bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anatomical and sexual health considerations among transfeminine individuals who have undergone vaginoplasty: A review
Authors: Van Gerwen Olivia T , Aryanpour Zain , Selph John P , Muzny Christina A
Published: October 2021

As acceptance of transgender and gender diverse individuals continues to increase, gender-affirming surgery, a cornerstone in the management of gender dysphoria, is becoming more readily available. HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) disproportionately affect these populations, but there are limited epidemiologic and management data on STIs in people who have undergone gender-affirming genital surgery such as vaginoplasty. This review will provide clinicians with anatomical details about the various vaginoplasty procedures currently being performed, complications associated with these procedures, and an overview of the current literature describing HIV/STI epidemiology among transfeminine individuals who have undergone vaginoplasty.
Sexism in Facebook discourse about clergy misconduct
Authors: Puchner Laurel , Markowitz Linda
Published: October 2021

Sexism and sexist ideology have significant negative consequences for female victims of sexual assault and other crimes. Thus, uncovering how language is used as a discursive tool for maintaining unequal power relations is extremely important in discourses around sexual misconduct and sexualized violence. In this study we used Critical Discourse Analysis and Manne’s theory of the moral economy of patriarchy to analyze Facebook posts supporting a religious leader who had committed sexual misconduct. The analysis reveals the patriarchal ideology underlying some of the Facebook conversation discourses and the discursive strategies used by individuals to try to normalize their sexist arguments. Content of the posts shows the religious leader’s defenders showing sympathy for the perpetrator, ignoring the female victims, and minimizing sexual assault, as they argue that he should not be criticized or held accountable for his actions.
The effects of dehydration and local soil on parasite recovery: A preliminary paleoparasitological evaluation on experimental coprolites
Authors: Ramirez Darío Alejandro , Fabra Mariana , Xavier Samanta , Iñiguez Alena Mayo
Published: October 2021

Experimental paleoparasitological approaches have been used in order to optimize the methodology previously to the application in archeological samples. In this study we evaluated the action of dehydration and local soil (Central Argentina) on the loss of parasite eggs in experimental coprolites, using two parasitological techniques: spontaneous sedimentation and sucrose-flotation. Experimental coprolites comprised fresh human feces, positive for Hymenolepis nana, Ascaris sp., and Enterobius vermicularis, submitted to controlled artificial dehydration. Experimental coprolites with soil addition were prepared by mixing archeological sediment with equal mass of fresh feces. Helminth eggs were counted and eggs per gram were estimated in each subsample. Statistical analyses were applied to compare subsamples before and after desiccation and with and without addition of soil sediment. The performance of parasitological methods statistically differed, the sucrose flotation technique being the less effective when fresh feces and experimental coprolites were analyzed. Partial deformation of eggs was observed via both techniques only in subsamples containing H. nana eggs. However, this was not seen in Ascaris sp. subsamples, possibly due to eggshell composition. We found that sample desiccation significantly decreased the number of eggs in the experimental coprolites. Mixing archeological sediment with the fecal material also resulted in significantly fewer eggs surviving, independent of desiccation. This shows that climate and soil in which archeological fecal samples are found can strongly influence the survival of parasite eggs from past populations. The small amount of parasite evidence often found in paleoparasitological analyses, including Central Argentina, could be attributed to the action of taphonomic processes rather than to the real absence of infection in these ancient populations. Importantly, the study highlights the role of local soil, confirmed for the first time by empirical data. The research provides valuable insights into the understanding of the paleoparasitological results of the region and of general paleoparasitology.
“They Overestimate Me All the Time:” Exploring Imposter Phenomenon among Indian Female Software Engineers
Authors: Maji Sucharita
Published: October 2021

Imposter phenomenon is defined as a self-perception of intellectual fraudulence despite achieving objective success and accomplishments. Imposter phenomenon has been rigorously explored among high-achieving career professionals. The present qualitative study is an attempt to explore imposter phenomenon experiences among female software engineers in the Indian Information and Technology sector. The data, derived through in-depth and semi-structured interviews, has been analysed through a hybrid of an inductive and a theoretical thematic analysis method. Clance and Imes’ (1978, Psychother: Theory Res Pract, 15(3):241) article, “The Imposter Phenomenon in High Achieving Women: Dynamics and Therapeutic Intervention,” has been used for screening the sample and also, as a theoretical lens. The study reveals that external attribution of success, fear of failure, anxiety, and devaluing accomplishments are core psychological processes associated with the imposter phenomenon experience. The current work further found that parenting patterns characterized by lack of praises, comparison among siblings, lack of trust in children’s potential, and strict gender values are significant antecedents of Imposter Phenomenon.
Neonatal Chikungunya Presented as Apnea
Authors: Banik Souradip , Ankur Kumar , Chetry Sanjeev , Prasad Aparna
Published: October 2021

Neonatal Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection is sporadic, and the prevalence of the entity has been described only recently. Neurological complications in adults have been reported, but there is a lack of data in this regard in neonates. In this retrospective case series done during the outbreak of Chikungunya, we observed 7 neonates who presented with fever, irritability, excessive cry, and rash, which was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. Out of 7, 5 neonates presented with encephalopathy with apnea and seizures (80%), which were the most common presenting symptoms. Identifying this entity based on clinical and epidemiological background helps in management and aids in prognostication of the affected neonate.
Book review: Debashree Mukherjee, Bombay Hustle: Making Movies in a Colonial City
Authors: Fay Jennifer
Published: October 2021

Debashree Mukherjee, Bombay Hustle: Making Movies in a Colonial City. New York: Columbia University Press, 2020, 448 pp., $30 (Paperback). ISBN: 9780231196154.
Ethnic Minority and Majority Social Workers Working with Ethnic Minority Clients: Culture-Bound Professional Interventions and Burnout among Arab and Jewish Israeli Social Workers
Authors: Tartakovsky Eugene
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study tests a new bicultural model of social work with ethnic minority clients. We examined how often social workers applied professional interventions rooted in the minority and majority cultures and how the choice of interventions affected the social workers' burnout. Methods: The study was conducted in Israel, and the research samples included Arab ( n = 300) and Jewish ( n = 210) social workers. Results: We found that Arab and Jewish social workers more often used interventions rooted in the minority than in the majority culture. More frequent application of both types of interventions was associated with a higher level of personal accomplishment in both groups of social workers. However, the connection between interventions rooted in the majority culture and burnout was positive among Jewish and negative among Arab social workers. Discussion: The implementation of the obtained results in social work practice with ethnic minorities is discussed.
Control Measures for Continuous Deep Sedation Until Death: A Framing Analysis of the Views of Physicians
Authors: Vissers Stijn , Robijn Lenzo , Dierickx Sigrid , Mortier Freddy , Cohen Joachim , Deliens Luc , Chambaere Kenneth
Published: October 2021

Physicians have been subject to increasing external control to improve their medical practice, and scholars have theorized extensively about their opposition to such control. However, little empirical attention has been paid to the views and reasoning that lie behind this opposition. An in-depth understanding is necessary for enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of external controls, and continuous deep sedation until death (CDS) is an interesting case in this regard. This study aims to explore how physicians frame control measures for CDS. We conducted 47 semi-structured interviews with Belgian physicians in 2019. A qualitative framing analysis was performed to analyze their views and reasoning. This study reveals that physicians approach CDS practice and control measures with different emphases. Controlling by mechanisms of professional self-regulation and state governance are put forward as appropriate means to improve CDS practice. Policymakers should take into consideration physicians’ frames to develop sound control measures.
Physiotherapists’ Approaches to Patients’ Concerns in Back Pain Consultations Following a Psychologically Informed Training Program
Authors: Cowell Ian , McGregor Alison , O’Sullivan Peter , O’Sullivan Kieran , Poyton Ross , Schoeb Veronika , Murtagh Ged
Published: October 2021

Guidelines advocate a combined physical and psychological approach to managing non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP), referred to as psychologically informed practice (PIP). PIP is underpinned by patient-centered principles and skilled communication. Evidence suggests that a physiotherapist-focused style of communication prevails in physiotherapy. There is a recognized need for observational research to identify specific communication practices in physiotherapy interactions. This observational study explored the interactional negotiation of agenda setting following a PIP training intervention, by identifying and describing how physiotherapists solicit and respond to the agenda of concerns that patients with NSCLBP bring to primary care initial encounters. The research setting was primary care. Nineteen initial physiotherapy consultations were video-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using conversation analysis, a qualitative observational method. These data revealed a patient-focused style of communication where trained physiotherapists demonstrated a collaborative and responsive style of verbal and nonverbal communication to solicit, explore, and validate patients’ concerns.
Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling inhibitors for treatment of multiple myeloma: From small molecules to microRNAs
Authors: Mehdizadeh Mahshid , Farhadihosseinabadi Behrouz , Nikoonezhad Maryam , Sankanian Ghazaleh , Soleimani Masoud , Sayad Arezou
Published: October 2021

Multiple myeloma is one of the most hard-to-treat cancers among blood malignancies due to the high rate of drug resistance and relapse. The researchers are trying to find more effective drugs for treatment of the disease. Hence, the use of drugs targeting signaling pathways has become a powerful weapon. Overactivation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling pathways is frequently observed in multiple myeloma cancer cells, which increases survival, proliferation, and even drug resistance in such cells. In recent years, drugs that inhibit the mediators involved in this biological pathway have shown promising results in the treatment of multiple myeloma. In the present study, we aimed to introduce phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling inhibitors which include small molecules, herbal compounds, and microRNAs.
Gun Homicide Research: What We Know and Where We Need to Go
Authors: Buggs Shani , Zeoli April M.
Published: October 2021

Guns are used in the majority of homicides in the United States, making the problem of homicide largely a problem of gun violence. This article presents three types of gun homicide (mass shootings, intimate partner homicide, and community gun violence), and briefly discusses the state of knowledge on their risk factors and promising interventions. Future directions for research are presented, focusing on examining differential implementation and impacts of interventions by racialized groups and communities, as well as interrogating conventional approaches and methodologies.
The Role of Government-Funded Assistance Programs on HIV Testing Among Poor U.S. Adults
Authors: Abdallah Iddrisu , Carree Tamara , Dakutis Peter , Shu Fengjue , Oraka Emeka
Published: October 2021

Government-funded assistance program enrollment may play an important role in the overall increase of HIV testing among low-income U.S. adults. We pooled data from the 2016–2018 National Health Interview Survey and limited analyses to respondents aged 18 to 64 years with incomes less than 100% of the U.S. poverty threshold ( N = 9,497). The outcome of interest was ever testing for HIV. Prevalence ratios were used to assess the likelihood of ever testing for HIV and were adjusted for sociodemographic covariates including whether the respondent was a beneficiary of any government-funded assistance programs (e.g., Medicaid; job-placement/training/human services; or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). After adjusting for significant sociodemographic covariates, government-funded assistance beneficiaries were significantly more likely to ever test for HIV (adjusted prevalence ratio = 1.3; 95% CI = [1.2, 1.4], p < .0001) than adults with incomes less than 100% of the U.S. poverty threshold who did not receive government assistance. Beneficiaries of government-funded assistance programs are more likely to test for HIV.
Periocular intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia: A retrospective study
Authors: Maktabi Azza MY , Almater Abdullah I , Alkatan Hind M
Published: October 2021

Introduction:

Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (IPEH) is a rare proliferation of endothelial cells with uncertain etiology related to thrombus formation. Diagnosis is usually confirmed histopathologically. This condition has been previously described in the periocular region but not in the conjunctiva.

Methods:

It is a retrospective case series in which we evaluated seven patients with histopathologically confirmed IPEH cases. Data regarding the demographics, clinical presentation, radiological description, histopathological features including any IHC staining, suspected underlying vascular etiology, management options, and follow up outcome were collected.

Results:

A total of seven cases of histologically confirmed IPEH were included. Five out of seven patients were male (71.4%). The age range was between 6 and 69 years with a median age of 36 years. Three cases involved the eyelid (42.8%) and another three were found in the conjunctiva (42.8%). Pre-existing underlying vascular lesions were observed in all patients, five malformations (mostly lymphatic-venous) and two conjunctival hemorrhagic lymphangiectasis. All cases were treated with excisional biopsy with no signs of recurrence within an average of 7 months follow up.

Conclusions:

Periocular IPEH is a rare tumor that is likely to coexist with underlying vascular lesions and thrombus formation. We are reporting its existence in the conjunctiva for the first time. Therefore, pathologists should be aware of the histopathological spectrum of this lesion.
The experience of musical jamming: Testing the fit of a model of hermeneutic phenomenology of spirituality in music education
Authors: Randles Clint , Jimenez Roberto , Agostini Dominick , Balic Adam , Dodson Gretchen
Published: October 2021

The authors sought to test the fit of a new model of spirituality in music education by examining one jamming session through a hermeneutic phenomenological lens. In accordance with the work of Van der Merwe and Habron, the authors employ four lifeworld existentials as categories by which to organize the experience of the five musicians involved in a particular jam session. Participant researcher narratives are analyzed for fit with the model, and an analysis is reported. These narratives seem to support the existence of the guideposts inherent to the model. Furthermore, the researchers present a model as a way for situating the spirituality model in the context of an understanding of person, product, process, press, and position to inform the literature in creativity.
Profit Versus Partisan Causes in Diverse Ownership Models: A Case Study of Mainstream Newspapers in East Indian City of Kolkata
Authors: Mazumdar Suruchi
Published: October 2021

The extant scholarship of media ownership, largely drawn from Anglo-Saxon studies, focuses on how corporate excesses translate to abuses of the public interest goal of journalism, paying less attention to ‘political instrumentalism’. This research aims to study how the complex interplay of business and political instrumentalism influences editorial policies in diversely owned, regional and national news media through a case study of commercially run newspapers’ coverage of anti-industrialization protests in the East Indian city of Kolkata. Through political–economic critiques and thematic analysis of newspaper articles and qualitative interviews, this research asserts the importance of the role of the ‘proprietor-editor’ and the binaries of regional/ national newspaper markets in the interplay of business and political instrumentalism in diversely owned news media.
Zooming into Airbnb listings of European cities: Further investigation of the sector’s competitiveness
Authors: Zekan Bozana , Gunter Ulrich
Published: October 2021

Airbnb has a major role to play in the competitiveness of the overall accommodation sector of individual destinations and it is rather unlikely that this role will diminish in the post-COVID-19 recovery of the tourism industry. Therefore, the present study motivates the Airbnb sector to look back at its past performance for insights that can be used in setting post-pandemic targets. In particular, this research assesses competitiveness of the Airbnb listings of 28 European cities by including hotel-related data as uncontrollable input variables within interactive data envelopment analysis modeling. The contribution lies in joining Airbnb listings and hotels into the benchmarking discussion and efficiency analysis, along with looking beyond the cumulative number of listings by dissecting the overall sector into commercial and private listings—something that has not been attempted as of yet, in spite of the ever-growing body of literature on the sharing economy.
Hallyu tourism: The effects of broadcast and music
Authors: Lee Chew Ging , How Shi-Min
Published: October 2021

Limited studies have empirically shown that the inbound tourism of South Korea (hereafter Korea) is positively influenced by Hallyu, a Korean popular culture. Conceptually, some studies have suggested that in recent years, the popularity of Korean popular music is greater than Korean dramas, which spread Hallyu beyond the boundary of Korea since the late 1990s. This research note is the first attempt to analyse the effects of the two main aspects of Hallyu: broadcast, inclusive of Korean dramas and variety shows, and Korean popular music, on Korea’s inbound tourism. The findings suggest that broadcast has a stronger positive impact than Korean popular music on Korea’s inbound tourism because broadcast improves the destination image by featuring locations.
Grandparent-child cohesion, friendship quality, and left-behind children’s positive/negative affect in rural China
Authors: Zhao Jingxin , Ge Jing , Li Qianyu
Published: October 2021

This study examined the roles of grandparent-child cohesion and friendship quality in left-behind children’s positive and negative affect compared with non-left-behind children. Data from 557 participants indicated that grandparent-child cohesion and friendship quality predicted children’s emotional adaptation. Friend trust and support and intimate exchange had a stronger predictive effect on positive affect among non-left-behind children. Moreover, the interaction effects between grandparent-child cohesion and friendship quality on children’s positive affect supported the reinforcement model, while the interaction effects on negative affect supported the reinforcement model among left-behind children but supported the compensation model among non-left-behind children.
Depressed mood trajectories in the first year postpartum among Taiwanese mothers: Associations with perceived support, financial stress, and marital satisfaction
Authors: Nieh Hsi-Ping , Chou Li-Tuan , Chang Chien-Ju
Published: October 2021

This study examined the typology of depressed mood trajectories and the associated factors over the first year postpartum among Taiwanese mothers. Data of 4332 mothers from a nationwide longitudinal study on child development and care were analyzed. Three classes of depressed mood trajectories were identified, two with lower initial scores and a decreasing trajectory and one with a higher initial score and an increasing trajectory. Subjective financial stress, perceived support, and marital satisfaction were significant in predicting mothers’ membership of the depressed mood trajectory classes. The results highlighted the individual susceptibility to the postpartum depressed mood among Taiwanese mothers.
Vacuum ultraviolet photoionization and dissociative photoionization of toluene: Experimental and theoretical insights
Authors: Zhao Yujie , Huang Pei , Li Li , Zhan Yousheng , Wang Ke , Yang Haohang , Jin Jianhui , Chen Yuqian , Liu Yibao , Sheng Liusi , Chen Jun , Cao Maoqi
Published: October 2021

The photoionization and dissociative photoionization of toluene have been studied using synchrotron radiation vacuum ultraviolet light with photon energy in the range of 8.50–25.50 eV. The ionization energies (8.82 eV) and double ionization energies (23.80 eV) of toluene as well as the appearance energies for its major fragments C7H7+ (11.17/10.71 eV), C6H5+ (13.73 eV), C5H6+ (13.58/12.50 eV), C5H5+ (16.23 eV), C4H5+ (15.64 eV), C4H4+ (16.10 eV) and C4H3+ (17.11 eV) are determined, respectively by using photoionization efficiency spectrometry. With the help of experimental and theoretical results, seven dissociative photoionization channels have been proposed: C7H7+ + H, C6H5+ + CH3, C5H6+ + C2H2, C5H5+ + C2H2 + H, C4H5+ + C3H3, C4H4+ + C3H4 and C4H3+ + C3H4 + H. In addition, the geometries of the intermediates, transition states and products involved in these photoionization and dissociative photoionization processes have been performed at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d, p) level. The mechanisms of dissociative photoionization of toluene and the intermediates and transition states involved are discussed in detail. Generally speaking, the experimental results are in agreement with theoretical calculations in this work and published literature results. Especially the mechanisms of dissociative photoionization to C4H5+, C4H4+ and C4H3+ were discussed for the first time in this work. This investigation may provide useful information on understanding the photoionization and dissociative photoionization of toluene.
A 3D continuous risk matrix for the assessment of operational safety in inland container terminals
Authors: Hsu Wen-Kai K , Huang Show-Hui S , Wu Shu-Wei
Published: October 2021

This paper proposes a 3D (three dimensions) continuous risk matrix to assess the operational safety in inland container terminals (ICTs). In this paper, based on the operational features of ICTs and relevant literature, the risk factors (RFs) affecting the operational safety in ICTs are first investigated. A 3D continuous risk matrix based on a fuzzy AHP (Analytic Hierarchical Process) approach is then proposed to assess the operational safety in ICTs. Unlike the traditional risk matrix constructed by risk measures of likelihood and consequence, the proposed risk matrix considers one more risk measure: preventive-ability of an organization that can provide more accurate information for decision makers in risk assessments. Finally, the ICTs in Taiwan were empirically investigated to validate the model. Based on the results, theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
Improving of thermal stability and water repellency of cotton fabrics via coating with silicone rubber under the effect of electron beam irradiation
Authors: S Hassan Mahmoud , K Attia Mona , Attia Rehab M
Published: October 2021

Cotton fabrics for outdoor use were coated with room-temperature vulcanizing silicone rubber (RTVSR) and its catalyst to obtain improved thermal stability and water repellency properties. The coated fabrics were exposed to different doses of electron beam irradiation as an extra curing step for the coating. The effect of RTVSR coating and subsequent electron beam irradiation on the cotton fabrics was then studied. The thermal stability was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, and surface morphologies were observed by scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical properties, crease recovery, gel content, swelling property, and water repellency of the fabrics were also investigated. The results showed that the thermal stability and the water repellency of the cotton fabrics were improved as a result of the coating process. Moreover, the crease recovery and swelling properties of the fabrics were enhanced, accompanied by decreases in their gel content, as a function of the increase in the electron beam irradiation dose. These findings recommend the produced coated fabrics under the optimum conditions for use in the industrial purposes as isolation sheets through the pipes connecting points, especially those that contain hot fluids.
Centromere Protein I (CENP-I) Is Upregulated in Gastric Cancer, Predicts Poor Prognosis, and Promotes Tumor Cell Proliferation and Migration
Authors: Wang Jiahui , Liu Xin , Chu Hong-jin , Li Ning , Huang Liu-ye , Chen Jian
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to investigate the expression and cellular function of the centromeric family of proteins (CENPs), especially centromere protein I (CENP-I), in gastric cancer (GC) and identified its clinical significance and cellular functions. CENP-I expression in GC was studied by cDNA microarray, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and immunohistochemistry (IHC), and using datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), UALCAN, and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Microarray and bioinformatic analyses identified upregulated CENP-A/E/F/H/I/K/P/W and HJURP in stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD), but not in signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC). Significantly higher CENP-I mRNA expression was also confirmed in 40 pairs of GC tissues than in paired normal gastric tissues by qRT-PCR ( P<.001). IHC showed that elevated CENP-I expression was associated with higher tumor stage, lymph node invasion, increased HER2-positive rate (36.7% vs 10.0%), and intestinal Lauren classification in 69 GC samples compared to paired paracancerous normal tissues. The survival of the high-CENP-I group members was poor compared with that of the low-CENP-I group ( P = .0011). Cox univariate regression analysis identified tumor size ( P = .008), HER2 status ( P = .027), and CENP-I expression ( P = .049) were independent prognostic factors of GC. The cellular function of CENP-I was studied in MKN45 and MKN28 GC cell lines in vitro. Cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis were determined using CCK-8, transwell assay, TUNEL assay, and flow cytometry. Our results showed that CENP-I promoted GC cell proliferation, inhibited apoptosis, facilitated cell migration, and induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), possibly by activating the AKT pathway. CENP-I expression was correlated with genetic signatures of the proliferative subtype of GC, characterized by intestinal Lauren classification, HER2 amplification, and TP53 mutation. In conclusion, this study revealed an elevated CENP-I expression in GC, which was associated with malignant features and poor prognosis of GC patients, and identified its function in modulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration.
Predicting functional circular RNA-based competitive endogenous RNA network in gastric carcinoma using novel bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Zhu Zirui , Huang Rui , Huang Baojun
Published: October 2021

Gastric cancer (GC) remains one of the most prevalent types of malignancies worldwide, and also one of the most reported lethal tumor-related diseases. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been certified to be trapped in multiple aspects of GC pathogenesis. Yet, the mechanism of this regulation is mostly undefined. This research is designed to discover the vital circRNA-microRNA (miRNA)-messenger RNA (mRNA) regulatory network in GC. Expression profiles with diverse levels including circRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs were all determined using microarray public datasets from Gene Expression Ominous (GEO). The differential circRNAs expressions were recognized against the published robust rank aggregation algorithm. Besides, a circRNA-based competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) interaction network was visualized via Cytoscape software (version 3.8.0). Functional and pathway enrichment analysis associated with differentially expressed targeted mRNAs were conducted using Cytoscape and an online bioinformatics database. Furthermore, an interconnected protein–protein interaction association network which consisted of 51 mRNAs was predicted, and hub genes were screened using STRING and CytoHubba. Then, several hub genes were chosen to explore their expression associated with survival rate and clinical stage in GEPIA and Kaplan-Meier Plotter databases. Finally, a carefully designed circRNA-related ceRNA regulatory subnetwork including four circRNAs, six miRNAs, and eight key hub genes was structured using the online bioinformatics tool.
Experimental and thermal investigation with optimization on friction stir welding of nylon 6A using Taguchi and microstructural analysis
Authors: Kumar Gajula Sri Venkata Seshu , Kumar Anshuman , Rajesh S , Chekuri Rama Bhadri Raju , Sundaramurthy Venkatesa Prabhu
Published: October 2021

Friction stir welding is an environmentally friendly process of joining due to the non-usage of flux, or any shield gas. Therefore, this article proposes an experimental and thermal investigation with optimization technique for studying the process of FSW on nylon 6A or polycaprolactam polymer composite plates. Specifically, the influence of input operating process parameters such as tool rotational speed (TRS), feed rate, and pitch values on the output response parameters like ultimate tensile strength (UTS), and hardness of welded joints is examined. In addition, L27 orthogonal array of Taguchi approach is employed for the optimization of design experiments of FSW parameters. The experimental setup is carried out with various process parameter combinations like 500, 1000, and 1500 rpm as TRS, 30, 40, and 50 mm as feed rate by varying the pitch values as 1, 2, and 3 mm. Further, the analysis of variance (ANOVA) also employed for finding the significant parameters of input process using the regression analysis equations. Finally, microstructural analysis is used to assess the mixing or dispersing uniformity of composites effectively. The experimental and optimum FSW parameters for maximum UTS are obtained at a feed rate of 30 mm/min, tool pitch of 3 mm, and the TRS of 500 rpm.
Analysis of multiple failure behaviors of steering knuckle ball hinge of multi-axle heavy vehicle
Authors: Wang Zhenyu , Wei Shuo , Bao Ke , Liu Yue , Peng Senye , Zhang Qing
Published: October 2021

The ball hinge is a key component of the vehicle chassis that connects the steering knuckle and the control arm. The study analyzed the multiple failure behaviors of the chassis ball hinge. Firstly, according to the macroscopic failure characteristics of the ball hinge, the fault tree analysis method was adopted to identify the possible cause of the failure. Then, the axial load and radial load on the ball joint were obtained by simulating the force of the vehicle under the typical extreme conditions. The stress distribution of the ball pin was obtained by finite element analysis of the ball joint. The calculation results are consistent with the fatigue crack position of the ball hinge. Finally, the macro morphology and microstructure of the ball joint seat, ball bowl, dust cover and other parts matched with the ball hinge were analyzed to further verify the failure mode of the ball hinge. The results showed that the dust cover of the ball hinge was firstly aged and cracked, and the external dust and particles enter into the friction contact area of the ball hinge, which caused the ball pin and ball bowl to be stuck. During the operating of the vehicle, the ball pin undergoes unidirectional bending fatigue fracture in the stress concentration area at the root of the conical surface.
T1 difficulty does not modulate the magnitude of the attentional blink
Authors: Spalek Thomas M , Lagroix Hayley E P , Di Lollo Vincent
Published: October 2021

When the visual system is busy processing one stimulus, it has problems processing a subsequent stimulus if it arrives soon after the first. Laboratory studies of this second-stimulus impairment—known as attentional blink ( AB)—have employed two targets (T1, T2) presented in rapid sequence, and have found identification accuracy to be nearly perfect for T1, but impaired for T2. It is commonly believed that the magnitude of the AB is related directly to the difficulty of T1: the greater the T1 difficulty, the larger the AB. A survey of the experimental literature disconfirms that belief showing it to have arisen from artificial constraints imposed by the 100% limit of the response scale. Removal of that constraint, either using reaction time (RT) instead of accuracy as the dependent measure, or in experiments in which the functions of T2 accuracy over lags do not converge to the limit of the response scale, reveals parallel functions for the easy-T1 and the hard-T1 conditions, consistent with the idea that T1 difficulty does not modulate AB magnitude. This finding is problematic for all, but the Boost and Bounce (B&B) and the Locus Coeruleus–Norepinephrine (LC–NE) theories in which T1 acts merely as a trigger for an eventual refractory period that leads to the failure to process T2, rendering T1 difficulty and its relationship to the AB an irrelevant consideration.
Echogenicity of Dupuytren’s nodules is correlated to myofibroblast load and nodule hardness
Authors: Molenkamp Sanne , Song Whangzao , Bloembergen Marjolein , Broekstra Dieuwke C. , Werker Paul M. N.
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to determine the association between the echogenicity of Dupuytren’s disease nodules and myofibroblast load, and between echogenicity and nodule hardness. Thirty-eight nodules were assessed sonographically. The echogenicity of nodules was measured objectively with Image J (grey-value) and subjectively by visual inspection (hypo-, mixed and hyper-echogenicity). These findings were compared with myofibroblast load measured by histopathological analysis. In a different cohort, 97 nodules were assessed for grey-value and nodule hardness using a tonometer. There was a moderate, significant, negative association between grey-value and myofibroblast load and the subjective visual measurements corresponded to this finding. There was also a moderate, significant, negative association between grey-value and nodule hardness. Ultrasound and tonometry may be useful in the selection of patients for possible future preventive treatments.
Radiographic and Clinical Results of Minimally Invasive Chevron Akin Osteotomy for Moderate to Severe Hallux Valgus Deformities
Authors: Kurashige Toshinori
Published: October 2021

Background:

Few studies have reported results of minimally invasive chevron Akin osteotomy (MICA) for moderate to severe hallux valgus correction. This study aims to evaluate MICA for moderate to severe hallux valgus radiographically and clinically.

Methods:

Forty feet were prospectively reviewed. Twenty-eight feet (70%) had a severe deformity (hallux valgus angle (HVA) ≥40° and/or first intermetatarsal angle (IMA) ≥18°). We measured HVA, IMA, lateral shape of the metatarsal head (round sign), tibial sesamoid position, first metatarsal shortening on anteroposterior weightbearing radiographs, and inclination angle of first metatarsal on lateral weightbearing radiographs. We evaluated the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot hallux scale and Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire responses preoperatively and at the most recent follow-up.

Results:

All measurements except shortening and inclination angle improved significantly. Both clinical scale and all subscores significantly improved.

Conclusions:

MICA improved moderate to severe hallux valgus both radiographically and clinically. Level of Evidence: Level IV: case series
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Attenuates Osteoarthritis Progression in a Murine Destabilization-Induced Model through Inhibition of TNF-α and IL-6 Signaling
Authors: Yang Xiaotian , Guo Hua , Ye Wenwen , Yang Lin , He Chengqi
Published: October 2021

Objective

To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) in the destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) mice.

Design

Ten-week-old male wild-type (WT), interleukin (IL)-6−/− and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α−/− mice undergoing DMM surgery were randomly divided into 2 groups ( n = 10 each): mice with PEMF exposure and mice with sham PEMF exposure. PEMF (75 Hz, 3.8 mT, 1 h/day) or sham PEMF was applied for 4 weeks. Pain behavior of mice, histological assessment of cartilage and synovium, micro-CT (computed tomography) analysis of bone, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemical staining of cartilage were performed.

Results

After DMM surgery, PEMF had a beneficial effect on pain, cartilage degeneration, synovitis, and trabecular bone microarchitecture in WT mice; these protective effects were reduced in IL-6−/− and TNF-α−/− mice. In addition, PEMF downregulated IL-6 and TNF-α expression in cartilage. PEMF also ameliorated cartilage matrix, chondrocyte apoptosis, and autophagy, while deletion of IL-6 or TNF-α suppressed the effects.

Conclusions

PEMF attenuates structural and functional progression of OA through inhibition of TNF-α and IL-6 signaling. The protective effects of PEMF on chondrocyte apoptosis and autophagy are regulated by TNF-α and IL-6 signaling.
Safety of apixaban in Indian patients undergoing elective total knee replacement or total hip replacement surgery: A multi-center, phase-IV study
Authors: Panchal Himanshu , Agashe Abhijit , Sancheti Parag K , Kulkarni Namrata B , Taur Santosh R
Published: October 2021

Background:

Venous thromboembolism is a significant source of morbidity and mortality following total hip replacement and total knee replacement. Apixaban has been proven to be efficacious without increased risk of bleeding in phase-III trials in patients undergoing total knee replacement and total hip replacement. Due to paucity of data on safety of apixaban in Indian patients, this phase-IV study was conducted to evaluate safety of apixaban in patients undergoing total knee replacement and total hip replacement.

Methods:

In this non-comparative phase-IV clinical trial, patients undergoing elective total knee replacement or total hip replacement surgery, or a revision of at least one component of total knee replacement or total hip replacement, were enrolled. The eligible patients were given the approved dosage of apixaban 12 to 24 h after completing the skin wound closure. The primary safety outcome was the composite of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis–defined major bleeding and clinically relevant non-major bleeding events at the end of the treatment. The secondary efficacy endpoint was the composite of venous thromboembolism/all-cause death at the end of the treatment.

Results:

A total of 498 patients received apixaban prophylaxis therapy. Six (1.2%) bleeding adverse events were observed during the treatment period. Only one bleeding event was adjudicated as an International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis–defined clinically relevant non-major bleeding event (moderate severity). There were no fatal bleeding events and no deaths following the treatment. One venous thromboembolism event, that is, symptomatic distal left leg DVT, was reported in a total knee replacement patient and was adjudicated during the treatment period.

Conclusion:

Apixaban demonstrated a favorable safety profile for venous thromboembolism prevention in Indian patients undergoing total knee replacement or total hip replacement.
Understanding value in a healthcare setting: An application of the business model canvas
Authors: Sibalija Jovana , Barrett David , Subasri Mathushan , Bitacola Lisa , Kim Richard B
Published: October 2021

The business model canvas is a popular tool used to develop value-driven business models. Specific emphasis is placed on understanding what customers value and providing users with steps on how to design and deliver value for their customers. In health care, creating and delivering value for patients is an often-discussed topic, with the provision of patient-centered care becoming a standard for many health care organizations. While patients play a key role in determining value, providers are the key to delivering value. Therefore, effective health care management relies on integrating multiple perspectives from key stakeholders. This process requires consideration of the key needs that must be addressed, the resources and capabilities necessary to meet these needs, and the interests and values specific to each set of stakeholders. The business model canvas lends itself well to health care service planning as it incorporates the factors described above into the business model’s conceptualization and subsequent realization. This article outlines how the business model canvas was applied to assess the needs of physician stakeholders to help guide the expansion of a pharmacogenomic-based precision medicine clinic that conducts genetic testing for patients at risk of experiencing adverse drug reactions. The article provides a detailed description of how the business model canvas was used and adapted to understand physician’s responsibilities and challenges related to drug prescription and dosing, and how the clinic could address physician needs and create value by mapping clinic services onto physician needs and wants. Interviews were conducted with physicians and the data were analyzed following the recommendations of the developers of the business model canvas. The article examines the strengths and limitations of the business model canvas and discusses its applicability to a health care setting.
Methodologically materialising hate: Incorporating participatory design methods within qualitative research on crime and victimisation
Authors: Gatehouse Cally , Pickles James
Published: October 2021

The use of ‘design’ within qualitative research on crime and victimisation, and within the social disciplines more generally, has seen very little commentary or discussion. ‘Design’ is referred to throughout as the professional and scholarly practice rather than the ‘research design’, that is, the practical plan for the methods used to generate data. Design in this former sense has historically drawn on both arts and engineering to give form to garments, products and visual communication. This article presents a case study, followed by a reflective discussion, of a research project in which research through design methods were used to construct two focus groups involving lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people and police liaison officers as part of a hate crime project. Participants were asked to design reporting devices that would respond to hateful behaviour. Through the design process, participants materialised their own experiences of hate and embodied emotional responses to those experiences. The authors argue that there are methodological, ideological and practical benefits for incorporating research through design methods within qualitative research on crime and victimisation. Design offers a way of critically and creatively reimagining how research methods are understood and utilised, challenging how criminological methodologies traditionally operate.
“We All Held Our Own”: Job Demands and Resources at Individual, Leader, Group, and Organizational Levels During COVID-19 Outbreak in Health Care. A Multi-Source Qualitative Study
Authors: Giusino Davide , De Angelis Marco , Mazzetti Greta , Christensen Marit , Innstrand Siw Tone , Faiulo Ilaria Rita , Chiesa Rita
Published: October 2021

Background:

Interventions tackling COVID-19 impact on health care workers’ mental health would benefit from being informed by validated and integrated assessment frameworks. This study aimed to explore the fitness of integrating the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model and the Individual-Group-Leader-Organization (IGLO) framework to investigate the pandemic’s impact on health care workers’ mental health.

Methods:

Qualitative data were collected via 21 semi-structured interviews with senior and middle managers and four focus groups with employees (doctors, nurses, health care assistants) from three areas (Department of Emergency, Department of Medicine, Research Institute of Neuroscience) of a large health care institution facing the first wave of COVID-19. NVivo deductive content analysis of text data was performed.

Findings:

Several COVID-19-related job demands and resources were found at IGLO levels. Individual-level demands included emotional load, while resources included resilience and motivation. Group-level demands included social distancing, while resources included team support and cohesion. Leader-level demands included managers’ workload, while resources included leader support. Organizational-level demands included work reorganization, while resources included mental health initiatives.

Conclusions/Application to Practice:

Integrating JD-R and IGLO proved feasible, as job demands and resources could be categorized according to the individual, group, leader, and organization framework. The findings expand previous studies by filling the lack of knowledge on how job demands and resources might unfold at different workplace levels during a pandemic. Results provide unit-level evidence for designing and implementing multilevel interventions to manage health care workers’ mental health during COVID-19 and future pandemics. Our findings offer occupational health practitioners a suitable approach to perform workplace mental health assessment activities.