bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cannulated Cancellous Screw and Ender’s Nail Fixation in Stable Intertrochanteric Femur Fracture in Elderly Patient With Co-Morbid Condition
Authors: Memon Rohan R , Patel Drashtant
Published: April 2023

Background: Intertrochanteric Femur fracture is common in elderly patient with co-morbidity.Ender and Simon Weidner popularized the concept of closed condylocephlic nailing for intertrochanteric fractures in 1970. The clinical experience of authors revealed that Ender nailing alone cannot provide secure fixation in elderly patients with osteoporosis. Aims and objectives; we conducted a study to evaluate the efficacy of a combined fixation procedure using Ender nails and a cannulated compression screw for intertrochanteric fractures. Study Design: This is a prospective observational type of study Place and duration of study: Department of orthopaedics, NHL medical college between January 2015 to June 2018 Methodology: 52 patients with intertrochanteric fractures were treated using intramedullary Ender nails and cannulated compression screw from January 2015 to june 2018. We included those patients having age ≥50 years, with multiple co- morbid conditions like diabetes, hypertension, COPD, Asthma, bleeding disorders and multiple fractures, and duration of the Intertrochanteric fracture ≤ two week. We exclude young active patients < 50 yrs age, fracture > 2 weeks duration, fracture with lateral wall comminution and open fractures. The two Ender nails of 4.5mm each were passed across the fracture site into the proximal neck. This was reinforced with a 6.5 mm cannulated compression screw passed from the sub trochanteric region, across the fracture into the head. Results; All the fractures were united within an average period of 13 weeks with a range of 10 – 13 weeks. The functional assessment was done with modified Harris hip score(Table no 1,2) and the mean was 86.3 with a range from 73 to 95 , and 26 patients were excellent, 20 patients were good , 4 patients were fair and two patients were poor with respect to total score. The analysis of this study fulfils the objectives of good functional outcome Conclusions: The Ender nailing combined with compression screw fixation in cases of intertrochanteric fractures in high risk elderly patients could achieve reliable fracture stability with minimal complications. Keywords: Compression screw, Ender nails, osteoporosis, inter-trochanteric fracture
CURRENT ISSUES BULLETIN
Authors: Elder-Woodward Jim
Published: April 2023

Personal assistance is the key to the realisation of the independent living principles, as set out by the worldwide Independent Living Movement. In Scotland, consideration is under way to bring personal assistance within the realm of mainstream social care. This paper discusses the current debate around such a move from the perspective of postcolonial theory. Although more commonly used in terms of the impact of Global North political philosophy and practices on the Global South, this paper uses the term to criticise the maintenance of professional and hegemonic power over disabled people within the process of managing personal assistance within Scotland’s ‘self-directed support’ programme. The potential development of training, registering, and regulating personal assistants within Scotland is discussed with reference to Altermark’s (2018) ‘post-institutional’ theory of community support and Ratzka’s personal observations of fake personal assistance programmes. Further, it is suggested that by incorporating Mladenov’s (2019) study methodology of ‘good’ personal assistance, international studies of personal assistance might highlight where and how postcolonising of personal assistance happens within different states.
D-band optical modulators using electro-optic polymer waveguides and non-coplanar patch antennas
Authors: Kaji Takahiro , Morohashi Isao , Tominari Yukihiro , Ohara Meguru , Yamada Toshiki , Otomo Akira
Published: April 2023

D-band (110–170 GHz) antenna-coupled optical modulators with electro-optic (EO) polymer waveguides and non-coplanar patch antennas were fabricated using a poled EO polymer film transfer method. A carrier-to-sideband ratio (CSR) of 42.3 dB corresponding to an optical phase shift of 15.3 mrad was obtained by irradiating 150 GHz electromagnetic waves with an irradiation power density of 34.3 W/m2. Our devices and fabrication method have great potential for achieving highly efficient wireless-to-optical signal conversion in radio-over-fiber (RoF) systems.
Generation and measurement of irregular polygonal perfect vortex optical beam based on all-dielectric geometric metasurface
Authors: Liu Yue , Zhou Chengxin , Guo Kuangling , Wei Zhongchao , Liu Hongzhan
Published: April 2023

The perfect optical vortex (POV) beam carrying orbital angular momentum with topological charge-independent radial intensity distribution possesses ubiquitous applications in optical communication, particle manipulation, and quantum optics. But the mode distribution of conventional POV beam is relatively single, limiting the modulation of the particles. Here, we originally introduce the high-order cross-phase (HOCP) and ellipticity γ into the POV beam and construct all-dielectric geometric metasurfaces to generate irregular polygonal perfect optical vortex (IPPOV) beams following the trend of miniaturization and integration of optical systems. By controlling the order of the HOCP, conversion rate u, and ellipticity factor γ, various shapes of IPPOV beams with different electric field intensity distributions can be realized. In addition, we analyze the propagation characteristics of IPPOV beams in free-space, and the number and rotation direction of bright spots at the focal plane give the magnitude and sign of the topological charge carried by the beam. The method does not require cumbersome devices or complex calculation process, and provides a simple and effective method for simultaneous polygon shaping and topological charge measurement. This work further improves the beam manipulation ability while maintaining the characteristics of the POV beam, enriches the mode distribution of the POV beam, and provides more possibilities for particle manipulation.
Dynamics of surface-plasmon lasing in planar metal gratings on semiconductor
Authors: Seo Dong-Guk , Lee Seong-Yeon , Jung Chan-Woo , Ahn Daehyun , Kim Ji-Hee , Han Won-Seok , Yee Ki-Ju
Published: April 2023

We investigate the dynamics of surface plasmon (SP) lasing in Au gratings fabricated on InGaAs with a period of around 400 nm, which locates the SP resonance near the semiconductor energy gap and facilitates efficient energy transfer. By optically pumping the InGaAs to reach the population inversion required for the amplification and the lasing, we observe SP lasing at specific wavelengths that satisfy the SPR condition depending on the grating period. The carrier dynamics in semiconductor and the photon density in the SP cavity was investigated from the time-resolved pump-probe measurement and the time resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy, respectively. Our results reveal that the photon dynamics is strongly correlated with the carrier dynamics and the lasing build-up is accelerated as the initial gain proportional to the pumping power increases, and this trend is satisfactorily explained using the rate equation model.
Ultra-low-crosstalk multicore fiber-integrated pump-signal combiner for a core-pumped EDFA
Authors: Kopp Victor I. , Park Jongchul , Zhang Jing , Neugroschl Daniel
Published: April 2023

Fiber-integrated, submersible-qualified, core-pumped, multicore EDFAs are indispensable for space-division-multiplexing envisioned for the next generation of submarine communication lines. Here we demonstrate a fully packaged, 63-dB counter-propagating crosstalk, and 70-dB-return-loss four-core pump-signal-combiner. This enables core-pumping of a four-core EDFA.
Fully continuous spiral phase plate for ultraintense optical vortices
Authors: Zhang Yuanhang , Wen Shenglin , Wang Shengfei , Zhang Jian , Tang Caixue , Zuo Haoyi , Gao Fuhua , Fan Fei , Zhang Qinghua , Xu Qiao
Published: April 2023

Ultraintense optical vortices carrying orbital angular momentum have attracted much attention in strong-field laser physics due to their spiral phase and hollow intensity. This Letter introduces a fully continuous spiral phase plate (FC-SPP) that enables the generation of an ultraintense Laguerre–Gaussian beam. An optimization design method based on the spatial filter technique and chirp-z transform is proposed to match the polishing processing and the tightly focusing performance. To enable its use in high-power laser systems, a large-aperture (200 × 200 mm2) FC-SPP has been fabricated on a fused silica substrate through magnetorheological finishing without the use of mask techniques. The far-field phase pattern and intensity distribution based on vector diffraction calculation were compared with those of ideal spiral phase plate and fabricated FC-SPP, which confirmed the high quality of the output vortex beams and their feasibility for producing high-intensity vortices.
Multi-megawatt pulses at 50 MHz from a single-pump Mamyshev oscillator gain-managed amplifier laser
Authors: Boulanger Vincent , Olivier Michel , Trépanier François , Deladurantaye Pascal , Piché Michel
Published: April 2023

We have developed a compact all-PM-fiber ytterbium-doped Mamyshev oscillator-amplifier laser system generating compressed pulses of 102 nJ and 37 fs, thus having over 2 MW of peak power, at a repetition rate of 52 MHz. The pump power from a single diode is shared between a linear cavity oscillator and a gain-managed nonlinear amplifier. The oscillator is self-started by pump-modulation and a linearly polarized single-pulse operation is achieved without filter tuning. The cavity filters are near-zero dispersion fiber Bragg gratings with a Gaussian spectral response. To our knowledge, this simple and efficient source has the highest repetition rate and average power among all-fiber multi-megawatt femtosecond pulsed laser sources and its architecture holds potential for generating higher pulse energies.
Optical projection tomography of fluorescent microscopic specimens using lateral translation of tube lens
Authors: Sung Yongjin
Published: April 2023

Optical projection tomography (OPT) is a three-dimensional (3D) fluorescence imaging technique, in which projection images are acquired for varying orientations of a sample using a large depth of field. OPT is typically applied to a millimeter-sized specimen, because the rotation of a microscopic specimen is challenging and not compatible with live cell imaging. In this Letter, we demonstrate fluorescence optical tomography of a microscopic specimen by laterally translating the tube lens of a wide-field optical microscope, which allows for high-resolution OPT without rotating the sample. The cost is the reduction of the field of view to about halfway along the direction of the tube lens translation. Using bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells and 0.1 µm beads, we compare the 3D imaging performance of the proposed method with that of the conventional objective-focus scan method.
High-power femtosecond vortices generated from a Kerr-lens mode-locked solid-state Hermite–Gaussian oscillator
Authors: Peng Zijun , Wang Qing , Chen Hongshan , Liu Hongyu , Liu Xin , Yan Lisong , Zhang Jinwei
Published: April 2023

We report the generation of high-order transverse modes from a Kerr-lens mode-locked femtosecond laser. Two different orders of Hermite–Gaussian modes were realized by non-collinear pumping, which were converted into the corresponding Laguerre–Gaussian vortex modes using a cylindrical lens mode converter. The mode-locked vortex beams, with an average power of 1.4 W and 0.8 W, contained pulses as short as 126 fs and 170 fs at the first and second Hermite–Gaussian mode orders, respectively. This work demonstrates the possibility of developing Kerr-lens mode-locked bulk lasers with various pure high-order modes and paves the way for generating ultrashort vortex beams.
Estimation of the full shape of the crystalline lens from OCT: validation using stretched donor lenses
Authors: Martinez-Enriquez Eduardo , Heilman Bianca Maceo , de Castro Alberto , Mohamed Ashik , Ruggeri Marco , Zvietcovich Fernando , Manns Fabrice , Marcos Susana
Published: April 2023

Quantifying human crystalline lens geometry as a function of age and accommodation is important for improved cataract and presbyopia treatments. In previous works we presented eigenlenses as a basis of 3-D functions to represent the full shape of the crystalline lens ex vivo. Also, we presented the application of eigenlenses to estimate the full shape of the lens in vivo from 3-D optical coherence tomography (OCT) images, where only the central part of the lens -visible through the pupil- is available.
The current work presents a validation of the use of eigenlenses to estimate in vivo the full shape of dis-accommodated lenses. We used 14 ex vivo crystalline lenses from donor eyes (11-54 y/o) mounted in a lens stretcher, and measured the geometry and the power of the lenses using a combined OCT and ray tracing aberrometry system. Ex vivo, the full extent of the lens is accessible from OCT because the incident light is not blocked by the iris. We measured in non-stretched (fully accommodated) and stretched (mimicking in vivo dis-accommodated lenses) conditions. Then, we simulated computationally in vivo conditions on the obtained ex vivo lenses geometry (assuming that just the portion of the lens within a given pupil is available), and estimated the full shape using eigenlenses. The mean absolute error (MAE) between estimated and measured lens’ diameters and volumes were MAE=0.26 ± 0.18 mm and MAE=7.0 ± 4.5 mm³, respectively. Furthermore, we concluded that the estimation error between measured and estimated lenses did not depend on the accommodative state (change in power due to stretching), and thus eigenlenses are also useful for the full shape estimation of in vivo dis-accommodated lenses.
Prevalence and predictors of musculoskeletal health complaints among sedentary, monotonous urban workers: A survey in Bangladesh
Authors: Ali Mohammad , Siddiq Md. Abu Bakar , Pranto Nujaim Khan , Amran Naheean Hossain , Akter Marium , Munny Marjan Akter , Hossain Md. Imran , Khan Saffat Sabbir , Mehedi Md. Murad Hossain
Published: April 2023

Background

Monotonous and sedentary work is significantly associated with the worst health of workers. There is a scarcity of data investigating the musculoskeletal health of sedentary workers working in low-income and middle-income settings. This study aimed to measure the prevalence and predictors of musculoskeletal health complaints (MHC) among Bangladeshi shopkeepers.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data from 1553 Bangladeshi shopkeepers aged 18 years and above were analyzed. MHC was measured using the musculoskeletal subscale of the subjective health complaints scale. The descriptive analysis helped to compute MHC prevalence and compare the prevalence across groups. Regression analysis revealed the predictors of MHC for the shopkeepers.

Results

The prevalence of MHC among shopkeepers was 58.0%. The prevalence of low back pain was the highest (55.5%), followed by neck pain (48.0%) and upper back pain (43.5%). Regression analysis identified sex (aOR 1.301, CI 0.996 to 1.700), age (aOR 1.405, CI 1.047 to 1.886), body mass index (aOR 0.495, CI 0.397 to 0.617), and substance abuse (aOR 1.998, CI 1.136 to 3.514) as independent predictors of MHC among the shopkeepers. Furthermore, significantly higher odds of MHC have been found among tobacco users (OR 1.234, CI 1.009 to 1.510).

Conclusion

This study revealed a high prevalence of MHC and unhealthy lifestyles among shopkeepers in Bangladesh. Shopkeepers should be provided with better health literacy to follow healthy lifestyles and prevent MHC among this cohort.
Predicting the comprehensive geospatial pattern of two ephedrine-type alkaloids for Ephedra sinica in Inner Mongolia
Authors: Guo Longfei , He Ping , He Yuan , Gao Yu , Zhang Xiaoting , Huo Tongtong , Peng Cheng , Meng Fanyun
Published: April 2023

Ephedra sinicaStapf. is a shrubby plant widely used in traditional Chinese medicine due to its high level of medicinal value, thus, it is in high demand. Ephedrine (E) and pseudoephedrine (PE) are key medicinal components and quality indicators forE.sinica. These two ephedrine-type alkaloids are basic elements that exert the medicinal effect ofE.sinica. Recently, indiscriminate destruction and grassland desertification have caused the quantity and quality of these pharmacological plants to degenerate. Predicting potentially suitable habitat for high-qualityE.sinicais essential for its future conservation and domestication. In this study, MaxEnt software was utilized to map suitable habitats forE.sinicain Inner Mongolia based on occurrence data and a set of variables related to climate, soil, topography and human impact. The model parametrization was optimized by evaluating alternative combinations of feature classes and values of the regularization multiplier. Second, a geospatial quality model was fitted to relate E and PE contents to the same environmental variables and to predict their spatial patterns across the study area. Outputs from the two models were finally coupled to map areas predicted to have both suitable conditions forE.sinicaand high alkaloid content. Our results indicate thatE.sinicawith high-quality E content was mainly distributed in the Horqin, Ulan Butong and Wulanchabu grasslands.E.sinicawith high-quality PE content was primarily found in the Ordos, Wulanchabu and Ulan Butong grasslands. This study provides scientific information for the protection and sustainable utilization ofE.sinica. It can also help to control and prevent desertification in Inner Mongolia.
Losing ground in the field: An exploratory analysis of the relationship between work and mental health amongst women in conflict affected Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Vaillant Julia , Kalra Naira , Gurbuz Cuneo Alev , Rouanet Léa
Published: April 2023

Background

Conflict affected populations, in particular women in such settings, face an increased risk of developing mental health disorders as well as well as economic vulnerability and reduced productivity. However, the link between the two has rarely been studied.

Data and methods

The data in this paper come from a cross-sectional dataset (n = 1053) and a panel dataset of (n = 499) women suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. This paper investigates the association between mental health disorders (PTSD, depression and/or anxiety) and employment for women in a conflict-affected setting.

Results

The study finds that worsened local functioning is associated with reduced likelihood of working, earnings, and engagement in paid work. Reduction in probable depression and/or anxiety and PTSD are both associated with increased likelihood of engaging in paid work compared to unpaid work. Reduction in probable depression and/or anxiety is also associated with engaging in a secondary economic activity, as well as with higher productivity. However, when controlling for daily (local) functioning impairment, the primary pathway through which mental health may impact working, we detect a positive relationship between work or working hours and increased symptoms of PTSD and depression and/or anxiety. Working women with worse PTSD and depression and/or anxiety symptoms are also less likely to be self-employed, especially in an off-farm setting, and more likely to be engaged in farming.

Conclusion

A complex relationship between working and mental health emerges. Our findings also suggest that in this population farming, particularly farm-based wage work, is positively associated with worse mental health even after accounting for wealth and other relevant socio-demographic factors. These findings highlight the importance of paying close attention to the mental health of beneficiaries of livelihood support projects in post-conflict settings, where the relationship between mental health and employment is not straightforward.
What do hospital-based health professionals need and expect from an mHealth app to support the first 1000 days of life? Results from a cross sectional study
Authors: Brunelli Laura , Dobrina Raffaella , De Vita Chiara , Mazzolini Elena , Verardi Giuseppa , Bussolaro Sofia , Degrassi Maura , Hervatich Giulia , Piazza Maria , Strajn Tamara , Cassone Andrea , Starec Anja , Ricci Giuseppe , Zanchiello Sara , Stampalija Tamara
Published: April 2023

Background

Several attempts have been made to introduce mHealth solutions to support maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH). However, most of the available apps do not meet the needs of end-users, underscoring the urgency of involving them in the co-design of telehealth interventions.

Objective

With this in mind, we investigated the needs and expectations of hospital-based health professionals (i.e., secondary users) providing care to pregnant women and new mothers with their babies for a hypothetical mHealth app to support the first 1000 days of life.

Methods

From November 2021 to March 2022, we surveyed health professionals using a questionnaire that explored the perceived importance of specific content, functionalities, and technical features of the proposed app. We also collected sociodemographic information from secondary users. We performed descriptive analysis and then used Ward hierarchical clustering method to classify respondents according to their response patterns.

Results

We recorded the needs and expectations of 145 hospital-based health professionals from obstetrics/gynecology, nursery/neonatology, and pediatrics. We found general agreement with the proposed content of the app, particularly general information about health during pregnancy (92%) and potential risky infections during pregnancy (91%). Three clusters emerged from the analysis, with the high and medium demanding clusters rating the importance of app content and technical features as very high and high, respectively, while low demanding cluster expressing more skepticism, especially about some of the proposed functionalities of the app.

Conclusions

Assessing the needs and expectations of end-users is an essential process for developing tailored and effective mHealth solutions. This study has shown that hospital-based health professionals generally recognize the value of the proposed app, suggesting their propensity to integrate such a telehealth solution into mainstream clinical practice.
Risk of cancer in patients with insomnia: Nationwide retrospective cohort study (2009–2018)
Authors: Yoon Kichul , Shin Cheol Min , Han Kyungdo , Jung Jin Hyung , Jin Eun Hyo , Lim Joo Hyun , Kang Seung Joo , Choi Yoon Jin , Lee Dong Ho
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To investigate the association between insomnia and the risk of various cancers using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database.

Materials and methods

Patients who underwent a national health examination in 2009 were followed-up until 2018. Newly-diagnosed cancers were collected one year after the baseline. Insomnia was defined as having a diagnosis of F510 or G470 within one year prior to enrollment. The incidence of various cancers was compared between patients with and without insomnia.

Results

In the overall study population (N = 3,982,012), the risk for any type of cancer was not different between controls and insomnia patients (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 0.990). However, it was different by age; insomnia increased the risk of any cancer in younger age groups (20–39y and 40–59y, aHR:1.310 and 1.139, respectively) but it significantly decreased the risk in the 60–79y age group (aHR: 0.939). In cancer type, colorectal cancer risk was lower (aHR: 0.872,P< 0.0001), whereas leukemia risk was higher (aHR: 1.402,P< 0.0001) in patients with insomnia than in those without it, regardless of sex. In men, the risk of stomach cancer was lower (aHR: 0.882,P= 0.0003), and the risks of lung (aHR:1.114,P= 0.0005), kidney (aHR 1.226,P= 0.0107), and prostate (aHR:1.101,P= 0.0028) cancers were higher in insomnia patients than in control patients. In women, insomnia patients compared to control patients showed a lower risk of ovarian cancer (aHR:0.856,P= 0.0344, respectively), while they had a higher risk of oral (aHR:1.616,P= 0.002), thyroid (aHR:1.072,P= 0.0192), and nerve (aHR: 1.251,P= 0.016) cancers.

Conclusion

Insomnia is associated with an increased or decreased risk of some cancers, depending on age, cancer type and sex.
Validating agent-based simulation model of hospital-associated Clostridioides difficile infection using primary hospital data
Authors: Scaria Elizabeth , Safdar Nasia , Alagoz Oguzhan
Published: April 2023

As agent-based models (ABMs) are increasingly used for modeling infectious diseases, model validation is becoming more crucial. In this study, we present an alternate approach to validating hospital ABMs that focuses on replicating hospital-specific conditions and proposes a new metric for validating the social-environmental network structure of ABMs. We adapted an established ABM representing Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) spread in a generic hospital to a 426-bed Midwestern academic hospital. We incorporated hospital-specific layout, agent behaviors, and input parameters estimated from primary hospital data into the model, referred to as H-ABM. We compared the predicted CDI rate against the observed rate from 2013–2018. We used colonization pressure, a measure of nearby infectious agents, to validate the socio-environmental agent networks in the ABM. Finally, we conducted additional experiments to compare the performance of individual infection control interventions in the H-ABM and the generic model. We find that the H-ABM is able to replicate CDI trends during 2013–2018, including a roughly 46% drop during a period of greater infection control investment. High CDI burden in socio-environmental networks was associated with a significantly increased risk of C. difficile colonization or infection (Risk ratio: 1.37; 95% CI: [1.17, 1.59]). Finally, we found that several high-impact infection control interventions have diminished impact in the H-ABM. This study presents an alternate approach to validation of ABMs when large-scale calibration is not appropriate for specific settings and proposes a new metric for validating socio-environmental network structure of ABMs. Our findings also demonstrate the utility of hospital-specific modeling.
The prelimbic cortex but not the anterior cingulate cortex plays an important role in social recognition and social investigation in mice
Authors: Yashima Joi , Uekita Tomoko , Sakamoto Toshiro
Published: April 2023

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) has been implicated in social cognitive functions and emotional behaviors in rodents. Each subregion (prelimbic cortex, PL; infralimbic cortex; and anterior cingulate cortex, ACC) of the PFC appears to play a different role in social and emotional behaviors. However, previous investigations have produced inconsistent data, and few previous studies directly compared the roles of the PFC subregions using the same experimental paradigm. Accordingly, in the present study, we examined the role of the PL and the ACC in short-term social recognition, social investigation, and anxiety-related behaviors in C57BL/6J mice. We subjected mice with a lesioned PL or ACC, as well as those in a sham control group, to tests of social recognition and social novelty where juvenile and adult male mice were used as social stimuli. In the social recognition test, the PL-lesioned mice exhibited habituation but not dishabituation regardless of whether they encountered juvenile or adult mice. In a subsequent social novelty test, they spent less time engaged in social investigation compared with the control mice when adult mice were used as social stimuli. These results suggest that PL lesions impaired both social recognition and social investigation. In contrast, ACC-lesioned mice did not exhibit impaired short-term social recognition or social investigation regardless of the social stimulus. Furthermore, PL lesions and ACC lesions did not affect anxiety-related behavior in the open field test or light-dark transition test. Our findings demonstrate that the PL but not the ACC plays an important role in social recognition and social investigation.
Role of multi-layer tissue composition of musculoskeletal extremities for prediction of in vivo surface indentation response and layer deformations
Authors: Neumann Erica E. , Doherty Sean , Bena James , Erdemir Ahmet
Published: April 2023

Emergent mechanics of musculoskeletal extremities (surface indentation stiffness and tissue deformation characteristics) depend on the underlying composition and mechanics of each soft tissue layer (i.e. skin, fat, and muscle). Limited experimental studies have been performed to explore the layer specific relationships that contribute to the surface indentation response. The goal of this study was to examine through statistical modeling how the soft tissue architecture contributed to the aggregate mechanical surface response across 8 different sites of the upper and lower extremities. A publicly available dataset was used to examine the relationship of soft tissue thickness (fat and muscle) to bulk tissue surface compliance. Models required only initial tissue layer thicknesses, making them usable in the future with only a static ultrasound image. Two physics inspired models (series of linear springs), which allowed reduced statistical representations (combined locations and location specific), were explored to determine the best predictability of surface compliance and later individual layer deformations. When considering the predictability of the experimental surface compliance, the physics inspired combined locations model showed an improvement over the location specific model (percent difference of 25.4 +/- 27.9% and 29.7 +/- 31.8% for the combined locations and location specific models, respectively). While the statistical models presented in this study show that tissue compliance relies on the individual layer thicknesses, it is clear that there are other variables that need to be accounted for to improve the model. In addition, the individual layer deformations of fat and muscle tissues can be predicted reasonably well with the physics inspired models, however additional parameters may improve the robustness of the model outcomes, specifically in regard to capturing subject specificity.
Elite lean athletes at sports high schools face multiple risks for mental health concerns and are in need of psychosocial support
Authors: Lundqvist Carolina , Schary David P. , Eklöf Emelie , Zand Sofia , Jacobsson Jenny
Published: April 2023

The combined demands on an adolescence in an elite sports high school can negatively affect mental health (eg, stress, burnout, depression, anxiety). Late adolescence is also when elite-striving athletes typically transition from junior-to-senior level programs. In addition, adolescent elite lean sports athletes have an increased risk of suffering from abnormal eating pathology. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceived psychosocial needs that young, elite-striving lean sports athletes in sports high schools find essential for their sports careers and transition from junior-to-senior level sports. Eight Swedish elite-striving lean sports athletes (2 men and 6 women; median age 17.0 years, range: 16–18 years) participated in this study and sports represented were athletics (n = 1), gymnastics (n = 3), and wrestling (n = 4). Semi-structured interviews were performed, and data was analyzed by thematic analysis. Results showed integration, both in the present situation and for the future, as an overarching theme perceived as essential for a successful elite sports career over time. Three additional themes were also identified: (a) Psychosocial stress (combined performance demands, diminished social life, sports-related body weight demands, taboo talking about eating disorders, injuries), (b) Protective psychosocial factors (social support and psychological safety, communication and coordination school and sports, self-care/health behaviors), and (c) support needs junior-to-senior transition (career advice and mentorship, individualized support). As a result, elite-striving, lean sports athletes attending sports high schools need additional support to excel in their academic and athletic endeavors. Sports developmental programs continue to provide inadequate support before and during the junior-to-senior level transition. Similarly, despite the continued calls for reducing the stigma of mental health, athletes in sports schools still encounter barriers from coaches and peers, making the subject taboo, particularly surrounding eating pathologies.
MicroRNA-708 emerges as a potential candidate to target undruggable NRAS
Authors: Pang Jia Meng , Chien Po-Chen , Kao Ming-Chien , Chiu Pei-Yun , Chen Pin-Xu , Hsu Yu-Ling , Liu Chengyang , Liang Xiaowei , Lin Kai-Ti
Published: April 2023

RAS, the most frequently mutated oncogene that drives tumorigenesis by promoting cell proliferation, survival, and motility, has been perceived as undruggable for the past three decades. However, intense research in the past has mainly focused onKRASmutations, and targeted therapy forNRASmutations remains an unmet medical need.NRASmutation is frequently observed in several cancer types, including melanoma (15–20%), leukemia (10%), and occasionally other cancer types. Here, we report using miRNA-708, which targets the distinct 3’ untranslated region (3’UTR) ofNRAS, to develop miRNA-based precision medicine to treatNRASmutation-driven cancers. We first confirmed thatNRASis a direct target of miRNA-708. Overexpression of miRNA-708 successfully reduced NRAS protein levels in melanoma, leukemia, and lung cancer cell lines withNRASmutations, resulting in suppressed cell proliferation, anchorage-independent growth, and promotion of reactive oxygen species-induced apoptosis. Consistent with the functional data, the activities of NRAS-downstream effectors, the PI3K-AKT-mTOR or RAF-MEK-ERK signaling pathway, were impaired in miR-708 overexpressing cells. On the other hand, cell proliferation was not disturbed by miRNA-708 in cell lines carrying wild-typeNRAS. Collectively, our data unveil the therapeutic potential of using miRNA-708 inNRASmutation-driven cancers through direct depletion of constitutively active NRAS and thus inhibition of its downstream effectors to decelerate cancer progression. Harnessing the beneficial effects of miR-708 may therefore offer a potential avenue for small RNA-mediated precision medicine in cancer treatment.
Effects of short birth interval on different forms of child mortality in Bangladesh: Application of propensity score matching technique with inverse probability of treatment weighting
Authors: Islam Mohammad Zahidul , Rahman Md. Mostafizur , Khan Md. Nuruzzaman
Published: April 2023

Background

The prevalence of Short Birth Interval (SBI) is higher in Low- and Middle-Income countries (LMICs), including Bangladesh. Previous studies in LMICs have estimated the effects of SBI on child mortality by comparing two unequal groups of mothers based on their socio-economic status. This approach may lead to overestimation or underestimation of the true effect of birth interval on child mortality, particularly when sample sizes are relatively small.

Objective

We determined the effects of SBI on several forms of child mortality in Bangladesh by comparing two equal groups created by applying the propensity score matching technique.

Methods

This study analyzed data from 5,941 mothers and 1,594 health facilities extracted from the 2017/18 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey and the 2017 Bangladesh Health Facility Survey. The exposure variable was SBI (defined as the interval between two subsequent births <33 months: yes, no), while the outcome variables were neonatal mortality (defined as mortality within 28 days of birth: yes, no), infant mortality (defined as mortality within 1 year of birth: yes, no), and under-five mortality (defined as mortality within 5 years of birth: yes, no). Multilevel Poisson regression based on inverse probability treatment weights was used to determine the association between exposure and outcome variables.

Results

The prevalence rates of neonatal, infant, and under-five mortality were 48.8, 30.8, and 23.1 per 1000 live births, respectively. Newborns of SBI mothers were found to have a 63% higher likelihood of neonatal mortality (aPR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.08–2.46) compared to newborns of non-SBI mothers. Furthermore, the prevalence of infant mortality and under-five mortality was 1.45 times higher (aPR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.01–2.08) and 2.82 times higher (aPR, 2.82; 95% CI, 2.16–3.70), respectively, among babies born in a short interval of their immediately preceding sibling as compared to babies born in a normal interval of their immediately preceding sibling.

Conclusions

Findings of this study indicate that SBI is an important predictor of child mortality. Consequently, around 1 million children born in a short interval every year in Bangladesh are at risk of dying before reaching their fifth birthday. This indicates a challenge for Bangladesh to achieve the SDG 3 target to reduce neonatal and under-five mortality to 12 and 25 deaths per 1000 live births, respectively. Hence, awareness-building programs about the adverse effects of SBI and strengthening existing healthcare facilities are important.
Multiobjective intuitionistic fuzzy programming under pessimistic and optimistic applications in multivariate stratified sample allocation problems
Authors: Raghav Yashpal Singh , Haq Ahteshamul , Ali Irfan
Published: April 2023

This study investigates the compromise allocation of multivariate stratified sampling with complete response and nonresponse. We have formulated a multivariate stratified sampling problem as a mathematical programming problem to estimate p-population means with complete response and nonresponse for a fixed cost. Then, the compromise allocations for sample designs are determined by implementing intuitionistic fuzzy programming using optimistic and pessimistic solution strategies. A simulation study is carried out using the Stratify R software program to demonstrate the complete solution process. In wildlife, agricultural and marketing-related surveys, the study could be helpful. Also, the national planning policies related to surveys in such cases this study could be helpful. This study is an attempt to solve the sampling optimization problem using the Lingo-18 optimization program.
Bovine in vitro oocyte maturation and embryo culture in liquid marbles 3D culture system
Authors: Ferronato Giuliana de Avila , dos Santos Carolina Mônica , Rosa Paola Maria da S. , Bridi Alessandra , Perecin Felipe , Meirelles Flávio Vieira , Sangalli Juliano Rodrigues , da Silveira Juliano Coelho
Published: April 2023

Despite the advances in in vitro embryo production (IVP) over the years, the technique still has limitations that need to be overcome. In cell cultures, it is already well established that three-dimensional culture techniques are more physiological and similar to the in vivo development. Liquid marble (LM) is a three-dimensional system based on the use of a hydrophobic substance to create in vitro microbioreactors. Thus, we hypothesized that the LM system improves bovine in vitro oocyte maturation and embryo culture. In experiment I, bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were placed for in vitro maturation for 22h in two different groups: control (conventional 2D culture) and LM (three-dimensional culture). We found that oocyte nuclear maturation was not altered by the LM system, however it was observed a decrease in expression of genes important in the oocyte maturation process in cumulus cells of LM group (BCL2, EIF4E, and GAPDH). In experiment II, the COCs were conventionally matured and fertilized, and for culture, they were divided into LM or control groups. There was a decrease in blastocyst rate and cell counting, a down-regulation of miR-615 expression, and an increase in the DNA global methylation and hydroxymethylation in embryos of LM group. Therefore, for the bovine in vitro embryo production, this specific three-dimensional system did not present the advantages that we expected, but demonstrated that the embryos changed their development and epigenetics according to the culture system.
Segundos tumores primarios y sus factores de riesgo en pacientes con tumores índice de cabeza y cuello
Authors: Gómez-Cabeza Alicia , Miranda-Sánchez Estefanía , Martínez Ruiz-Coello Mar , García-García Cristina , Hernandez-García Estefanía , Plaza-Mayor Guillermo
Published: April 2023

Introducción y objetivo: El término de segundo tumor primario (STP) es utilizado para designar un nuevo cáncer primario que se presenta en una persona a la que se le ha diagnosticado un cáncer previamente. Se considera que los STP se producen de forma independiente y no como resultado de un resurgimiento o metástasis del tumor índice o primer tumor primario (PTP). El objetivo de este estudio es investigar la prevalencia, factores de riesgo, localización y tratamiento de los STP, así como el tiempo transcurrido entre la aparición de los tumores. Método: Se realiza un estudio retrospectivo descriptivo con pacientes con diagnóstico de STP entre enero del 2004 y diciembre de 2021 en el Hospital Universitario de Fuenlabrada. Se analizó la prevalencia y localización de los STP, los factores de riesgo relacionados, el tiempo entre la aparición del PTP y el STP, el tratamiento del PTP y STP y su resultado. Resultados: Del total de 360 casos del registro de tumores, 73 pacientes (20,2%) fueron incluidos en el estudio por padecer un STP. De los participantes, el 75% eran fumadores y el 46,6% bebedores. La mayor parte de estos pacientes fueron tratados quirúrgicamente. Se observó que el PTP con mayor desarrollo de STP fue el de cáncer de laringe, siendo la supraglotis la sublocalización más frecuente. El STP más frecuente fue el carcinoma epidermoide de pulmón. Conclusiones: En nuestra serie los STP aparecen en el 20% de los pacientes con tumores índice de cabeza y cuello. Son más frecuentes tras el cáncer de laringe, siendo la localización más frecuente el pulmón. Tanto el tabaco como el alcohol juegan un papel importante en su desarrollo, acortando el tiempo entre la aparición de los tumores, además de poder aparecer recidivas, persistencias y metástasis.
Seguimiento otológico en niños con síndrome de Down
Authors: Benito-Orejas José Ignacio , Losada-Campa Juan , González-Sosto Mariana , Álvarez-Álvarez María , Duque-Holguera Victoria , Santos-Pérez Jaime
Published: April 2023

Introducción y objetivo: La trisomía 21 es la alteración cromosómica más frecuente que a consecuencia del incremento experimentado en su esperanza de vida, requiere unos cuidados más especializados. Las manifestaciones de la esfera ORL representan un foco dominante de morbilidad. Los problemas auditivos son más habituales que en el resto de población, pudiendo mediatizar la evolución educativa y social, afectando su calidad de vida. El objetivo de este trabajo ha consistido en analizar los resultados del seguimiento otológico y auditivo de los niños con síndrome de Down (SD), evaluados en el Servicio de ORL del Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid (HCUV). Método: Estudio longitudinal prospectivo/retrospectivo de 83 niños con SD que acudieron a consulta de hipoacusia infantil entre los años 1993 y 2021.Resultados: Detectamos un 66% de malformaciones de oído externo. La patología de oído medio estuvo presente en el 93%. Se objetivó hipoacusia en el 61%, siendo bilateral en el 78%. El 87% de las diagnosticadas, son de grado leve/moderado y el 6% profundo. La hipoacusia mixta fue el tipo más frecuente, seguida de la neurosensorial. Se realizó cirugía ORL al 62%, destacando la adenoidectomía. Discusión: El seguimiento ORL recomendado para los niños con SD resulta una tarea difícil de organizar, donde se impone desarrollar una planificación específica, que lo haga posible en nuestro sistema público de salud. Conclusiones: Dada la frecuencia e importantes repercusiones de las alteraciones auditivas en los niños con SD, es fundamental la identificación precoz y el seguimiento indefinido, para intentar favorecer su correcto desarrollo.
Best Practices for Running Workloads in Public Cloud Environments
Authors: MART JOSEPH , Oyetoro Amos , Amah Ugochukwu
Published: April 2023

The article provides an overview of cloud computing workloads. Despite the fast-paced advancements in cloud technology, there has been limited focus on analyzing and describing these workloads. However, gaining a deep understanding of the properties and behaviors of these workloads is crucial for effectively deploying cloud technologies and achieving desired service levels. The parallel and distributed systems field has general principles that can be applied to cloud workloads.
Cloud workloads have unique characteristics that require careful consideration from both researchers and practitioners. This document emphasizes these distinctive features and discusses the primary issues associated with deploying cloud workloads. Furthermore, this document highlights the areas that require

doing so, we aim to provide valuable insights that will enable organizations to optimize their use of cloud computing and ensure they are fully leveraging the potential of this rapidly evolving technology. Also, it discusses Cloud Environments such as AWS, GCP, and Azure.

In this study, we will analyze how well cloud computing services perform when used for scientific computing workloads. Our research aims to address the challenges posed by scientific computing workloads and evaluate the suitability of existing cloud computing platforms for these workloads. Through this analysis, we hope to shed light on the potential benefits and limitations of cloud computing for scientific computing and provide insights into how these platforms can be optimized to serve the scientific communities' needs better.
Using Machine Learning Techniques Random Forest and Neural Network to Detect Cyber Attacks
Authors: Oyetoro Amos , Mart Joseph , Amah Ugochukwu
Published: April 2023

The use of machine learning in cyber security has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its potential to identify and mitigate cyber threats. In this paper, we explore the application of machine learning algorithms to detect cyber-attacks in network traffic data. We first preprocessed the data by applying feature engineering and scaling techniques. We then trained and tuned two models: A Random Forest and a Neural network. Our results show that both models performed exceptionally, achieving 100% accuracy and an F1 score on the test data. The Random Forest model achieved these results without any parameter tuning. At the same time, the neural network required careful tuning of its architecture and hyperparameters to evaluate the model’s performance using precision, recall, F1 score, and confusion matrix.

In conclusion, our findings demonstrate the potential of machine learning in detecting cyber-attacks in network traffic data. The high accuracy achieved by our models indicates that

machine learning algorithms can effectively detect cyber threats in real-time effect.

This has important implications for developing more robust and reliable cybersecurity systems in the future.
Book review of: Koch, Florian; Krellenberg, Kerstin (2021): Nachhaltige Stadtentwicklung: Die Umsetzung der Sustainable Development Goals auf kommunaler Ebene
Authors: Riedel Henrik
Published: April 2023

Buchrezension