bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Perceptions of Gender Differences and the Subjective Significance of the Gender Inequality Issue
Authors: Gurieva Svetlana D. , Kazantseva Tatiana V. , Mararitsa Larisa V. , Gundelakh Olga E.
Published: February 2023

Background. Gender inequality continues to reproduce itself in hidden and ambivalent forms and leads to invisible barriers in women’s careers and lives. The authors were interested in how social perceptions of gender differences would relate to the maintenance of gender inequality in various spheres of life. Objective. The purpose of the presented research was to study social perceptions of gender differences in relation to the subjective significance of the gender inequality issue. Design. The study was conducted via an online survey throughout FebruarySeptember of 2019. The sample included 106 people aged 18 to 68 (M=30.2, σ=10.5), 49% of respondents were women. The authors have developed and tested a questionnaire assessing the adherence to ideas regarding evident gender differences in various spheres of life. The reliability of all scales of the questionnaire has been tested. Respondents also completed a questionnaire identifying their perceptions of gender inequality and shared their life experience with respect to this phenomenon in the form of free description. Results. The following two latent factors reflecting different aspects of gender perceptions have been identified: “Career Inequality” and “Differences in Social Spheres”. Indicators of the subjective significance of gender inequality (which include gender awareness, frequency of gender inequality witnessing, personal experience of gender discrimination and the emotional significance of this experience) were positively correlated with perceptions of career inequalities (these support ideas regarding gender differences when it comes to opportunities for professional realization) and negatively correlated with perceptions of differences within social spheres (these support ideas regarding the existence of essential gender differences within the family, politics and everyday life). Conclusion. Articulation of personal experiences of gender inequality is associated with social perceptions of the absence of essential gender differences in various social domains (egalitarianism) and sensitivity to gender inequality with regards to career opportunities.
Emotional Intelligence in Carriers of Different СОМТ, BDNF, DRD2 and HTR2A Genotypes
Authors: Vorobyeva Elena V. , Kovsh Ekaterina M. , Kosonogov Vladimir V.
Published: February 2023

Background. Emotional intelligence is the ability to quickly and correctly recognize the emotional expressions of other people and to express and manage one’s own emotions. It contributes to the success of a person in activities related to communication and interaction with people. Emotional intelligence has been studied largely in the context of organizational and education psychology, but less is known about the influence of genetics on it. Objective. We aim to study emotional intelligence in carriers of different СОМТ, BDNF, DRD2, and HTR2A genotypes. Design. We used three methods to measure emotional intelligence. Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test is a set of tasks with forced choice and frequency-based correct responses. We also applied two self-report questionnaires by Lyusin and Hall. We recruited 280 participants who took part in all three measures. We also identified their genotypes of the СОМТ, BDNF, DRD2, and HTR2A genes. Results. Carriers of the Val/Met genotype of the COMT gene, A/A genotype of the HTR2A gene and C/C genotype of the DRD2 gene showed the highest level of emotional intelligence, while no differences were found between carriers of the BDNF genotypes. These data were obtained by using the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test. Self-report scores of emotional intelligence did not differ between carriers of different genotypes across all four of the genes in question. Conclusion. Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test scores were differed for carriers of some genotypes, whereas self-reported emotional intelligence scores did not differ between according to genotype.
The Development and Psychometric Characteristics of the “Virtual Identity of Social Media Users” Test
Authors: Pogorelov Dmitry N. , Rylskaya Еlena А.
Published: February 2023

Introduction. Modern society is characterized by the widespread use of social media, which provides users with communication, leisure, work, and study opportunities. With the growth of such opportunities, more time is being spent online. ! ese circumstances explain why we developed a test entitled the Virtual Identity of Social Media Users (VISCMU). Objective. To develop and test the psychometric characteristics of the VISMU test. Design. ! e research methods included theoretical analysis, modeling, expert assessments, questionnaires, and statistical analysis. ! e research sample was comprised of 285 users of VKontakte and other social media. Results. ! e results of factor analysis proved the acceptability of the three scales identi$ ed in the test. Expert assessments showed that the test had suf- $ cient face and content validity. ! e scales were characterized by optimal indicators of internal consistency, homogeneity, and discriminatory power. ! e test-retest reliability values demonstrated that the test indicators were stable. Statistically signi$ cant di% erences in the parameter measuring virtual identity in groups with di% erent levels of success in adult life justi$ ed a su& cient level of criterion validity. ! e correlation between the test scales and the components of the factor structure of the modi$ ed test “Who am I online?” indicated its compliance with construct validity norms. Positive connections between virtual identity and Internet addiction, smartphone addiction, aggressiveness, hostility, and negative relationships with vitality, indicated su& cient convergent validity. ! e test has been standardized and speci$ ed. Conclusion. ! e test was aimed at measuring the extent to which a person’s virtual identity would reveal the speci$ c characteristics of its impact on the individual’s personal development.
METHODOLOGICAL BASIS FOR THE APPLICATION OF COSMISM TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF PEDAGOGICAL THEORY AND PRACTICE
Authors: Khalilov Riza A.
Published: February 2023

Th e relevance of the stated issue is connected with the incompleteness of the transformation in modern education, which requires the search for innovative tools and methods to solve existing problems. Th e application of cosmism methodology to pedagogical practice seems important in the context of educational system modernization based on the principles of personality-oriented education and universal values. Taking into account the insuffi cient knowledge of the ontology of pedagogical cosmism, the chosen direction of research seems to be relevant. Th e purpose of the work is to study practice-oriented application of the ideas of cosmism in the framework of humanistic paradigm development to student-centered education in modern educational environment. Results. Th e most signifi cant results of the study, characterizing its scientifi c novelty, are the following:1. Th e methodological basis of the concept of cosmism lies in the assumption of the organic unity of Man, Mankind and the Cosmos, supporting the legitimacy of cosmic consciousness as a concept, defi ning Man as a unique Microcosm. 2. In the framework of the pedagogical concept of cosmism, the main direction is the spiritual education of the child, which consists in the discovery of the “higher self ”, controlling all spheres of the personality. It also involves the improvement of the emotional, mental, physical and spiritual spheres of personality in order to form a unique quality, elevating a person to the next stage of spiritual evolution. 3. Modern trends in educational policy are consonant with the ideas, formed in pedagogical concept of cosmism. Th ey include systemic integrity of the tasks, principles and directions of education and upbringing, regarding education as a process of development, and the ability of self-improvement of the individual. 4. Application of the ideas of cosmism is focused on solving the problems that modern education faces, including the ethical problem of education and the search for the best solutions to develop talents. Th ese problems also include pedagogical assistance to self-improvement, and foundation of a new type of school, supporting sustainable and continuous development. Conclusion. On the basis of the concept of cosmism and of the methodological guidelines of cosmopedagogy, analyzed in the work, it was concluded that comprehensive development of the individual is possible through the disclosure of creative energy aimed at harmonizing the inner world.
THE RO LE OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES IN ECONOMIC DECISION-MAKING: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND RISK-TAKING
Authors: Folomeeva Tatiana V. , Sadovskaia Ekaterina D. , Vinokurov Fedor N. , Fedotova Svetlana V.
Published: February 2023

Background. Artifi cial Intelligence is being actively introduced into the economic life of the country in the context of the digital economy. Features of economic decision-making based on Artifi cial Intelligence are becoming an extremely relevant area of research in social psychology. Objective of the study was to identify the features of economic decision-making based on recommendations obtained using artifi cial intelligence. Methods. Th e study took place in two stages: an interview and an experiment. Sample. Th e sample of the fi rst stage was 8 people (4 men and 4 women, age 18–45). At the second stage, the sample consisted of 289 people (48 men and 241 women), aged 18–25 years. Results. At the fi rst stage, possible factors of trust and distrust in Artifi cial Intelligence-based programs were formulated, including the context of economic decisions. At the second stage, an experiment was conducted where participants were asked to play a stock exchange simulator. Th e game had the option of contacting an economic adviser. In the experimental group, the adviser was a program based on Artifi cial Intelligence, in the control group — a person. 5652 economic decisions of the participants were analyzed in terms of the degree of risk of these decisions. Conclusion 1. Using a recommendation in the process of an economic decision making has a signifi cant impact on the willingness to risk a resource. 2. In case of agreement with the recommendation, if the source of the recommendation was a program based on Artifi cial Intelligence technology, then the willingness to take risks was higher. 3. Such an eff ect can be explained by the specifi cs of the situation of an economic decision-making: the task is quite formal, the time to solve the problem is limited and the decision-making situation is accompanied by a high degree of uncertainty about the consequences of this decision.
FEATURES OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF MATHEMATICAL SKILLS OF FIRST-GRADERS IN DIFFERENT EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Authors: Sidneva Anastasia N. , Aslanova Margarita S. , Bukhalenkova Darya A.
Published: February 2023

Background. Relevance of this study is determined by the increased interest in mathematical education in recent years. Teachers and researchers are concerned about the conditions and means of developing mathematical education. Along with this, there is no consensus on what constitutes mathematical abilities, what is their structure and development. Objective. Th e aim of this study is to compare the development of mathematical skills of fi rst-graders in diff erent educational programs and to identify specifi c to each program features. Sample. Th e study sample consisted of 434 fi rst-graders of Moscow schools (54.8% of boys), among which: 37.1% of fi rst-graders learn programs of increased complexity, 44% — traditional programs, 18.9% — developmental education program. Methods. An author’s set of tasks was developed to diagnose the mathematical skills of fi rst-graders in this study. It included “classical” tasks children must perform regardless of the training program and “specifi c” tasks that test the awareness of meaning of the mathematical actions performed. Results. Th e analysis showed that most of the classical mathematical skills are not related to the character of the program and it developed by all fi rst-graders in the course of training. However, complex arithmetic skills (working with twodigit numbers and searching for an unknown sum component) developed more eff ectively in programs of increased complexity. Specifi c skills related to reasonable action with a number (tasks for a number line or measurement) showed an ambiguous development dynamic. Conclusion. Th is study allows us to form a hypothesis that the selecting students for programs aff ects only the rate of development of a number of classical mathematical skills. Whereas specifi c skills are more dependent on the content of the program. It requires further study.
Audio-Visual Interference During Motion Discrimination in Starlings
Authors: Feenders Gesa , Klump Georg M.
Published: February 2023

Motion discrimination is essential for animals to avoid collisions, to escape from predators, to catch prey or to communicate. Although most terrestrial vertebrates can benefit by combining concurrent stimuli from sound and vision to obtain a most salient percept of the moving object, there is little research on the mechanisms involved in such cross-modal motion discrimination. We used European starlings as a model with a well-studied visual and auditory system. In a behavioural motion discrimination task with visual and acoustic stimuli, we investigated the effects of cross-modal interference and attentional processes. Our results showed an impairment of motion discrimination when the visual and acoustic stimuli moved in opposite directions as compared to congruent motion direction. By presenting an acoustic stimulus of very short duration, thus lacking directional motion information, an additional alerting effect of the acoustic stimulus became evident. Finally, we show that a temporally leading acoustic stimulus did not improve the response behaviour compared to the synchronous presentation of the stimuli as would have been expected in case of major alerting effects. This further supports the importance of congruency and synchronicity in the current test paradigm with a minor role of attentional processes elicited by the acoustic stimulus. Together, our data clearly show cross-modal interference effects in an audio-visual motion discrimination paradigm when carefully selecting real-life stimuli under parameter conditions that meet the known criteria for cross-modal binding.
The first species of Nazeris from Shenzhen City, Guangdong, China (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Paederinae)
Authors: HU JIA-YAO , XU WANG , WANG WEI-MIN , SUN PING
Published: February 2023

N/A
Investigating the Construct Validity and Reliability of the Test of Motor Competence Across Iranians’ Lifespan
Authors: Salami Sedigheh , Ribeiro Bandeira Paulo Felipe , Dehkordi Parvaneh Shamsipour , Sohrabi Fatemeh , Martins Clarice , Duncan Michael J. , Hardy Louise L. , Shams Amir
Published: February 2023

Motor competence (MC) has been extensively examined in children and adolescents, but has not been studied among adults nor across the lifespan. The Test of Motor Competence (TMC) assesses MC in people aged 5–85 years. Among Iranians, aged 5–85 years, we aimed to determine the construct validity and reliability of the TMC and to examine associations between TMC test items and the participants’ age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). We conducted confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to evaluate the TMC’s factorial structure by age group and for the whole sample. We explored associations between the TMC test items and participant age, sex, and BMI using a network analysis machine learning technique (Rstudio and qgraph). CFA supported the construct validity of a unidimensional model for motor competence for the whole sample (RMSEA = 0.003; CFI = 0.998; TLI = 0.993) and for three age groups (RMSEA <0.08; CFI and TLI >0.95). Network analyses showed fine motor skills to be the most critical centrality skills, reinforcing the importance of fine motor skills for performing and participating in many daily activities across the lifespan. We found the TMC to be a valid and reliable test to measure MC across Iranians’ lifespan. We also demonstrated the advantages of using a machine learning approach via network analysis to evaluate associations between skills in a complex system.
Reconceptualizing Social Bonds for Emerging Adults
Authors: Nader Elias S. , Davies Robinson A.
Published: February 2023

Social bond theory argues that weak bonds (e.g., relationships, values, activities) with society facilitate engagement in crime and deviance. As these bonds are strengthened, young people grow out of deviance and into prosocial adulthood roles. Social bond theory has four classic components: Attachment, Commitment, Involvement, and Belief. While these components are significant for adolescents and youth, research has yet to examine how social bonds function for young and emerging adults (ages 18–29). This article examines how emerging adults identify and define which social bonds are essential in their transition into prosocial adulthood. Life story interviews were conducted with emerging adults ( n = 30), approximately half of whom have histories of justice system involvement. Themes from interviews inform a reconceptualization of social bond theory for emerging adults focusing on two key elements: (a) Attachment and (b) Commitment Through Involvement.
Flexural analysis of second-order corrugated composite cores: Experimental, numerical, and theoretical studies
Authors: Talaie Peyman , Shaban Mahdi , Khoshlesan Sanaz
Published: February 2023

Corrugated cores with structural hierarchy are one types of advanced cores that inspired from nature. In this work, the bending behavior of a second order, hierarchical corrugated structure has been analyzed. Experimental tests are implied to sandwich panels with both first- and second-order corrugated core by means of three-point bending test. For trapezoidal core, finite element model is provided and numerical results are validated by experimental results. Then, the validated properties are used to model sandwich panel with first- and second-order corrugated cores. To make a correct comparison, out-of-plane shear modulus of mentioned cores is calculated. Further to classical approach of ASTM7250, based on the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT), a closed-form solution is used to predict the out-of-plane core shear modulus and compared with ASTM procedure. Results reveal that including shear deformation effects, the determined shear modulus based on FSDT is larger than classical standard procedure. Furthermore, shear modulus of second-order corrugated core is smaller than first-order one of the same relative densities.
Effect of PARP-1 Inhibition on Rotator Cuff Healing: A Feasibility Study Using Veliparib in a Rat Model of Acute Rotator Cuff Repair
Authors: Künzler Michael B. , McGarry Michelle H. , Akeda Masaki , Ihn Hansel , Karol Agnieszka , von Rechenberg Brigitte , Schär Michael O. , Zumstein Matthias A. , Lee Thay Q.
Published: February 2023

Background:

PARP-1 (poly[ADP-ribose]) was shown to influence the inflammatory response after rotator cuff tear, leading to fibrosis, muscular atrophy, and fatty infiltration in mouse rotator cuff degeneration. So far, it is not known how PARP-1 influences enthesis healing after rotator cuff tear repair.

Hypothesis/Purpose:

This study aimed to examine the feasibility of oral PARP-1 inhibition and investigate its influence on rat supraspinatus enthesis and muscle healing after rotator cuff repair. The hypothesis was that oral PARP-1 inhibition would improve enthesis healing after acute rotator cuff repair in a rat model.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

In 24 Sprague-Dawley rats, the supraspinatus tendon was sharply detached and immediately repaired with a single transosseous suture. The rats were randomly allocated into 2 groups, with the rats in the inhibitor group receiving veliparib with a target dose of 12.5 mg/kg/d via drinking water during the postoperative recovery period. The animals were sacrificed 8 weeks after surgery. For the analysis, macroscopic, biomechanical, and histologic methods were used.

Results:

Oral veliparib was safe for the rats, with no adverse effects observed. In total, the inhibitor group had a significantly better histologic grading of the enthesis with less scar tissue formation. The macroscopic cross-sectional area of the supraspinatus muscles was 10.5% higher ( P = .034) in the inhibitor group, which was in agreement with an 8.7% higher microscopic muscle fiber diameter on histologic sections ( P < .0001). There were no statistically significant differences in the biomechanical properties between the groups.

Conclusion:

This study is the first to investigate the influence of PARP-1 inhibition on healing enthesis. On the basis of these findings, we conclude that oral veliparib, which was previously shown to inhibit PARP-1 effectively, is safe to apply and has beneficial effects on morphologic enthesis healing and muscle fiber size.

Clinical Relevance:

Modulating the inflammatory response through PARP-1 inhibition during the postoperative healing period is a promising approach to improve enthesis healing and reduce rotator cuff retearing. With substances already approved by the Food and Drug Administration, PARP-1 inhibition bears high potential for future translation into clinical application.
Assessment of Knowledge and Attitude Towards the Palliative Care Among Nurses in Sri Lanka: A Hospital-Based Study
Authors: Wijesinghe Thushan , Gunathilaka Nayana , Mendis Suresh , Udayanga Lahiru
Published: February 2023

Objective: Palliative care is an intervention that improves the quality of life of patients. Nurses have a primary role in providing palliative care. Their knowledge and attitudes toward palliative care is important in care delivery. There is minimal information in Sri Lanka to document the knowledge and attitude of palliative care among nurses. Therefore, the present study was conducted to assess the knowledge and attitude of palliative care among nurses in Sri Lanka. Method: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted on 200 selected nurses at Colombo North Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Socio-demographic information of the study participants was obtained through a self-administered questionnaire. The awareness and attitude levels toward the PC were assessed using the Palliative Care Knowledge Test (PCKT) and Frommelt Attitude Toward Care of the Dying, respectively. Results: More than half of the participants (55%) had an inadequate knowledge level regarding the palliative care (<50% for the PCKT score). Regarding the attitude on the palliative care, the majority stated nursing care to a dying person is a worthwhile experience (92%; n  =  184). Many of them disagreed with avoiding the care of dying patients (strongly disagree: 37%; n  =  74, disagree: 52.5%; n  =  105). Overall, 85.5% of study participants had a positive attitude towards the palliative care. According to binary logistic regression, gender ( P  =  .04; OR = 3.57; CI  =  1.03-12.41) and working setup ( P < .001) were significantly associated with having a positive attitude. The knowledge level was higher among nurses working in surgical wards (OR = 7.84). Those with >10 years of experience were statistically significant to have a positive attitude ( P  =  .02; OR = 1.35; CI  =  1.13-5.50). Conclusion: The nurses had inadequate knowledge of the PC even though they had a positive attitude toward it. Therefore, it is essential to uplift the awareness level among health workers. This warrants the need for palliative care education in the nursing curriculum and continuous professional development.
Implementing Dignity Therapy Service into an Acute Cancer Care Setting – A Feasibility Study
Authors: Kelly Claire , Kynoch Kathryn , Ramis Mary-Anne
Published: February 2023

Objective: Dignity therapy is a short-term psychotherapy used to help patients at end of life through addressing distress and enhancing dignity. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness and feasibility of introducing dignity therapy into a hospital-based cancer care service. Methods: A feasibility study was undertaken using a randomised controlled trial design. Participants were adult patients receiving systemic treatment for cancer or haematological malignancy with palliative intent, within an Australian ambulatory cancer treatment centre. Outcomes of interest were patient distress levels and feasibility of intervention delivery. Participants completed two self-reported distress scales at recruitment and four weeks following (control group) or one month after intervention delivery (intervention group). Patients receiving the intervention also completed the dignity therapy patient feedback questionnaire. Feasibility was measured by collecting data on time required to implement the intervention with subsequent crude cost estimates calculated. Study procedures are reported according to CONSORT guidance. Results: Fifteen patients were recruited for the study. Participants in the intervention group reported small but significantly different lower distress scores than those in the control group at 4 weeks. The time taken to deliver the intervention ranged from 5.5 to 11 h with subsequent cost dependent on the remuneration of the dignity therapy therapist. Conclusions: Findings support other studies on the benefit to patients from delivering a dignity therapy intervention at end of life. Feasibility is influenced by multidisciplinary team support, resource availability and the designated therapist delivering the intervention. Larger sample sizes are needed to ascertain effect.
The accuracy design of a new type of pin gauge annular slit restrictor based on the assembly success rate
Authors: Wang Zhiwei , Xu Cong , Jia Yanhao , Fu Penghao , Zhang Lijun , Tian Qunhong , Sun Aiqin , Yuan Liang
Published: February 2023

The restrictor is an indispensable compensation element in the constant pressure hydrostatic bearing. The annular slit restrictor has a direct impact on the throttling clearance due to the existence of machining error, which results in a low assembly efficiency. However, the assembly success rate can be increased by improving the machining accuracy, which increases the machining cost and machining cycle. To optimize the machining accuracy distribution of the restrictor, a closed-loop mixed-size chain tolerance model was established by considering the geometric tolerances. The influence of geometric error on the flow resistance of the traditional annular slit restrictor was analyzed by Worst Case analysis. The results show that the size error had the most significant effect on the flow resistance. The tilted state and eccentric state caused by geometric errors had little influence on the flow resistance. The existence of geometric errors will reduce the flow resistance. Based on the above research results, a new pin gauge annular slit restrictor, which has the advantages of a high precision and a low cost, was developed. Moreover, the influence of the installation conditions on the flow resistance was analyzed. The change in the flow resistance was reduced when the pin gauge was completely eccentrically installed. Additionally, the influence of the dimensional tolerance of the orifice on the success rate of the assembly was analyzed by the probability method. When the design tolerance of the orifice was ±4 μm, the success rate of the assembly reached 99.97%. Finally, the accuracy of the theoretical analysis results was verified by experiments.
A morphological filtering-based strain data processing method for biaxial fatigue testing of wind turbine blades
Authors: Dewang Li , Qiang Ma , Xuezong Bai , Huidong Ma , Zongwen An
Published: February 2023

Biaxial fatigue testing is an effective way to verify the performance of large wind turbine blades. The test process will generate a large amount of transient strain data, which needs to be peak detection to control the loading system and provided it to third-party organizations for type certification. Peak detection is challenging due to the long test cycle and severe signal noise pollution. The objective of this article is to propose a strain data processing method based on morphological filtering. It is found that morphological filtering + three-point smoothing has a better filtering effect. In addition, a peak detection algorithm is designed and proved its effectiveness. In order to validate the proposed method, a principle prototype of biaxial fatigue testing is built for testing. The results show that the method can not only effectively filter out noise, but also accurately and quickly detect the strain peaks, improve the efficiency of damage calculation and effectively control the test process. The method can also be used in the practical engineering field to process strain data generated during fatigue testing of wind turbine blades and improve overall testing efficiency.
The Value of Ki-67 Labeling Index in Central Lymph Node Metastasis and Survival of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: Evidence From the Clinical and Molecular Analyses
Authors: Lei Yi , Zhao Xin , Feng Yang , He Danshuang , Hu Daixing , Min Yu
Published: February 2023

Background

Recent evidence suggests that the Ki-67 labeling index is associated with lymph node metastasis and the prognosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated the clinicopathological features of consecutive PTC patients between Jan 2019 and Oct 2020 in our medical center. The molecular analysis was also conducted by using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) program. The Chi-square test was performed for the comparison of variables between patients with central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) and not. Besides, univariate and stepwise multivariate logistic regression analyses were further used to determine the risk factors for CLNM in PTC.

Results

Our results showed that male gender (odd ratio (OR) = 3.02; 95% CI: 1.81-5.04), tumor size >1 cm (OR = 2.81; 95% CI: 1.84-4.29), multifocality (OR = 2.08; 95% CI: 1.31-3.30, and Ki-67 labeling index (>3% and ≤5%: OR = 1.20; 95% CI: .73-1.97; >5%: OR = 3.85; 95% CI: 1.62-9.14) were independent risk factors for CLNM. After excluding the patients with harvested central lymph nodes <3, increased Ki-67 labeling index was still associated with the number of CLNM and the lymph node ratio. Additionally, the expression level of Ki-67 was significantly correlated with a higher N stage and worse disease-free survival in TCGA and validated GSE60542 datasets.

Conclusions

Higher Ki-67 labeling index (>5%) is significantly associated with the CLNM in PTC patients, like other indicators of the male gender, larger tumor size, and multifocality. Besides, the Ki-67 was also determined to be associated with CLNM and DFS in PTC patients, which may act as an important molecular marker in PTC.
Symblepharon in kittens: a retrospective study of 40 kittens and 54 eyes (2002–2022)
Authors: Shiraishi Hikaru , Vernau Karen M , Kim Soohyun , Good Kathryn L , Hollingsworth Steven R , Sebbag Lionel , Montgomery Elizabeth , Surmick Jennifer D , Freeman Kate S , Choi Eunju , Casanova M Isabel , Maggs David J
Published: February 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the signalment, treatment, surgical technique and outcomes for feline symblepharon.

Methods

A retrospective medical record review and standardized grading of clinical descriptions and photographs was undertaken.

Results

Forty kittens (54 eyes) aged 3–46 weeks had symblepharon of five types in various combinations: eyelid deformation (24 kittens; 32 eyes); ankyloblepharon (four kittens; four eyes); conjunctiva-to-conjunctiva (11 kittens; 12 eyes); third eyelid-to-conjunctiva (24 kittens; 29 eyes); and corneoconjunctival adhesions (14 kittens; 16 eyes). At initial presentation, 23 (43%) eyes were affected by one type of symblepharon, 25 (46%) eyes by two types and six (11%) eyes by three types; 11 (20%) corneas were ulcerated. Twenty-four (44%) eyes of 18 (45%) kittens were managed medically. Surgery was performed under general anesthesia/sedation (30 occasions) or topical anesthesia (21 occasions) on 30 (56%) eyes of 22 kittens; 12 eyes (40%) underwent multiple surgeries. Four techniques were commonly employed: separation of conjunctival-to-conjunctival adhesions ± eyelid margins (14 eyes); resection of third eyelid adhesions ± temporary tacking of the third eyelid (modified Arlt’s pterygium technique; 18 eyes); en bloc resection of the third eyelid (two eyes); and separation of corneoconjunctival adhesions (14 eyes). Median duration of follow-up was 55 days (range 1–1051). Median symblepharon grade in kittens treated surgically improved for all types except corneoconjunctival symblepharon. Median symblepharon grade in kittens receiving medical management remained the same or improved. Corneoconjunctival symblepharon opacity decreased for eyes treated surgically but increased for eyes treated medically. Three eyes were enucleated due to complications of corneoconjunctival symblepharon. At final presentation, symblepharon persisted in 46 (85%) eyes; however, menace response was evident in 13/16 eyes and dazzle reflex in 23/23 eyes.

Conclusions and relevance

Symblepharon is a heterogeneous group of conditions with diverse anatomic involvement, clinical appearance and impact, optimal treatment and prognosis for vision.
Developing evidence-based guidelines for the safety of symptomatic drugs in multiple sclerosis during pregnancy and breastfeeding: A systematic review and Delphi consensus
Authors: Iyer Priyanka , Wiles Kate , Ismail Azza , Nanda Surabhi , Murray Katy , Hughes Stella , Ford Helen L , Pearson Owen R , White Sarah , Bonham Nicola , Hoyle Natasha , Witts James , Middleton Rod , Brex Peter A , Rog David , Dobson Ruth
Published: February 2023

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is frequently diagnosed in people of reproductive age, many of whom will become pregnant following diagnosis. Although many women report an improvement in symptoms and relapses during pregnancy, symptoms such as fatigue and spasticity are commonly reported and can worsen. Prescribing medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding presents unique challenges and guidance on the use of symptomatic therapies is limited.

Objectives

This paper aims to provide a consensus on the current evidence base to facilitate informed decision-making and optimise pre-conception counselling.

Methods

A list of most commonly prescribed medications for symptom management in MS was created using pregnancy and MS-related READ codes in the Welsh GP Dataset, followed by a review by MS neurologists.

Results

A final list of 24 medications was generated for review. Searches were performed on each medication, and evidence graded using standardised criteria. Evidence-based recommendations were developed and distributed to experts in the field and revised according to feedback using modified Delphi criteria.

Conclusions

Our guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations on the safety of symptomatic therapies during pregnancy and breastfeeding for general practitioners and specialist teams working with people with MS who are hoping to embark on pregnancy or are currently pregnant. Individual risk–benefit ratios should be considered during pre-conception counselling to optimise symptom burden and minimise harm to both parent and child.
Experimental study on post-fire behaviour of a novel assembled wall-slab joint
Authors: Shen Yongjiang , Ni Zhou , Ai Tong , Dai Mengting , Jiang Binhui
Published: February 2023

In this study, the post-fire behaviour of a novel assembled wall-slab joint with high-performance concrete (HPC) post-casted in the core area was experimentally investigated. Fire and post-fire monotonic static loading tests were performed on three full-scale specimens, including two assembled joints and one cast-in-place joint for comparison. The temperature distribution inside the joints exposed to fire, failure displacement and failure mode of the joints after a fire, and residual bearing capacity of the joints are discussed. The results show that the assembled wall-slab joints are more integral than the cast-in-place joints after a fire. In addition, HPC can effectively reduce the temperature in the core area of an assembled joint exposed to fire and improve its post-fire stiffness. The failure modes of the two types of joints were also different. The residual bearing capacity of the assembled wall-slab joint after 1.5 h of heating was approximately 22.3% lower than after 1 h of heating. In addition, the residual bearing capacity of the assembled wall-slab joint was approximately 28% larger than that of the cast-in-place wall-slab joint at the same heating time of 1.5 h. In general, the assembled wall-slab joint showed better performance than the cast-in-place joint both during and after a fire.
Therapeutic potentials of stem cell–derived exosomes in cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Mani Saiprahalad , Gurusamy Narasimman , Ulaganathan Thennavan , Paluck Autumn J , Ramalingam Satish , Rajasingh Johnson
Published: February 2023

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles released by many cell types with varying compositions. Major bioactive factors present in exosomes are protein, lipid, mRNA, and miRNA. Exosomes are fundamental regulators of cellular trafficking and signaling in both physiological and pathological conditions. Various conditions such as oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, ribosomal stress, and thermal stress alter the concentration of exosomal mRNA, and miRNA, lipids, and proteins. Stem cell–derived exosomes have been shown to regulate a variety of stresses, either inhibiting or promoting cell balance. Stem cell–derived exosomes direct the crosstalk between various cell types which helps recovery by transferring information in proteins, lipids, and so on. This is one of the reasons why exosomes are used as biomarkers for a multitude of disease conditions. This review highlights the bioengineering of fabricated exosomal cargoes. It includes the manipulation and delivery of specific exosomal cargoes such as noncoding RNAs, recombinant proteins, immune modulators, therapeutic drugs, and small molecules. Such therapeutic approaches may precisely deliver the therapeutic drugs at the target site in the management of various disease conditions. Importantly, we have focused on the therapeutic applications of stem cell–derived exosomes in cardiovascular disease conditions such as myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, sepsis, and cardiac fibrosis. Generally, two approaches are being followed by researchers for exosomal bioengineering. This literature review will shed light on the role of stem cell–derived exosomes in stress balance and provides a new avenue for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Ultrasound-guided proximal external aortic compression in a vascular trauma patient
Authors: Wu Zhoupeng , Ma Yukui
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Emergency treatment of patients with severe subphrenic vascular trauma often adopts resuscitative thoracotomy or endovascular balloon. This case report proposes a non-invasive method to treat patients with vascular trauma, mainly through ultrasound-guided positioning of the proximal aorta and applying pressure to occlude the aorta and limit the distal blood flow, using bedside ultrasound to achieve accurate compression, continuous monitoring of its efficacy, and early detection of the recovery of autonomic circulation in patients with cardiac arrest.

Methods

We introduced a case of left iliac artery injury caused by a knife wound and subsequent cardiac arrest. Results We tried to externally compress the proximal aorta under bedside US guidance to achieve and maintain the recovery of the autonomic circulation. This allowed the patient to be transferred from the emergency department to the operating room.

Conclusion

This case demonstrated that ultrasound-guided proximal external aortic compression can be used as a bridge for further treatment of patients with vascular trauma, such as resuscitative thoracotomy or endoaortic balloon or covered stent occlusion.
Allergic Rhinitis in Preschoolers: A Systematic Review of Diagnostics
Authors: Diniz Alana F , Ribeiro Juliana AP , Lira Georgia VAG , Sarinho Emanuel SC
Published: February 2023

Background

Most studies that seek to analyze the prevalence of allergic rhinitis do not include preschool children and the diagnosis in this age group is difficult.

Objective

Identify complementary tests to the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis in preschool children and verify if there is scientific robustness to propose a diagnostic algorithm for this condition in this age group.

Methods

Systematic review of the literature in four databases: SCIELO, PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS and SCOPUS. Each article was initially chosen by title, abstract and by the keywords “allergic rhinitis,” “diagnosis” and “preschool.” Those articles selected entered the complete reading and data extraction phase. The study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews under number CRD42020207053.

Results

Fourteen articles were suitable for analysis. In the assessment using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies – 2, all studies had at least one domain considered “high risk” or “undetermined risk.” Seven reports of nasal cytology, seven of specific IgE, four of immediate hypersensitivity skin test, one of nasal nitric oxide, three of total IgE and one of urinary leukotriene E4 were found. Eight articles evaluated more than one diagnostic test.

Conclusion

There are no defined criteria for the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis in preschool children. Nasal cytology, serum specific IgE and immediate hypersensitivity skin test were the most used tests. A reliable diagnostic criterion in this age group is necessary so that in the future it is possible to propose a diagnostic algorithm for allergic rhinitis in preschool children.
Doxycycline Improves Quality of Life and Anosmia in Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyposis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Nabavi Mohammad , Arshi Saba , Bemanian Mohammad Hassan , Fallahpour Morteza , Shokri Sima , Sabouri Sofia , Moosavian Fatima , Nazari Javad , Bakrani Vahid , Atashrazm Fatemeh
Published: February 2023

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a complex disorder and effective treatment remains a major challenge. Some antibiotics with anti-inflammatory properties are reported to have potential to be used as an adjunct therapy in the management of chronic airway inflammation.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of doxycycline in CRSwNP.

Methods

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-control study, we assessed the efficacy of doxycycline in patients with moderate to severe CRSwNP. A total of 100 patients were randomly assigned to receive either doxycycline (200 mg on the first day followed by 100 mg daily) or placebo for 6 weeks. All patients received baseline therapy with fluticasone, montelukast, and nasal irrigation during the study. The primary outcome was quality of life based on the sino-nasal outcome test (SNOT-22) questionnaire. We measured peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) and severity of symptoms by visual analogue scale (VAS). Baseline blood eosinophil count, serum IgE level, eosinophil in nasal secretions, and Lund-Mackay score based on low dose paranasal CT scan were also recorded.

Results

Treatment with doxycycline significantly improved SNOT-22 ( P = .037) and sense of smell ( P = .048). The baseline SNOT-22 score had no effect on outcomes. The effect of doxycycline on quality of life in patients with or without nasal eosinophilia was not significantly different. Change in SNOT-22 score was also not correlated with serum IgE ( P = .220, r = −0.186) and the eosinophil count ( P = .190, r = −0.198).

Conclusion

Doxycycline improves the quality of life in patients with CRSwNP. It also has temporarily beneficial effects in improving the sense of smell. The levels of eosinophil in the blood and nasal secretions do not affect the response to treatment. Hence, doxycycline can be used in both eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic nasal polyps. This study was registered at Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials. https://www.irct.ir/ IRCTID: IRCT20210403050817N1.
Couple Burnout and Partner's Substance-Dependency: Is there any Association?
Authors: Haghparast Zeinab , Riazi Hedyeh , Shams Jamal , Montazeri Ali
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Substance-dependency is a significant health problem that might affect couples’ relationships and lead to several complications such as burnout. This study aimed to assess and compare couple burnout in women with and without substance-dependent partners.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study samples of women with and without substance-dependent partners were studied. Couple burnout was assessed using the Couple Burnout Measure (CBM). The data then were compared between the study groups by performing descriptive statistics, independent t-test, and chi-square. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to examine the association between couple burnout and independent variables.

Results

In all 264 women with (n = 121) and without (n = 143) substance-dependent partners were studied. Couple burnout was assessed using the Couple Burnout Measure (CBM). There were significant differences between both groups in most characteristics. The mean score of couple burnout in women with and without substance-dependent partners were 3.8 ± 1.2 and 2.6 ± 0.85 respectively (p < 0.001). In logistic regression analysis, the probability of couple burnout in women with substance-dependent partners was 4.5 times more than those without substance-dependent partners (OR = 4.50, CI = 2.48-8.17, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The findings showed that women with substance-dependent partners might suffer from higher couple burnout. Indeed, implementing appropriate interventions such as educational and counseling programs in health centers and substance abuse treatment centers is recommended. In fact, the current study highlights the extra burden that women with substance-dependent partners experience.