not applicable in non-gene-transformable strains. Alternatively, stimulating PHB levels by chemical exposure is desirable because it might be applied to various cyanobacterial strains. However, the study of such chemicals is still limited. Here, 19 compounds previously reported to affect bacterial cellular processes were evaluated for their effect on PHB accumulation in Synechocystis sp. PCC6803, where 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea, methyl viologen, arsenite, phenoxyethanol and 2-phenylethanol were found to increase PHB accumulation. When cultivated with optimal nitrate supply, Synechocystis contained less than 0.5% [w/w dry weight (DW)] PHB, while cultivation under –N conditions increased the PHB content to 7% (w/w DW). Interestingly, the –N cultivation combined with 2-phenylethanol exposure reduced the Synechocystis protein content by 27% (w/w DW) but significantly increased PHB levels up to 33% (w/w DW), the highest ever reported photoautotrophic cyanobacterial PHB accumulation in a wild-type strain. Results from transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis suggested that under 2-phenylethanol treatment, Synechocystis proteins were degraded to amino acids, which might be subsequently utilized as the source of carbon and energy for PHB biosynthesis. 2-Phenylethanol treatment also increased the levels of metabolites required for Synechocystis PHB synthesis (acetyl-CoA, acetoacetyl-CoA, 3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA and NADPH). Additionally, under –N, the exposure to phenoxyethanol and 2-phenylethanol increased the PHB levels of Anabaena sp. from 0.4% to 4.1% and 6.6% (w/w DW), respectively. The chemicals identified in this study might be applicable for enhancing PHB accumulation in other cyanobacteria.
Characteristics of Patients Who Underwent a Diagnostic Test for Hereditary Angioedema Admitted Due to Angioedema
Authors: Şengül Emeksiz Zeynep , Demir İpek Kezban , Tehçi Ali Kansu , Gürsoy Gamze , Dibek Mısırlıoğlu Emine
Published: July 2022

Objective

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is clinically characterized by recurrent attacks of angioedema. This study evaluated the clinical findings and examination results of patients admitted due to angioedema who then underwent a diagnostic test for HAE. The study aimed to assess the contribution of laboratory findings to the diagnostic process and to determine clinicians’ level of awareness regarding the differential diagnosis of angioedema and the appropriate laboratory tests.

Methods

Pediatric patients suspected to have HAE based on the presence of angioedema and screened for C1 esterase inhibitor levels and/or function were included in the study.

Results

A total of 136 patients were evaluated for a preliminary diagnosis of HAE in the presence of angioedema. Angioedema was accompanied by urticaria in 65 patients (47.7%) and itching in 24 patients (17.6%). Patients were evaluated using laboratory tests, C4 levels were studied in 124 patients (91.1%) and were found to be within normal reference limits. C1 esterase inhibitor levels were studied in all patients and were found to be within normal limits. C1 esterase inhibitor function was also studied in 101 patients (74.2%) and was found to be within normal limits.

Discussion

It was concluded that clinicians keep HAE in mind when encountering angioedema, but that increasing their knowledge of clinical findings that assist in differential diagnosis among angioedema types would be useful. The study authors would like to emphasize that this topic should be included in the specialty training curriculum to raise the awareness of clinicians, especially pediatricians, about clinical HAE findings and the algorithmic approach to the differential diagnosis of angioedema.
Assessment of Hyperspectral Imaging in Pressure Injury Healing
Authors: Lee Lin-Lin , Chen Shu-Ling
Published: July 2022

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the blood oxygen concentrations (StO2) of different stages of pressure injury (PI) tissue using hyperspectral images to serve as a guideline for the treatment and care of PIs.

METHODS

This study used a prospective design. A total of 30 patients with sacral PIs were recruited from the rehabilitation ward of a teaching hospital. The authors used a hyperspectral detector to collect wound images and the Beer-Lambert law to estimate changes in tissue StO2 in different stages of PI.

RESULTS

The tissue StO2 of healthy skin and that of stage 1 PI skin were similar, whereas the tissue StO2 of the wound in stage 2 PIs was significantly higher than that of healthy skin and scabbed tissue (medians, 82.5%, 74.4%, and 68.3%; P < .05). In stage 3 PIs, StO2 was highest in subcutaneous tissue and adipose tissue (82.5%) and lowest in peripheral scabs (68.35%). The tissue StO2 was highest in subcutaneous tissue in stage 4 PIs, and this tissue was red in the hyperspectral spectrum. The scab-covered area of unstageable PIs had the lowest StO2 of all PI tissue types (median, 44.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Hyperspectral imaging provides physiologic information on wound microcirculation, which can enable better evaluation of healing status. Assessing tissue StO2 data can provide a clinical index of wound healing.
Promoting and Maintaining Skin Integrity in End-of-Life Care: A Systematic Review
Authors: Raepsaet Charlotte , Blomberg Karin , Falk-Brynhildsen Karin , Gethin Georgina , Beeckman Dimitri
Published: July 2022

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review recommendations for promoting and maintaining skin integrity in end-of-life care and their level of evidence.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE (PubMed interface), CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), EMBASE, and The Cochrane Library were systematically searched using a combination of key terms including end-of-life care, skin care, skin hygiene, and skin cleansing.

STUDY SELECTION

Articles were included if they (1) described skin care recommendations, including but not limited to the use of skin care products and interventions such as cleansing procedures; and (2) included adult patients who were expected to die within 12 months. There were no restrictions on study design, study setting, or language. Articles with a publication date before 2000 were excluded.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two data extraction forms were developed. The first included information about the author, publication year, type of evidence, study topic, sample, sample size, setting, limitations of the study, level of evidence, and quality of the study. The second included recommendations for promoting and maintaining skin integrity in patients at the end of life.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Because of methodological heterogeneity, results were synthesized narratively, and no meta-analysis was performed.

CONCLUSIONS

The information contained in the recommendations will assist nurses in promoting and maintaining skin integrity in patients at the end of life. More research is needed on end-of-life skin care, with an emphasis on patient-centered, holistic strategies that improve patient well-being and quality of life. In most current research, recommendations are limited to literature reviews and level V evidence. Skin care must balance the promotion and maintenance of skin integrity, wound prevention, and management while promoting patient dignity and quality of life.
A Consensus on Stomal, Parastomal, and Peristomal Complications
Authors: Carville Keryln , Haesler Emily , Norman Tania , Walls Pat , Monterosso Leanne
Published: July 2022

OBJECTIVE

To establish a consensus on terminology used to define stomal, parastomal, and peristomal complications in Australia.

METHODS

A list of stomal, parastomal, and peristomal complications was generated through group dialogue, which was informed by clinical and academic knowledge of the researchers. An extensive literature review was undertaken to identify any additional terms and to create a database of definitions/descriptions. A library of images related to the identified conditions was generated. An online Delphi process was conducted among a representative, purposive sample of Australia expert wound, ostomy, and continence nurses and colorectal surgeons. Ten terms were presented to the panel with descriptive photographs of each complication. Up to three Delphi rounds and, if necessary, a priority voting round were conducted.

RESULTS

Seven of the 10 terms reached agreement in the first round. One term (allergic dermatitis) was refined (allergic contact dermatitis) and reached agreement in the second round. Two terms (mucocutaneous granuloma and mucosal granuloma) were considered by the panel to be the same condition in different anatomical locations and were combined as one term (granuloma). Two terms (skin stripping and tension blisters) were combined as one term (medical adhesive-related skin injury) and reached agreement in round 2.

CONCLUSIONS

A consensus in terminology used to describe stomal or parastomal/peristomal complications will enhance communication among patients and health professionals and advance opportunities for education and benchmarking of stomal, parastomal, and peristomal complications nationally.