bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Association between Psychological Resilience and Driving Behavior among Older Drivers in Australia
Authors: St Louis Renée M. , Koppel Sjaan , Molnar Lisa J. , Di Stefano Marilyn , Darzins Peteris , Bédard Michel , Mullen Nadia , Myers Anita , Marshall Shawn , Charlton Judith L.
Published: February 2023

This study compared a sample of Australian drivers aged 77 years and older to participants from an older driver longitudinal cohort study (Ozcandrive) and examined the relationship between resilience and self-reported driving measures within these samples. Using a survey with a subset of questions from Ozcandrive, data were collected from 237 older drivers throughout Australia. The two samples were analyzed for differences in demographics, health, resilience, and self-reported driving behavior. A series of multiple regression models were fit for each driving outcome measure for both samples. The two samples had both similarities and differences, with the largest difference observed for resilience. Strong and consistent associations were found between resilience and driving comfort, abilities, and frequency for the Australian sample. Across samples, resilience remained a significant variable in seven of 10 regression models, more than any other independent variable.
Developing Capacities for Empathy for Ministry With Young Adults
Authors: Peck Emily A. , Bryant Titus
Published: February 2023

This paper explores how empathy is necessary for ministry with young adults. Through qualitative research based on a two-years long process of teaching design thinking for the purposes of innovative ministry with youth adults, we find that empathy is a capacity that can be developed through conversations with young adults. We also show that developing empathy also includes self-reflection and a commitment to act on what one has learned through such conversations.
The desired employability skills and work readiness of graduates: Evidence from the perspective of established and well-known employers of an emerging economy
Authors: Hoque Nazamul , Uddin Mahi , Ahmad Afzal , Mamun Abdullahil , Uddin Mohammad Nazim , Chowdhury Rashid Ahmed , Noman Alam Abu Hanifa Md
Published: February 2023

Established and well-known employers in Bangladesh often complain that suitable candidates are not available for employment in their organizations, despite the millions of unemployed graduates in the country. This bears clear witness that graduates in Bangladesh are mostly unable to fulfill the needs and expectations of established and well-known employers. Employing a qualitative research approach, this article explores the desired employability skills and graduates’ work readiness from the perspective of established and well-known employers in Bangladesh. The study identified the desired skills and traits as ‘communication’ ‘teamwork and collaboration’, ‘problem solving’, ‘computer literacy and technical skill’, ‘honesty and integrity’, ‘hardworking and willingness to take on extra work’, ‘achievement orientation’, ‘adaptability’, ‘time management’, ‘leadership’, ‘personality’ and ‘academic results and knowledge’. The study also revealed that graduates mostly lack the necessary skills as envisaged by Bangladeshi employers. As employers have outright authority in the selection of graduates, it is suggested that universities work together with industries to develop the skills and traits they demand. This is the first study, to the authors’ knowledge, to explore employability skills and graduates’ work readiness from the perspective of established and well-known employers in Bangladesh.
Unbalance position of aeroengine flexible rotor analysis and identification based on dynamic model and deep learning
Authors: Han Shuo , Yang Tongguang , Zhu Qingyu , Zhao Yulai , Han Qingkai
Published: February 2023

The rotor system design is gradually becoming lighter as the thrust-weight ratio of the new generation of aeroengines improves, making the power turbine rotor structure more slender and flexible, and it is difficult to judge the axial distribution of unbalance. Meanwhile, the engine rotor’s working speed is above the second critical speed and even exceeds the third-order speed. The small imbalance of the rotating shaft will cause large vibration, coupled with the influence of mode shape, resulting in difficulty in rotor dynamic balance, low efficiency and poor effect of the flexible rotor dynamic balance. Therefore, finding out the unbalance position is of great significance to determine the balance plane during rotor dynamic balance, and improve the balance efficiency and effect of flexible rotor. Firstly, the paper established the dynamic model of power turbine rotor, analyzed the vibration response law of rotor with unbalance at different positions, and found out the sensitive position of rotor unbalance. Then, a power turbine rotor unbalance position identification method, based on deep learning, one-dimensional convolution neural network (1D-CNN) is proposed. The multiple measured response data of the rotor with different unbalance positions are input into 1D-CNN for training. Finally, at subcritical speed, critical speed and supercritical speed, the accuracy of 1D-CNN method for rotor unbalance position identification is 99.5%, 99.5%, and 99.0% respectively, which verifies the effectiveness, feasibility of 1D-CNN method for rotor unbalance position identification, and provides a new solution for intelligent identification of aeroengine rotor unbalance position.
Pristane cadmium chloride nanoemulsion accelerates the onset of systemic lupus erythematosus in a C57BL/6 mouse model
Authors: Jin Yi-bo , Qian Su-hai , Xiang Sha-te , Zhang Jing-jing , Zhang Meng-ge , Ding Xing-hong
Published: February 2023

Objective

To accelerate the onset of systemic lupus erythematosus in C57BL/6 mice by injecting cadmium chloride nanoemulsion and shorten the traditional modeling time.

Methods

Pristane cadmium chloride nanoemulsion was prepared, and 66 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups. The pristane group was intraperitoneally injected with 0.6 mL of pristane blank nanoemulsion, the model group was injected with 0.6 mL of pristane cadmium chloride nanoemulsion, the Cadmium chloride control group was injected with 0.6 mL of cadmium chloride nanoemulsion, and the control group was injected with the same amount of 0.9% sodium chloride solution. Urine protein content, anti-dsDNA antibody content, Th1 cell/Th2 cell ratio, and kidney staining were detected in each group.

Results

The model group began to develop disease in the 4th week, the anti-dsDNA antibody level reached 566.71 ± 1.44 ng/L, and the proteinuria reached 245.38 ± 30.54 ng/mL. The model group showed an onset at least 5 weeks earlier than that in the pristane group. There was no significant difference in anti-dsDNA antibody content between Cadmium chloride control group and blank group. At the 12th week, the Th1/Th2 cell ratio in the model group significantly decreased, and the pathological changes in the kidneys were consistent with the typical manifestations of lupus in mouse models.

Conclusion

These results suggest that cadmium chloride promotes earlier onset of pristane-induced systemic lupus erythematosus in a C57BL/6 mouse model.
Ethacridine Regulation of JAK/STAT/ERK Signaling Pathway in Colon Cancer Cells SW620: In vitro Approach
Authors: Zhang Hui , Yang Hui , Wei Wei , Zhao Jing , Vijayalakshmi Annamalai , Wang Minhong
Published: February 2023

Background

Ethacridine have anticancer effects by inhibiting regulatory transcription factors and cell viability in various cancer cells. To investigate the effect of ethacridine on colorectal cancer cell lines, SW620 was studied via regulation of JAK/STAT/ERK signaling pathway.

Materials and Methods

Different doses of ethacridine (5–35 µM) expressed antiproliferative effects by decreasing the viability in a dose-dependent manner and the IC50 value was found to be 10 µM.

Results

Subsequent treatment with 10 µM of ethacridine showed that it induced mitochondrial dysfunction and reactive oxygen species generation. DAPI and PI staining assays revealed prominent apoptotic cells under the microscope when treated with 10 µM of ethacridine. In the mRNA expression study performing RT-PCR of apoptotic markers, cyclin-D1, Bax, Bcl-2, caspase 3, C-Myc, and surviving, enhanced levels of these markers were suppressed, which was inversely proportional to the levels of apoptotic enhancers namely Bax and caspase-3. It was also observed that increased NF-κB, IL-6, TNF-α, and COX-2 in colorectal cancer are suppressed by ethacridine. The expressions of JAK/STAT/ERK were also significantly suppressed after ethacridine treatment in SW620 cell lines.

Conclusion

In summary, it was corroborated that ethacridine promoted apoptosis in colon cancer cells by inhibiting quite a few cell signaling factors.
Speech Outcomes Following Operative Management of Velopharyngeal Dysfunction (VPD) in Non-Syndromic Post-Palatoplasty Cleft Palate Patients
Authors: Kimia Rotem , Solot Cynthia B. , McCormack Susan M. , Cohen Marilyn , Blum Jessica D. , Villavisanis Dillan F. , Vora Nisha , Valenzuela Zachary , Taylor Jesse A. , Low David W. , Jackson Oksana A.
Published: February 2023

Objective

Approximately 30% of patients with a history of repaired cleft palate (CP) go on to suffer from velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD). This study discusses the operative management of VPD and postoperative speech outcomes in a cohort of CP patients.

Setting

An academic tertiary pediatric care center.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study.

Patients

Patients with history of repaired CP (Veau I-IV) who underwent operative management of VPD between January 1st, 2010 and December 31st, 2020. Operative modalities were posterior pharyngeal flap (PPF), sphincter pharyngoplasty (SPP), Furlow palate re-repair, and buccal myomucosal flap palate lengthening (PL).

Outcome measures

The primary outcome measure is postoperative speech improvement evaluated by the Pittsburgh Weighted Speech Scale (PWSS).

Results

97 patients met inclusion criteria. 38 patients with previous straight-line primary palatoplasty underwent Furlow re-repair; these patients were significantly younger (7.62 vs 11.14, P < .001) and were more likely to have severe VPD per PWSS (OR 4.28, P < .01, 95% CI 1.46-12.56) when compared to VPD patients with previous Furlow repair. 21.1% of these patients required an additional non-revisional VPD procedure. The remaining patients underwent a non-revision procedure (26 PPF, 22 SPP, 11 PL); all experienced significant ( P < .001 on paired t-test) reductions in PWSS total and subgroup VPD severity scores without difference in improvement between operation types. SPP was statistically associated with all-cause complication (OR 2.79, 95% CI 1.03-7.59, P < .05) and hyponasality (OR 3.27, 95% CI 1.112-9.630, P < .05).

Conclusion

Furlow re-repair reduced need for additional VPD operations. Speech outcomes between non-revisional operations are comparable, but increased complications were seen in SPP.
Lymph Node Posterior to the Right Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Metastasis in Right Lobe T1a Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Yang Huijie , Tao Li
Published: February 2023

Introduction and Objectives

This study analyzed the incidence and predictors of lymph node posterior to the right recurrent laryngeal nerve metastasis in T1a papillary thyroid carcinoma of the right lobe.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study. Patients were selected from those who had received surgical treatment for primary papillary thyroid carcinoma between January 2019 and December 2020. The association between clinicopathologic variables and lymph node posterior to the right recurrent laryngeal nerve metastasis was assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses. Postoperative complications were also described.

Results

Lymph node posterior to the right recurrent laryngeal nerve metastasis was present in 6.0% of the 402 study patients. It was the most likely to occur when there were other lymph node metastases, particularly in the lymph node anterior to the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Independent predictors for lymph node posterior to the right recurrent laryngeal nerve metastasis were a tumor size of ≥5.0 mm, a lower pole location, and lymph node anterior to the right recurrent laryngeal nerve metastasis. The rate of persistent vocal cord paralysis was .5%, and no patient developed permanent hypoparathyroidism.

Conclusions

Although lymph node posterior to the right recurrent laryngeal nerve metastases of the right lobe T1a papillary thyroid carcinoma is uncommon, the possibility of metastasis should be investigated when there is a positive lymph node anterior to the right recurrent laryngeal nerve in a tumor >5.0 mm in size located in the lower pole. Lymph node posterior to the right recurrent laryngeal nerve dissection is recommended for such tumors.
Adaptive variable domain fuzzy PID control strategy based on road excitation for semi-active suspension using CDC shock absorber
Authors: Zhang Boqiang , Zhao Haohan , Zhang Xun
Published: February 2023

Electronic suspensions can take into account the ride comfort and safety of the vehicle, the continuous damping control (CDC) shock absorber is the core component of the electronic suspension. CDC shock absorber and electronic suspension have a promising future for application in automotive. This paper proposed an adaptive variable domain fuzzy PID control strategy for semi-active suspensive to effectively improve the vibration reduction effect of the automobile suspension system. By analyzing the dynamic performance of the semi-active suspension system coupled with the CDC shock absorber to get the control variables, we deduce the math function of semi-active suspension. In addition, the simulation model of the semi-active suspension based on the bench test of shock absorbers was established. Under the observation of performance indicators, though comparing the new control and other different control strategies, which can prove the effectiveness of the new method. From the simulation results, the shock absorber simulation model is correct and the performance of the proposed control strategies are effective than the traditional PID control and fuzzy control under the random road excitation. In particular, in the 120 km/h case by using VAC, the peak values of the suspension dynamic deflection, vehicle body acceleration, and car body dynamic load are reduced by 49.6%, 50%, and 50%. For a semi-active suspension using the CDC shock absorber, the proposed control method provides better ride comfort to passengers due to lower peak compared with the fuzzy control strategy and the PID control strategy, it can be used as an optimized design method for suspension.
Transfer learning evaluation based on optimal convolution neural networks architecture for bearing fault diagnosis applications
Authors: Alabsi Mohammed , Pearlstein Larry , Nalluri Nithya , Franco-Garcia Michael , Leong Zachary
Published: February 2023

Intelligent fault diagnosis utilizing deep learning algorithms is currently a topic of great interest. When developing a new Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architecture to address machine diagnosis problem, it is common to use a deep model, with many layers, many feature maps, and large kernels. These models are capable of learning complex relationships and can potentially achieve superior performance on test data. However, not only does a large network potentially impose undue computational complexity for training and eventual deployment, it may also lead to more brittleness—where data outside of the curated dataset used in CNN training and evaluation is poorly handled. Accordingly, this paper will investigate a methodical approach for identifying a quasi-optimal CNN architecture to maximize robustness when a model is trained under one set of operating conditions, and deployed under a different set of conditions. Optuna software will be used to optimize a baseline CNN model for robustness to different rotational speeds and bearing Model #’s. To further improve the network generalization capabilities, this paper proposes the addition of white Gaussian noise to the raw vibration training data. Results indicate that the number of trainable weights and associated multiplications in the optimized model were reduced by almost 95% without jeopardizing the network classification accuracy. Additionally, moderate Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN) improved the model adaptation capabilities.
A room of errors simulation to improve pharmacy operators’ knowledge of cytotoxic drug production
Authors: Garnier Alexandra , Butaye Louise , Bonnabry Pascal , Bouchoud Lucie
Published: February 2023

Introduction

We used an educational healthcare simulation tool called room of errors (ROE) to raise pharmacy operators’ awareness of potential errors in a chemotherapy production process and assessed its impact on their knowledge and satisfaction.

Methods

Twenty-five errors (compiled from internal procedures, literature and our hospital's reported incidents) were categorised as static ( n = 7, visible by the participant anytime) and dynamic ( n = 18, made by a pseudooperator in front of the participant). Our simulated cytotoxic production unit (CPU) hosted the 1 h-simulation. Two pharmacists (supervisor/pseudo-operator) welcomed the trainee for a 10-min briefing. During the 20-min simulation, participants watched the pseudo-operator's gestures in a simulated chemotherapy production process. Participants called out each error observed (recorded by the supervisor). A 20-min debriefing followed. ROE's impact on knowledge was measured through participants’ answers to a before-and after 18-item questionnaire about CPU's procedures and certainty about answers on a scale (0%–100%). Participants evaluated the training using a satisfaction questionnaire (Likert scale, 1–6).

Results

The 14 participants detected 70.4% ± 11.4% of errors. Least-detected errors were “using non-disinfected vials” (42.9%) and “touching syringe plunger” (0%). Critical errors (expired leftovers or glucose instead of sodium chloride) were detected at 57.1%. Knowledge improved from 60.3% to 94.1% (p < 0.001) and certainty from 75.3% to 98.8% (p < 0.001). Participants appreciated this non-judgmental, informative, and original training (satisfaction 95.7%). Some pointed out difficulties settling into the game quickly and visualising static and dynamic errors simultaneously.

Conclusion

This ROE simulation improved operators’ knowledge and certainty. Longer-term testing should be done to measure knowledge retention over time.
Length of candidate lists and political careers: Quasi-experimental evidence from Brazil
Authors: Campos Fernandez Hott Henrique Augusto , Menezes-Filho Naercio
Published: February 2023

This paper provides causal estimates of the effects of increases in the size of candidate lists on the political careers of newcomers to the political arena. We explore an exogenous discontinuity in district magnitude that allows parties to expand their candidate lists in the Brazilian open-list local elections and find that the additional candidacies are allocated to weaker candidates, mainly newcomers, who end up occupying a significant share of the additional seats. We also find that the electoral experience provided by the additional candidacies increases the number of newcomers elected in their second attempt.
“It’s hard to know what we should be doing”: LGBTQ+ students’ library privacy in the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Villagran Michele A. L. , Hofman Darra
Published: February 2023

Given both the historical and ongoing surveillance and policing of marginalized communities, contact tracing, and other pandemic control measures pose additional dangers to marginalized communities that are not faced by members of dominant communities. While privacy rights have been a point of controversy and uncertainty for all in the face of digital surveillance and the exigencies of the pandemic, LGBTQ+ students may well struggle to assert even those rights to which they are unquestionably entitled. Utilizing a multi-method, multidisciplinary approach, this research examined the information and privacy risks imposed upon or heightened for LGBTQ+ university students by COVID-19, with a focus on the roles of libraries and librarians. This study revealed while the library community has a desire to support its LGBTQ+ patrons, there are less consistently available knowledge and resources, particularly with regards to COVID-19 specific concerns, such as contact tracing.
Fixed points and well-ordered societies
Authors: Weithman Paul
Published: February 2023

Recent years have seen a certain impatience with John Rawls's approach to political philosophy and calls for the discipline to move beyond it. One source of dissatisfaction is Rawls's idea of a well-ordered society. In a recent article, Alex Schaefer has tried to give further impetus to this movement away from Rawlsian theorizing by pursuing a question about well-ordered societies that he thinks other critics have not thought to ask. He poses that question in the title of his article: “Is Justice a Fixed Point?.” Though Schaefer is critical of Rawlsian political theorizing, I shall contend that his arguments also suggest two paths forward for those who would follow the Rawlsian approach. First, the intellectual devices Schaefer deploys help those who would continue the Rawlsian project to see, and precisely to chart, the next step that that project needs to take—a step necessitated by a concession Rawls himself made late in the development of political liberalism. Second, the clarity and economy with which Schaefer lays out his alternative to the Rawlsian approach make it possible to state some fundamental Rawlsian challenges to a form of theorizing that has considerable appeal to many critics of that approach.
Experimental research on online monitoring of high temperature and high speed airflow ablation of quartz ceramic thermal protection structure using guided wave
Authors: Ren Yuanqiang , Zheng Hui , Qiu Lei , Yuan Shenfang
Published: February 2023

Thermal protection structure (TPS) plays a key role in protecting hypersonic flight vehicles from harsh service environment and has been widely used. As a common ablative thermal protection material, quartz ceramic TPS realizes thermal insulation by generating ablation during the reentry phases. The structural state of quartz ceramic TPS therefore is of great importance to the service performance and safety of hypersonic flight vehicles, and shows an urgent need for structural health monitoring (SHM). However, the monitoring of real ablation of quartz ceramic structure is barely considered in the current study, let alone online monitoring under harsh service environment, which brings a great challenge to the implementation of reliable ablation monitoring. Aiming at online ablation monitoring of quartz ceramic structure, this paper performs experimental research by taking advantage of guided wave (GW)-based monitoring method. An ablation experiment and monitoring system is built to generate real ablation under high temperature and high speed airflow and perform GW monitoring. The maximal temperature of the system can reach about 2100 °C. The feasibility of ablation monitoring is verified by analyzing ablation-induced influence on GW signals. Gaussian mixture model (GMM) is adopted to combine with GW method to suppress the high temperature variation caused by uncertainty influence on GW signals during the ablation process, so that reliable monitoring of ablation can be realized. Experimental results show that online monitoring of ablation propagation of quartz ceramic structure under high temperature variation is achieved, which can be further used for ablation quantification evaluation.
Trajectories of reproductive transition phase mood disorder from pregnancy to postpartum: A Swiss longitudinal study
Authors: Johann Alexandra , Dukic Jelena , Rothacher Yannick , Ehlert Ulrike
Published: February 2023

Background:

Depressive symptoms are common in the peripartum period and pose a great risk to the well-being of the mother, the infant, and the entire family. Evidence from longitudinal studies suggests that affected women do not constitute one homogeneous group in terms of severity, chronicity, and onset of symptoms. To account for individual differences regarding the longitudinal course of depressive symptoms from pregnancy to the postpartum period, growth mixture models have proven to be useful.

Methods:

We conducted a group-based trajectory modeling analysis to identify perinatal depressive symptom trajectories in a Swiss sample ( n = 151). Depressive symptoms were assessed six times, covering nearly 6 months from the third trimester of pregnancy to 3 months postpartum. In addition to determining perinatal depressive symptom trajectories, we aimed to examine whether these trajectories are linked to psychopathological risk factors such as a history of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), anxiety, prenatal stress, and somatic symptoms after delivery that are associated with hormonal fluctuations.

Results:

The findings revealed three trajectories of perinatal depressive symptoms that were relatively stable over time and differed in symptom load (low, medium, high), as well as one trajectory of decreasing symptoms, with a significant symptom reduction after giving birth. Women with a higher depressive symptom load experienced a greater degree of prior premenstrual symptoms, prenatal anxiety, and birth anxiety, as well as somatic symptoms after delivery.

Conclusion:

Further research is needed to account for the distinct trajectories of perinatal depressive symptoms in order to provide appropriate care for affected women. A focus on somatic symptoms after delivery and their association with depressive mood is essential to better understand the potential shared etiopathology of reproductive transition phase mood disorders.
Convergence analysis for the fractional decomposition method applied to class of nonlinear fractional Fredholm integro-differential equation
Authors: Rawashdeh Mahmoud S , Abedalqader Hala , Obeidat Nazek A
Published: February 2023

For scientists conducting research, fractional integral differential equation analysis is crucial. Therefore, in this study, we investigate analysis utilizing a novel method called the fractional decomposition method, which is applicable to fractional nonlinear fractional Fredholm integro-differential equations. Then, we apply the approach to five test problems for a general fractional derivative [Formula: see text] involving fractional Fredholm integro-differential equations. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to ever do so because of the very complicated calculations involved when dealing with the general case [Formula: see text]. For fractional Fredholm integral-differential equations, we provide both exact and approximate solutions. Throughout this work, the fractional Caputo derivative is discussed. This technique leads us to say that the method is precise, accurate, and efficient, according to the theoretical analysis.
Pathological anatomy, classification and treatment of the atypical Wassel Type VI thumb duplication
Authors: He Bo , Nan Guoxin
Published: February 2023

We studied the pathological anatomical structures of atypical Wassel Type VI thumb duplication to provide a theoretical basis for surgical treatment. Forty-seven patients with atypical Wassel Type VI thumb duplication were treated. We found that some of cases had an ulnar thumb without an extensor tendon, or without a flexor tendon, or without both. All the ulnar metacarpal bones were abnormal to variable degrees. On-top-plasty is currently the best procedure for the treatment of this type of anomaly. Flexor tendon reconstruction is an important factor in functional reconstruction of the thumb, and keeping the pulley and sheath intact is a key step in flexor tendon reconstruction. Placing the on-top-plasty level at the distal end of the metacarpal or at the proximal phalanx depends on the presence of the flexor tendon. According to the condition of the flexor tendon, the atypical Wassel Type IV duplication can be divided into two types: the absent type and the intact type.

Level of evidence: VI
Corneal axonal loss as an imaging biomarker of neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis: a longitudinal study
Authors: Petropoulos Ioannis N. , Al-Shibani Fatima , Bitirgen Gulfidan , Ponirakis Georgios , Khan Adnan , Gad Hoda , Mahfoud Ziyad R. , Altarawneh Heba , Rehman Muhammad Hassan , John Karen , Al-Merekhi Dhabia , George Pooja , Uca Ali Ulvi , Ozkagnici Ahmet , Ibrahim Faiza , Francis Reny , Canibano Beatriz , Deleu Dirk , El-Sotouhy Ahmed , Vattoth Surjith , Own Ahmed , Shuaib Ashfaq , Akhtar Naveed , Kamran Saadat , Malik Rayaz A.
Published: February 2023

Background:

Resourceful endpoints of axonal loss are needed to predict the course of multiple sclerosis (MS). Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) can detect axonal loss in patients with clinically isolated syndrome and established MS, which relates to neurological disability.

Objective:

To assess corneal axonal loss over time in relation to retinal atrophy, and neurological and radiological abnormalities in MS.

Methods:

Patients with relapsing-remitting (RRMS) ( n = 68) or secondary progressive MS (SPMS) ( n = 15) underwent CCM and optical coherence tomography. Corneal nerve fibre density (CNFD-fibres/mm2), corneal nerve branch density (CNBD-branches/mm2), corneal nerve fibre length (CNFL-mm/mm2) and retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL-μm) thickness were quantified along with neurological and radiological assessments at baseline and after 2 years of follow-up. Age-matched, healthy controls ( n = 20) were also assessed.

Results:

In patients with RRMS compared with controls at baseline, CNFD ( p = 0.004) and RNFL thickness ( p < 0.001) were lower, and CNBD ( p = 0.003) was higher. In patients with SPMS compared with controls, CNFD ( p < 0.001), CNFL ( p = 0.04) and RNFL thickness ( p < 0.001) were lower. For identifying RRMS, CNBD had the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve (0.99); and for SPMS, CNFD had the highest AUROC (0.95). At follow-up, there was a further significant decrease in CNFD ( p = 0.04), CNBD ( p = 0.001), CNFL ( p = 0.008) and RNFL ( p = 0.002) in RRMS; in CNFD ( p = 0.04) and CNBD ( p = 0.002) in SPMS; and in CNBD ( p = 0.01) in SPMS compared with RRMS. Follow-up corneal nerve loss was greater in patients with new enhancing lesions and optic neuritis history.

Conclusion:

Progressive corneal and retinal axonal loss was identified in patients with MS, especially those with more active disease. CCM may serve as an imaging biomarker of axonal loss in MS.
How students and teachers voyaged from physical classroom to Emergency Remote Teaching in COVID-19 crisis: A case of Nepal
Authors: Acharya Bhola N , Rana Karna
Published: February 2023

COVID-19 pandemic forced schools to shift from traditional to remote teaching globally. Most schools in Nepal, however, could not adopt remote teaching. Only some schools, particularly those located in urban areas initiated remote teaching after the outbreak of the pandemic in 2020. This article, thus, reports an analysis of secondary students and teachers’ experiences of remote learning. It as qualitative research employed semi-structured interview and observation of online classes to investigate students’ ways of managing remote learning and teachers’ strategies of teaching through online mode. This paper reports that both students and teachers were, at first, intimidated by the new mode of learning. Remote learning, albeit it was observed as an alternative mode of education where there was minimum information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, seems to increase the digital divide in rural areas. Students, particularly from government schools, struggled to manage their remote learning due to limited access to digital technology, the sudden shift from the physical classroom to remote learning and a lack of government support. Thus, parents play a vital role in influencing their children’s attitudes toward remote learning. It is essential to equip students and teachers with ICT and minimal ICT skills and provide with subsidy on digital devices and the internet for students to completely implement remote learning.
Investigating the challenges of clinical education from the viewpoint of nursing educators and students: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Hakim Ashrafalsadat
Published: February 2023

Objective:

Nursing clinical education is an important part of education in nursing in which students obtain the necessary skills to care for patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the challenges of clinical education from the viewpoint of nursing educators and students.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, the required information was collected in the form of a census from nursing educators and students. Based on the census method, the research samples consisted of 163 nursing educators and students. The data collection tool is a researcher-made questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and an independent t-test.

Results:

The findings showed in the view of students the factors such as incongruity between educator’s expertise and internship, lack of qualified educators, student’s disinclination to study, lack of cooperation of health professionals, students’ unawareness of their strengths and weaknesses. Lack of skilled clinical educators in the educational planning section.

Conclusion:

According to the current challenges, identifying and then modifying clinical education challenges lead to achieving the educational goals and consequently, educating skillful personnel and supplying high-quality care services.
Acute pesticide poisoning in the central part of Iran: A 4-year cross-sectional study
Authors: Eizadi-Mood Nastaran , Mahvari Razieh , Akafzadeh Savari Mahsa , Mohammadbeigi Ehsan , Feizi Awat , Mirmoghtadaei Parisa , Sami Ramin , Meamar Rokhsareh
Published: February 2023

Objectives:

Intoxication with pesticides is a well-known public health problem. We aimed to describe the demographic and toxico-clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with pesticide poisoning.

Methods:

This retrospective cross-sectional study was performed in Khorshid Hospital affiliated with Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. All patients with pesticide poisoning (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, rodenticides, and acaricides) were evaluated. The patients’ demographic, toxicological, clinical, and laboratory findings from March 2016 until March 2021 were collected and analyzed.

Results:

During the study period, 25,659 patients with acute poisoning were admitted, of which, 1567 (6.1% of the total poisoning) with pesticide poisoning were included. The mean ± SD age of the patients was 31.34 ± 13.7 years and 55.3% were men (male/female ratio = 1.23). In approximately 75% of the patients, poisoning occurred by suicidal attempts, while in 14.3% ( n = 224), it was accidental. Insecticides caused about 51.30% of the poisonings. However, rodenticides were most commonly used in completed suicide attempts (79.9%). The frequency of previously attempted suicide, and self-harming was different among the patients with respect to the type of pesticide poisoning ( p < 0.05). Previous suicidal attempts (35.3%) and self-harming (17.3%) were reported more in patients poisoned with the combination of pesticides. Half of the patients were employed. Nausea and vomiting (56.7%, n = 889) were the most common clinical manifestations; 8.3% ( n = 130) of the patients died, 64 of whom had rodenticide poisoning.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of pesticide poisoning was relatively low; most were insecticide poisoning. Poisoning occurred most through attempted suicide. Rodenticides and herbicides had higher mortality rates than other pesticides. Patients with previously attempted suicide and self-harming behavior may use a combination of pesticides.
Vigilantism and Institutions: Understanding Attitudes toward Lynching in Brazil
Authors: Freire Danilo , Skarbek David
Published: February 2023

Why do people support extrajudicial violence? In two survey experiments with respondents in Brazil, we examine which characteristics of lynching scenarios garner greater support for lynching and whether providing different types of information about lynching reduces support for it. We find that people often do support community members to take vengeance. In particular, our analysis finds that people strongly support the use of extrajudicial violence by families of victims against men who sexually assault and murder women and children. We also find that criminal punishment and the threat of vendettas reduce support, but appeals to the human rights of victims have zero effect on support for lynchings. Unlike the U.S. experience with lynchings, race was not observed to play an important role in how respondents answered the survey.
The relationship between urinary incontinence with sexual function and quality of life in postmenopausal women
Authors: Shabani Fatemeh , Montazeri Maryam , Alizadeh Afsaneh , Bani Soheila , Hassanpour Shirin , Nabighadim Mahsan , Mirghafourvand Mojgan
Published: February 2023

Background

Urinary incontinence has a significant impact on the psychosocial well-being of postmenopausal women. This study aimed to determine the relationship between urinary incontinence with sexual function and quality of life.

Method

It was a cross-sectional study using cluster sampling on 433 postmenopausal women in Tabriz-Iran, 2021–2022. Data were collected using questionnaires of socio-demographic and obstetrics characteristics, female sexual function index (FSFI), Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL), and Urinary Incontinence Diagnosis (UIDQ). Independent sample t-test and general linear model (GLM) were used to compare the quality of life and sexual function score between the two groups of women with and without stress, urgency, and mixed urinary incontinence.

Results

Independent sample t-test showed a significant difference in the quality of life and sexual function between women with and without stress, urgency, and mixed urinary incontinence ( p < 0.05). Based on the GLM with adjusting the socio-demographic and obstetrics characteristics, women without stress incontinence reported a lower mean score of MENQOL (B = − 23.38; 95% CI = −30.1 to −16.6; p < 0.001) and a higher mean score of sexual function (B = 4.5; 95% CI = 2.1–7.0; p < 0.001) compared to women with stress incontinence; a lower MENQOL score and a higher sexual function score indicate better condition. However, there was no significant relationship between urgency and mixed incontinence with quality of life and sexual function ( p > 0.05).

Conclusion

As urinary incontinence remarkably affects sexual function and quality of life of postmenopausal women, health care providers should consider better solutions for this issue in their work program.
Race, Gender, and Risk Assessments in Canadian Federal Prison
Authors: O'Connell Siobhan , Laniyonu Ayobami
Published: February 2023

In Canada, all federally incarcerated individuals are required to complete a number of actuarial risk assessments upon entering prison which influence the security level in which they are housed, opportunities to participate in rehabilitative services while incarcerated, and prospects for parole. While proponents of actuarial risk assessments—which make algorithmic decisions based on objective inputs—argue that such tools can reduce the influence of racial and gender bias in carceral decision making, others argue that they may perpetuate or exacerbate racial and gender inequality. The extent to which racial and gender disparities exist in the outcomes of the actuarial risk assessments used in federal Canadian prisons is largely unknown. Using newly available data, we characterize racial and gender disparities in the outcomes of actuarial risk assessments used in Canadian prisons and their relationship to outcomes. We find significant racial differences in risk assessment scores that leave Black and Indigenous Canadians worse off than their white counterparts, important differences for all racial groups in the treatment of women, and evidence suggestive of racial bias in parole and housing decisions.
The Impact of Team Mindfulness on Project Team Performance: The Moderating Role of Effective Team Leadership
Authors: Majeed Mehwish , Irshad Muhammad , Khan Ikram , Saeed Imran
Published: February 2023

The current study aims to investigate the consequences of team mindfulness in project-based organizations by proposing team cohesion as an underlying mechanism and effective team leadership as a boundary condition through which team mindfulness promotes project team performance. Data were collected through a time-lagged survey from Pakistani employees (N = 379). The data supported the proposed model revealing that team mindfulness enhances team cohesion among employees, which increases project team performance and effective team leadership moderates this relationship. This study has identified the team-level factors that can be used by project managers to increase project team performance.
Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell exosome-derived miR-874-3p targeting RIPK1/PGAM5 attenuates kidney tubular epithelial cell damage
Authors: Yu Yihang , Chen Meiling , Guo Qitong , Shen Lianju , Liu Xing , Pan Jianbo , Zhang Yuanyuan , Xu Tao , Zhang Deying , Wei Guanghui
Published: February 2023

Background

Kidney insults due to various pathogenic factors, such as trauma, infection, and inflammation, can cause tubular epithelial cell injury and death, leading to acute kidney injury and the transformation of acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease. There is no definitive treatment available. In previous studies, human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells have been shown to promote kidney injury. In this preclinical study, we investigate the role and mechanism of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell exosomes (HucMSC-Exos) on the repair of renal tubular epithelial cells after injury.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice underwent unilateral ureteral obstruction, and epithelial cell injury was induced in HK-2 cells by cisplatin. HucMSC-Exos were assessed in vivo and in vitro. The extent of renal cell injury, activation of necroptosis pathway, and mitochondrial quality-control-related factors were determined in different groups. We also analyzed the possible regulatory effector molecules in HucMSC-Exos by transcriptomics.

Results

HucMSC-Exo inhibited necroptosis after renal tubular epithelial cell injury and promoted the dephosphorylation of the S637 site of the Drp1 gene by reducing the expression of PGAM5. This subsequently inhibited mitochondrial fission and maintained mitochondrial functional homeostasis, mitigating renal injury and promoting repair. In addition, HucMSC-Exo displayed a regulatory role by targeting RIPK1 through miR-874-3p.

Conclusion

The collective findings of the present study demonstrate that HucMSC-Exos can regulate necroptosis through miR-874-3p to attenuate renal tubular epithelial cell injury and enhance repair, providing new therapeutic modalities and ideas for the treatment of AKI and the process of AKI to CKD transformation to mitigate renal damage.
Dynamic patterns of gene expression and regulatory variation in the maize seed coat
Authors: Li Juan , Wang Liangfa , Wan Jiong , Dang Kuntai , Lin Yuan , Meng Shujun , Qiu Xiaoqian , Wang Qiyue , Zhao Jiawen , Mu Liqin , Luo Hongbing , Ding Dong , Chen Zehui , Tang Jihua
Published: February 2023

Background

Seed size is an important factor contributing to maize yield, but its molecular mechanism remains unclear. The seed coat, which serves as one of the three components of the maize grain, determines seed size to a certain extent. The seed coat also shares the maternal genotype and is an ideal material for studying heterosis.

Results

In this study, the self-pollinated seeds of the maize hybrid Yudan888 and its parental lines were continuously collected from 0 day after pollination (DAP) to 15 DAP for phenotyping, cytological observation and RNA-seq. The phenotypic data showed that 3 DAP and 8 DAP are the best time points to study maize seed coat heterosis. Cytological observations indicated that maize seed coat heterosis might be the result of the coordination between cell number and cell size. Furthermore, the RNA-seq results showed that the nonadditive genes changed significantly between 3 and 8 DAP. However, the number of genes expressed additively was not significantly different. Our findings suggest that seed coat heterosis in hybrid is the result of nonadditive expression caused by dynamic changes in genes at different time points during seed expansion and seed coat development. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment indicated that genes related to DNA replication, cell cycle regulation, circadian rhythms and metabolite accumulation contributed significantly to hybrid seed coat heterosis.

Conclusion

Maize seed coat phenotyping allowed us to infer that 3 DAP and 8 DAP are important time points in the study of seed coat heterosis. Our findings provide evidence for genes involved in DNA replication, cell cycle regulation, circadian rhythms and metabolite accumulation in hybrid with high or low parental expression as major contributors to hybrid seed coat heterosis.
Effects of continuous and slow tracheal tube cuff deflation on cough reflex during extubation in noncardiac surgery patients: a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Wang Xuan , Zhu Guangli , Tan Jing , Cao Xinyu , Duan Manlin
Published: February 2023

Background

The incidence of cough reflex during extubation is 76%. Cough reflex causes severe hemodynamic fluctuations and airway complications. This prospective trial investigated the potential effects of tracheal tube cuff deflation on cough reflex during extubation.

Methods

One hundred and twenty-six patients scheduled for operations within 3 h under general anaesthesia with orotracheal intubation were randomly assigned to one of three groups: control (C), experimental (E) or syringe (S) groups. Patients in group C underwent tracheal tube cuff deflation using a 10-ml syringe in 1 s, patients in group E underwent tracheal tube cuff deflation continuously and slowly in 5 s using a cuff pressure gauge until the pressure was zero and patients in group S underwent tracheal tube cuff deflation using a 10-ml syringe at a speed of 1 ml s−1. The incidence and severity of cough reflexs during extubation and the incidence of postoperative airway complications within 48 h were assessed.

Results

Compared with group C (60.0%), the incidence of cough reflex in group E was 9.8% (p < 0.001) and in group S was 12.5% (p < 0.001). The severity of cough reflex was graded as 2 (1–2) in group C, 1 (1–1) in group E and 1 (1–1) in group S (p < 0.001 for group comparisons). The incidence of hoarseness in group C was 0.0%, in group E was 19.5% and in group S was 5.0% (p < 0.05 for all groups, p = 0.009 between group C and E).

Conclusions

Compared with deflating a trachal tube cuff with a 10-ml syringe in 1 s, the use of a 10-ml syringe at a speed of 1 ml s−1 or a cuff pressure guage within 5 s can both reduce the incidence of cough reflex, but deflating with a cuff pressure guage can increase the incidence of postoperative hoarseness.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, identifier: ChiCTR2100054089, Date: 08/12/2021.