bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An experimental study of liquid micro-jets produced with a gas dynamic virtual nozzle under the influence of an electric field
Authors: Zupan Bor , Peña-Murillo Gisel Esperanza , Zahoor Rizwan , Gregorc Jurij , Šarler Božidar , Knoška Juraj , Gañán-Calvo Alfonso M. , Chapman Henry N. , Bajt Saša
Published: January 2023

The results of an experimental study of micro-jets produced with a gas dynamic virtual nozzle (GDVN) under the influence of an electric field are provided and discussed for the first time. The experimental study is performed with a 50% volume mixture of water and ethanol, and nitrogen focusing gas. The liquid sample and gas Reynolds numbers range from 0.09–5.4 and 0–190, respectively. The external electrode was positioned 400–500 μm downstream of the nozzle tip and an effect of electric potential between the electrode and the sample liquid from 0–7 kV was investigated. The jetting parametric space is examined as a function of operating gas and liquid flow rates, outlet chamber pressure, and an external electric field. The experimentally observed jet diameter, length and velocity ranged from 1–25 μm, 50–500 μm and 0.5–10 m/s, respectively. The jetting shape snapshots were processed automatically using purposely developed computer vision software. The velocity of the jet was calculated from the measured jet diameter and the sample flow rate. It is found that micro-jets accelerate in the direction of the applied electric field in the downstream direction at a constant acceleration as opposed to the standard GDVNs. New jetting modes were observed, where either the focusing gas or the electric forces dominate, encouraging further theoretical and numerical studies towards optimized system design. The study shows the potential to unlock a new generation of low background sample delivery for serial diffraction measurements of weakly scattering objects.
Case report: Trigeminal neuralgia misdiagnosed as glossopharyngeal neuralgia
Authors: Wu Liangzhe , Xiong Jinbiao , Huang Ying , Han Kunning , Cai Kunhao , Fu Xuejun
Published: January 2023

Background

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) and glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN) are cranial nerve neuralgias with the same clinical manifestations, pathological features, and trigger factors; their affected sites are adjacent. Performing a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination alone can easily lead to a misdiagnosis.

Case presentation

A 72-year-old man had visited another hospital with severe left-sided tongue pain. On MRI, vascular compression of the glossopharyngeal nerve had been visible, with unclear evidence of trigeminal nerve involvement. He had been diagnosed with left-sided GPN and underwent microvascular decompression (MVD) of the left glossopharyngeal nerve. However, no improvement was observed after surgery. During a second surgery at our hospital, MVD of the trigeminal nerve was performed, and the trigeminal nerve was fully explored and separated. The patient's pain resolved after surgery. Ultimately, the patient was definitively diagnosed with left-sided TN.

Discussion and conclusion

MVD is currently the most efficacious surgical option for treating cranial nerve neuralgia. To select patients for MVD, having an MRI criteria for identifying true neurovascular compression will be helpful. However, clinicians should focus more on a patient's clinical symptoms and not rely solely on MRI findings. This patient's case can help clinicians distinguish between TN and GPN, improve the understanding of these diseases, avoid misdiagnosis, and reduce the possibility of secondary damage.
Brain responses to negated and affirmative meanings in the auditory modality
Authors: Farshchi Sara , Andersson Annika , van de Weijer Joost , Paradis Carita
Published: January 2023

Negation is frequently used in natural language, yet relatively little is known about its processing. More importantly, what is known regarding the neurophysiological processing of negation is mostly based on results of studies using written stimuli (the word-by-word paradigm). While the results of these studies have suggested processing costs in connection to negation (increased negativities in brain responses), it is difficult to know how this translates into processing of spoken language. We therefore developed an auditory paradigm based on a previous visual study investigating processing of affirmatives, sentential negation (not), and prefixal negation (un-). The findings of processing costs were replicated but differed in the details. Importantly, the pattern of ERP effects suggested less effortful processing for auditorily presented negated forms (restricted to increased anterior and posterior positivities) in comparison to visually presented negated forms. We suggest that the natural flow of spoken language reduces variability in processing and therefore results in clearer ERP patterns.
A draft conceptual model of SLC6A1 neurodevelopmental disorder
Authors: Goodspeed Kimberly , Mosca Lindsay R. , Weitzel Nicole C. , Horning Kyle , Simon Elijah W. , Pfalzer Anna C. , Xia Maya , Langer Katherine , Freed Amber , Bone Megan , Picone Maria , Bichell Terry Jo V.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

SLC6A1 Neurodevelopmental Disorder (SLC6A1-NDD), first described in 2015, is a rare syndrome caused by a mutation in the SLC6A1 gene which encodes for the GABA Transporter 1 (GAT-1) protein. Epilepsy is one of the most common symptoms in patients and is often the primary treatment target, though the severity of epilepsy is variable. The impact of seizures and other symptoms of SLC6A1-NDD on patients and caregivers is wide-ranging and has not been described in a formal disease concept study.

Methods

A literature search was performed using the simple search term, “SLC6A1.” Papers published before 2015, and those which did not describe the human neurodevelopmental disorder were removed from analysis. Open-ended interviews on lived experiences were conducted with two patient advocate key opinion leaders. An analysis of de-identified conversations between families of people with SLC6A1-NDD on social media was performed to quantify topics of concern.

Results

Published literature described symptoms in all of the following domains: neurological, visual, motor, cognitive, communication, behavior, gastrointestinal, sleep, musculo-skeletal, and emotional in addition to epilepsy. Key opinion leaders noted two unpublished features: altered hand use in infants, and developmental regression with onset of epilepsy. Analysis of social media interactions confirmed that the core symptoms of epilepsy and autistic traits were prominent concerns, but also demonstrated that other symptoms have a large impact on family life.

Discussion

For rare diseases, analysis of published literature is important, but may not be as comprehensive as that which can be gleaned from spontaneous interactions between families and through qualitative interviews. This report reflects our current understanding of the lived experience of SLC6A1-NDD. The discrepancy between the domains of disease reported in the literature and those discussed in patient conversations suggests that a formal qualitative interview-based disease concept study of SLC6A1-NDD is warranted.
Determinants of maternal, infant, and young child nutrition during the 1,000-day window of opportunity in Solomon Islands: A focused ethnographic study
Authors: Grey Kelsey , Kodish Stephen R. , Namohunu Salome Aroma , Losi Jill , Matean Maryam , Palaniappan Uma , Northrup-Lyons Martina , Cherian Arlin , Gwavuya Stanley , McLean Judy , Erasmus Wendy
Published: January 2023

Introduction

This focused ethnographic study used qualitative, ethnographic, and participatory methods to explore determinants of maternal, infant, and young child nutrition (MIYCN) during the first 1,000 days of life as part of efforts to address the double burden of malnutrition in Solomon Islands.

Methods

An iterative study design was used to first explore and then confirm findings related to food and nutrition security and social and behavioral determinants of MIYCN in urban and rural settings. The first phase included in-depth interviews, household observations, free lists, and seasonal food availability calendar workshops while the second phase included focus group discussions, pile sorts, participatory community workshops, and repeated household observations.

Results and discussion

We found that MIYCN is shaped by a complex interaction of factors at the macro- and micro-levels. At the macro-level, globalization of the food system, a shifting economy, and climate change are driving a shift toward a delocalized food system based on imported processed foods. This shift has contributed to a food environment that leaves Solomon Islanders vulnerable to food and nutrition insecurity, which we found to be the primary determinant of MIYCN in this context. At the micro-level, this food environment leads to household- and individual-level food decisions that often do not support adequate MIYCN. Multi-sectoral interventions that address the macro- and micro-level factors shaping this nutrition situation may help to improve MIYCN in Solomon Islands.
Improving total body irradiation with a dedicated couch and 3D-printed patient-specific lung blocks: A feasibility study
Authors: Strolin Silvia , Paolani Giulia , Santoro Miriam , Cercenelli Laura , Bortolani Barbara , Ammendolia Ilario , Cammelli Silvia , Cicoria Gianfranco , Win Phyo Wai , Morganti Alessio G. , Marcelli Emanuela , Strigari Lidia
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Total body irradiation (TBI) is an important component of the conditioning regimen in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplants. TBI is used in very few patients and therefore it is generally delivered with standard linear accelerators (LINACs) and not with dedicated devices. Severe pulmonary toxicity is the most common adverse effect after TBI, and patient-specific lead blocks are used to reduce mean lung dose. In this context, online treatment setup is crucial to achieve precise positioning of the lung blocks. Therefore, in this study we aim to report our experience at generating 3D-printed patient-specific lung blocks and coupling a dedicated couch (with an integrated onboard image device) with a modern LINAC for TBI treatment.

Material and methods

TBI was planned and delivered (2Gy/fraction given twice a day, over 3 days) to 15 patients. Online images, to be compared with planned digitally reconstructed radiographies, were acquired with the couch-dedicated Electronic Portal Imaging Device (EPID) panel and imported in the iView software using a homemade Graphical User Interface (GUI). In vivo dosimetry, using Metal-Oxide Field-Effect Transistors (MOSFETs), was used to assess the setup reproducibility in both supine and prone positions.

Results

3D printing of lung blocks was feasible for all planned patients using a stereolithography 3D printer with a build volume of 14.5×14.5×17.5 cm3. The number of required pre-TBI EPID-images generally decreases after the first fraction. In patient-specific quality assurance, the difference between measured and calculated dose was generally<2%. The MOSFET measurements reproducibility along each treatment and patient was 2.7%, in average.

Conclusion

The TBI technique was successfully implemented, demonstrating that our approach is feasible, flexible, and cost-effective. The use of 3D-printed patient-specific lung blocks have the potential to personalize TBI treatment and to refine the shape of the blocks before delivery, making them extremely versatile.
Pretreatment neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio as prognostic factor in metastatic breast cancer treated with cyclin dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors
Authors: Rottier Pauline , Emile George , Johnson Alison , Levy Christelle , Allouache Djelila , Hrab Ioana , Segura Carine , Morel Adeline , Villemin Maud , Dubot-Poitelon Coraline , Boismoreau Louis , Cherifi François , Lequesne Justine , Da Silva Angélique
Published: January 2023

Background

Cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors (CdK4/6i) changed the course of hormone receptor positive (HR+) HER2 negative (HER2-) metastatic breast cancer (mBC). To date, no factors have been shown to predict response to CdK4/6i. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), an indicator of the host systemic inflammatory response, is an independent prognostic factor for survival in cancers. We conducted this study to evaluate the impact of NLR on survival in mBC patients treated with first line CdK4/6i.

Methods

All mBC patients treated with first line CdK4/6i between November 2015 and December 2019 were retrospectively included. The biomarker threshold was defined using ROC curves. We analyzed progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), 12-month PFS and response rate according to NLR in univariable and multivariable analysis.

Results

A total of 126 patients treated with palbociclib (n=101), ribociclib (n=18) or abemaciclib (n=7) were included, with a median follow-up of 33 months [range: 2.9–57]. Median age was 65 years [29-86], 40% patients had good performance status (ECOG-PS 0). Most patients (71%) were included at the metastatic relapse stage and 29% had only bone metastases. Median PFS and median OS were 27 and 51 months, respectively. High NLR (≥ 2.53) was significantly associated with worse PFS (Hazard Ratio (HR)=0.50, CI95% = [0.32–0.79]) and worse OS (HR=0.45, [CI95%: 0.23–0.87]). In multivariable analysis, NLR and ECOG PS were independently factors associated with PFS (p=0.016 and p=0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

High NLR was associated with worse PFS and OS in HR+ HER2- mBC patients treated with first line CdK4/6i. NLR is a reliable and inexpensive prognostic marker, easily accessible in routine clinical practice, which could help optimize the therapeutic strategy. These results need to be confirmed in larger prospective studies.
Developing and validating a nomogram based on skeletal muscle index and clinical scoring system for prediction of liver failure after hepatectomy
Authors: Ding Cong , Jia Jianye , Han Lei , Zhou Wei , Liu Ziyan , Bai Genji , Wang Qian
Published: January 2023

Background and objectives

Hepatectomy is the preferred treatment for patients with liver tumors. Post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) remains one of the most fatal postoperative complications. We aim to explore the risk factors of PHLF and create a nomogram for early prediction of PHLF.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients undergoing hepatectomy at the Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between 2015 and 2022, and the patients were divided into training and internal validation cohorts at an 8:2 ratio randomly. The patients undergoing liver resection from the Affiliated Huaian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University worked as external validation. Then, a nomogram was developed which was based on multivariate analyses to calculate the risk of PHLF. The area under the ROC curve (AUROC) and Hosmer -Lemeshow test was used to evaluate the prediction effect of the model.

Results

A total of 421 eligible patients were included in our study. Four preoperative variables were identified after multivariate analysis as follows, ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) score, Child-Pugh score, SMI (Skeletal muscle index), and MELD (Model for end-stage liver disease) score as independent predictors of PHLF. The area under the ROC curve of the predictive model in the training, internal, and external validation cohorts were 0.89, 0.82, and 0.89. Hosmer -Lemeshow P values in the training, internal, and external validation cohorts were 0.91, 0.22, and 0.15. The Calibration curve confirmed that our nomogram prediction results were in accurate agreement with the actual occurrence of PHLF.

Conclusion

We construct a nomogram to predict the grade B/C PHLF of ISGLS (International Study Group of Liver Surgery) in patients who underwent hepatic resection based on risk factors. This tool can provide a visual and accurate preoperative prediction of the grade B/C PHLF and guide the next step of clinical decision-making.
Use of traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19 and rehabilitation of COVID-19 patients: An evidence mapping study
Authors: Li Yanfei , Qin Yu , Chen Nan , Ge Long , Wang Qi , Aboudou Taslim , Han Jiani , Hou Liangying , Cao Liujiao , Li Rui , Li Meixuan , Mi Ningning , Xie Peng , Wu Siqing , Hu Linmin , Li Xiuxia , Song Zhongyang , Ji Jing , Zhang Zhiming , Yang Kehu
Published: January 2023

Background: The potential effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) against “epidemic diseases” has highlighted the knowledge gaps associated with TCM in COVID-19 management. This study aimed to map the matrix for rigorously assessing, organizing, and presenting evidence relevant to TCM in COVID-19 management.

Methods: In this study, we used the methodology of evidence mapping (EM). Nine electronic databases, the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) Search Portal, ClinicalTrials.gov, gray literature, reference lists of articles, and relevant Chinese conference proceedings, were searched for articles published until 23 March 2022. The EndNote X9, Rayyan, EPPI, and R software were used for data entry and management.

Results: In all, 126 studies, including 76 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 50 systematic reviews (SRs), met our inclusion criteria. Of these, only nine studies (7.14%) were designated as high quality: four RCTs were assessed as “low risk of bias” and five SRs as “high quality.” Based on the research objectives of these studies, the included studies were classified into treatment (53 RCTs and 50 SRs, 81.75%), rehabilitation (20 RCTs, 15.87%), and prevention (3 RCTs, 2.38%) groups. A total of 76 RCTs included 59 intervention categories and 57 efficacy outcomes. All relevant trials consistently demonstrated that TCM significantly improved 22 outcomes (i.e., consistent positive outcomes) without significantly affecting four (i.e., consistent negative outcomes). Further, 50 SRs included nine intervention categories and 27 efficacy outcomes, two of which reported consistent positive outcomes and two reported consistent negative outcomes. Moreover, 45 RCTs and 38 SRs investigated adverse events; 39 RCTs and 30 SRs showed no serious adverse events or significant differences between groups.

Conclusion: This study provides evidence matrix mapping of TCM against COVID-19, demonstrating the potential efficacy and safety of TCM in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19 and rehabilitation of COVID-19 patients, and also addresses evidence gaps. Given the limited number and poor quality of available studies and potential concerns regarding the applicability of the current clinical evaluation standards to TCM, the effect of specific interventions on individual outcomes needs further evaluation.
Low-speed gas knife protection for the large aperture optical component in high-power laser systems
Authors: Peng Ge , Gao Qiang , Dong Zhe , Chen Jiaxuan , Zhang Peng , Lu Lihua
Published: January 2023

In high-power laser systems, fused silica aerosols produced by laser-induced damage to optical components impede further improvement in operation efficiency. To mitigate aerosol threats, low-speed gas knives are an attractive online option. Herein, we investigate the protective mechanism of a low-speed gas knife (<20 m/s) against aerosol invasion on the optical component. First, aerosol particles invaded the surface experimentally in two ways and were detected both in the core and non-core regions, depending on the coverage area of the protection flow. Particle sedimentation percentages can directly reflect the protection capability of the gas knife flow. Since a “midstream defect” is readily apparent, a CFD model was developed to explain the phenomenon from the perspective of velocity distribution. Additionally, the Euler-Lagrange method was used to track airflow particle motions and reappear the protective process. The numerical and experimental results on protection efficiency are closely correlated. The numerical calculation indicates that the “midstream defect” manifested in the core region is possibly attributed to the turbulent dispersion and anisotropic near-wall effects of particles of various diameters, while in the non-core region, the mechanism differs. This work provides a framework for airflow clean designs inside high-power laser systems.
Combatting insects mediated biotic stress through plant associated endophytic entomopathogenic fungi in horticultural crops
Authors: Samal Ipsita , Bhoi Tanmaya Kumar , Majhi Prasanta Kumar , Murmu Sneha , Pradhan Asit Kumar , Kumar Dilip , Saini Varun , Paschapur Amit Umesh , Raj M Nikhil , Ankur  , Manik Suryakant , Behera Partha Pratim , Mahanta Deepak Kumar , Komal J. , Alam Pravej , Balawi Thamer Al
Published: January 2023

Horticultural production is a vital catalyst for economic growth, yet insect infestations reduce horticultural crop yield and quality. Pesticides and other pest control methods are used during planting to eliminate pests that cause direct and indirect losses. In such situations, endophytic entomo-pathogenic fungi (EEPF) can act as a potential tools for biological control. They protect plants by boosting growth, nutrition, morpho-physiology and salt or iron tolerance. Antixenosis, antibiosis and plant tolerance change insect performance and preferences. EEPF- plant colonisation slows herbivore development, food consumption, oviposition and larval survival. EEPF changes plant physio-chemical properties like volatile emission profile and secondary metabolite production to regulate insect pest defences. EEPF produces chitinases, laccases, amylases, and cellulases for plant defence. Recent studies focused on EEPF species’ significance, isolation, identification and field application. Realizing their full potential is difficult due to insufficient mass production, storage stability and formulation. Genetic-molecular and bioinformatics can help to build EEPF-based biological control systems. Metagenomics helps study microbial EEPF taxonomy and function. Multi-omics and system biology can decode EEPF interactions with host plants and microorganisms. NGS (Next Generation Sequencing), comparative genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, metatranscriptomics and microarrays are used to evaluate plant-EEPF relationships. IPM requires understanding the abiotic and biotic elements that influence plant-EEPF interaction and the physiological mechanisms of EEPF colonisation. Due to restricted research, there are hundreds of unexplored EEPFs, providing an urgent need to uncover and analyse them.
The effect of teaching style and academic motivation on student evaluation of teaching: Insights from social cognition
Authors: Keerthigha C. , Singh Smita
Published: January 2023

Student evaluation of teaching (SET) is ubiquitous in higher education as a metric for assessing teachers, gaining student feedback, and informing faculty personnel decisions. It is thus imperative to examine the dimensions along which a teacher is judged. This study tested the application of the universal dimensions of social judgment (i.e., warmth and competence) in SET. A total of 108 psychology undergraduates (Mage = 23.63, SDage = 3.14) in Singapore rated a fictitious teacher (i.e., either relationship-oriented or task-oriented) based on their interactions over a programmed online chat. Participants responded to the social judgment measures of warmth and competence and rated their academic motivation. Results indicated a higher SET rating for a relationship-oriented than a task-oriented teacher. Further, student academic motivation mediated the link between teaching style and judgment of competence. The findings extend the supremacy of warmth in the context of SET, thus supporting the application of social cognition literature to educational research. In addition, the findings suggest that fostering a match in task goals between a teacher and student improves ratings of teacher competence.
Relationships between alexithymia and food addiction: The Finnish version of Yale Food Addiction Scale and preliminary test of its psychometric properties
Authors: Li Ru , Kajanoja Jani , Tuulari Jetro J. , Karlsson Linnea , Karlsson Hasse , Karukivi Max
Published: January 2023

Background

It has long been suggested that addictive behaviors are associated with alexithymia, a personality trait characterized by difficulties in emotional awareness and expression. However, little is known about the role of alexithymia in food addiction.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between alexithymia and food addiction. As part of the study, the validity of the Finnish version of Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS-F) was also investigated.

Methods

The sample consisted of 360 parents from the FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study. The structural validity of the YFAS-F was evaluated by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to explore the structure when proposed models were not supported by CFA. The associations of alexithymia as measured by the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale and food addiction were examined using regression analyses followed by structural equation modeling.

Results

Higher alexithymia was associated with more food addiction by conducting linear regression analysis (B = 0.013, p = 0.011) and structural equation modeling (β = 0.24, p < 0.001). Furthermore, a single-factor model for the 8 criteria of the YFAS-F was supported by CFA and showed acceptable internal reliability (KR-20 = 0.72), and a three-factor solution for the 20 items of the scale was suggested by EFA with good internal reliability (McDonald’s ω = 0.91 for the YFAS-F, 0.91 for component 1, 0.87 for component 2, and Spearman-Brown coefficient = 0.89 for component 3).

Conclusion

The current study determined a significant relationship between alexithymia and food addiction, which suggests alexithymia as a relevant factor for food addiction and may provide clinical implications for interventions. Moreover, the YFAS-F appeared to be a valid and reliable tool to evaluate food addiction in our Finnish general population sample. Further studies on the psychometric properties of the YFAS-F in more diverse populations are recommended.
The effects of personality traits on entrepreneurial intention and creativity among Chinese and African college students in era of industry 4.0/5.0
Authors: Xu Miaoxin
Published: January 2023

Using samples of Chinese and African college students, this manuscript explored the effect of personality traits on entrepreneurial intention and creativity from the boundaryless career perspective. The empirical results showed that both Chinese and African college students’ conscientiousness and openness had significantly positive effects on entrepreneurial intention and creativity, respectively, and boundaryless mindset had a mediating effect in the relationship between conscientiousness, openness, entrepreneurial intention, and creativity. However, the moderating effects of GPA were quite different. While Chinese college students’ GPA strengthened the positive effect of boundaryless mindset on entrepreneurial intention and creativity respectively, African college students’ GPA weakened the positive effect of boundaryless mindset on entrepreneurial intention and had no significant moderating effect on the relationship between boundaryless mindset and creativity. This study was based on the empirical research of Chinese and African college students through a combination of contrastive and advance study methodology. It has provided new perspectives for exploring influencing factors and effects of employment performance in the context of Industry 4.0/5.0 and it has made theoretical and practical contributions to promote creativity and entrepreneurial intention.
Effect of home visits by community health workers on complementary feeding practices among caregivers of children aged 6–23 months in 10 districts of Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Mahfuzur , Tariqujjaman Md. , Ahmed Tahmeed , Sarma Haribondhu
Published: January 2023

Background

Suboptimal complementary feeding contributes to undernutrition in children aged 6–23 months in low- and middle-income countries like Bangladesh. Multifaceted interventions have been taken to improve complementary feeding practices, but there is limited evidence about the effect of home visits by community health workers (CHWs) on complementary feeding practices of the caregivers of children.

Methods

We collated data from the baseline and the corresponding follow-up survey done as part of an evaluation of Bangladesh Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) programme. We collected data on complementary feeding practices using a 24-h recall questionnaire. Age-appropriate dietary diversity, minimum meal frequency, and minimum acceptable diet were assessed based on recommended food consumption as per child's age. To understand the effect of CHWs' visits on complementary feeding practices, we performed Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) procedure for dealing with correlated data and adjusted other covariates.

Results

A total of 758 and 745 caregivers of children aged 6–23 months participated in the baseline and follow-up survey, respectively. Complementary feeding practices were improved in 1 year of programme implementation; dietary diversity increased from 46 to 54%, minimum meal frequency from 82 to 91%, and minimum acceptable diet from 41 to 53%. Caregivers of children who had received the visit of CHWs in the last 12 months prior to the day of the follow-up survey were more likely (AOR 1.51; 95% CI 1.10–2.10) to maintain dietary diversity in their children's feeding practices than the caregivers who had not received a CHW visit in the last 12 months. The likelihood of maintaining a minimum acceptable diet in feeding practices was 1.57 times higher (AOR 1.57; 95% CI 1.14–2.17) among the caregivers who were exposed to the visits of the CHWs in the last 12 months compared to the caregivers who were not exposed to the CHW's visits in the last 12 months.

Conclusion

Integration of promotional activities of complementary feeding practices into the mainstream nutrition programme can be instrumental in optimizing complementary feeding practices among the caregivers of the under-five children. However, home visits by CHWs should be prioritized in such an integrated programme.
Characteristics, health risks, and premature mortality attributable to ambient air pollutants in four functional areas in Jining, China
Authors: Yuan Yue , Zhang Xi , Zhao Jingfeng , Shen Fuzhen , Nie Dongyang , Wang Bing , Wang Lei , Xing Mengyue , Hegglin Michaela I.
Published: January 2023

Air pollution is one of the leading causes for global deaths and understanding pollutant emission sources is key to successful mitigation policies. Air quality data in the urban, suburban, industrial, and rural areas (UA, SA, IA, and RA) of Jining, Shandong Province in China, were collected to compare the characteristics and associated health risks. The average concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, and CO show differences of −3.87, −16.67, −19.24, −15.74, and −8.37% between 2017 and 2018. On the contrary, O3 concentrations increased by 4.50%. The four functional areas exhibited the same seasonal variations and diurnal patterns in air pollutants, with the highest exposure excess risks (ERs) resulting from O3. More frequent ER days occurred within the 25–30°C, but much larger ERs are found within the 0–5°C temperature range, attributed to higher O3 pollution in summer and more severe PM pollution in winter. The premature deaths attributable to six air pollutants can be calculated in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Investigations on the potential source show that the ER of O3 (r of 0.86) had the tightest association with the total ER. The bivariate polar plots indicated that the highest health-based air quality index (HAQI) in IA influences the HAQI in UA and SA by pollution transport, and thus can be regarded as the major pollutant emission source in Jining. The above results indicate that urgent measures should be taken to reduce O3 pollution taking into account the characteristics of the prevalent ozone formation regime, especially in IA in Jining.
Ergonomic human-robot collaboration in industry: A review
Authors: Lorenzini Marta , Lagomarsino Marta , Fortini Luca , Gholami Soheil , Ajoudani Arash
Published: January 2023

In the current industrial context, the importance of assessing and improving workers’ health conditions is widely recognised. Both physical and psycho-social factors contribute to jeopardising the underlying comfort and well-being, boosting the occurrence of diseases and injuries, and affecting their quality of life. Human-robot interaction and collaboration frameworks stand out among the possible solutions to prevent and mitigate workplace risk factors. The increasingly advanced control strategies and planning schemes featured by collaborative robots have the potential to foster fruitful and efficient coordination during the execution of hybrid tasks, by meeting their human counterparts’ needs and limits. To this end, a thorough and comprehensive evaluation of an individual’s ergonomics, i.e. direct effect of workload on the human psycho-physical state, must be taken into account. In this review article, we provide an overview of the existing ergonomics assessment tools as well as the available monitoring technologies to drive and adapt a collaborative robot’s behaviour. Preliminary attempts of ergonomic human-robot collaboration frameworks are presented next, discussing state-of-the-art limitations and challenges. Future trends and promising themes are finally highlighted, aiming to promote safety, health, and equality in worldwide workplaces.
The roles of NOP56 in cancer and SCA36
Authors: Zhao Shimin , Zhang Dongdong , Liu Sicheng , Huang Jun
Published: January 2023

NOP56 is a highly conserved nucleolar protein. Amplification of the intron GGCCTG hexanucleotide repeat sequence of the NOP56 gene results in spinal cerebellar ataxia type 36 (SCA36). NOP56 contains an N-terminal domain, a coiled-coil domain, and a C-terminal domain. Nucleolar protein NOP56 is significantly abnormally expressed in a number of malignant tumors, and its mechanism is different in different tumors, but its regulatory mechanism in most tumors has not been fully explored. NOP56 promotes tumorigenesis in some cancers and inhibits tumorigenesis in others. In addition, NOP56 is associated with methylation in some tumors, suggesting that NOP56 has the potential to become a tumor-specific marker. This review focuses on the structure, function, related signaling pathways, and role of NOP56 in the progression of various malignancies, and discusses the progression of NOP56 in neurodegenerative and other diseases.
Suspected Lung Cancer with Suspicious Liver Lesions: Diagnostic Yield and Safety of Same-Day Bronchoscopy and Liver Biopsy in the Hands of a Pulmonologist
Authors: Ahmadzai Sina , Koefod Petersen Jesper , Fjaellegaard Katrine , Frost Clementsen Paul , Bodtger Uffe
Published: January 2023

Background: Bronchoscopy and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) are standard procedures for the diagnosis and staging of patients suspected of lung cancer. If the patient simultaneously presents with suspicious liver lesions, it is tradition to refer the patient to a radiologist for ultrasound-guided percutaneous liver biopsy. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the results and complications when the pulmonologist performs all three procedures in the same setting. Methods: We retrospectively identified patients who during 2018–2020 underwent invasive workup of suspected lung cancer and liver metastases with percutaneous liver lesion biopsy with or without same-day endoscopy (bronchoscopy and EBUS). We compared diagnostic yield and safety of liver lesion biopsy stratified by same-day endoscopy or not. Results: In total, 89 patients were included, of whom 28 patients (31%) underwent same-day endoscopy. All liver lesion biopsies were fine-needle aspiration biopsies performed by experienced pulmonologists. No complications were reported, and overall diagnostic yield was 88%. The diagnostic yield was significantly lower in the same-day endoscopy group (71% vs. 95%), and undergoing endoscopy was significantly associated with having fewer liver lesions, higher prevalence of lung cancer, and lower overall prevalence of a malignant diagnosis. Conclusion: Liver biopsy in the same session as endoscopy during lung cancer workup was feasible and safe. Confounding by indication was present in our study.
Siberian Animal Style: Stylistic Features as Generic Indication
Authors: Korolkova Elena Fiodorovna
Published: January 2023

This paper is devoted to the problems of differentiation of stylistic variants in the common phenomenon of the so-called Scythian and Siberian animal styles, which is one of the main distinctive features of Eurasian nomadic art. The animal style is a concept of more scale than an artistic style proper which distinguishes with some formal characteristics and depends directly on generic traditions and ethnic and cultural roots of art. Together with the technical-technological methods these formal features could be evidential indications of the origin of works of art. The Siberian collection of Peter the Great includes some different groups of golden ornaments decorated in animal styles of different origins. The paper focuses on a compact group of items originating from various mostly unknown sites from different territories in Asia including the Oxus treasure, several items from the Siberian collection of Peter the Great from Southern Siberia, a few jewelry pieces from other collections of the world museums as well as items made of leather and felt coming from the First and the Second Pazyryk kurgans. A distinctive feature of this group of zoomorphic images are colored inlays that accentuate a hind-leg or a shoulder of the animal; such inlays have the form of an intricate figure made up of a circle and a curvilinear triangle abutting to it or elongated round brackets. Genetically, such an ornamental motif, which is not generally typical for Persian art, may be linked to a periphery area of the Iranian world and nomadic culture, while the group of sites can be dated back to the 4th–3rd centuries BC. The paper considers a bracelet from the Siberian collection of Peter the Great which is the only item in this category of jewelry type of bracelets. It represents a rare type of ornament with a multi-component structure. It consists of three open-work strips with zoomorphic compositions in an animal style similar to the above-mentioned stylistic group. All three parts of the bracelet are created in a unified style, but obviously in different individual manners. There is no doubt, that the zoomorphic images show three different authors’ hands, and were made by different artisans. So, there is evidence of collective work on the object when each artisan makes his own operation to create a unique jewel at a workshop. Some parts of the composition on the bracelet are similar in style to zoomorphic images from kurgan Issyk in Kazakhstan which perhaps were made in the same workshop. This fact confirms the assumption of the origin of some of Siberian jewelry.
Correlation between Body Composition and Inter-Examiner Errors for Assessing Lumbar Multifidus Muscle Size, Shape and Quality Metrics with Ultrasound Imaging
Authors: Varol Umut , Sánchez-Jiménez Elena , Leloup Emma Alyette Adélaïde , Navarro-Santana Marcos José , Fernández-de-las-Peñas César , Sánchez-Jorge Sandra , Valera-Calero Juan Antonio
Published: January 2023

Ultrasound imaging (US) is widely used in several healthcare disciplines (including physiotherapy) for assessing multiple muscle metrics such as muscle morphology and quality. Since measuring instruments are required to demonstrate their reliability, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity prior to their use in clinical and research settings, identifying factors affecting their diagnostic accuracy is essential. Since previous studies analyzed the impact of sociodemographic but not body composition characteristics in US errors, this study aimed to assess whether body composition metrics are correlated with ultrasound measurement errors. B-mode images of the lumbar multifidus muscle at the fifth lumbar vertebral level (L5) were acquired and analyzed in 49 healthy volunteers by two examiners (one experienced and one novel). Cross-sectional area, muscle perimeter and mean echo intensity were calculated bilaterally. A multivariate correlation matrix was calculated for assessing the inter-examiner differences with body composition metrics. Results demonstrated excellent reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC > 0.9) for assessing the muscle cross-sectional area and perimeter, and good reliability for assessing the muscle shape and mean echo intensity (ICC > 0.7). Inter-examiner errors for estimating muscle size were correlated with participants’ age (p value, p < 0.01), weight (p < 0.05), total and trunk lean mass (both, p < 0.01) and water volume (p < 0.05). Greater shape descriptors and mean brightness disagreements were correlated with older ages (p < 0.05) and total lean mass (p < 0.05). No correlations between age and body composition metrics were found (p > 0.05). This study found US to be a reliable tool for assessing muscle size, shape and mean brightness. Although aging showed no correlations with body composition changes in this sample, it was the main factor correlated with US measurement errors.
Development of a Lizard-Inspired Robot for Mars Surface Exploration
Authors: Chen Guangming , Qiao Long , Zhou Zhenwen , Richter Lutz , Ji Aihong
Published: January 2023

Exploring Mars is beneficial to increasing our knowledge, understanding the possibility of ancient microbial life there, and discovering new resources beyond the Earth to prepare for future human missions to Mars. To assist ambitious uncrewed missions to Mars, specific types of planetary rovers have been developed for performing tasks on Mars’ surface. Due to the fact that the surface is composed of granular soils and rocks of various sizes, contemporary rovers can have difficulties in moving on soft soils and climbing over rocks. To overcome such difficulties, this research develops a quadruped creeping robot inspired by the locomotion characteristics of the desert lizard. This biomimetic robot features a flexible spine, which allows swinging movements during locomotion. The leg structure utilizes a four-linkage mechanism, which ensures a steady lifting motion. The foot consists of an active ankle and a round pad with four flexible toes that are effective in grasping soils and rocks. To determine robot motions, kinematic models relating to foot, leg, and spine are established. Moreover, the coordinated motions between the trunk spine and leg are numerically verified. In addition, the mobility on granular soils and rocky surface are experimentally demonstrated, which can imply that this biomimetic robot is suitable for Mars surface terrains.
Novel Ultrahard Extended Hexagonal C10, C14 and C18 Allotropes with Mixed sp2/sp3 Hybridizations: Crystal Chemistry and Ab Initio Investigations
Authors: Matar Samir F. , Eyert Volker , Solozhenko Vladimir L.
Published: January 2023

Based on 4H, 6H and 8H diamond polytypes, novel extended lattice allotropes C10, C14 and C18 characterized by mixed sp3/sp2 carbon hybridizations were devised based on crystal chemistry rationale and first-principles calculations of the ground state structures and energy derived properties: mechanical, dynamic (phonons), and electronic band structure. The novel allotropes were found increasingly cohesive along the series, with cohesive energy values approaching those of diamond polytypes. Regarding mechanical properties, C10, C14, and C18 were found ultrahard with Vickers hardness slightly below that of diamond. All of them are dynamically stable, with positive phonon frequencies reaching maxima higher than in diamond due to the stretching modes of C=C=C linear units. The electronic band structures expectedly reveal the insulating character of all three diamond polytypes and the conductive character of the hybrid allotropes. From the analysis of the bands crossing the Fermi level, a nesting Fermi surface was identified, allowing us to predict potential superconductive properties.
Isolation of Lactococcus sp. X1 from Termite Gut, and Its Application in Lactic Acid Production
Authors: Li Nana , Geng Alei , Tu Zhuowei , Fan Yanan , Xie Rongrong , Li Xia , Sun Jianzhong
Published: January 2023

The production of lactic acid (LA) from lignocellulosic biomass is an important route for the exploitation of renewable resources; nevertheless, effective LA production from this feedstock is challenged by several limitations, such as pentose and oligosaccharide utilization. In this study, a new strain, Lactococcus sp. X1, which is capable of fermenting glucose, xylose, and several disaccharides to produce L-lactic acid, was isolated from the gut of a wood-feeding termite, Coptotermes formosanus. Compared to conventional lactic acid bacteria, Lactococcus sp. X1 requires less complex nitrogen sources, which might in turn reduce the cost of LA production. In addition, Lactococcus sp. X1 was able to completely ferment 50 g/L of glucose within 3 days, giving a high LA yield of 99.9%, and its LA yield from 50 g/L of pretreated corncob reached up to 0.34 g/g substrates in the presence of a commercial cellulase. Strain X1 was also capable of excreting two kinds of nutritional factors, namely biotin and vitamin C, indicating its crucial role in the nourishment of the termite. In conclusion, Lactococcus sp. X1 is a new lactic acid bacterium, which may hold promise for application in cost-effective LA production as well as in the field of food additives.
Bilateral Biceps Curl Shows Distinct Biceps Brachii and Anterior Deltoid Excitation Comparing Straight vs. EZ Barbell Coupled with Arms Flexion/No-Flexion
Authors: Coratella Giuseppe , Tornatore Gianpaolo , Longo Stefano , Esposito Fabio , Cè Emiliano
Published: January 2023

The present study investigated the excitation of the biceps brachii and anterior deltoid during bilateral biceps curl performed using the straight vs. EZ barbell and with or without flexing the arms. Ten competitive bodybuilders performed bilateral biceps curl in non-exhaustive 6-rep sets using 8-RM in four variations: using the straight barbell flexing (STflex) or not flexing the arms (STno-flex) or the EZ barbell flexing (EZflex) or not flexing the arms (EZno-flex). The ascending and descending phases were separately analyzed using the normalized root mean square (nRMS) collected using surface electro-myography. For the biceps brachii, during the ascending phase, a greater nRMS was observed in STno-flex vs. EZno-flex (+1.8%, effect size [ES]: 0.74), in STflex vs. STno-flex (+17.7%, ES: 3.93) and in EZflex vs. EZno-flex (+20.3%, ES: 5.87). During the descending phase, a greater nRMS was observed in STflex vs. EZflex (+3.8%, ES: 1.15), in STno-flex vs. STflex (+2.8%, ES: 0.86) and in EZno-flex vs. EZflex (+8.1%, ES: 1.81). The anterior deltoid showed distinct excitation based on the arm flexion/no-flexion. A slight advantage in biceps brachii excitation appears when using the straight vs. EZ barbell. Flexing or not flexing the arms seems to uniquely excite the biceps brachii and anterior deltoid. Practitioners should consider including different bilateral biceps barbell curls in their routine to vary the neural and mechanical stimuli.