bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Structured Video-Assisted Learning vs Demonstration on Closed Tracheal Suction Among Undergraduate Student Nurses
Authors: Jairus Reena , Naihar Ritu P , Samuel Sangeetha
Published: September 2023

Background

During pandemic only a few sick patients were admitted to the hospital. Hence, for most of the clinical teaching of student nurses, nursing faculty has to be dependent on teaching in the laboratory. The teaching was done either on simulators or by video-assisted teaching instead of the traditional demonstration method. It is imperative to assess the impact of these methods of teaching on the skill of nursing students.

Aim

To assess the effectiveness of structured video-assisted learning (VAL) vs demonstration of closed tracheal suction (CTS) in developing skill of undergraduate student nurses.

Methodology

A quasi-experimental, posttest control group design was adopted. A total of 60 undergraduate B.Sc. second-year student nurses (30 in the demonstration and 30 in the VAL group) were enrolled in this study. The tools used were knowledge assessment tool (KAT) on CTS, practice assessment tool (PAT) to assess the knowledge and skill of CTS simultaneously. Google forms with a five-point Likert scale were developed to assess the perception of Students and Faculty regarding VAL on CTS.

Results

The mean scores of CTS were significantly higher in the demonstration group when compared with the VAL group at P < 0.05.

Conclusion

Students liked the video, but the demonstration was proved to be a better method to develop the skill in CTS.
Book review: Prachi Aggarwal, China’s Energy Security: The Journey from Self-Sufficiency to Global Investor
Authors: Verma Raj
Published: September 2023

Prachi Aggarwal, China’s Energy Security: The Journey from Self-Sufficiency to Global Investor. Singapore, 2022, pp. 225, €109.99, ISBN: 978-981-19-2192-6.
Knowledge Networks, Collaboration Networks, and Local Search Behaviors
Authors: Zhang Hongjuan , Guo Jia , Guo Feng , Zhang Wanting
Published: September 2023

Inventors embed themselves in knowledge networks consisting of links between knowledge elements and collaboration networks with other inventors. These two networks are decoupled: Their structural features are distinct, and they jointly influence inventors’ local searches for knowledge. Using a longitudinal patent dataset comprising 12,174 observations, this study investigates the effects of two structural features of inventors in these networks—degree centrality and structural holes—on their local search behaviors. Our findings reveal that the degree centrality of inventors’ knowledge elements in the intra-organizational knowledge network contributes to the depth and breadth of their local search behaviors, while structural holes hinder such behaviors. Furthermore, the effect of degree centrality in the intra-organizational knowledge network for local searches increases when inventors hold central positions and span more structural holes in the intra-organizational collaboration network. The negative effect of structural holes in the knowledge network for local searches weakens when inventors hold central positions in the collaboration network. These findings contribute to the literature on knowledge searches by decoupling the knowledge and collaboration networks and analyzing their effects on the depth and breadth of local searches and offer practical implications to organizational managers and researchers.
Foot and Ankle Soft Tissue Sarcomas–Treatment and Oncologic Outcomes: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Fanfan Dino , Alvarez Juan C. , Gonzalez Marcos R. , Larios Felipe , Shae Jillian , Pretell-Mazzini Juan
Published: September 2023

Background:

Foot and ankle soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) are rare neoplasms associated with a high risk of local recurrence and metastasis. Although amputation is often performed, its impact on prognosis remains unknown. The aims of our systematic review were identifying risk factors for (1) disease-specific death, (2) local recurrence, (3) metastasis, and assessing (4) whether the type of surgery (amputation or limb-salvage) affected disease-specific survival.

Methods:

This systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. The PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases were searched. Our study was registered in PROSPERO (ID: 415624). Quality appraisal was done using STROBE guidelines.

Results:

A total of 7 studies and 123 patients were included. Metastasis was the only risk factor for disease-specific death (OR = 107.85, P< .001). Previous unplanned excision (OR = 22.29, P  = .009) and positive margins (OR = 64.48, P  = .011) were associated with higher risk of local recurrence. Patients with high-grade tumors (OR = 13.22, P  = .023) and tumors ≥6 cm (OR = 7.40, P  = .022) were more likely to develop metastases. After adjusting for confounders (age, sex, and presence of metastasis), amputation was not associated with poorer disease-specific survival.

Conclusion:

Metastasis was the single most important risk factor for death with foot and ankle soft tissue sarcoma. Positive margins and history of previous unplanned excision are risk factors for local recurrence. The most important risk factors for metastasis are tumor grade and size ≥6 cm. Amputation was not associated with poorer disease-specific survival.
Nonlinear analysis of sound transmission loss through cylindrical shell considering companion modes
Authors: Orafa Amir Hossein , Jalili Mohammad Mahdi , Fotuhi Ali Reza
Published: September 2023

This paper investigates the nonlinear vibro-acoustic performance of simply supported cylindrical shell under oblique incident plane sound wave including companion modes participation. The cylindrical shell equation of motion is obtained employing Donnell’s nonlinear shallow shell theory. The Galerkin method is applied to the equations of motion in order to obtain the system of nonlinear nonhomogeneous second order ordinary differential equations. The considered mode shapes are two asymmetric driven and companion modes and one axisymmetric mode. Multiple Scales Method is used to determine the response of resultant nonlinear differential equations. Next, the effects of incident sound characteristics on the transmission loss factor are studied. According to the results, effect of companion mode on the transmission loss (TL) through the shell can be seen only in high frequency of the incident sound wave. In addition, at high incident angle of acoustic wave, the companion mode effect on the TL of the system is very small.
Effect of audible static on blood pressure measurement by Doppler ultrasonic sphygmomanometry in cats
Authors: Uematsu Sayaka , Summers Stacie , Keys Deborah , Quimby Jessica
Published: September 2023

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to determine whether the use of headphones to eliminate audible static during Doppler ultrasonic sphygmomanometry affects blood pressure (BP) measurement in conscious young adult (aged 1–6 years) and mature adult/senior (aged ⩾7 years) cats.

Methods

A randomized crossover study was conducted. Healthy client-owned cats (>1 year) were enrolled. Blood pressure measurements were obtained twice, 14 days apart, with or without the use of headphones worn by a veterinarian. A fear, anxiety and stress (FAS) score (0 = relaxed; 4 = severe signs) was recorded. A linear mixed-effects model was used to compare the effect of wearing headphones on BP measurement.

Results

In total, 18 young adult and 14 mature adult and senior cats with a median age of 5 years (range 1–14 years) were enrolled. Of the cats, 47% (15/32) had an average BP measurement that was at least 10 mmHg higher when not using headphones compared with using headphones, of which a majority (11/15, 73%) were young adult cats. The average BP measurement was not different when using headphones compared with when not using headphones (mean difference −7 mmHg; 95% confidence interval −14 to 0.6; P = 0.07). When compared within age groups, the average BP measurement taken when using headphones (125 ± 15 mmHg) was lower compared with the measurement taken when not using headphones (137 ± 17 mmHg) in young adult cats ( P = 0.02).

Conclusions and relevance

The reduction in the average BP measurement with the use of headphones suggests this method may be helpful in reducing situational hypertension, particularly in young adult cats. Our findings also highlight the importance of consistent use of headphones when comparing serial measurements in a cat.
Chinese heritage children learning to read characters: The effects of group reading and frequency of character exposure
Authors: Cheng Mengping , Everatt John , Arrow Alison , Denston Amanda
Published: September 2023

Learning to read Chinese has been the main focus of Chinese heritage language education. The frequency of exposure to orthography–phonology and orthography–semantics correspondences and radical awareness play a significant role in character learning. However, limited exposure to characters in Chinese textbooks and the lack of explicit instruction on phonetic radicals have been proposed as limitations of conventional instruction methods used with Chinese heritage language learners. The current study assessed the efficacy of providing frequent character exposure in group reading activities for Chinese heritage children in their early learning to read Mandarin Chinese through a teaching method called Progressive Character Reading. The effectiveness of the teaching method on Chinese character acquisition and Chinese reading comprehension was examined through a quasi-experimental framework that compared a group of children undergoing the new teaching method (experimental group, n = 20) with a group of learners experiencing the traditional textbook-based instruction (control group, n = 20). Significant differences in gains between these two groups were found in measures of Chinese character reading, character–picture matching and Chinese sentence comprehension. These results suggest that group reading activities with frequent character exposure can increase learning for Chinese heritage language learners over that associated with conventional textbook-based instruction.
The influence of steel reinforcements on static rigidity of epoxy granite spindle head for dynamic performance enhancement of machining center: Experiments and finite element simulation
Authors: Dhanabal P , Thyla PR , Kalayarasan M , Mahendrakumar N
Published: September 2023

Machine tool structures are subjected to continuous distortions and unwanted vibrations during machining. The structures should have excellent static and dynamic properties to minimize the adverse effects due to vibration. Cast iron is generally used as a structural material for machine tools owing to its higher structural rigidity and moderate damping properties. The lack of desired dynamic properties results in poor surface finish of the machined components. Epoxy granite is a resin mineral-based composite found to provide superior damping ability but it has lesser material stiffness. Steel reinforcements are more appropriate to enhance the static rigidity of epoxy granite structures. The cast iron spindle head of the vertical machining center is considered for the present study. Static structural analysis has been performed by finite element analysis and the results are considered as a benchmark for the design of epoxy granite spindle head. Multiple design configurations of steel reinforcements are evolved through topology optimization to achieve improved stiffness with a higher damping ratio. A model which exhibited higher stiffness with minimum steel has been proposed for fabrication. A 1:2 scaled model of the proposed configuration has been fabricated using epoxy granite. Experimental modal analysis and numerical static analyses have been carried out and the results are compared to those of cast iron spindle head. A significant reduction in mass and deformation of the epoxy granite spindle head by 22% and 57%, respectively, was observed compared to that of cast iron spindle head.
How to plan for discontinuity? Equipping ‘anticipatory assemblages’ with ‘archives of the future’
Authors: van Driessche Robbert , Ache Peter , Lagendijk Arnoud
Published: September 2023

For more than two decades, critical planning scholars have called for strategic spatial planning to cut its rational roots stemming from the 1960s–70s, and counter its tendency towards more incremental approaches of the 1980s–2000s. To truly address the core challenges of cities and regions in our times, spatial planning should plan for discontinuity. This paper explores how planning may embrace futuring practices to do so. Drawing on three materially oriented futuring approaches, ‘Critical Future Studies’, ‘Sociology of Expectations’, and ‘Sociology of the Future’, futuring practices may serve a threefold aim. First, exposing the power of ‘normalisation’, unlocking silenced futures. Second, providing a stage to exhibit and dramatise ‘future expectations’ (stories, images, artefacts) and their stakeholder connections. Third, letting urban materiality and corporeality truly speak for themselves to the present and the future, opening experiences of, and confrontations with, the technological, environmental and geographical unconscious. Consequently, we show how such futuring can take shape through the creation of an ‘Archive of the Future’, which we illustrate through Rotterdam as a case.
Quantitative Ultrasound for Evaluation of Tumour Response to Ultrasound-Microbubbles and Hyperthermia
Authors: Sharma Deepa , Carter Holliday , Sannachi Lakshmanan , Cui Wentao , Giles Anoja , Saifuddin Murtuza , Czarnota Gregory J.
Published: September 2023

Objectives: Prior study has demonstrated the implementation of quantitative ultrasound (QUS) for determining the therapy response in breast tumour patients. Several QUS parameters quantified from the tumour region showed a significant correlation with the patient's clinical and pathological response. In this study, we aim to identify if there exists such a link between QUS parameters and changes in tumour morphology due to combined ultrasound-stimulated microbubbles (USMB) and hyperthermia (HT) using the breast xenograft model (MDA-MB-231). Method: Tumours grown in the hind leg of severe combined immuno-deficient mice were treated with permutations of USMB and HT. Ultrasound radiofrequency data were collected using a 25 MHz array transducer, from breast tumour-bearing mice prior and post-24-hour treatment. Result: Our result demonstrated an increase in the QUS parameters the mid-band fit and spectral 0-MHz intercept with an increase in HT duration combined with USMB which was found to be reflective of tissue structural changes and cell death detected using haematoxylin and eosin and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling stain. A significant decrease in QUS spectral parameters was observed at an HT duration of 60 minutes, which is possibly due to loss of nuclei by the majority of cells as confirmed using histology analysis. Morphological alterations within the tumour might have contributed to the decrease in backscatter parameters. Conclusion: The work here uses the QUS technique to assess the efficacy of cancer therapy and demonstrates that the changes in ultrasound backscatters mirrored changes in tissue morphology.
Recombinant antigen delivery to dendritic cells as a way to improve vaccine design
Authors: de Souza-Silva Guilherme Antonio , Sulczewski Fernando Bandeira , Boscardin Silvia Beatriz
Published: September 2023

Dendritic cells are central to the development of immunity, as they are specialized in initiating antigen-specific immune responses. In this review, we briefly present the existing knowledge on dendritic cell biology and how their division in different dendritic cell subsets may impact the development of immune responses. In addition, we explore the use of chimeric monoclonal antibodies that bind to dendritic cell surface receptors, with an emphasis on the C-type lectin family of endocytic receptors, to deliver antigens directly to these cells. Promising preclinical studies have shown that it is possible to modulate the development of immune responses to different pathogens when monoclonal antibodies fused to pathogen-derived antigens are used to deliver the antigen to different subsets of dendritic cells. This approach can be used to improve the efficacy of vaccines against different pathogens.
Effects of autoimmune abnormalities on skeletal muscle regeneration after needle puncture in mice
Authors: Masugi Misato , Ichii Osamu , Otani Yuki , Namba Takashi , Kon Yasuhiro
Published: September 2023

Regeneration of injured skeletal muscles is supported by the activation of satellite cells, and excessive traumatic injuries may trigger abnormal processes, such as fibrosis. Because the participation of immune cells is crucial during skeletal muscle repair, systemic autoimmune diseases impair their regeneration. This study focused on a traumatic injury by injection and investigated the effect of autoimmune diseases on skeletal muscle regeneration. Male mice of MRL/MpJ- Faslpr/lpr and MRL/MpJ (6–7 months old) were used for autoimmune disease and healthy groups. The abdominal walls punctured by a needle were histologically analyzed at 1, 3, and 8 days postinjection. In both groups, injured skeletal muscle tissues showed necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltrations on day 1, increased cell density at 3 days, and regenerative myotubes with central nuclei without fibrosis at 8 days. Gr-1+ neutrophils at injured skeletal muscle were abundant at 1 day, and then substantially decreased starting from 3 days in both groups. The number of CD3+ T cells was remarkably higher in MRL/MpJ- Faslpr/lpr than that in MRL/MpJ at 1 day, and a similar tendency was observed in B220+ B cells. The numbers of IBA1+ macrophages and bromodeoxyuridine-incorporating cells tended to be higher at 3 days, and those of the latter, mainly proliferating paired-box-7+ satellite cells, showed significance at other time points and negatively correlated with the autoimmune disease indices, such as spleen weights or serum autoantibody level. Thus, this result suggested that injured skeletal muscle by minor trauma is normally regenerated regardless of the effects of autoimmune diseases, although lymphocyte infiltrations during these processes were more severe in MRL/MpJ- Faslpr/lpr.
The role and influencing factors of government performance evaluation: A test of Chinese public officials’ perceptions in Gaoming district
Authors: Yan Haina , Shang Huping , Liu Hongmei
Published: September 2023

Government performance evaluation has a long history. However, major differences of opinion regarding its role still exist both in Western and Chinese academia, from theoretical, and practical perspectives. In this article, we conduct an empirical measurement of the role played by government performance evaluation and construct a regression model to explore the major factors influencing public officials’ perception, relying on survey data from a district government of county level in Guangdong Province. The study reveals that the average value of 14 items measuring government performance evaluation was 3.36 points (out of a possible 5 points). The role of the government in setting annual objectives, tasks, and priorities, as well as strategic planning, and target setting, and strengthening departmental accountability, had the most significant effect on the perception of efficacy of performance evaluation, whereas departmental budget setting, resource allocation, and reduction of operating costs had the least effect. Furthermore, performance communication and feedback, as well as the validity of the performance indicator system, also significantly influence the perception of the role played by government performance evaluation. The article concludes with a discussion of the differences between government performance evaluation in the West and in China.
Toward an optimal twisting-sliding mode control of a three-phase PMSM for electric vehicles
Authors: Karboua Djaloul , Belgacem Toual , Khan Zeashan Hameed , Labiod Chouaib , Ibraheem Ibraheem Kasim
Published: September 2023

This paper deals with an optimal twisting sliding mode controller (OT-SMC) for the operation of a three phase permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) in an electric vehicle (EV). In order to drive these vehicles, optimal performance is needed with robust control against real-time disturbances such as the variable load torque, uncertainties such as the parameters variation and speed variations between medium, low, and high speed as well as good performance characteristics for enhanced drive quality and longer battery time. Several conventional techniques have been applied to PMSM but they suffer from the problem of uncertainties and disturbances due to the PI regulator. A hybrid approach comprising of a robust nonlinear and optimal controller to achieve these objectives is attempted for driving electrical vehicles. This advanced hybrid controller obtained after the merger of sliding mode control (SMC) and a linear quadratic controller (LQR) is found to outperform existing controllers due to their superb performance characteristics. Furthermore, SMC is designed based on the exponential reaching law for the twisting sliding mode control (T-SMC) in order to ensure stability of the system while reducing the chattering, accelerating the rate of convergence with higher accuracy of the control performance, and the LQR is developed using the steady-state error method (N-LQR) in order to obtaining better performance characteristics. In addition, the hybridization between a twisting SMC and an optimal LQR is characterized by stabilizing and minimizing the oscillations in the permanent regime thus optimizing the system’s performance. Extensive simulation results illustrate the effectiveness and validity of the proposed control for achieving the highest performance of the PMSM.
Research on the trajectory tracking of a curved road in an active lane change scenario based on model predictive control algorithm
Authors: Wang Wei , Qu Fufan , Guo Chong , Li Wenbo
Published: September 2023

In this paper, a control method for trajectory planning and tracking of an intelligent vehicle is proposed. In terms of trajectory planning, a trajectory planning method for curved lane changes is designed based on conventional lane change trajectory planning and considering the adaptive correction of road curvature. In addition, curve trajectory tracking control strategy based on model predictive control is designed. Model predictive control is suitable for multi-input and multi-output nonlinear models, and it has the advantage of considering model constraints. This type of control makes the model output more in line with vehicle dynamics characteristics and improves the trajectory tracking accuracy. Finally, the simulation shows that the method proposed in this paper can generate a reasonable curved lane-changing trajectory, and under the consideration of the vehicle dynamics constraints, the MPC algorithm is used to effectively follow the expected trajectory, so that the vehicle can change lanes smoothly.
Morphological and radiological features of congenital muscular hypertrophy of the upper limb: experience from a tertiary institution
Authors: Huang Zhifeng , Zhao Junhui , Sun Liying , Zhong Wenyao , Yin Yuehan , Tian Wen
Published: September 2023

Congenital muscular hypertrophy is a rare overgrowth disorder in the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase related spectrum. In the past 3 years, ten patients with 11 limbs involved were treated in our centre. The aim of the study was to describe the clinical and radiological deformities of these patients. We documented the characteristic clinical morphological changes, such as hypertrophy, loss of wrist flexion, thumb hyperabduction, finger deviation and skin crease changes in the palm. Radiologically, the mean first metacarpal radial deviation angle of the affected side measured 55° (range 34 to 67) compared to the normal contralateral side 42° (range 32 to 53). The mean intermetacarpal space ratio was 1.2 (range 1.1 to 1.4) and the mean palm width ratio was 1.2 (range 1.1 to 1.3). In this study, we were able to further characterize the radiological and morphological changes of congenital muscular hypertrophy of upper limbs, which would be helpful for establishing the diagnosis and monitor treatment of this rare condition.

Level of evidence: IV
Anatomical front and back reconstruction sustains radiographic alignment: a comparison to three-ligament tenodesis
Authors: Yang Brian W. , Victoria Christian , Lee Steve K. , Wolfe Scott W.
Published: September 2023

Multiple techniques exist to reconstruct the scapholunate interosseous ligament, though none have demonstrated superiority. This study compares 1-year radiographic outcomes of the three-ligament tenodesis and the anatomical front and back reconstruction. All patients who underwent reconstruction of their scapholunate interosseous ligament at one institution with either anatomical front and back reconstruction or three-ligament tenodesis between 2011 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. At 52-week follow-up, anatomical front and back reconstruction maintained a statistically significant improvement in scapholunate gap, corrected radiolunate angle and dorsal scaphoid translation, while three-ligament tenodesis demonstrated no sustained improvement in any parameter. The improvement in dorsal scaphoid translation was significantly greater for patients undergoing anatomical front and back reconstruction compared with three-ligament tenodesis at the 16-weeks postoperative timepoint (−1.0 mm, −0.3 mm). Anatomical front and back reconstruction demonstrates sustained improvement in radiographic outcomes at 1 year when compared with three-ligament tenodesis. By addressing both volar and dorsal critical ligament restraints, adoption of anatomical front and back reconstruction for advanced stage scapholunate interosseous ligament injuries should be considered.

Level of evidence: IV
The use of mobile solutions for biomechanical assessment in combat sports: A narrative review
Authors: Sant’ Ana Jader , Kons Rafael Lima , Detanico Daniele , Diefenthaeler Fernando
Published: September 2023

New technologies have amplified the possibilities for processing and incorporating data and scientific methods in algorithms through the integration of the use of mobile technology and a wide range of wearables that allow acquisition metrics in real-time. These technologies arise as a possible alternative to supply market demand and to present practical solutions to problems that coaches and athletes face in their daily routines. Concerning biomechanical assessment in combat sports (i.e. reaction time, velocity, and force), the literature is scarce regarding studies that carried out surveys of new assessments and monitoring technologies, with solutions for coaches and athletes. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate, through a literature review, mobile technologies available on the market for biomechanical analyses in combat sports modalities. Significant growth has been observed in the number of studies involving mobile technologies with practical tools for biomechanical assessment in combat sports athletes. However, only seven technological proposals presented scientific reliability studies, and six assessed validity, showing the necessity of more original articles to investigate scientific validation. As a suggestion, a flowchart is presented with operational guidelines for the research and development of new technologies for biomechanical assessment and monitoring in combat sports in real-time.
The Impact of a Family-Friendly Hospital: A Patient Perspective
Authors: Buchwald Dorte , Buchwald Ditte , Melgaard Dorte
Published: September 2023

Introduction:

When a seriously ill and dying parent is hospitalized, the families are at risk of developing problems. Only sparse evidence is available on the effects of creating family-friendly rooms in hospitals.

Aim:

This study investigates how a seriously ill parent to children aged 0–18 experiences staying in a hospital room with family-friendly furnishing.

Methods:

From September 2012 to September 2015, seriously ill and dying patients with children ages 0–18 were offered the opportunity to stay in a family-friendly room at the North Denmark Regional Hospital. The sick parents were interviewed about how the changed room impacted themselves, their children, and their family.

Results:

The analysis led to three themes: (1) The ability to visit a sick parent, (2) maintaining family functions and relationships, and (3) room for children and adults.

Conclusion:

By offering the families a hospital room with cozy furniture and a big TV screen, seriously ill parents see that their children are more comfortable when visiting the hospital. A family-friendly hospital is not just an idealistic thought, it is a real opportunity to improve the final period of a dying parent’s life.
Heterogeneous Characteristics of the CD90+ Progenitors in the Fibrocartilage of Different Joints
Authors: Wang Yiru , Li Qianli , Li Haohan , Yang Xianni , Fang Han , Bi Ruiye , Zhu Songsong
Published: September 2023

Objective

This study aimed to isolate and compare the mesenchymal stem cell characteristics of CD90+ cells from different fibrocartilage tissues in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the knee joint, and the intervertebral joint to further understand the similarities and differences of these 4 fibrocartilage tissues.

Methods

CD90+ cells were isolated from TMJ disc, condylar cartilage, meniscus, and intervertebral disc by using magnetic-activated cell sorting. Cellular assays including 4.5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine labeling, multilineage differentiation, colony formation, and cell migration were conducted to compare their mesenchymal stem cell characteristics. Immunofluorescent staining was performed for observing the expression of actively proliferating CD90+ cells within the tissues. H&E staining and Safranine O staining were used to compare the histological features.

Results

The CD90+ cells derived from these 4 fibrocartilage tissues exhibited comparable cell proliferation abilities. However, the cells from the TMJ disc displayed limited multilineage differentiation potential, colony formation, and cell migration abilities in comparison with the cells from the other fibrocartilage tissues. In vivo, there was relatively more abundant expression of CD90+ cells in the TMJ disc during the early postnatal stage. The limited EDU+ cell numbers signified a low proliferation capacity of CD90+ cells in the TMJ disc. In addition, we observed a significant decrease in cell density and a restriction in the synthesis of extracellular proteoglycans in the TMJ disc.

Conclusion

Our study highlights the spatial heterogeneity of CD90+ cells in the fibrocartilages of different joint tissues, which may contribute to the limited cartilage repair capacity in the TMJ disc.
Enhancing diabetic retinopathy classification using deep learning
Authors: Alwakid Ghadah , Gouda Walaa , Humayun Mamoona , Jhanjhi NZ
Published: September 2023

Prolonged hyperglycemia can cause diabetic retinopathy (DR), which is a major contributor to blindness. Numerous incidences of DR may be avoided if it were identified and addressed promptly. Throughout recent years, many deep learning (DL)-based algorithms have been proposed to facilitate psychometric testing. Utilizing DL model that encompassed four scenarios, DR and its stages were identified in this study using retinal scans from the “Asia Pacific Tele-Ophthalmology Society (APTOS) 2019 Blindness Detection” dataset. Adopting a DL model then led to the use of augmentation strategies that produced a comprehensive dataset with consistent hyper parameters across all test cases. As a further step in the classification process, we used a Convolutional Neural Network model. Different enhancement methods have been used to raise visual quality. The proposed approach detected the DR with a highest experimental result of 97.83%, a top-2 accuracy of 99.31%, and a top-3 accuracy of 99.88% across all the 5 severity stages of the APTOS 2019 evaluation employing CLAHE and ESRGAN techniques for image enhancement. In addition, we employed APTOS 2019 to develop a set of evaluation metrics (precision, recall, and F1-score) to use in analyzing the efficacy of the suggested model. The proposed approach was also proven to be more efficient at DR location than both state-of-the-art technology and conventional DL.
Significance of platelet adhesion-related genes in colon cancer based on non-negative matrix factorization-based clustering algorithm
Authors: Chi Xiao-jv , Song Yi-bei , Liu Deng-he , Wei Li-qiang , An Xin , Feng Zi-zhen , Lan Xiao-hua , Lan Dong , Huang Chao
Published: September 2023

Background

Although surgical methods are the most effective treatments for colon adenocarcinoma (COAD), the cure rates remain low, and recurrence rates remain high. Furthermore, platelet adhesion-related genes are gaining attention as potential regulators of tumorigenesis. Therefore, identifying the mechanisms responsible for the regulation of these genes in patients with COAD has become important. The present study aims to investigate the underlying mechanisms of platelet adhesion-related genes in COAD patients.

Methods

The present study was an experimental study. Initially, the effects of platelet number and related genomic alteration on survival were explored using real-world data and the cBioPortal database, respectively. Then, the differentially expressed platelet adhesion-related genes of COAD were analyzed using the TCGA database, and patients were further classified by employing the non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) analysis method. Afterward, some of the clinical and expression characteristics were analyzed between clusters. Finally, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis was used to establish the prognostic nomogram. All data analyses were performed using the R package.

Results

High platelet counts are associated with worse survival in real-world patients, and alternations to platelet adhesion-related genes have resulted in poorer prognoses, based on online data. Based on platelet adhesion-related genes, patients with COAD were classified into two clusters by NMF-based clustering analysis. Cluster2 had a better overall survival, when compared to Cluster1. The gene copy number and enrichment analysis results revealed that two pathways were differentially enriched. In addition, the differentially expressed genes between these two clusters were enriched for POU6F1 in the transcription factor signaling pathway, and for MATN3 in the ceRNA network. Finally, a prognostic nomogram, which included the ALOX12 and ACTG1 genes, was established based on the platelet adhesion-related genes, with a concordance (C) index of 0.879 (0.848–0.910).

Conclusion

The mRNA expression-based NMF was used to reveal the potential role of platelet adhesion-related genes in COAD. The series of experiments revealed the feasibility of targeting platelet adhesion-associated gene therapy.
A Prospective Analysis of Opioid Prescription, Consumption, and Psychometric Correlations in Outpatient Plastic Surgery Procedures
Authors: Barkho Jouseph O. , Leveille Cameron , Pozdnyakov Alex , Faragalla Kyrillos M. , Sengupta Neil K. , Wong Chloe R. , Shanthanna Harsha , Farrokhyar Forough , McRae Matthew C.
Published: September 2023

Background: Understanding opioid prescription, consumption, and the factors related to these is important to prescribe opioids responsibly. Our primary purpose is to determine the factors predicting opioid prescription, and the secondary purpose is to examine the factors predicting opioid tablet consumption. Methods: A prospective cohort was evaluated using 2 surveys. The primary outcome was type of prescription given (opioid vs non-opioid). The secondary outcome was the number of opioid tablets consumed at the second survey. Demographics, the pain catastrophizing scale, and patient health questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) for depression and anxiety were collected. Statistics included Chi-Square, student's t-test, univariable, and multivariate regression analyses. Results: Four hundred and forty patients completed the first survey, of which 193 completed the second. Two-hundred and fourteen (49%) patients received an opioid prescription. Opioids were given most often after: surgery in the main operating room (OR 23.6 [10.0-55.2]), breast or abdomen (OR 11.1 [1.2-101.1]), upper limb (OR 4.0 [1.7-9.3]), and less often after dermatologic surgery (OR 0.2 [0.1-0.5]). Among patients who received opioids, a mean of 10 opioid tablets were consumed at the post-operative survey. More tablets were consumed when: age was less than 60 ( P < .05), with pre-operative opioid use ( P = .03), and with a high score on the PHQ-4 ( P = .002). Conclusions: The patterns of opioid prescription and consumption after outpatient Plastic Surgery are elucidated. Plastic surgeons over-estimate patients’ opioid requirements. Potentially less opioids could be prescribed in the minor procedure room without an increase in pain crises. Public health campaigns should focus on the proper disposal of unused opioid tablets.
The Burden of Revision Total Ankle Replacement Has Increased From 2010 to 2020
Authors: Ratnasamy Philip P. , Maloy Gwyneth C. , Oghenesume Oghenewoma P. , Peden Sean C. , Grauer Jonathan N. , Oh Irvin
Published: September 2023

Background:

Total ankle replacement (TAR) surgery has increased in recent decades. The aim of this study was to investigate the evolving burden of revision surgery and risk factors and timing of revision or explant.

Methods:

Using the 2010 to 2020 PearlDiver M151Ortho data set, this retrospective cohort study identified primary TAR, TAR revision, and TAR explant patients via Current Procedural Terminology ( CPT) and International Classification of Disease Procedural ( ICD-P) codes. This database contains billing claims information across all payers and sites of care in the United States. Patient factors investigated included age, sex, and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI). Annual incidence for primary TAR was normalized per 100 000 covered lives in the data set for each year of study and recorded. Annual incidence of revision TAR and explant were normalized per 100 TARs performed for each year of study. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine independent risk factors for revision TAR or explant. For explants, the eventual intervention by 2 years was analyzed. Ten-year timing and survival to revision or explant surgery following unilateral TAR were characterized.

Results:

A total of 10 531 primary, 1218 revision, and 1735 explant TARs were identified. After normalization, TAR utilization increased by 284% from 2010 to 2020, annual TAR revisions rose 28%, and annual TAR explants decreased 65%. Independent predictors of revision TAR were younger age (odds ratio [OR] 1.29 per decade decrease) and higher ECI (OR 1.23 per 2-point increase). Independent predictors of explant included younger age (OR 1.80 per decade decrease), female sex (OR 1.17), and higher ECI (OR 1.35 per 2-point increase). The 10-year implant survival rate was 91.8%, of which 73% of revisions and 83% of explants occurred in the first 3 years following index TAR.

Conclusion:

TAR utilization has grown substantially over the past decade, with minimal increases in the annual rate of revision surgery with respect to index procedures performed.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective cohort study.
Carbon Is the New Black: A Case of EKI Energy Services Limited
Authors: Durafe Aniruddha , Moyal Swapnil , Verma Simple
Published: September 2023

The case study titled ‘Carbon is the new black: A case of EKI Energy Services Limited’ showcases the phenomenal growth achieved by a young startup based in Indore promoted by a visionary entrepreneur Mr Manish Kumar Dabkara who had a vision and foresightedness to enter the Carbon Credit Market when no big player in the country was leaping in this field. The case study chronicles how EKI Energy Services Limited created a space for itself and has become a name to reckon within the Carbon Credit Market. The case study emphasizes the Initial Public Offer of EKI Energy Services and how it created a buzz in the stock market when its share price skyrocketed. The study also throws light on the international agreements on Carbon Credit trading mechanisms under the aegis of the United Nations viz. Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Convention. Further, the case study discusses opportunities and challenges, which lie ahead of EKI Energy Services Limited in the Carbon Credit Market.
Awkward but so what: Differences in social trait preferences between autistic and non-autistic adults
Authors: Dunn Danny , de la Garza Jay D. , Jones Desiree R. , Sasson Noah J.
Published: September 2023

Autistic and non-autistic observers form less favorable impressions of autistic adults relative to non-autistic adults, yet only non-autistic adults report lower interest in socially interacting with them. This discrepancy may relate to differences in how autistic and non-autistic people value and interpret social traits, with autistic people viewing characteristics such as “awkwardness” in neutral or positive terms rather than as a deterrent to interaction. Here, 24 autistic adults and 24 non-autistic adults rated themselves on 20 traits, their preferences for these traits in others, and their perception of them in an “average” person. Autistic participants rated themselves as more awkward, less socially keen, and less socially “normal” than non-autistic participants. Self-ratings and preferences in others correlated on three attributes—awkward, socially keen, and socially “normal”—with the autistic group demonstrating a large effect ( r = .70) for partners similar to their self-perception of “normal”. Collectively, these findings suggest that common social descriptors like awkward have different appeals for autistic people and should not be universally assumed to be undesirable characteristics. Future studies should seek to replicate these findings with larger and more diverse samples and more established measures.
Characteristics and selection of near-fault simulated earthquake ground motions for nonlinear analysis of buildings
Authors: Kenawy Maha , McCallen David , Pitarka Arben
Published: September 2023

Earthquake-induced ground shaking near rupturing faults is highly sensitive to the rupture characteristics, seismic wave propagation patterns and site conditions, and field recordings of near-fault shaking are relatively sparse. These challenges complicate the assessment of the seismic performance of near-fault structures. A common approach to representing near-fault ground motion in engineering analysis is to explicitly consider and select records with strong directivity pulses (pulse records). We use three-dimensional high-resolution physics-based earthquake simulations to test this approach in the context of scenario-based ground motion record selection, and to study the important characteristics of near-fault ground shaking. We highlight the deficiencies associated with classifying near-fault simulated records as “pulse” or “non-pulse,” based on the presence of a single dominating pulse in the velocity time history. We show that this approach is inadequate for characterizing near-fault shaking on soft soils which can be dominated by both forward rupture directivity and basin amplification effects. We conduct ground motion selection experiments for the analysis of near-fault structures with and without explicit classification of the pulse features in the records, and evaluate the bias in the predicted structural demands. We find that the maximum interstory drift demands on building structures imposed by unscaled site-specific simulated ground motion records selected based on relevant spectral shape features are not sensitive to the classification of records as pulse/non-pulse. Therefore, with regard to predicting the maximum interstory drifts in near-fault buildings, we do not find justification for the binary pulse classification of near-fault records.
Implementation of interventions to maintain and promote the functional mobility of nursing home residents – a scoping review
Authors: Quasdorf Tina , Manietta Christina , Rommerskirch-Manietta Mike , Braunwarth Jana Isabelle , Roßmann Christin , Roes Martina
Published: September 2023

Background

To provide an overview of the available evidence on the implementation of direct and capacity-building interventions to promote and maintain the functional mobility of nursing home residents.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review following the methodological guidance for the conduct of scoping reviews as described by the Joanna Briggs Institute. We searched for studies in MEDLINE (via PubMed) and CINAHL (via EBSCO). We conducted a qualitative content analysis of the included studies with deductive categories based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

Results

Ultimately, we included 8 studies on direct interventions, 6 studies on capacity-building interventions, and 2 studies on both types of interventions in our review. Seven studies provided evidence on implementation strategies comprising discrete as well as multifaceted, multilevel strategies. Most of the studies did not systematically evaluate the strategies but remained at a descriptive level. All 16 studies provided evidence of influencing factors. We identified 32 of the 37 influencing factors of the CFIR. The five most frequent influencing factors were available resources (n = 14), access to knowledge and information (n = 12), patient needs and resources (n = 10), knowledge and beliefs about the intervention (n = 10) and compatibility (n = 9).

Conclusions

The available evidence on the implementation of functional mobility interventions in nursing homes is rather limited. This emphasizes the need for further research. Regarding implementation strategies, the systematic evaluation and further development of the reported promising approaches might be a starting point.
A scoping review of media campaign strategies used to reach populations living with or at high risk for Hepatitis C in high income countries to inform future national campaigns in the United Kingdom
Authors: Etoori David , Desai Monica , Mandal Sema , Rosenberg William , Sabin Caroline A
Published: September 2023

Background

With the advent of direct acting antivirals, the World Health Organisation proposed eliminating Hepatitis C as a public health threat by 2030. To achieve this, countries need to diagnose, engage in care and treat their undiagnosed populations. This will require sensitisation campaigns. However previous media campaigns have had mixed impact. We conducted a scoping review to identify and understand the impact of previous Hepatitis C media campaigns. These findings could inform the delivery of future campaigns.

Methods

We searched five electronic databases for published literature on media campaigns conducted for Hepatitis C awareness, testing, and treatment in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries since 2010. Two independent reviewers screened citations for inclusion. Additionally, we spoke to stakeholders in the Hepatitis C field in the UK and conducted a Google search to identify any unpublished literature. A quantitative synthesis was conducted to identify targeted populations, strategies and media used, aims and impact of the campaigns.

Results

A title and year of publication screening of 3815 citations resulted in 113 papers that had a full abstract screen. This left 50 full-text papers, 18 were included of which 9 (50%) were from Europe. 5 (27.8%) of campaigns targeted minority ethnicities, and 9 (50%) aimed to increase testing. A Google search identified 6 grey literature sources. Most campaigns were not evaluated for impact. Discussions with stakeholders identified several barriers to successful campaigns including lack of targeted messaging, stigmatising or accusatory messaging, and short-lived or intermittent campaign strategies.

Conclusion

Future campaigns will likely need to be multifaceted and have multiple tailored interventions. Campaigns will need to be sizeable and robust, integrated into health systems and viewed as an ongoing service rather than one-offs.