bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moderating Effects of Student Engagement on the Relationship Between Weight Bias Internalization and Depressive Symptoms Among Adolescent Girls With Higher Weight
Authors: Ra Jin Suk
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to examine the moderating effect of student engagement between weight bias internalization and depressive symptoms in Korean adolescent girls with higher weight. Ninety-nine girls with higher weight (≥85th body mass index percentile) in early adolescence (aged 12–14 years) participated in this cross-sectional study. Weight bias internalization, student engagement, and the interaction between these variables were significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Furthermore, a simple slope analysis indicates that higher student engagement was associated with more significant relief in depressive symptoms. Thus, promoting higher student engagement with family and school support may help reduce depressive symptoms related to weight bias internalization in adolescent girls with higher weight. Therefore, family- and school-based programs are required to enhance student engagement in adolescent girls with higher weight.
End-of-Life transfusion support at hospice and pediatric oncology unit: Bridging the gap between benefits and therapeutic alliance
Authors: Nigro Olga , Podda Marta G , Pellegatta Federico , Schiavello Elisabetta , Clerici Carlo A , Catalano Igor , Visconti Giovanna , Albarini Marco , Luksch Roberto , Terenziani Monica , Ferrari Andrea , Casanova Michela , Biassoni Veronica , Meazza Cristina , Spreafico Filippo , Gattuso Giovanna , Sironi Giovanna , Puma Nadia , Bergamaschi Luca , Chiaravalli Stefano , Massimino Maura
Published: May 2023

Objectives:

Although transfusion support is commonly used in oncological palliative care, there is still a paucity of literature. We examined the transfusion support provided in the terminal stage of the disease and compared the approach at a pediatric oncology unit and a pediatric hospice.

Case description

This case series analyzed patients treated at the Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano (INT)’s pediatric oncology unit who died between January 2018 and April 2022. We compared these with those who died at the VIDAS hospice and analyzed the number of complete blood counts taken in a patient’s last 14 days of life, and the number of transfusions performed in the same period. We analyzed 44 patients (22 in pediatric oncology unit; 22 in hospice) in total. Twenty-eight complete blood counts were performed (7/22 patients at the hospice; 21/22 patients at the pediatric oncology unit). Nine patients were given transfusions, three at the hospice, six at our pediatric oncology unit (24 transfusions in total): 20 transfusions at the pediatric oncology unit, four at the hospice. In total 17/44 patients were given active therapies in the last 14 days of life: 13 at the pediatric oncology unit, four at the pediatric hospice. Ongoing cancer treatments did not correlate with a greater likelihood of receiving a transfusion (p=0.91).

Conclusions:

The hospice’s approach was more conservative than the pediatric oncology one. In the in-hospital setting, the need for a transfusion cannot always be decided on by a combination of numerical values and parameters alone. The family’s emotional-relational response must be considered too.
Eye for an AI: More-than-seeing, fauxtomation, and the enactment of uncertain data in digital pathology
Authors: Carboni Chiara , Wehrens Rik , van der Veen Romke , de Bont Antoinette
Published: May 2023

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are being developed to assist with increasingly complex diagnostic tasks in medicine. This produces epistemic disruption in diagnostic processes, even in the absence of AI itself, through the datafication and digitalization encouraged by the promissory discourses around AI. In this study of the digitization of an academic pathology department, we mobilize Barad’s agential realist framework to examine these epistemic disruptions. Narratives and expectations around AI-assisted diagnostics—which are inextricable from material changes—enact specific types of organizational change, and produce epistemic objects that facilitate to the emergence of some epistemic practices and subjects, but hinder others. Agential realism allows us to simultaneously study epistemic, ethical, and ontological changes enacted through digitization efforts, while keeping a close eye on the attendant organizational changes. Based on ethnographic analysis of pathologists’ changing work processes, we identify three different types of uncertainty produced by digitization: sensorial, intra-active, and fauxtomated uncertainty. Sensorial and intra-active uncertainty stem from the ontological otherness of digital objects, materialized in their affordances, and result in digital slides’ partial illegibility. Fauxtomated uncertainty stems from the quasi-automated digital slide-making, which complicates the question of responsibility for epistemic objects and related knowledge by marginalizing the human.
Operational Performance of Roundabouts at High-Speed and Rural Locations
Authors: Brewer Marcus A. , Zhou Hongmin “Tracy” , Tydlacka Jonathan , Florence David
Published: May 2023

A recent research project investigated the operational benefits of modern roundabouts for high-speed locations that serve heavy vehicles, while developing examples of best practices for design. The research team compiled proven results from designs in other states and collected and analyzed data from within and outside of Texas to develop updated design guidance, which can be used to implement roundabout designs that accommodate oversize/overweight (OSOW) vehicles in rural areas. This paper summarizes activities and findings from that project. Project activities indicate that the drone-based data collection effort, along with a computer algorithm-based method for data reduction, was an effective and efficient alternative to traditional data collection and reduction methods for this project. Findings from field data and simulation confirmed practices in other states that roundabouts can be designed to accommodate not only heavy vehicles but also OSOW vehicles in rural locations with high-speed approaches. The roundabout with the largest diameter studied (180 ft) had the best performance, but the smallest roundabout (120-ft diameter) was also able to accommodate larger vehicles at lower volumes, and roundabouts of all sizes generally outperformed two-way stop-controlled intersections in simulation results.
Scientometric and Bibliographic Analysis of Pedestrian Safety Research
Authors: Das Subasish , Kong Xiaoqiang , Wei Zihang , Liu Jinli
Published: May 2023

The vulnerability of pedestrians means that pedestrian and vehicle crashes often have severe consequences. Pedestrian safety related research has attracted researchers’ attention since the 1970s and has become increasingly popular in recent years. There were about 250 papers published in 2021 alone on this research domain. However, scientometric studies on a specific safety area are rarely conducted. Scientometric and bibliographic analyses provide researchers with a thorough understanding of research topics and historical knowledge on authorship, publishers, keywords (thematic topics), and collaborations that occurred in the research community on the specific research domain. This study bridges this gap by collecting 2,689 pedestrian safety-related papers from the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection database and conducting a scientometric and bibliographic analysis. The results show the increasing popularity of pedestrian safety-related studies, and the number of papers has increased significantly each year since 2000. This study also investigated the changes in the research interests in pedestrian safety-related studies temporally. The results show research interests changed from investigating the built environment, theoretical modeling, behavioral studies, and advanced modeling techniques over time. Moreover, the findings suggest that child pedestrian safety interests started to gain popularity in 2008, soon after the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program was initiated in 2005, which shows the positive interactions between this research domain and policy-making progress.
Weight Gain, Lifestyle, and Cognition During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Southern Brazil
Authors: Vargas Liziane da Silva de , Jantsch Jeferson , Varela Ana Paula Muterle , Dorneles Gilson Pires , Zanini Roberta de Vargas , Peres Alessandra , Guedes Renata Padilha
Published: May 2023

Background:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the world experienced social distancing that resulted in changes in habits and lifestyle. Such changes can compromise healthy eating habits and the practice of physical activities, known risk factors for developing weight gain and obesity.

Objective:

The main objective of this study was to describe the change in eating habits, lifestyle, and cognition of the population of Rio Grande do Sul, a state in Southern Brazil, during social distancing due to COVID-19.

Methods:

The study was conducted from July 21 to August 10, 2020, through a structured online questionnaire that asked for sociodemographic information (age, gender, and education), anthropometric (reported weight and height), change in eating habits, lifestyle (sleep quality and physical activity), and cognition. Chi-square, McNemar tests, and univariate and multivariate analysis were used to evaluate the variables. Confidence intervals were calculated with a significance level of 5%.

Results:

Of a total of 1072 participants, 57.3% of respondents reported weight gain, and an increased percentage of people were classified as obese. Nearly half of the participants (46%) reported changes in their eating habits for the worse. Body mass index (BMI) was significantly associated with increased consumption of unhealthy foods. Our results identified high physical inactivity (46.9%) and obesity (19%) during social distancing. The changes in eating habits and lifestyle also increased the risk for decreased cognition.

Conclusions:

These findings highlighted that social distancing impacted eating habits and lifestyle, which increased obesity rates and might predispose to decreased cognition.
Exploring the Relationship Between Initial Mathematics Skill and a Sixth-Grade Fractions Intervention
Authors: Lesner Taylor , Clarke Ben , Kosty Derek , Nelson Nancy , Ketterlin-Geller Leanne , Smolkowski Keith
Published: May 2023

This study explored whether initial skill moderated outcomes of Promoting Algebra Readiness, a Tier 2 sixth-grade mathematics intervention targeting conceptual and procedural knowledge of fractions. The study analyzed data from a quasi-experimental pilot study in which at-risk students ( N = 198) from Oregon middle schools were assigned to the treatment or control condition at the school level. Proximal and distal measures of math proficiency were collected in the fall (pretest) and spring (post-test). Analyses examined initial student achievement as a moderator of mathematics outcomes. Results indicated that intervention outcomes were not moderated by initial skill. Implications for tiered mathematics instruction and future mathematics intervention research are discussed.
Emission and time-resolved migration rates of aromatic diamines from two flexible polyurethane foams
Authors: Karlsson Daniel , Spence Mark W , Plehiers Patrick M
Published: May 2023

Performing risk assessments (RA) on household use of flexible polyurethane (PU) foams requires access to reliable data about emission and migration of potential diamine impurities. A toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and a methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) based foam were thermally treated to enable measurements on samples with defined concentrations of the corresponding diamines, toluene diamine (TDA), and methylene dianiline (MDA). The thermally treated foams used for emission testing contained up to 15 mg.kg−1 of TDA and 27 mg.kg−1 of MDA. Those used for migration testing contained 5.1 mg.kg−1 of TDA and 14.1 mg.kg−1 of MDA. Stability of the thermally generated diamines was sufficient for testing over a 37-day period. Analytical techniques that did not decompose the polymer matrix were applied. Emission rates for TDA and MDA isomers were less than the limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 0.008–0.07 μg.m−2.h−1. Migration was studied using samples of the same thermally treated foams over a 35-day period. Quantifiable migration of MDA from the MDI-based foam was only observed on Days 1 and 2. From Day 3 onward, migration rates were less than the LOQ. Quantifiable migration of TDA from the TDI-based foam rapidly decreased with time and was only observed on Days 1 thru 3. From Day 4 onward, migration rates were less than the LOQ. Theoretically, the migration rate should be inversely proportional to the square root of time (t) as t−0.5. This relationship was confirmed by the experimental data and enables extrapolating migration values to more extended time periods to conduct RAs.
In-wheel drive system design with dynamic vibration absorption based on the adaptive transmission mechanism
Authors: Chen Xinbo , Kong Aijing , Wang Wei
Published: May 2023

The extra unsprung mass introduced by the propulsion motors becomes an unavoidable issue for electric wheel drive systems, resulting in deteriorated ride comfort and tire adhesion stability. This study presents an innovative wheel drive system based on the dynamic vibration absorber (DVA) to suppress the unsprung mass vibration, improving the suspension dynamic performance. Specifically, we apply the principle of adaptive transmission to generate an extra degree of freedom (DoF), enabling the propulsion motor to work as the DVA. Innovative solutions with different topologies are exploited and an appropriate one is selected for a specific chassis platform. Based on the quarter-suspension dynamics with 3 DoF, the optimal design regarding the component sizing and stiffness/damping characteristics of unsprung mass suspension is carried out to minimize the vertical body acceleration and dynamic tire load through the genetic algorithm. In practical application, bench tests of the prototype prove that the proposed electric wheel drive system has reasonable driving efficiency and torque tracking performance, which verifies the feasibility of the proposed structure.
Model reference backstepping control for semi-active air suspension systems with parameter uncertainty
Authors: Wong Pak Kin , Deng Mengqi , Zhao Jing , Ghadikolaei Meisam Ahmadi , Wang Hang
Published: May 2023

The electronically controlled semi-active air suspension systems have been widely used to improve the vehicle ride comfort and road holding performance by adjusting the damper stiffness. This work focuses on the design of a damping force controller to enhance the ride comfort, road holding and stability under the presence of unknown air spring pressure. Firstly, an improved skyhook suspension reference model is developed to generate the desired dynamic criteria (i.e. vehicle body acceleration, pitch and roll angles). Secondly, by employing the backstepping technique, a novel damping force controller is proposed to approach the desired dynamic criteria. Thirdly, a parameter estimation method is also designed to estimate the air spring pressure to obtain the air spring force. Comparative studies are carried out among passive suspension systems, and the semi-active air suspension systems with the proposed model reference damping force control, traditional backstepping control and existing sliding mode control. Numerical results show that a significant improvement of ride comfort can be observed with the semi-active air suspension system based on the proposed model reference backstepping controller.
Modeling of physicochemical and thermophysical characteristics of SrO-CaO-Al2O3-CaF2-based shielded metal arc welding coating
Authors: Gupta Alok , Singh Jaiveer , Chhibber Rahul
Published: May 2023

This study investigates electrode coatings designed for use in nuclear power plant weld joints, particularly their electrical, thermophysical and physicochemical properties. The Al2O3-CaF2-CaO-SrO-based shielded metal arc welding electrodes were developed using the extreme vertices design technique. The coating composition's structure and phases were analyzed using X-ray diffraction, while Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis was used to identify the types of bonds present. Advanced characterization methods were utilized to assess the coating formulations’ physicochemical, thermophysical and structural aspects. Thermal properties, including specific heat, thermal diffusivity and conductivity, were evaluated using a hot disk apparatus, while thermogravimetric analysis was employed to determine the enthalpy change and thermal stability of the flux coating. The electrical properties of the flux coatings were examined using a precision LCR instrument. Statistical analysis was employed to create regression models for each coating property to investigate the influence of mineral constituents on the flux coating properties. Regression analysis is a statistical method used to establish a relationship between mineral interactions. In flux composition selection, it can help determine the physical significance of each factor and its relationship with the coating's performance. The results indicate that the mineral constituents’ individual elements, binary and tertiary interactions, significantly impact the flux composition's physicochemical, electrical and thermophysical properties.
A paradigmatic “inoutsider” scholar in African psychology: Tribute to Professor Thomas Leonard (Len) Holdstock
Authors: Nwoye Augustine , Baloyi Lesiba
Published: May 2023

This comment aims to memorialize Professor Thomas Len Holdstock (1934–2022). Professor Holdstock was an eminent foundational scholar in the fledgling field of African psychology. His pioneer contributions in African-centred psychology demonstrate that scholarship and excellence in African psychology is not a preserve of native Africans but rightly belongs to any scholar from any culture who could take up the “inoutsider” identity to study and understand the psychology of Africans from the Africans’ perspective.
A Small Angle X-Ray Scattering Study of Melt Separation in Crosslinked Low Density Polyethylene
Authors: Lee Y.D. , Phillips P.J. , Lin J.S.
Published: May 2023

Studies of the sol-gel separation process, believed to occur in chemically crosslinked low density polyethylene at temperatures just above the melting point, have been carried out using small angle x-ray scattering. Analyses of the results demonstrate that two phases do indeed exist after the lamellae disappear. Scattering that occurs is symptomatic of isolated scattering entities. Comparison with theoretically predicted scattering envelopes show that the sol exists as small droplets which are disc-like at a temperature immediately above the melting point, but that they become spherical as temperature is increased, ultimately disappearing when miscibility returns.
Thermohydrolytic Ageing of the Polynadimide IP960
Authors: Hilaire B. , Verdu J.
Published: May 2023

This study deals with the thermal ageing of a polynadimide network of the IP960 type, with a secondary alcohol in the dianhydride bridge. An attempt has been made to provide a suitable representation of the network structure on the basis of the literature. Ageing in air at 300–360°C was then studied using FTIR, gravimetry, density measurements and flexural testing. The role of initially sorbed water was also investigated.
Effects of Cure History on Residual Stresses in Epoxy Resins
Authors: Wang Hong-bing , Yu Tong-yin
Published: May 2023

By studying the residual cure stresses for various temperature-cycles and time-cycles of epoxy resins, we find mat the stresses depend on the competitive process between the subsequent curing and annealing. The residual stresses increase with extent of cure, but decrease with increasing stress relaxation. Changing the curing history alters the residual stresses.
Graft Copolymerisation of Water Soluble Vinyl Monomers onto Polyamide Film
Authors: Misra B.N. , Kaur Inderjeet , Gupta Anupam , John Valsamma , Singha A.S.
Published: May 2023

Graft copolymerisation of water soluble monomers such as acrylic acid and acrylamide onto polyamide film by mutual irradiation in aqueous medium in air has been studied. Percentage grafting has been determined as a function of (1) total dose, (2) monomer concentration, and (3) amount of water. Maximum percentage grafting under optimum conditions was found to be higher for acrylamide than acrylic acid. The effect of alcohols of different chain length on percentage grafting has also been studied. All the alcohols enhanced percentage grafting of acrylic acid and decreased percentage grafting of acrylamide. The graft copolymers were characterised by I.R. spectroscopic methods and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). A mechanism is suggested to explain the experimental results.
Impregnation Techniques for Thermoplastic Matrix Composites
Authors: Miller A. , Gibson A.G.
Published: May 2023

This paper reviews the techniques available for the impregnation of reinforcing fibres with thermoplastic resins. The key material factors influencing the achievement of impregnation are outlined and the current impregnation technologies are discussed. The techniques are divided into two categories: those that aim to reduce the viscosity in order to achieve rapid impregnation, the pre-impregnation processes, and the processes that attempt to reduce the distance that the resin is required to flow, which involve intimate mixing of constituents prior to melting, the mingling processes. The techniques used to mingle fine polymer powder and continuous fibres are examined and the various elements of a powder impregnation line are reviewed. Applications of powder impregnated composites are also discussed.
The Effect of Annealing on the Degree of Orientation of Nylon 6 Fibres
Authors: Fouda I.M. , Seisa E.A.
Published: May 2023

The polarizing interference microscope was used to study the variation of the principal optical parameters of annealed nylon 6 Fibres at 160 ± 1°C. The resulting data were used to calculate optical orientation function, the angle of orientation and the specific refractivity of the isotropic dielectric over all the annealing time range. The change of refractive-index profile of the annealed nylon 6 fibres with time at a constant temperature of 160 ± 1°C are given. Also an empirical formula is given to inter-relate the structural parameters for the annealed nylon 6 fibres.
New Electrically Conducting Polymeric Fillers
Authors: Bandara A.J. , Curley J.
Published: May 2023

Conducting polymers have been known since the early 1940s. They have been made by incorporating a randomly dispersed conducting filler into a polymer matrix to form conducting composites. The traditional fillers are carbon black, graphite, and metal powders etc.

Over the past two decades, a multitude of intrinsically conducting polymers have been developed, such as poly(p-phenylene vinylene), poly(p-phenylene sulfide), polypyrrole, polythiophene, and polyquinoline (ladder polymers). The structural features which endow conductivity also cause processing problems which make the direct use of these polymers difficult. It is essential to overcome these problems and one solution is to use the conducting polymers as particulate fillers for otherwise insulating plastics.

A variety of novel intrinsically conducting polymers have been synthesised and this paper reports the electrical conductivity of the filled systems. Another method of producing conducting composites has been investigated, involving immersing polymer films containing monomers such as pyrrole or aniline into various aqueous oxidant solutions. One advantage of this method is that highly transparent conducting films can be prepared.
Protective effect of additional cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide PR-39 on prosthetic-joint infections
Authors: Zhu Yongjun , Weng Xuan , Zhang Jian , Mao Jingxin
Published: May 2023

Background

Prosthetic-joint infection (PJI) is one of the severest complications after arthroplasty. However, antibiotics are not effective in the bacteria in biofilm outside the prosthetic-joint. Antimicrobial peptides have an efficient antimicrobial activity in staphylococcus aureus compared with conventional antibiotics.

Methods

Bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) were isolated, cultured and transfected with cathelicidins antimicrobial peptides proline-arginine-rich 39 amino acid peptide (PR-39) lentivirus. The expression of PR-39 gene in BMSCs was detected by RT-PCR, and the antibacterial activity of PR-39 was measured by agar diffusion method. The transfection efficiency was detected by fluorescence microscopy. The infection model of artificial knee joint in rabbits were established. Kirschner wire was used as the knee joint implant to implant the distal femur through the femoral intercondylar fossa of rabbits. 24 rabbits were randomly divided into 2 groups for the above operations: group A was inoculated 0.5 mL into the joint cavity immediately after the incision was sutured 1 × 107 Staphylococcus aureus of colony forming unit (CFU), group B was inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus and PR-39. After operation, the wound conditions and histological changes were observed by X-ray and optical microscope respectively, CRP and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were measured by test assay.

Results

The transfection efficiency of lentivirus vectortransfected BMSCs was 74.09%. The supernatant of lentivirus vector had obvious inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus aureus, and the antibacterial rate was 98.43%. 100% infection observed in group A while few infection observed in group B; serum CRP and ESR at a high level in group A while decreased in group B after operation. There were no significant difference in CRP and ESR between the pLV/PR-39 group and pLV/EGFP group at day 1 and 3 respectively after surgery. However, CRP and ESR in the pLV/PR-39 groupwere significantly lower than the pLV/EGFP group at day 7 and 14 respectively after operation.

Conclusions

Rabbits planted BMSCs expressing PR-39 were significantly increased resistance to Staphylococcus aureus in PJI than control group thus showing great potential for preventing implant-associated infection. It will provide a potential new therapeutic agent for implant-associated infection.
Grappling with Climate Change and the Internationalization of Higher Education: An Eco-Socialist Perspective
Authors: Baer Hans A
Published: May 2023

Universities worldwide have come to embrace the rhetoric of environmental sustainability and a commitment to climate action while simultaneously seeking to internationalize themselves within the context of the global economy. In seeking to internationalize, universities are highly dependent on air travel, for both their academic staff and students. Yet airplane flights are a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions and a driver of anthropogenic climate change. This article examines campaigns and individual efforts – with particular attention to examples from Australia and New Zealand and the field of anthropology - to reduce flying among academics, including a greater reliance on teleconferencing, and explores strategies for drastically reducing student air travel. In that the internationalization of higher education has been occurring within the parameters of global capitalism, which functions as the overarching driver of climate change, this article proposes an eco-socialist alternative as a strategy for achieving social justice and environmental sustainability.
Orofacial Cryptococcosis: A Challenging Clinical Report and a Systematic Analysis of the Literature
Authors: de Sena Ana Carolina Velasco Pondé , de Arruda José Alcides Almeida , Oliveira Sicília Rezende , Pereira Nickolas Mendes , Faria Larissa dos Santos , Travassos Denise Vieira , Silva Tarcília Aparecida
Published: May 2023

Cryptococcosis is a neglected fungal disease. The scarcity of studies on oral cryptococcosis is certainly due to rarity and/or underreporting of the disease, especially in Brazil. We describe an example of orofacial cryptococcosis affecting a 57-year-old man after heart transplantation, who presented with multiple erythematous ulcers and erosions distributed in the chin, nasal cavity, labial mucosa, hard palate, and buccal vestibule. Computed tomography revealed opacities and micronodules in the lungs. Histopathological features of the oral and pulmonary lesions were compatible with Cryptococcus spp. Amphotericin B and fluconazole were used for treatment during hospitalization and itraconazole for prolonged therapy after hospital discharge. The patient has been under follow up for 6 months without signs of disease. According to a review conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and LILACS for data analysis of oral cryptococcosis, 26 reports were described in the literature. Predilection for men was observed (85%), with a male:female ratio of 5.5:1. The mean age of the individuals was 49 ± 15.3 years. Oral cryptococcosis mostly presented as an ulcer ( n = 17). The palate and tongue were the most affected sites ( n = 9 for each). Amphotericin B was the primary therapy utilized in most patients. Seventeen (65%) individuals survived. Knowledge of the clinicodemographic aspects of oral cryptococcosis is important for clinicians in decision making and surveillance.
Ganglioneuroma Arising in Congenital Melanocytic Nevus in a Patient with Cardiac Anomalies: A Case Report
Authors: Alsaidan Mohammed Saud , Aljarbou Ohoud Zaid
Published: May 2023

A congenital melanocytic nevus is a benign melanocyte proliferation, that may be complicated by malignant transformation. We are reporting a three-year-old girl, who had a giant congenital melanocytic nevus on her back, that was treated by serial surgical excisions with tissue expander insertion. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of congenital melanocytic nevus with ganglioneuroma. Out of approximately 250 case reports on congenital melanocytic nevus, we identified only two reports of medium/large congenital melanocytic nevus with cutaneous ganglioneuroma. Due to the potential malignant transformation of congenital melanocytic nevus, reporting the features and characteristics of such rare findings may help in further understanding congenital melanocytic nevus, its associations, and prognosis.
Polycythemia Secondary to Renal Hemangioblastoma: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Lee Yueh , Cheng Siao-Muk , Hwang Daw-Yang , Chiu Yen-Ling , Chou Yueh-Hung
Published: May 2023

Secondary polycythemia is a paraneoplastic syndrome observed in tumors with excessive erythropoietin (EPO) production. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and cerebellar hemangioblastoma are the 2 most well-known tumors to induce secondary polycythemia. Hemangioblastomas occurring in the kidney are rare. In this work we present a case of renal hemangioblastoma that caused erythrocytosis in a 19-year-old man. We demonstrated intratumoural EPO production by immunohistochemistry, and conducted whole-exome sequencing to evaluate possible genetic alterations that reported to induce tumor-related polycythemia. In spite of an indolent clinical behavior, renal hemangioblastoma is difficult to differentiate from RCC not only clinically, but also histopathologically. Given that RCC is the most well-known renal tumor to induce erythrocytosis, the uncommon manifestation of polycythemia in renal hemangioblastoma, as shown in our case, can cause further diagnostic challenges. Renal hemangioblastoma should be listed in the differential diagnoses of renal tumors presenting with erythrocytosis, apart from the most common RCC.
Undifferentiated Carcinoma of Esophagus with SMARCA4 Deletion Expressing Synaptophysin: A Potential Diagnostic Pitfall
Authors: Cui Min , Uboha Nataliya
Published: May 2023

Undifferentiated carcinoma of the esophagus is an entity that is included in WHO classification of digestive systems fifth edition (2018). The definition of this entity is a malignant esophageal epithelial tumor that lacks definite microscopic features of squamous, glandular, or neuroendocrine differentiation. It is a challenging diagnosis to make due to lack of diagnostic criteria. We report a case from a 45 years old man with a mass in the lower third of esophagus. Biopsy showed an epitheloid neoplasm with sheet like growth pattern and no glandular formation. The tumor cells had prominent nucleoli and indistinct cell borders. There were occasional rhabdoid cells. By immunostains, tumor cells were focally positive for pankeratin, keratin 7, synaptophysin, negative for CDX2 and p40, INSM1, chromogranin, and CD56. Background intestinal metaplasia (Barrett esophagus) was present. Next generation sequencing of the tumor revealed SMARCA4 deep deletion. The tumor showed loss of SMARCA4 by immunostain. This case demonstrates that undifferentiated carcinoma of the esophagus with SMARCA4 deletion can express synaptophysin. Awareness of this entity is important for the correct classification of this tumor.
Comparison of Cancer Mortality and Incidence Between New Zealand and Australia and Reflection on Differences in Cancer Care: An Ecological Cross-Sectional Study of 2014-2018
Authors: Aye Phyu Sin , Win Shwe Sin , Tin Tin Sandar , Elwood J. Mark
Published: May 2023

Background

Despite many background similarities, New Zealand showed excess cancer deaths compared to Australia in previous studies. This study extends this comparison using the most recent data of 2014-2018.

Methods

This study used publicly available cancer mortality and incidence data of New Zealand Ministry of Health and Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, and resident population data of Statistics New Zealand. Australian cancer mortality and incidence rates were applied to New Zealand population, by site of cancer, year, age and sex, to estimate the expected numbers, which were compared with the New Zealand observed numbers.

Results

For total cancers in 2014-2018, New Zealand had 780 excess deaths in women (17.1% of the annual total 4549; 95% confidence interval (CI) 15.8-18.4%), and 281 excess deaths in men (5.5% of the annual total 5105; 95% CI 4.3-6.7%) compared to Australia. The excess was contributed by many major cancers including colorectal, melanoma, and stomach cancer in both sexes; lung, uterine, and breast cancer in women, and prostate cancer in men. New Zealand’s total cancer incidences were lower than those expected from Australia’s in both women and men: average annual difference of 419 cases (−3.6% of the annual total 11 505; 95% CI −4.5 to −2.8%), and 1485 (−11.7% of the annual total 12 669; 95% CI -12.5 to −10.9%), respectively. Comparing time periods, the excesses in total cancer deaths in women were 15.1% in 2000-07, and 17.5% in 1996-1997; and in men 4.7% in 2000-2007 and 5.6% in 1996-1997. The differences by time period were non-significant.

Conclusion

Excess mortality from all cancers combined and several common cancers in New Zealand, compared to Australia, persisted in 2014-2018, being similar to excesses in 2000-2007 and 1996-1997. It cannot be explained by differences in incidence, but may be attributable to various aspects of health systems governance and performance.
Finding the exact value of the maximum allowable upper bound of the delay parameters in the multiple-delay LTI systems
Authors: Abolpour Roozbeh , Dehghani Maryam
Published: May 2023

This paper deals with the problem of determining the exact value of the maximum allowable upper bound (MAUB) of delay of an LTI system in the presence of the delay parameters. The delay parameter is supposed to be time-invariant, and this paper proposes a systematic method to exactly solve the mentioned problem. For this purpose, a modified system matrix is defined based on the delay system’s model that involves an extra complex variable on the boundary of the unit circle. It will be shown that the characteristic polynomial of the modified system can equivalently assess the system’s stability. The characteristic polynomial of the modified system is a quadratic function of the imaginary part of the extra complex variable which enables us to rewrite the polynomial based on only the real part of the extra variable. This property is exploited to develop an explicit formula to find the MAUB based on the critical numbers (complex numbers that force the modified characteristic polynomial to have pure imaginary roots) and their related pure imaginary roots. The method is tested for some sample delay systems and the results demonstrate a tighter bound for the MAUB of the systems.
System design, analysis, and experimental investigations of linear switched reluctance machines with double mover configuration
Authors: CV Aravind , Misron Norhisam , Saadha Aminath , Azhar F , Stonier Albert Alexander , Shunmugham Vanaja Dishore
Published: May 2023

This paper proposes a new double mover configuration of a linear switched reluctance motor (LSRM). The proposed design is established for optimization of the motional forces and to ensure a high-grade electromechanical energy conversion process. The major drawback of the traditional linear machine is that its force densities within and throughout its area is produced in its radial direction of the yoke and does not contribute to its motion or twisting force of the rotor. If these normal forces happen to be in the direction of motion, a larger motional force profile for SRM is yielded. Based on these guidelines, a new LSRM is developed. In order to compare the energy conversion efficiency of LSRM with that of the conventional SRM, a finite element model is constructed. The proposed system is simulated using the FEM software and tested under four conditions. Further, an experimental prototype of the proposed machine is also developed and tested in the laboratory. The results obtained from the prototype indicate that the proposed geometry offers superior performance in terms of high-power density and higher percentage of the national forces.
Fully distributed containment of a class of disturbed nonlinear multi-agent systems
Authors: Liu Xianping , Ren Wenhui , Zhang Xuxi
Published: May 2023

In this paper, the fully distributed containment problem is investigated for a class of second-order nonlinear multi-agent systems (MASs) with disturbance and uncertain control coefficient. In the dynamics of the multi-agent systems, the nonlinear term of the multi-agent systems is Lipshitz, the leaders are subject to bounded inputs, and the disturbances are also bounded. But, the Lipshitz constant, the upper bounds of the disturbances and the leaders’ control inputs are unknown; thus, they cannot be used for the design of feedback control. To overcome the difficulty from such unknown bounds and uncertain coefficient, a new fully distributed adaptive protocol is proposed by combining the Lyapunov analysis and adaptive control technique, which based only on relative states of neighboring agents without using any global information, such that the states of the followers converge to the convex hull formed by the states of the leaders. Compared with the existing works, one main contribution is that only one adaptive gain is adopted in the fully distributed adaptive protocol to deal with containment problem of second-order nonlinear MASs, where four unknown parameters are involved. Two simulation examples are given to show the performance of the proposed protocol.
Impact of lack of knowledge on risk perception and protective practices of home nurses handling antineoplastic drugs
Authors: Pirot C , Benoist H , Saint-Lorant G
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Health care workers handling antineoplastic drugs (ADs) are at risk of carcinogenic, mutagenic and reproductive toxic risks (CMR). The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the lack of knowledge (K) on risk perception (P) and on protective practices (PP) related to the handling of home-based chemotherapy (HC) by home nurses. Methods: This study was conducted in Normandy among home nurses. A questionnaire was developed to explore the K, P and PP related to handling ADs by home nurses working with four different providers from two hospitals. Results: Among the 28 home nurses included, 25.93% had received initial training on the specific treatment of ADs, 48.15% scored below average on risk management K, 52.00% scored below average on personal PP. Conclusion: This study reveals the importance of adapted and regular training on the handling of ADs. It will help develop a climate of safety and reinforce adherence to wearing personal protective equipment to protect health care workers from contamination.
Is there any correlation between alpha-synuclein levels in tears and retinal layer thickness in Parkinson's disease?
Authors: Camacho-Ordonez Azyadeh , Cervantes-Arriaga Amin , Rodríguez-Violante Mayela , Hernandez-Medrano Ana Jimena , Somilleda-Ventura Selma Alin , Pérez-Cano Hector J. , Nava-Castañeda Ángel , Guerrero-Berger Oscar
Published: May 2023

Purpose

To determine the total alpha-synuclein (αSyn) reflex tears and its association with retinal layers thickness in Parkinson's disease (PD).

Methods

Fifty-two eyes of 26 PD subjects and 52 eyes of age-and sex-matched healthy controls were included. Total αSyn in reflex tears was quantified using a human total αSyn enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The retinal thickness was evaluated with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. The Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinsońs Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS), Non-Motor Symptoms Scale (NMSS), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were used to assess motor, non-motor, and cognition.

Results

In PD, total αSyn levels were increased compared to control subjects [1.76pg/mL (IQR 1.74–1.80) vs 1.73pg/mL (IQR 1.70–1.77), p < 0.004]. The nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell layer, internal plexiform layer, inner nuclear layer, and outer nuclear layer were thinner in PD in comparison with controls (p < 0.05). The outer plexiform layer and retinal pigment epithelium were thicker in PD (p < 0.05). The total αSyn levels positively correlated with the central volume of the inner nuclear layer (r = 0.357, p = 0.009).

Conclusion

Total αSyn reflex tear levels were increased in subjects with PD compared to controls. PD patients showed significant thinning of the inner retinal layers and thickening of outer retinal layers in comparison with controls. Total αSyn levels positively correlate with the central volume of the inner nuclear layer in PD. The combination of these biomarkers might have a possible role as a diagnostic tool in PD subjects.
Hughes-Stovin Syndrome: An Experience of Management of 3 Cases From a Tertiary Health Care Centre
Authors: Sachdev Girija , Yadav Sandeep , Balakrishnan Canchi , Nanavati Rishabh
Published: May 2023

Three young males with Hugh-Stovin’s syndrome presented with cough, haemoptysis, fever, raised inflammatory markers, and pulmonary artery aneurysm. Only one had recurrent oral ulcers suggestive of Behcet’s disease, and none were HLA B51 positive. All responded well to immunosuppression but eventually needed either an endovascular procedure or surgery.
Calling BS on ChatGPT: Reflections on AI as a Communication Source
Authors: Sundar S. Shyam , Liao Mengqi
Published: May 2023

The arrival of ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence (AI) writers has captured the popular imagination, but also raised grave concerns. What are the implications of the widespread deployment of such content generation technologies? How should we, as communication scholars, think about and study AI writing tools? We discuss these questions by reflecting on research highlighting the psychological effects of AI as a source of communication. We identify key future research directions, including a redefinition of concepts like creativity, addressing major weaknesses of AI writers, and motivating design of better AI tools with an eye toward reclaiming human agency in the post-ChatGPT era.
Ascending Aortic Endograft and Thoracic Aortic Deformation After Ascending Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair
Authors: Suh Ga-Young K. , Bondesson Johan , Zhu Yufei D. , Nilson Michael C. , Roselli Eric E. , Cheng Christopher P.
Published: May 2023

Purpose:

We aim to quantify multiaxial cardiac pulsatility-induced deformation of the thoracic aorta after ascending thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) as a part of the GORE ARISE Early Feasibility Study.

Materials and Methods:

Fifteen patients (7 females and 8 males, age 73±9 years) with ascending TEVAR underwent computed tomography angiography with retrospective cardiac gating. Geometric modeling of the thoracic aorta was performed; geometric features including axial length, effective diameter, and centerline, inner surface, and outer surface curvatures were quantified for systole and diastole; and pulsatile deformations were calculated for the ascending aorta, arch, and descending aorta.

Results:

From diastole to systole, the ascending endograft exhibited straightening of the centerline (0.224±0.039 to 0.217±0.039 cm−1, p<0.05) and outer surface (0.181±0.028 to 0.177±0.029 cm−1, p<0.05) curvatures. No significant changes were observed for inner surface curvature, diameter, or axial length in the ascending endograft. The aortic arch did not exhibit any significant deformation in axial length, diameter, or curvature. The descending aorta exhibited small but significant expansion of effective diameter from 2.59±0.46 to 2.63±0.44 cm (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

Compared with the native ascending aorta (from prior literature), ascending TEVAR damps axial and bending pulsatile deformations of the ascending aorta similar to how descending TEVAR damps descending aortic deformations, while diametric deformations are damped to a greater extent. Downstream diametric and bending pulsatility of the native descending aorta was muted compared with that in patients without ascending TEVAR (from prior literature). Deformation data from this study can be used to evaluate the mechanical durability of ascending aortic devices and inform physicians about the downstream effects of ascending TEVAR to help predict remodeling and guide future interventional strategies.

Clinical Impact

This study quantified local deformations of both stented ascending and native descending aortas to reveal the biomechanical impact of ascending TEVAR on the entire thoracic aorta, and reported that the ascending TEVAR muted cardiac-induced deformation of the stented ascending aorta and native descending aorta. Understanding of in vivo deformations of the stented ascending aorta, aortic arch and descending aorta can inform physicians about the downstream effects of ascending TEVAR. Notable reduction of compliance may lead to cardiac remodeling and long-term systemic complications. This is the first report which included dedicated deformation data regarding ascending aortic endograft from clinical trial.
P2X7 Forges Ahead in Neonatal Hypoxia
Authors: Dingledine Ray
Published: May 2023

[Box: see text]
Cardiac Catheterization via Direct Access of Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Circuit
Authors: Ziegler Luke A. , Gupta Anuj , Bang Vigyan , Kaczorowski David J.
Published: May 2023

Obtaining arterial access for cardiac catheterization can be both challenging and morbid in patients supported by venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). While catheterization performed by obtaining endovascular access through the ECMO circuit itself has been described, all previous cases utilized a Y-connector and accessory tubing limb. We report a novel technique whereby arterial access was obtained directly via standard VA-ECMO arterial return tubing, through which coronary angiography was successfully performed in a 67-year-old woman. This technique may reduce the incidence of morbidity attendant with obtaining vascular accesses in patients on ECMO without requiring insertion of new circuit components.