bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
School Nurse Perspectives of Medical Cannabis Policy in K-12 Schools: An Exploratory Descriptive Study
Authors: Jochen Alison , Holben Diane
Published: November 2022

As states legalize medical cannabis, school nurses face increased parent questions about administration at school. Although school nurses frequently collaborate on the development and implementation of medication administration policies, their perceptions of barriers to school-based medical cannabis administration are not well-documented. To explore these perceptions, we surveyed school nurses (n = 379) in sixteen states about their beliefs related to school-based medical cannabis administration policy development. Findings revealed school nurses from states completely legalizing cannabis expressed significantly fewer concerns about the safety, stigma, and federal status of medical cannabis than their peers in more restrictive states. Implications for practice include (a) education of key stakeholders, (b) collaboration with stakeholders to formulate medication administration policy; and (c) development of state-level guidance for school professionals.
Direct Ischemic Postconditioning After Carotid Endarterectomy in the Prevention of Postoperative Cerebral Ischemic Complications—Observational Case–Control Study
Authors: Ilijevski Nenad , Atanasijević Igor , Lozuk Branko , Gajin Predrag , Matić Predrag , Babić Srđan , Sagić Dragan , Unić-Stojanović Dragana , Tanasković Slobodan
Published: November 2022

Introduction:

Ischemic postconditioning (IPCT) represents one of the several therapeutic strategies to attenuate ischemic reperfusion injury (IR) after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). We here present the first in-human study of IPCT in carotid surgery.

Methods:

The study represents an observational case-control study, with the data collected in our Institution carotid database. From December 2015 to December 2020, a total of 300 patients were included in our study; IPCT group consisted of 148 patients in whom ischemic postconditioning was performed while control group consisted of 152 patients in whom IPCT was not performed. Indications for IPCT technique were: severe unilateral internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis (>90%), severe bilateral ICA stenosis (>80%), severe ICA stenosis (>80%) with contralateral ICA occlusion and ICA subocclusion. IPCT was performed by applying 6 cycles of 30 sec reperfusion (declamping of ICA)/30 sec ischemia (clamping of ICA) after finishing the procedure and initial declamping. Two groups of patients were compared in terms of occurrence of intrahospital and early postoperative stroke, TIA (transient ischemic attack) and neurologic morbidity.

Results:

Cumulative incidence of intrahospital postoperative stroke or TIA was significantly higher in the control group (5.3% vs 0.7%, P = .036). According to carotid plaque characteristics, patients in the IPCT group had significantly more frequent presence of heterogenous plaque, as well as ulcerated plaque, which was associated with the absence of postoperative stroke and significantly lower cumulative rate of TIA/stroke when compared to the control group (43.9% vs 8% and 47.3% vs 1.5%). During the follow-up period of 1 month after the surgery, there were no cases of stroke, TIA and deaths due to neurological causes in both groups of patients.

Conclusion:

Our results showed that IPCT significantly reduced the incidence of postoperative cerebral ischemic complications after CEA in high-risk patients for IR injury when compared to the control group.
When a Plan Comes Together: An Analysis of Assessment Plans From Accredited U.S. Journalism and Mass Communication Programs
Authors: Bajkiewicz Timothy E. , Nash Katherine Saunders
Published: November 2022

Assessment of learning outcomes is a challenging standard for journalism and mass communication programs accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications, typically accounting for half of all annual noncompliances. This study conducts the first content analysis on assessment plans from accredited programs using categories from a Council-generated guide as a best-practice document. Findings show that while most plans include many recommended components, and that every plan had direct learning measures, plans varied widely in component inclusion and assessment activities.
Biomarkers predicting central serous chorioretinopathy episode persistence
Authors: Kiraly Peter , Smrekar Jaka , Jaki Mekjavić Polona
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to identify biomarkers at presentation that are associated with a persistent central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) episode.

Methods

The prospective study included 35 patients with an acute CSC episode. Potential clinical and imaging biomarkers were evaluated at baseline and 3 months from the episode onset. As biomarkers age, sex, steroid use, episode recurrence, central retinal thickness (CRT), macular volume (MV), choroidal thickness (CT), pigment epithelial detachment (PED) height, and width, number of retinal hyperreflective foci (HF), leakage pattern, and area of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) alterations were investigated.

Results

At 3 months from the CSC episode onset, spontaneous resolution occurred in 19 patients, while 16 patients had a persistent CSC episode. The group of patients with a persistent episode was statistically significantly associated with female sex (p = 0.032), older age (p = 0.015), wider PED (p = 0.005), and higher number of HF (p = 0.02). Moreover, this group of patients had a significant association with thinner choroid and diffuse RPE alterations as a pair (p = 0.008).

Conclusions

Older and female CSC patients with wider PED, increased number of HF, thinner choroid, and diffuse RPE alterations at presentation are inclined to episode persistence and could benefit from earlier treatment.
Imaging vitreous cortex hyalocyte response to paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM) using En Face OCT
Authors: Otero-Marquez Oscar , Ahsanuddin Sofia , Spellman Lily , Pinhas Alexander , Chui Toco YP , Rosen Richard B
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Vitreous cortex hyalocytes (VCH) are resident macrophage cells that provide immunosurveillance, respond to tissue injury and inflammation, and help maintain the transparency of the media. In this case report we demonstrate the use of en face optical coherence tomography (OCT) to image VCH in vivo in a patient presenting with PAMM secondary to antiphospholipid syndrome.

Case description

A 38-year-old female with no known medical history presented with complaints of visual disturbances in the right eye. OCT revealed hyperreflective bands in the IPL and INL nasal to the fovea. A diagnosis of PAMM was made. Work-up revealed elevated titers of antiphospholipid antibodies. En face OCT revealed a decline in the inflammatory activation over a seven-month period as evidenced by changes in VCH distribution and morphology.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that monitoring changes in the distribution and morphology of VCH could have a potential clinical utility for assessing disease severity, predicting recovery, and early recognition of treatment response in various inflammatory ocular pathologies such as PAMM.
Proximity of Water Wells to Public Water Testing Facilities in Alberta Using Drive Times
Authors: Munene Abraham , Hall David C.
Published: November 2022

Approximately 10% of Albertans rely on well water for domestic purposes. The responsibility of water testing and stewardship is left to private well owners. Few well water owners conduct routine testing of their well water supplies. Drive times to public water testing facilities may be an important factor limiting a well owner’s ability to conduct routine water testing. The objective of this study is to describe the proximity of water wells, using drive times, to public water testing facilities and describe the availability of facilities based on hours of operation. Using network analysis, we determined the proportion of a sample of wells within 3 estimated drive times of public water testing facilities. 5872 wells were included in the sample. One hundred and seven water testing facilities were mapped within the province. Of the 5872 wells mapped, 89% were located within 30 minutes of a water testing facility, 15% were located within 0 to 10 minutes of a water testing facility, 48% were located between 10 and 20 minutes of a water testing facility and 37% were located within 20 to 30 minutes of a water testing facility. Further analysis revealed that access to water testing facilities may be influenced by the hours of operation of the facilities.
State of the art on challenges for friction material manufacturers – raw materials, regulations, environmental, and NVH aspects
Authors: Balaji MA Sai , Jitendra Katiyar , Arumugam Eakambaram , Sethupathi Baskara P.
Published: November 2022

Friction materials have played a crucial role in safe movement of automobiles and in protection of human life. Enormous cost has incurred in validation of new developed brake pad, a critical safety component, as it involves a lot of inhouse testing along with field testing in different terrains. Further, with an unexpected pandemic and wars, creeping raw material price increases which is a major issue even though researchers have tried to develop innovative materials, which can perform multitasks. Moreover, a paradigm shift towards hybrid and electric vehicles required adjustments in design strategies, related to new friction materials for brakes. The regenerative braking mechanism has taken a major role in electric vehicles (EVs). Therefore, the friction pad is rarely used, which leads to rust/corrosion issues. In addition, the exhaust particles now pale in comparison to non-exhaust emissions. It is a newly identified challenge faced by friction industry as the brake pad wear is one of main contributors of non-exhaust emissions. Also, with no engine noise to cover, the silent nature of EVs creates noise and vibration issues in brake pad even more apparent. Hence, this paper has focused critically on challenges for friction material manufacturers in terms of regulations and raw materials followed by environmental issues and shift towards EVs and NVH requirement. Further, it has discussed with some possible suggestions to reduce the same.
On roughness attenuation in elastohydrodynamic lubricated line and circular contacts
Authors: Habchi W
Published: November 2022

The commonly accepted “roughness attenuation” theory offers a description of the deformation of surface features as they travel through elastohydrodynamic lubricated contacts, based on the Boussinesq half-space approximation. Through a finite element model, incorporating surface features into the contact geometry (which cannot be done with the half-space approach), this work reveals three shortcomings in the theory. First, contact pressures are assumed normal to the substrate rather than the surface features lying on it. Second, it uses reduced solid properties that are invalid in the presence of surface features. Third, it does not account for the deformation of the features themselves. A correction procedure is devised, allowing for the theory to be rectified, without the need to incorporate surface features into the contact geometry, which can be computationally prohibitive.
CT is unreliable in locoregional staging of early colon cancer: A nationwide registry-based study
Authors: Wetterholm Erik , Rosén Roberto , Rahman Milladur , Rönnow Carl-Fredrik
Published: November 2022

Background and objective:

The option to treat early colon cancer (CC) with local resection, as well as trials investigating neoadjuvant treatment, has increased the importance of identifying early-stage disease in the workup. Most CC patients are T- and N-staged preoperatively with CT, although its reliability in staging early CC remains elusive. The aim of this study was to investigate CT-staging accuracy in early CC by evaluating pT and pN stages in patients staged as cT1-2, and cT and cN stages in patients with pT1 tumors.

Methods:

Retrospective population-based cohort study on data from the nationwide Swedish colorectal cancer registry on all CC patients staged as cT1-2 and all patients with pT1 undergoing surgical resection 2009–2018. CT-acquired T- and N-stages were compared with final histopathology. Factors potentially influencing accuracy were analyzed with uni- and multivariate logistic regression.

Results:

Computed tomography (CT) staged 4849 patients as cT1-2, whereas 2445 (50%) were pT3 and 453 (9%) pT4. Positive predictive value of the cT1-2 stage was 40%. Of 1401 pT1 patients, 624 (45%) were staged as cT1-2, 139 (10%) as cT3, 15 (1%) as cT4 and 623 (44%) as cTx. In all, 1474 (30%) of the cT1-2 patients were pN+, whereas CT staged 1062 (72%) as cN0. A total of 771 patients were staged as cN+, whereas 403 (52%) were pN0. Overall accuracy in determining N+ was 67%, with 26% sensitivity and 88% specificity. Positive and negative predictive values in determining N+ were 48% and 73%, respectively.

Conclusions:

This nationwide population-based study shows that CT-staging carries a substantial risk of understaging locally advanced tumors as cT1-2 and pT1 tumors as cTx, in addition to poor N-staging. Thus, CT obtained T- and N-staging should not be used for deciding treatment strategies in early CC.
The lights are on, but no one’s home: A performance test to measure digital skills to use IoT home automation
Authors: de Boer Pia S , van Deursen Alexander JAM , van Rompay Thomas JL
Published: November 2022

As the Internet of Things (IoT) is making its entrance in people’s homes, differences in the skills to operate smart home devices need to be considered. This study examined (1) the levels of digital skills to use IoT home automation among Dutch adult citizens and (2) differences of these skills over gender, age, and education. Therefore, a performance test with actual real-life tasks was conducted among a representative sample ( N = 99) of the Dutch adult population to measure digital skill levels. The participants performed tasks while using interconnected smart home devices in a virtual test environment. The results revealed that the Dutch adult population possesses insufficient data and strategic skills to use smart home devices to its full potential. Even less likely to benefit are the elderly and less educated; they showed the lowest levels of data and strategic skills. In addition, the elderly lack operational skills to use IoT home automation beneficially.
Use this sound: Networked ventriloquism on Yiddish TikTok
Authors: Ramati Ido , Abeliovich Ruthie
Published: November 2022

This article explores body–voice entanglements in TikTok through the prism of ventriloquism. It suggests that TikTok is an app of network ventriloquism, that is, an audiovisual technology–based web of dissociations and reconfigurations of users’ bodies and voices. Yiddish serves as a case study for how TikTok’s features build an infrastructure for language, heritage, and cultural activism. We analyze YiddishToks as an instantiation of the ways TikTokers embody actual technolinguistic and ventriloquistic interconnections as well as bond with past generations. YiddishTokers interlace times and spaces and recontextualize Yiddish media history. TikTok’s algorithm participates in this reanimation of Yiddish’s past; it is a transparent, audible director that prompts the network off-stage. TikTok is an algorithmic network ventriloquism app that mediates between human and non-human voices.
The impact of feedback mode on learning gain and self-efficacy: A quasi-experimental study
Authors: Johannes Christine , Haase Astrid
Published: November 2022

Initiating effective feedback processes is a major goal in university teaching. However, systematic investigations of structural feedback elements making instructor feedback economic, concise, motivating and beneficial for learning are still scarce. In our study, we compare two feedback modes with respect to learning gains and changes in self-efficacy in a quasi-experimental pre-post design. Participants ( N = 75 first-year students) received either scoresheet or textual instructor feedback on four individual assignments during a seminar. Outcome variables were knowledge gain, change in self-efficacy and changes in metacognitive monitoring. After the semester, we observed substantial knowledge gains for both feedback groups with only small advantages for scoresheet feedback. In contrast, self-efficacy was relatively stable across the semester and was not influenced by feedback mode. Achievement motivation measures normative ability and challenge-mastery goal orientation did not moderate the observed relationships but influenced knowledge gain and change in self-efficacy directly. Changes in metacognitive monitoring did not depend on feedback mode. Taken together, our data suggest that scoresheet and textual feedback conveying identical feedback content have comparable effects on achievement and self-evaluation measures. For university settings, scoresheets can be recommended as parsimonious feedback tools.
Typicality effect in data graphs
Authors: Reimann Daniel , Struwe Marie , Ram Nilam , Gaschler Robert
Published: November 2022

Some types of data graphs are more easily understood than others. Following the suggestion that typically encountered graphs may activate individuals’ cognitive schema quickly, this study investigated prior exposure to and typicality of three common graph types: vertical bar graphs, horizontal bar graphs and line graphs; and three common data patterns: rising, neutral and falling. Results from two samples ( N = 57 and N = 30) suggest that vertical bar graphs are encountered more frequently, are rated as more typical and are identified more quickly than horizontal bar graphs and line graphs; also that rising data patterns are more typical than falling and neutral data patterns. The findings contribute new knowledge about the hierarchical structure of graph schema and can inform design choices about which graph types might best facilitate viewers’ understanding of data visualizations.
Politics of colonialism in intercultural communication: Case of Indian managers
Authors: Bharadwaj Apoorva , Jammulamadaka Nimruji
Published: November 2022

The objective of the study is to analyze the communicative experiences of Indian managers with other culture interactants from a geopolitical perspective of colonialism. The authors collected data from 21 Indian managers working in diverse industries with experience of working in multinational environments. The study discovered that contrary to the thesis of cultural distance that presupposes ease of communication with culturally proximal countries, Indian managers voice their predilection for working with the culturally distant West. This study contributes to intercultural communication literature by presenting an interpretation of such communication through a geopolitical perspective that recognizes colonialism and asymmetric power relations of global value chains (GVCs) as factors intersecting with intercultural discourses. It is in this aspect that studies focusing on intercultural business communication should go beyond the bounds of conformity to the essentialist cultural paradigm of Hofstede, Hall and Trompenaars to explore the complexities that underlie interpersonal conversations in multinational transactions beyond the stipulations of a semiotic focus. An important implication of this study is that training for intercultural business communication needs to go beyond sensitization to language and semiotics to address the evaluative compulsions that are triggered owing to years of subconscious conditioning by the potent geo-political and historic forces of colonization.
Relationship between emotional intelligence and resilience among university students during crisis
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc Nhu , Nham Tuan Phong , Takahashi Yoshi
Published: November 2022

This research investigated the relationship between emotional intelligence of university students and their resilience ability during crisis: the pandemic of Covid-19. A large-scale quantitative approach was applied with a national survey in the midst of the fourth wave of Covid-19 outbreak in Vietnam. The research obtained data from 2252 students from various universities in Vietnam. Results showed that experienced positive affect and negative affect fully mediated the relationships between students’ self-emotion appraisal and their resilience during the pandemic. Surprisingly, other-emotion appraisal decreased positive affect while increased negative affect, though both affect types mediated the other-emotion appraisal-resilience relationship. The two types of affects also played mediating roles in the relationship between the ability of using emotion and resilience among students during the crisis, and the moderation was partial. Finally, while students’ regulation of emotion was not related to either their experienced negative affect or resilience, it was indirectly associated with students’ resilience during the pandemic via the mediating role of positive affect. Implications for theoretical development and practice in higher education were discussed.
Developing Leaders Using On-Line Action Learning: An Activity Theory Analysis
Authors: Willocks Katie
Published: November 2022

The Problem.

There is an urgent need for leadership development in today’s turbulent, organizational context. Methods that support leadership development in collaborative and peer settings as well as spaces and environments where leaders can develop, learn and grow through their collaborative interactions are critical.

The Solution.

This article explores how an online action learning set established as part of a large-scale management and leadership development intervention provides a space where leadership learning can flourish. The article draws on a theory of practice known as Cultural Historical Activity Theory to identify the micro level details of what occurs when leaders work with others in an online action learning set.

The Stakeholders.

Human resource development (HRD) researchers, scholars, organizational leaders, practitioners and others interested in contributing to HRD theory.
UV protection properties of workwear fabric coated with metal-organic frameworks
Authors: Rabiei Hadiseh , Montazer Majid , Khaloo Shokooh Sadat , Helmi Kohanehshari Mehrdad , Farhang Dehghan Somayeh
Published: November 2022

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the ultraviolet protective factor (UPF) of fabrics coated with titanium-based metal-organic framework (MOFs) (NH2-MIL-125(Ti)) made using an In-situ synthesis method and more accurately assess the intrinsic properties of the fabric. The cotton-polyester twill fabric (70-30%) (246.67 g/m2) was coated. In-situ coating conducted in 4 steps washing the fabrics, preparation of MOFs, injecting the MOFs to fabrics, and drying the fabric after coating. The scanning electron microscope (SEM), FTIR spectrometer, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and UV-Vis spectrophotometer were used to analyses the data of coating and UPF results. Also, four standards such as ASTM D737, ISIRI 8332, ISIRI 4199, and ISIRI 567 were used for analyzing the intrinsic properties of the fabric. The results of SEM and DLS altogether confirmed the in-situ formation of MOFs onto the fabric fibers. Moreover, the UPF value of the uncoated and coated fabrics was 3.67 and 315.73, respectively. It was showed that the in-situ deposition of NH2-MIL-125(Ti) on fabric can provide adequate protection against UVR. Also, the results of analyzing the intrinsic properties of the fabric showed that there was no significant difference in the intrinsic properties between the coated and uncoated fabrics. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the UV protective property of workwear fabrics can be improved by coating NH2-MIL-125(Ti) on them without any effect on the cooling effect of perspiration evaporation.
The Willingness to Help People With Dementia Symptoms Among Four Occupation Practitioners in Macao
Authors: Che Sok Leng , Wu Jianwei , Chuang Yao-Chen , Van Iat Kio , Leong Sok Man
Published: November 2022

Background

Dementia-friendly community has been promoted in Macao since 2016. There is no study investigating the understanding of nor attitudes towards dementia among public contact staff in Macao. This study aimed to (i) understand the level of knowledge of dementia, (ii) examine the attitudes towards people living with dementia, and (iii) explore the associated factors of the willingness to help people with dementia symptoms among police officers, bank officers, bus drivers, and building superintendents.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted between January and May 2019 using a structured questionnaire.

Results

A total of 351 valid questionnaires were received. Building superintendents had more knowledge while police officers and bank officers had more positive attitudes. All practitioners were more willing to help people with dementia symptoms when they were on official duty. Participants who had more knowledge about dementia were associated with a higher willingness to help people with dementia symptoms.
Feeding Difficulties Among Children With Special Needs: A Cross-Sectional Study From India
Authors: Manikandan Bhuvaneswari , Gloria J. Keren , Samuel Reema , Russell Paul S.S.
Published: November 2022

Deficits in feeding can lead to impairments in occupational performance for children with special needs. This correlational study assessed the relationship between oromotor deficits, behavior problems related to feeding, and caregiver perception of the behavior in children with special needs. We included children with neurodevelopmental disorders ( n=79), between 2 and 12 years of chronological age, and their caregivers. Those fulfilling the selection criteria were administered the Behavioral Pediatric Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS) and Schedule for Oromotor Assessment (SOMA). More than half the sample had skill deficits and behavioral problems related to feeding. There was a statistically significant correlation of oromotor deficits with specific food consistencies and feeding-related behavior problems. Children with special needs have impaired participation in feeding. Deficits at the body system level are associated with parental and cultural factors, which would have to be mitigated to optimize performance.
Clinical Significance of High Expression of tRF-Glu-TTC-2 in Prostate Carcinoma and its Effect on Growth
Authors: Wang Lei , Liu Yaxin , Yan Wenqing , Huang Caihong , Ding Zhiyan , Yang Jiajia , Jiang Shuwan , Sun Lei
Published: November 2022

The tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) are a new class of regulatory noncoding RNAs and have different biological functions in cancer. This article investigated the expression and clinicopathological significance of tRF-Glu-TTC-2 in prostate carcinoma (PCa), and its effect on tumor growth. Expression profiles of tRFs and tiRNAs were analyzed by tRF and tiRNAs microarray in PCa samples, and then the expression was confirmed by qRT-PCR; RNA in situ hybridization was used to detect the positive expression of tRF-Glu-TTC-2 and to analyze the correlation between the expression level of tRF-Glu-TTC-2 and clinicopathological parameters. CCK-8 experiment was used to detect the effect of tRF-Glu-TTC-2 on the proliferation of PCa cells, and nude mice subcutaneous tumor model was used to detect the effect of tRF-Glu-TTC-2 on the growth of PCa cells. The results showed that tRF-Glu-TTC-2 was mainly positive and its expression level increased in PCa. The high expression was closely related to the tumor size ( p < .05). Overexpression of tRF-Glu-TTC-2 promoted the proliferation of PCa cells, and decreased expression of tRF-Glu-TTC-2 inhibited the proliferation of PCa cells ( p < .05). The results of subcutaneous tumor transplantation in nude mice showed that the tumor volume and weight of the knockdown group were smaller than those of the control group(all ps < .05). Ki-67 staining showed that the proportion of Ki-67-positive cells in the reduced tRF-Glu-TTC-2 group was lower than that in the control group ( p < .05). The tRF-Glu-TTC-2 may be a new oncogene that can promote growth and proliferation of PCa. It provides a new idea for the treatment of PCa.
Collaborative Coding in Multi-National Teams: Benefits, Challenges and Experiences Promoting Equitable Research
Authors: Zreik Thurayya , El Masri Rozane , Chaar Sandy , Ali Rayane , Meksassi Bassel , Elias Joseph , Lokot Michelle
Published: November 2022

Within multi-national research collaborations, power dynamics often shape who is involved in which parts of the research process. The analysis phase of research has historically been framed as requiring expert perspective, excluding national or local researchers whose role is often limited to collecting data and transferring it to others to analyze. In this paper, we describe and reflect on the process of collaborative coding across a multi-national team based in Lebanon and the United Kingdom, as part of a broader approach to co-production. We explore the value and benefit of collaborative coding, reflecting on how coding together enabled greater inclusion, teamwork, improved analysis as well as improved future data collection. We also discuss the technical and logistical challenges we faced in coding within a team and using internet-based software, including the complications involved in navigating power dynamics between researchers and coming to final decisions about codes. Over time, we found collaborative coding became a smoother process, however working in this way is not straight-forward. Our paper contributes a reflexive analysis on the power dynamics and decision-making complexities involved in collaborative coding. It emphasizes the importance of investing in interpersonal relationships over time and prioritizing less-centralized decision-making within research collaborations.
Dynamic analysis and design of a multipurpose lower limb exoskeleton for rehabilitation
Authors: Li Gang , Su Qiying , Xi Wenqiu , Song Zhendong , Bao Renren , Du Zhenjun
Published: November 2022

To solve some defects of exoskeleton robot at present, this article establishes the dynamic model of human lower limb. The torque curves for hip joint and knee joint are obtained. A dynamics simulation is conducted in ADAMS which will guide the selection of motors and reducers for exoskeleton joints. Three structural design projects for leg and an integrated joint with the function of force perception are proposed. Then a lightweight exoskeleton is put forward and a kinematics simulation of man–machine coupling system is carried out in ADAMS. This article sets up a 24-V low-voltage control electrical system and a rehabilitation training expert system. Some performance tests and clinical experiments are carried out by an experimental prototype. The results show that the joints have sufficient driving torque. Leg structure has large adjustment range and self-locking function. The exoskeleton has lightweight and does not interfere with human body during movement. The expert system has a friendly operation interface and abundant functions. Clinical experimental results show that lower limb exoskeleton has good rehabilitation effect for some diseases.
Autistic women’s diagnostic experiences: Interactions with identity and impacts on well-being
Authors: Harmens Miriam , Sedgewick Felicity , Hobson Hannah
Published: November 2022

Objective:

There has been suggestion that current diagnostic instruments are not sufficient for detecting and diagnosing autism in women, and research suggests that a lack of diagnosis could negatively impact autistic women’s well-being and identity. This study aimed to explore the well-being and identity of autistic women at three points of their diagnostic journey: self-identifying or awaiting assessment, currently undergoing assessment or recently diagnosed, and more than a year post-diagnosis.

Methods:

Mixed-methods were used to explore this with 96 women who identified as autistic and within one of these three groups. Participants completed an online questionnaire, and a sub-sample of 24 of these women participated in a semi-structured interview.

Results:

Well-being was found to differ significantly across groups in three domains: satisfaction with health, psychological health, and environmental health. Validation was found to be a central issue for all autistic women, which impacted their diagnosis, identity, and well-being. The subthemes of don’t forget I’m autistic; what now?; having to be the professional; and no one saw me were also identified.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that autistic women’s well-being and identity differ in relation to their position on the diagnostic journey in a non-linear manner. We suggest that training on the presentation of autism in women for primary and secondary healthcare professionals, along with improved diagnostic and support pathways for autistic adult women could go some way to support well-being.
Attentional bias towards social interactions during viewing of naturalistic scenes
Authors: Skripkauskaite Simona , Mihai Ioana , Koldewyn Kami
Published: November 2022

Human visual attention is readily captured by the social information in scenes. Multiple studies have shown that social areas of interest (AOIs) such as faces and bodies attract more attention than non-social AOIs (e.g., objects or background). However, whether this attentional bias is moderated by the presence (or absence) of a social interaction remains unclear. Here, the gaze of 70 young adults was tracked during the free viewing of 60 naturalistic scenes. All photographs depicted two people, who were either interacting or not. Analyses of dwell time revealed that more attention was spent on human than background AOIs in the interactive pictures. In non-interactive pictures, however, dwell time did not differ between AOI type. In the time-to-first-fixation analysis, humans always captured attention before other elements of the scene, although this difference was slightly larger in interactive than non-interactive scenes. These findings confirm the existence of a bias towards social information in attentional capture and suggest our attention values social interactions beyond the presence of two people.
Absence of age differences in emotion perception and gaze patterns using a contextually rich film-based assessment
Authors: Grainger Sarah A , Henry Julie D
Published: November 2022

Age differences in emotion perception are now well documented. However, a key limitation of many studies in this literature is the reliance on highly artificial tasks that lack context and consequently have poor ecological validity. This study reports two separate experiments that investigated age differences in emotion perception abilities using a highly contextualised film-based assessment along with a traditional emotion perception task. Experiment 2 additionally included a middle-aged sample and an assessment of eye-gaze patterns to the emotional films. The inclusion of eye-tracking in Experiment 2 was motivated by the fact that older adults consistently show visual biases to static emotion stimuli, yet it remains unclear whether biases also emerge in response to dynamic contextualised emotion stimuli. Experiment 1 identified age effects recognising displays of anger in the traditional emotion perception task but no age differences emerged on the film-based task. This finding was replicated in Experiment 2 with significant group differences on the traditional emotion perception task but no age differences on the film-based task. Experiment 2 also showed that there were no age differences in gaze patterns to these stimuli, showing for the first time that age-related visual biases to emotion stimuli may be task dependent. These findings highlight the fact that task-related features play a key role in the evaluation of age effects in emotion perception.
Design and Usability of an Avatar-Based Learning Program to Support Diabetes Education: Quality Improvement Study in Colombia
Authors: Bishop Emma , Allington Daisy , Ringrose Tim , Martin Clare , Aldea Arantza , García-Jaramillo Maira , León-Vargas Fabian , Leal Yenny , Henao Diana , Gómez Ana Maria
Published: November 2022

Background:

This quality improvement study, entitled Avatar-Based LEarning for Diabetes Optimal Control (ABLEDOC), explored the feasibility of delivering an educational program to people with diabetes in Colombia. The aim was to discover how this approach could be used to improve awareness and understanding of the condition, the effects of treatment, and strategies for effective management of blood-glucose control.

Methods:

Individuals with diabetes were recruited by Colombian endocrinologists to a human-centered study to codesign the educational program, using the Double Diamond model. Participants contributed to two phases. The first phase focused on gathering unmet educational needs and choice of curriculum. Three prototypes were developed as a result. During phase 2, a different group of participants engaged with the program for several weeks, before reporting back.

Results:

Thirty-six participants completed a Web survey during phase 1, and five were also interviewed by telephone. The majority (33 of 36; 91%) were receptive to the prospect of educational interventions and ranked the chosen topic of hypoglycemia highly. In phase 2, the three prototypes were tested by 17 participants, 10 of whom also gave feedback in focus groups. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with 16 of 17 (94%) stating they would use a program like this again. The 3D version was the most highly rated.

Conclusions:

Immersive, avatar-based programs, delivered through smartphone, have the potential to deliver educational information that is trusted, engaging, and useful. Future work includes expansion of the curriculum, evaluation with a larger group, and exploration of the prospective role of artificial intelligence in personalizing this form of educational intervention.
Icariin: A Potential Alternative Against Osteoporosis
Authors: Long Longhai , Wang Xiaoqiang , Lei Yang , Guo Sheng , Wang Chenglong , Dai Wenbin , Lin Birong , Xie Mingzhong , Xu Houping , Li Sen
Published: November 2022

Osteoporosis is a metabolic skeletal disorder characterized by increased fragility and fracture risk as s result of reduced bone mineral density and microstructural destruction and caused a heavy burden on families and society. Current medicines, on the other hand, have some limitations, with side effects and doubts regarding long-term efficacy being highlighted. Studies seeking for natural constituents as potential treatment options therefore come into focus. Icariin is a phytochemical derived from a traditional Chinese medicine, Herba epimedium, that has been used to treat orthopedic disorders in ancient China for thousands of years, including osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and fracture. Icariin belongs to a category of prenylated flavonoids and has been shown to help reduce osteoporosis bone loss while having relatively low side effects. Icariin's anti-osteoporosis properties manifest in a variety of ways, like promoting osteogenesis, suppressing osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption, regulating migration, proliferation, and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells, enhancing angiogenesis, anti-inflammation, and antioxidation. These procedures entail a slew of critical signaling pathways, such as PPARγ, ERα/AKT/β-catenin, and MAPK. Therefore, icariin can be an applicable alternative to improve osteoporosis although the underlying mechanisms have yet to be fully understood. In this study, we searched using the terms “icariin” and “osteoporosis,” and included 64 articles meeting the inclusion criteria and reviewed the research of icariin in anti-osteoporosis over the last 10 years, and discussed new prospects for future study. Therefore, this review may provide some references for further studies.
Convallatoxin Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Induces Cell Apoptosis by Attenuating the Akt-E2F1 Signaling Pathway in K562 Cells
Authors: Li Man , Xu Wangwang , Zhang Lu , Gao Erke , Han Xiaojin , Chen Zhengxu
Published: November 2022

Objective: To determine the effect of convallatoxin on K562 cell proliferation and apoptosis. Methods: CCK-8 assay was used to detect cell proliferation; PI staining, JC-1 staining, and Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining were used to analyze the cell cycle, cell mitochondrial membrane potential, and cell apoptosis; and Western blotting was used to detect cleaved caspase-9, cleaved caspase-3, Bcl-2, Bax, and E2F1 expression and Akt phosphorylation. Subsequently, AutoDock software was used to determine the interaction between convallatoxin and Akt1. Results: Upon treatment with convallatoxin, the proliferation of K562 cells was inhibited, the cells were arrested at the S and G2/M phases, and cell apoptosis was significantly induced. In addition, Akt phosphorylation and E2F1 expression were significantly decreased, whereas E2F1 overexpression rescued convallatoxin-induced cell proliferation and apoptosis. In addition, a molecular docking assay indicated that convallatoxin could bind to Akt1. Conclusion: Convallatoxin inhibited cell proliferation and induced mitochondrial-related apoptosis in K562 cells by reducing the Akt-E2F1 signaling pathway, indicating that it is a potential agent for treating leukemia.
The Effect of Different Frequencies of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields on Cartilage Repair of Adipose Mesenchymal Stem Cell–Derived Exosomes in Osteoarthritis
Authors: Xu Yang , Wang Qian , Wang Xiang-Xiu , Xiang Xiao-Na , Peng Jia-Lei , He Cheng-Qi , He Hong-Chen
Published: November 2022

Background

The intra-articular injection of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes has already been proved to reverse osteoarthritic cartilage degeneration. Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) has been found to regulate the biogenic function of MSCs. However, the effect of PEMF on MSC-derived exosomes has not yet been characterized. The aim of this study was to elucidate the regulatory role of different frequencies of PEMF in promoting the osteoarthritic cartilage regeneration of MSC-derived exosomes.

Methods

The adipose tissue–derived MSCs (AMSCs) were extracted from the epididymal fat of healthy rats and further exposed to the PEMF at 1 mT amplitude and a frequency of 15, 45, and 75 Hz, respectively, in an incubator. The chondrocytes were treated with interlukin-1β (IL-1β) and the regenerative effect of co-culturing with PEMF-exposed AMSC-derived exosomes was assessed via Western blot, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and ELISA assays. A rat model of osteoarthritis was established by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) surgery and received 4 times intra-articular injection of PEMF-exposed AMSC-derived exosomes once a week. After 8 weeks, the knee joint specimens of rats were collected for micro–computed tomography and histologic analyses.

Results

PEMF-exposed AMSC-derived exosomes could be endocytosed with IL-1β-induced chondrocytes. Compared with the AMSC-derived exosomes alone, the PEMF-exposed AMSC-derived exosomes substantially suppressed the inflammation and extracellular matrix degeneration of IL-1β-induced chondrocytes as shown by higher expression of transcripts and proteins of COL2A1, SOX9, and ACAN and lower expression of MMP13 and caspase-1. Of these, the 75-Hz PEMF presented a more significant inhibitive effect than the 15-Hz and 45-Hz PEMFs. Furthermore, the intra-articular injection of 75-Hz PEMF-exposed exosomes could obviously increase the number of tibial epiphyseal trabeculae, lead to a remarkable decrease in Osteoarthritis Research Society International score, and upregulate the COL2A1 and ACAN protein level of the degenerated cartilage.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrated that PEMF stimulation could effectively promote the regeneration effects of AMSC-derived exosomes on osteoarthritic cartilage. Compared with other frequency parameters, the PEMF at a frequency of 75 Hz showed a superior positive effect on AMSC-derived exosomes in suppressing the IL-1β-induced chondrocyte inflammation and extracellular matrix catabolism, as well as the osteoarthritic cartilage degeneration.
Shall we start? Ready, set, go! Toward early intervention in infants with unilateral cerebral palsy. A randomized clinical trial protocol
Authors: Palomo-Carrión Rocío , Pinero-Pinto Elena , Romay-Barrero Helena , Escobio-Prieto Isabel , Lillo-Navarro Carmen , Romero-Galisteo Rita-Pilar
Published: November 2022

Background:

It is crucial to start an early intervention in unilateral cerebral palsy. Intensive therapies are focused on training based on activities.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to study the changes in the bimanual functional performance (BFP) after early intensive therapies at home compared with standard care in children with unilateral cerebral palsy from 9 to 18 months of age.

Design:

A single-blind comparative effectiveness study will be conducted.

Methods and Analysis:

Children will be randomized into four groups: infant-mCIMT, infant-BIT, infant-hybrid, and infant standard therapy (control group, CG). Each early intensive protocol will last 50 h and will be applied throughout a 10-week period with the family involvement at home. The main outcomes are BFP measure with mini-Assisting Hand Assessment (mini-AHA) scale, functional goals measure with Goal Attainment Scale (GAS), and satisfaction and expectations on intensive therapy from parents measure through specific questionnaire. Baseline characteristics between groups will be compared using independent t test and Fisher’s exact test. Pre- and post-treatment outcomes of standard assessments will be compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA) for parametric and Kruskal–Wallis test for non-parametric variables. The Bonferroni correction is applied for multiple comparisons. An alpha level of p ⩽ 0.05 is considered significant.

Discussion:

In relation to other studies that have analyzed intensive therapies, although with fewer intervention groups, it seems that the application of any of the intensive interventions is effective with the applied dose to obtain changes in BFP and increase the spontaneous use of the affected upper limb.

Registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04642872
Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and the impact of mavacamten
Authors: Mathai Susan , Williams Lynne
Published: November 2022

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common genetic disorder characterised by unexplained left ventricular hypertrophy. Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction is an integral component of the disease, often resulting in significant symptoms, but also carrying a risk of progression to heart failure and death. Advancements in our understanding of the pathophysiology of HCM have led to the development of new therapies targeting the molecular basis of the disease at the level of the cardiac sarcomere, the basic contractile apparatus of the myocardium. Myosin modulators are a novel class of small molecules which target cardiac myosins directly to modulate cardiac contractility. The myosin inhibitors present the first advancement in pharmacological management of obstructive HCM in almost 35 years, with a growing body of evidence for the safety, tolerability and efficacy of mavacamten, and to a lesser extent aficamten. The aim of this review is to summarise the current management of patients with obstructive HCM and review the most recent available data from clinical trials pertaining to myosin inhibition.