bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing teaching examples: effects on the solution quality and learning outcomes of student teachers’ professional vision of classroom management
Authors: Wedde Sonja , Busse Annette , Bosse Dorit , Gold Bernadette
Published: November 2023

Young teachers, in particular, often face difficulties in managing their classrooms. A professional vision of classroom management can support teachers in managing a classroom effectively. This element of professional competence is often promoted in teacher training using video-based approaches, e.g., videoing own lessons including expert feedback, analyzing instructional videos and accompanying transcripts and analyzing videos of own and others teaching. This study used the learning format of comparing contrasting cases to promote professional vision of classroom management among first-semester student teachers (N = 127). However, it diverged slightly from the norm in that its contrasting cases came from two auditive, not video, teaching examples. The effectiveness of comparing contrasting cases on the professional vision of classroom management was studied in two experimental groups. One group compared the contrasting cases using self-generated categories (invention activity, n = 63), and the other group compared the cases based on given categories (worked solution, n = 64). Invention activities and worked solutions have their origins in mathematics and science education and promise to activate prior knowledge and the curiosity of learners at the beginning of a new learning unit while at the same time highlighting deep features of a concept in order to enrich networked and organized knowledge. Professional vision of classroom management was assessed using a video-based online test in a pre-post design to determine whether it was more beneficial to compare contrasting cases with an invention activity or a worked solution. Additionally, using a coding scheme, we assessed the quality of the student teachers’ task solutions and the relationship between the quality of the task solutions and the learning outcomes of the posttest. Both groups showed no difference between the benefits of the two learning formats. For the experimental group invention activity, we found negative correlations between the task solutions and the learning outcomes. We ascribe this correlation to a productive failure effect. We performed a second study (N = 54) with a follow-up test to investigate whether either of the two formats produced more sustainable results. Our studies showed that both experimental groups (invention activity: n = 24, worked solution: n = 30) also had a short-term increase in professional vision of classroom management. The invention activity, however, promoted the more sustainable acquisition of professional vision of classroom management. In conclusion, invention activities appear to be an appropriate task format for promoting professional vision of classroom management among student teachers. This finding is relevant for the field of teacher education and improves insights into task formats that promote components of professional competence.
Multifaceted oncostatin M: novel roles and therapeutic potential of the oncostatin M signaling in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Han Liang , Yan Jiahui , Li Tingting , Lin Weiji , Huang Yao , Shen Pan , Ba Xin , Huang Ying , Qin Kai , Geng Yinhong , Wang Huanhuan , Zheng Kaifeng , Liu Yafei , Wang Yu , Chen Zhe , Tu Shenghao
Published: November 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a self-immune inflammatory disease characterized by joint damage. A series of cytokines are involved in the development of RA. Oncostatin M (OSM) is a pleiotropic cytokine that primarily activates the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, and other physiological processes such as cell proliferation, inflammatory response, immune response, and hematopoiesis through its receptor complex. In this review, we first describe the characteristics of OSM and its receptor, and the biological functions of OSM signaling. Subsequently, we discuss the possible roles of OSM in the development of RA from clinical and basic research perspectives. Finally, we summarize the progress of clinical studies targeting OSM for the treatment of RA. This review provides researchers with a systematic understanding of the role of OSM signaling in RA, which can guide the development of drugs targeting OSM for the treatment of RA.
Construct validity and reliability of the Bilateral Vestibulopathy Questionnaire (BVQ)
Authors: van Stiphout Lisa , Rolfes Jeremy , Waardenburg Sophie , Kimman Merel , Guinand Nils , Pérez Fornos Angélica , Van Rompaey Vincent , van de Berg Raymond
Published: November 2023

Background

The Bilateral Vestibulopathy Questionnaire (BVQ) is a recently developed 54-item Patient Reported Outcome Measure (PROM) that evaluates the clinically important symptoms of bilateral vestibulopathy (BVP) and its impact on daily life. This study aimed to assess the construct validity and reliability of the BVQ in a large BVP cohort.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with BVP were asked to complete a set of questionnaires, including the BVQ, the EuroQol-5D-5L, the Health Utilities Index, the Dizziness Handicap Inventory, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Oscillopsia Severity Questionnaire. The construct validity of the BVQ was evaluated by confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses (CFA and EFA), followed by hypotheses testing and known groups validity. Structural properties were explored for each individual item. Reliability was assessed by testing the internal consistency of the BVQ constructs (Cronbach's alpha) and test–retest reliability [intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs)].

Results

A total of 148 patients with BVP (50% women, mean age 66 years) completed the set of questionnaires. The CFA did not show a satisfactory model in the original BVQ. However, the EFA showed a four-factor solution with 20 Likert-scale items related to oscillopsia, imbalance, emotion, and cognition. The succeeding CFA provided evidence for construct validity and an acceptable model of fit. Hypothesis testing confirmed that this shortened version validly measures the constructs to be measured. Statistically significant differences in scores between known groups were found, providing further support for good construct validity. The structural properties were acceptable. Cronbach's alpha confirmed good internal consistency for the four constructs, ranging from 0.80 to 0.89. The ICCs of the 20 Likert-scale items and four visual analog scale (VAS) items were interpreted as good (range 0.76–0.93).

Conclusion

This study showed evidence of good construct validity of the new shortened version of the BVQ, consisting of four constructs with a total of 20 Likert-scale items and four VAS items. The final 24-item BVQ proved to be a reliable and valid multi-item PROM that captures the clinically important symptoms of BVP and evaluates its impact on daily life. Consequently, the BVQ enables the gathering of high-level evidence of treatment effectiveness in a systematic and quantitative manner.
Spatiotemporal cortical dynamics for visual scene processing as revealed by EEG decoding
Authors: Orima Taiki , Motoyoshi Isamu
Published: November 2023

The human visual system rapidly recognizes the categories and global properties of complex natural scenes. The present study investigated the spatiotemporal dynamics of neural signals involved in visual scene processing using electroencephalography (EEG) decoding. We recorded visual evoked potentials from 11 human observers for 232 natural scenes, each of which belonged to one of 13 natural scene categories (e.g., a bedroom or open country) and had three global properties (naturalness, openness, and roughness). We trained a deep convolutional classification model of the natural scene categories and global properties using EEGNet. Having confirmed that the model successfully classified natural scene categories and the three global properties, we applied Grad-CAM to the EEGNet model to visualize the EEG channels and time points that contributed to the classification. The analysis showed that EEG signals in the occipital electrodes at short latencies (approximately 80 ~ ms) contributed to the classifications, whereas those in the frontal electrodes at relatively long latencies (200 ~ ms) contributed to the classification of naturalness and the individual scene category. These results suggest that different global properties are encoded in different cortical areas and with different timings, and that the combination of the EEGNet model and Grad-CAM can be a tool to investigate both temporal and spatial distribution of natural scene processing in the human brain.
Case Report: Blinatumomab as upfront consolidation and maintenance therapy in a pediatric patient with high-risk B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Gupta Sumit , Casey Jessica , Lasky Joseph
Published: November 2023

Introduction

B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is the most common malignancy in children. The current conventional chemotherapy regimens have high overall survival but with significant short- and long-term toxicities, sometimes requiring delay and termination of chemotherapy. Bispecific T-cell engager antibody blinatumomab has been successful in achieving bone marrow remission and acting as bridging therapy in minimal residual disease (MRD)-positive relapsed adult and pediatric B-ALL patients. Its role as upfront therapy is being explored. Here, we report the first case to our knowledge showing the feasibility, tolerability, and sustained remission using blinatumomab upfront as consolidation and maintenance therapy for 2 years in a pediatric patient with high-risk B-ALL who had significant toxicities with conventional chemotherapy.

'Case presentation

An 11-year-old Hispanic girl presented with complaints of fever, abdominal pain, and fatigue. On further evaluation, she had tachycardia, pallor, cervical lymphadenopathy, and pancytopenia. Bone marrow studies confirmed high-risk B-ALL. The patient was started on induction chemotherapy per AALL1131. Her induction course was complicated by syncope, febrile neutropenia, and invasive cryptococcal fungal infection. End-of-induction bone marrow results were MRD negative. Further chemotherapy was withheld due to cardiopulmonary and renal failure, along with ventricular arrhythmias requiring intensive care. The patient received two cycles of blinatumomab as consolidation therapy and then transitioned back to conventional consolidation therapy; however, it was terminated mid-consolidation due to Pseudomonas and Aspergillus sepsis. She was then given blinatumomab maintenance therapy for 2 years and tolerated it well without any irreversible toxicity. She had an episode of Staphylococcus epidermidis sepsis and pneumonia treated by antibiotics and a single episode of a seizure while on blinatumomab therapy. At the time of publication, she is 25 months off treatment and in sustained remission without any further transplant or chemotherapy. She received monthly intravenous immunoglobulin G during the blinatumomab maintenance.

Conclusion

Blinatumomab given upfront as consolidation and maintenance therapy for 2 years in a pediatric high-risk B-ALL patient with significant toxicities to conventional chemotherapy was feasible and very well tolerated without any irreversible toxicity and led to sustained remission without any bridging transplant or further chemotherapy.
Indication and adverse event profiles of denosumab and zoledronic acid: based on U.S. FDA adverse event reporting system (FAERS)
Authors: Su Si , Wu Liuqing , Zhou Guibao , Peng Lingling , Zhao Huanzhe , Wang Xiao , Li Kuan
Published: November 2023

Objective: To investigate adverse events (AEs) associated with denosumab (Dmab) and zoledronic acid (ZA), compare their association strengths, and explore potential applications to provide clinical reference.

Methods: We collected data from FAERS from January 2004 to November 2022 and mined AE signals for Dmab and ZA using ROR values. We compared signal intensity for same AEs and investigated off-label use. We also examined their AEs in adjuvant therapy for breast and prostate cancer.

Results: 154,735 reports of primary suspect drugs were analyzed in the FAERS database (Dmab: 117,857; ZA: 36,878). Dmab and ZA had 333 and 1,379 AE signals, with 189 overlaps. The AEs of Dmab included death (ROR:3.478), osteonecrosis of jaw (ROR:53.025), back pain (ROR:2.432), tooth disorder (ROR:16.18), bone pain (ROR:6.523). For ZA, the AEs included osteonecrosis (ROR:104.866), death (ROR: 3.645), pain (ROR:3.963), osteonecrosis of jaw (ROR: 91.744), tooth extraction (ROR: 142.143). Among overlap signals, Dmab showed higher strength in exostosis of the jaw (ROR: 182.66 vs. 5.769), atypical fractures (ROR: 55.589 vs. 9.123), and atypical femur fractures (ROR:49.824 vs. 4.968). And ZA exhibited stronger associations in abscess jaw (ROR: 84.119 vs. 11.12), gingival ulceration (ROR: 74.125 vs. 4.827), increased bone formation (ROR: 69.344 vs. 3.218). Additionally, we identified 528 off-label uses for Dmab and 206 for ZA, with Dmab mainly used in prostate cancer (1.04%), breast cancer (1.03%), and arthritis (0.42%), while ZA in breast cancer (3.21%), prostate cancer (2.48%), and neoplasm malignant (0.52%). For Dmab in breast cancer treatment, AEs included death (11.6%), disease progression (3.3%), and neutropenia (2.7%), while for ZA included death (19.8%), emotional disorder (12.9%), osteomyelitis (11.7%). For prostate cancer treatment, Dmab`s AEs were death (8.9%), prostate cancer metastatic (1.6%), renal impairment (1.7%), while ZA`s included death (34.4%), general physical health deterioration (19.9%), and hemoglobin decreased (18.9%).

Conclusion: Our analysis of FAERS database provided postmarketing surveillance data and revealed different strengths of reported AE signals between Dmab and ZA in some of their common AEs. It’s also worth noting that both drugs have potential off-label applications, which could introduce new AEs. This highlights the necessity for safety monitoring when using Dmab and ZA off-label.
The influence of challenge research stressors on research creativity among Chinese doctoral students: a mediated moderation model
Authors: Liu Chunlei , Wu Min , Gao Xiaoqing
Published: November 2023

The research creativity of doctoral students is not solely fueled by their intrinsic motivation, but also thrives in an environment that offers challenging research opportunities, substantial support, and feedback from significant others. Based on the job demands-resources model, this study aims to explore the impact of challenge research stressors on the research creativity of Chinese doctoral students. A mediated moderation model was constructed to examine the mediating effect of achievement motivation and the moderating effect of supervisor developmental feedback on the relationship between challenge research stressors and research creativity. A total of 538 valid questionnaires were collected from doctoral students using convenience sampling and snowball sampling. The questionnaires included the Challenge Research Stressors Scale, the Research Creativity Scale, the Achievement Motivation Scale, and the Supervisor Developmental Feedback Scale. Regression analyses, bootstrap testing, and simple slope analyses were used to estimate the various relationships. The findings indicated that challenge research stressors had a positive effect on doctoral students’ research creativity. Supervisor developmental feedback positively moderated the impact of challenge research stressors on the achievement motivation and research creativity of doctoral students. Achievement motivation partially mediated the influence of challenge research stressors on doctoral students’ research creativity, and further fully mediated the interaction effect of challenge research stressors and supervisor developmental feedback on doctoral students’ research creativity. These findings contribute not only to our understanding of the mechanisms and boundary conditions through which challenge research stressors impact the research creativity of doctoral students, but also provide valuable insights into how to stimulate and maintain their research creativity.
The role of IL-33 in depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Renli , Liu Liping , Ren Shiying , Wei Chaojie , Wang Ying , Li Dong , Zhang Wenxin
Published: November 2023

Depression has long been considered a disease involving immune hyperactivation. The impact of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 on depression has been widely studied. However, the effect of IL-33, another pro-inflammatory cytokine, has been less researched. Currently, research on the correlation between IL-33 and depression risk is inconsistent. In response to these divergent results, we conducted a review and meta-analysis aimed at resolving published research on the correlation between IL-33 and depression risk, and understanding the potential role of IL-33 in the development and treatment of depression. After searching different databases, we analyzed 8 studies. Our meta-analysis showed that IL-33 had a positive correlation with reduced risk of depression. The pooled standard mean differences (SMD) = 0.14, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.05–0.24. Subgroup analysis results showed that IL-33 and ST2 levels in cerebrospinal fluid and serum is positive correlated with reduced risk of major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD). According to the characteristics of the included literature, the results mainly focuses on Caucasian. Furthermore, according to the subgroup analysis of depression-related data sources for disease or treatment, the correlation between IL-33 and depression risk is reflected throughout the entire process of depression development and treatment. Therefore, the change of IL-33 level in serum and cerebrospinal fluid can serve as useful indicators for assessing the risk of depression, and the biomarker provides potential treatment strategies for reducing the burden of the disease.
Text mining analysis to understand the impact of online news on public health response: case of syphilis epidemic in Brazil
Authors: Pinto Rafael , Lacerda Juciano , Silva Lyrene , Araújo Ana Claudia , Fontes Raphael , Lima Thaisa Santos , Miranda Angélica E. , Sanjuán Lucía , Gonçalo Oliveira Hugo , Atun Rifat , Valentim Ricardo
Published: November 2023

Background

To effectively combat the rising incidence of syphilis, the Brazilian Ministry of Health (MoH) created a National Rapid Response to Syphilis with actions aimed at bolstering epidemiological surveillance of acquired, congenital syphilis, and syphilis during pregnancy complemented with communication activities to raise population awareness and to increase uptake of testing that targeted mass media outlets from November 2018 to March 2019 throughout Brazil, and mainly areas with high rates of syphilis. This study analyzes the volume and quality of online news content on syphilis in Brazil between 2015 and 2019 and examines its effect on testing.

Methods

The collection and processing of online news were automated by means of a proprietary digital health ecosystem established for the study. We applied text data mining techniques to online news to extract patterns from categories of text. The presence and combination of such categories in collected texts determined the quality of news that were analyzed to classify them as high-, medium-and low-quality news. We examined the correlation between the quality of news and the volume of syphilis testing using Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficient.

Results

1,049 web pages were collected using a Google Search API, of which 630 were categorized as earned media. We observed a steady increase in the number of news on syphilis in 2015 (n = 18), 2016 (n = 26), and 2017 (n = 42), with a substantial rise in the number of news in 2018 (n = 107) and 2019 (n = 437), although the relative proportion of high-quality news remained consistently high (77.6 and 70.5% respectively) and in line with similar years. We found a correlation between news quality and syphilis testing performed in primary health care with an increase of 82.32, 78.13, and 73.20%, respectively, in the three types of treponemal tests used to confirm an infection.

Conclusion

Effective communication strategies that lead to dissemination of high quality of information are important to increase uptake of public health policy actions.
“The Dark Side of the Brand” and Brand Hate: A Review and Future Research Agenda
Authors: Walter Cícero Eduardo , Vale Vera Teixeira , Au-Yong-Oliveira Manuel , Veloso Cláudia Miranda , Sousa Bruno Barbosa
Published: November 2023

The present study aimed to analyze the current state of the art regarding brand hate with the main intention of identifying possible gaps to be explored in future studies. Brand hate can be described as a set of negative emotions on the part of consumers concerning a certain brand, whose implications involve a reduction in the profitability of companies, as well as of their market shares. From the research carried out in the Scopus and Web of Science databases, 90 publications related to the theme were identified, of which 25 were selected and read in full. The analyzed literature points out that research on the subject has focused almost exclusively on the development of the phenomenon and its consequences from the perspective of consumer behavior. Therefore, the emphasis has been on identifying its direct antecedents, on the effects of its mediators in a set of behaviors such as complaints, negative word of mouth, protests, sponsorship reduction and assignment, brand change, and wishes for revenge, among others. Few studies have been dedicated to understanding the direct effects of brand hate on consumer behavior, its evolution over time in different industries and contexts, who its mediators are, and how the phenomenon is perceived and managed from the perspective of the companies involved in this phenomenon, providing opportunities for future research.
Noninfectious Causes of Pregnancy Loss at the Late Embryonic/Early Fetal Stage in Dairy Cattle
Authors: Szelényi Zoltán , Szenci Ottó , Bodó Szilárd , Kovács Levente
Published: November 2023

In cattle, initial pregnancy diagnosis takes place during the late embryonic/early fetal stage of gestation. From this point onward, pregnancy loss may occur in up to one fifth of pregnancies before the initial pregnancy diagnosis is confirmed. This means the early identification of risk factors is a key part of pregnancy diagnosis and herd management. The various factors responsible for pregnancy losses are classified into infectious and noninfectious. Among the noninfectious causes, several dam-related (circumstances of the individual pregnancy or milk production) and herd-related factors causing stress have been well established. In this review, we summarize the impacts of these noninfectious factors and predict associated risks of pregnancy loss.
Damping of Oscillations of a Rotary Pendulum System
Authors: Gavula Adam , Hubinský Peter , Babinec Andrej
Published: November 2023

This paper describes an innovative design based on the spectral approach of a novel shaper that eliminates frequency components that induce unwanted residual oscillations in various flexible mechanical systems, such as tower cranes or chain carousels, which are vital to many manufacturing and material-handling processes. However, their physical structure leads to flexible effects that limit their usefulness. Apart from the circular motion problem, control is provided by a single actuator, which makes it a so-called underactuated system. The input signal needs to be modified so that the spectral components from several interconnected degrees of freedom are considered together during shaper design, which increases the complexity of this task since one of its components induces nonlinear behavior. This means that traditional shaping techniques, based on linear theory, fail to provide good performance over the whole input range. The underdamped dynamics of the model and the effect of nonlinearities on the spectrum of the final signal are examined; the proposed method for application as a command shaping control technique is applied; and its effectiveness is analyzed by simulation and real-time implementation. The theoretical results verified on an experimental crane system confirm the expected oscillation phenomenon and show that the designed nonlinear shaper can reduce the payload swing significantly.
Properties of Un-Torrefied and Torrefied Poplar Plywood (PW) and Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF)
Authors: Spîrchez Cosmin , Lunguleasa Aurel , Popescu Carmen-Mihaela , Avram Anamaria , Ionescu Constantin Stefan
Published: November 2023

In a context where there is an increasing need for thermal treatments of wooden products, the current research contributes a description of the torrefaction treatment of two of the composite wood materials available on the international market. The present paper presents the importance of the torrefaction process for poplar plywood and medium-density fiberboard. In this paper, the positive aspects of the torrefaction process (decrease in water absorption, thickness swelling and shrinkage, and color) but also the negative aspects of mechanical resistance to static bending are presented. Poplar plywood (PW) and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) panels, with the initial dimensions of 2000 × 1250 mm, were used. From these, 300 × 300 mm samples were cut and torrefied using two different temperatures (170 and 190 °C) and two different periods (for 1 and 2 h). After the treatment, the samples were cut in different sizes (as necessary for each type of evaluation method) from different zones of the panels and used to evaluate the water absorption and thickness swelling, to determine their modulus of rupture, roughness, and color changes. The obtained results emphasize that the mass loses increase at high temperature as the main disadvantageous characteristics of torrefaction. Also, while the calorific power increases with the increase in the parameters of the torrefaction regime, the hygroscopicity and some mechanical properties of the material simultaneously decrease.
The Vicissitudes of Representation: Critical Game Studies, Belonging, and Anti-Essentialism
Authors: Murray Soraya
Published: November 2023

Video games are enjoying a flourishing of critical studies; they are finally taken as consequential forms of visual culture worthy of historical, theoretical, and cultural attention. At one time, their scholarship was largely overdetermined by issues of medium and treated largely as an entertainment product. But with the complexifying of the form, combined with a new generation of dynamic scholars and an expanded understanding of how to write about them, games now constitute a robust area of critical engagement with topics in race, sexuality, gender, ethnicity, ability, and other markers of difference. Those interventions have been key in driving the discourse forward, but game studies now faces a new set of strategic challenges. The gains have likely come at great methodological cost. This essay explores the consequences of identity-focused analyses and the roles of intersectional considerations of self and anti-essentialism as crucial tools in combatting enforced notions of belongingness. The author argues that the frontier of methodology in critical game studies may be to think outside of the prescribed ways in which academia encourages monolithic affiliation (or even false segregation) by validating and codifying identity-driven forms of expertise.
Post-Processing Ensemble Precipitation Forecasts and Their Applications in Summer Streamflow Prediction over a Mountain River Basin
Authors: Xiang Yiheng , Liu Yanghe , Zou Xiangxi , Peng Tao , Yin Zhiyuan , Ren Yufeng
Published: November 2023

Ensemble precipitation forecasts (EPFs) can help to extend lead times and provide reliable probabilistic forecasts, which have been widely applied for streamflow predictions by driving hydrological models. Nonetheless, inherent biases and under-dispersion in EPFs require post-processing for accurate application. It is imperative to explore the skillful lead time of post-processed EPFs for summer streamflow predictions, particularly in mountainous regions. In this study, four popular EPFs, i.e., the CMA, ECMWF, JMA, and NCEP, were post-processed by two state of art methods, i.e., the Bayesian model averaging (BMA) and generator-based post-processing (GPP) methods. These refined forecasts were subsequently integrated with the Xin’anjiang (XAJ) model for summer streamflow prediction. The performances of precipitation forecasts and streamflow predictions were comprehensively evaluated before and after post-processing. The results reveal that raw EPFs frequently deviate from ensemble mean forecasts, particularly underestimating torrential rain. There are also clear underestimations of uncertainty in their probabilistic forecasts. Among the four EPFs, the ECMWF outperforms its peers, delivering skillful precipitation forecasts for 1–7 lead days and streamflow predictions for 1–4 lead days. The effectiveness of post-processing methods varies, yet both GPP and BMA address the under-dispersion of EPFs effectively. The GPP method, recommended as the superior method, can effectively improve both deterministic and probabilistic forecasting accuracy. Moreover, the ECMWF post-processed by GPP extends the effective lead time to seven days and reduces the underestimation of peak flows. The findings of this study underscore the potential benefits of adeptly post-processed EPFs, providing a reference for streamflow prediction over mountain river basins.
Patient-Specific 3D Virtual Surgical Planning Using Simulated Fluoroscopic Images to Improve Sacroiliac Joint Fusion
Authors: Kampkuiper Nick , Nellensteijn Jorm , Hekman Edsko , Tuijthof Gabriëlle , Lankheet Steven , Koenrades Maaike , Schröder Femke
Published: November 2023

Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction can lead to debilitating pain but can be treated with minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion (SIJF). This treatment is commonly performed using 2D fluoroscopic guidance. This makes placing the implants without damaging surrounding neural structures challenging. Virtual surgical planning (VSP) using simulated fluoroscopic images may improve intraoperative guidance. This article describes a workflow with VSP in SIJF using simulated fluoroscopic images and evaluates achieved implant placement accuracy. Ten interventions were performed on 10 patients by the same surgeon, resulting in a total of 30 implants; the median age was 39 years, and all patients were female. The overall mean implant placement accuracy was 4.9 ± 1.26 mm and 4.0 ± 1.44°. There were no malpositioning complications. VSP helped the surgeon understand the anatomy and determine the optimal position and length of the implants. The planned positions of the implants could be reproduced in surgery with what appears to be a clinically acceptable level of accuracy.
Fabrication of Nanostructured Supramolecules through Helical Inclusion of Amylose toward Hydrophobic Polyester Guests, Biomimetically through Vine-Twining Polymerization Process
Authors: Kadokawa Jun-ichi
Published: November 2023

This review article presents the biomimetic helical inclusion of amylose toward hydrophobic polyesters as guests through a vine-twining polymerization process, which has been performed in the glucan phosphorylase (GP)-catalyzed enzymatic polymerization field to fabricate supramolecules and other nanostructured materials. Amylose, which is a representative abundant glucose polymer (polysaccharide) with left-handed helical conformation, is well known to include a number of hydrophobic guest molecules with suitable geometry and size in its cavity to construct helical inclusion complexes. Pure amylose is prepared through enzymatic polymerization of α-d-glucose 1-phosphate as a monomer using a maltooligosaccharide as a primer, catalyzed by GP. It is reported that the elongated amylosic chain at the nonreducing end in enzymatic polymerization twines around guest polymers with suitable structures and moderate hydrophobicity, which is dispersed in aqueous polymerization media, to form amylosic nanostructured inclusion complexes. As the image of this system is similar to how vines of a plant grow around a support rod, this polymerization has been named ‘vine-twining polymerization’. In particular, the helical inclusion behavior of the enzymatically produced amylose toward hydrophobic polyesters depending on their structures, e.g., chain lengths and substituents, has been systematically investigated in the vine-twining polymerization field. Furthermore, amylosic supramolecular network materials, such as hydrogels, are fabricated through vine-twining polymerization by using copolymers, where hydrophobic polyester guests or maltooligosaccharide primers are covalently modified on hydrophilic main-chain polymers. The vine-twining polymerization using such copolymers in the appropriate systems induces the formation of amylosic nanostructured inclusion complexes among them, which act as cross-linking points, giving rise to supramolecular networks at the nanoscale. The resulting materials form supramolecular hydrogels, films, and microparticles.
Piezoelectric and Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Enhanced Wound Healing
Authors: Jang Hye-Jeong , Tiruneh Daniel Manaye , Ryu Hanjun , Yoon Jeong-Kee
Published: November 2023

Wound healing is a highly orchestrated biological process characterized by sequential phases involving inflammation, proliferation, and tissue remodeling, and the role of endogenous electrical signals in regulating these phases has been highlighted. Recently, external electrostimulation has been shown to enhance these processes by promoting cell migration, extracellular matrix formation, and growth factor release while suppressing pro-inflammatory signals and reducing the risk of infection. Among the innovative approaches, piezoelectric and triboelectric nanogenerators have emerged as the next generation of flexible and wireless electronics designed for energy harvesting and efficiently converting mechanical energy into electrical power. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the emerging field of nanogenerators for harnessing electrical stimulation to accelerate wound healing. We elucidate the fundamental mechanisms of wound healing and relevant bioelectric physiology, as well as the principles underlying each nanogenerator technology, and review their preclinical applications. In addition, we address the prominent challenges and outline the future prospects for this emerging era of electrical wound-healing devices.
Relationship between Anxiety and Problematic Smartphone Use in First-Year Junior High School Students: Moderated Mediation Effects of Physical Activity and School Adjustment
Authors: Cao Mei , Yang Haibo , Chen Duanduan
Published: November 2023

Background and aims: Despite previous research identifying anxiety as a risk factor for problematic smartphone use among students, the mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying the relationship between the two aforementioned variables are poorly understood. This study aims to explore the relationship between anxiety and problematic smartphone use among first-year junior high school students, together with the mediating effects of school adjustment and the moderating effects of physical activity on the mentioned relationship. Method: This study was conducted using a Web-based self-report questionnaire survey with data collected from 445 first-year junior high school students in Jinan City, Shandong Province. Mediation and moderation analyses were performed using the PROCESS macro in SPSS. Results: The results showed that anxiety predicted problematic smartphone use not only directly but also indirectly via school adjustment. School adjustment played a partial mediating role in the relationship between anxiety and problematic smartphone use. Physical activity also played a moderating role in the relationship between anxiety and school adjustment. Conclusion: school adjustment and physical activity may be important variables in the relationship between anxiety and problematic smartphone use.
The Role of Mucin Expression in the Diagnosis of Oesophago-Gastric Cancer: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Patel Nikhil Manish , Geropoulos Georgios , Patel Pranav Harshad , Bhogal Ricky Harminder , Harrington Kevin Joseph , Singanayagam Aran , Kumar Sacheen
Published: November 2023

Survival in oesophago-gastric cancer (OGC) is poor due to early diagnostic challenges. Non-invasive risk stratification may identify susceptible patients with pre-malignant or benign disease. Following diagnostic confirmation with endoscopic biopsy, early OGC may be treated sooner. Mucins are transmembrane glycoproteins implicated in OGC with potential use as biomarkers of malignant transformation. This systematic review defines the role of mucins in OGC diagnosis. A literature search of MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane databases was performed following PRISMA protocols for studies published January 1960–December 2022. Demographic data and data on mucin sampling and analysis methods were extracted. The review included 124 studies (n = 11,386 patients). Gastric adenocarcinoma (GAc) was the commonest OG malignancy (n = 101) followed by oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAc, n = 24) and squamous cell carcinoma (OSqCc, n = 10). Mucins MUC1, MUC2, MUC5AC and MUC6 were the most frequently implicated. High MUC1 expression correlated with poorer prognosis and metastases in OSqCc. MUC2 expression decreases during progression from healthy mucosa to OAc, causing reduced protection from gastric acid. MUC5AC was upregulated, and MUC6 downregulated in GAc. Mucin expression varies in OGC; changes may be epigenetic or mutational. Profiling upper GI mucin expression in OGC, with pre-malignant, benign and healthy controls may identify potential early diagnostic biomarkers.
Survival, Treatment Outcome, and Safety of Multiple and Repeated Courses of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Pulmonary Oligometastases of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Vorbach Samuel Moritz , Mangesius Julian , Dejaco Daniel , Seppi Thomas , Santer Matthias , Zur Nedden Stephanie , Sarcletti Manuel Paolo , Pointner Martin Josef , Hart Tilmann Jakob , Riechelmann Herbert , Ganswindt Ute , Nevinny-Stickel Meinhard
Published: November 2023

Current literature regarding survival and treatment outcome of SBRT in patients with pulmonary oligometastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is limited. Additionally, most of the published studies include metastatic lesions deriving also from primaries with histologies other than SCC when investigating the outcome of SBRT. The aim of the present retrospective study is to explore local control (LC) of treated metastases, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) of exclusively pulmonary oligometastatic HNSCC-patients treated with SBRT. Between 2006 and 2021, a total of 46 patients were treated with SBRT for a maximum of four pulmonary oligometastases (PM) concurrently (mean PM per patient = 2.0; range 1 to 6 PM, total of 92). Of these, 17 patients (37.0%) developed new pulmonary metastases after their first SBRT. Repeated courses of SBRT were required once in 15 patients (88.2%) and twice in 2 patients (11.8%). Median follow-up was 17 months (range, 0–109 months). One year after completion of SBRT, LC rate, PFS, and OS were 98.7%, 37.9%, and 79.5%, respectively. After two years, LC rate, PFS, and OS were 98.7%, 28.7%, and 54.9%; as well as 98.7%, 16.7%, and 31.0% after five years. Radiochemotherapy (HR 2.72, p < 0.001) or radiotherapy as primary treatment (HR 8.60; p = 0.003), as well as reduced patient performance status (HR 48.30, p = 0.002), were associated with lower PFS. Inferior OS correlated with poor performance status (HR 198.51, p < 0.001) and surgery followed by radiochemotherapy (HR 4.18, p = 0.032) as primary treatment, as well as radiotherapy alone (HR 7.11, p = 0.020). Treatment of more than one PM is an independent predictor of impaired OS (HR 3.30, p = 0.016). SBRT of HNSCC-derived PMs results in excellent LC rates and encouraging OS rates of 54.9% at two years along with good tolerability (no more than grade 2 toxicities). Favourable outcome and low toxicity also apply to repeated courses of SBRT of newly emerging PMs.
Preliminary Evaluation Salivary Biomarkers in Patients with Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders (OPMD): A Case–Control Study
Authors: López-Jornet Pia , Olmo-Monedero Aitana , Peres-Rubio Camila , Pons-Fuster Eduardo , Tvarijonaviciute Asta
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) are lesions associated with an increased risk of transformation (MT) into cancer. Objective: A study was made of the salivary levels of adenosine deaminase (ADA), ferritin (FRR) and total proteins (TP) in healthy individuals and in patients with oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD), assessing the potential role of saliva as a diagnostic tool. Methods: A total of 91 subjects participated in the study, divided into two groups—59 patients with OPMD (oral leukoplakia or oral lichen planus) and 32 healthy controls—with measurements being made of salivary ADA, ferritin (FRR) and total proteins (TP). Results: There were no significant differences in salivary mean ADA between the OPMD group 0.85 ± 2.18 UI/I and the controls 0.71 ± 1.72 UI/I (p = 0.934), though the levels of both FRR mean OPMD, 12.66 ± 10.50 (µg/L), versus control, 7.19 ± 4.44 (p = 0.001), and TP, 23.41 ± 17, versus control, 14.15 ± 15.19, were significantly higher in the OPMD group (p = 0.001). Patients with oral lichen planus showed significant differences in terms of FRR (p = 0.009) and TP (p = 0.003). The ferritin in LPO with a cut-off point of 8.5C showed a sensitivity and specificity of 54.3% and 82.3, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.69 (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.58–0.82; p = 0.003). Conclusions: Ferritin and total proteins may constitute potential salivary biomarkers for oral lichen planus, though further studies are still needed in this field. In addition, saliva testing is a reliable and noninvasive diagnostic tool and appears to be a reliable strategy offering an interesting alternative for the screening of large populations.
Phase Transformations of Iron Nitrides during Annealing in Nitrogen and Hydrogen Atmosphere
Authors: Frączek Tadeusz , Michalski Jerzy , Dudek Agata , Kowalewska-Groszkowska Magdalena , Owczarek Justyna
Published: November 2023

The aim of the research discussed in the manuscript was to check the availability of control of nitrogen decomposition processes on nitrided AISI 52100 and AISI 1010 steels during annealing at 520 °C in N2 and at 600 °C in H2. The tests have shown that when annealing AISI 1010 steel at a temperature of 520 °C in N2 under a pressure of 200 Pa for 2 h, an ε → γ’ + N2↑ phase transformation occurs. Over the next 3 h, the ε phase disappears and the γ’ phase gradually transforms into Feα(N). When annealing AISI 52100 steel, the denitrification process is faster; after 2 h there is a complete transformation of ε → γ’ + N2↑, and in the next 3 h, there is a complete transformation of γ’-Feα(N). During annealing in H2 at a temperature of 600 °C, the denitrification processes are most intense; the complete transformation of γ’ → Feα(N) + N2 occurs after 45 min of the process. When annealing nitrided AISI 1010 steel in nitrogen at atmospheric pressure, phase transformation (ε → γ’ + N2↑) and weight loss of the sample are observed only in the first 20 min of the process, then the sample weight increases. This was the result of the formation of iron oxide, which also inhibited the denitrification process of the iron nitride layer.
Optimization and Scalability of Educational Platforms: Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Computing
Authors: Govea Jaime , Ocampo Edye Ernesto , Revelo-Tapia Solange , Villegas-Ch William
Published: November 2023

The intersection between technology and education has taken on unprecedented relevance, driven by the promise of transforming teaching and learning through advanced digital tools. This study proposes a comprehensive exploration of how cloud computing and artificial intelligence converge to impact education, focusing on accessibility, efficiency, and quality of learning. A mixed-research design identified a 25% improvement in the personalization of educational content thanks to AI and a 60% increase in simultaneous user capacity through cloud computing. Additionally, a significant reduction in administrative errors and improvements in scalability were observed without sacrificing quality. The results demonstrate that these technologies not only improve efficiency and accessibility in education but also enrich the learning experience. By comparing these findings with previous research, this study highlights the synergistic value of these technologies and positions itself as a critical resource to guide future developments and improvements in the education sector in a digitally advanced world.
Fourteen Deaths from Suspected Heparin Overdose in an Italian Primary-Level Hospital
Authors: Di Fazio Nicola , Scopetti Matteo , Delogu Giuseppe , Morena Donato , Santurro Alessandro , Cipolloni Luigi , Serviddio Gaetano , Papi Luigi , Frati Paola , Turillazzi Emanuela , Fineschi Vittorio
Published: November 2023

Healthcare-related homicidal cases are not novel within the medical–legal landscape, but investigations are often made difficult with the scarcity of material evidence related to the crime. For this reason, it is necessary to carefully analyze the clinical documentation and employ ancillary forensic resources such as radiology, histopathology, and toxicology. In the presented scenario, the observation of 14 deaths from abnormal bleeding in a First-Level Italian Hospital revealed the administration of massive doses of heparin by a nurse. On behalf of the Judicial Authority, a multidisciplinary medical team investigated the case through the following steps: a thorough review of the clinical documentation, exhumation of the bodies belonging to the deceased patients, performing PMCT and autopsy, and collecting tissue samples for histopathological, immunohistochemical, and toxicological investigations. All the analyzed cases have been characterized by the observation of fatal hemorrhagic episodes not explained with the clinical conditions of the patients, confirmed using autopsy observations and the histological demonstration of the vitality of the lesions. However, due to the limited availability of biological material for the toxicological analysis, the indirect evidence from hematological analyses in hospitalized patients was crucial in demonstrating heparin overdose and its link to the recorded deaths. The present scenario demonstrates the fundamental importance of a multidisciplinary approach to cases of judicial interest related to the healthcare context. Therefore, the illustrated methodologies can be interpreted as an operational framework for similar future cases.