bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Molecular Mechanism of Long Non-Coding RNA (LncRNA) Regulation of Notch Signaling in Glucose-Induced Apoptosis of Human Retinal Vascular Endothelial Cell
Authors: Zhao Yang , Li Shouqing , Xie Bihua
Published: June 2022

Diabetes, a global health concern, affects the health of more than 500 million adults. The absence of Notch protein can cause an imbalance in the retinal vascular environment and cause retinal vascular disease. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is known to be involved in the regulation of
many signaling pathways. We hope to understand the specific mechanism of apoptosis in retinal vascular endothelial cells (RVECs) by exploring the regulatory effect of lncRNA on the Notch pathway. In this study, we found that RVECs treated with glucose showed increased levels of Notch transcript
and protein expression. The lentiviral interference with Notch RNAi reversed this response. When Notch activity decreased, oxidative stress also decreased, accompanied by increased levels of Caspase-9 and Caspase-3 and an increased rate of apoptosis. Therefore, we believe that Notch is involved
in the development of diabetic retinopathy and loss of expression promotes apoptosis of human RVECs. By inhibiting the Notch pathway, lncRNA promotes apoptosis of human RVECs in a high-glucose environment.
Coating Silica Layer on Fe3O4 Magnetic Nanoparticles and Application in Extracting High Quality Nucleic Acids from Blood Sample
Authors: Ali Zeeshan , Zou Jun , Liu Xiaolong , Bai Yongkai , Hussain Mubashir , Zhang Lijun , Chen Zhu , Chen Hui , Li Song , Deng Yan , Zhang Yuanying , Tang Yongjun
Published: June 2022

The given research revealed that the size of Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) could be controlled by varying the pre-mixing conditions in the solvothermal method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the size of the MNPs gradually increased with increasing
the initial temperature at which reaction components were mixed while the reaction component’s mixing time was kept constant. The smallest sized MNPs were achieved among the five treatments (25, 50, 75, 100, and 125 °C) when reaction components were mixed at 25 °C, while the
larger sized MNPs were synthesized among the five treatments when reaction components were mixed at 125 °C. Then, Stöber method was followed for coating silica layer onto the MNPs. However, ammonium hydroxide was replaced with potassium hydroxide as a catalyst, which significantly
increased the speed of silica coating onto MNPs. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer revealed that the MNPs were successfully covered with silica in five minutes. FTIR spectra exhibited a peak about 1088.8 cm−1, which belonged to the asymmetry stretching vibration
of Si–O–Si. Transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) analysis was conducted to confirm the presence of silica layer onto MNPs. Thus, potassium hydroxide was successfully employed as a catalyst for quick silica layer coating onto MNPs. Furthermore, these silica coated MNPs were
used to extract high quality nucleic acids from blood sample.
Nanocarrier-Based Tumor-Targeting Drug Delivery Systems for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatments: Enhanced Therapeutic Efficacy and Reduced Drug Toxicity
Authors: Tian Tian , Ruan Jian , Zhang Jia , Zhao Chun-Xia , Chen Dong , Shan Jianzhen
Published: June 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), due to the lack of efficient diagnostic methods and short of available treatments, becomes the third main cause of cancer deaths. Novel treatments for HCCs are thus in great need. The fast-growing area of drug delivery provides intriguing possibility
to design nanocarriers with unique properties. The nanocarriers performanced as drug deliver vehicles enable the design of diverse drug delivery systems, which could serve multiple purposes, including improved bioavailability, controlled or triggered release and targeted delivery, leading
to enhanced drug efficacy and lowered drug toxicity. This paper provides an overview on the types of delivery vehicles, functions of drug nanocarriers and types of ligand-based targeting systems and highlights the advances made towards better HCC treatments.
Engineering PD-L1 Cellular Nanovesicles Encapsulating Epidermal Growth Factor for Deep Second-Degree Scald Treatment
Authors: Zhu Xiao-Feng , Su Dan-Dan , Tian Xin-Hui , Yang Cheng , Zhang Wei-Xian , Yang Xin-Rui , Zhang Man-Qi , Xi Li-Fang , Wei Lan , Chen Hong-Bo , Cheng Fang , Pang Yu-Xin
Published: June 2022

Scars are common and intractable consequences after scalded wound healing, while monotherapy of epidermal growth factors does not solve this problem. Maintaining the stability of epidermal growth factors and promoting scarless healing of wounds is paramount. In this study, engineering cellular nanovesicles overexpressing PD-L1 proteins, biomimetic nanocarriers with immunosuppressive efficacy, were successfully prepared to encapsulate epidermal growth factors for maintaining its bioactivity. Remarkably, PD-L1 cellular nanovesicles encapsulating epidermal growth factors (EGF@PDL1 NVs) exerted desired therapeutic effect by attenuating the overactivation of T cell immune response and promoting skin cells migration and proliferation. Hence, EGF@PD-L1 NVs promoted wound healing and prevented scarring in deep second-degree scald treatment, demonstrating a better effect than using individual PD-L1 NVs or EGF. This research proved that EGF@PD-L1 NVs is considered an innovative and thorough therapy of deep second-degree scald.
Effect of Hydroaloholic Extract of Rotula Aquatica Lour on Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Wistar Albino Rats: An In Vitro and In Vivo Approach
Authors: Narayanan Siju Ellickal , Abdelgawad Mohamed A. , Althobaiti Yusuf S. , Ghoneim Mohammed M. , Rajamma Rajalakshmi Ganesan , Sekhar Nikhila , Parambi Della G. T. , Nath Lekshmi R. , Kanthlal S. K. , Mathew Bijo
Published: June 2022

One-third of the world population suffer from kidney complications such as acute and chronic renal failure, renal calculi, kidney stones, Fanconi’s syndrome and urethritis which doesn’t have a proper effective treatment regimen. The current study explores the nephroprotective
effect of herbal drug Rotula Aquatica by both In Vitro and In Vivo methods. MTT assay was applied In Vitro to evaluate the nephroprotective effect of R. aquatica leaves extract on HEK 293 cell line. The acute toxicity of the extract was evaluated as per the
limit test under the protocol of OECD 423 at a concentration of 2000 mg/kg using 6 female rats. Further, an In Vivo study using the Gentamicin-instigated nephrotoxicity model was carried out for a period of 8 days. Biochemical markers of renal damage, endogenous antioxidants and histopathology
were determined to assess the effect of treatment. The In Vitro study using HEK 293 cell line resulted in an EC50 value of 51.50 μg/ml for the extract in comparison to the standard drug Cytsone (12.26 μg/ml). Based on the limit test of OECD 423, doses
of 200 and 400 mg/kg were chosen for the study. The results revealed a strong nephroprotective activity at 400 mg/kg in Gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity against standard drug cystone by restoring the decrement in body weight, renal enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, creatinine and
urea levels in urine and plasma. This indicated that hydroalcoholic extract of Rotula aquatica (HAERA) can prevent the Gentamicin toxicity due to the high content of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory secondary metabolites.
Prior Antibiotic Exposure Is Associated With Reoperation After Elective Non-colorectal Surgery
Authors: Guidry Christopher A. , Medvecz Andrew J. , Adams Raeanna C. , Dennis Bradley M. , Eastham Shannon C. , Guillamondegui Oscar D. , Gunter Oliver L. , Peetz Allan B. , Thompson Callie M. , Gondek Stephen P. , Nunez Timothy C. , Sawyer Robert G. , May Addison K. , Patel Mayur B.
Published: June 2022

Background

Recent antibiotic exposure has previously been associated with poor outcomes following elective surgery. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of prior recent antibiotic exposure in a multicenter cohort of Veterans Affairs patients undergoing elective non-colorectal surgery.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of the Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program, including elective, non-cardiovascular, non-colorectal surgery from 2013 to 2017. Outpatient antibiotic exposure within 90 days prior to surgery was identified from the Veterans Affairs outpatient pharmacy database and matched with each case. Primary outcomes included serious complication, any complication, any infection, or surgical site infection. Secondary outcomes included 30-day mortality, length of stay, and Clostridioides difficile infection.

Results

Of 21,112 eligible patients, 2885 (13.7%) were exposed to antibiotics within 90 days prior to surgery with a duration of 7 (IQR: 5-10) days and prescribed 42 (IQR: 21-64) days prior to surgical intervention. Compared to non-exposed patients, exposed patients had higher unadjusted complication rates, increased length of stay, and rates of return to the operating. Exposure was independently associated with return to the operating room (OR: 1.39; 99% CI: 1.05-1.84).

Conclusions

Among Veterans, recent antibiotic exposure within 90 days of elective surgery was associated with a 39% increase in the odds of return to the operating room. Further work is needed to evaluate the effects of antibiotic exposure and dysbiosis on surgical outcomes.
Clinical Significance of Right Ventricle Echocardiographic Patterns in Critically-Ill COVID–Related Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome “On Behalf of Protecting the Right Ventricle Network (PRORVnet)”
Authors: Lazzeri Chiara , Bonizzoli Manuela , Batacchi Stefano , Cianchi Giovanni , Chiostri Marco , Socci Filippo , Peris Adriano
Published: June 2022

We assessed whether right ventricle (RV) alterations and their development may have clinical significance in critically-ill Coronavirus Disease (COVID) patients, as detected by serial echocardiograms during Intensive Care Unit (ICU) course. This observational single center study included 98 consecutive patients with COVID-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Three subgroups were considered: RV Dysfunction (Dys) on admission (10/98, 10%), developed RV Dys (17/98, 17%), and no RV Dys (71/98, 73%). Overall mortality at 3 months was 46.9%. The first subgroup was characterized by the highest need for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) support ( P < .001) and a systemic inflammatory activation (as indicated by increased D-dimer), the second one by the lowest PaO2/FiO2 (P/F). At multivariate regression analysis, age and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score were independent predictors for mortality. Different RV echo patterns were observed in critically ill patients presenting with COVID-related ARDS during ICU stay. RV Dys on admission was characterized by a high inflammatory activation while patients who developed RV Dys during ICU stay showed lowest P/F. Both these two subgroups identify patients with a severe COVID disease which in a high percentage of cases was unresponsive to standard treatment and required the use of ECMO.
Critical theory in use: Organizing the Frankfurt School
Authors: Cluley Robert , Parker Martin
Published: June 2022

The Frankfurt School was an interdisciplinary grouping of left-wing thinkers whose contributions to the social sciences and humanities made them one of the most influential groups of scholars from the last century. Their work has inspired decades of critical organizational research. Yet, across this body of thought, few organization theorists have considered the Frankfurt School as an organization. This article argues that we cannot apply Frankfurt School theories to organizations unless we understand how the School managed its own activities. Reading the School’s texts and examining its working practices through historical documents, we show that Frankfurt School thinkers did not ignore everyday organizational tasks, nor did they grudgingly accept them as a practical necessity. Rather, they embraced them as components of a dialectical theory of organizing and society – which we term critical theory-in-use. Defining what it means to be a critical scholar today is, we conclude, not just a matter of reading Frankfurt School theory but also understanding how this research institute endured for so long and had such a significant influence.
Post-buckling failure analysis of composite stiffened panels considering the mode III fracture
Authors: Wang Binwen , Chen Xiangming , Wang Wenzhi , Yang Junchao , Zhang Ru
Published: June 2022

Fully utilizing the post-buckling capacity of stiffened composite panels is important to reduce the weight of aeronautical composite structures. However, owing to the complex post-buckling failure modes and mechanisms, there are no effective analysis methods. This paper explores the impacts of the mode III fracture energy on the damage behavior of the stiffener–skin interface of composite stiffened panels under post-buckling conditions. To characterize the bonding interface damage, an interface damage initiation criterion considering the effects of through-thickness compression on the shear failure was used and combined with the Reeder damage extension criterion, which considers the mode III fracture. The mode III fracture toughness characteristics of the damage evolution of the stiffener–skin interface were obtained using the edge crack torsion (ECT) test method. Moreover, the compressive deformation response, buckling load, buckling modes, failure load, and failure modes of the panel were obtained by a compression test of I-shaped stiffened panels. Based on the aforementioned experimental data and numerical model, the post-buckling behavior of the I-shaped stiffened composite panels with an open cross-section stiffener was studied. It was found that the mode III fracture energy caused by the longitudinal shear stress τ31 played a major role in the stiffener–skin interface damage extension of the stiffened panels. Therefore, the mode III fracture behavior should not be ignored in the post-buckling analysis. The numerical analysis method developed can accurately predict the damage initiation and evolution processes of the composite panel interface. The method can be effectively used for post-buckling analysis of aeronautical composite panels.
Promoting Food Label Understanding among Early Adolescents through Innovative Education Program Based on the Constructs of Banduras Social Cognitive Theory
Authors: Seth Upasna
Published: June 2022

This is a school-based intervention study to promote food label understanding among early adolescents. The researcher assessed the existing nutrition knowledge, attitude, and understanding of food labels. Based on Bandura’s social cognitive theory, an educational program was developed. The change was accessed from pre- and post-test intervention scores, using questionnaire technique. The sample comprised of 490 children. The developed program was implemented on an experimental group of 250 students. The control group consisted of 240 students. The test scores increased for nutrition knowledge from 2.62 to 8.24, attitude towards information from 20.41 to 29.92, practice of using information from 20.63 to 28.24, and understanding from 1.24 to 3.75, whereas no improvement in scores was observed in control group.
The Role of Physical Vulnerability in the Association Between Social Activities and Cognitive Performance in Rural Older Adults: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Soares Pedro San Martin , Gonzalez Tatiane Nogueira , Paludo Cristina dos Santos , Meucci Rodrigo Dalke
Published: June 2022

The aim of this study was to examine the association of social activities with cognitive performance in older adults in the southern area of Brazil, considering the important moderating role of physical vulnerability. A prospective population-based study was conducted in the rural area of Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Self-reported social activities were collected at baseline. Cognitive performance and physical vulnerability were measured in the second wave of data collection. The association of social activities with cognitive performance was determined using robust generalized linear models. In adjusted analysis, the social activities were positively associated with cognitive performance in physically vulnerable older adults. However, this association was not found in those who were nonvulnerable. Our findings may contribute to future investigations of possible explanatory avenues for the association between social activities and cognitive performance as well as the development of interventions aimed at improving cognitive skills.
A Comparison of Historical Control Data From Cynomolgus Macaques (Macaca Fascicularis) of Chinese, Cambodian, and Vietnamese Origin
Authors: Liepnieks Molly , Carter Caitlyn , Caruso Michael J. , Lloyd Zac , Muzyka Michael , Patrick Daniel
Published: June 2022

Cynomolgus macaques, the most commonly utilized nonhuman primate in nonclinical toxicology studies, are acquired from purpose-bred colonies across various geographic locations, including China, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Importation challenges and limited availability have restricted animals suitable for inclusion in nonclinical studies. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak further stressed supply chains, reducing the ability to source animals from a singular location to complete a drug development program. These challenges raised concerns of increased variability in study endpoints due to heterogeneity of animals and that this could subsequently impact historical control data and toxicology study interpretation. To investigate the impact of Chinese, Vietnamese, or Cambodian geographic origin on standard nonclinical toxicology study endpoints, historical control data from studies conducted at a single facility from 2005 to 2020 were compiled and evaluated for the following: clinical observations, body weight, ophthalmoscopic examinations, and clinical and anatomic pathology data. Study populations consisted of 2- to 5-year-old cynomolgus macaques sourced from China ( n = 750 males/741 females), Cambodia ( n = 282 males/271 females), and Vietnam ( n = 122 males/120 females). Interpretation of the various data demonstrated no notable differences in standard toxicology study endpoints or background findings among cynomolgus macaques originating from China, Cambodia, or Vietnam.
Associations among financial well-being, daily relationship tension, and daily affect in two adult cohorts separated by the great recession
Authors: Jenkins August I. C. , Le Yunying , Surachman Agus , Almeida David M. , Fredman Steffany J.
Published: June 2022

Financial well-being may be an important context for daily emotional reactivity to relationship tension (e.g., arguments) whose salience varies across historical time or as a function of exposure to economic downturns. This study investigated how emotional reactivity, operationalized as daily fluctuations in negative and positive affect associated with the occurrence of daily relationship tension, varied by financial well-being among those who were and were not exposed to the Great Recession of 2008. Two matched, independent subsamples of partnered individuals from the National Study of Daily Experiences completed identical 8-day diary protocols, one before the Great Recession ( n = 587) and one after ( n = 351). Individuals reported higher negative affect and lower positive affect on days when relationship tension occurred. Further, results indicated that negative affect reactivity, but not positive affect reactivity, was moderated by both financial well-being and cohort status. For the pre-recession cohort, negative affect reactivity was stronger among those with lower financial well-being. However, among the post-recession cohort, financial well-being did not moderate negative affect reactivity to relationship tension. Findings highlight the utility of considering major societal events, such as economic downturns, to understand variability in emotional reactivity to day-to-day relationship tension in the context of financial well-being, as the salience of financial well-being in the ways relationship tension and negative affect are related on a daily basis appears to vary by historical context.
Mahatma Gandhi’s Hind Swaraj and Indian National Movement
Authors: Sharma Harish C.
Published: June 2022

Hind Swaraj was published in Gujarati language in the journal Indian Opinion under the title Hind Swarajaya in 1909, and its English version as Indian Home Rule by Mahatma Gandhi was published in Phoenix, Natal, 1910. This extraordinary work possesses an authority of its own. It is the seed from which the Gandhian thought has grown. He considered the views expressed in the ‘Hind Swaraj’ as sacred as ‘almost part of his being’. Gandhi, through the expressions in this, spelt out his strategy for future action which was to be rooted in the belief of the pre-eminence of ancient Indian civilisation, which in contrast with the western ‘represents the best that the world has ever seen’. The high point of the book is the virtue of non-violence as against violent revolution and the need to use ethical means to attain independence by means of educational reforms and adoption of technology suitable to Indian conditions. He advised the revolutionaries to follow the righteousness of Indian culture by reverting ‘to their own glorious civilisation’. The core of the book, as conveyed through the title is an analysis of the nature of British rule in India and its manifestations, its consequences in the political and moral decay of Indian society. Hind Swaraj is the prescription to pull India out of this muddle.
Types of Errors in Block Programming: Driven by Learner, Learning Environment
Authors: Ben-Yaacov Anat , Hershkovitz Arnon
Published: June 2022

Block programming has been suggested as a way of engaging young learners with the foundations of programming and computational thinking in a syntax-free manner. Indeed, syntax errors—which form one of two broad categories of errors in programming, the other one being logic errors—are omitted while block programming. However, this does not mean that errors are omitted at large in such environments. In this exploratory case study of a learning environment for early programming (Kodetu), we explored errors in block programming of middle school students ( N = 123), using log files drawn from a block-based online. Analyzing 1033 failed executions, we found that errors may be driven by either learners’ knowledge and behavior, or by the learning environment design. The rate of error types was not associated with the learners’ and contextual variables examined, with the exception of task complexity (as defined by SOLO taxonomy). Our findings highlight the importance of learning from errors and of learning environment design.
The Race for COVID-19 Vaccines: The Various Types and Their Strengths and Weaknesses
Authors: Muhar Bahaar K. , Nehira Jeffrey , Malhotra Ashim , Kotchoni Simeon O.
Published: June 2022

SARS-CoV-2 causes the highly contagious coronavirus disease (COVID-19), first discovered in Wuhan, China, in December of 2019. As of August 21, 2021, over 211 million people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and 4.42 million people have died from the disease worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected world economies, global public health infrastructure, and social behaviors. Despite physical distancing and the advent of symptomatic and monoclonal antibody therapies, perhaps the most effective method to combat COVID-19 remains the creation of immunity through vaccines. Scientific communities globally have been diligently working to develop vaccines since the start of the pandemic. Though a few have been authorized for use, the Pfizer vaccine was the first to be given full approval in the United States in August 2021 – being the quickest vaccine to ever be developed. Although several vaccines produced via different approaches are in use, no mortality has been reported thus far from vaccine use. Here, we highlight the latest advances in the development of the COVID-19 vaccines, specifically the lead candidates that are in late-stage clinical trials or authorized for emergency use. As SARS-CoV-2 uses its spike protein to enter a host cell and cause infection, most vaccine candidates target this protein. This review describes the various COVID-19 vaccines - authorized and/or under development - and their composition, advantages, and potential limitations as the world continues to fight this devastating pandemic.
Hydrophilicity and flux properties improvement of high performance polysulfone membranes via sulfonation and blending with Poly(lactic acid)
Authors: Tasci Reyhan O , Kaya Mehmet A , Celebi Mithat
Published: June 2022

To achieve increased flow and reduce fouling, polymeric membranes can be functionalized with hydrophilic groups such as sulfone, amines, and others. This research has aimed at the sulfonation of Polysulfone (PSU) with various agents and at varying substitution degrees to change its hydrophobic character. PSU was also blended with Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), which is a more hydrophilic polymer. The phase inversion method was used to make PSU, PLA, sulfonated PSU, and PSU/PLA blend-based membranes. Sulfonation degrees of sulfonated PSU membranes were assessed using FT-IR, mechanical characteristics of membranes were determined, and thermal properties of membranes were clarified using DSC and TGA techniques. Hydrophilic natures and membrane alterations were investigated, as well as contact angle and water uptake measures. Among three distinct sulfonation agents (trimethylsilyl chlorosulfonate (TMSCS), sulfuric acid, and chlorosulfonic acid) employed to produce a 20% sulfonation degree of polysulfone, TMSCS was chosen as having the highest sulfonation efficiency (91.5%). With increasing sulfonation degree, a drop in molecular weight was seen in all sulfonated polysulfone samples. The mechanical strength values of polysulfone after sulfonation with TMSCS rose from 35.23 MPa to 63.35 MPa, while the contact angle value decreased from 85.58° to 71°. The contact angle value reduced from 85.58° to 64.68° while the mechanical strength of the PSU and PSU/PLA (50:50) blend increased from 35.23 MPa to 39.3 MPa. Membranes were also tested for pure water flux, hydrostability, and biostability. In terms of application requirements, it was determined that sulfonated PSU-based membranes manufactured with TMSCS with a 20% sulfonation degree and PSU/PLA blend-based membranes with a 50:50 (w:w) ratio have the optimum compositions with high flux quantities.
Evaluating of the effect of the cavitation-vortex interaction on the energy conversion in a two-stage LNG cryogenic submerged pump
Authors: Wang Cong , Zhang Yongxue , Yuan Zhiyi , Liu Zhigang
Published: June 2022

The quantitative investigation on the unsteady interaction of the thermodynamic cavitation-vortex dynamics has been conducted via the developed entropy production diagnostic model in a two-stage liquefied natural gas cryogenic submerged pump. A thermodynamic cavitation modeling framework and Liutex method are applied to capture the characteristics of the formation, development and collapse of the cavities and vortex. It is found that the increasing flow rate and temperature both intensify the thermodynamic effect of cavitation. As the increase of flow rate, the thermodynamic effect suppresses the growth of cavities, thus raising the maximum temperature drop by 0.65 K at NPSH3% and 0.87 K at NPSH5% with the same temperature. Massive bubbles collapse causes the twist, deformation and breakdown of U-type vortex at the interface, which directly leads to the significant increase of interface entropy production rate in heat transfer entropy production rate (HTEPR). As the increase of temperature, the thermodynamic effect both shortens the cavity size and development period under the same flow rate. The strong shear and rotation regions drive upstream and the pressure rebounds rapidly downstream that weakens the backflow. The shrinkage of upstream cavity and the accelerated collapse of small-scale cloud cavity reduce the HTEPR and viscous flow entropy production rate
Moral distress in clinical research nurses
Authors: Showalter Brandi L , Malecha Ann , Cesario Sandra , Clutter Paula
Published: June 2022

Background: Clinical research nurses experience unique challenges in the context of their role that can lead to conflict and moral distress. Although examined in many areas, moral distress has not been studied in clinical research nurses.

Research aim: The aim of this study was to examine moral distress in clinical research nurses and the relationship between moral distress scores and demographic characteristics of clinical research nurses.

Research design: This was a descriptive quantitative study to measure moral distress in clinical research nurses using the Measure of Moral Distress – Healthcare Professionals (MMD-HP) administered electronically. Demographic data were also collected.

Participants and research context: Registered nurses working in the clinical research nurse role ( N = 322) were recruited through use of social media, emails, digital flyers, and snowball recruitment. Data was analyzed using SPSS. Pearson’s correlation, independent t-test, and one-way ANOVA were performed to explore differences among the demographic variables.

Ethical considerations: This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board at Texas Woman’s University. A consent statement was included, and completion of the questionnaire was construed as consent.

Findings/results: Analysis revealed a mean overall moral distress score of 79.58 (SD = 64.27) and median of 67, with a range of 0–354. Moral distress scores were negatively correlated with clinical research nurse age ( r = 0-.156, p < 0.05). Reliability of the MMD-HP was demonstrated with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.93.

Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that clinical research nurses do experience moral distress and revealed a wide range of scores. Further research is necessary to determine potential patient impact due to moral distress and to develop processes to minimize moral distress in the clinical research setting. This study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the digital recruitment methods proved effective in recruiting a wide range of clinical research nurses, both nationally and internationally.
Gene-driven Social Connectedness in the Divergence Between East and West
Authors: Kiaris Hippokratis
Published: June 2022

The divergence of Eastern and Western civilizations is conventionally explained by a combination of historical, economical, and geographical factors. Here I explored the contribution of DRD2 and CYP2A6 gene variations, that were shown to contribute to homophily and heterophily in friendship in social networks and differ in their frequencies in East Asia and European ancestry populations. Modeling suggests that allelic frequencies, profoundly affect the abundance of predicted social connections in the two populations: in the European ancestry populations, the total number of predicted connections was almost twofold higher than that of the East Asian population. A plausible hypothesis is that abundant connections between individuals, likely supersede the coherence of hierarchical structures in societies, promoting individualism. In East Asia, the reduced prevalence of DRD2-associated connections favors a more collectivistic society at which the hierarchy is not compromised by the complex interpersonal relationships among individuals. These trends were reenforced by the observation that in the European populations only, the predicted social connections derived by the actual DRD2 genotypes were elevated compared to those calculated by the corresponding frequencies of the DRD2 alleles. The presence of the heterophily-linked CYP2A6 variations in the EUR population may also contribute to this as it may operate as a “social disruptor” gene, conferring to the establishment of relatively isolated clusters, increasing the overall complexity of the resulting social network. These approaches may provide paradigms contributing to our understanding of cultural divergence between populations.
Tribal Movements against Mining-induced Displacement in Odisha: The Case of Dongria Kondh’s Niyamgiri Movement
Authors: Behera Minaketan , Padhi Soubhagya Ranjan
Published: June 2022

Contemporary Odisha has witnessed many micro-social movements fighting industrialization, mining, major dams, and similar development projects. The introduction of these projects has a massive impact on tribe lives, survival, and cultural identity of tribes. The most recent one is the severe uproar from the Lanjigarh area’s inhabitants against the Vedanta, which was about to set up a bauxite-aluminum factory near Niyamagiri Hill. The article attempts to highlight the historical resistance of tribals against development-induced displacement both during pre- and post-independence in Odisha and discuss the magnitude of displacement due to development-induced projects, impacts, rehabilitation, and resettlement. It further presents the Dongria Kondh community’s struggle against the alumina refinery and the new bauxite mining project in Niyamgiri. The victory of Niyamgiri provides moral support, courage, and a ray of hope for the other tribal people in India who have been battling for rights to forest and land for days. Tribal movements have forced the postponement or cancellation of numerous projects, raising questions about their long-term viability. Thus, protest movements have compelled governments to review displacement issues and implement necessary measures to address them.
A multi-center retrospective comparative study of third generation Ceramic-on- Ceramic total hip arthroplasty in patients younger than 45 years with or without the sandwich liner: A ten-year minimum
Authors: He Bangjian , Li Xigong , Dong Rui , Tong Peijian , Sun Junying
Published: June 2022

Background

Ceramic-on-ceramic couplings are attractive alternative bearing surfaces that have been reported to eliminate or reduce problems related to polyethylene wear debris. However, the material in THA still remains one of the major concerns about the risk of fracture, due to its brittleness.

Objective

The present study aims at reporting the fracture rate of a series of ceramic-on-ceramic THAs with use of the sandwich liner combined with a ceramic femoral head, and attempt to detect the relative risk factors, possible cause and assesse the medium-term clinical results.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 282 patients (300 hips) with use of the sandwich liner ceramic-on-ceramic THA between 2001 and 2009 at three-centers. Patient assessment was based on demographic factors, including age, weight, gender and body-mass index. All patients were evaluated clinically and radio-graphically or computed tomography in consideration of dislocation, osteolysis, periprosthetic fracture, infection, loosening and implant fracture.

Results

five ceramic sandwich liners fracture (1.7%) were observed at an average of 7.3 years follow-up. These factors were irrelevant to the ceramic liner fracture, including age ( p = 0.205), weight ( p = 0.241), gender ( p = 0.553), body-mass index ( p = 0.736), inclination ( p = 0.727), and anteversion ( p = 0.606). The overall survival was 91.4% at 12 years with revision as the endpoint. Other complications included dislocation in two, perprosthetic fracture in two and osteolysis in eight hips. No hip had aseptic loosening of the implants was seen.

Conclusions

We found that the sandwich liner may be lead to a high rate of alumina fracture and osteolysis. We have discontinued the use of sandwich liner with THA since 2009.
Virtual Reality and Neurofeedback for Management of Cancer Symptoms: A Feasibility Pilot
Authors: Rolbiecki Abigail J. , Craig Kevin , Megan Polniak  , Smith Jamie , Ghosh Parijat , Mehr David R.
Published: June 2022

Background: Evidence suggests the usefulness of complementary and alternative medicine approaches, like neurofeedback and virtual reality, for the management of cancer-related pain and mood. It is not well-understood whether neurofeedback delivered through virtual reality is feasible and acceptable to patients actively undergoing cancer treatment. Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility and acceptability of a nature-based virtual reality combined with neurofeedback as a non-pharmacologic strategy for managing cancer-related pain and anxiety. Methods: This study utilized a mixed-methods approach. Participants included 15 cancer patients undergoing treatment. Patients engaged in a 22-minute nature-based virtual reality experience, wearing a virtual reality headset with a Brainlink headband measuring EEG activity. Participants were asked to complete the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System revised version (ESAS-r) before (T1) and after (T3) the experience to measure pain and anxiety. They were asked their level of pain midway through the experience (T2) and completed a follow-up interview afterward. Results: This study revealed feasible delivery of a virtual reality intervention combined with neurofeedback for patients seeking cancer treatment. All participants (100%) completed the intervention experience. Patients report this is an acceptable approach to managing cancer-related pain and anxiety. Comparisons between patients’ pain scores at T1, T2, and T3 reveal statistically significant reductions in pain (p .001). Patients also report decreased depression and anxiety. Conclusion: This is the first study examining virtual reality combined with neurofeedback as a non-pharmacologic intervention for managing cancer symptoms during treatment. The study reveals it is a promising for managing cancer-symptoms.
Extracting non-stationary signal under strong noise background: Time-varying system analysis
Authors: Shan Zhen , Wang Zhongqiu , Yang Jianhua , Zhou Dengji , Liu Houguang
Published: June 2022

The extraction of non-stationary feature information under strong noise background is a difficult problem. In this paper, a novel general time-varying scale transformation aperiodic stochastic resonance is proposed to extract and enhance the weak non-stationary signal under strong noise background. The theoretical framework of a parameters time-varying Duffing system is built for aperiodic stochastic resonance. By studying the resonance region migration when scale coefficient takes different values, an optimal scale transformation is achieved. Also, the time-varying system is optimized with cross-correlation coefficient as the index. Compared with the existing methods, the proposed method can be applied to stronger noise background and has stronger noise robustness. When under the same noise background, the proposed method can provide output with higher signal-to-noise ratio and higher cross-correlation coefficient. Finally, experimental analysis of faulty bearing vibration signal verifies the high accuracy, which indicates a good signal extraction and enhancement ability of the proposed method.
Congenital Teratocarcinosarcoma With CTNNB1 Gene Mutation Presenting as an Ocular Mass
Authors: Almarzooqi Saeeda , Reyes-Múgica Miguel , Ali Bassam R , Habbal Aya , Asha Mohammad J , AlShamsi Eman T
Published: June 2022

Teratocarcinosarcoma is an extremely rare malignancy of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. It exhibits both sarcomatous and carcinomatous components. Less than 100 cases are reported. It presents in adults with only two reported cases in infancy. Here we present a case of 3-week-old female with antenatally detected ocular mass. MRI revealed an exophytic right ocular mass (10 × 7.0 × 7.0 cm) with intracranial extension. The tumor consisted of malignant glands and mesenchymal elements of undifferentiated blastema-like cells and immature neuroepithelium. After an initial diagnosis and treatment for a Wilms tumor protocol, the mass showed no response. A second opinion rendered a diagnosis of sinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma. The patient underwent surgical resection and seven cycles of CNS ICE chemotherapy. A second debulking surgery revealed a very scant viable tumor with post-treatment changes. The patient is alive at 43 months on weekly vincristine maintenance. Molecular testing revealed a somatic CTNNB1 gene mutation. In conclusion, this is a rare and aggressive tumor which showed disease free survival beyond that reported in the literature with the appropriate use of multimodality therapy.
Biomolecular Chemical Simulations on Enantioselectivity and Reactivity of Lipase Enzymes to Azulene Derivatives
Authors: Yagi Yoichiro , Kimura Takatomo , Kamezawa Makoto
Published: June 2022

Biomolecular chemical simulations have recently become a useful research method in the fields of organic chemistry and bioscience. In the last few years, we have been focusing on the biomolecular computational simulation on lipase enzyme and ligand complexes to predict the enantioselectivity and reactivity of lipases toward non-natural organic compounds. In this paper, we describe the molecular simulations including molecular dynamics (MD) and fragment molecular orbital (FMO) calculations for the complexes of Candida antarctica lipase type A (CALA) and trifluoromethylazulene alcohol derivatives. From the MD calculations, we found that the fast-reacting enantiomer of esters with high enantioselectivity stays in the vicinity of the active site of CALA, while the slow-reacting enantiomer leaves the active site of CALA. On the other hand, both ( R)- and ( S)-enantiomers of ester with low ensntioselectivity were found to keep near to near the active site of CALA. Further, for the esters that do not react with lipase enzyme, we found that both ( R)- and ( S)-enantiomers move away from the active site of lipase enzyme. From the FMO calculations, we found that each fast-reacting enantiomer of esters with high enantioselectivity strongly interacts with certain particular amino acid residues in CALA containing Asp95, while both ( R)- and ( S)-enantiomers of ester with low enantioselectivity interact with same amino acid residues in CALA including Asp95. These results suggest that it is possible to predict not only the enantioselectivity but also the reactivity of CALA and to identify the amino acid residues important to the enzymatic reaction. Therefore, we consider that our computational simulations would be a useful method for predicting and understanding the reactivity and the enantioselectivity of lipase-catalyzed biotransformations.
Radiographic and Cadaveric Analysis of Minimally Invasive Bunionectomy Osteotomy Position—“MIS Bunion Sweet Spot”
Authors: Patel Rikhil , Siddiqui Noman , Dreyer Mark A. , Lam Kevin , Ayyagari Vineela , Onica Alexandru
Published: June 2022

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is a growing technique that favors faster recovery and cosmetic results. We propose a recommended osteotomy position or “MIS Sweet Spot” to make the procedure more reproducible and lessen the learning curve to improve outcomes. A total of 211 patients from 3 surgeons between 2 different study centers were included in a retrospective radiograph measurement analysis and a cadaveric dissection to confirm the safety of nearby anatomical structures. An average distance of 2.2 cm proximal from the first metatarsophalangeal joint was found as the “Sweet Spot” to perform the transverse osteotomy. At this distance, neurovascular and tendinous structures were unharmed and the osteotomy remained extracapsular. Furthermore, an average of 10.7° of intermetatarsal angle reduction and a reduction of tibial sesamoid position of 3 points were achieved. A predictable and measurable distance for osteotomy placement will help to provide more confidence in producing the bunionectomy osteotomy with the specialized tools used in MIS and can help to reduce operative time and improve results.

Level of Clinical Evidence (LOCE): 3
Comparison of susceptibility-weighted angiography (SWAN) and T2 gradient-echo sequences for the detection of acute cerebral venous thrombosis
Authors: Boukobza Monique , Guinebert Sylvain , Laissy Jean-Pierre
Published: June 2022

Objectives

To assess the diagnostic accuracy and lesion conspicuity of susceptibility-weighted angiography (SWAN) and T2* for the clot detection in acute cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) by comparison with contrast-enhanced MR venography.

Methods

Venous thrombi detection and conspicuity were assessed by two readers for 18 venous segments on both T2*, SWAN source images, 2D SWAN reformats matching with T2*, and 3D SWAN images (SWAN-MinIP). Images obtained with the three reading techniques were systematically scored and compared to CE MRV findings, in a blinded fashion, per patient and per segment, and compared to each other.

Results

In 30 patients, 137 thrombosed venous segments were evaluated. The sensitivity of T2*, SWAN source images, 2D SWAN, and SWAN MinIP were, respectively, of 89.3%/82.1%, 82.1%, and 82.1% for dural sinus thrombosis and of 100%/100%/100%/96.6% for cortical venous thrombosis. There were significant differences in thrombus detection between T2* and SWAN: T2* versus SWAN source images and 2D SWAN ( p = 0.04) and versus SWAN MinIP ( p = 0.03). There were no significant differences between the three modalities of SWAN images. T2* was more sensitive than all SWAN images for both sigmoid sinus thrombosis and intracranial internal jugular vein thrombosis ( p = 0.04). Inter-observer agreement was slightly superior with T2* ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion

In this small cohort, SWAN sequence at 3T did not yield additional value for thrombus detection in acute CVT compared to T2*. This study highlights SWAN’s greatest weakness both for diagnostic accuracy and lesion conspicuity compared to T2* for acute venous clot detection near the skull base.