bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward TPC-UX: UX Topics in TPC Journals 2013–2022
Authors: Hunter Paul Thompson
Published: August 2023

This article offers a content analysis of technical and professional communication articles related to user experience (TPC-UX) published between 2013 and 2022 in six TPC scholarly journals. This analysis reveals that TPC-UX primarily focuses on product and process topics and illustrates the terminological comingling of user experience and usability. Specific TPC-UX topics identified include theory, multimodality, health and medicine, localization, web design, mobile applications, accessibility, and content strategy. These topics suggest that TPC-UX's key affordances are its attunement to networked power dynamics, its theoretically rich treatment of multimodality, and its strategies for navigating contextual complexities.
Predicting Caregiver Communications in a Geriatric Clinic
Authors: Martin John T. , Anderson Jason R. , Chapman Kimberly R. , Kayani Natalie , Drost Jennifer , Spitznagel Mary Beth
Published: August 2023

The current study evaluated the use of a machine learning model to determine benefit of medical record variables in predicting geriatric clinic communication requirements. Patient behavioral symptoms and global cognition, medical information, and caregiver intake assessments were extracted from 557 patient records. Two independent raters reviewed the subsequent 12 months for documented (1) incoming caregiver contacts, (2) outgoing clinic contacts, and (3) clinic communications. Random forest models’ average explained variance in training sets for incoming, outgoing, and clinic communications were 7.42%, 3.65%, and 6.23%, respectively. Permutation importances revealed the strongest predictors across outcomes were patient neuropsychiatric symptoms, global cognition, and body mass, caregiver burden, and age (caregiver and patient). Average explained variance in out-of-sample test sets for incoming, outgoing, clinic communications were 6.17%, 2.78%, and 4.28%, respectively. Findings suggest patient neuropsychiatric symptoms, caregiver burden, caregiver and patient age, patient body mass index, and global cognition may be useful predictors of communication requirements for patient care in a geriatric clinic. Future studies should consider additional caregiver variables, such as personality characteristics, and explore modifiable factors longitudinally.
Study on milling flatness control method for TC4 titanium alloy thin-walled parts under ice fixation
Authors: Zhan Qiyun , Jin Gang , Li Wenshuo , Li Zhanjie
Published: August 2023

Thin-walled parts are characterized by weak rigidity and are very prone to deformation during machining, which directly affects the machining accuracy and performance of the parts, so controlling the machining deformation of thin-walled parts is an urgent process problem to be solved. To address such problems, this paper proposes a flatness control machining method based on ice holding of workpieces. The method uses frozen suction cups to solidify liquid water to achieve stress-free clamping of workpieces. We conducted a low-temperature tensile test to investigate the low-temperature mechanical properties of the material. Comparative tests of ice-free and low-temperature ice-fixed milling were conducted to compare and analyze the changes of flatness and milling force in the two working conditions, to investigate the influence of machining parameters on the flatness of thin-walled parts, and to reveal the mechanism of low-temperature milling of ice-fixed workpieces. In addition, the low-temperature milling performance of titanium/aluminum alloy based on ice-fixation was compared. The results show that TC4 has good plasticity, high flexural strength ratio and strong resistance to deformation at low temperatures. Compared with no ice-holding, ice-holding machining effectively improves the flatness of the workpiece, and the order of the machining parameters affecting flatness is: feed rate > milling depth > spindle speed. The milling forces under ice-holding conditions were all greater than those without ice holding. The stiffness and hardness, resistance to damage and deformation of titanium alloy at low temperature are greater than those of aluminum alloy. This method provides a new method for high-precision machining of thin-walled parts.
Financial Institutions Dynamics, Investments and Development
Authors: Abaidoo Rexford , Agyapong Elvis Kwame
Published: August 2023

The study evaluates how specific features of financial institutions and investment sources influence enduring development among economies in the sub-region of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Data for the interactions in question were compiled from 36 economies in SSA from 1996 to 2019, and various empirical estimates were carried out using the two-step system Generalized Method of Moments statistical framework. Results from the analyses suggest that growth in depth, improved access, and efficiency of financial institutions foster long-term development among economies in the sub-region. Investments in various forms were found to have a varied augmenting impact on long-term development. Further empirical analyses suggest that quality of governance has a significant positive moderating impact on how net foreign direct investment and domestic investments influence development among economies in the sub-region. Political instability is, however, found to negate gains to development from both investment growth and contributions from financial institutions.

JEL Codes: C33, G2, E13
Depressive Symptoms in Caregivers of Hospice Cancer Patients
Authors: Oliver Debra Parker , Washington Karla T. , Benson Jacquelyn , Mayhara Masako , Pitzer Kyle , White Patrick , Demiris George
Published: August 2023

Objectives: Family members and close friends provide countless hours of care for patients enrolled in hospice care. They do so without pay, often sacrificing their own financial well-being and health in the process. This study asks 4 research questions: (1) What is the prevalence and severity of depressive symptoms among caregivers of hospice cancer patients? (2) What demographic and contextual factors (such as relationship with patient) are related to the severity of depressive symptoms among caregivers of hospice cancer patients? (3) Are caregiver quality of life and caregiver burden associated with depressive symptoms? and (4) Is baseline depression associated with change in depression over time? Methods: This was a secondary analysis of data collected in a cluster randomized controlled trial. Results: Thirty-five percent of caregivers reported depressive symptoms of moderate or greater severity. These depressive symptoms were found to increase depending on the relationship of the caregiver to the patient. Caregivers with higher reported burden and lower reported quality of life were also found to have higher depressive symptoms. Significance of Results: Hospice agencies are encouraged to assess caregiver depressive symptoms and have protocols in place to assist caregivers with high depressive symptoms.
Effect of ibudilast on thalamic magnetization transfer ratio and volume in progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Nakamura Kunio , Zheng Yufan , Mahajan Kedar R , Cohen Jeffrey A , Fox Robert J , Ontaneda Daniel
Published: August 2023

Background:

Thalamic volume (TV) is a sensitive biomarker of disease burden of injury in multiple sclerosis (MS) and appears to reflect overall lesion loads. Ibudilast showed significant treatment effect on brain atrophy and magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) of normal-appearing brain tissue but not in new/enlarging T2 lesion in the SPRINT-MS randomized clinical trial.

Objective:

To evaluate the effect of ibudilast on thalamic tissue integrity and volume in the SPRINT-MS.

Methods:

A total of 255 participants with progressive MS were randomized to oral ibudilast or placebo, and thalamic MTR and normalized TV over 96 weeks were quantified. Mixed-effect modeling assessed treatment effects on the thalamic MTR and TV, separately. Similarly, the measures were compared between the participants with confirmed disability progression (CDP).

Results:

Ibudilast’s treatment effect was observed compared to placebo for thalamic MTR ( p = 0.03) but not for TV ( p = 0.68) while TV correlated with T2 lesion volume ( p < 0.001). CDP associated with thalamic MTR ( p = 0.04) but not with TV ( p = 0.7).

Conclusion:

Ibudilast showed an effect on thalamic MTR, which was associated with CDP, suggesting a clinically relevant effect on thalamic tissue integrity. However, the treatment effect was not observed in TV, suggesting that thalamic atrophy is more closely associated with global inflammatory activity than local tissue integrity.

ClinicalTrials.gov:

NCT01982942
In-Store Communications: Understanding the Mundane, the Bright Sides, and the Unexpected
Authors: Roggeveen Anne L. , Schweiger Elisa B. , Grewal Dhruv
Published: August 2023

This research examines how retailers convey messages to target customers and facilitate purchase decisions in physical settings. To establish a clear organizing framework for communications in physical settings, the current article examines both how and why retailers communicate with customers. Specifically, the authors address “how” questions from the perspective of whether messages are static or dynamic and “why” questions according to whether the communication is inspirational or informative.
Effects of #coronavirus content moderation on misinformation and anti-Asian hate on Instagram
Authors: Hong Traci , Tang Zilu , Lu Manyuan , Wang Yunwen , Wu Jiaxi , Wijaya Derry
Published: August 2023

This study evaluated the intended and unintended effects of Instagram’s content moderation on #coronavirus for both the short- and long-term effects on misinformation and anti-Asian sentiment. We performed manual coding of images ( N = 9648), and a series of supervised machine learning methods to classify three waves of comments ( N = 22,676) published in 2020 on Instagram. Welch’s F tests were used to compare misinformation, emotions, toxicity, and identity attack across three time periods. The results showed that hashtag moderation had an intended effect in reducing misinformation, and an unintended effect in reducing anger, fear, toxicity, and identity attack. Images with people of East Asian descent were associated with more anger, fear, toxicity, and identity attack than images with people of other races. Prior to content moderation, misinformation was associated with identity attack. Stigmatization on social media, and content moderation of misinformation and hate speech are discussed.
Rejoinder to my critics
Authors: Honneth Axel
Published: August 2023

To respond to my critics I concentrate on three systematic problems they have brought up in their articles: First, there are repeated concerns that my proposal for determining what we should regard as social labor may be too narrow, too conventionalist, or simply misleading (I); second, a number of contributions raise the question of whether I am right to discard the idea of “alienated” or “meaningless” labor as the standard of critique of contemporary labor relations and replace it with the weaker standard of democratic compatibility (II); and third, some of the contributors reproach me for being too moderate in my proposals for reforming labor relations and for conceptually excluding more radical alternatives from the outset (III). I will try to defend my own approach on all three counts.
Institutions and Their Social Construction: A Cross-Level Perspective
Authors: Ocasio William
Published: August 2023

Defining institutions as taken-for-granted systems of roles and interactions, this paper presents a novel theoretical integration of hereto disparate micro and macro approaches to their social construction. Building on and modifying Berger and Luckmann (1967), I emphasize the social and cultural embeddedness of the phenomenological experience of institutions and their embodiment in organizations and organizing practices. The paper identifies mechanisms by which micro-institutions emerge at the intra-organizational level and how institutionalization is shaped across the multiple levels of organizations, geographic communities, organizational fields, societies, and the world system. It proposes that the locus of sedimentation, and hence institutionalization, occurs at multiple levels, which are culturally embedded within higher-level institutional orders of society and the world system. It further proposes that the generation of a committed network of role practitioners is a critical component of institutionalization.
“I think to myself ‘why now?’” – a qualitative study about endometriosis and pain in Austria
Authors: Gstoettner Manuela , Wenzl René , Radler Ines , Jaeger Margret
Published: August 2023

Background

Endometriosis is a chronic, benign, and oestrogen-dependent condition and about 10–15% of all women of reproductive age are affected by endometriosis worldwide. It is not curable and pain is one of the most common symptoms of endometriosis and leads to low quality of life in affected women. To our knowledge, in German-speaking countries, no studies with qualitative methods approaches are available concerning women who suffer from pain caused by endometriosis and possible associated coping strategies. Our study aims to familiarise ourselves with the individual pain experience of selected women who suffer from endometriosis in Austria and their coping strategies.

Methods

A qualitative study design was based on problem-centred interviews for data collection and qualitative content analysis for data analysis. The research participants were women aged between 18 and 55 diagnosed with endometriosis and living in Austria. The interview period was from 27 February to 26 March 2019 and interviews lasted between 50 and 75 min.

Results

Eight categories were formulated, of which category 3 (thoughts and feelings regarding endometriosis and pain - ‘why?’), category 5 (effects and changes caused by endometriosis and pain – ‘quality of life’), category 7 (taboos – ‘don`t talk about it’), and category 8 (talking about it – ‘contact with others in the same position’) were relevant for this article. The remaining four categories [1–4] have already been published elsewhere.

Conclusion

Our data show that the social environment plays a fundamental role in coping strategies concerning pain caused by endometriosis. Women in our study reported that exchange with peers offers support. This opens a door for information events, patient organizations like support groups, and the inclusion of these in the supporting system. Involving occupational medicine and workplace health promotion departments in companies should be further goals to support affected women.
The NuroSleeve, a user-centered 3D printed hybrid orthosis for individuals with upper extremity impairment
Authors: Khantan Mehdi , Avery Mikael , Aung Phyo Thuta , Zarin Rachel M. , Hammelef Emma , Shawki Nabila , Serruya Mijail Demian , Napoli Alessandro
Published: August 2023

Background

Active upper extremity (UE) assistive devices have the potential to restore independent functional movement in individuals with UE impairment due to neuromuscular diseases or injury-induced chronic weakness. Academically fabricated UE assistive devices are not usually optimized for activities of daily living (ADLs), whereas commercially available alternatives tend to lack flexibility in control and activation methods. Both options are typically difficult to don and doff and may be uncomfortable for extensive daily use due to their lack of personalization. To overcome these limitations, we have designed, developed, and clinically evaluated the NuroSleeve, an innovative user-centered UE hybrid orthosis.

Methods

This study introduces the design, implementation, and clinical evaluation of the NuroSleeve, a user-centered hybrid device that incorporates a lightweight, easy to don and doff 3D-printed motorized UE orthosis and a functional electrical stimulation (FES) component. Our primary goals are to develop a customized hybrid device that individuals with UE neuromuscular impairment can use to perform ADLs and to evaluate the benefits of incorporating the device into occupational therapy sessions. The trial is designed as a prospective, open-label, single-cohort feasibility study of eight-week sessions combined with at-home use of the device and implements an iterative device design process where feedback from participants and therapists informs design improvement cycles.

Results

All participants learned how to independently don, doff, and use the NuroSleeve in ADLs, both in clinical therapy and in their home environments. All participants showed improvements in their Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), which was the primary clinical trial outcome measure. Furthermore, participants and therapists provided valuable feedback to guide further development.

Conclusions

Our results from non-clinical testing and clinical evaluation demonstrate that the NuroSleeve has met feasibility and safety goals and effectively improved independent voluntary function during ADLs. The study’s encouraging preliminary findings indicate that the NuroSleeve has met its technical and clinical objectives while improving upon the limitations of the existing UE orthoses owing to its personalized and flexible approach to hardware and firmware design.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04798378, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04798378, date of registration: March 15, 2021.
Should infectious disease modelling research be subject to ethics review?
Authors: Green Ben
Published: August 2023

Should research projects involving epidemiological modelling be subject to ethical scrutiny and peer review prior to publication? Mathematical modelling had considerable impacts during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to social distancing and lockdowns. Imperial College conducted research leading to the website publication of a paper, Report 9, on non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) and COVID-19 mortality demand dated 16th March 2020, arguing for a Government policy of non-pharmaceutical interventions (e.g. lockdowns, social distancing, mask wearing, working from home, furlough, school closures, reduced family interaction etc.) to counter COVID 19. Enquiries and Freedom of Information requests to the institution indicate that there was no formal ethical committee review of this specific research, nor was there any peer review prior to their online publication of Report 9. This paper considers the duties placed upon researchers, institutions and research funders under the UK ‘Concordat to Support Research Integrity’ (CSRI), across various bioethical domains, and whether ethical committee scrutiny should be required for this research.
Long-term nusinersen treatment across a wide spectrum of spinal muscular atrophy severity: a real-world experience
Authors: Łusakowska Anna , Wójcik Adrianna , Frączek Anna , Aragon-Gawińska Karolina , Potulska-Chromik Anna , Baranowski Paweł , Nowak Ryszard , Rosiak Grzegorz , Milczarek Krzysztof , Konecki Dariusz , Gierlak-Wójcicka Zuzanna , Burlewicz Małgorzata , Kostera-Pruszczyk Anna
Published: August 2023

Background

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by a biallelic mutation in the SMN1 gene, resulting in progressive muscle weakness and atrophy. Nusinersen is the first disease-modifying drug for all SMA types. We report on effectiveness and safety data from 120 adults and older children with SMA types 1c-3 treated with nusinersen.

Methods

Patients were evaluated with the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded (HFMSE; n = 73) or the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders (CHOP-INTEND; n = 47). Additionally, the Revised Upper Limb Module (RULM) and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) were used in a subset of patients. Patients were followed for up to 30 months of nusinersen treatment (mean, SD; 23, 14 months). Subjective treatment outcomes were evaluated with the Patients Global Impression–Improvement (PGI-I) scale used in all patients or caregivers at each follow-up visit.

Results

An increase in the mean HFMSE score was noted at month 14 (T14) (3.9 points, p < 0.001) and month 30 (T30) (5.1 points, p < 0.001). The mean RULM score increased by 0.79 points at T14 (p = 0.001) and 1.96 points (p < 0.001) at month 30 (T30). The mean CHOP-INTEND increased by 3.6 points at T14 (p < 0.001) and 5.6 points at month 26 (p < 0.001). The mean 6MWT improved by 16.6 m at T14 and 27 m at T30 vs. baseline. A clinically meaningful improvement in HFMSE (≥ 3 points) was seen in 62% of patients at T14, and in 71% at T30; in CHOP INTEND (≥ 4 points), in 58% of patients at T14 and in 80% at T30; in RULM (≥ 2 points), in 26.6% of patients at T14 and in 43.5% at T30; and in 6MWT (≥ 30-meter increase), in 26% of patients at T14 and in 50% at T30. Improved PGI-I scores were reported for 75% of patients at T14 and 85% at T30; none of the patients reporting worsening at T30. Adverse events were mild and related to lumbar puncture.

Conclusions

In our study, nusinersen led to continuous functional improvement over 30-month follow-up and was well tolerated by adults and older children with a wide spectrum of SMA severity.
Genetic profiles of Schistosoma haematobium parasites from Malian transmission hotspot areas
Authors: Agniwo Privat , Boissier Jérôme , Sidibé Bakary , Dembélé Laurent , Diakité Assitan , Niaré Doumbo Safiatou , Akplogan Ahristode , Guindo Hassim , Blin Manon , Dametto Sarah , Ibikounlé Moudachirou , Spangenberg Thomas , Dabo Abdoulaye
Published: August 2023

Background

Although schistosomiasis is a public health issue in Mali, little is known about the parasite genetic profile. The purpose of this study was to analyze the genetic profile of the schistosomes of Schistosoma haematobium group in school-aged children in various sites in Mali.

Methods

Urine samples were collected from 7 to 21 November 2021 and subjected to a filtration method for the presence S. haematobium eggs. The study took place in two schistosomiasis endemic villages (Fangouné Bamanan and Diakalèl), qualified as hotspots according to the World Health Organization (WHO) definition. Molecular genotyping on both Cox1 and ITS2/18S was used for eggs' taxonomic assignation.

Results

A total of 970 miracidia were individually collected from 63 school-aged children and stored on Whatman FTA cards for molecular analysis. After genotyping 42.0% (353/840) and 58.0% (487/840) of miracidia revealed Schistosoma bovis and S. haematobium Cox1 profiles, respectively; 95.7 (885/925) and 4.3% (40/925) revealed S. haematobium and S. haematobium/S. curassoni profiles for ITS/18S genes, respectively. There was a significant difference in the Cox1 and ITS2/18S profile distribution according to the village (P < 0.0001). Overall, 45.6% (360/789) were hybrids, of which 72.0% (322/447) were from Diakalèl. Three hybrids’ profiles (Sb/Sc_ShxSc with 2.3%; Sb/Sc_ShxSh with 40.5%; Sh_ShxSc with 2.8%) and one pure profile (Sh_ShxSh with 54.4%) were identified.

Conclusion

Our findings show, for the first time to our knowledge, high prevalence of hybrid schistosomes in Mali. More studies are needed on population genetics of schistosomes at the human and animal interface to evaluate the parasite’s gene flow and its consequences on epidemiology of the disease as well as the transmission to humans.

Graphical Abstract
Comparison of sound touch elastography and quantification for assessing the renal pathologic changes in patients with proteinuria
Authors: Ruan Zhengmin , Xiao Zhiying , Shi Xue , Liang Yu , Hou Liang , Wu Tao , Wu Mei
Published: August 2023

Objective

Sound touch elastography (STE) and sound touch quantification (STQ) are novel imaging methods to evaluate tissue stiffness. This study aims to investigate renal stiffness in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) by STE and STQ, using renal biopsy as ‘gold standard’.

Methods

Between 2019 January and 2022 June, 60 patients who underwent renal biopsy for proteinuria (cases) and 45 healthy volunteers (controls) at our hospital were included in this study. The maximum and mean elastic modulus (Emax, Emean) of region of interest in right kidney were measured by STE and STQ techniques. Biochemical profiles and renal biopsy findings were recorded.

Results

Both Emax and Emean measured by STE were significantly different between cases and controls. ROC analysis of STE measurements revealed using a cutoff of 13.53 kPa for Emax and 10.16 kPa for Emean, the area under the curve (AUC) to distinguish nephropathy from healthy was 0.718 and 0.744. Analysis of ROC for STQ measurements showed that using a cutoff value of 15.87 kPa for Emax and 9.95 kPa for Emean, the AUC for the nephropathy was 0.612 and 0.569. Emax and Emean values were significantly different among CKD patients with mild, moderate and severe pathological stage. The Emax value for STE was positively related to Scr, β2-MG (r = 0.257, 0.292, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Both STE and STQ are non-invasive, feasible methods to quantitatively evaluate renal stiffness. STE is more effective than STQ in the diagnosis of CKD patients with proteinuria.

Critical relevance statement

Sound touch elastography is more effective than sound touch quantification in the diagnosis of chronic kidney disease patients with proteinuria.

Key points

• Emax and Emean measured by STE were different between cases and controls.

• Emax and Emean were different among CKD patients with different pathological stages.

• The Emax value for STE was positively related to serum creatinine, β2-microglobulin

Graphical Abstract
Toxic retrobulbar neuritis due to recurrent nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug-exacerbated respiratory disease-based chronic sinusitis in the left sphenoid sinus: a case report
Authors: Schapher Mirco , Bruegel Jacob , Guener Fabian , Volbers Bastian , Eichhorn Philip , Agaimy Abbas , Berger Magdalena , Mardin Christian , Doerfler Arnd , Hock Stefan W.
Published: August 2023

Background

Abrupt visual impairment constitutes a medical urgency, necessitating an interdisciplinary diagnostic and therapeutic approach owing to the broad spectrum of potential etiologies, thereby engaging numerous medical specialties.

Case presentation

A 21-year-old Mixed White and Asian female patient, with medical history of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug-exacerbated respiratory disease necessitating previous sinus surgery, reported sudden monocular vision loss. Unremarkable ophthalmological examination of the fellow eye and hematological parameters, save for a slight elevation in lymphocytes and eosinophils, were observed. Imaging studies indicated recurrence of bilateral chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and a mucocele in the left sphenoid sinus, accompanied by bony structural deficits. Emergency revision sinus surgery, guided by navigation, was promptly performed. The patient received treatment with methylprednisolone, ceftriaxone, cyanocobalamin, pyridoxine, thiamine, and acetylsalicylic acid. During the hospital stay, she developed steroid-induced glaucoma, which was subsequently managed successfully. Negative microbiological swabs, along with pathohistological evidence of increased tissue eosinophilia and the patient’s clinical history, led to the diagnosis of toxic retrobulbar neuritis secondary to recurrent nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug-exacerbated respiratory disease-associated chronic rhinosinusitis of the left sphenoid sinus.

Conclusions

In cases of acute unilateral vision loss, optic neuritis is a highly probable differential diagnosis and may be induced by pathologies of the paranasal sinuses. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug-exacerbated respiratory disease, a subtype of chronic rhinosinusitis, is associated with type 2 inflammation, which is increasingly recognized for its role in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma, eosinophilic esophagitis, and atopic eczema. Clinicians should consider chronic rhinosinusitis as a potential differential diagnosis in unilateral visual loss and be cognizant of the rising significance of type 2 inflammations, which are relevant to a variety of diseases.
A review on the effect of nanocomposite scaffolds reinforced with magnetic nanoparticles in osteogenesis and healing of bone injuries
Authors: Sadeghzadeh Hadi , Dianat-Moghadam Hassan , Del Bakhshayesh Azizeh Rahmani , Mohammadnejad Daryush , Mehdipour Ahmad
Published: August 2023

Many problems related to disorders and defects of bone tissue caused by aging, diseases, and injuries have been solved by the multidisciplinary research field of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Numerous sciences, especially nanotechnology, along with tissue engineering, have greatly contributed to the repair and regeneration of tissues. Various studies have shown that the presence of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in the structure of composite scaffolds increases their healing effect on bone defects. In addition, the induction of osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the presence of these nanoparticles has been investigated and confirmed by various studies. Therefore, in the present article, the types of MNPs, their special properties, and their application in the healing of damaged bone tissue have been reviewed. Also, the molecular effects of MNPs on cell behavior, especially in osteogenesis, have been discussed. Finally, the present article includes the potential applications of MNP-containing nanocomposite scaffolds in bone lesions and injuries. In summary, this review article highlights nanocomposite scaffolds containing MNPs as a solution for treating bone defects in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Safety and feasibility study of ex vivo expanded allogeneic-NK cells infusion in patients with acute pneumonia caused by COVID-19
Authors: Ahmadvand Mohammad , Barough Mahdieh Shokrollahi , Hashemi Zahra Sadat , Sanati Hassan , Abbasvandi Fereshteh , Yunesian Masud , Majidzadeh-A Keivan , Makarem Jalil , Aghayan Hamid Reza , Abedini Atefeh , Ghavamzadeh Ardeshir , Forooshani Ramin Sarrami
Published: August 2023

Background

NK cells are the most active innate immune cells in antiviral immunity, which are impaired by SARS-COV2 infection. Infusion of allogeneic NK cells might be a complementary treatment to boost immune system function in COVID-19 patients. In this project, we focused on COVID-19 patients with low inspiratory capacity (LIC). This project aims to evaluate the feasibility and safety of allogeneic NK cell infusion as an intervention for respiratory viral disease.

Methods

A non-blind two arms pilot study was designed and conducted after signing the consent form. Ten matched patients, in terms of vital signs and clinical features, were enrolled in the control and intervention groups. Approximately 2 × 10^6 cells/kg of NK cells were prepared under GCP (good clinical practice) conditions for each patient in the intervention group. The control group was under the same conditions and drug regimen except for the treatment with the prepared cells. Then, infused intravenously during 20 min in the ICU ward of Masih Daneshvari Hospital. The clinical signs, serological parameters, and CTCAE (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events) were recorded for safety evaluation and the feasibility of project management were evaluated via designed checklist based on CONSORT.

Results

There were no symptoms of anaphylaxis, hypersensitivity, significant changes in blood pressure, cardiovascular complications, and fever from injection time up to 48 h after cell infusion. The mean hospitalization period in the control and intervention groups was 10 and 8 days, respectively. The blood O2 saturation level was raised after cell infusion, and a significantly lower mean level of inflammatory enzymes was observed in the intervention group following discharge compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The inflammatory parameters differences at the discharge date in cell therapy group were highly negative.

Conclusion

Intravenous infusion of ex vivo-expanded allogeneic NK cells was safe and feasible. However, the efficacy of this approach to reducing the severity of disease in COVID-19 patients with LIC could not be determined.

Trial registration

Name of the registry: NKCTC. IRCT20200621047859N2. December 29, 2020. URL of trial registry record: https://www.irct.ir/trial/49382
Efficacy of polymethylmethacrylate membrane hemodiafilter Filtryzer® PMF™-21A in improving pruritus in hemodialysis patients: a prospective interventional study
Authors: Takahashi Naoko , Mano Jun , Uchida Kenta , Yoshizawa Taku , Kumagai Junko , Kawanishi Hideki , Tsuchiya Shinichiro , Moriishi Misaki , Masaki Takao
Published: August 2023

Background

Hemodialysis-associated pruritus (HAP) occurs in 60–80% of hemodialysis patients. This significant complication not only decreases quality of life through sleep disturbance and depression, but also leads to poor survival outcomes. The polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) membrane was the first synthetic polymer membrane for the hollow-fiber artificial kidney created in 1977. PMMA membrane dialyzers have been reported to be effective for improving various complaints, including pruritus, and nutritional status. In Japan, a PMMA membrane hemodiafilter Filtryzer® PMF™-A (PMF-A) was launched in November 2021 and subsequently became available for online hemodiafiltration (OHDF). This study aimed to determine whether PMF-A effectively improves pruritus in hemodialysis patients.

Methods

Participants were 20 patients (median age 74.5 years) on predilution OHDF (pre-OHDF) or postdilution OHDF (post-OHDF) using an Asymmetric Triacetate Membrane® hemodiafilter (FIX-210E eco or FIX-210S eco), who were experiencing pruritus of “very mild” or higher severity based on the Shiratori severity score either during the daytime or nighttime. After switching to post-OHDF with PMF-21A (substitution flow rate: 10 L/session), the substitution flow rate was gradually increased according to results of pruritus evaluation every 2 weeks over 3 months. The primary endpoint was the severity of pruritus evaluated using visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Shiratori severity score. Secondary endpoints included white blood cell count (WBC), hemoglobin level (Hb), platelet count (Plt), serum albumin level (Alb), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), IL-6, dry weight (DW), and solute removal performance.

Results

The median VAS score was significantly decreased 2 weeks after switching compared with baseline (44 mm) and remained significantly decreased at Week 12 (22 mm; p < 0.01). From baseline to Week 12, 16 patients (80%) showed improvement in VAS score. The percentage of patients with mild to moderate daytime pruritus according to the Shiratori severity score decreased significantly from 80.0% to 45.0% (p < 0.05), whereas no significant change was observed for nighttime pruritus (p = 0.267). Pre-dialysis serum β2-MG levels were significantly higher at Week 12 compared with baseline. No significant changes were observed in WBC, Hb, Plt, serum Alb, hsCRP, IL-6, or DW.

Conclusions

OHDF with PMF-21A may be more effective in improving HAP.
Unclassified bronchopulmonary foregut malformation in a 2-year-old girl
Authors: Kanai Risa , Fukumoto Koji , Miyake Hiromu , Kawasaki Tatsuya , Okuyama Katsumi , Iwafuchi Hideto , Koyama Masashi
Published: August 2023

Background

Bronchopulmonary foregut malformation (BPFM) is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by a fistula between an isolated portion of respiratory tissue and the esophagus or stomach. Srikanth et al. reported that BPFMs can be categorized into four groups, and that an unclassified BPFM is extremely rare. Herein, we present an unclassified BPFM group III and IV subtype in a 2-year-old girl.

Case presentation

At a gestational age of 36 weeks, a 1535-g female neonate was born as one of the dichorionic diamniotic twins. She had vertebral abnormality, anovestibular fistula, pulmonary artery sling, small right lung, mediastinal shift with dextrocardia, tracheal stenosis, and radial hemimelia. After birth, she was diagnosed with VACTERL association. She exhibited consolidation of the right upper lobe (RUL) in the neonatal period; however, she had no respiratory symptoms and was kept under observation in an outpatient visit. At 24 months, she was urgently admitted with acute pneumonia, and the upper gastrointestinal series revealed the right upper bronchus arising from the lower esophagus. Therefore, she underwent RUL resection. Intraoperatively, the right lung had no lobulations. RUL was ventilated by the esophageal bronchus (BPFM group III); however, the S6 lesion was ventilated by both the normal bronchial system and esophageal bronchus (close to BPFM group IV). The S6 lesion did not satisfy the definition of group IV as it did not have systemic blood supply. Hence, we decided to preserve the S6 lesion to save lung capacity as much as possible. The esophageal bronchus was transected using a 5-mm stapler. Due to lobulation failure, RUL was resected using an electric scalpel and 5-mm staplers along with the demarcation line by ventilation from the normal bronchus. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient could regain oral function without pneumonia or respiratory distress.

Conclusions

For neonates with repeated consolidation and pneumonia, BPFM must be considered as one of the differential diagnoses. Regarding BPFM treatment, early recognition and imaging are necessary. To determine the resection area of the lung, it is crucial to consider the segment of ventilation from the normal bronchi.
La conception du langage chez les surréalistes: données et réflexions
Authors: Spiridopoulou Maria
Published: August 2023

Η αντίληψη της γλώσσας στους Σουρεαλιστές: δεδομένα και σκέψειςΟ σουρεαλισμός είχε ως στόχο τη χειραφέτηση της γλώσσας και της σκέψης καθώς και την απόλυτη ελευθερία του ανθρώπου. Όταν ο Breton ισχυρίζεται ότι «η γλώσσα έχει δοθεί στον άνθρωπο για να μπορέσει να κάνει σουρεαλιστι-κή χρήση», εννοεί την απελευθέρωση της γλώσσας από το καθήκον της να α-ναπαριστά, να έχει επικοινωνιακή χρήση αλλά και τη συνήθη ποιητική λειτουρ-γία, εννοούμενη ως «εργαστηριακό έργο που ασχολείται αφηρημένα με λέξεις». Παρόλο που δεν υπήρξε γλωσσολόγος ή φιλόσοφος αλλά ποιητής-εξερευνητής του άγνωστου, ο Breton προσπάθησε πάντα να εξηγήσει τη σουρεαλιστική χρήση της γλώσσας με μια πλούσια παραγωγή παρατηρήσεων και θεωρητικών κειμένων που θα μπορούσαν να αποτελέσουν ένα είδος άτυπης θεωρίας. Στό-χος του άρθρου αυτού είναι να περιγράψει τις θεμελιώδεις έννοιες της αντίλη-ψης των Σουρεαλιστών για τη γλώσσα και τις λέξεις, των οποίων η μεταμορ-φωτική ενέργεια αναστάτωσε τις συντεταγμένες του πραγματικού κόσμου και ταυτόχρονα αποτέλεσε την ουσία της ανθρώπινης ελευθερίας. Εστιάζει σε κεί-μενα του Μπρετόν, του Αραγκόν και του Ελυάρ, των τριών βασικών εκπροσώ-πων της πρωτοπορίας αυτής, με βασικούς άξονες ανάλυσης τις λέξεις και τα χαρακτηριστικά τους, τη συντακτική δομή της πρότασης, την απρόσωπη αυτό-ματη γραφή και την αυτονόμηση της γλώσσας από το γράφον υποκείμενο, κα-θώς και τη μεταφορά, που αποτελεί έμβλημα της αντίληψής τους περί αυθαίρε-του αλλά και ευρετικό μοντέλο ενός άλλου κόσμου ο οποίος βιώνεται και υφί-σταται μόνο στην ποίησή τους.
ΓΙΑΝΝΗΣ ΠΑΠΑΘΕΟΔΩΡΟΥ, «Αλλά τους τρελλούς τους κλείνουν εις τα φρενοκομεία». Υπερρεαλισμός, ψυχανάλυση και ηθικός πανικός στη δεκαετία του ’30
Authors: Παπαθεοδώρου Γιάννης
Published: August 2023

“Crazy people should be locked up in the asylum”. Surrealism, psychoanalysis and moral panics in ‘30s.
In this paper, I discuss the ways in which the reception of psychoanalysis through surrealism diffused into the wider social discourse of popular culture during the interwar period. My central argument is that surrealism in Greece was connected to intellectual and mental illness. Thus, the concept of "scandal" is inscribed in the rhetoric of “moral panics”, that "paranoid modernism" causes. The polemic against surrealism emphasized its relationship with madness and the “margins” of the literary canon. On the other hand, this “cultural blockage” became a very productive field for surrealist poets to gain their own artistic autonomy.
ΤΙΤΙΚΑ ΔΗΜΗΤΡΟΥΛΙΑ, Τα ηλεκτρονικά σώματα κειμένων και η ανάλυσή τους. Ερευνητικές προοπτικές για τη μελέτη της λογοτεχνίας
Authors: Δημητρούλια Τιτίκα
Published: August 2023

Les corpus numériques et leur analyse. Perspectives interprétatives dans l’étude de la littérature
Cet article se propose de donner un aperçu de l’utilisation des corpus numériques dans les études littéraires et de l’apport de leur analyse à l’aide des outils numériques à la recherche. Il vise à présenter brièvement, dans une perspective herméneutique, la textométrie, comme cette méthode s’appelle dans le domaine francophone où elle a une longue histoire, de discuter les problèmes relatifs aux outils de traitement de la langue grecque, et de donner quelques exemples de son  application à l’étude de la littérature néohellénique. Son objectif serait d’encourager l’explora- tion de la méthode par les chercheurs grecs, dans le cadre la transformation numérique de la recherche des sciences humaines et sociales.
Η επίδραση της βιταμίνης D στην εμφάνιση βασικοκυτταρικού καρκίνου δέρματος και ο ρόλος του οξειδωτικού στρες
Authors: Καραμπίνης Εμμανουήλ
Published: August 2023

Το βασικοκυτταρικό καρκίνωμα αποτελεί τη κυρίαρχη μορφή καρκίνου δέρματος καθώς επίσης κατέχει κι από τις πρώτες θέσεις στη συχνότητα εμφάνισης ανάμεσα σε άλλες μορφές καρκίνου. Από την άλλη πλευρά, η βιταμίνη του ήλιου ή αλλιώς η βιταμίνη D, παράγεται από τον οργανισμό όταν η ηλιακή ακτινοβολία έρθει σε επαφή με το δέρμα. Η συγκεκριμένη βιταμίνη - ορμόνη, φαίνεται ότι σε χαμηλές συγκεντρώσεις μπορεί να οδηγήσει στην εμφάνιση οξειδωτικού στρες που αυξάνει την πιθανότητα βλαβών στο DNA προκαλώντας καρκινογέννηση. Η παρούσα μελέτη αποτελεί την πρώτη μελέτη που επικεντρώνεται σε αυτή τη τριπλή σχέση: καρκίνος δέρματος, βιταμίνης D και οξειδωτικού στρες.
Experimental and numerical investigation of gas jets in turbulent environments
Authors: Τσαντούκλας Νικόλαος
Published: August 2023

Οι ροές αντικρουόμενων δεσμών είναι μια ειδική κατηγορία με εφαρμογές που εκτείνονται από φυσικά φαινόμενα μέχρι μηχανικά συστήματα και χημικές βιομηχανίες. Αρκετές μελέτες έχουν δημοσιευτεί οι οποίες διερευνούν τη δυναμική ρευστών τέτοιων εφαρμογών. Οι μελέτες αυτές θεωρούν το περιβάλλον των αντικρουόμενων δεσμών ως ήρεμο. Εντούτοις, σε πρακτικές εφαρμογές το περιβάλλον χαρακτηρίζεται συχνά από σημαντική μέση ροή και τυρβώδεις διακυμάνσεις που αλληλεπιδρούν με τις αντικρουόμενες δέσμες και επηρεάζουν την ανάπτυξή τους. Για να κατανοηθεί η επίδραση του περιβάλλοντος στην ανάπτυξη των αντικρουόμενων δεσμών, είναι απαραίτητο να διαχωριστεί η επίδραση της μέσης ροής από αυτή της τύρβης. Η παρούσα διατριβή επιφορτίζεται με το έργο να διερευνήσει την επίδραση της τύρβης του περιβάλλοντος στην εξέλιξη μιας ροής αντικρουόμενων δεσμών. Ως βάση για την επίδραση της περιβαλλοντικής τύρβης στην ανάπτυξη αντικρουόμενων δεσμών, εξετάζεται αρχικά η επίδραση περιβαλλοντικής τύρβης στην ανάπτυξη μιας μονής αξονοσυμμετρικής δέσμης. Η περιβαλλοντική τύρβη ήταν κατά προσέγγιση ομογενής και ισότροπη με διακυμάνσεις της ταχύτητας μεγαλύτερες από τη μέση ροή σε μια περιοχή περίπου 200mm x 200mm. Μια διάταξη κυβικού θαλάμου τύρβης χρησιμοποιώντας οκτώ συνθετικές δέσμες χρησιμοποιήθηκε προς αυτό το σκοπό. Μετρήσεις πραγματοποιήθηκαν με χρήση Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) για το χαρακτηρισμό της περιβαλλοντικής τύρβης, της μονής αξονοσυμμετρικής δέσμης και των αντικρουόμενων δεσμών.Οι μονές δέσμες διερευνήθηκαν για αριθμούς Reynolds στο εύρος 1000 έως 10000 και για απόσταση μέχρι 16 διαμέτρους ακροφυσίου. Η περιβαλλοντική τύρβη βρέθηκε να έχει ενισχυτική επίδραση στην ένταση της τύρβης της δέσμης και αύξησε επίσης το ρυθμό εξάπλωσης και πρόσληψης μάζας. Επιπρόσθετα, η αναμενόμενη ασυμπτωτική συμπεριφορά μεταβλήθηκε σημαντικά. Τυρβώδεις αντικρουόμενες δέσμες διερευνήθηκαν για αριθμούς Reynolds στην περιοχή 5000 έως 10000 για δύο διαφορετικές αποστάσεις 5 και 7.5 διαμέτρων ακροφυσίου. Η περιβαλλοντική τύρβη είχε πιο σημαντική επίδραση στις περιπτώσεις χαμηλότερων αριθμών Reynolds, η οποία υποχωρούσε όσο ο αριθμός Reynolds των δεσμών προσέγγιζε το ανώτερο όριο. Οι σταθερές μείωσης της ταχύτητας γύρω από το επίπεδο ανακοπής μειώθηκαν υπό την παρουσία της ομογενούς και ισότροπης τύρβης, ενώ η ένταση της τύρβης ενισχύθηκε κατά μήκος της αξονικής γραμμής. Η δημιουργία ελεύθερων ακτινικών δεσμών επιβεβαιώθηκε στην περίπτωση ήρεμου περιβάλλοντος. Οι ακτινικές δέσμες αυτές παρουσίασαν μεγαλύτερους ρυθμούς εξάπλωσης και απουσία ασυμπτωτικής συμπεριφοράς υπό την παρουσία περιβαλλοντικής τύρβης.
Η πτώχευση του κράτους ως νομικό ζήτημα
Authors: Καμπισιούλης Γεώργιος
Published: August 2023

Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή πραγματεύεται τις νομικές διαστάσεις της κρατικής αφερεγγυότητας με επίκεντρο τους μηχανισμούς διάσωσης της Ευρωζώνης καθώς και την αναδιάρθρωση του ελληνικού δημοσίου χρέους δυνάμει του PSI. Στο πρώτο κεφάλαιο παρατίθενται ορισμένες εισαγωγικές παρατηρήσεις αναφορικά με τους εφαρμοζόμενους κανόνες του διεθνούς δικαίου, όπως είναι η αρχή της ετεροδικίας των κρατών, την εφαρμογή της ρήτρας pari passu στην αναδιάρθρωση δημοσίου χρέους, τη Λέσχη των Παρισίων, τη Λέσχη του Λονδίνου, τις ρήτρες συλλογικής δράσης των κρατικών ομολόγων, τις σημαντικότερες αντιδικίες μεταξύ επενδυτικών κεφαλαίων και υπερχρεωμένων κρατών που αντιμετώπισαν πιστωτικά γεγονότα και τις προτάσεις για τη θέσπιση ενός διεθνούς κανονιστικού πλαισίου αντιμετώπισης των περιπτώσεων κρατικής αφερεγγυότητας. Στο δεύτερο κεφάλαιο αναλύονται οι τρεις μηχανισμοί διάσωσης που θεσπίσθηκαν στην Ευρωζώνη (EFSM, EFSF, ESM) και η συμβατότητά τους με το ενωσιακό δίκαιο. Στο τρίτο κεφάλαιο αναλύεται η ενίσχυση των κανόνων δημοσιονομικής πειθαρχίας στην Ευρωζώνη, δίνοντας έμφαση στο Δημοσιονομικό Σύμφωνο. Στο τέταρτο κεφάλαιο γίνεται επισκόπηση της κυριότερης νομολογίας του ΔΕΕ, του ΓΔΕΕ και του Ομοσπονδιακού Συνταγματικού Δικαστηρίου της Γερμανίας για την αντιμετώπιση της κρίσης στην Ευρωζώνη, δίνοντας έμφαση στις υποθέσεις Pringle, Gauweiler και Weiss. Στο πέμπτο κεφάλαιο παρουσιάζονται τα προγράμματα δημοσιονομικής στήριξης της Ελλάδας, στα πλαίσια των μηχανισμών EFSM, EFSF και ESM, δίνοντας έμφαση στην αναδιάρθρωση του ελληνικού δημοσίου χρέους με τη συμμετοχή του ιδιωτικού τομέα (PSI). Στο έκτο κεφάλαιο γίνεται επισκόπηση της κυριότερης νομολογίας του ΔΕΕ, του ΓΔΕΕ και του ΕΔΔΑ για το PSI και την εξυγίανση των Κυπριακών Τραπεζών. Τέλος, το έβδομο κεφαλαίο επιχειρεί να δώσει απάντηση στο ερώτημα αν η ιδιωτικοποίηση της κρατικής περιουσίας αποτελεί μία σύγχρονη μορφή κρατικής πτώχευσης.