bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Hoffman Report in historical context: A study in denial
Authors: Aalbers Dan
Published: October 2022

Using the concept of social denial, this article puts the American Psychological Association's (APA’s) pattern of willful blindness, identified by independent reviewer David Hoffman, in historical context by examining the contributions of Cold War social scientists to the CIA's KUBARK torture manual, and discusses the implications of this history for the reform of the APA's ethics policies. David Hoffman found that the leadership of the APA colluded with Department of Defense (DoD) to ensure that the APA's ethical policies were no stronger than those issued by the DoD. While the independent reviewer did not find evidence of collaboration between the CIA and the APA, this was not due to a lack of effort on the part of the APA, which was anxious to establish good relations and so promote the use of psychology in the national security arena. While Hoffman did not find that the APA knew that its collaborations would facilitate the development of abusive interrogation techniques, it showed a marked, motivated lack of interest in whether or not the DoD or CIA was abusing prisoners. The APA maintained its strategic ignorance even while engaging in a public relations campaign designed to give the impression that it was deeply concerned about multiple reports of psychologist involvement in a system of torture. This willful ignorance was not unprecedented and follows a predictable pattern of knowing and not-knowing to which all psychologists should attend.
Finite element simulation and experimental investigation of crystallographic orientation-dependent residual stress in diamond cutting of polycrystalline aluminum
Authors: Qiu Shi , Zhang Chunyu , Zhao Liang , Lu Shijin , Li Guo , Zhang Junjie , Song Chengwei , Zhang Haijun
Published: October 2022

The residual stress of crystalline materials induced by deformation at grain level strongly correlates with crystal orientation. In the present work, the dependence of residual stress on crystallographic orientation in diamond cutting of polycrystalline aluminum is investigated by crystal plasticity finite element modeling and simulations. Furthermore, corresponding ultra-precision diamond cutting experiments, which have the same parameter setup with the finite element model, are also carried out. The crystallographic orientations of the specimens are depicted by electron back-scattered diffraction characterization, and the surface residual stress is measured by X-ray diffraction. Both experiment and finite element simulation results demonstrate the anisotropic characteristics of the residual stress within machined polycrystalline aluminum, which exhibits the significant correlation with crystallographic orientation. Furthermore, finite element simulations of bi-crystal cutting are also performed, which indicate that the grain boundary also has a strong influence on the generation of residual stress.
A study of the early life of gasoline particulate filters: Reactive and dissipative acoustic effects
Authors: Torregrosa Antonio J , la Morena Joaquín de , Sanchis Enrique , Redondo Álvaro , Servetto Emanuele
Published: October 2022

The presence of after-treatment systems (ATS) has some side effects as they modify the wave dynamics, back-pressure and acoustic behavior of the exhaust system, that define the boundary conditions for the main silencing device. Gasoline particulate filters (GPF) have a considerable influence on these traits as their working principle depends on wall-flow monoliths; additionally, particulate filters have an inherent transient behavior due to the loading-regeneration cycles during their operation. In this paper, the steady and unsteady behavior of a typical device containing a three-way catalyst (TWC) and a GPF has been characterized in "new" (prior to any use) and "used" (after regeneration) conditions, with special focus on the role of dissipation. Pressure drop measurements were used in steady flow, whereas an acoustic energy balance was performed in the unsteady case that allows for the identification of the reactive and dissipative contributions. The results obtained for the GPF suggest that after it has been used for a relatively short time it oscillates between a maximum and a minimum loading over load–regeneration cycles burning the soot, never reaching back brand–new cleanness due to accumulation into the substrate pores and only suffering from ash accumulation over very long times. The results were then used to analyze the ability of a standard gas-dynamic code to reproduce the influence of the loading on the reactive and dissipative effects observed, with the main conclusion that by properly tuning the model parameters it is possible to reproduce, at least qualitatively, the trends observed in the experiments. The model can thus be used to provide adequate inlet conditions for the design of the exhaust line.
Experimental investigation on combustion and emission characteristics of diesel methanol dual fuel (DMDF) engine at various altitudes
Authors: Wang Jian , Chen Luteng , Chen Jinke
Published: October 2022

In order to reveal the effects of diesel and diesel methanol dual fuel (DMDF) on engine performance at different altitudes, especially on combustion stability. In this study, a comparison of experimental research on characteristics of combustion, economy, and emissions for a turbocharged DMDF at various simulated altitudes (10m, 700m, 1670m, and 2400m) and three working conditions (1200rpm-72 Nm, 1800rpm-158 Nm, and 2200rpm-153 Nm) were conducted and analyzed combustion characteristics, economy and emissions. At 1800rpm and 2200rpm, with the increment of altitude, the peak value of the cylinder pressure, the pressure rise rate, and the brake thermal efficiency (BTE) for DMDF mode were higher than diesel mode, while combustion center (CA50) and combustion duration of diesel mode higher than DMDF mode. At 1200rpm and 1800 rpm, the maximum heat release rate (HRR) of DMDF mode was higher than diesel mode. When the altitude rose from 10m to 2400m, the coefficient of variation of peak pressure (COVPP) of DMDF mode increased while the coefficient of variation of indicated mean effective pressure (COVIMEP) of DMDF mode decreased, which means the combustion of dual-fuel is relatively stable. The exhaust temperature of DMDF mode was lower than that of diesel mode at various altitudes. Compared with diesel mode, NOX and Soot emissions in DMDF model significantly decreased at different altitudes and working conditions.
Silent Pulmonary Embolism in Deep Vein Thrombosis: Relationship and Risk Factors
Authors: Shi Yadong , Wang Tao , Yuan Yuan , Su Haobo , Chen Liang , Huang Hao , Lu Zhaoxuan , Gu Jianping
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate risk factors for silent pulmonary embolism (PE) in symptomatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and investigate the relationship between DVT and silent PE.

Methods

This was a single-centre, retrospective cohort study. Between 5 January 2015 and 31 December 2021, consecutive patients with symptomatic DVT received CT pulmonary angiography and CT venography were analyzed. Patient demographics, comorbidities, risk factors, and image findings were analyzed. The group differences were compared using a Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, independent t test, or Mann-Whitney U test. Multivariant regression was used to determine predictive factors for silent PE.

Results

A total of 355 patients (mean age, 60.5 ± 16.6 years) were included. The incidence of silent PE was 43.1%. The main or lobar pulmonary arteries were affected in 53.6% of patients, which is more often found in iliofemoral DVTs (56.6% vs 26.7%, p = .027). The multivariant analysis showed male patients ( p = .042; OR 1.59; 95% CI, 1.02–2.50), inferior vena cava involvement ( p = .043; OR 1.81; 95% CI, 1.02–3.20) and D-dimer value  >  3.82 μg/ml ( p <  .001; OR 2.32; 95% CI, 1.43–3.77) were risk factors for silent PE. Unilateral DVT patients with ipsilateral iliac vein compression had a lower incidence of silent PE (28.8% vs 52.9%, p < .001).

Conclusion

Iliofemoral DVT was associated with a more proximal PE. The male patients, inferior vena cava involvement, and D-dimer  >  3.82 μg/ml were risk factors for silent PE. Ipsilateral iliac vein compression reduced the incidence of silent PE.
Simplification of the complex: Successful management of large-angle exodeviation after endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Wen Yun , Yan Jianhua
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To report the clinical characteristics and successful management of large-angle exodeviation due to medial rectus muscle (MR) transection incurred during endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

Methods

The medical records of 5 consecutive inpatients with MR complete transection following ESS resulting in large-angle paralytic exodeviation between November 2014 and June 2021 were reviewed. The type of muscle injury, clinical characteristics, surgical procedure and dosage, and long-term outcomes were evaluated.

Results

All 5 patients manifested exodeviations of 72 PD to >133 PD with no adduction capacity (graded −4); all of them had proven orbital trauma and complete MR transection with a ≥20 mm distal (globe attached) stump based on CT scans and/or MRI imaging. They underwent a supra-maximal recession (10–12 mm) of the lateral rectus and resection (10–15 mm) of the medial rectus on the affected eye. At least 1 year (1 to 5 years) following the corrective surgery, the patients still maintained orthophoria or had a small angle of exotropia (≤ 8 PD) in primary gaze with successful fusion, and 3 of them (Case 3, 4, and 5) exhibited a certain degree of stereopsis. In addition, appreciable adduction occurred (graded −1 to −3).

Conclusions

A supra-maximal recession/resection shows favorable outcomes in patients with proven complete transection MR with a ≥20 mm distal (globe attached) stump. It can help to achieve good ocular alignment and even yield improvements in adduction over time.
‘We just want to make art’ – Women with experiences of racial othering reflect on art, activism and representation
Authors: Muftee Mehek , León Rosales René
Published: October 2022

In recent years, Swedish women belonging to a post-migrant generation have made their voices against racism and social inequality prominent within public debate. Engaging in segregated and economically deprived suburbs, these women make use of art in order to counter stereotypical narratives of themselves and their communities. Based on interviews from two research projects, Accessing Utopia and Gendered Islamophobia in Sweden, this article aims to understand the complexities in using art to protest racist structures and stereotypes. In what ways are the young women making room for their own creative expressions in Swedish society, while countering processes of othering? How does the work of representation affect them? What meaning do the women give to the platforms and networks they have been involved in? This article shows that the women’s early experiences of othering and meeting likeminded youths play a central role in order to either enter or create collective platforms where they can creatively engage in expressing their subjectivities and counter society’s controlling images. Projects and platforms such as Revolution Poetry and Swedish hijabis provided collective self-care through support and confidence building among youths from marginalized communities. These platforms can be seen as an artistic homeplace for the interlocutors. The article also shows that the work of representation is sometimes felt as limiting. The activism the women engage in is a deeply personal struggle for self-valuation and seeking ways to live a life on one’s own terms.
“Through the digits, through the fingers”: Variations on the string figure as imaginary digital medium
Authors: Svec Henry Adam
Published: October 2022

This article considers artistic engagements with string figure performance and collection as ‘imaginary’ articulations of digital media. As an object of anthropological inquiry, the string figure emerges in 1888 with a short paper by Franz Boas. Encouraged by more mainstream publications by Caroline Furness Jansen (2008) and Kathleen Haddon (1930), over the course of the 20th century the string figure would become a model through which largely western writers and artists have explored both the anxieties and dreams of ideal, embodied and networked communication technologies. The present article explores, specifically, the collecting projects and films of Harry Smith in the 1960s and 1970s; the video-performance piece of 1974, titled String Games: Improvisations for Inter-City Video, by the interdisciplinary artist Vera Frenkel; and the string figure exhibit at David Wilson’s Museum of Jurassic Technology in Culver City, California. Through a media-archeological lens, the history of string figure fascination takes shape as a repository of dreams about (digital) communication, which, it is additionally suggested in a final section, might yet allow for the expansion and enlargement of conceptions of both digitality and media.
Calais Again
Authors: Anas  , Nguyễn David Cường , Nunn Caitlin
Published: October 2022

Calais Again is a digital story recounting a young man, Anas’ experience of returning to France for the first time after migrating to the United Kingdom as a separated asylum-seeking child. Produced using biographical narrative and participatory arts-based research approaches, Calais Again was created as a rare self-authored contribution to Anas’ personal archive of migration documents, and as a resource for communicating the multiple and multi-layered journeys of asylum-seeking young people. In the context of COVID-19, the story additionally highlights how the pandemic is just one of many forces of ontological insecurity and constrained mobility in the lives of young forced migrants. While the project was commenced pre-pandemic, the editing and launch of the digital story took place remotely, presenting ethical, methodological and relational challenges, but also unanticipated affordances. In particular, the spectrum of options for differentiated presence enabled by online events – from anonymous observation to co-presentation – offers unique opportunities for navigating safeguarding and agency for youth researchers.
Rethinking Visual Arts–Based Methods of Knowledge Generation and Exchange in and beyond the Pandemic
Authors: Lomax Helen , Smith Kate , Percy-Smith Barry
Published: October 2022

This inaugural special issue of ‘Beyond the Text’ brings together a collection of visual arts (animation, creative and fine art, film, photographs, and zines) produced by children, young people, families, artists, and academics as part of co-created research during the 2020–2021 coronavirus pandemic. Our aim, in making these pieces available in this new publication format, is to illustrate the potential of visual arts as a form of co-creation and knowledge exchange which can transcend the challenges of researching ‘at a distance’, enable participants and co-researchers to share their stories, and support different ways of knowing for academic, policy, and public audiences. This is not to suggest that such methods offer transparent windows into participants’ worlds. As the reflections from the contributing authors consider, visual arts outputs leave room for audience interpretations, making them vulnerable to alternative readings, generating challenges and opportunities about how much it is possible to know about another and what is ethical to share. It is to these issues of ethics, representation, and voice that this special issue attends, reflecting on the possibilities of arts-based approaches for knowledge generation and exchange in and beyond the coronavirus pandemic.
‘. . . staff here are just dropped in the deep end’: The Impact of Roles on Communication and Supervisor Support in Youth Custody
Authors: Paterson-Young Claire
Published: October 2022

Staff experience in youth custody are often categorised by strains, which are affected by communication and support. This research explores the association between staff roles, within a Secure Training Centre in the England, and the levels of communication and support. It enhances our understanding of the challenges faced by staff members working with young people in custodial settings and how levels of communication and support are dictated by staff roles. Through questionnaires ( N = 74) and interviews ( N = 15) with staff, statistically significant relationship between staff role and levels of communication and support was identified. Through triangulation, this article illustrates the effectiveness of the job demands–resources model in understanding staff experiences with communication and supervisory support in youth custody. It has wide-ranging implications by providing sociologists with an effective model for understanding job satisfaction and stress and by providing policy-makers and organisations delivering custodial services an understanding of the communication and support required to reduce stress and turnover.
Effect of fabric structure on the performance of screen-printed ultra-high frequency radio frequency identification tag antenna for wireless radio frequency energy harvesting
Authors: Zheng Cong , Hu Jiyong , Jiang Jinhua
Published: October 2022

Textile materials are the ideal substrate of the antenna of eco-friendly wireless radio frequency (RF) energy harvesting technology for sustainable battery-free operation of wearable electronic devices, while few of the work published have been focused on the effect of textile properties on the energy harvesting performance. This work will clarify the effect of typical fabric surface structures on the energy harvesting performance of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) antenna. The antennas were screen-printed onto three different weave structures, and performance for the different fabric-based antennas were studied. The results showed that the antenna printed on plain fabric, which has the smallest porosity and lower surface roughness, was able to achieve a maximum transmission distance of 110 cm and output voltage of 3.003 mV at 69 cm. Consequently, in order to improve the energy harvesting performance of antenna, the smooth and compact fabric surface is more beneficial to highly efficient energy harvesting.
Panel stochastic frontier models with endogeneity
Authors: Karakaplan Mustafa U.
Published: October 2022

In this article, I introduce xtsfkk as a new command for fitting panel stochastic frontier models with endogeneity. The advantage of xtsfkk is that it can control for the endogenous variables in the frontier and the inefficiency term in a longitudinal setting. Hence, xtsfkk performs better than standard panel frontier estimators such as xtfrontier that overlook endogeneity by design. Moreover, xtsfkk uses Mata’s moptimize() functions for substantially faster execution and completion speeds. I also present a set of Monte Carlo simulations and examples demonstrating the performance and usage of xtsfkk.
Relocation, Climate Change and Finding a Place of Belonging for Rohingya Refugees
Authors: Shahpur Tengku , Wardani Abellia Anggi
Published: October 2022

An estimated 745,000 Rohingyas were forced to flee to Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, after a deadly crackdown in Rakhine state, Myanmar in August 2017. Responding to this crisis, the Bangladesh government launched the relocation of Rohingyas from the dense camps in Cox's Bazar to Bhasan Char island in the Bay of Bengal in December 2020. This article argues that the refugees’ perceptions of their idealized “home”—their place of belonging—composed of complex needs with security tied to environmental stability, have not adequately been considered in their relocation to Bhasan Char island. Further, the physical threats of climate change on the island combine with a denial of the spatial and cultural dimensions of home, creating the threat of Rohingyas becoming “recycled refugees.” The findings are based on qualitative case study research conducted with Rohingya refugees residing in Cox's Bazar and with those recently relocated to Bhasan Char.
Attention-based CNN-BiLSTM for SOH and RUL estimation of lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhu Zhenyu , Yang Qing , Liu Xin , Gao Dexin
Published: October 2022

The state of health (SOH) and remaining useful life (RUL) of lithium-ion batteries describe the current aging degree of the batteries from different perspectives, and accurate and efficient battery health estimation is essential for their safe use. To improve the effectiveness and accuracy of the batteries’ health assessment models, this paper proposes a new method for SOH and RUL estimation of lithium-ion batteries. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs), bi-directional long short-term memory (BiLSTM), and attention mechanism (AM) to build a hybrid network model for capacity estimation of lithium-ion batteries, and further calculate the SOH and RUL estimation results. By using Center for Advanced Life Cycle Engineering (CALCE) lithium-ion battery capacity degradation data, we extracted the battery health indicator (HI) and verified the reasonableness of HI selection by using Gray Relational Analysis (GRA) and compared it with other network models to calculate the prediction accuracy by various evaluation indexes. The experimental results show that the method has higher estimation accuracy while avoiding the construction of complex battery mechanism degradation models and is highly generalized.
Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Analysis on Targets and Mechanisms of Berberine in Atypical Antipsychotic-Induced Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Huang Zhuowei , Liu Xiaolan
Published: October 2022

Berberine (BBR), an isoquinoline alkaloid, possesses multiply pharmacological effects as a potential therapeutic drug for antipsychotic-induced metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, the underlying therapeutic mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we aim to investigate the possible mechanisms by identifying the key targets and biological pathways through network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis. A total of 23 overlapping targets in the intersection set among BBR, atypical antipsychotic drugs (AADs), and MetS were determined. PPI network analysis showed that 22 out of the 23 overlapping targets closely interacted with the others. The following pathway enrichment analysis and molecular docking indicated a central role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARG) as the key target of BBR against AAD-induced MetS by acting on the PPAR signaling pathway, lipid and atherosclerosis, and AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway. In addition, cytochrome P-450 2D6 (CYP2D6) could be considered as another target of BBR in ameliorating antipsychotic-induced metabolic side effects. Collectively, this study investigated the central targets and biological pathways of BBR against AAD-induced MetS from a systematic perspective, and thus brings novel insights into further understanding of the protective effects of BBR.
Detection of Mansonella ozzardi in peripheral blood in two malaria-endemic areas in Panama
Authors: Suarez José Antonio , Moreno Dianik , Pascale Juan Miguel , Romero Lorena , Sosa Nestor , Ruiz Fergie , DeAntonio Rodrigo , Cumbrera Alberto , Franco-Paredes Carlos , González José Anel
Published: October 2022

Introduction:

Studies conducted in 1984 demonstrated the presence of Mansonella ozzardi in the Darien and Colon provinces. Since then, there have not been further reports of this parasitic infection in Panama.

Methodology:

We conducted a cross-sectional assessment of peripheral blood samples of individuals across Panama over a 4-year period (2013–2016) as part of malaria surveillance activities.

Results:

We identified microfilaria in 96 cases. Most of these cases were found in East Panama (78%) followed by the Darien region (22%). Mansonella ozzardi was the filarial parasite identified by morphological features in all cases.

Conclusion:

After 36 years of epidemiological silence, we identified human cases of Mansonella ozzardi infection in Panama. This is, however, the first report of this filarial parasite’s presence in the Eastern region of Panama. There is a need for further surveillance efforts to elucidate the epidemiology associated with Mansonella infections in Panama.
Book readers in the digital age: Reading practices and media technologies
Authors: Schwabe Annika , Kosch Lukas , Boomgaarden Hajo G. , Stocker Günther
Published: October 2022

With the rising popularity of digital reading media, leisure reading is undergoing a transformation process. However, the reasons for readers to adopt e-book reading or to stick to traditional printed books are mainly unknown. Therefore, we explored demographic and motivational differences between print readers, digital readers, and readers using both reading media. We further studied their book-reading practices, like the amount of reading, the preferred genres, the different reading situations, and if there are dedicated reading media for specific genres or situations. Additionally, we explored if digital reading media have changed the reading process or just appeal to a certain type of reader. Therefore, we conducted a survey ( n  =  779) of adult book readers about their leisure reading behavior. The results show that print readers, digital readers, and readers using both media differ in age, gender, amount of reading, genre preference, and the situations in which they read. Furthermore, digital reading media especially foster reading on the move.
Access to Care Limits Lung Cancer Screening Eligibility in an Urban Safety Net Hospital
Authors: Dollar Krista R. , Neutel Bradley S. , Hsia David W.
Published: October 2022

Purpose:

Lung cancer screening (LCS) results in earlier detection of malignancy and decreases mortality but requires access to care to benefit. We assessed factors associated with timing of lung cancer diagnosis in the absence of systematic LCS in an urban safety net hospital.

Patients and Methods:

Retrospective chart review was performed of patients with pathologic diagnosis and/or staging of lung cancer at our institution between 2015 and 2018. Patient socio-demographics, disease characteristics, factors associated with access to medical care, and time point and process by which the patient accessed care were collected and analyzed.

Results:

In total, 223 patients were identified with median age of 63 years and 57.8% male predominance. Racial distribution was 22.9%, 20.2%, 17.1%, and 9.4% for Black, White, Asian, and Hispanic, respectively. Stage at diagnosis was 8.1%, 4.5%, 17.0%, and 60.5% for stages I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Medicaid (59.6%) and Medicare/Medicaid (17.1%) were the most common insurance types, while 16.1% had no insurance. A majority (54.3%) had no established primary care provider (PCP), and only 17.9% had an in-network PCP. Patients without PCPs were more likely to have diagnostic evaluation initiated from Emergency Department or Urgent Care settings (95.0% vs 50.1%, P < .01) and present with later stage disease (92.7% vs 77.8%, P < .01). Of the 83 patients that met age and smoking history LCS criteria, only 33.7% (12.6% of total) also had an in-network PCP.

Conclusion:

Absence of established PCPs is associated with later stage presentation of lung cancer and may limit system- level benefits of LCS implementation.
Assessment of satisfaction with delivery care among mothers in selected health care facilities in Ekiti state, Nigeria
Authors: Esan Deborah Tolulope , Sokan-Adeaga Adewale Allen , Rasaq Nasirat Omolara
Published: October 2022

The study assessed the maternal satisfaction with delivery care in selected health care facilities in Ekiti state. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional study design and a simple random sampling technique was utilized to select respondents based on calculated sample size and a total of 267 respondents participated in the study. A semi-structured pretested questionnaire was used for the data collection. Data was analyzed and summarized using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (Chi-square) with significance set at p < 0.05. The mean respondents’ age was 28.2 ± 1.4 years with majority falling within the age group of 21–30 years. Majority of the respondents revealed to be satisfied with the following: proximity of the health facilities 194 (72.7%); cost of service 174 (65.2%); drug availability 184 (69.7%); cleanliness of the hospital ambience 219 (82.0%); and professional conduct of the care givers 186 (70.2%). However, the respondents expressed dissatisfaction in terms of the following: referral link 107 (40.1%); waiting time 122 (45.7%); communication gap 56 (21.0%); and maintenance of privacy 51 (19.1%). Overall, majority (94.8%) of the respondents were satisfied with the delivery services rendered at the facilities while 14 (5.2%) expressed dissatisfaction. Furthermore, a significant association exists between respondents’ level of education and maternal satisfaction on delivery care ( p < 0.05). Although the general maternal gratification/satisfaction on intrapartum and postpartum care in this study was overwhelmingly high, the few domains of discontentment identified need to be addressed by all the stakeholders in the health sector to enhance the usage of health care services amongst women, thus promoting the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.
Period and cohort effects: consequences on spirometric lung function in Norway during the 20th century
Authors: Cestelli Lucia , Johannessen Ane , Stavem Knut , Gulsvik Amund , Nielsen Rune
Published: October 2022

Background and aim

Several factors can influence measured lung function over time. The aim of this study was to investigate period and cohort effects on spirometric measures in a large general population sample in Norway during the 20th century, using Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI-2012) equations as a reference.

Methods

36 466 subjects (born 1894–1969) from four cross-sectional surveys conducted between 1965 and 1999 were included, with harmonised data on smoking habits, respiratory symptoms, lung diseases, education and spirometry. Changes in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) z-scores in healthy subjects across surveys were explored to investigate period effects. Linear mixed-effects models of FEV1and FVC z-scores on birth cohort, with survey as random effect, were used to investigate cohort effects, both in subjects of the total population and in healthy ones.

Results

Relatively higher FEV1and FVC z-scores in healthy subjects were found in the first survey (1965–1970) compared to the more recent ones (1988–1999), suggesting period effects. FEV1and FVC z-scores increased significantly with birth cohort from 1894 to 1935, after adjustment for covariates. A more stable trend of FEV1and FVC z-scores with birth cohort was evidenced for subjects born more recently (1945–1969).

Conclusions

An increase of lung function with year of birth was observed in Norwegian subjects during the first half of the 20th century. The impact of period effects on lung function decreased from 1965 to 1999.
AuNPs and 2D functional nanomaterial-assisted SPR development for the cancer detection: a critical review
Authors: Chen Chen , Wang Kaifei , Luo Lei
Published: October 2022

Cancer ranks as a leading cause of death and a huge obstacle to rising life expectancy. If cancers are spotted early there's a high chance of survival. The conventional methods relying on the phenotypic features of the tumor are not powerful to the early screening of cancer. Cancer biomarkers are capable of indicating specific cancer states. Current biochemical assay suffers from time and reagents consuming and discontinuous monitoring. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology, a refractive index-based optical biosensor, has significant promise in biomarker detection because of its outstanding features of label-free, sensitivity, and reliability. The nanomaterial features exotic physical and chemical property work on the process of transferring biorecognition event into SPR signal and hence is functioned as signal enhancer. In this review, we mainly discussed the mechanism of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and two-dimensional (2D) functional nanomaterial for improving the SPR signal. We also introduced AuNPs and 2D nanomaterial assisted SPR technology in determining cancer biomarker. Last but not least, we discussed the challenges and outlooks of the aforementioned reformative SPR technology for cancer biomarker determination in the clinical trial.
Global diversity and distribution of prophages are lineage-specific within the Ralstonia solanacearum species complex
Authors: Greenrod Samuel T. E. , Stoycheva Martina , Elphinstone John , Friman Ville-Petri
Published: October 2022

Background

Ralstonia solanacearum species complex (RSSC) strains are destructive plant pathogenic bacteria and the causative agents of bacterial wilt disease, infecting over 200 plant species worldwide. In addition to chromosomal genes, their virulence is mediated by mobile genetic elements including integrated DNA of bacteriophages, i.e., prophages, which may carry fitness-associated auxiliary genes or modulate host gene expression. Although experimental studies have characterised several prophages that shape RSSC virulence, the global diversity, distribution, and wider functional gene content of RSSC prophages are unknown. In this study, prophages were identified in a diverse collection of 192 RSSC draft genome assemblies originating from six continents.

Results

Prophages were identified bioinformatically and their diversity investigated using genetic distance measures, gene content, GC, and total length. Prophage distributions were characterised using metadata on RSSC strain geographic origin and lineage classification (phylotypes), and their functional gene content was assessed by identifying putative prophage-encoded auxiliary genes. In total, 313 intact prophages were identified, forming ten genetically distinct clusters. These included six prophage clusters with similarity to the Inoviridae, Myoviridae, and Siphoviridae phage families, and four uncharacterised clusters, possibly representing novel, previously undescribed phages. The prophages had broad geographical distributions, being present across multiple continents. However, they were generally host phylogenetic lineage-specific, and overall, prophage diversity was proportional to the genetic diversity of their hosts. The prophages contained many auxiliary genes involved in metabolism and virulence of both phage and bacteria.

Conclusions

Our results show that while RSSC prophages are highly diverse globally, they make lineage-specific contributions to the RSSC accessory genome, which could have resulted from shared coevolutionary history.
Glycosylated haemoglobin and prognosis in 10,536 people with cancer and pre-existing diabetes: a meta-analysis with dose-response analysis
Authors: Ling Suping , Sweeting Michael , Zaccardi Francesco , Adlam David , Kadam Umesh T.
Published: October 2022

Aims

To assess whether glycaemic control is associated with prognosis in people with cancer and pre-existing diabetes.

Methods

In this pre-registered systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42020223956), PubMed and Web of Science were searched on 25th Nov 2021 for studies investigating associations between glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and prognosis in people with diabetes and cancer. Summary relative risks (RRs) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) for associations between poorly controlled HbA1c or per 1-unit HbA1c increment and cancer outcomes were estimated using a random-effects meta-analysis. We also investigated the impact of potential small-study effects using the trim-and-fill method and potential sources of heterogeneity using subgroup analyses.

Results

Fifteen eligible observational studies, reporting data on 10,536 patients with cancer and pre-existing diabetes, were included. Random-effects meta-analyses indicated that HbA1c ≥ 7% (53 mmol/mol) was associated with increased risks of: all-cause mortality (14 studies; RR: 1.14 [95% CI: 1.03–1.27]; p-value: 0.012), cancer-specific mortality (5; 1.68 [1.13–2.49]; p-value: 0.011) and cancer recurrence (8; 1.68 [1.18–2.38; p-value: 0.004]), with moderate to high heterogeneity. Dose-response meta-analyses indicated that 1-unit increment of HbA1c (%) was associated with increased risks of all-cause mortality (13 studies; 1.04 [1.01–1.08]; p-value: 0.016) and cancer-specific mortality (4; 1.11 [1.04–1.20]; p-value: 0.003). All RRs were attenuated in trim-and-fill analyses.

Conclusions

Our findings suggested that glycaemic control might be a modifiable risk factor for mortality and cancer recurrence in people with cancer and pre-existing diabetes. High-quality studies with a larger sample size are warranted to confirm these findings due to heterogeneity and potential small-study effects. In the interim, it makes clinical sense to recommend continued optimal glycaemic control.
Anthropometrics of Polish children with osteogenesis imperfecta: a single-centre retrospective cohort study
Authors: Jakubowska-Pietkiewicz E. , Maćkowska A. , Nowicki J. , Woźniak E. , Jakub Nowicki
Published: October 2022

Background

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) causes a number of abnormalities in somatic development. The predominant symptoms are reduced bone mass and an increased risk of fractures as well as bone deformities and short stature. Due to the lack of causal treatment options, bisphosphonates are considered the gold standard of therapy. The aim of our study is to present selected anthropometric parameters (body weight, height, BMI) in children with type I and III of OI.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of medical records of patients with osteogenesis imperfecta type I and III confirmed by genetic testing. The study group included individuals admitted to the Department in 2020. We analysed the anthropometric parameters of 108 children (receiving and not receiving bisphosphonates treatment).

Results

In the group of children with OI type I admitted for follow-up (group 1), the median weight percentile was 37, while in the group 2 it was 17. In the patients with OI type III (group 3), the median weight percentile was 0.1. The median height percentile in group 1 was 21, in group 2 it was 5, whereas in group 3 = 0.1. The differences in anthropometric measurements of the patients with OI type I and OI type III were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Among the analysed patients, an abnormal BMI was found in 41.67% of whom 37.78% were underweight, 48.89% were overweight and 13.33% were obese.

Conclusion

Considering prevalence of the disease, it is not only low stature but also abnormal BMI, and especially excessive body weight, that play an important role in the somatic development disorder.
UTI assessment tool for intermittent catheter users: a way to include user perspectives and enhance quality of UTI management
Authors: Lauridsen S. V. , Averbeck M. A. , Krassioukov A. , Vaabengaard R. , Athanasiadou S.
Published: October 2022

Background

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are among the most severe complications for users of intermittent catheterisation (IC), with numerous risk factors contributing to their occurrence. The aim of this study was to develop a tool to assess UTI risk factors among IC users in a systematic way that considers the perspective of the individual user.

Methods

The Design Thinking Process was used to guide the development of the content and format of the tool. The UTI Risk Factors model by Kennelly et al. was used as a basis for developing the content. Insights on the appropriate content and format were collected via the Coloplast Nurse Advisory Boards and by conducting a qualitative evidence synthesis on user perspectives and practices in relation to UTIs.

Results

The literature search identified a total of 3544 articles, out of which 22 met the inclusion criteria. Additionally, three rounds of meetings were conducted with approximately 90 nurses from the Nurse Advisory Boards across Europe. The qualitative evidence synthesis showed that users describe their UTI symptoms in different terms and that personal needs and priorities impact their adherence and catheter selection. Furthermore, some users lack relevant and updated knowledge about IC and UTIs.

The nurses described that correct UTI diagnosis is essential. They pointed that they would assess the user’s general condition, adherence, technique, and catheter type as potential areas of risk factors and emphasised the importance of adequate support for users.

The study resulted in the development of the UTI assessment tool for intermittent catheter users, which comprises three elements: a guide for healthcare professionals, a dialogue board, and a notepad. The tool starts with a confirmation of the UTI incidence, and then assesses risk factors via questions on health, adherence, technique, and catheter, and concludes with a support section.

Conclusions

The UTI assessment tool for intermittent catheter users is designed to help healthcare professionals assess UTI risk factors in a systematic way, while engaging users and taking their perspective into account. By identifying the relevant risk factors, the use of this tool has the potential to reduce the occurrence of UTIs for the individual IC user.
Comparing outcomes of single-port insufflation endoscopic breast-conserving surgery and conventional open approach for breast cancer
Authors: Xie Fang , Wang Zi-Han , Wu Shan-Shan , Gang Tian-Ran , Gao Guo-Xuan , Qu Xiang , Zhang Zhong-Tao
Published: October 2022

Background

In the surgical treatment of breast cancer, the goal of surgeons is to continually create and improve minimally invasive surgical techniques to increase patients’ quality of life. Currently, routine breast-conserving surgery is often performed using two obvious incisions. Here, we compare the clinical efficacy and aesthetic outcomes of a novel technique using one incision, called ‘single-port insufflation endoscopic breast-conserving surgery’ (SIE-BCS), vs. conventional breast-conserving surgery (C-BCS) in patients with early-stage breast cancer.

Methods

A total of 180 patients with stage I or stage II breast cancer participated in this study, of whom 63 underwent SIE-BCS and 117 underwent C-BCS. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the risk of local recurrence and metastasis. Aesthetic outcomes were evaluated using the BREAST-Q scale.

Results

The mean operation time was significantly longer for SIE-BCS (194.9 ± 71.5 min) than for C-BCS (140.3 ± 56.9 min), but the mean incision length was significantly shorter for SIE-BCS than for C-BCS (3.4 ± 1.2 cm vs. 8.6 ± 2.3 cm). While both surgeries yielded similar BREAST-Q ratings for satisfaction with breasts and sexual well-being, SIE-BCS was associated with significantly better ratings for physical well-being (chest area) and psychological well-being. Additionally, SIE-BCS was associated with decreased rates of adverse effects of radiation. The preliminary analysis showed that SIE-BCS did not increase the risk of local recurrence or metastasis.

Conclusion

The novel single-port insufflation endoscopic assisted BCS technique is feasible, safe, and improves patients’ postoperative comfort and psychological well-being, as compared to the conventional technique.
Pregnancy and thrombosis risk for women without a history of thrombotic events: a retrospective study of the real risks
Authors: Grouzi Elisavet , Pouliakis Abraham , Aktypi Αnthi , Christoforidou Anna , Kotsi Paraskevi , Αnagnostou Georgios , Foifa Aikaterini , Papadakis Emmanouil
Published: October 2022

Background

During pregnancy and puerperium women are at high VTE risk. Current guidelines recommend dynamic VTE-risk assessment during pregnancy. Based on related RCOG-guidelines we constructed a digital VTE-risk assessment tool: PATrisks (www.PATrisks.com). Using this tool, we retrospectively evaluated the thrombotic risk in 742 women from our previous work, women who received thromboprophylaxis based on clinical experience for A) pregnancy complications, B) IVF treatment and C) prothrombotic tendency, in order to investigate whether that practice was justified according to the PATrisks scoring system for VTE prevention.

Methods

Women with pregnancy complications [Group-A: 445], women who had undergone IVF [Group-B:132] and women with a prothrombotic tendency (thrombophilia, family history of VTE, other) [Group-C:165] were assessed using the PATrisks scoring system for thrombotic risk. The women were assigned into one of the following risk categories: low (score ≤ 2), intermediate (score = 3) and high (score ≥ 4). Further analysis per risk factor type (pre-existing or obstetric) and for various combinations of them, was also performed. We evaluated thrombotic risk early in pregnancy, and in the peripartum period.

Results

The mean risk score antepartum was higher for women in Group B (3.3 in comparison with 1.9 and 2.0 in Group A and Group C respectively). Moreover, the risk score increased significantly postpartum for all Groups. The chi-square test also proved that there was a higher percentage of women at high or intermediate risk in group B compared to C before birth (55.3% vs.26.1% respectively, p < 0.0001, OR: 3.5, 95% CI: 2.2 – 5.7) and similarly after birth (85.6% vs. 56.4%, OR: 4.6, 95%CI: 2.6–8.2, p < 0.0001). In total 12 (1.6%) out of 742 women experienced thrombotic events, whether pre- or post-partum.

Conclusions

LMWHs are widely prescribed during pregnancy for a number of indications, even when a proven scientific basis for such a practice is lacking. However, a considerable percentage of women were already at VTE-risk according to PATrisks and might have derived an additional benefit from LMWH in the form of VTE prevention. The rational use of these drugs should be optimized by establishing and implementing routine risk assessment for all pregnant women and by providing the necessary education to healthcare professionals.
Sex differences in inflammation in the hippocampus and amygdala across the lifespan in rats: associations with cognitive bias
Authors: Hodges Travis E. , Lieblich Stephanie E. , Rechlin Rebecca K. , Galea Liisa A. M.
Published: October 2022

Background

Cognitive symptoms of major depressive disorder, such as negative cognitive bias, are more prevalent in women than in men. Cognitive bias involves pattern separation which requires hippocampal neurogenesis and is modulated by inflammation in the brain. Previously, we found sex differences in the activation of the amygdala and the hippocampus in response to negative cognitive bias in rats that varied with age. Given the association of cognitive bias to neurogenesis and inflammation, we examined associations between cognitive bias, neurogenesis in the hippocampus, and cytokine and chemokine levels in the ventral hippocampus (HPC) and basolateral amygdala (BLA) of male and female rats across the lifespan.

Results

After cognitive bias testing, males had more IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10 in the ventral HPC than females in adolescence. In young adulthood, females had more IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 in the BLA than males. Middle-aged rats had more IL-13, TNF-α, and CXCL1 in both regions than younger groups. Adolescent male rats had higher hippocampal neurogenesis than adolescent females after cognitive bias testing and young rats that underwent cognitive bias testing had higher levels of hippocampal neurogenesis than controls. Neurogenesis in the dorsal hippocampus was negatively associated with negative cognitive bias in young adult males.

Conclusions

Overall, the association between negative cognitive bias, hippocampal neurogenesis, and inflammation in the brain differs by age and sex. Hippocampal neurogenesis and inflammation may play greater role in the cognitive bias of young males compared to a greater role of BLA inflammation in adult females. These findings lay the groundwork for the discovery of sex-specific novel therapeutics that target region-specific inflammation in the brain and hippocampal neurogenesis.