bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender disparity in the effects of COVID‐19 on academic productivity and career satisfaction in anesthesiology in the US: Results of a national survey of anesthesiologists
Authors: Jankowska Anna E. , Pai Sher‐Lu , Lee Jennifer K. , Austin Thomas M. , Nyshadham Soumya , Diachun Carol Ann B. , Byerly Stephanie I. , Hertzberg Linda B. , Berenstain Laura K.
Published: June 2023

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic created unprecedented challenges for anesthesiologists both at work and home. This study examined whether the pandemic affected academic productivity and career satisfaction among anesthesiologists practicing in the United States during the early stages of the pandemic and whether these effects differed by gender. A survey was emailed to 25,473 members of the American Society of Anesthesiologists to learn about their experiences during the beginning of the pandemic. The survey directed respondents to rate their change in academic productivity, clinical care hours, scholarly and leadership opportunities, income, childcare duties, and household responsibilities during the first 5 months of the pandemic (March 1–July 31, 2020). The primary variable was gender, academic productivity was the primary outcome, and data were analyzed by multivariable proportional odds logistic regression models and correlations. Female anesthesiologists reported lower academic productivity and career satisfaction relative to male anesthesiologists during the study period. Career satisfaction positively correlated with academic productivity. Compared to male anesthesiologists, female anesthesiologists also had more household responsibilities before and during the pandemic. Being a female parent reduced academic productivity relative to that reported by nonparents of either gender. In conclusion, the early months of the COVID‐19 pandemic had a greater adverse professional impact on female anesthesiologists than on their male counterparts. Efforts to support and retain female anesthesiologists, particularly those early in their careers and those with children, are essential for the specialty to maintain its workforce and promote gender equity in promotion and leadership.
The role of new inflammatory markers in determining disease activation and severity in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Öksüm Solak Eda , Baran Ketencioglu Burcu , Cinar Salih L. , Kartal Demet , Borlu Murat
Published: June 2023

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease. Recently published studies have suggested the use of markers of inflammation to monitor HS patients. These studies discuss the platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), pan‐immune‐inflammation value (PIV), and systemic immune‐inflammation index (SIII), which are also used in other inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to compare the blood parameters, including NLR, PLR, SIII, and PIV, in HS patients and healthy individuals, and determine their correlation with disease severity. The study included 81 HS patients and 61 healthy volunteers. The patients' medical records and laboratory values of the control group were reviewed retrospectively. HS severity was assessed using Hurley staging. NLR, PLR, SIII, and PIV values were calculated based on complete blood counts. NLR, SIII, and PIV values were significantly higher in HS patients compared to the healthy control group and were positively associated with disease severity. There was no significant difference observed in PLR values concerning disease severity. This study suggests that NLR, SIII, and PIV values can be utilized as simple and cost‐effective tests to monitor disease activity and severity in HS patients. However, larger and more comprehensive studies are needed to establish diagnostic cutoff values, and further evaluation of sensitivity and specificity is required.
Exploring the luminescence of tin‐incorporated nickel‐sensitized lithium gallate short‐wave‐infrared phosphors
Authors: Kosgei Gilbert K. , Fernando P. U. Ashvin Iresh , Forrester Jennifer S. , Alberts Erik M. , Fernando Brianna M. , Henderson David L. , Weiss Charles A.
Published: June 2023

A series of Ni2+‐sensitized LiGa5O8 nanocrystals doped with varying amounts of Sn4+ were synthesized via a high‐temperature solid‐state method. X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were employed to investigate the microstructure of the LiGa5O8 host, and optical spectroscopy was used to examine the effects of Sn4+ addition on the emission spectra and persistent luminescence (PersL) properties, which indicated a homogeneous distribution of the constituent elements in the phosphor. The Sn4+ incorporation led to an approximately sixfold enhancement of photoluminescence intensity at room temperature and decrease in the energy transition of Ni2+(3T2(3F)→3A2(3F)), which resulted in ∼65 nm bathochromic shift in the photoluminescence emission maxima. However, the addition of Sn4+ dopant led to a decrease in the quantum yield of luminescence compared to that of the original phosphor. Temperature‐dependent thermoluminescence measurements revealed that doping of LiGa5O8 with Sn4+ interfered with the Ni2+ trap centers. Moreover, Ni2+‐sensitized Sn4+‐doped LiGa5O8 nanocrystals exhibited an afterglow effect that persisted for up to 300 s.
EGR2 gene‐linked hereditary neuropathies present with a bimodal age distribution at symptoms onset
Authors: Echaniz‐Laguna Andoni , Cauquil Cécile , Chanson Jean‐Baptiste , Tard Céline , Guyant‐Marechal Lucie , Kuntzer Thierry , Ion Ioana Maria , Lia Anne‐Sophie , Bouligand Jérôme , Poinsignon Vianney
Published: June 2023

Background

Mutations in the Early‐Growth Response 2 (EGR2) gene cause various hereditary neuropathies, including demyelinating Charcot–Marie‐Tooth (CMT) disease type 1D (CMT1D), congenital hypomyelinating neuropathy type 1 (CHN1), Déjerine–Sottas syndrome (DSS), and axonal CMT (CMT2).

Methods

In this study, we identified 14 patients with heterozygous EGR2 mutations diagnosed between 2000 and 2022.

Results

Mean age was 44 years (15–70), 10 patients were female (71%), and mean disease duration was 28 years (1–56). Disease onset was before age 15 years in nine cases (64%), after age 35 years in four cases (28%), and one patient aged 26 years was asymptomatic (7%). All symptomatic patients had pes cavus and distal lower limbs weakness (100%). Distal lower limbs sensory symptoms were observed in 86% of cases, hand atrophy in 71%, and scoliosis in 21%. Nerve conduction studies showed a predominantly demyelinating sensorimotor neuropathy in all cases (100%), and five patients needed walking assistance after a mean disease duration of 50 years (47–56) (36%). Three patients were misdiagnosed as inflammatory neuropathy and treated with immunosuppressive drugs for years before diagnosis was corrected. Two patients presented with an additional neurologic disorder, including Steinert's myotonic dystrophy and spinocerebellar ataxia (14%). Eight EGR2 gene mutations were found, including four previously undescribed.

Interpretation.

Our findings demonstrate EGR2 gene‐related hereditary neuropathies are rare and slowly progressive demyelinating neuropathies with two major clinical presentations, including a childhood‐onset variant and an adult‐onset variant which may mimic inflammatory neuropathy. Our study also expands the genotypic spectrum of EGR2 gene mutations.
Bread staling prediction with a multiobjective particle swarm optimization‐based bread constitutive modeling method
Authors: Zhang Yusheng , Yu Hui , Zhang Haiyu , Tang Xiuying
Published: June 2023

Aiming at the complex and cumbersome problems of current bread staling detection technology, a food constitutive modeling method based on the multiobjective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) was proposed, which can quickly and efficiently identify the creep test parameters for bread, and predict the viscoelastic parameters of bread staling using the analyzed viscoelastic parameters, resulting in convenient and efficient detection of bread staling. Firstly, airflow‐laser detection technology was used to carry out rapid, efficient, and non‐destructive bread rheological tests to obtain bread creep test data. The MOPSO based on the Pareto set was then used to identify the generalized Kelvin model, and the discrimination accuracy was evaluated by using the inversion results established by the viscoelastic parameters, which resulted in efficient discrimination of creep test data of starch‐based products represented by bread. Finally, using extreme learning machine regression (ELM), a prediction model between the analysis results and the moisture content of bread staling was established, and the prediction effect of the analysis results on bread staling was verified. The experimental results show that, when compared to finite element analysis (FEA) and non‐linear regression (NLR) to identify creep parameters, the MOPSO overcomes the shortcomings of easy falling into the local optimal solution, is easy to implement, has strong global search ability, and is suitable for the analysis of high‐dimensional viscoelastic models of complex foods. The correlation coefficient (R) of the prediction set established by the 12‐membered viscoelastic parameters in the prediction model established by multi‐element viscoelastic parameters and bread moisture content was 0.847, and the root mean square error (RMSE) was 0.021. This demonstrated that, when combined with MOPSO, airflow‐laser detection technology could effectively identify the viscoelastic parameters of bread and establish a method suitable for monitoring bread staling in industrial production. The results of this study provide a reference for the identification of viscoelastic parameters of complex foods and to detect bread staling quickly and efficiently.
How woody plants adjust above‐ and below‐ground traits in response to sustained drought
Authors: Rowland Lucy , Ramírez‐Valiente Jose‐Alberto , Hartley Iain P. , Mencuccini Maurizio
Published: June 2023

Future increases in drought severity and frequency are predicted to have substantial impacts on plant function and survival. However, there is considerable uncertainty concerning what drought adjustment is and whether plants can adjust to sustained drought. This review focuses on woody plants and synthesises the evidence for drought adjustment in a selection of key above‐ground and below‐ground plant traits. We assess whether evaluating the drought adjustment of single traits, or selections of traits that operate on the same plant functional axis (e.g. photosynthetic traits) is sufficient, or whether a multi‐trait approach, integrating across multiple axes, is required. We conclude that studies on drought adjustments in woody plants might overestimate the capacity for adjustment to drier environments if spatial studies along gradients are used, without complementary experimental approaches. We provide evidence that drought adjustment is common in above‐ground and below‐ground traits; however, whether this is adaptive and sufficient to respond to future droughts remains uncertain for most species. To address this uncertainty, we must move towards studying trait integration within and across multiple axes of plant function (e.g. above‐ground and below‐ground) to gain a holistic view of drought adjustments at the whole‐plant scale and how these influence plant survival.
The root of the problem: diverse vulnerability to xylem cavitation found within the root system of wheat plants
Authors: Harrison Day Beatrice L. , Johnson Kate M. , Tonet Vanessa , Bourbia Ibrahim , Blackman Chris , Brodribb Timothy J.
Published: June 2023

The propagation of xylem embolism throughout the root systems of drought‐affected plants remains largely unknown, despite this process being comparatively well characterized in aboveground tissues.

We used optical and X‐ray imaging to capture xylem embolism propagation across the intact root systems of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L. ‘Krichauff’) plants subjected to drying. Patterns in vulnerability to xylem cavitation were examined to investigate whether vulnerability may vary based on root size and placement across the entire root system.

Individual plants exhibited similar mean whole root system vulnerabilities to xylem cavitation but showed enormous 6 MPa variation within their component roots (c. 50 roots per plant). Xylem cavitation typically initiated in the smallest, peripheral parts of the root system and moved inwards and upwards towards the root collar last, although this trend was highly variable.

This pattern of xylem embolism spread likely results in the sacrifice of replaceable small roots while preserving function in larger, more costly central roots. A distinct pattern of embolism‐spread belowground has implications for how we understand the impact of drought in the root system as a critical interface between plant and soil.
Sugar loading of crop seeds – a partnership of phloem, plasmodesmal and membrane transport
Authors: Pegler Joseph L. , Grof Christopher P. , Patrick John W.
Published: June 2023

Sugar loading of developing seeds comprises a cohort of transport events that contribute to reproductive success and seed yield. Understanding these events is most advanced for grain crops (Brassicaceae, Fabaceae and Gramineae) and Arabidopsis. For these species, 75–80% of their final seed biomass is derived from phloem‐imported sucrose. Sugar loading consecutively traverses three genomically distinct, and symplasmically isolated, seed domains: maternal pericarp/seed coat, filial endosperm and filial embryo. Sink status of each domain co‐ordinately transitions from growth to storage. The latter is dominated by embryos (Brassicaceae and Fabaceae) or endosperms (Gramineae). Intradomain sugar transport occurs symplasmically through plasmodesmata. Interdomain sugar transport relies on plasma‐membrane transporters operating in efflux (maternal and endosperm) or influx (endosperm and embryo) modes. Discussed is substantial progress made in identifying, and functionally evaluating, sugar symporters (STPs, SUTs or SUCs) and uniporters (SWEETs). These findings have underpinned a mechanistic understanding of seed loading. Less well researched are possible physical limitations imposed by hydraulic conductivities of differentiating protophloem and of subsequent plasmodesmal transport. The latter is coupled with sugar homeostasis within each domain mediated by sugar transporters. A similar conclusion is ascribed to fragmentary understanding of regulatory mechanisms integrating transport events with seed growth and storage.
Comparison of treatment effects during en‐masse retraction of upper anterior teeth placed using mini‐implants placed at infrazygomatic crest and interradicular sites: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sreenivasagan Swapna , Subramanian Aravind Kumar , Chae Jong Moon
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The objective of this prospective study was to examine the efficacy of posterior interradicular and infrazygomatic crest mini‐implants for en‐masse anterior retraction.

Methods

The 22 patients were divided into two groups. In group 1 (IZC n = 11), mini‐implants were placed in the infrazygomatic crests and in group 2 (IR, n = 11), mini‐implants were placed in the molar‐premolar interradicular sites. Soft tissue, skeletal, and dental treatment effects between two groups were compared using lateral cephalometric measurements.

Results

The average angle between the cranial base and A point was 1.01 degrees (P = .004), and the linear distance between the upper incisor and A point was 2.67 to 5.2 millimetres (P = .00). In IZC group the maxillary incisor to the palatal plane moved upward by a mean of −5.20 mm (P = .059), whereas in IR group the incisor movement changed by −2.67 mm (P = .068). There was no significant difference between groups IZC and IR while comparing overall treatment changes on upper incisor position change, angle, and overjet.

Conclusions

Mini‐implants placed in between the molar and premolar as well as the infrazygomatic crest can withstand the deepening of the bite during retraction. Mini‐implants in IZC are capable of causing intrusion of the anterior teeth and preventing intrusion of the molars, thereby providing absolute anchoring in all planes. Placement of the mini‐implants in the infrazygomatic crest resulted in more linear retraction.
Did COVID‐19 really change our well‐being? It's up to meaning in life: Evidence from two longitudinal studies
Authors: Ku Xyle , Lee Sung‐Ha , Choi Incheol
Published: June 2023

Since the outbreak of COVID‐19, copious studies have explored whether and how COVID‐19 has changed individuals' well‐being. However, research has revealed mixed and inconsistent findings on this topic, with some suggesting that the pandemic hampered well‐being, and others showing non‐significant or even opposite patterns. Yet, little is known about what psychological factors could explain such discrepancies. The present study aims to fill this gap by proposing meaning in life (MIL) as a key moderator of the changes in well‐being following the pandemic. Two studies reported here (total N = 19,828), which took within‐person longitudinal approaches comparing subjective well‐being (SWB; hedonic well‐being) and psychological well‐being (PWB; eudaimonic well‐being) before and during COVID‐19 (Study 1: 2018, 2019 vs. 2020, 2021; Study 2: 2019 vs. 2021), provided empirical evidence supporting our theoretical claims. Specifically, we found significant moderative effects of MIL in both studies, such that individuals who held a higher MIL amidst COVID‐19 experienced an increase in SWB as well as PWB. In stark contrast, the two indicators of well‐being declined over time among those who possessed a lower MIL during the pandemic. Overall, our results suggest that MIL serves as one of the significant moderators of the changes in well‐being following COVID‐19, which may address the previous conflicting findings in this field.
Effect of fibre characteristics on physical, mechanical and microstructural properties of geopolymer concrete: A comparative experimental investigation
Authors: Kantarci Fatih
Published: June 2023

The main aim of this work is to comparatively reveal the effect of fibre type, length and content on compressive strength and microstructure of structural geopolymer concrete (GPC) produced under constant mixture and curing parameters in order to address the significant gap in present literature. Firstly, GPCs with different NaOH concentrations (i.e., 6, 9, 12 and 15 M) and activator solution/binder (a/b) ratios (i.e., 0.45 and 0.55) were produced in ambient curing condition, and optimum production parameters were determined based on the preliminary evaluations. Then, glass and polypropylene fibres in 6‐mm length (GS6 and PP6) and polyamide and polypropylene fibres in 12‐mm length (PY12 and PP12) were included in GPCs at ratio of 0.4%, 0.8% and 1.2% (by volume). Compressive strength, apparent porosity, bulk density, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis of GPC samples were carried out comparatively. The inclusion of GS6 fibre enhanced the compressive strength thanks to fibre surface being covered by geopolymer gel and the strong adhesion between GS fibre and geopolymer matrix. SEM images of fibre reinforced GPC (FRGPC) also confirmed the experimental findings, which were attributed to improvement in compressive strength. Regardless of the fibre type, the maximum compressive value strength was obtained from GPC specimens with 0.4% fibre and then decreased. Higher fibre inclusions led to poor compaction, workability issues and inhomogeneous fibre dispersions. A very good relation (R2 = 0.98) was acquired between UPV and compressive strength values of GPC/FRGPC samples.
Influence of soil properties and land use on organic carbon storage in agricultural soils near hedges
Authors: Lesaint Lucas , Viaud Valérie , Menasseri‐Aubry Safya
Published: June 2023

In this context of climate change, agroforestry systems are acknowledged to have a good potential to increase carbon storage in agricultural areas. However, the carbon storage potential of agroforestry systems still needs to be quantified accurately, especially for hedges. The objectives of this study were to (1) add references to the existing literature on the potential for soil organic carbon (SOC) storage near hedges and (2) identify the main factors that influence the variability in this potential. To this end, we sampled soil in the adjacent fields of 25 hedges in France with mixed crop‐livestock agriculture, with sampling on both sides for 20 hedges and sampling on only one side for five hedges, giving a total of 45 study sites. We measured SOC stocks to a depth of 90 cm at distances of 1, 2, 3 and 10 m from the hedge. The results showed that hedges have a strong potential to store carbon in soils, with a mean increase of 15% in SOC stock within 3 m of the hedge. This increase in SOC stock had high variability because of site characteristics. Additional SOC stocks were the largest in rotations of annual crops and grasslands with a permanent grass strip 1 m wide near the hedge, followed by rotations of annual crops, permanent grasslands and rotations of annual crops and grasslands. Large additional SOC stocks because of the hedge were also associated with soils that had a high C:N ratio. The contribution of this type of land management to soil carbon storage thus depends on the local context in which it is implemented.
A Critical Review of Construction Using 3D Printing Technology
Authors: Hunbus Ahmed , AlMangour Bandar
Published: June 2023

The limitations of traditional construction methods can be addressed by 3D printing, a technology that prints structural buildings in layers, which reduces labor, construction time, wastage of material, and the overall cost of the structure. This paper presents a literature review of the state-of-the-art of construction using 3D printing technology. We present a definition and a brief history of 3D printing in construction and discuss research contributions. Subsequently, we describe methods of pre-printing design, 3D design programs for construction, and on-site printing methods. Furthermore, the nature of the materials used, the printing properties, and the different construction mixtures are discussed. Additionally, the effects of commonly used chemical admixtures on the properties of the concrete mix are reviewed. Moreover, mixture tests for ensuring the requirements are met and the challenges faced in the standards and regulations during printing are discussed. Subsequently, we consider successful real-world cases from various companies and controlled laboratory environments using 3D printing based on the printing method, materials used, and challenges faced by each company. Lastly, we present future recommendations to improve the capability and printing quality of 3D printing technology.
ITINERARY PREDICTIVE ANALYTICS: AI BASED SOFTWARE AS A MEDICAL DEVICE TO PREDICT PATIENTS’ FIRST VISIT ITINERARY FOR HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION
Authors: Damani Shivam , Gopalakrishnan Keerthy , Aedma Keirthana , Muddaloor Pratyusha , Chandrasekhara Vinay , Ryu Alexander J. , Aakre Christopher A. , Arunachalam Shivaram P.
Published: June 2023

Majority of hospitals still utilize manual methods for patient scheduling and predicting future appointments, resulting in longer wait times, hospital burnout and inadequate use of resources. A variety of avenues have been explored, including priority patient routing, tele-health, neural networks for improving ER efficiency, predicting no-shows, consultation duration variations, and optimizing operating room utilization. Addressing this issue, a study was conducted using 700 pre-visit notes of pancreatic patients to determine the requirement of endoscopic or biliary procedure. Through natural language processing and traditional or transfer learning algorithms, data could directly be sent to EPIC for nurses to assess in further decision making. Performance of the models was above average with the transfer learning method outperforming the traditional method. Although limited by less dataset and fewer circumstances to test the models on, the results exposed potential for future development with the possibility of patients reporting their chief concerns, in turn analyzed by algorithms, ultimately creating a smooth and effective patient itinerary.
DESIGN OF A HYBRID-INERTIAL DEVICE FOR THE SEPARATION OF CIRCULATING TUMOR CELLS
Authors: Uddin Mohammed Raihan , Chen Xiaolin
Published: June 2023

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are shed from primary tumors, circulate in the bloodstream and are capable of initiating metastasis at distant anatomical sites. The detection and molecular characterization of CTCs are pivotal for early-stage cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Recently, microfluidic technology has achieved significant progress in the separation of cells from complex and heterogeneous mixtures for many biomedical applications. Conventional microfluidic platforms exploit the difference in size between the particles to achieve separation, which makes them ineffective for sorting overlapping-sized CTCs. To address this issue, we propose a method using a spiral channel for label-free, and high throughput separation of CTCs coupling Dielectrophoresis (DEP) with inertial microfluidics. A numerical model has been developed to investigate the separation effectiveness of the device over a range of electrical voltage and flow rates. The presented channel is shown to effectively isolate similar-sized CTCs from the white blood cells (WBCs) in a single-stage separation process. Subsequently, optimum working parameters to enhance separation efficiency have been proposed. The hybrid microfluidic device can provide valuable insight into the development of a robust, inexpensive, and efficient platform for cell separation with reduced analysis time for future cancer research and treatment.
BLOOD PRESSURE PREDICTION FROM PHOTOPLETHYSMOGRAM SIGNAL USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Authors: Shinde Rutuja M. , Manga Manga , Muthavarapu Neha , Gopalakrishnan Keerthy , Aakre Christopher A. , Ryu Alexander J. , Arunachalam Shivaram P.
Published: June 2023

Blood pressure measurement in current medical practice relies on manual methods with the most widely used modality being sphygmomanometers. Utilizing the principle of Photoplethysmography, it is possible to provide an accurate reading of one’s blood pressure through light signals and photodetector devices. This research paper introduces a new Artificial Intelligence driven approach to predict Blood pressure levels and classify them according to the updated ACC (American College of Cardiology) criteria as Normal, Elevated, Stage I, and II Hypertension from the given PPG signal values using Machine Learning Models. This research paper aims to accurately read the Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure using Artificial Intelligence, place them into the correct value bins and further prove that the blood pressure values differ based on different skin tones in different light wavelengths such as red, infrared, and green. Machine Learning models such as the Support Vector Machine have shown an accuracy of 70.58% for Systolic Blood Pressure and Decision Tree with an accuracy of 74.4% for Diastolic Blood Pressure classification. The models used in this research are Support Vector Machine, Decision Tree and K-Nearest Neighbor. This research study has future applications and extensions to predict blood pressure levels for patients with different skin tones under different light radiations and PPG signal readings. Neural Network models will be developed to compare the blood predictions from this work.
CONVECTION ENHANCED THERMO-CHEMOTHERAPY CATHETER SYSTEM: PRE-510(K) CLEARANCE PROTOCOL DEVELOPMENT: FLUID PERFORMANCE TESTING
Authors: Morales Brianna E. , Rylander Chris G.
Published: June 2023

Our lab is developing a novel device, the convection-enhanced thermo-chemotherapy catheter system (CETCS), to improve drug dispersal around a glioblastoma. To help prepare the device for clinical trials, we were advised to first prepare and receive 510(k)-clearance. The 510(k)-clearance process includes proving the novel device is substantially equivalent to a previously cleared predicate device. For the CETCS device, we have identified the Cleveland Multiport Catheter (CMC) as our predicate device. In this work, we test infusion pump flow rate, high-pressure flow rate, and microneedle tip deflection; each with respect to infusion and aspiration. The CMC’s 510(k) summary sheet provided guidelines for the test protocols to follow. If the CMC’s 510(k) summary did not state a metric, we set the metric based on the CETCS device specifications. Replicating or exceeding the threshold passing criteria set by the CMC device or the CETCS specifications demonstrates that CETCS is substantially equivalent to the predicate device for those specific metrics.
BENCH TESTING OF A TUNABLE ANKLE-FOOT ORTHOSIS WITH ADJUSTABLE STIFFNESS AND NEUTRAL ANGLE
Authors: Jiang Tianshu , Durfee William
Published: June 2023

Cerebral palsy is the most common childhood motor disability that effects 0.3% of children in the US and two-thirds of them have gait impairment. An ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) is commonly prescribed as a gait assistance. The function of an AFO is maximized when its stiffness and neutral angle are optimally prescribed to address each user’s issue. However, the prescription process is not standardized and is subjective to the prescribing clinician. Only one-third of AFOs improved the user’s gait while another one-third negatively affected the gait. A tunable AFO is developed to allow clinicians to test a range of stiffness and neutral angle of a passive AFO, making the prescription more likely to have a positive effect. The design of tunable AFO has a weight of about a typical plastic AFO and a dimension designed for children. It covers 90% range of stiffness and neutral angle of prescribed AFOs. It can withstand the torque applied during walking. Mechanisms of adjusting both parameters operate fast and are controlled by a microprocessor. A benchtop prototype was built to test the adjustment mechanisms. Both mechanisms were validated.
EXPERIMENTAL VALIDATION OF A COMPUTATIONAL KNEE MODEL OF TKR IMPLANT PLACEMENT
Authors: Henry Aaron , Goodchild Gordon , Greenwald Jon , Meftah Morteza , Moreno Michael , Robbins Andrew
Published: June 2023

The goal of this work was to experimentally validate a computational model for TKRs to improve implant alignment accuracy and assess potential implant misalignment during preoperative planning. Initial validation of the model was achieved by comparing ligament strain energies between the computational model and a physical knee model comprised of bone and ligament analogues. Experimental validation would be considered met when the computational model strain energies were within 10% of the measured values for all six physical knees. Physical and computational knee models were created with six variations of implant alignment to test the robustness of the computational model. Strain energy errors were well within the 10% threshold across knee range of motion.
DESIGN THINKING TO PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT: CREATING AN IMPROVED HEALTHCARE POWERED AIR-PURIFYING RESPIRATOR
Authors: Beam Elizabeth , Marsh Evan , Wester Noah , Lowndes Bethany
Published: June 2023

An interprofessional team embarked on the design and prototyping of an improved powered air-purifying respirator for healthcare. They used 3D modeling to move their ideas from a list of key expectations to a virtual prototype. The design thinking concept of rapid prototyping and empathy interviewing ensured this design met the needs of the stakeholders who would use the product. Several significant changes in the design resulted from the rapid prototyping interviews. This process was enhanced by using a virtual reality software to allow the team to “see” the product and comment on the design integrating both VR headsets and videoconferencing for feedback and collaboration. The design project is now ready for physical prototyping and further human factors analysis.
BIOINFORMATX : BIOLOGICAL DATA AND EMR INTEGRATION FOR A PATIENT FACING HEART FAILURE APPLICATION
Authors: Reichert Ryan , Bhattaram Rohan , Basheer Yusairah
Published: June 2023

CHF exacerbations are the second leading cause of hospitalizations in the United States. The two most common causes of CHF exacerbations are medication and diet nonadherence. BioinformatX is a patient facing application whose aim is to improve heart failure management and decrease hospitalizations. Specifically, BioinformatX incorporates biological patient data from a wearable device directly into the EMR. With remote access to patients’ activity, HR, oxygen saturation, EKG, and fluid status, providers can detect and intervene on acute, decompensated CHF exacerbations before patients need to be hospitalized. Through this application, providers can schedule sooner primary care appointments or make medication adjustments. Additionally, the application uses patient-specific data to recommend tailored exercise and diet adjustments.
CAPAPP: SMARTPHONE-BASED CAPILLARY REFILL INDEX ASSESSMENT IN HEALTHY CHILDREN
Authors: Strutt Jonathan , Narayanswamy Girish , Park Chunjong , Sarda Devesh , Wu Sixuan , Thompson Matthew , Harvey Lauren , Hedstrom Rachel , Kodet Amy , Patel Shwetak , Mariakakis Alex
Published: June 2023

Capillary refill time is the time it takes for blanched skin tissue under pressure to return to its normal state when that pressure is released. The test is commonly performed on the fingertip by clinicians to assess for signs of septic, traumatic, or hypovolemic shock. Current methods of capillary refill time measurement are typically subjective, coarse-grained, and clinician dependent.

A more standardized and objective measurement of capillary refill time has been shown to improve the diagnosis of pediatric dehydration but has typically required specialized equipment. We have developed a digital version of the capillary refill test utilizing only a smartphone to increase access to capillary refill assessment. Our aim is to determine the accuracy and precision of this smartphone-based measure in a population of healthy pediatric subjects.
DESIGN OF BABY CUSHION FOR STROLLER USING FINITE ELEMENT SIMULATION
Authors: Jung Soonmoon , Kim Jaemin , Lee Youngho , Song Hyeyeong , Kang Yeeun , Hong Junghwa
Published: June 2023

Infants spend most of the day sleeping anywhere. In the past, most parents put their infants to sleep in the prone position, but recently they put their infants to sleep in the prone position because of an issue of sudden infant death syndrome. When infants sleep in a supine position for a long time, occipital bone deformation is occurred because of pressure at the occipital region. To prevent minimize the pressure on the infant’s head and body, through the finite element simulation using the infant model, a baby cushion for the stroller was designed using the central composite design (CCD) method. The maximum contact pressure between the designed cushion and the infant model was 22.8 mmHg and this value is about 50 % lower than the pressure that occurred between the infant model and the general cushion. It can be helpful to reduce the possibility of a baby’s head deformation and other body disorders.
PREVENTING THE PROGRESSION OF DIABETIC FOOT ULCERS: ADDRESSING PATIENT COMPLIANCE WITH LOW-COST, BEHAVIOR-MODIFYING WEARABLES
Authors: Rizk Carine , Reid Koby , Tran Khue , Bass Hannah
Published: June 2023

Over 34.2M Americans have diabetes and $237B is spent on direct costs of diabetes each year. Of this, $15B is spent on foot ulcer treatment alone as more than half of people with diabetes develop some type of neuropathy, the primary modifiable risk factor of ulcers in this population. Currently, patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) rely on early hotspot identification, padded soles, offloading boots, and diabetic shoes, with compliance being the major issue. Through expert interviews, there is a need for a better method to slow and prevent the progression of hot spots and other complications in patients with DPN. Our team is proposing DiaSense, a wearable device that replaces the lost sensation of pain with a safe and actionable stimulus that modifies gait to offload hotspots. The discrete design was guided by experiences from patients, podiatrists, and vascular surgeons to improve patient compliance, satisfaction, and recovery. Early user-feedback demonstrated useful validation that our device modifies walking behavior in healthy participants, and helps justify a larger study with patients who have diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
SURROGATE MODELS OF BLOOD FLOW DYNAMICS IN BRAIN ANEURYSMS USING DYNAMIC MODE DECOMPOSITION
Authors: Le Trung Bao , Nguyen Tam , Huynh Phat , Le Trung Quoc
Published: June 2023

The evolution of blood flow is vital in understanding the pathogenesis of brain aneurysms. Several past studies have shown evidence for a turbulent inflow jet at the aneurysm neck. Even though there is a great need for analyzing inflow jet dynamics in clinical practice, data summarized in non-invasive modalities such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging or Computed Tomography are usually limited in spatial and temporal resolutions, and thus cannot account for the hemodynamics. In this work, Dynamic Mode Decomposition (DMD) is used to pinpoint the dominant modes of the inflow jet in patient-specific models of internal sidewall aneurysms utilizing high-resolution data from Computational Fluid Dynamics. The purpose of this thesis is to prove that the dynamic modes are not only governed by the hemodynamics of the parent artery but by the inflow jet interaction with the distal wall. Our work indicates that DMD is an essential tool for analyzing blood flow patterns of brain aneurysms and is a promising tool to be used in in-vivo context.
NON-TRADITIONAL TRADEMARK AND DESIGN PATENT STRATEGIES FOR MEDICAL DEVICES
Authors: Baird Steve , Smock Greg , Weseman Draeke , Abdo Jake
Published: June 2023

This paper discusses non-traditional trademarks and design patents as essential Intellectual Property assets for medical device companies. The paper presents a strategy for layering the time-limited protection offered by design patents with the perpetual protection afforded to trademarks as an effective strategy for permanent exclusivity of non-functional aspects of medical device products.
A COMPARISON OF THE PRESSURE FAILURE OF TWO COLORECTAL ANASTAMOSES STAPLING TECHNIQUES
Authors: Fahmy Youssef , Trabia Mohamed , Ward Brian , Gallup Lucas , Elks Whitney
Published: June 2023

Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a serious complication that effects thousands of patients undergoing colorectal surgery annually. Stapling is generally used to perform anastomoses. Two common anastomosis techniques are the End to End (EE), and End to Side (ES). Currently there is no experimental approach to compare the effectiveness of these two techniques against AL. This work proposes an ex-vivo experimental setup of burst testing of anastomoses using porcine tissues. Twelve pigs were used with three specimens harvested from the colon of each of them: EE, ES, and a control specimen. Failure of the anastomoses were monitored, and the corresponding leakage pressures were recorded. Preliminary results indicated that ES led to higher strength than EE.
Microstructure evolution in the self-propagating reaction in Al/Ru bilayers by phase-field simulations and experiments
Authors: Dargahi Noubary Kaveh , Schäfer Christian , Pauly Christoph , Kellner Michael , Ott Vincent , Stüber Michael , Mücklich Frank , Nestler Britta
Published: June 2023

The self-propagating reaction in binary Al/Ru multilayers with two different bilayer thicknesses (89 and 178 nm, respectively) forming single-phase AlRu intermetallic compound is investigated experimentally and by means of phase-field simulations. Experimentally, the time-temperature evolution in free-standing films was recorded with a high-speed pyrometer, and the resulting microstructure was determined from electron backscatter diffraction measurements. The phase-field model is constructed based on the minimization of the grand potentials for which the required thermodynamic data are taken from the Calphad database. The simulation of the reaction and subsequent AlRu grain growth starts from Al-rich and Ru-rich layer fillings. After the formation of the AlRu phase is complete, the grain growth during cooling is simulated based on the experimentally recorded time-temperature curves. Finally, the resulting grain sizes obtained from the simulation are found to be in good agreement with the experimental results. Furthermore, it is shown that the final grain sizes in both simulations and experiments depend on the initial bilayer thicknesses.
Revealing the Succession of Spatial Heterogeneity of the Microbial Community during Broad Bean Paste Fermentation
Authors: Zhao Shuai , Niu Chengtuo , Wang Yiheng , Zan Youlong , Zheng Feiyun , Liu Chunfeng , Wang Jinjing , Li Qi
Published: June 2023

Gaining insights into the community assembly processes is essential and valuable for the elaboration of underlying ecological patterns. However, current studies about microbial community succession in multispecies fermented food usually treat the research object as a whole, are focused exclusively on temporal dimensions, and have ignored the changes of community structure in spatial dimensions.
EFdA efficiently suppresses HIV replication in the male genital tract and prevents penile HIV acquisition
Authors: Kovarova Martina , Wessel Sarah E. , Johnson Claire E. , Anderson Shelby V. , Cottrell Mackenzie L. , Sykes Craig , Cohen Myron S. , Garcia J. Victor
Published: June 2023

Sexually transmitted HIV infections in heterosexual men are acquired through the penis. Low adherence to condom usage and the fact that 40% of circumcised men are not protected indicate the need for additional prevention strategies. Here, we describe a new approach to evaluate the prevention of penile HIV transmission. We demonstrated that the entire male genital tract (MGT) of bone marrow/liver/thymus (BLT) humanized mice is repopulated with human T and myeloid cells. The majority of the human T cells in the MGT express CD4 and CCR5. Direct penile exposure to HIV leads to systemic infection including all tissues of the MGT. HIV replication throughout the MGT was reduced 100-1,000-fold by treatment with 4′-ethynyl-2-fluoro-2′-deoxyadenosine (EFdA), resulting in the restoration of CD4
+
T cell levels. Importantly, systemic preexposure prophylaxis with EFdA effectively protects from penile HIV acquisition.

IMPORTANCE

Over 84.2 million people have been infected by the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) during the past 40 years, most through sexual transmission. Men comprise approximately half of the HIV-infected population worldwide. Sexually transmitted HIV infections in exclusively heterosexual men are acquired through the penis. However, direct evaluation of HIV infection throughout the human male genital tract (MGT) is not possible. Here, we developed a new
in vivo
model that permits, for the first time, the detail analysis of HIV infection. Using BLT humanized mice, we showed that productive HIV infection occurs throughout the entire MGT and induces a dramatic reduction in human CD4 T cells compromising immune responses in this organ. Antiretroviral treatment with novel drug EFdA suppresses HIV replication in all tissues of the MGT, restores normal levels of CD4 T cells and is highly efficient at preventing penile transmission.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Caulobacter
sp. (Strain NIBR1757) Isolated from Lake Chungju in South Korea
Authors: Kim Se-Young , Park Jin Young , Yu Jaewoong , Kim Jin Nam , Choi Ahhyeon
Published: June 2023

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of strain NIBR1757, isolated from the water of Lake Chungju in South Korea. The assembled genome consists of 4,185 coding sequences (CDSs), 6 rRNAs, and 51 tRNAs. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence studies and GTDB-Tk analysis show that this strain belongs to the genus
Caulobacter
.
Multiple Biosynthetic Gene Pathways are Revealed in Whole-Genome Sequence of Endophytic Biocontrol Strain
Pantoea stewartii
subsp.
indologenes
ST25
Authors: Khanal Sabin , Zhou Xin-Gen , Antony-Babu Sanjay
Published: June 2023

This report describes the draft genome sequence of
Pantoea stewartii
subsp.
indologenes
strain ST25, a biocontrol endophyte that was isolated from rice seed in Texas, USA. The genome assembly is 4,787,268 bp, with a GC content of 53.62%.
Detection and Quantification of Klebsiella pneumoniae in Fecal Samples Using Digital Droplet PCR in Comparison with Real-Time PCR
Authors: Feng Junxia , Cui Xiaohu , Du Bing , Zhao Hanqing , Feng Yanling , Cui Jinghua , Yan Chao , Gan Lin , Fan Zheng , Fu Tongtong , Xu Ziying , Yu Zihui , Zhang Rui , Du Shuheng , Tian Ziyan , Zhang Qun , Xue Guanhua , Yuan Jing
Published: June 2023

Klebsiella pneumoniae
can cause a range of illnesses and has a high colonization rate in the human gut, making it crucial to develop an efficient method for detecting
K. pneumoniae
in fecal samples.
Timing of adverse events in patients undergoing acute and elective hip arthroplasty surgery: a multicentre cohort study using the Global Trigger Tool
Authors: Magnéli Martin , Kelly-Pettersson Paula , Rogmark Cecilia , Gordon Max , Sköldenberg Olof , Unbeck Maria
Published: June 2023

Objective

To explore timing in relation to all types of adverse events (AEs), severity and preventability for patients undergoing acute and elective hip arthroplasty.

Design

A multicentre cohort study using retrospective record review with Global Trigger Tool methodology in combination with data from several registers.

Setting

24 hospitals in 4 major regions of Sweden.

Participants

Patients ≥18 years, undergoing acute or elective total or hemiarthroplasty of the hip, were eligible for inclusion. Reviews of weighted samples of 1998 randomly selected patient records were carried out using Global Trigger Tool methodology. The patients were followed for readmissions up to 90 days postoperatively throughout the whole country.

Results

The cohort consisted of 667 acute and 1331 elective patients. Most AEs occurred perioperatively and postoperatively (n=2093, 99.1%) and after discharge (n=1142, 54.1%). The median time from the day of surgery to the occurrence of AE was 8 days. The median days for different AE types ranged from 0 to 24.5 for acute and 0 to 71 for elective patients and peaked during different time periods. 40.2% of the AEs, both major and minor, occurred within postoperative days 0–5 and 86.9% of the AEs occurred within 30 days. Most of the AEs were deemed to be of major severity (n=1370, 65.5%) or preventable (n=1591, 76%).

Conclusions

A wide variability was found regarding the timing of different AEs with the majority occurring within 30 days. The timing and preventability varied regarding the severity. Most of the AEs were deemed to be preventable and/or of major severity. To increase patient safety for patients undergoing hip arthroplasty surgery, a better understanding of the multifaceted nature of the timing of AEs in relation to the occurrence of differing AEs is needed.