bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Life-Course-Sensitive Analysis of Group Inequalities: Combining Sequence Analysis With the Kitagawa–Oaxaca–Blinder Decomposition
Authors: Rowold Carla , Struffolino Emanuela , Fasang Anette Eva
Published: February 2024

Processes that unfold over individuals’ life courses are often associated with inequalities later in life. The literature lacks methodological approaches to analyze inequalities in outcomes between groups, for example, between women and men, in a life-course-sensitive manner. We propose a combination of methods—of sequence analysis, which enables us to study the multidimensional complexity of life courses with Kitagawa–Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition. This approach allows us to distinguish the share of inequalities between groups that is due to group-specific life courses from the share that is due to group-specific returns to similar life courses. We illustrate the combination of the two methods by analyzing work–family life courses and gender pension gaps in Italy and Germany. Our contribution is to systematically compare possible core analytical choices when combining typologies derived using sequence analysis with the Kitagawa–Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition. For future applications, we propose a set of practical guidelines for sequence analysis–Kitagawa–Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition.
Leaving no one behind: Information (re)packaging for rural dwellers in South Africa
Authors: Boloka Mamotshabo , Ngoepe Mpho
Published: February 2024

In most rural communities in South Africa, there is inadequate access to information due to a lack of public facilities and infrastructure, such as libraries and internet connections. This has a negative impact on the day-to-day activities of rural dwellers as it deprives them of the opportunity to access information, which is a fundamental right. This qualitative study used the Delphi technique, interviewing five experts in the Library and Information Services (LIS) fraternity in three rounds. The format in which information is accessed, as well as available information sources and resources, need (re)packaging in order to ensure free and equal access to information on a daily basis. This can be done through the provision of free Wi-Fi by rural municipalities in churches, gathering places, and royal houses to bridge the digital chasm. Provision of free Wi-Fi would give rural dwellers an opportunity to have access to online information without any hurdles as most rural dwellers are unemployed and lack money to buy data bundles for information access. With technological advancements, lot of information is shared online be it job advertisements, tertiary education applications, news, among others. The study provides a framework for addressing issues of information inaccessibility in remote rural areas. There is a need for increasing high-speed internet access for those in rural communities.
Tranexamic Acid Attenuates the Progression of Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis in Mice
Authors: Xie Weixin , Jiang Shan , Donat Antonia , Knapstein Paul Richard , Albertsen Lilly-Charlotte , Kokot Judith Luisa , Erdmann Cordula , Rolvien Tim , Frosch Karl-Heinz , Baranowsky Anke , Keller Johannes
Published: February 2024

Background:

Posttraumatic osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disorder associated with a high socioeconomic burden, particularly in young, physically active, and working patients. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is commonly used in orthopaedic trauma surgery as an antifibrinolytic agent to control excessive bleeding. Previous studies have reported that TXA modulates inflammation and bone cell function, both of which are dysregulated during posttraumatic OA disease progression.

Purpose:

To evaluate the therapeutic effects of systemic and topical TXA treatment on the progression of posttraumatic OA in the knee of mice.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

OA was induced via anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) transection on the right knee of female mice. Mice were treated with TXA or vehicle intraperitoneally daily or intra-articularly weekly for 4 weeks, starting on the day of surgery. Articular cartilage degeneration, synovitis, bone erosion, and osteophyte formation were scored histologically. Micro−computed tomography evaluation was conducted to measure the subchondral bone microstructure and osteophyte volume. Cartilage thickness and bone remodeling were assessed histomorphometrically.

Results:

Both systemic and topical TXA treatment significantly reduced cartilage degeneration, synovitis, and bone erosion scores and increased the ratio of hyaline to calcified cartilage thickness in posttraumatic OA. Systemic TXA reversed ACL transection-induced subchondral bone loss and osteophyte formation, whereas topical treatment had no effect. Systemic TXA decreased the number and surface area of osteoclasts, whereas those of osteoblasts were not affected. No effect of topical TXA on osteoblast or osteoclast parameters was observed.

Conclusion:

Both systemic and topical TXA exerted protective effects on the progression of posttraumatic OA. Drug repurposing of TXA may, therefore, be useful for the prevention or treatment of posttraumatic OA, particularly after ACL surgery.

Clinical Relevance:

TXA might be beneficial in patients with posttraumatic OA of the knee.
Optimizing the Combination of Common Clinical Concussion Batteries to Predict Persistent Postconcussion Symptoms in a Prospective Cohort of Concussed Youth
Authors: Corwin Daniel J. , Mandel Francesca , McDonald Catherine C. , Barnett Ian , Arbogast Kristy B. , Master Christina L.
Published: February 2024

Background:

Studies have evaluated individual factors associated with persistent postconcussion symptoms (PPCS) in youth concussion, but no study has combined individual elements of common concussion batteries with patient characteristics, comorbidities, and visio-vestibular deficits in assessing an optimal model to predict PPCS.

Purpose:

To determine the combination of elements from 4 commonly used clinical concussion batteries and known patient characteristics and comorbid risk factors that maximize the ability to predict PPCS.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

We enrolled 198 concussed participants—87 developed PPCS and 111 did not—aged 8 to 19 years assessed within 14 days of injury from a suburban high school and the concussion program of a tertiary care academic medical center. We defined PPCS as a Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory (PCSI) score at 28 days from injury of ≥3 points compared with the preinjury PCSI score—scaled for younger children. Predictors included the individual elements of the visio-vestibular examination (VVE), Sport Concussion Assessment Tool, 5th Edition (SCAT-5), King-Devick test, and PCSI, in addition to age, sex, concussion history, and migraine headache history. The individual elements of these tests were grouped into interpretable factors using sparse principal component analysis. The 12 resultant factors were combined into a logistic regression and ranked by frequency of inclusion into the combined optimal model, whose predictive performance was compared with the VVE, initial PCSI, and the current existing predictive model (the Predicting and Prevention Postconcussive Problems in Pediatrics (5P) prediction rule) using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Results:

A cluster of 2 factors (SCAT-5/PCSI symptoms and VVE near point of convergence/accommodation) emerged. A model fit with these factors had an AUC of 0.805 (95% CI, 0.661-0.929). This was a higher AUC point estimate, with overlapping 95% CIs, compared with the PCSI (AUC, 0.773 [95% CI, 0.617-0.912]), VVE (AUC, 0.736 [95% CI, 0.569-0.878]), and 5P Prediction Rule (AUC, 0.728 [95% CI, 0.554-0.870]).

Conclusion:

Among commonly used clinical assessments for youth concussion, a combination of symptom burden and the vision component of the VVE has the potential to augment predictive power for PPCS over either current risk models or individual batteries.
Mechanothermal assessment of outdoors aged hybrid glass fibre reinforced polymer composite filled with fly ash as industrial waste
Authors: Pradhan Dibyajyoti D. , Chakraverty Ananta P. , Behera Ajit , Beura Subhrajit , Mohanty Upendra K.
Published: February 2024

Industrial fly ash impregnated glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites were examined to assess their overall characteristics in adverse ambient conditions, keeping in mind that use of filler materials in FRP composites was expected to enhance the strength properties of the material. GFRP composite specimens with 2–10 wt % industrial fly ash were fabricated in the laboratory. These were exposed to open ambient ageing for 120 days. The samples impregnated with 8 wt % fly ash and aged for 120 days were seen to absorb the minimum moisture and exhibited the maximum ILSS of 35.19 MPa and flexural strength of 690 MPa, respectively. These samples also exhibited the highest Tg of 101.53°C as revealed through low temperature DSC. It was also observed that the 8 wt% fly ash containing samples aged in the open for 120 days showed the ILSS to be 5.83% higher and Tg to be 21.95% higher as compared to the unaged GFRP samples without fly ash. FTIR spectra confirm the trend of thermo-mechanical properties. Both optical and scanning electron microscopy of the fractured surfaces of the test samples revealed the modes of mechanical failure of the hybrid GFRP composite with their indicative properties at optimized extent of fly ash dispersion.
Natural Dyes in the United States: An Exploration of Natural Dye Use Through the Lens of the Circuit of Style-Fashion-Dress
Authors: Doty Kelsie , Green Denise Nicole , Haar Sherry
Published: February 2024

In this article, we explore the world of natural dye use in the United States through the circuit of style-fashion-dress. To examine this phenomenon, we incorporated interviews, surveys, participant observation, fieldwork, and film production into our data collection. We found that fashion labels must deal with color inconsistencies from natural dyes due to variable growing conditions for plants, water quality, and manufacturing setups. This has led to scientific and agricultural innovations by companies to mitigate variabilities in processed natural dyestuff. We also found that production dyers have established ways to educate their clients about the realities of using natural colorants. Lastly, our participants communicated a belief that natural dyes are an environmentally sustainable alternative to synthetics; however, the major challenge is that natural dyes currently do not meet the demands of the fashion industry.
Dwarf mongoose gannet optimization algorithm-enabled deep neuro-fuzzy network for detection of shockable ventricular cardiac arrhythmias
Authors: Kavya Lakkakula , Karuna Yepuganti
Published: February 2024

One of the main sources of the Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) is termed as Fatal arrhythmia. The electric shock treatment retrieves the regular electrical and mechanical functions of the heartbeat by controlling Ventricular fibrillation (VF) and Ventricular Tachycardia (VT). Shockable arrhythmia is easily controlled by providing electrical shock treatments. On the other hand, non-shockable arrhythmia is not controlled by electrical shock treatment. It is a very complex task to accurately discriminate these two kinds of arrhythmia using human assessment of Electrocardiogram (ECG) signals within a limited span and there may be a chance to occur faults during manual inspection. An accurate ECG diagnosis is very significant as it saves the life of the patient in advance by delivering proper therapy. To address this emerging problem, an automated model using the proposed Dwarf Mongoose Gannet Optimization Algorithm-Deep Neuro-Fuzzy Network (DMGOA-DNFN) is invented for detecting the shockable ventricular cardiac arrhythmias (SVCA). The classification is performed effectively utilizing DNFN and the weight of this classifier is optimally adjusted employing a newly developed algorithm named DMGOA, which is a consolidation of Dwarf Mongoose Optimization (DMO) and Gannet Optimization Algorithm (GOA). The proposed DMGOA-DNFN has surpassed other classical models with respect to accuracy of 93.2%, sensitivity of 95.8%, and specificity of 91.7%.
Numerical investigation and parametric study of NACA 0009 airfoil with bumps inspired by mako-shark skin denticles
Authors: Arjanki Reza Mirzaei , Pasandidehfard Mahmoud , Saberinia Maryam , Asldar Mohammad
Published: February 2024

In the current research, a numerical study of 53 airfoils inspired by the surface scales of the mako-shark skin based on NACA0009 airfoil has been performed. The airflow simulations were performed in different angles of attack from 4° to 11° and the validations are presented in two stages compared with two different studies. The diagrams of [Formula: see text] parameter, shear stress, pressure coefficient, and also the contours of velocity and streamlines are reported. The results of the lift, drag, and diagram of lift to drag ratios have been presented and analyzed for different geometries and angles of attack. The results show that by creating bumps’ pattern taken from the shark skin mounted over the suction side of the airfoils the ratio of lift to drag increases. For example up to 28% increment of average of Cl/Cd in the above mentioned range of angles of attack can be obtained utilizing just one bump with 0.7 mm thickness (0.7% of chord length) mounted at 23% of the chord on suction side.
Performing publics of science in the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study in Austria, Bolivia, Germany, Italy, Mexico, and Portugal
Authors: Machado Helena , de Freitas Cláudia , Fiske Amelia , Radhuber Isabella , Silva Susana , Grimaldo-Rodríguez Christian O. , Botrugno Carlo , Kinner Ralph , Marelli Luca
Published: February 2024

Research about science and publics in the COVID-19 pandemic often focuses on public trust and on identifying and correcting public attitudes. Drawing on qualitative interviews with 209 residents in six countries—Austria, Bolivia, Germany, Italy, Mexico, and Portugal—this article uses the concept of performativity to explore how participants understand, and relate to science, in the COVID-19 context. By performativity, we mean the ways by which participants understand themselves as particular sorts of publics through identification with, and differentiation from, various other actors in matters that are perceived as controversies surrounding science: COVID-19 vaccination, media communication of science, and the interactions between governments and scientists. The criteria used to construct the similarities and differences among publics were heterogeneous and fluid, showing how epistemic beliefs about the nature of, and trust in, scientific knowledge are intermingled with social and cultural memberships embedded in specific contexts and across disparate places.
Fashion designers as lead firms from below: Creative economy, state capitalism and internationalization in Lagos and Nairobi
Authors: Ikpe Eka , England Lauren , Comunian Roberta
Published: February 2024

African fashion reveals intersections between upgrading, manufacturing and internationalization alongside expanding cultural, political and social influence. Yet global value chain analyses of the industry reinforce a core-periphery dynamic with the location of lead firms in the Global North (GN) and actors lower down the value chain in the Global South (GS). This disappears GS actors in the creative economy, including fashion designers, who innovate, design and cultivate the brand followership associated with lead firms. This paper analyzes fashion designers in Lagos and Nairobi as economic, cultural and social value creators and therein lead firms from below (LFfB). It conceptualizes this dynamic, with a focus on lead firms within the global value chain framework that combines elements of conceptual interventions on state capitalism to offer the LFfB framework. The framework is deployed to analyse primary data from fashion design firms in two key hubs, Lagos and Nairobi. Findings demonstrate the significance of synergies between key areas of LFfB operation (research and development, inputs, distribution, sales and product design) and state capitalism’s support for production, trade and finance, as well as positive returns through international cultural recognition and national profile building. Nevertheless, the paper contends that challenges of state (in)action can undermine sustainable practices, competitiveness as well as multi-scalar internationalization.
Cultural Advocacy for Indigenous Individuals With Serious Illness
Authors: Ford Jeanna A , Dahlin Constance
Published: February 2024

Indigenous American (I.A.) individuals with serious illness and their families have unmet needs. Often, this group is viewed as a minority within a minority. Numerous health challenges exist within the I.A. populations resulting in dire health care situations. Historical trauma and mistrust of the healthcare system impacts access to quality palliative care by this marginalized population. Given the range of social, spiritual, and cultural issues, the interprofessional team needs increased knowledge specific to the I.A. population to ensure holistic, culturally sensitive care. Utilizing a case study, this article reviews of the needs of I.A. individuals with serious illness and essential skills. The aim is empower palliative care clinicians the knowledge to provide culturally sensitive and congruent care to I.A. individuals with serious illness and their community.
Rock on the Heart: A Case of Calcifying Fibrous Tumor Arising From the Pericardium and Literature Review
Authors: Wang Jiaqi , Chen Dong , Shang Jianfeng , Dong Fang
Published: February 2024

Calcifying fibrous tumors are rare benign fibrous tumors that rarely occur in the heart. We report a 33-year-old woman who was found to have a benign pericardial tumor on health checkup, which was highly suspected to be a teratoma in clinical and imaging examination. After cardiac tumor resection, histopathological features showed scattered foci of psammoma bodies or calcification among collagenized fibrous connective tissues and foci of inflammatory cell infiltration in the interstitium. The pathological diagnosis was a calcifying fibrous tumor.
Primary Papillary Colonic Adenocarcinoma With PDGFRA Mutation. A New Morphological Subtype? A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: González-López Judith , Palanca Sarai , Sancho-Muriel Jorge , Martínez-Chicote Cristina , Giner Francisco
Published: February 2024

Classic colon carcinomas are defined as adenocarcinomas, characterized by groups of medium/large cells with basophilic and polymorphous nuclei and an eosinophilic elongated cytoplasm, that rearrange on glandular structures. Signs of poor prognosis include high tumor budding, lymphovascular and perineural invasion, poor differentiation, positive margins, and CDX2 loss. Less frequent colon carcinoma subtypes are: mucinous, medullary, signet-ring cell, squamous cell, small cell and undifferentiated carcinoma, among others. In the following case report, we present a 65-year-old woman with a T2N0Mx colon carcinoma with a remarkable papillary and follicular histological appearance. The immunohistochemical stains confirmed an intestinal origin (CDX2+) and excluded a thyroid, gynecological, and urological metastasis, with tumor cells negative for GATA3, PAX8, TTF-1, and thyroglobulin. There was no loss of mismatch repair proteins and p53 showed a wild-type staining. next generation sequencing showed a platelet-derivated growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA) mutation. To the best of our knowledge, there have been only two examples of primary papillary colon carcinoma reported in the literature, and neither of them with a PDGFRA mutation. We describe one tumor and discuss its pathological features.
Stepwise Analysis of Resection Margin Impact on Survival and Distant Metastasis in Pancreatic Head Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Loch Florian N. , Kamphues Carsten , Rieger Freschta , Beyer Katharina , Rayya Wael , Schineis Christian , Klauschen Frederick , Horst David , Schallenberg Simon , Dragomir Mihnea P.
Published: February 2024

The prognostic role of tumor cells in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) of the pancreatic head with direct microscopic infiltration (DMI) or in close proximity (≤1 mm) to the resection margin (RM) remains unclear. This single-center, retrospective study included specimens from 75 patients who underwent oncological resection of pancreatic head PDAC between February 2013 and July 2020. Two pathologists independently re-measured the distance between tumors and the multiple RMs. The impact of RM involvement for DMI, tumor cells within ≤1 mm, in general, and for individual RMs on overall survival (OS) and development of distant pulmonary (PM) and hepatic (HM) metastasis was analyzed. DMI of RMs was significantly associated with a shorter OS (median 5 vs 19 months, P = .02). The presence of tumor cells within ≤1 mm of RMs yielded a negative impact on OS with a trend toward significance (median 9 vs 21 months, P = .09). DMI and tumor cells within ≤1 mm of the pancreatic transection margin (PRM), individually, had a significant negative impact on OS (median 4 vs 19 months and 6 vs 19 months, P < .05), but not for any other individual RM. RM involvement of ≤1 mm of only the vascular circumferential resection margin (VCRM) resulted in a shorter time to HM development ( P = 0.05). DMI of the posterior circumferential resection margin (PCRM) and VCRM, individually, showed shorter time to PM ( P < .05). Potential clinical considerations include extended intraoperative evaluation of the PRM (1 mm) and intensified preoperative prediction of R1 resection as a basis for neoadjuvant therapy.
Relationship Between Sleep Duration and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: Analysis of NHANES and UK Biobank GWAS Data
Authors: Yu Min , Jiang Yang , Gong Xu , Gao Xuemei
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To explore the relationship between sleep duration and cognitive functions in older adults using NHANES, a national US population study dataset, and to explore the causal association with Mendelian randomization (MR) using the UK Biobank.

Methods

First, an observational study was conducted with the NHANES database with participants ≥60 years. Sleep duration was measured with accelerometers for 7 consecutive days. Participants were divided into habitual short sleep (<7 h) and long sleep (>9 h) groups. Cognitive functions were measured with the CERAD Word Learning sub-set, Animal Fluency, and Digit Symbol Substitution test (DSST). Multivariate regression models were used to explore relationships between sleep duration and cognitive functions. Second, bidirectional MR was conducted with data for self-reported sleep duration, which came from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) comprising 446,118 adults from the UK Biobank, and general cognitive performance, which was obtained from a recent GWAS study ( N = 257,841). Inverse-variance weighted (IVW) was used as the primary estimation of the outcome.

Results

In the observational study, 2687 participants were included. Sleep duration was associated with cognitive functions in a non-linear way. Habitual long sleep (>9°h) was associated with lower scores on DSST (OR = 0.01, p = .003) in the fully-adjusted model. The association between habitual short sleep and cognitive functions was insignificant. For the MR, genetically predicted lower general cognitive performance was causally associated with a higher prevalence of habitual short sleep (OR = 0.97, p = 5.1 × 10−7) and long sleep (OR = 0.97, p = 8.87 × 10−16).

Discussion

Short and long sleep duration might be both causally associated with worse outcomes of cognitive functions in older adults, highlighting the importance of maintaining sleep health.
Do intravitreal anti-VEGF injections have an effect on corneal endothelial remodeling in children with premature retinopathy?
Authors: Yavuz Sibel , Kazım Erol Muhammet , Küçük Mehmet Fatih , Süren Elçin , Doğan Berna , Deniz İlhan Hatice , Sabancı Şenol , Yaprak Lütfiye , Gedik Birumut , Türkmen Berkay , Duman Fulya
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections on the corneal endothelium in the childhood period of patients who have had ROP.

Methods

The material of comparative case-control clinical study consisted of patients followed up with ROP between February 2013 and February 2023. The eyes in the study group were divided into two subgroups consisting of those who received intravitreal anti-VEGF injections (subgroup 1) and those who were followed up only (subgroup 2). Central corneal endothelial cell density (ECD), coefficient of variation (CV), central corneal thickness (CCT), and pleomorphism parameters in the childhood period were evaluated by corneal specular microscopy and compared with age-matched healthy control subjects.

Results

There were 84 eyes of 42 patients with ROP in the study group and 80 eyes of 40 healthy children in the control group. Mean CCT was significantly higher in subgroup 1 and the control group than in subgroup 2 (p = 0.037), and mean ECD was significantly higher in subgroup 2 than in subgroup 1 and the control group (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between subgroup 1 and the control group in mean ECD and CCT values (p = 1.000 for both cases).

Conclusions

Considering that ROP patients who received intravitreal anti-VEGF injections had more advanced-stage ROP than ROP patients who were followed up only, these findings suggest that intravitreal anti-VEGF applications in ROP cases may lead to corneal endothelial parameters similar to those of healthy eyes.
Domesticity and the construction of intimacy: Producing the erotic body and self within ‘the love nest’
Authors: Tsaliki Liza , Chronaki Despina
Published: February 2024

Following recent academic attention on the neoliebral self, in this article, we situate the construction of the sexual self and body as part of an ongoing, neoliberal ‘aesthetic entrepreneurship’ and argue that people draw on various material and cultural resources in order to put these entrepreneurial selves together. Drawing on 40 open-ended interviews with young Greek adults aged between 20 and 33, conducted between 2018 and 2019, we explore the cultural and material resources people use in order to create the intimate self. We situate our work within an analytical framework about the ‘aesthetic labour’ people invest themselves into within neoliberalism and argue that such work contributes to the growing body of work on self-surveillance and the articulation of an ethical self.
The disputed territories of information: The case of alleged war crimes during the Kosovo War
Authors: Bregasi Majlinda , Christiansen Thomas
Published: February 2024

This article analyses participants’ sense-making and demonstrates procedural consequentially and relevance, and makes the data on which observations are based available to readers. By looking at a TV interview, in Albanian, of Hashim Thaçi, the former PM of Kosovo, given to respond to allegations against him regarding involvement in war crimes, the focus will be not only on what it is said but also on the epistemic positions occupied by the participants, with a particular interest in knowledge as a norm-governed domain and in the practices of language usage. We will highlight strategies like repetition, repair, code selection and code switching that are used by participants as a means to claim and govern knowledge. Such knowledge can become the basis of contestation and one speaker may seek to impose their knowledge of some facts or events over another’s and thereby establish a territory of knowledge in a series of moves, not entirely unlike the way that physical territory may be defended or attacked; held or occupied.
Research on the dynamic performance of double-helical planetary gear transmission under friction and wear
Authors: Wang Yun , Yang Wei , Tang Xiaolin
Published: February 2024

In this paper, the main research is to investigate the effects of mechanical, friction, temperature, and tooth wear on the dynamic performance of a double-helical planetary gear transmission system. To achieve this, a new lumped parameters model is presented, which combines dynamics and lubrication. The model allows for the study of excitation effects and considers various parameters such as material, lubricating oil, and working conditions. By proposing a multi-source excitation calculation method, the paper provides a novel approach that has not been reported in the existing literature. Additionally, the paper establishes a tooth wear model and a lubrication model for the double-helical gear pair. It shows that under constant torque, the displacement and acceleration amplitudes of the system initially decrease and then increase with increasing input speed. Under constant speed, the displacement and acceleration amplitudes increase with increasing torque. Amplitudes decrease during running-in wear, increase in stable wear, and rapidly increase in severe wear. Boundary lubrication minimizes vibration, while elastohydrodynamic lubrication maximizes it.
Experiences of fatherhood in prison: A thematic analysis of differences between fathers in a family approach programme and a comparison group
Authors: Venema Simon D. , Glasbergen Petrick , Haan Marieke , Blaauw Eric , Veenstra René
Published: February 2024

Various programmes have been implemented in prisons to strengthen parental involvement and parent–child relationships during imprisonment. In-depth insights into such programmes are limited. This qualitative study compared the experiences of two groups of imprisoned fathers in the Netherlands: fathers who participated in a family approach programme ( N = 10) and fathers in a comparison group ( N = 29). Based on a thematic analysis, four key differences were identified between the family approach group and the comparison group. Fathers in the family approach group: (1) described more positive engagement activities in direct father–child interactions, (2) reflected more positively on their fathering role during imprisonment, (3) structurally included participation in the family approach programme in their narratives of how imprisonment affected father–child relationship quality, and (4) more often expressed feelings of uncertainty and caution when discussing family life after imprisonment. The findings of this study are informative for the mechanisms behind prison-based parenting and family relationship programmes and illustrate the potential of these programmes to alleviate the unintended negative impact of imprisonment on parental involvement and family relationships. Based on these findings, recommendations for further research and practice are provided.
‘The International Style’ multilingual three-dimensional grammar and hybrid designs
Authors: Benros Deborah
Published: February 2024

The present paper describes a multilingual shape grammar to recreate the work of three designers that preconized the ‘International Style’. This is a top-down three-dimensional formulation. Whilst most grammars are monolingual and univocal, this work creates a multilingual formulation within the same artistic movement. Typically, a grammar describes a family of design solutions. These are helpful mechanisms to describe patterns that can be used for analysis or design exploration. This multilingual three-dimensional parametric grammar allows the independent recreation of original designs from three designers and hybrid solutions. Shape grammar's difficult application can be linked to its evaluation process. The original contribution of the study lies in the use of quantitative and qualitative methods for grammar evaluation, using Principal Components Analysis and user questionnaires. The PCA provides a pragmatic analysis, and the questionnaires an intuitive reading. Together they corroborate the results which are discussed using hybrids that assist in delineating parametric spaces.
Utility of bioelectrical phase angle for cardiovascular risk assessment among individuals with and without diabetes mellitus
Authors: Tsilingiris Dimitrios , Schimpfle Lukas , Κender Zoltan , Sulaj Alba , von Rauchhaupt Ekaterina , Herzig Stephan , Szendroedi Julia , Kopf Stefan
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Low values of bioimpedance-derived phase angle (PA) have been associated with various adverse outcomes. We investigated the association of PA with cardiovascular markers in individuals with and without diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods

PA was measured in 452 adults (without DM n = 153, T1DM n = 67, T2DM n = 232). Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), renal resistive index (RRI), ankle-brachial index (ABI) and carotid-femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (cfPWV) were estimated. Furthermore, the levels of high-sensitive Troponin-T [hsTnT], N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide [NT-pro-BNP]) were measured.

Results

PA values were lower in DM independently of age, gender, and BMI (estimated marginal means 6.21, 5.83, 5.95 for controls, T1DM, T2DM p < .05), a finding which persisted after propensity score matching. PA correlated negatively with IMT (r = −0.181), RRI (r = −0.374), cfPWV (r = −0.358), hsTnT (r = −0.238) and NT-pro-BNP (r = −0.318) (all p < .001). In multivariable analysis, the associations with RRI, cfPWV, hsTnT and NT-pro-BNP remained unchanged. PA values 6.0–6.5° for males and 5.2–5.8° for females were predictive of commonly used cutoffs. The combination of ΑCC/AHA ASCVD Score with PA outperformed either factor in predicting cfPWV, RRI for males and hsTnT, BNP for both genders.

Conclusions

PA exhibits independent correlations with various parameters pertinent to cardiovascular risk and may be useful for cardiovascular assessment.
Is inadequate risk stratification diluting hazard ratio estimates in randomized clinical trials?
Authors: Mehrotra Devan V , West Rachel Marceau
Published: February 2024

In randomized clinical trials, analyses of time-to-event data without risk stratification, or with stratification based on pre-selected factors revealed at the end of the trial to be at most weakly associated with risk, are quite common. We caution that such analyses are likely delivering hazard ratio estimates that unwittingly dilute the evidence of benefit for the test relative to the control treatment. To make our case, first, we use a hypothetical scenario to contrast risk-unstratified and risk-stratified hazard ratios. Thereafter, we draw attention to the previously published 5-step stratified testing and amalgamation routine (5-STAR) approach in which a pre-specified treatment-blinded algorithm is applied to survival times from the trial to partition patients into well-separated risk strata using baseline covariates determined to be jointly strongly prognostic for event risk. After treatment unblinding, a treatment comparison is done within each risk stratum and stratum-level results are averaged for overall inference. For illustration, we use 5-STAR to reanalyze data for the primary and key secondary time-to-event endpoints from three published cardiovascular outcomes trials. The results show that the 5-STAR estimate is typically smaller (i.e. more in favor of the test treatment) than the originally reported (traditional) estimate. This is not surprising because 5-STAR mitigates the presumed dilution bias in the traditional hazard ratio estimate caused by no or inadequate risk stratification, as evidenced by two detailed examples. Pre-selection of stratification factors at the trial design stage to achieve adequate risk stratification for the analysis will often be challenging. In such settings, an objective risk stratification approach such as 5-STAR, which is partly aligned with guidance from the US Food and Drug Administration on covariate-adjustment in clinical trials, is worthy of consideration.
Improved ridge width with tenting screw bone augmentation using particulate and block grafts: A case report
Authors: Salman Syed Muhammad Abdullah , Yaseen Aiman , Leemani Manisha Jagdesh , Ahmed Naseer , Heboyan Artak
Published: February 2024

The objective of this case report is to present the use of tenting screw bone augmentation technique for the rehabilitation of narrow horizontally deficient mandibular ridges and to evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of this approach in achieving sufficient bone volume for successful implant placement and Osseointegration. A 34-year-old woman with no significant medical history presented with bilaterally missing teeth in the lower arch. A comprehensive treatment plan was developed through assessment and Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) imaging to evaluate the ridge dimensions and plan the treatment accordingly accurately. The tenting screw technique, utilizing autogenous/autologous+allograft materials, was chosen for horizontal ridge augmentation. Bone augmentations were performed simultaneously bilaterally using tenting screws. After a 20-week healing period, CBCT scans revealed favorable bone regeneration with adequate width for successful implant placements. This case report demonstrates the potential of tenting screw bone augmentation in effectively rehabilitating mandibular ridges and achieving optimal dental implant outcomes. Further research is needed to validate these findings and assess the long-term stability and success of this technique.
Rule-based expert system for the diagnosis of maternal complications during pregnancy: For low resource settings
Authors: Gebremariam Birhan Meskelu , Aboye Genet Tadese , Dessalegn Abebaw Aynewa , Simegn Gizeaddis Lamesgin
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Maternal complications are health challenges linked to pregnancy, encompassing conditions like gestational diabetes, maternal sepsis, sexually transmitted diseases, obesity, anemia, urinary tract infections, hypertension, and heart disease. The diagnosis of common pregnancy complications is challenging due to the similarity in signs and symptoms with general pregnancy indicators, especially in settings with scarce resources where access to healthcare professionals, diagnostic tools, and patient record management is limited. This paper presents a rule-based expert system tailored for diagnosing three prevalent maternal complications: preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and maternal sepsis.

Methods

The risk factors associated with each disease were identified from various sources, including local health facilities and literature reviews. Attributes and rules were then formulated for diagnosing the disease, with a Mamdani-style fuzzy inference system serving as the inference engine. To enhance usability and accessibility, a web-based user interface has been also developed for the expert system. This interface allows users to interact with the system seamlessly, making it easy for them to input relevant information and obtain accurate disease diagnose.

Results

The proposed expert system demonstrated a 94% accuracy rate in identifying the three maternal complications (preeclampsia, GDM, and maternal sepsis) using a set of risk factors. The system was deployed to a custom-designed web-based user interface to improve ease of use.

Conclusions

With the potential to support health services provided during antenatal care visits and improve pregnant women's health outcomes, this system can be a significant advancement in low-resource setting maternal healthcare.
A document analysis of clinical guidelines for the paramedic management of obstetric and neonatal presentations in Australian and New Zealand ambulance services
Authors: Flanagan Belinda , Barr Nigel , Pearce James , Eastwood Kathryn
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Paramedics receive varying levels of training in obstetric presentations. In high-risk, low-frequency cases, clinical guidelines should support clinicians to deliver optimal care. This study analysed publicly available clinical guidelines for obstetric presentations published by ambulance services in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand to determine consistency of clinical guidance and adherence to nationally recognised standards for the development and reporting of evidence-based guidelines.

Method

Guidelines were sourced from publicly available websites of Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand ambulance services. The text was imported into a custom data collection frame which focused on five predefined specific obstetric presentations. Data were extracted and measured against nationally and internationally recognised best practice standards.

Results

Nine independent sets of clinical guidelines were included in the analysis. There was wide variation in the clinical guidance provided and scope of practice. Aspects were found to be absent, inconsistent, not supported by evidence or having potential to cause harm. None were consistent with recognised Australian best practice standards for guideline development in the areas of referencing and grading of evidence.

Conclusion

This study found substantial inconsistency of clinical guidance, highlighted conflicting and inadequate advice, and assessed the safety of advice provided when compared to best practice standards and evidence-based recommendations. Sustained effort to improve ambulance service clinical guidance regarding obstetric presentations is warranted.
Structural variants involving MLLT10 fusion are associated with adverse outcomes in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Abla Oussama , Ries Rhonda E. , Triche Tim , Gerbing Robert B. , Hirsch Betsy , Raimondi Susana , Cooper Todd , Farrar Jason E. , Buteyn Nathaniel , Harmon Lauren M. , Wen Hong , Deshpande Aniruddha J. , Kolb E. Anders , Gamis Alan S. , Aplenc Richard , Alonzo Todd , Meshinchi Soheil
Published: February 2024

MLLT10 gene rearrangements with KMT2A occur in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and confer poor prognosis, but the prognostic impact of MLLT10 in partnership with other genes is unknown. We conducted a retrospective study with 2080 children and young adults with AML registered on the Children’s Oncology Group AAML0531 (NCT00372593) and AAML1031 trials (NCT01371981). Transcriptome profiling and/or karyotyping were performed to identify leukemia-associated fusions associated with prognosis. Collectively, 127 patients (6.1%) were identified with MLLT10 fusions: 104 (81.9%) with KMT2A::MLLT10, 13 (10.2%) with PICALM::MLLT10, and 10 (7.9%) X::MLLT10: (2 each of DDX3X and TEC), with 6 partners (DDX3Y, CEP164, SCN2B, TREH, NAP1L1, and XPO1) observed in single patients. Patients with MLLT10 (n = 127) demonstrated adverse outcomes, with 5-year event-free survival (EFS) of 18.6% vs 49% in patients without MLLT10 (n = 1953, P < .001), inferior 5-year overall survival (OS) of 38.2% vs 65.7% (P ≤ .001), and a higher relapse risk of 76% vs 38.6% (P < .001). Patients with KMT2A::MLLT10 had an EFS from study entry of 19.5% vs 12.7% (P = .628), and an OS from study entry of 40.4% vs 27.6% (P = .361) in those with other MLLT10 fusion partners. Patients with PICALM::MLLT10 had an EFS of 9.2% vs 20% in other MLLT10− without PICALM (X::MLLT10; P = .788). Patients with PICALM::MLLT10 and X::MLLT10 fusions exhibit a DNA hypermethylation signature resembling NUP98::NSD1 fusions, whereas patients with KMT2A::MLLT10 bear aberrations primarily affecting distal regulatory elements. Regardless of the fusion partner, patients with AML harboring MLLT10 fusions exhibit very high–risk features and should be prioritized for alternative therapeutic interventions.
Colocalization by cross-correlation, a new method of colocalization suited for super-resolution microscopy
Authors: McCall Andrew D.
Published: February 2024

Background

A common goal of scientific microscopic imaging is to determine if a spatial correlation exists between two imaged structures. This is generally accomplished by imaging fluorescently labeled structures and measuring their spatial correlation with a class of image analysis algorithms known as colocalization. However, the most commonly used methods of colocalization have strict limitations, such as requiring overlap in the fluorescent markers and reporting requirements for accurate interpretation of the data, that are often not met. Due to the development of novel super-resolution techniques, which reduce the overlap of the fluorescent signals, a new colocalization method is needed that does not have such strict requirements.

Results

In order to overcome the limitations of other colocalization algorithms, I developed a new ImageJ/Fiji plugin, Colocalization by cross-correlation (CCC). This method uses cross-correlation over space to identify spatial correlations as a function of distance, removing the overlap requirement and providing more comprehensive results. CCC is compatible with 3D and time-lapse images, and was designed to be easy to use. CCC also generates new images that only show the correlating labeled structures from the input images, a novel feature among the cross-correlating algorithms.

Conclusions

CCC is a versatile, powerful, and easy to use colocalization and spatial correlation tool that is available through the Fiji update sites. Full and up to date documentation can be found at https://imagej.net/plugins/colocalization-by-cross-correlation. CCC source code is available at https://github.com/andmccall/Colocalization_by_Cross_Correlation.
Integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis provides insights into aromatic volatiles formation in Cinnamomum cassia bark at different harvesting times
Authors: Yao Shaochang , Tan Xiaoming , Huang Ding , Li Linshuang , Chen Jianhua , Ming Ruhong , Huang Rongshao , Yao Chun
Published: February 2024

Background

Cinnamomum cassia Presl, classified in the Lauraceae family, is widely used as a spice, but also in medicine, cosmetics, and food. Aroma is an important factor affecting the medicinal and flavoring properties of C. cassia, and is mainly determined by volatile organic compounds (VOCs); however, little is known about the composition of aromatic VOCs in C. cassia and their potential molecular regulatory mechanisms. Here, integrated transcriptomic and volatile metabolomic analyses were employed to provide insights into the formation regularity of aromatic VOCs in C. cassia bark at five different harvesting times.

Results

The bark thickness and volatile oil content were significantly increased along with the development of the bark. A total of 724 differentially accumulated volatiles (DAVs) were identified in the bark samples, most of which were terpenoids. Venn analysis of the top 100 VOCs in each period showed that twenty-eight aromatic VOCs were significantly accumulated in different harvesting times. The most abundant VOC, cinnamaldehyde, peaked at 120 months after planting (MAP) and dominated the aroma qualities. Five terpenoids, α-copaene, β-bourbonene, α-cubebene, α-funebrene, and δ-cadinene, that peaked at 240 MAP could also be important in creating C. cassia’s characteristic aroma. A list of 43,412 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in the biosynthetic pathways of aromatic VOCs were identified, including phenylpropanoids, mevalonic acid (MVA) and methylerythritol phosphate (MEP). A gene-metabolite regulatory network for terpenoid and phenylpropanoid metabolism was constructed to show the key candidate structural genes and transcription factors involved in the biosynthesis of terpenoids and phenylpropanoids.

Conclusions

The results of our research revealed the composition and changes of aromatic VOCs in C. cassia bark at different harvesting stages, differentiated the characteristic aroma components of cinnamon, and illuminated the molecular mechanism of aroma formation. These foundational results will provide technical guidance for the quality breeding of C. cassia.