bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of activation of monocyte-derived macrophages versus microglia after mouse experimental intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Ye Fenghui , Yang Jinting , Holste Katherine G , Koduri Sravanthi , Hua Ya , Keep Richard F , Garton Hugh JL , Xi Guohua
Published: April 2023

Both monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) and brain resident microglia participate in hematoma resolution after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Here, we utilized a transgenic mouse line with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) labeled microglia (Tmem119-EGFP mice) combined with a F4/80 immunohistochemistry (a pan-macrophage marker) to visualize changes in MDMs and microglia after ICH. A murine model of ICH was used in which autologous blood was stereotactically injected into the right basal ganglia. The autologous blood was co-injected with CD47 blocking antibodies to enhance phagocytosis or clodronate liposomes for phagocyte depletion. In addition, Tmem119-EGFP mice were injected with the blood components peroxiredoxin 2 (Prx2) or thrombin. MDMs entered the brain and formed a peri-hematoma cell layer by day 3 after ICH and giant phagocytes engulfed red blood cells were found. CD47 blocking antibody increased the number of MDMs around and inside the hematoma and extended MDM phagocytic activity to day 7. Both MDMs and microglia could be diminished by clodronate liposomes. Intracerebral injection of Prx2 but not thrombin attracted MDMs into brain parenchyma. In conclusion, MDMs play an important role in phagocytosis after ICH which can be enhanced by CD47 blocking antibody, suggesting the modulation of MDMs after ICH could be a future therapeutic target.
Recanalization of external iliac artery occlusion in a patient with spinal stenosis using medications: a case report
Authors: Cho Wan-Jae , Chi Hee-Man , Ryu Ji-Hyun , Lee Jun-Seok
Published: April 2023

Background

Iliac artery occlusion accompanied by spinal canal stenosis is rare. All reported cases were treated with endovascular stenting for iliac artery occlusion. We report the first case of external iliac artery occlusion accompanied by spinal stenosis, which was successfully treated with conservative treatment.

Case presentation

A 66-year-old man with lower extremity pain and claudication visited the outpatient spine clinic. He complained of a tingling sensation in the L5 dermatome of the right leg and L4 dermatome of the left leg. Magnetic resonance imaging showed central stenosis in at the L4–5 and L5–S1 levels, and lateral recess stenosis at the L5–S1 level. The patient's symptoms were ambiguous with mixed neurological claudication and vascular claudication. Computed tomography of the lower extremity artery showed complete occlusion in the right external iliac artery. Conservative treatment with clopidogrel and beraprost sodium was performed. After treatment, his symptoms gradually improved. Clopidogrel and beraprost sodium were continued for 4 years. Follow-up computed tomography at 4 years showed recanalization of the right external iliac artery occlusion.

Conclusions

We describe a rare case of external iliac artery occlusion and spinal stenosis. External iliac artery occlusion may be successfully treated only with conservative treatment using medication.
The horopter: Old and new
Authors: Turski Jacek
Published: April 2023

The horopter's history may partly be responsible for its ambiguous psychophysical definitions and obscured physiological significance. However, the horopter is a useful clinical tool integrating physiological optics and binocular vision. This article aims to help understand how it could come to such different attitudes toward the horopter. After the basic concepts underlying binocular space perception and stereopsis are presented, the horopter's old ideas that influence today's research show their inconsistencies with the conceptualized binocular vision. Two recent geometric theories of the horopter with progressively higher eye model fidelity that resolve the inconsistencies are reviewed. The first theory corrects the 200-year-old Vieth-Müller circle still used as a geometric horopter. The second theory advances Ogle's classical work by modeling empirical horopters as conic sections in the binocular system with the asymmetric eye model that accounts for the observed misalignment of optical components in human eyes. Its extension to iso-disparity conics is discussed.
Improving surface smoothness in FDM parts through ironing post-processing
Authors: Alzyod Hussein , Takacs Janos , Ficzere Peter
Published: April 2023

Additive manufacturing using fused deposition modelling (FDM) is an affordable and efficient way to produce functional parts and prototypes. However, the FDM-manufactured parts, particularly those made of polylactic acid (PLA), has some drawbacks regarding accuracy and surface finish. To address this, post-processing techniques such as ironing can be applied. However, little is known about the effect of ironing process parameters on surface roughness, and there is a lack of comparative studies on contact and non-contact measurement methods. This study aims to address these gaps by investigating the impact of path speed, ironing spacing, and flow rate on the surface roughness of FDM-produced PLA samples using both contact and non-contact measurement methods. The results show that the ironing process can lead to a significant reduction in surface roughness values, and careful optimization of process parameters can further minimize roughness. The study highlights the advantages and limitations of contact and non-contact methods for surface roughness analysis and provides guidance on selecting the appropriate method for a given application and material.
Effects on blood parameters from hand-arm vibrations exposure
Authors: Johansson Niclas , Ragnebro Oscar , Stjernbrandt Albin , Graff Pål , Bryngelsson Ing-Liss , Vihlborg Per
Published: April 2023

Vibration exposure from handheld tools can affect the hands with neurological symptoms and vibration-induced Raynaud’s phenomenon (VRP). The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are not fully known, however, changes in the composition of blood parameters may contribute to VRP with an increase in blood viscosity and inflammatory response. The aim of this study was to examine the effect on blood parameters in capillary blood from fingers that had been exposed to a vibrating hand-held tool. This study involved nine healthy participants who had been exposed to vibration and an unexposed control group of six participants. Capillary blood samples were collected before and after vibration exposure for the exposed group, and repeated samples also from the control group. The exposed groups were exposed to vibration for a 15-min period or until they reached a 5.0 m/s2 vibration dose. Analysis of blood status and differential counting of leucocytes was performed on the capillary blood samples. The results of the blood samples showed an increase in mean value for erythrocyte volume fraction (EVF), hemoglobin, red blood cell count, white blood cell count and neutrophils, as well as a decrease of mean cell volume, mean cell hemoglobin, and mean cell hemoglobin concentration. The increase of EVF and neutrophils was statistically significant for samples taken from the index finger but not the little finger. Even though the study was small it showed that an acute vibration exposure to the hands might increase EVF and neutrophilic granulocytes levels in the capillary blood taken from index fingers.
Ethnonationalism in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh and India’s Security Concerns in Northeast India
Authors: Nayak Arun Kumar
Published: April 2023

It is well known that ‘nation’ or nation-states are the most important organizing principles of governance, which are adopted by many states across the globe. Soon after the end of the Second World War, all the post-colonial countries followed the European model of the nation-state as a modern way of governance, which promotes cultural and political uniformity. In this context, the article has examined the effectiveness of the European nation-state model, which is adopted in post-colonial South Asian states, and in this regard, it has taken the case study of Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh. The study shows that, even if Bangladesh is one of the least heterogeneous states among all South Asian countries, it is still grappling with the crisis of ethnic conflicts and violation of minority rights, and insurgency in the state. As a result, it has not only brought tensions within Bangladesh but also, it is causing security concerns too in the neighboring state of India by pushing the migration of ethnic minorities and population-made victims out of it. Like other South Asian countries, Bangladesh is also facing the crisis of ethnonationalism, which is undermining the ethos of multiculturalism and the process of nation-state building.
Blade Plate With Autogenous Bone Grafting to Salvage Peri Ankle Nonunions
Authors: Emmelot Mees Paulus , Wagner Robert Kaspar , Janssen Stein Jasper , Kloen Peter
Published: April 2023

Background:

Salvage surgery for a nonunion around the ankle is challenging. Poor bone stock, stiffness, scarring, previous (or persistent) infection, and a compromised soft tissue envelope are common in these patients. We describe 15 cases that underwent blade plate fixation as salvage for a nonunion around the ankle, including patient/nonunion characteristics, Nonunion Scoring System (NUSS), surgical technique, healing rate, complications, and long-term follow-up with 2 patient-reported outcome measures.

Methods:

This is a retrospective case series from a level 1 trauma referral center. We included all patients that underwent blade plate fixation for a long-standing nonunion of the distal tibia, talus, or failed subtalar fusion. All patients had autogenous bone grafting, including 14 with posterior iliac crest grafts and 2 with femoral reamer irrigator aspirator grafting. Median follow-up was 24.4 months (interquartile range [IQR], 7.7-40). Main outcome measures were (time to) union, and functional outcomes using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS), and the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS).

Results:

We included 15 adults with a median age of 58 years (IQR, 54-62). The median NUSS score at the time of index surgery was 46 (IQR, 34-54). Union was achieved after the index procedure in 11 of 15 patients. Additional surgery was performed in 4 of 15 patients. Union was achieved in all patients at a median of 4.2 months (IQR, 2.9-11). The median score for the PCS was 38 (IQR, 34-48, range 17-58, P = .009), for the MCS 52 (IQR, 45-60, range 33-62, P = .701), and for the FAOS 73 (IQR, 48-83).

Conclusion:

In this series, our use of blade plate fixation with autogenous grafting was an effective method for managing a nonunion around the ankle allowing for alignment correction, stable compression and fixation, union, and fair patient-reported outcome scores.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, therapeutic.
Multi-objective parameter optimization of ultrasonic vibration–assisted micro-EDM of Ti-6Al-4V alloys
Authors: Xu Jinkai , Xia Shijie , Yu Peng , Li Mingyu
Published: April 2023

Regarding the low machining efficiency and poor surface quality in micro-electrical discharge machining (μ-EDM) of large depth-to-diameter ratio micro-holes, this paper focuses on ultrasonic vibration–assisted multi-objective optimization in μ-EDM to achieve high material removal rate (MRR) and low tool wear rate (TWR). In this work, second-order quadratic models were developed for MRR and TWR, considering the peak voltage ( Up), peak current ( Ip), pulse width ( Width), frequency ( Freq.), ultrasonic amplitude ( UA), and rotation speed ( Rot.) as the machining parameters, using the Plackett–Burman design and Box–Behnken design. The developed models were used for multi-objective optimization by desirability function approach to determine the optimum machining parameters. The optimized parameters were processed for micro-holes, and it was found that the surface quality of the micro-holes was significantly improved.
New-onset persistent hyperglycemia with initiation of brentuximab treatment
Authors: Quintas Joseph , Mowatt Kelley B , Mullally Jamie A , Steinberg Amir
Published: April 2023

Introduction

The addition of brentuximab vedotin (BV) to adriamycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (AVD) has become the standard-of-care approach for advanced stage Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). This case describes a rare presentation of new-onset diabetes mellitus one month after initiation of BV + AVD therapy in a patient with HL.

Case report

A 41-year-old woman with pre-diabetes and obesity was started on BV + AVD for classical HL, nodular sclerosing type. Six weeks after initiating therapy, she was admitted for abdominal pain, at which time her blood glucose was noted to be 357 mg/dL. Her Hba1c was 8.1%. She required rapid acting insulin, and throughout admission, her glucose ranged from 132 to 263 mg/dL. After discharge, a fasting glucose of over 250 mg/dL deemed her ineligible to have a PET/CT performed to assess disease status.

Management and outcome

She was started on basal insulin, a DPP4-inhibitor, and a meglitinide analog. After initiation of therapy, her glucose levels were better controlled, and she was able to have her PET scan. Repeat Hba1c was 6.2% three months after initiation of glucose-lowering medications. She completed 6 cycles of BV + AVD therapy, with improving finger stick blood glucose (FSBG), and repeat Hba1c 1 month after completion of therapy was 5.2% on metformin monotherapy.

Discussion

Reports of brentuximab-induced hyperglycemia are rare in the literature, noted in just a few studies and one case report. Our case demonstrates a need to monitor blood glucose levels carefully during the initiation of BV therapy, especially in individuals with risk factors such as obesity, pre-diabetes mellitus, or diabetes mellitus.
Do diagnostic criteria for ME matter to patient experience with services and interventions? Key results from an online RDS survey targeting fatigue patients in Norway
Authors: Kielland Anne , Liu Jing , Jason Leonard A
Published: April 2023

Public health and welfare systems request documentation on approaches to diagnose, treat, and manage myalgic encephalomyelitis and assess disability-benefit conditions. Our objective is to document ME patients’ experiences with services/interventions and assess differences between those meeting different diagnostic criteria, importantly the impact of post-exertional malaise. We surveyed 660 fatigue patients in Norway using respondent-driven sampling and applied validated DePaul University algorithms to estimate Canadian and Fukuda criteria proxies. Patients on average perceived most interventions as having low-to-negative health effects. Responses differed significantly between sub-groups for some key interventions. The PEM score was strongly associated with the experience of most interventions. Better designed and targeted interventions are needed to prevent harm to the patient group. The PEM score appears to be a strong determinant and adequate tool for assessing patient tolerance for certain interventions. There is no known treatment for ME, and “do-no-harm” should be a guiding principle in all practice.
BDSM and total power exchange: Between inclusion and exclusion
Authors: Parchev Ofer
Published: April 2023

In recent decades, BDSM as a form of power exchange has gained partial recognition and social inclusion in the public sphere. The inclusive process comes with the price of excluding concrete behaviors and thought patterns that are considered dangerous and pathological. This exclusion/inclusion process is conducted in the framework of the production of consensual biopolitical knowledge and in the context of the normalization of sex. Under these conditions, the total power exchange master/slave relationship, which is realized through a full-time power exchange encounter, suffers from the exclusion mechanism, as it is incompatible with the inclusive reason. In the course of this paper, I will examine the exclusion process of the master/slave total power exchange under the constitutive mechanism of the BDSM discursive rules in order to expose a new form of thinking and behavior that challenges the biopower reason, while simultaneously operating within its limitations.
Transforming a cemetery into a garden of languages: A justice-oriented, family-centered framework for cultivating early bilingualism and emergent biliteracy
Authors: Park Soojin Oh
Published: April 2023

One in three children enrolled in US early childhood programs is a dual language learner. While dual language learners have been the target of sweeping educational reforms under the guise of justice, these reforms—which pathologize dual language learners as problems to be remediated rather than assets to be developed—have largely ignored the priorities and experiences of young multilingual learners and their families. This historical omission of centering dual language learners in research, policy, and practice is unjust and has contributed to marginalization, homogenization, and linguistic erasure. Asian Americans, the second-largest group of dual language learners and the fastest-growing racial group in the USA, have remained an underexplored group of emergent bilinguals across early childhood research, practice, and policy. Thus, this article draws on the multilingual expertise of Asian American families of young dual language learners to portray how parents construct and navigate multiple knowledges, beliefs, and pedagogies of cultivating their children's dual language and literacy development. The key findings present a justice-centered framework that conceptualizes three cultivating practices across diverse spaces, borders, and time. Counterstories of planting, pollinating, and pruning position Asian immigrant parents as agentic gardeners of bilingualism and biliteracy, and interrogate the deficit paradigms that are too often placed on dual language learners to fit the narrow, monocultural, and monolingual definitions of school readiness. Centering Asian American families in generating theory and future research directions, this article envisions the future potentiality of early childhood education in pursuit of equity and transformative justice.
Could Maximum SUV be Used as Imaging Guidance in Large Lung Lesions Biopsies? Double Sampling Under PET-CT/XperGuide Fusion Imaging in Inhomogeneous Lung Uptaking Lesions to Show That it can Make a Difference
Authors: Piacentino Filippo , Fontana Federico , Zorzetto Giada , Saccomanno Angiola , Casagrande Sabrina , Franzi Francesca , Imperatori Andrea , Lanza Carolina , Carriero Serena , Coppola Andrea , Ierardi Anna Maria , Carrafiello Gianpaolo , Venturini Massimo
Published: April 2023

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic value of positron emission computed tomography-cone beam computed tomography (PET/CT-CBCT) fusion guided percutaneous biopsy, targeted to the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) and minimum standardized uptake value (SUVmin) of large lung lesions. Materials and Methods: Inside a larger cohort of PET/CT-CBCT guided percutaneous lung biopsies, 10 patients with large pulmonary lesions (diameter > 30 mm) were selected retrospectively. These patients have been subjected to double biopsy sampling respectively in the SUVmax area and in the SUVmin area of the lesion. Technical success has been calculated. For each sample, the percentage of neoplastic, inflammatory, and fibrotic cells was reported. Furthermore, the possibility of performing immunohistochemical or molecular biology investigations to specifically define the biomolecular tumor profile was analyzed. Results: Nine lesions were found to be malignant, one benign (inflammation). Technical success was 100% (10/10) in the SUVmax samples and 70% (7/10) in the SUVmin samples ( P-value: .21). In the first group, higher percentages of neoplastic cells were found at pathologic evaluation, while in the second group areas of inflammation and fibrosis were more represented. The biomolecular profile was obtained in 100% of cases (9/9) of the first group, while in the second group only in 33.3% of cases (2/6), with a statistically significant difference between the 2 groups ( P-value: .011). Conclusion: A correlation between the standardized uptake value value and the technical success of the biopsy sample has been identified. PET/CT-CBCT guidance allows to target the biopsy in the areas of the tumor which are richer in neoplastic cells, thus obtaining more useful information for the planning of patient-tailored cancer treatments.
Sleep disturbances in individuals with down syndrome: An overview
Authors: Hirsch Sophie , Gaultney Jane
Published: April 2023

Down Syndrome, or Trisomy 21, is one of the most common birth defects, with 6,000 babies born annually with Down Syndrome in the U.S. One of many health risk factors individuals with Down Syndrome experience is sleep issues, ranging from poor sleep quality to high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea. This literature review aims to review these sleep challenges in this population and explore consequences and treatment options.
Predictors of public support for the death penalty in the Americas: A comparative analysis
Authors: Boateng Francis D , Dzordzormenyoh Michael K , Wallace Wendell C
Published: April 2023

The primary purpose of this study was to explore public support for capital punishment in seven Latin and North American countries to determine factors that influence citizens’ support for the death penalty. Currently, most of the countries examined in the study do not have death penalty for ordinary crimes, but do have it for cases involving murder, war crimes, genocides, terrorism, and crimes against humanity. Our analysis made several important observations that enhance our understanding of citizens’ attitudes toward the death penalty in the Americas. For instance, we found that a significant majority of citizens from the countries under review support the death penalty even though it currently does not exist in practice. With regard to factors, we found that nationality, religiosity, prior experience with victimization, residential stability, quality of life, life satisfaction, age, and gender were among the factors that heavily predict support for the death penalty in this part of the world. The findings of this study have serious implications for research and practice.
Cross-class alliances and the rise of electric vehicles in Dublin
Authors: Ó Maonaigh Conchúr
Published: April 2023

The role of transportation in producing greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful pollutants has led governments across the globe to incorporate electric vehicles (EVs) at the centre of their climate action strategies. In turn, critical geographers have directed attention to the role of EVs in driving resource extractivism in geographies outside of the city and in enclosing urban space at the expense of infrastructures such as bus lanes, cycleways and walkable spaces. Less well charted, however, is the odd structure of class relations involved in the formation of new accumulation strategies, spaces and fixes capable of holding together, for a time at least, some of the tensions emerging from the chaotic unfolding of EVs and associated infrastructures in cities. In the following paper, I shine a light on the role of EV users in Dublin, Ireland, who pursue and forge novel cross-class alliances with automobile firms in an effort to promote EVs and cement private and commercial automobility as the core of the decarbonization agenda. I argue for the need to conceptualise the decarbonizing action of EV users as part of a wider class project intended to enrol wealthier users in a push to alter the city and produce uneven pathways of decarbonization.
The turn of the dice: Patrick Hughes’ Hollow Dice and Reverspectives
Authors: Rogers Brian , Hughes Patrick
Published: April 2023

Patrick Hughes’ Reverspectives demonstrate the importance of perspective as a source of information about the structure and layout of the three-dimensional (3D) world. More recently, he has created a new work of art— Hollow Dice—in which the actual concave structure of the dice is seen as convex. In this article, we examine the similarities and differences between these two perceptual phenomena as well as attempting to explain how and why they arise. Popular interest in both effects is based on the fact that “ what we perceive” does not correspond to “ what the reality is.” As a consequence, Reverspectives and Hollow Dice are often categorized and labeled as “illusions.” However, if we consider the information that is available in patterns of light reaching our eyes—rather than the “actual” 3D structure of the Reverspectives and the Hollow Dice—we are in a better position to explain how the size, the viewing distance, the perspective features, the convexity bias, and observer movements determine what we see when viewing these novel and fascinating visual effects.
Serum neurofilament light-chain levels and long-term treatment outcomes in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients: A post hoc analysis of the randomized CombiRx trial
Authors: Cutter Gary , Rudick Richard A , de Moor Carl , Singh Carol M , Fisher Elizabeth , Koster Thijs , Lublin Fred D , Wolinsky Jerry S , McFarland Henry , Jacobson Steven , Naylor Maria L
Published: April 2023

Background

CombiRx was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial in treatment-naive relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients randomized to intramuscular interferon beta-1a (IM IFN beta-1a), glatiramer acetate (GA), or both therapies.

Objective

This analysis investigated changes in serum neurofilament light-chain (sNfL) levels in response to treatment and assessed baseline sNfL as a predictor of relapse.

Methods

RRMS patients treated with IM IFN beta-1a 30 µg weekly + placebo (n = 159), GA 20 mg/mL daily + placebo (n = 172), or IM IFN beta-1a + GA (n = 344) were included. A linear mixed model compared sNfL values over time. Cox regression models analyzed baseline sNfL and gadolinium-enhancing (Gd+) lesions as predictors of relapse.

Results

In all treatment arms, the proportion of patients with sNfL ≥16 pg/mL decreased significantly from baseline to 6 months and was maintained at 36 months. A significantly higher percentage of patients with both baseline sNfL ≥16 pg/mL and ≥1 Gd+ lesion experienced relapses within 90 days compared to patients with sNfL <16 pg/mL and/or no Gd+ lesions.

Conclusion

sNfL levels were reduced within 6 months and remained low at 36 months. Results suggest that the combination of lesion activity and sNfL was a stronger predictor of relapse than either factor alone.
Using Topic Modeling for Extracting Customers’ Expectations: A Case of Women Apparel
Authors: Sharma Himanshu
Published: April 2023

Increased internet usage has fueled significant growth in online retailing. The textile business has benefited in all countries thanks to the surge in online sales. Women’s fashion is having a huge impact on the world stage as women are the most concerned about what they wear and also new attractive clothes are released regularly. Electronic word of mouth (EWOM) is considered to be an important source of information and helps potential customers in purchasing decision-making. This study attempts to gather in-depth information about the women’s apparel sector by mining these EWOMs. Topic modeling through latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) is utilized here for extracting the key aspects about which the customers chat in their reviews that are posted online. A total of 23,486 reviews were accessed on which the LDA technique was applied after preprocessing the data for potential cleaning. LDA technique resulted in six topics, namely, aesthetic, functionality, expressive, performance, extrinsic, and return policy. These are the aspects that the customers mention while commenting about their shopping experience. The findings of this study provide the key aspects that customers expect while purchasing women’s apparel online. The study discusses some implications for online marketers that may help them achieve a competitive edge.
Centring the Adivasi Literature: Becoming and Being
Authors: Dharavath Mohan
Published: April 2023

This article looks at four instances of Adivasi (indigenous) writing in India. The texts have been selected to centre the various social and political expressions of the Adivasi subjectivity. What is of significance for this article is the complex modes of negotiation between the Adivasi subject and the elements that constitute modernity and development. It would appear that on the one hand, modernity widens the gap between the Adivasi and their social and cultural terrain. On the other hand, the structural discrimination internal to modernity makes it ever evasive towards the Adivasi. This article looks at the specific ways in which each text narrates the composite relationship with the modern. At the same time, this research shapes a conversation between the four writings, often complementing as well as challenging how each makes sense of their place in contemporary society and culture, and defines the unifying elements of the Adivasi experience in India.
Role of HR in Driving CSR: An In-depth Study of (Comparison Between) Tata Steel and ITC
Authors: Rath Tania S. , Padhi Mousumi
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this study is to find out the role of human resource management (HRM) in driving socially responsible and sustainable initiatives in organisations. The annual reports of two major Indian companies, Tata Steel and ITC were studied with specific focus on their HR policies and practices, business responsibility and sustainability activities and analysed by the authors. The findings show the role that HRM plays in implementing following SDG goals. The paper is an interdisciplinary study viewing the role of HRM in CSR and sustainability and extends and broadens the area of research by an in-depth study of two established companies in India.
A Real-time Look-ahead Trajectory Planning Methodology for Multi Small Line Segments Path
Authors: Zhang Sai , Liu Xinjun , Yan Bingkai , Bi Jie , Han Xiangdong
Published: April 2023

When a robot is required to machine a complex curved workpiece with high precision and speed, the tool path is typically dispersed into a series of points and transmitted to the robot. The conventional trajectory planning method requires frequent starts and stops at each dispersed point to complete the task. This method not only reduces precision but also causes damage to the motors and robot. A real-time look-ahead algorithm is proposed in this paper to improve precision and minimize damage. The proposed algorithm includes a path-smoothing algorithm, a trajectory planning method, and a bidirectional scanning module. The path-smoothing method inserts a quintic Bezier curve between small adjacent line segments to achieve $$G^{2}$$

G
2

continuity at the junctions. The trajectory planning method utilizes a quartic polynomial and a double-quartic polynomial that can achieve a constant velocity at the velocity limitation. The bidirectional scanning module calculates the velocity at each trajectory planning segment point, simplifying calculation complexity and can be run in real time. The feasibility of the proposed algorithm is verified through simulations and experiments, which can be run in real time. In addition, high machining precision can be achieved by adjusting the relevant parameters.
High intensity interval training attenuates osteoarthritis-associated hyperalgesia in rats
Authors: Wang Xinwei , Song Jiulong , Xia Peng , Lin Qiang , Chen Anliang , Cheng Kai , Kong Fane , Shi Yi , Li Xueping
Published: April 2023

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a physical therapy that may benefit patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Cacna2d1 is a calcium channel subunit protein that plays an important role in the activity of nerve cells. However, there is currently no evidence on HIIT relieving OA-associate hyperalgesia by decreased Cacna2d1. Our study established the OA rat models with intra-articular injection of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA). This experiment was divided into two stages. The first stage comprised three groups: the control, OA, and OA-HIIT groups. The second stage comprised two groups, including the AAV-C and AAV-shRNA-Cacna2d1 groups. OA rats were positioned at the L5–L6 segments, and 20 µl of AAV virus was injected intrathecally. The pain threshold, cartilage analysis, Cacna2d1, and pain neurotransmitters were measured and compared. The pain threshold was significantly lower in OA rats than in control rats from the first to the tenth week. Starting from the sixth week, OA-HIIT rats exhibited significantly increased pain thresholds. The expression of Cacna2d1 increased in OA rats. Moreover, the knockdown of Cacna2d1 significantly down-regulated the expression of c-Fos, SP, and Vglut2 in the posterior horn of the spinal cord. In conclusion, HIIT attenuates OA-associated hyperalgesia, which may be related to the down-regulation of Cacna2d1.
Automated recognition and analysis of body bending behavior in C. elegans
Authors: Zhang Hui , Chen Weiyang
Published: April 2023

Background

Locomotion behaviors of Caenorhabditis elegans play an important role in drug activity screening, anti-aging research, and toxicological assessment. Previous studies have provided important insights into drug activity screening, anti-aging, and toxicological research by manually counting the number of body bends. However, manual counting is often low-throughput and takes a lot of time and manpower. And it is easy to cause artificial bias and error in counting results.

Results

In this paper, an algorithm is proposed for automatic counting and analysis of the body bending behavior of nematodes. First of all, the numerical coordinate regression method with convolutional neural network is used to obtain the head and tail coordinates. Next, curvature-based feature point extraction algorithm is used to calculate the feature points of the nematode centerline. Then the maximum distance between the peak point and the straight line between the pharynx and the tail is calculated. The number of body bends is counted according to the change in the maximum distance per frame.

Conclusion

Experiments are performed to prove the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. The accuracy of head coordinate prediction is 0.993, and the accuracy of tail coordinate prediction is 0.990. The Pearson correlation coefficient between the results of the automatic count and manual count of the number of body bends is 0.998 and the mean absolute error is 1.931. Different strains of nematodes are selected to analyze differences in body bending behavior, demonstrating a relationship between nematode vitality and lifespan. The code is freely available at https://github.com/hthana/Body-Bend-Count.
Effect of important modifiers on harmful effects in evidence synthesis practice of adverse events were insufficiently investigated: an empirical investigation
Authors: Zhou Xiaoqin , Yang Xi , Cai Fei , Wang Li , Xu Chang , Jia Pengli
Published: April 2023

Background

Safety is important in the assessment of health interventions, while the results of adverse events are often susceptive to potential effect modifiers since the event risk tends to be rare. In this study, we investigated whether the potential impact of the important effect modifiers on harmful effects was analyzed in meta-analyses of adverse events.

Methods

Systematic reviews of healthcare interventions, had adverse events as the exclusive outcomes, had at least one meta-analysis, and published between 1st January 2015, and 1st January 2020 were collected. An adverse event was defined as any untoward medical occurrence in a patient or subject in healthcare practice. Six effect modifiers that are the most important for harmful effects were identified by a group discussion. The proportions of eligible systematic reviews that investigated the potential impact of the six effect modifiers on harmful effects were summarized.

Results

We identified 279 systematic reviews eligible for this study. Except for the modifier of interventions/controls (70.61%, 197/279), most of the systematic reviews failed to investigate the potential impact of treatment duration (21.15%, 59/279), dosage (24.73%, 69/279), age (11.47%, 32/279), risk of bias (6.45%, 18/279), and source of funding (1.08%, 3/279) on harmful effects. Systematic reviews with meta-analyses containing more studies were more likely to investigate the potential impacts of these modifiers on the effects, but the proportion was still low (2.3% to 33.3%). Systematic reviews that developed a protocol were significantly more likely to investigate the potential impact of all these effect modifiers (e.g. treatment duration: odds ratio = 5.08, 95% CI: 2.76 to 9.35) on the results.

Conclusions

Current systematic reviews rarely investigated the potential impact of the important effect modifiers on harmful effects. Methodological guidelines for meta-analysis of adverse events should consider “effect modifier” as one of the domains to help systematic review authors better investigate harmful effects.
Mental health-related telemedicine interventions for pregnant women and new mothers: a systematic literature review
Authors: Stentzel Ulrike , Grabe Hans J. , Schmidt Silke , Tomczyk Samuel , van den Berg Neeltje , Beyer Angelika
Published: April 2023

Background

Pregnancy and the postpartum period are times when women are at increased risk for depression and mental problems. This may also negatively affect the foetus. Thus, there is a need for interventions with low-threshold access and care. Telemedicine interventions are a promising approach to address these issues. This systematic literature review examined the efficacy of telemedicine interventions for pregnant women and/or new mothers to address mental health-related outcomes. The primary objective was to analyse whether telemedicine interventions can reduce mental health problems in pregnant women and new mothers. The secondary aim was to clarify the impact of type of interventions, their frequency and their targets.

Methods

Inclusion criteria: randomized controlled trials, with participants being pregnant women and/or new mothers (with infants up to twelve months), involving telemedicine interventions of any kind (e.g. websites, apps, chats, telephone), and addressing any mental health-related outcomes like depression, postnatal depression, anxiety, stress and others. Search terms were pregnant women, new mothers, telemedicine, RCT (randomised controlled trials), mental stress as well as numerous synonyms including medical subject headings. The literature search was conducted within the databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and PsycINFO. Screening, inclusion of records and data extraction were performed by two researchers according to the PRISMA guidelines, using the online tool CADIMA.

Results

Forty four articles were included. A majority (62%) reported significantly improved mental health-related outcomes for participants receiving telemedicine interventions compared to control. In particular (internet-delivered) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy was successful for depression and stress, and peer support improved outcomes for postnatal depression and anxiety. Interventions with preventive approaches and interventions aimed at symptom reduction were largely successful. For the most part there was no significant improvement in the symptoms of anxiety.

Conclusion

Telemedicine interventions evaluated within RCTs were mostly successful. However, they need to be designed to specifically target a certain mental health issue because there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Further research should focus on which specific interventions are appropriate for which mental health outcomes in terms of intervention delivery modes, content, target approaches, etc. Further investigation is needed, in particular with regard to anxiety.
Value of nerve root sedimentation sign in diagnosis and surgical indication of lumbar spinal stenosis
Authors: Qian Guizhen , Wang Yanshuang , Huang Jiarong , Wang Dehua , Miao Chongchang
Published: April 2023

Background

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a prevalent and disabling cause of low back and leg pain in elderly people and nerve root sedimentation sign (NRSS) has been demonstrated to have high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing LSS in selected patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the diagnosis of LSS and the predictive value of NRSS.

Methods

The clinical and imaging data of 176 patients diagnosed with LSS and 156 patients with non-specific low back pain (LBP) were analyzed retrospectively. Transverse magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the narrowest spinal canal in all patients were acquired and graded by two experienced doctors using the Braz classification, Schizas classification and Chen Jia classification. Receiver operating curve (ROC) was used to compare the diagnostic efficacy of the three classifications. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were established to predict the surgical indications of LSS patients.

Result

The diagnostic efficacy of Schizas classification (AUC:0.943; 95%CI:0.918,0.969) and Chen Jia classification (AUC:0.942; 95%CI:0.918,0.966) was significantly higher than that of Braz classification (AUC:0.853; 95%CI:0.808,0.898). Chen Jia classification had the highest correlation with the degree of dural sac cross-sectional area (DCSA) stenosis. In the multivariate analysis of LSS surgical indications, Chen Jia classification (odds ratio [OR], 2.127; 95%CI:1.596,2.835), DCSA (OR,0.398; 95%CI:0.169,0.802) and intermittent claudication (OR,9.481; 95%CI:3.439,26.142) were associated with surgical indications.

Conclusion

Among the three types, it is found that Chen Jia classification has better diagnostic efficacy in differentiating LSS from LBP. In addition, Chen Jia classification is simple to be implemented in clinical practice and has high clinical application value. Hence, Chen Jia classification can be used as an effective surgical treatment indicator for LSS patients.
Lateral incision 1-stage urethroplasty with oral mucosal graft for patients with penile urethral stricture after hypospadias repair—a preliminary report
Authors: Wang Jianwei , Xu Xiao , Bao Zhengqing , Liu Zhenhua , Li Guizhong , He Feng
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To report our early experience of a novel surgical approach for penile urethral strictures after hypospadias repair, using a lateral incision to keep the ventral tissue and vasculature of the penis intact and to avoid the need for tissue interposition.

Patients and methods

A total of 21 patients underwent lateral incision 1-stage urethroplasty with oral mucosal graft. The median age of the patients was 21 years old (range, 13–47). The median number of prior procedures for hypospadias repair was 3 (range, 1–9) with 18 of 21 patients (85.7%) undergoing greater than 1 prior reconstructive procedure. The mean length of the penile urethral strictures was 4.5 ± 1.7 cm, with a range of 1.0 to 8.0 cm. Selection criteria for lateral incision 1-stage urethroplasty include: non-obliterative stricture, no or mild penile curvature and no urethrocutaneous fistula.

Results

Median follow-up was 30 months (range, 6–73). Success was achieved in 17 of 21 patients (80.9%). The 4 (19.0%) patients with treatment failure developed recurrent urethral strictures. Of the 4 men with recurrent strictures, 3 were ultimately treated successfully by DVIU (2) or two-stage urethroplasty (1), and one patient chose repeated dilation.

Conclusions

For patients with penile urethral stricture after hypospadias repair with non-obliterative stricture, no significant penile curvature and no urethrocutaneous fistula, a lateral approach with oral mucosal graft is a simple technique that avoids the need for tissue interposition and keeps the penile ventral tissue and vasculature intact, resulting in a low risk of complications.
Correlation between biochemical and clinical hyperandrogenism parameter in polycystic ovary syndrome in relation to age
Authors: Guo Zaixin , Jin Fengjun , Chen Shuwen , Hu Pan , Hao Yanfang , Yu Qi
Published: April 2023

Background

To assess the correlation between clinical and biochemical hyperandrogenism parameters in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) according to age.

Methods

This prospective study included 256 PCOS patients diagnosed according to the Rotterdam criteria in a university-based hospital. Androgen levels were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Hirsutism, acne, and alopecia were assessed using the modified Ferriman-Gallwey (mF-G) score, Comprehensive Acne Severity Scale (CASS), and the Ludwig scale, respectively. The correlation between biochemical and clinical hyperandrogenism parameters was assessed in younger and older women with PCOS.

Results

The 256 PCOS patients were classified by age into two groups: age 18–29 years (n = 151) and age 30–40 years (n = 84). In women with PCOS, mF-G was significantly positively correlated with the free androgen index (FAI), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and DHEA sulfate (DHEA-S). CASS had a significant positive correlation with DHEA. mF-G was positively correlated with FAI in those aged 18–29 years, but the correlations were not significant in those aged 30–40 years. The positive correlation between specific body regions of clinical hyperandrogenism, especially mF-G of chin, lower abdomen, and thighs, and testosterone, as well as with FAI, was highest in those aged 18–29 years. In those aged 30–40 years clinical hyperandrogenism was mainly affected by DHEA, DHEA-S, and dihydrotestosterone.

Conclusion

The correlation between biochemical and clinical hyperandrogenism parameters varied with age in our East Asian population. Clinical hyperandrogenism was positively correlated with FAI in younger women with PCOS. The correlation between biochemical and clinical hyperandrogenism was not significant in older women with PCOS.
Nomogram to predict FSH starting dose in poor ovarian response women in progestin primed ovarian stimulation protocol
Authors: Wu Shuxie , Li Yanping , Wu Gao , Wu Hanbin
Published: April 2023

Prediction of individual ovarian response to exogenous gonadotropin is a cornerstone for success and safety in all controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) protocols. Providing the best FSH starting dose according to each woman’s own characteristics is the key to the success of individualized treatment. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the potential application of a novel nomogram based on antral follicle counting (AFC), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and body mass index (BMI) as a tool to optimize the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) starting dose in women with poor ovarian response in in-vitro fertilization (IVF)/intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles in progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS). We performed a retrospective analysis involving 130 poor ovarian responders undergoing IVF/ICSI cycles in a PPOS protocol from June 2017 to February 2019 in our reproductive center. The individual FSH starting dose was selected according to patients’ clinical history and characteristics. The influence of variables including age, BMI, AMH and AFC on the FSH starting dose was assessed through multiple regression analysis. We used the variables reaching the statistical significance for calculation for the final predictive model. In the univariate analysis, BMI, AMH and AFC were significant (P < 0.05) predictors of FSH starting dose, age was canceled. In the multivariate analysis, BMI, AMH and AFC remained significant (P < 0.05). According to the nomogram, 118 patients (90.77% of 130) would have received a higher FSH starting dose and 12 patients (9.23% of 130) a lower FSH starting dose than practice dose. The application of the nomogram based on three variables easily determined in clinical practice: BMI, AMH and AFC would lead to a more tailored FSH starting dose in women with poor ovarian response.