bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combining first prediction time identification and time-series feature window for remaining useful life prediction of rolling bearings with limited data
Authors: Li Hai , Wang Chaoqun
Published: January 2023

Limited data are common in the problem of remaining life prediction (RUL) of rolling bearings, and the distribution of degradation data of rolling bearings under different working conditions is quite different, which makes it difficult to predict the RUL of rolling bearings with limited data. To address this issue, this study combines first prediction time identification (FPT) and time-series feature window (TSFW) for predicting the RUL of rolling bearings with limited data. Firstly, the proper first prediction time is identified by a novel FPT identification method considering root mean square and Kurtosis simultaneously. Subsequently, to accurately capture the sequential characteristics of bearing degradation data, the TSFW is constructed and then adaptively compressed considering degradation factor that is derived mathematically. Based on this, this study employs multi-step ahead rolling prediction strategy with degradation factor from FPT to reveal the future degradation trend and then predict the bearing RUL. Finally, the feasibility and generalization of the proposed method under limited data is validated by carrying out several rolling bearing experiments, and the prediction errors for two representative bearings are 14.46% and 8.06%.
Application of self-attention conditional deep convolutional generative adversarial networks in the fault diagnosis of planetary gearboxes
Authors: Luo Jia , Huang Jingying , Ma Jiancheng , Liu Siyuan
Published: January 2023

The Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) can generate samples similar to the original data to solve the problem of fault sample imbalance in planetary gearbox fault diagnosis. Most of models rely heavily on convolution to model the dependencies across feature vectors of vibration signals. However, the characterization ability of convolution operator is limited by the size of convolution kernel and it cannot capture the long-distance dependence in the original data. In this paper, self-attention is introduced into Conditional Deep Convolutional Generative Adversarial Networks (C-DCGAN). In the model, vibration features are dynamically weighted and merged, so that it can adaptively focus “attention” on different times to solve the problem of sample differences caused by time-varying vibration signals. Finally, the proposed method is verified on the planetary gearbox experiment and the quality of the generated signal samples is evaluated with Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) algorithm. The visual experimental results indicated that the proposed model performed better than conditional deep convolutional generative adversarial networks (C-DCGAN) and could accurately diagnose various working states of planetary gearboxes.
Critical illness aspects of heatstroke: A hot topic
Authors: Patel Jesal , Boyer Naomi , Mensah Kwabena , Haider Syeda , Gibson Oliver , Martin Daniel , Walter Edward
Published: January 2023

Heatstroke represents the most severe end of the heat illness spectrum, and is increasingly seen in those undergoing exercise or exertion (‘exertional heatstroke’) and those exposed to high ambient temperatures, for example in heatwaves (‘classical heatstroke’). Both forms may be associated with significant thermal injury, leading to organ dysfunction and the need for admission to an intensive care unit. The process may be exacerbated by translocation of bacteria or endotoxin through an intestinal wall rendered more permeable by the hyperthermia. This narrative review highlights the importance of early diagnosis, rapid cooling and effective management of complications. It discusses the incidence, clinical features and treatment of heatstroke, and discusses the possible role of intestinal permeability and advances in follow-up and recovery of this condition. Optimum treatment involves an integrated input from prehospital, emergency department and critical care teams, along with follow-up by rehabilitation teams and, if appropriate, sports or clinical physiologists.
Aspects and problems associated with the water services to be considered in intensive care units
Authors: Walker Jimmy , Inkster Teresa , Weinbren Michael
Published: January 2023

Background

Water is a product taken for granted and assumed to be a safe commodity in intensive care units (ICU). Biofilm readily becomes established in complex water services presenting a risk to vulnerable patients. Harboured within biofilms are opportunistic pathogens which can be transmitted via hand contact, splashing, aerosol and indirect contact through medical equipment. Evidence linking the role of water services in transmission of infection to patients in ICUs has increased in recent years.

Aims

This research based commentary set out to identify current problems with water and wastewater systems in ICU settings.

Methods

Databases and open source information was used to obtain data on current water and wastewater-related issues in ICU settings. This and the authors experiences have been used to describe current challenges.

Findings

the authors found a number of problems with water systems in ICU to which there has not been a cohesive response in terms of guidance to support users and designers. The resultant void permits new projects to proceed with suboptimal and designs which place patients and staff at risk.

Discussion

Hand hygiene stations are frequently misused or close enough to patients such that splashing poses a transmission risk. The wastewater system (drain) also presents a risk, from where Gram-negative antibiotic resistant organisms may be dispersed resulting in untreatable patient infections. The water and wastewater system provide a superhighway for the movement of pathogenic microorganisms and these risks need to be addressed if we are to safeguard vulnerable users in ICU.
The Aggressive Open Anterior Ankle Cheilectomy as Joint Salvage for Anterior Ankle Impingement Syndrome and Arthritis
Authors: Mendicino Robert , Bischoff Alex , Hill Zachary
Published: January 2023

Anterior ankle impingement syndrome can frequently present in athletes and post-traumatic patients who have osteophytes contributing to limited dorsiflexion and pain. Surgical treatment options include arthroscopy, open arthrotomy, arthrodesis, and total implant arthroplasty. For many, joint-sparing arthroscopy or arthrotomy yield satisfactory results if significant debridement is performed. If debridement is not aggressive, patients may not obtain the desired improvement. In cases where a larger amount of bone must be removed, or the patient does not have an anatomic appearing talar neck due to osteophytic changes, we have found that an open approach is necessary to achieve good results. To the best of our knowledge, no such technique has been previously published detailing a standard approach to open ankle arthrotomy. Our technique is coined the “Aggressive Open Anterior Ankle Cheilectomy” and involves a systematic 3-step approach. First, the tibial osteophytes are resected with an osteotome; second, the ankle gutters are addressed, and all hypertrophic bones removed; and third, an anatomic talar neck is fashioned. We herein describe our surgical technique and case examples.

Level of Evidence: 5
Everything About Children, Death, and Ethics All at Once
Authors: Zheng Zhaoxi
Published: January 2023

Whilst children’s competency is evident through their everyday socio-material encounters, dominant discourses continue to depict children as incompetent ‘human becomings’, shielding them from ‘sensitive’ matters (e.g., death). Originating from adult-centric traditions, this humanist understanding prioritises binary oppositions (e.g., life/death, body/mind, and child/adult). Reinforced by neoliberal academic expectations, such a developmentalist assumption is further appropriated and holds true as ‘gold standard’ when examining children and childhood, producing injustices against children. In response to critical post-human calls to disrupt child-adult binaries, I use post-qualitative inquiry to showcase the epistemological-ethical-emotional entanglement within a research project investigating children’s children’s encounters with death. Specifically, by combining poetry and drawing to challenge increasingly homogenous academic writing and traditionally clean-cut research paradigms, this work playfully highlights that children face power injustices in contemporary social life and their rights to participation in complex social realities (e.g., death) matter.
Black Women’s Social Media Use Integration and Social Media Addiction
Authors: Matsuzaka Sara , Avery Lanice R. , Stanton Alexis G.
Published: January 2023

Black American women are among the largest consumer groups of social media in the United States. In recent years, Black American women have curated spaces on social media platforms to authentically converse about Black womanhood and resist structural gendered racism. Still, there is a dearth of research on the subjective importance of Black American women’s social media use and risks for social media addiction. This study tested the association between social media use integration and social media addiction, and whether connectedness to Black women moderated this relationship. Data from 354 Black American women ( Mage = 24.34 years) were collected using an online survey. We found that social media use integration was positively associated with social media addiction. Connectedness to Black women moderated this relation, such that the positive association between social media use integration and social media addiction was magnified at a higher level of connectedness to Black women. Our findings inform practice implications for a non-pathologizing approach to addressing social media addiction among Black American women with consideration to structural gendered racist contexts.
Exploring intra-party democracy and political finance in Pakistan: The case of effectiveness of mainstream political parties
Authors: Kausar Syed Waqas Ali , Gul Azeem , Hafeez Saira
Published: January 2023

This article explores the effectiveness of political parties in relation to political finance and intra-party democracy in Pakistan. The aim of the article is to offer an objective understanding of these variables and suggest a model for the effectiveness of political parties. Primary data was collected from a sample of 1000 respondents from eight different but politically relevant parties. The respondents have diverse socio-political backgrounds and positions in parties hailing from all the provinces of Pakistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir – a semi-autonomous territory under the administration of Pakistan. The instrument was developed and its validity and reliability were ensured. For empirical verification, extensive statistical tests were carried out, including validity and reliability analysis, standard regression and correlation, to test the assumptions of the research. Statistical analysis established that the independent variables are very significant in explaining the relationship with the dependent variable. Overall, most of the political parties are not internally democratic as they do not follow laid-down democratic processes in electing leadership and candidate selection, the findings revealed. Political parties are monopolized by personalities with weak organization and are institutionally fragile and compromise on their ideological foundation by preferring political expediency while decision making. Likewise, parties also rank poor in political finance as they rarely follow legal and administrative requirements laid down by the Election Commission of Pakistan on political finance. This has a direct bearing upon party effectiveness, as poor intraparty and weak political finance hinder party development as effective institutions aiming to aggregate the interests of the masses. The parties must ensure inclusiveness in choice making, build formal democratic decision-making structures and reinforce the key procedures for political financing. Moreover, political parties should be transparent and responsive towards democratic values and institutional practices to increase their effectiveness.
Personal Network Size and Social Accompaniment: Protective or Risk Factor for Momentary Loneliness, and for Whom?
Authors: Goldman Alyssa W. , Compernolle Ellen L.
Published: January 2023

Personal networks yield important health benefits for individuals, in part by providing more opportunities to be in the company of others throughout daily life. Social accompaniment is generally believed to protect against momentary feelings of loneliness, although this hypothesis remains understudied. We examine how personal network size shapes older adults’ experiences of momentary loneliness and whether this association varies by momentary social accompaniment. We use three waves of ecological momentary assessments (EMA; N = 12,359) and personal network data from 343 older adults in the Chicago Health and Activity Space in Real-Time study. Older adults with large personal networks experienced more intense momentary loneliness compared with those with smaller social networks when they were momentarily alone. This association was more pronounced among men. We discuss how research approaches that bridge global and momentary measures of social connectedness can reveal important nuances of our understanding of how interpersonal factors influence later-life well-being over time.
Information Jamming and Capture Cost: A Global Game Analysis of Collective Action
Authors: Wu Tao , Gui Lin , Zhang Liguo , Kung Chih-Chun
Published: January 2023

To understand the interactive mechanisms behind citizens’ collective action against the project implementation of local governments of authoritarian regimes, we develop a global game model in which the decisions of local governments, media outlets, and citizens are endogenous. The methodology of theoretical game model focuses on the relationship between media capture and citizens’ belief formation and how it affects the citizens’ decision to participate in a demonstration. Our results show that if the information jamming effect dominates the capture cost effect, then increasing the supervision efficiency of media helps local governments implement unpopular projects that bring negative externalities to citizens. Otherwise, increasing the supervision efficiency would make it more difficult for local governments to implement projects. Based on the results of game model, policies such as relaxing media control, developing the media market, strengthening the judicial system, and perfecting the information disclosure system of local governments could increase the cost of media capture and thus effectively constrain the behavior of local governments, which helps prevent the occurrence of mass disturbances.
Evaluating the Need for Preoperative MRI Before Primary Hip Arthroscopy in Patients 40 Years and Younger With Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome: A Multicenter Comparative Analysis
Authors: Ramkumar Prem N. , Berrier Ava S. , Helm J. Matthew , Koolmees Dylan S. , Pareek Ayoosh , Krych Aaron J. , Makhni Eric C. , Harris Joshua D. , Nwachukwu Benedict U.
Published: January 2023

Background:

Routine hip magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before arthroscopy for patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) offers questionable clinical benefit, delays surgery, and wastes resources.

Purpose:

To assess the clinical utility of preoperative hip MRI for patients aged ≤40 years who were undergoing primary hip arthroscopy and who had a history, physical examination findings, and radiographs concordant with FAIS.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Included were 1391 patients (mean age, 25.8 years; 63% female; mean body mass index, 25.6) who underwent hip arthroscopy between August 2015 and December 2021 by 1 of 4 fellowship-trained hip surgeons from 4 referral centers. Inclusion criteria were FAIS, primary surgery, and age ≤40 years. Exclusion criteria were MRI contraindication, reattempt of nonoperative management, and concomitant periacetabular osteotomy. Patients were stratified into those who were evaluated with preoperative MRI versus those without MRI. Those without MRI received an MRI before surgery without deviation from the established surgical plan. All preoperative MRI scans were compared with the office evaluation and intraoperative findings to assess agreement. Time from office to arthroscopy and/or MRI was recorded. MRI costs were calculated.

Results:

Of the study patients, 322 were not evaluated with MRI and 1069 were. MRI did not alter surgical or interoperative plans. Both groups had MRI findings demonstrating anterosuperior labral tears treated intraoperatively (99.8% repair, 0.2% debridement, and 0% reconstruction). Compared with patients who were evaluated with MRI and waited 63.0 ± 34.6 days, patients who were not evaluated with MRI underwent surgery 6.5 ± 18.7 days after preoperative MRI. MRI delayed surgery by 24.0 ± 5.3 days and cost a mean $2262 per patient.

Conclusion:

Preoperative MRI did not alter indications for primary hip arthroscopy in patients aged ≤40 years with a history, physical examination findings, and radiographs concordant with FAIS. Rather, MRI delayed surgery and wasted resources. Routine hip MRI acquisition for the younger population with primary FAIS with a typical presentation should be challenged.
Value Creation in Start-Up Discourse: Linking Pitch and Venture Through Logics of Justification
Authors: Varas Germán , Sabaj Omar , Spinuzzi Clay , Fuentes Miguel , Gerard Valentin , Cabezas Paula
Published: January 2023

How do start-ups create value through the language of their business pitches? In this article, we investigate that question by identifying the logics of justification they use, traditionally conceptualized as orders of worth. In this study of short written pitches in a 6-month Chilean accelerator program, we describe how we detected logics of justification through pitch language, and we identify (a) co-occurrence patterns among logics of justification, (b) associations between logics of justification and industry sectors, and (c) associations between logics and a firm’s customer segment (B2B, B2C). This study provides unique insights into how start-ups sometimes justify innovations by using specific patterns of language depending on a venture’s features.
Electrically Evoked Auditory Brainstem Responses in Children Fitted with Hearing Aids Prior to Cochlear Implantation
Authors: Chen Li , Zhang Jun-Ge , Zhu Han-Yu , Hou Xiao-Yan , Tang Zheng-Quan , Sun Jing-Wu , Sun Jia-Qiang , Guo Xiao-Tao
Published: January 2023

This study investigates the effect of hearing aid use on the peripheral auditory pathways in children with sensorineural hearing loss prior to cochlear implantation, as revealed by the electrically evoked auditory brainstem response (EABR). Forty children with hearing aids were recruited. Half of them had normal inner ear structures and the other half had inner ear malformations (IEMs). The EABR was evoked by electrically stimulating the round window niche (RWN) and round window membrane (RWM) during the cochlear implantation operation. The onset age of hearing aid use was significantly correlated with the peak latencies, but not amplitudes, of the wave III (eIII) and wave V (eV). Higher EABR thresholds were found for RWN stimulation than for RWM stimulation and in the children with IEMs than in those without IEMs. Our study provides neurophysiological evidence that earlier use of hearing aids may ameliorate physiological functions of the peripheral auditory pathway in children with and without IEMs. The EABR evoked by the electrical stimulation at RWM is more sensitive compared with that at RWN for evaluating functions of the auditory conduction pathway.
rTSA With Humeral Head Autograft Glenoid Reconstruction
Authors: Sabzevari Soheil , Eads Ryan , Charles Shaquille , Reddy Rajiv P. , Lin Albert
Published: January 2023

Background:

Untreated chronic massive rotator cuff tears and primary osteoarthritis can lead to conditions of significant retroversion, posterior bone loss, and humeral head subluxation.

Indications:

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty with humeral head autograft glenoid reconstruction may be indicated in patients with advanced glenohumeral osteoarthritis and/or severe glenoid retroversion/bone loss due to rotator cuff arthropathy, trauma, primary, or inflammatory osteoarthritis.

Technique:

Besides routine radiography and preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans, 3-dimensional (3D) planning software is often performed as a routine part of preoperative planning. A 3D printed model of the glenoid can also be helpful in cases of significant bone deformity. Patients are placed in a 45° modified beach chair position. Using a standard deltopectoral approach, the glenoid is exposed. An anatomic humeral head resection is made. The contour of the articular margin of the humeral head should match the glenoid bone deficiency anatomically as it has been chronically resting within the glenoid defect. Three dimensional preoperative planning and the 3D printed model are used to make an asymmetric humeral head autograft which should match the deficiency perfectly. The articular cartilage is removed with a burr. The graft and baseplate are coupled together (metaphyseal bone facing the baseplate and prepared articular side of the graft facing native bone) and measurements are performed with the preoperative planning software to fashion a graft with the appropriate dimension and with the desired amount of lateralization. The bone graft is then compressed with the baseplate to the native glenoid and fixed with screws.

Results:

In select patients with careful preoperative planning, excellent outcomes can be achieved with careful gradual resumption of range of motion and strength with physical therapy. Sequential radiographic imaging is performed up to 6 months and beyond to confirm solid union of graft to native glenoid bone and incorporation into the baseplate.

Discussion/Conclusion:

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) with humeral head autograft glenoid reconstruction is an excellent option to address severe glenoid bone loss and restore the native joint line for both primary osteoarthritis and rotator cuff arthropathy. Using 3D CT scans, 3D preoperative planning software and 3D printing of the glenoid can help achieve a good outcome.

Patient Consent Disclosure Statement:

The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.
Theoretical Analysis of Roll-over-web Coating of a Non-Newtonian Polymer Using Lubrication Approximation Theory
Authors: Atif Hafiz M. , Akhtar Mobeen , Javed Muhammad A.
Published: January 2023

Roll-coating process plays an important role in many industries for its practical applications such as paint, PVC coated fabrics and plastic industries. There are several roll-to-roll coating methods including forward and reverse roll-coating. However, the roll-over-web coating study of the Rabinowitsch model is presented in this paper. The flow equations for the problem are developed and converted into dimensionless form with the help of dimensionless variables and then finally simplified by a well-known lubrication approximation theory. We employ the regular perturbation technique to get analytical expressions for velocity, pressure, and pressure gradient. Engineering quantities such as power input function and roll-separating force are calculated by Runge-Kutta method. The dimensionless Rabinowitsch parameter effect on velocity, pressure, pressure gradient, load-carrying force, and power input are shown graphically. It is interesting to note that for the shear thickening case, the Rabinowitsch model predicts 35% higher pressure, while in the shear thinning case it predicts 29% less pressure in the nip region when compared to the Newtonian model. The force and power show a decreasing trend on increasing the dimensionless Rabinowitsch parameter a. Moreover, the separation point shifts right of its Newtonian value when fluid behaves like shear thickening and volumetric flow rate increases which causes the coating thickness to increase.
Micro-column testing of the dynamic adsorption of Pb by Fe-Mg clay–quartz beds
Authors: Kypritidou Zacharenia , Gatou Maria-Anna , Argyraki Ariadne , Zotiadis Vasilios
Published: January 2023

Clays have been used widely as sorbents of potentially toxic elements, especially Pb. However, their adsorption efficiency has been studied mostly under static experimental conditions, which are labour-intensive. In this study, dynamic adsorption experiments were established using micro-columns to assess the adsorption behaviour of natural Fe-Mg-rich clays for Pb ions by varying the inlet solution pH, Pb concentration and flow rate. The clays, consisting of varying amounts of palygorskite and Fe-smectite, were diluted with quartz (Qz) sand to enhance their permeability. Greater adsorption capacity was observed for the mixed palygorskite/Fe-smectite-rich clay beds (45.2 ± 0.01 mg g–1) followed by the Fe-smectite-rich (35.7 ± 0.07 mg g–1) and palygorskite-rich (20.0 ± 0.03 mg g–1) clay beds. The results indicated that the greater adsorption efficiency of palygorskite/Fe-smectite-rich clays could be attributed to synergistic effects due to the coexistence of palygorskite and Fe-smectite clay phases, which have distinct physicochemical characteristics. Moreover, the results obtained showed good agreement with the static experiments, implying that the use of micro-columns could describe adsorption adequately over shorter experimental times.
Attitudes towards deprescribing and patient-related factors associated with willingness to stop medication among older patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Indonesia: a cross-sectional survey study
Authors: Oktora Monika Pury , Yuniar Cindra Tri , Amalia Lia , Abdulah Rizky , Hak Eelko , Denig Petra
Published: January 2023

Background

Deprescribing of preventive medication is recommended in older patients with polypharmacy, including people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). It seems that many patients in low-middle-income countries are not willing to have their medicines deprescribed. This study aims to assess attitudes of Indonesian patients with T2D towards deprescribing in general and regarding specific cardiometabolic medicines, and factors influencing their willingness to stop medicines.

Methods

Primary care patients with T2D of ≥60 years in Indonesia completed the revised Patients’ Attitudes Towards Deprescribing (rPATD) questionnaire. Attitudes in general and for cardiometabolic medicines were reported descriptively. Proportions of patients willing to stop one or more medicines when recommended by different healthcare professionals were compared with Chi-square test. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyse the influence between patient-related factors and the willingness to stop medicines.

Results

The survey was completed by 196 participants (median age 69 years, 73% female). The percentages willing to stop medicines were 69, 67, and 41%, when the general practitioner (GP), the specialist, or the pharmacist initiates the process (p-value < 0.001). Higher perceived burden of medicines (p-value = 0.03) and less concerns about stopping (p-value < 0.001) were associated with a higher willingness to stop medicines if proposed by the GP. Patients using multiple glucose-regulating medicines were less willing to stop (p-value = 0.02). Using complementary or alternative medicines was not associated with the willingness to stop. If proposed by their pharmacist, patients without substantial education were more willing to stop than educated patients.

Conclusions

Only two-thirds of older people with T2D in Indonesia were willing to stop one or more of their medicines if the GP or specialist recommended this, and even less when the pharmacist proposed this. Attention should be given to concerns about stopping specific medicines, especially among patients using multiple glucose-lowering medicines, who may be more eligible but were less willing to accept deprescribing.
Exploring the association between lifetime traumatic experiences and positive psychotic symptoms in a group of long-stay patients with schizophrenia: the mediating effect of depression, anxiety, and distress
Authors: Rahme Clara , El Kadri Nisreen , Haddad Chadia , Fekih-Romdhane Feten , Obeid Sahar , Hallit Souheil
Published: January 2023

Background

Positive psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia are generally characterized by hallucinations and delusions. We propose to assess the relationship between total composite trauma and positive psychotic symptoms, along with the mediation effect of cognition, fear of COVID-19, insomnia, anxiety, distress, and depression of Lebanese patients with schizophrenia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out, between June and July 2021, by deriving data from 155 long-stay in-patients diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Results

Depression, anxiety, and distress but not cognitive impairment, insomnia, and fear of COVID-19) mediated the association between lifetime traumatic experiences and positive psychotic symptoms. Higher traumatic experiences were associated with greater depression, anxiety, and distress, indicating a significant positive total effect on positive psychotic scores. Moreover, higher depression, anxiety, and distress were significantly associated with higher positive psychotic symptoms.

Conclusion

Our results contribute to the existing knowledge by suggesting other possible intervention paths through mediating factors. Interventions that improve anxiety, depression, and distress severity may be effective in reducing positive psychotic symptoms among patients with schizophrenia having experienced lifetime trauma.
Women suffer but men die: survey data exploring whether this self-reported health paradox is real or an artefact of gender stereotypes
Authors: Phillips Susan P. , O’Connor Madlen , Vafaei Afshin
Published: January 2023

Background

Despite consistently reporting poorer health, women universally outlive men. We examine whether gender differences in lived circumstances considered, and meaning attributed to SRH by women and men might explain this paradox.

Methods

In an online survey 917 adults rated their health (SRH) and mental health (SRMH) and reflected upon what life experiences they considered in making their ratings. Descriptive findings were sex-disaggregated. The multiple experiences listed were then subject to factor analyses using principal components methods and orthogonal rotation.

Results

Women reported poorer SRH and SRMH. They considered a wider range of circumstances, weighing all but self-confidence and behaviors as more important to SRH than did men. Two underlying components, psychosocial context and clinical status were identified overall. Physical health and pain were more important elements of men’s clinical status and behaviors. Comparisons with others of the same age played a larger role in male psycho-social context. Two components also underpinned SRMH. These were clinical problems and psycho-social circumstances for which self-confidence was only important among men.

Conclusions

Women’s and men’s common interpretation of measures like SRH suggests that women’s health disadvantage is neither artefactual nor determined by gendered meanings of measures and does not explain the paradox. SRH and SRMH captured social circumstances for all. Convergence of characteristics women and men consider as central to health is evidence of the dynamism of gender with evolving social norms. The remaining divergence speaks to persisting traditional male stereotypes.
Clinical efficacy of transforaminal endoscopic discectomy in the treatment of recurrent lumbar disc herniation: a single-center retrospective analysis
Authors: Xu Gang , Zhang Xuexue , Zhu Mengye , Yan Yi , Zhang Yong , Zhang Jinjin , Li Fan , Xu Mu , Zhang Daying
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To investigate the clinical efficacy of transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (TED) in treating recurrent lumbar disc herniation.

Methods

Clinical datal of 31 patients who were hospitalized in the Department of Pain Management, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, between 2015 and 2018 due to recurrent lumbar disc herniation were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores were used to assess alterations of patients’ leg pain intensity and nerve function, respectively. The Modified MacNab criteria were used to evaluate patients’ excellent and good rates.

Results

Compared to clinical data before surgery, there was a significant reduction in VAS scores (P < 0.01) along with a significant improvement in JOA scores (P < 0.01) at 2 years after revision surgery. The patients’ excellent and good rates were 83.9% at the 2 years after surgery.

Conclusion

The TED is safe and effective in the long term and is applicable to the treatment of recurrent lumbar disc herniation.
Unravelling the enigma of siRNA and aptamer mediated therapies against pancreatic cancer
Authors: Liu Zhe , Parveen Neha , Rehman Urushi , Aziz Aisha , Sheikh Afsana , Abourehab Mohammed A. S. , Guo Wei , Huang Junhao , Wang Zhenning , Kesharwani Prashant
Published: January 2023

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a fatal disease that has a poor 5-year survival rate. The poor prognosis can be attributed to both troublesome detections at the initial stage, which makes the majority of the treatment options largely unsuccessful and leads to extensive metastasis, as well as to its distinct pathophysiological characteristics, such as rich desmoplastic tumours bounded by dysplastic and hypo perfused vessels restricting the mobility of therapeutic agents. Continued attempts have been made to utilise innovative measures for battling PC to increase the therapeutic effectiveness of therapies and overcome their cytotoxicity. Combined cancer targeting and gene silencing approach has shown improved outcomes in patients’ survival rates and quality of life, offering a potential solution to therapeutic complications. It particularly targets various barriers to alleviate delivery problems and diminish tumour recurrence and metastasis. While aptamers, a type of single-stranded nucleic acids with strong binding affinity and specificity to target molecules, have recently surfaced as a viable PC strategy, siRNA can interfere with the expression of certain genes. By concurrently suppressing genes and boosting targeted approach, the cocktail of siRNA/Aptamer and other therapeutic drugs can circumvent the multi-drug resistance phenomena. Additionally, combination therapy with additive or synergistic effects can considerably increase the therapeutic efficacy of anti-cancer medications. This study outlines the primary difficulties in treating PC, along with recent developments in siRNA/Aptamer mediated drug delivery to solve the major hiccup of oncology field.

Graphical Abstract
Correlation analysis of differentially expressed long non-coding RNA HOTAIR with PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway and inflammation in patients with osteoarthritis and the effect of baicalin intervention
Authors: Chen Xiaolu , Liu Jian , Sun Yanqiu , Wen Jianting , Zhou Qin , Ding Xiang , Zhang Xianheng
Published: January 2023

Objective

This study aims to investigate the correlation of long non-coding RNA HOX transcript antisense RNA (lncRNA HOTAIR) with the PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway and clinical-related indicators in osteoarthritis (OA) and determine the effect of baicalin intervention.

Methods

The levels of clinical lipid metabolism indexes and immune-inflammatory indexes in OA patients and normal controls was detected. OA chondrocytes (OA-CHs) were induced with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), followed by baicalin treatment (50 ug/mL). RT-qPCR was performed to measure lncRNA HOTAIR expression. The levels of inflammatory cytokines and adiponectin were detected using ELISA kits. CCK-8 assay was used to assess the viability of CHs. The related protein expression was measured using Western blot analysis.

Results

LncRNA HOTAIR might act as a biomarker of OA in vivo. LncRNA HOTAIR was positively correlated with TC, hs-CRP, IgA, TNF-α, and VAS score. Overexpression of lncRNA HOTAIR in vitro inhibited cell proliferation, reduced IL-10 and PTEN expression, but augmented TNF-α, p-PI3K, and p-AKT proteins in OA-CHs stimulated by OA-PBMCs. The changes of above indexes were also observed in OA-CHs stimulated by OA-PBMCs treated with si-lncRNA HOTAIR or baicalin, implying the synergistic effects of baicalin and lncRNA HOTAIR silencing on OA.

Conclusions

Conclusively, lncRNA HOTAIR was highly expressed in OA-CHs, which facilitated OA inflammatory responses by orchestrating inflammatory cytokines and the PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway. Baicalin exerted therapeutic effects by inhibiting the expression of lncRNA HOTAIR, decreasing the protein levels of p-PI3K and p-AKT, and increasing the protein levels of PTEN, APN, and ADIPOR1.
Retraction Note: Exosomes from the tumour-adipocyte interplay stimulate beige/brown differentiation and reprogram metabolism in stromal adipocytes to promote tumour progression
Authors: Wu Qi , Li Juanjuan , Li Zhiyu , Sun Si , Zhu Shan , Wang Lijun , Wu Juan , Yuan Jingping , Zhang Yimin , Sun Shengrong , Wang Changhua
Published: January 2023

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13046-019-1210-3.
Retraction Note: Transcriptional repression of SOCS3 mediated by IL-6/STAT3 signaling via DNMT1 promotes pancreatic cancer growth and metastasis
Authors: Huang Li , Hu Bin , Ni Jianbo , Wu Jianghong , Jiang Weiliang , Chen Congying , Yang Lijuan , Zeng Yue , Wan Rong , Hu Guoyong , Wang Xingpeng
Published: January 2023

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13046-016-0301-7.
MTX-PEG-modified CG/DMMA polymeric micelles for targeted delivery of doxorubicin to induce synergistic autophagic death against triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Cao Zhiwen , Liu Rui , Li Yang , Luo Xinyi , Hua Zhenglai , Wang Xiangpeng , Xue Zeyu , Zhang Zhengjia , Lu Cheng , Lu Aiping , Liu Yuanyan
Published: January 2023

The chemotherapy of triple-negative breast cancer based on doxorubicin (DOX) regimens suffers from great challenges on toxicity and autophagy raised off-target. In this study, a conjugate methotrexate-polyethylene glycol (shorten as MTX-PEG)-modified CG/DMMA polymeric micelles were prepared to endue DOX tumor selectivity and synergistic autophagic flux interference to reduce systematic toxicity and to improve anti-tumor capacity. The micelles could effectively promote the accumulation of autophagosomes in tumor cells and interfere with the degradation process of autophagic flux, collectively inducing autophagic death of tumor cells. In vivo and in vitro experiments showed that the micelles could exert improved anti-tumor effect and specificity, as well as reduced accumulation and damage of chemotherapeutic drugs in normal organs. The potential mechanism of synergistic autophagic death exerted by the synthesized micelles in MDA-MB-231 cells has been performed by autophagic flux-related pathway.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG ameliorates radiation-induced lung fibrosis via lncRNASNHG17/PTBP1/NICD axis modulation
Authors: Ju Zhao , Pan Huiji , Qu Can , Xiao Liang , Zhou Meiling , Wang Yin , Luo Jinhua , Shen Liangfang , Zhou Pingkun , Huang Ruixue
Published: January 2023

Radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis (RIPF) is a major side effect experienced for patients with thoracic cancers after radiotherapy. RIPF is poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options available in clinic. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) is advantaged and widely used for health promotion. However. Whether LGG is applicable for prevention of RIPF and relative underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Here, we reported a unique comprehensive analysis of the impact of LGG and its’ derived lncRNA SNHG17 on radiation-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro and RIPF in vivo. As revealed by high-throughput sequencing, SNHG17 expression was decreased by LGG treatment in A549 cells post radiation and markedly attenuated the radiation-induced EMT progression (p < 0.01). SNHG17 overexpression correlated with poor overall survival in patients with lung cancer. Mechanistically, SNHG17 can stabilize PTBP1 expression through binding to its 3′UTR, whereas the activated PTBP1 can bind with the NICD part of Notch1 to upregulate Notch1 expression and aggravated EMT and lung fibrosis post radiation. However, SNHG17 knockdown inhibited PTBP1 and Notch1 expression and produced the opposite results. Notably, A549 cells treated with LGG also promoted cell apoptosis and increased cell G2/M arrest post radiation. Mice of RIPF treated with LGG decreased SNHG17 expression and attenuated lung fibrosis. Altogether, these data reveal that modulation of radiation-induced EMT and lung fibrosis by treatment with LGG associates with a decrease in SNHG17 expression and the inhibition of SNHG17/PTBP1/Nothch1 axis. Collectively, our results indicate that LGG exerts protective effects in RIPF and SNHG17 holds a potential marker of RIPF recovery in patients with thoracic cancers.
Pulmonary vein thrombosis associated with metastatic uterine leiomyosarcoma: a case report
Authors: Salimi Mehdi , Mohamadzadeh Dena , Bonyadi Mojdeh
Published: January 2023

Background

Pulmonary vein thrombosis (PVT) is rarely associated with malignancies. Leiomyosarcoma, a malignant tumor originating from smooth muscles, has never been reported as the etiology of PVT.

Case presentation

In this case report, we described a 43-year-old Kurdish woman with a known case of leiomyosarcoma who presented with hemoptysis, dyspnea, and pleuritic chest pain. Chest computed tomography (CT) angiography revealed a thrombus in the left infero-posterior pulmonary vein. She was successfully treated with unfractionated heparin administered intravenously followed by orally administered warfarin. At the end of the article, we describe and compare other reports of malignancy-related PVT.

Conclusions

While malignancies are not a common cause of PVT, both primary lung tumors and metastatic cancers could be associated with PVT. Delay in diagnosis may lead to serious complications and even death. Therefore, clinicians should be aware of the possibility of the development of PVT in different malignancies for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Humoral immunity for durable control of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants
Authors: Kotaki Ryutaro , Moriyama Saya , Takahashi Yoshimasa
Published: January 2023

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is ongoing because of the repeated emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants, highlighting the importance of developing vaccines for variants that may continue to emerge. In the present review, we discuss humoral immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 with a focus on the antibody breadth to the variants. Recent studies have revealed that the temporal maturation of humoral immunity improves the antibody potency and breadth to the variants after infection or vaccination. Repeated vaccination or infection further accelerates the expansion of the antibody breadth. Memory B cells play a central role in this phenomenon, as the reactivity of the B-cell antigen receptor (BCR) on memory B cells is a key determinant of the antibody potency and breadth recalled upon vaccination or infection. The evolution of memory B cells remarkably improves the reactivity of BCR to antigenically distinct Omicron variants, to which the host has never been exposed. Thus, the evolution of memory B cells toward the variants constitutes an immunological basis for the durable and broad control of SARS-CoV-2 variants.
A sustainable thermochemical conversion of animal biomass to N-heterocycles
Authors: Tang Yang , Xiao Xiao , Zhang Chaojun , Wang Xiaoling , Guo Junling , Liao Xuepin
Published: January 2023

The production of high-valued organonitrogen chemicals, especially N-heterocycles, requires artificial N2 fixation accompanied by the consumption of fossil resources. To avoid the use of these energy- and resource-intensive processes, we develop a sustainable strategy to convert nitrogen-rich animal biomass into N-heterocycles through a thermochemical conversion process (TCP) under atmospheric pressure. A high percentage of N-heterocycles (87.51%) were obtained after the TCP of bovine skin due to the abundance of nitrogen-containing amino acids (e.g., glycine, proline, and l-hydroxyproline). Animal biomass with more diverse amino acid composition (e.g., muscles) yielded higher concentrations of amines/amides and nitriles after TCP. In addition, by introducing catalysts (KOH for pyrrole and Al2O3 for cyclo-Gly–Pro) to TCP, the production quantities of pyrrole and cyclo-Gly–Pro increased to 30.79 mg g−1 and 38.88 mg g−1, respectively. This approach can be used to convert the significant animal biomass waste generated annually from animal culls into valued organonitrogen chemicals while circumventing NH3-dependent and petrochemical-dependent synthesis routes.

Graphical Abstract
Clinical challenge: a case of testicular tumor disguised as a prenatal testicular torsion
Authors: Fugaru Ioana , Moryousef Joseph , Nguyen Van-Hung , El-Sherbiny Mohamed
Published: January 2023

Background

Neonatal tumors account for a minority of prepubertal testicular tumors. Similarly, testicular torsion in the neonate within the intrauterine or postnatal period is a rare event with an estimated incidence of 6 per 100,000. Testicular salvage is almost never achieved in cases of prenatal testicular torsion and there is still no consensus on the ideal management.

Case presentation

A neonate with prenatal testicular torsion that underwent inguinal orchiectomy. On pathological examination, an uncharacterizable, multicystic, and well-delineated testicular tumor was identified. Although rare, testicular tumor presenting as neonatal testicular torsion should be considered in the differential diagnosis of an acute neonatal scrotum.

Conclusions

This case highlights that an inguinal approach for surgical exploration in prenatal testicular torsions may be preferred given the risk, albeit extremely low, of an underlying testicular tumour.
Rethinking treatment-resistant depression to quasi-tenacious depression
Authors: Arjmand Shokouh , Grassi-Oliveira Rodrigo , Wegener Gregers
Published: January 2023

With almost one-third of patients with major depression not adequately responsive to treatments, the management of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) has continued to be challenging. Recently, an essential step was taken to replace TRD with difficult-to-treat depression (DTD), pointing to some drawbacks associated with this terminology and identifying addressable barriers. In line with the DTD concept, we discuss why terming this population of patients as TRD could be semantically and clinically misleading. We then suggest replacing TRD with quasi-tenacious depression (QTD), a model and terminology that are derived from a potentially measurable outcome, the tenacity index (TI). QTD predicts that in theory remission is achievable by providing suitable treatments at hand. QTD states that every patient with major depression (even those who respond well) has some degree of tenacity that needs to be overcome by the use of proper treatment modalities. Ergo, in patients with a higher TI, due to the dearth of available armamentaria, one might suffice to achieve a partial resolution of symptoms balanced with an optimal quality of life. However, QTD calls for an incessant pursuit of novel treatments and the identification of contributing factors leading to high TI. On a track toward personalized psychiatry, and in harmony with DTD, QTD embraces all key barriers leading to a failure to treatment response and tries to provide a measurable entity for a better clinical decision while conveying a dynamic positive outlook of the disorder for both patients and health care providers.