bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Excellent leukemia control after second hematopoietic cell transplants with unrelated cord blood grafts for post-transplant relapse in pediatric patients
Authors: Troullioud Lucas Alexandre G. , Boelens Jaap Jan , Prockop Susan E. , Curran Kevin J. , Bresters Dorine , Kollen Wouter , Versluys Birgitta , Bierings Marc B. , Archer Anne , Davis Eric , Klein Elizabeth , Kernan Nancy A. , Lindemans Caroline A. , Scaradavou Andromachi
Published: August 2023

Background

Patients with leukemia relapse after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) have poor survival due to toxicity and disease progression. A second HCT often offers the only curative treatment.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed our bi-institutional experience (MSKCC-USA; Utrecht-NL) with unrelated cord blood transplantation (CBT) for treatment of post-transplant relapse. Overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method, treatment-related mortality (TRM) and relapse were evaluated using the competing risk method by Fine-Gray.

Results

Twenty-six patients age < 21 years received a second (n=24) or third (n=2) HCT with CB grafts during the period 2009-2021. Median age at first HCT (HCT1) was 11.5 (range: 0.9-17.7) years and all patients received myeloablative cytoreduction. Median time from HCT1 to relapse was 12.8 (range 5.5-189) months. At CBT, median patient age was 13.5 (range 1.4-19.1) years. Diagnoses were AML: 13; ALL: 4, MDS: 5, JMML: 2; CML: 1; mixed phenotype acute leukemia: 1. Sixteen patients (62%) were in advanced stage, either CR>2 or with active disease. Median time from HCT1 to CBT was 22.2 (range 7-63.2) months. All patients engrafted after CBT. Thirteen patients developed acute GvHD; 7 had grade III or IV. With a median survivor follow-up of 46.6 (range 17.4-155) months, 3-year OS was 69.2% (95% CI 53.6-89.5%) and 3-year EFS was 64.9% (95% CI 48.8-86.4%). Eight patients died, 3 of AML relapse and 5 due to toxicity (respiratory failure [n=4], GvHD [n=1]) at a median time of 7.7 (range 5.9-14.4) months after CBT. Cumulative incidence of TRM at 3 years was 19.2% (95% CI 4.1-34.4%). Notably, all TRM events occurred in patients transplanted up to 2015; no toxicity-related deaths were seen in the 16 patients who received CBT after 2015. Cumulative incidence of relapse was 15.9% (95% CI 1.6-30.2%) at 3 years, remarkably low for these very high-risk patients.

Conclusions

Survival was very encouraging following CB transplants in pediatric patients with recurrent leukemia after first HCT, and TRM has been low over the last decade. CBT needs to be strongly considered as a relatively safe salvage therapy option for post-transplant relapse.
Effect of acupuncture inclusion in the enhanced recovery after surgery protocol on tumor patient gastrointestinal function: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies
Authors: Chen Jiu , Fu Tianxiao , Liu Li , Xie Yirui , Li Youdi
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in restoring gastrointestinal function in tumor patients receiving the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the rationality and efficacy of integrating acupuncture in the ERAS strategy to recuperate gastrointestinal function.

Methods

We searched eleven databases for relevant randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of acupuncture for the treatment of gastrointestinal dysfunction in tumor patients treated with the ERAS protocol. The quality of each article was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias criteria and the modified Jadad Scale. As individual symptoms, the primary outcomes were time to postoperative oral food intake, time to first flatus, time to first distension and peristaltic sound recovery time (PSRT). Pain control, adverse events, and acupoint names reported in the included studies were also investigated.

Results

Of the 211 reviewed abstracts, 9 studies (702 patients) met eligibility criteria and were included in the present systematic review and meta‑analysis. Compared to control groups, acupuncture groups showed a significant reduction in time to postoperative oral food intake [standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.18 to -0.35], time to first flatus (SMD=-0.81, 95% CI -1.13 to -0.48), time to first defecation (SMD=-0.91, 95% CI -1.41 to -0.41, PSRT (SMD=-0.92, 95% CI -1.93 to 0.08), and pain intensity (SMD=-0.60, 95% CI -0.83 to -0.37).The Zusanli (ST36) and Shangjuxu (ST37) acupoints were used in eight of the nine included studies. Adverse events related to acupuncture were observed in two studies, and only one case of bruising was reported.

Discussion

The present systematic review and meta‑analysis suggested that acupuncture significantly improves recovery of gastrointestinal function and pain control in tumor patients receiving the ERAS protocol compared to the control group. Moreover, ST36 and ST37 were the most frequently used acupoints. Although the safety of acupuncture was poorly described in the included studies, the available data suggested that acupuncture is a safe treatment with only mild side effects. These findings provide evidence-based recommendations for the inclusion of acupuncture in the ERAS protocol for tumor patients.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ PROSPERO, identifier CRD42023430211.
Congenital optic disc pits and optic disc pit maculopathy: a review
Authors: Esmaeil Ali , Ali Ali , Almutairi Salman , Alkandari Khaled , Behbehani Raed , Alali Alaa
Published: August 2023

Optic disc pits are a rare but significant anomaly of the optic nerve head that can lead to visual impairment and associated complications. These pits are characterized by a small, oval-shaped depression in the disc, which can cause fluid accumulation and subsequent damage to the adjacent retina. Although the etiology and pathogenesis of optic disc pits are not fully understood, several theories have been proposed, including abnormal embryonic development and degenerative changes. Diagnosis is typically made through a comprehensive eye examination, including a dilated fundus exam and optical coherence tomography. Management options vary depending on the severity of the condition and associated complications, ranging from observation to surgical intervention.
The combined effects of coping and pain interference on army readiness
Authors: Kegel Jessica L. , Kazman Josh B. , Clifton Daniel R. , Emanuele Peter , Nelson D. Alan , Deuster Patricia A.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Chronic pain and associated interference with daily activities are common in the military and impact Force readiness. Chronic pain affects one-third of service members and is a leading cause of medical non-readiness (MNR) in the military. Research suggests that underlying psychological mechanisms related to trait coping styles and pain interference (PI) affect functional outcomes, but little research exists examining this relationship within an Army population. The purpose of this study was to examine the combined effects of PI and coping on U.S. Army soldier readiness by using annual well-being data from the Global Assessment Tool (GAT) and medical non-readiness (MNR) based on duty restriction records.

Methods

The sample comprised 866,379 soldiers who completed the GAT between 2014 and 2017 with no duty restrictions at the time of baseline GAT completion; subjects were observed through 2018 for duty restrictions. Parametric survival regression models with a Weibull distribution predicted demographic-adjusted hazards of MNR by dichotomized PI (no PI/PI) and beneficial/non-beneficial use of GAT coping components (good coping, bad coping, catastrophizing-flexibility, and catastrophizing-hopelessness). Incident MNR was evaluated for all duty restrictions, and stratified by selected body systems (upper extremity, lower extremity, psychiatric).

Results

Among soldiers with PI, hazards were higher in those reporting non-beneficial coping styles (bad coping, hopelessness) and lower in those reporting beneficial coping styles (good coping, flexibility). Across all coping styles, PI/coping interactions were particularly strong for catastrophizing-hopelessness and when examining MNR from psychiatric conditions.

Discussion

These findings suggest some synergistic associations between pain and coping that may impact pain-related occupational disability. Coping skills may be an effective interventional target for chronic pain reduction/prevention within military programs, such as the Master Resilience Training Course offered to soldiers in the Army. Further research should assess whether early coping style interventions can reduce pain-related outcomes.
Improvement in medical students’ knowledge on chronic pain assessment through integrative learning approaches: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Soenarto Ratna Farida , Sukmono Besthadi , Findyartini Ardi , Susilo Astrid Pratidina
Published: August 2023

Introduction

This study aimed to compare the knowledge and skills of medical students in chronic pain assessment after being trained using the PQRST (P, provoke and palliate; Q, quality; R, region and radiation; S, severity; T, time) and ACT-UP (A, activity; C, coping; T, think; U, upset; P, people) mnemonics with those using only the PQRST mnemonic.

Methods

A double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, including forty students who participated in a simulation-based chronic pain assessment workshop. Pre- and post-test scores were used to assess participants’ knowledge. Two independent raters assessed the students’ skills.

Results

No significant differences in knowledge or skills were observed between the groups; however, a significant improvement in the post-test scores (85.71 [71.43–95.24]) compared to the pre-test scores (61.90 [25.87–90.48]) was observed. The students reported high satisfaction with the workshop.

Conclusions

Training with the PQRST and ACT-UP mnemonics is not better than training with the PQRST mnemonic alone in improving students’ knowledge and skills in chronic pain assessment. Nevertheless, this pain education workshop was beneficial for student learning. Learning of patient-oriented chronic pain assessment should be provided in a repetitive and integrative fashion using different approaches, such as lectures, demonstrations, simulations, and interactions with patients experiencing chronic pain. To conclude, mnemonics are helpful but not a primary learning tool.
Relationship between cerebral oxygenation, cardiac output, and blood pressure during transitional period in extremely low gestational age neonates
Authors: Deshpande Poorva , Barbosa de Olivera Caio , Jain Amish , Hahn Cecil , Shah Prakesh S. , Guerguerian Anne-Marie , McNamara Patrick J.
Published: August 2023

Objective

To describe the relationship between cerebral oxygenation, cardiac output, arterial blood pressure (BP), and cerebral blood flow velocity in extremely low gestational age neonates (ELGANs) during transition.

Methods

This study comprises secondary analyses from a prospective observational study conducted at a tertiary Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Recruited ELGANs underwent cerebral saturation (CrSO2) monitoring and serial echocardiography during 72 h from birth. Correlative analyses of CrSO2 and cerebral fractional tissue oxygen extraction (CFTOE) with left (LVO) and right ventricular output (RVO), superior vena cava (SVC) flow, middle cerebral artery blood flow mean velocity (MCA.MV), systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP), and mean (MBP) BP were conducted.

Results

Fifty ELGANs with median (range) gestational age of 25.9 (23.1–27.9) weeks were recruited. Echocardiography was performed sequentially at a median (range) age 5.0 (3.8–6.6), 17.3 (15.4–19.4), 31.0 (27.0–34.1), and 53.7 (49.3–58.3) hours. RVO, LVO, CrSO2, and SBP increased over time but no changes in MBP, DBP, CFTOE, MCA.MV or SVC flow were noted. A weak correlation was identified between CrSO2 and SBP (r2 = 0.11, p = 0.047) and MBP (r2 = 0.12, p = 0.04) at 17.3 (15.4–19.4) hours. No correlation of either CrSO2 or CFTOE with any measures of blood flow was identified.

Conclusion

There is a weak correlation between measures of cardiac output, BP, and MCA.MV with both CrSO2 and CFTOE in ELGANs during transition. Whether this finding suggests intact cerebral autoregulation requires prospective evaluation in a cohort of sick ELGANs.
Adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 1 (ADAR1) as crucial regulators in cardiovascular diseases: structures, pathogenesis, and potential therapeutic approach
Authors: Chen Jieying , Jin Junyan , Jiang Jun , Wang Yaping
Published: August 2023

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a group of diseases that have a major impact on global health and are the leading cause of death. A large number of chemical base modifications in ribonucleic acid (RNA) are associated with cardiovascular diseases. A variety of ribonucleic acid modifications exist in cells, among which adenosine deaminase-dependent modification is one of the most common ribonucleic acid modifications. Adenosine deaminase acting on ribonucleic acid 1 (Adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 1) is a widely expressed double-stranded ribonucleic acid adenosine deaminase that forms inosine (A-to-I) by catalyzing the deamination of adenosine at specific sites of the target ribonucleic acid. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the structure of Adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 1 and summarize the regulatory mechanisms of ADAR1-mediated ribonucleic acid editing in cardiovascular diseases, indicating Adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 1 as a promising therapeutic target in cardiovascular diseases.
Defining and supporting a professional role for pharmacists associated with traditional and complementary medicines: a cross-country survey of pharmacists
Authors: Harnett Joanna E. , Desselle Shane P. , Fernandes Marcília Baticy , Yao Dongning , Modun Darko , Hallit Souheil , Dabbous Mariam , Wahab Mohd Shahezwan Abd , Cavaco Afonso Miguel , Magalhães Maria , Faller Erwin Martinez , Flores Jennifer M. , Gabriel Jacklyn Risia D. San , Othman Noordin , Anantachoti Puree , Sriboonruang Tatta , Sriviriyanupap Wanna , Alnezary Faris , Alahmadi Yaser , Fallatah Saad Bakur , Fadil Haifa Abdulrahman , Ung Carolina Oi Lam
Published: August 2023

Introduction: An estimated 80% of the world’s population use traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) products as part of their healthcare, with many accessed through pharmacy. This cross-cultural study posed a set of professional practice responsibilities and actions to pharmacists related to T&CM products, with a view toward developing consensus, safeguarding, and promoting the health of the public.

Methods: Data were collected from 2,810 pharmacists across nine countries during 2022 via a cross-sectional online survey reported in accordance with the guidelines of STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) and the Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys (CHERRIES).

Results: Of the 2,810 participants from nine countries, 2,341 completed all sections of the survey. Of these, most agreed (69%) that T&CM product use was common in the community they served, but most did not have adequate training to support consumer needs. Over 75% acknowledged that there were known and unknown safety risks associated with T&CM use. Of 18 professional responsibilities posed, 92% agreed that pharmacists should be able to inform consumers about potential risks, including T&CM side effects and drug–herb interactions. The provision of accurate scientific information on the effectiveness of T&CM products, skills to guide consumers in making informed decisions, and communication with other healthcare professionals to support appropriate and safe T&CM product use were all ranked with high levels of agreement. In order to effectively fulfill these responsibilities, pharmacists agreed that regulatory reforms, development of T&CM education and training, and access to quality products supported by high-quality evidence were needed.

Conclusion: General agreement from across nine countries on eighteen professional responsibilities and several stakeholder actions serve as a foundation for the discussion and development of international T&CM guidelines for pharmacists.
Differential AMPK-mediated metabolic regulation observed in hibernation-style polymorphisms in Siberian chipmunks
Authors: Kamata Taito , Yamada Shintaro , Sekijima Tsuneo
Published: August 2023

Hibernation is a unique physiological phenomenon allowing extreme hypothermia in endothermic mammals. Hypometabolism and hypothermia tolerance in hibernating animals have been investigated with particular interest; recently, studies of cultured cells and manipulation of the nervous system have made it possible to reproduce physiological states related to hypothermia induction. However, much remains unknown about the periodic regulation of hibernation. In particular, the physiological mechanisms facilitating the switch from an active state to a hibernation period, including behavioral changes and the acquisition of hypothermia tolerance remain to be elucidated. AMPK is a protein known to play a central role not only in feeding behavior but also in metabolic regulation in response to starvation. Our previous research has revealed that chipmunks activate AMPK in the brain during hibernation. However, whether AMPK is activated during winter in non-hibernating animals is unknown. Previous comparative studies between hibernating and non-hibernating animals have often been conducted between different species, consequently it has been impossible to account for the effects of phylogenetic differences. Our long-term monitoring of siberian chipmunks, has revealed intraspecific variation between those individuals that hibernate annually and those that never become hypothermic. Apparent differences were found between hibernating and non-hibernating types with seasonal changes in lifespan and blood HP levels. By comparing seasonal changes in AMPK activity between these polymorphisms, we clarified the relationship between hibernation and AMPK regulation. In hibernating types, phosphorylation of p-AMPK and p-ACC was enhanced throughout the brain during hibernation, indicating that AMPK-mediated metabolic regulation is activated. In non-hibernating types, AMPK and ACC were not seasonally activated. In addition, AMPK activation in the hypothalamus had already begun during high Tb before hibernation. Changes in AMPK activity in the brain during hibernation may be driven by circannual rhythms, suggesting a hibernation-regulatory mechanism involving AMPK activation independent of Tb. The differences in brain AMPK regulation between hibernators and non-hibernators revealed in this study were based on a single species thus did not involve phylogenetic differences, thereby supporting the importance of brain temperature-independent AMPK activation in regulating seasonal metabolism in hibernating animals.
From open government to open parties in Europe. A framework for analysis
Authors: Villaplana F. Ramón , Megías Adrián , Sandri Giulia
Published: August 2023

Open government (OG) is an increasingly used management model among the public administrations of European countries and of the European Union, which is currently working on The Path to the Digital Decade. This supposes the application of measures to promote proximity and citizenship's prominence in many public policies, leading to improved quality of democracy. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to a forced digitalization of many public services. Despite the fact that studies on OG do not usually focus on them, political parties are essential actors for the success or failure of OG measures, both from a bottom-up and a top-down perspective, on public administration transformation. Moreover, political parties are transforming themselves into more open organizations at the same time. We define open parties as political parties with high standards in transparency, participation, and collaboration. They also feature high degrees of organizational digitalization. This article proposes a framework for analyzing political parties' openness and explores available empirical data on different aspects related to OG in the European context. We have found that most parties possess a good level of local organizational strength but still need to reach better levels of anticorruption commitment, to form stronger ties with affiliated organizations, and especially to improve the participation of members and activists in their decision-making. Furthermore, elitism, clientelism, and populistic rhetoric represent significant obstacles that could hinder the party reform process.
Alterations in executive functions in inmates convicted for violent behavior: a systematic review
Authors: Chaguendo-Quintero Maria Antonia , Quintero-Monjes Daniela , Cuervo Maria Teresa , Sanabria-Mazo Juan P.
Published: August 2023

Background

The growth of the prison population and the high recidivism rates of inmates represent a major public safety problem.

Objective

This systematic review explored executive functions in inmates convicted of violent behavior compared with inmates convicted of non-violent behavior and healthy controls (HCs).

Methods

Systematic searches were carried out using five databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Embase) until March 6th, 2023. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, two reviewers independently performed the screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment of the 8 studies included. The protocol of this study was registered in Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), under registration number CRD42021252043.

Results

Consistently, inmates convicted of violent behavior exhibited a greater alteration in inhibition than inmates convicted of non-violent behavior (four out of four studies) and HCs (two out of two studies). In addition, inmates convicted of violent behavior showed greater impairments in cognitive flexibility (two out of three studies) and working memory (two out of three studies) than HCs. Although with limited evidence (only one study), they also showed worse performance in set shifting and planning than HCs.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence of alterations in inhibition in inmates convicted of violent behavior compared to inmates convicted of non-violent behavior and HCs. Even though inmates convicted of violent behavior showed greater impairments in planning and set shifting than HCs, these findings were supported in only one study. In general, more robust evidence is needed to confirm alterations in inmates convicted due to violent behavior. These findings highlight the importance of designing and promoting specific cognitive interventions that contribute to the reintegration of inmates into society.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021252043, identifier CRD42021252043.
The intersectionality-based policy analysis framework: demonstrating utility through application to the pre-vaccine U.S. COVID-19 policy response
Authors: Humphries Debbie L. , Sodipo Michelle , Jackson Skyler D.
Published: August 2023

Few guidelines exist for the development of socially responsible health policy, and frameworks that balance considerations of data, strategy, and equity are limited. The Intersectionality-Based Policy Analysis (IBPA) framework utilizes a structured questioning process to consider problems and policies, while applying guiding principles of equity, social justice, power, intersectionality, and diversity of knowledge and input. We apply the IBPA framework’s guiding principles and questions to the pre-vaccine U.S. COVID-19 policy response. Results suggest the IBPA approach is a promising tool for integrating equity considerations in the development of policy solutions to urgent US public health challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. We found the IBPA framework particularly useful in differentiating between problems or policies and representations of problems or policies, and in considering the impacts of representations on different groups. The explicit inclusion of short-, medium- and long-term solutions is a reminder of the importance of holding a long-term vision of the equitable public health system we want while working towards immediate change.
A systematic review of Clinical Practice Guidelines for the development of the WHO's Package of Interventions for Rehabilitation: focus on schizophrenia
Authors: Serra Riccardo , Etemadi Yasaman , van Regteren Altena Marieke , Barbui Corrado , Tarsitani Lorenzo
Published: August 2023

Background

The identification of interventions for rehabilitation and related evidence is a crucial step in the development of World Health Organization's (WHO) Package of Interventions for Rehabilitation (PIR). Interventions for rehabilitation may be particularly relevant in schizophrenia, as this condition is associated with a high risk of disability, poor functioning, and lack of autonomy. Aiming to collect evidence for the WHO PIR, we conducted a systematic review of Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) on interventions for rehabilitation of schizophrenia.

Methods

Methods for the systematic identification and critical appraisal of CPG were developed by WHO Rehabilitation Programme and Cochrane Rehabilitation under the guidance of WHO's guideline review committee secretariat. The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation Instrument (AGREE II) was used to evaluate the methodological quality of identified CPG.

Results

After full text screening, nine CPG were identified, for a total of 130 recommendations. Three were excluded because their total AGREE-II scores were below cut-off. Six CPG were approved by the Technical Working Group and included for data extraction. Only one CPG with specific focus on rehabilitation of schizophrenia was retrieved. Other CPG were general, including some recommendations on rehabilitation. Some CPG gave no indications on the assessment of rehabilitation needs. Discrepancies were detectable, with different CPG emphasizing different domains. Most recommendations addressed “symptoms of schizophrenia,” while “community and social life” was targeted by few recommendations. International CPG were often conceptualized for high-income countries, and CPG accounting for their implementation in lower income contexts were scarce. Quality of evidence was high/moderate for 41.54% (n = 54) of the recommendations, and very low only in two cases (1.52%). N = 45 (34.62%) were based on experts' opinion.

Conclusions

The concepts of recovery and rehabilitation in schizophrenia are relatively new in medical sciences and somewhat ill-defined. An unbalanced distribution in the domains addressed by available CPG is therefore understandable. However, the need for more focus in some areas of rehabilitation is obvious. More clarity is also required regarding which interventions should be prioritized and which are more feasible for global implementation in the rehabilitation of schizophrenia.
An evaluation of the organ procurement and transplantation network's expanded post-transplant performance metrics
Authors: Malamon John S. , Ho Bing , Jackson Whitney E. , Saben Jessica L. , Schold Jesse D. , Pomposelli James J. , Pomfret Elizabeth A. , Kaplan Bruce
Published: August 2023

On July 14, 2022, the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network's (OPTN) Membership and Professional Standards Committee (MPSC) approved bylaws including two new post-transplant performance evaluation metrics, the 90-day (90D) and 1-year conditional on the 90-day (1YC90D) graft survival hazard ratio (HR). These metrics have replaced the previous 1-year (1Y) unconditional, post-transplant graft survival HR and are used to nationally rank and identify programs for MPSC review. The MPSC's policies have major implications for all transplant programs, providers, and patients across the United States. Herein we show two significant limitations with the new evaluation criteria, arbitrary censoring periods and interdependence in the new performance metrics. We have demonstrated a strong and consistent inverse correlation between the new evaluation metrics, thus proving a lack of independence. Moreover, these two evaluation criteria are interdependent even at nominal HRs. Thus, the 90D cohort can be used to accurately predict whether the 1YC90D is above or below a given HR threshold. This could alter practice behaviors and the timing of patient event reporting, which may result in many unintended consequences related to clinical practice. Here we provide the first evidence that this new evaluation system will lead to a significant increase in the number of programs flagged for MPSC review. When this occurs, the cost of operating a transplant program will increase without a clear demonstration of an increased accuracy in identifying problematic programs.
Incorporating bubble evolution and transport in constitutive relationships for quasi- and non-equilibrium two-phase flows in porous media
Authors: Meisenheimer Douglas E. , Wildenschild Dorthe
Published: August 2023

There is a need to better understand the presence and transport of bubbles in multi-phase subsurface porous media so that these processes can be accurately described, and more efficient engineered solutions can be developed. To this end, constitutive relationships between geometric state variables (fluid-fluid curvature, Jnw; non-wetting phase volume, Vn; fluid-fluid interfacial area, anw; and Euler characteristic, χn) have become increasingly more common in efforts to uniquely predict the state of a two-fluid flow system. Both lattice Boltzmann simulations and fast X-ray microtomography (μCT) imaging experiments have shown that a geometric state function using the non-dimensionalized invariant properties of saturation, specific interfacial area, and Euler characteristic can uniquely predict the mean curvature of the system for both quasi- and non-equilibrium conditions, however, the presence of bubble evolution and the subsequent transport phenomena have not been explored. This study investigates whether the geometric state function remains unique with the inclusion of bubble generation and transport under quasi- and non-equilibrium two-fluid flow. The data presented here suggests that bubble formation and entrapment occur in a manner that cannot be predicted by the more traditional capillary pressure-saturation-interfacial area, Pc(Sw, anw), relationship, and further extensions to the constitutive relationship are needed to fully capture these mechanisms.
Control Methodologies for Robotic Grippers: A Review
Authors: Cortinovis Simone , Vitrani Giuseppe , Maggiali Marco , Romeo Rocco Antonio
Published: August 2023

As automation is spreading in all the industry domains, the presence of robots is becoming unavoidable inside factories, warehouses and manufacturing facilities. Although a great number of companies and research institutions have concentrated their efforts on developing new robotic systems and advanced algorithms, much work is necessary to provide robotic grippers, especially industrial ones, with reliable, powerful control strategies. Therefore, this article aims at delivering an up-to-date point of view on the state of the art of robotic gripper control. The principal control methodologies employed so far, as well as a thorough selection of the existing contributions to the field, will be reported and discussed. Finally, the authors’ opinion about future directions will be expressed.
Research on Stability Control Technology of Hazardous Chemical Tank Vehicles Based on Electromagnetic Semi-Active Suspension
Authors: Dai Jianguo , Qin Youning , Wang Cheng , Zhu Jianhui , Zhu Jingxuan
Published: August 2023

Liquid sloshing in the tank can seriously affect the stability of hazardous chemical tanker trucks during operation. To this end, this paper proposes a solution based on an electromagnetic semi-active suspension system to prevent chemical spills and ensure safe driving of hazardous chemical tank vehicles. A comprehensive investigation was conducted across four domains: theoretical research, simulation model establishment, co-simulation platform construction, and simulation data analysis. Three fuzzy controllers were used to suppress the vibration of the tank vehicles, and a simulation study of the stability control of the tank vehicles under electromagnetic semi-active suspension was carried out. The results show that the electromagnetic semi-active suspension can significantly reduce the vertical, pitch, and roll vibrations of the tank vehicles by 17.60%, 25.78%, and 27.86%, respectively. The research results of this paper are of great significance for improving the safety and stability of hazardous chemical tanker trucks.
Molecular Analysis of Anti-Tuberculosis Drug Resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Isolated in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Jeon Se-Mi , Park Sanghee , Lim Na-Ra , Lee Noori , Jung Jihee , Sung Nackmoon , Kim Seonghan
Published: August 2023

Rapid and accurate detection of tuberculosis (TB) drug resistance is critical for the successful treatment and control of TB. Here, we investigated resistance to anti-TB drugs and genetic variations in 215 drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates in Korea. Genetic variations were observed in rpoB Ser531Leu, katG Ser315Thr, and gyrA Asp94Gly; however, the minimum inhibitory concentrations varied, which can be attributed to other resistance mechanisms. Examination of genetic relatedness among drug-resistant isolates revealed that the cluster size of resistant bacteria was less than six strains, suggesting no evidence of a large-scale epidemic caused by a specific strain. However, rpoC mutants of the rifampicin-resistant isolates were composed of five types of clusters, suggesting that these compensatory mutations advance propagation. In the present study, more than 90% of the resistance mechanisms to major anti-TB drugs were identified, and the effect of each mutation on drug resistance was estimated. With the clinical application of recent next-generation sequencing-based susceptibility testing, the present study is expected to improve the clinical utilization of genotype-based drug susceptibility testing for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with drug-resistant TB.
Disturbance Observer-Based Robust Take-Off Control for a Semi-Submersible Permeable Slender Hybrid Unmanned Aerial Underwater Quadrotor
Authors: Liao Fei , Ye Dezhang
Published: August 2023

The development of hybrid unmanned aerial underwater vehicles (HAUVs) compatible with the advantages of the aerial vehicles and the underwater vehicles is of great significance. This paper presents the first study on a new HAUV layout using four rotors to realize the medium crossing motion of a transverse slender body similar to the fuselage of a missile or a submarine, that is, the hybrid aerial underwater quadrotor (HAUQ). Then, a robust control strategy is proposed for the take-off HAUQ on the water in the presence of unknown disturbances and complex model dynamic uncertainties. As a semi-submersible HAUQ rises straight from the water, the inside of the slender fuselage placed horizontally is filled with water. The center of the mass, the moment of inertia, and the arm of the force of the HAUQ will change rapidly in the take-off phase from the water because of the rapid nonuniform change in mass caused by the passive fast drainage. It is difficult to establish an accurate mathematical model of the complex dynamic changes caused by the multi-media dynamics, the fast changing buoyancy, and the added mass crossing the air–water surface. Therefore, an uncertain kinematic and dynamic model is established through the passive, fast, nonuniform change and the complex dynamics are considered as the unknown terms, and the external disturbances of gust and other factors are assumed as the bounded disturbance input. A robust design approach is introduced to deal with the fast time-varying mass disturbance based on the input-to-state stability (ISS) theorem. The complex dynamics are estimated using the basis function and the unknown weight parameters, and the adaptive laws are adopted for the on-line estimation of the unknown weight parameters. Considering the residual disturbance of the uncertain nonlinear system as a total disturbance term, a disturbance observer is introduced for disturbance observation. The numerical simulation shows the feasibility and robustness of the proposed algorithm.
Theoretical Investigation of the Influence of Different Heavy Metal Oxides Modifiers on ZnO-Bi2O3-B2O3-SiO2’s Photon- and Neutron-Shielding Capabilities Using the Monte Carlo Method
Authors: Akhdar Hanan
Published: August 2023

Radiation has become an essential part in medicine and researchers are constituently investigating radiation shielding materials that are suitable for different medical applications. Glass, due to its properties, has been considered an excellent radiation shield for such applications. One of the most common glasses used as a radiation shield is the ZnO-Bi2O3-B2O3-SiO2 anti-radiation glass. Heavy metal oxides have many desirable properties such as high density, transparency to visible light, stability in air and water, high interaction cross section, high infrared transparency, and good absorption of radiation, which make them desirable to be used as modifiers with anti-radiation glass. Research has been focusing on environmentally friendly shielding material which leads to non-lead modifiers such as Na2O, Al2O3, MgO, TiO2, SrO, Sb2O3, and BaO, which have become more desired than PbO. So far, ZnO-Bi2O3-B2O3-SiO2’s photon shielding properties have been studied experimentally with the addition of BaO at certain energies only. In this work, different heavy metal oxides are added as modifiers to ZnO-Bi2O3-B2O3-SiO2 glass in order to investigate theoretically their effects on the shielding properties of the glass at a wide range of photon and neutron energies. Simulation is cost- and time-effective when it comes to investigating different compositions of glass and different modifiers with different weight percentages at any energy range for any type of radiation. Simulation could be considered the first step in order to identify the best mixture with the best weight fractions prior to any experimental investigations of other desired properties based on the needed application. In this work, the photon- and neutron-shielding capabilities of the ZnO-Bi2O3-B2O3-SiO2 anti-radiation glass is investigated with different weight fractions of heavy metal oxides at wide photon and neutron energy ranges. Geant4, which is a Monte Carlo-based powerful toolkit, is used to find the mass attenuation coefficients (µm) of photons, as well as the effective removal cross sections (ΣR) of neutrons, of all the investigated samples in the studied energy range.
Neural Encoding of Pavement Textures during Exoskeleton Control: A Pilot Study
Authors: Ramos Júlia , Aguiar Mafalda , Pais-Vieira Miguel
Published: August 2023

This paper investigates the changes in sensory neural activity during exoskeleton control. Exoskeletons are becoming reliable tools for neurorehabilitation, as recent studies have shown that their use enhances neural plasticity. However, the specific neural correlates associated with exoskeleton control have not yet been described in detail. Therefore, in this pilot study, our aim was to investigate the effects of different pavement textures on the neural signals of participants (n = 5) while controlling a lower limb ExoAtlet®-powered exoskeleton. Subjects were instructed to walk on various types of pavements, including a flat surface, carpet, foam, and rubber circles, both with and without the exoskeleton. This setup resulted in eight different experimental conditions for classification (i.e., Exoskeleton/No Exoskeleton in one of four different pavements). Four-minute Electroencephalography (EEG) signals were recorded in each condition: (i) the power of the signals was compared for electrodes C3 and C4 across different conditions (Exoskeleton/No Exoskeleton on different pavements), and (ii) the signals were classified using four models: the linear support vector machine (L-SVM), the K-nearest neighbor algorithm (KNN), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), and the artificial neural network (ANN). the results of power analysis showed increases and decreases in power within the delta frequency bands in electrodes C3 and C4 across the various conditions. The results of comparison between classifiers revealed that LDA exhibited the highest performance with an accuracy of 85.71%. These findings support the notion that the sensory processing of pavement textures during exoskeleton control is associated with changes in the delta band of the C3 and C4 electrodes. From the results, it is concluded that the use of classifiers, such as LDA, allow for a better offline classification of different textures in EEG signals, with and without exoskeleton control, than the analysis of power in different frequency bands.
A Generalized Convexity and Inequalities Involving the Unified Mittag–Leffler Function
Authors: Farid Ghulam , Tariq Hafsa , Tawfiq Ferdous M. O. , Ro Jong-Suk , Zainab Saira
Published: August 2023

This article aims to obtain inequalities containing the unified Mittag–Leffler function which give bounds of integral operators for a generalized convexity. These findings provide generalizations and refinements of many inequalities. By setting values of monotone functions, it is possible to reproduce results for classical convexities. The Hadamard-type inequalities for several classes related to convex functions are identified in remarks, and some of them are also presented in last section.
η-Ricci–Yamabe Solitons along Riemannian Submersions
Authors: Siddiqi Mohd Danish , Mofarreh Fatemah , Akyol Mehmet Akif , Hakami Ali H.
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we investigate the geometrical axioms of Riemannian submersions in the context of the η-Ricci–Yamabe soliton (η-RY soliton) with a potential field. We give the categorization of each fiber of Riemannian submersion as an η-RY soliton, an η-Ricci soliton, and an η-Yamabe soliton. Additionally, we consider the many circumstances under which a target manifold of Riemannian submersion is an η-RY soliton, an η-Ricci soliton, an η-Yamabe soliton, or a quasi-Yamabe soliton. We deduce a Poisson equation on a Riemannian submersion in a specific scenario if the potential vector field ω of the soliton is of gradient type =:grad(γ) and provide some examples of an η-RY soliton, which illustrates our finding. Finally, we explore a number theoretic approach to Riemannian submersion with totally geodesic fibers.
Boosting the Power of Na0.44MnO2: Unlocking Its Potential for Aqueous Sodium-Ion Storage through Nanostructuring and Hybridization
Authors: Soleimanzade Mehdi , Radaelli Mariano , Manidi Jacopo , Bahdanchyk Maksim , Vicenzo Antonello
Published: August 2023

We report an effective processing route, combining nanostructure formation and hybridization, to improve the rate performance of the tunnel-structure sodium manganese oxide Na0.44MnO2 (NMO) as a cathode material for aqueous sodium ion storage. We use hydrothermal synthesis to prepare an NMO/CNF (Carbon NanoFiber) hybrid, consisting of uniform oxide nanowires with an average width of 70 nm and length in the range of several tenths of µm. The highly dispersed CNFs impart high conductivity to the NMO/CNF electrode, allowing high-rate performance at a C-rate of up to 20 C, with a delivered capacity of more than half the theoretical value in a 1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte. Moreover, the NMO/CNF hybrid shows good electrochemical stability under several hundred cycles at a high C-rate. However, the NMO nanowire electrodes reveal a lower-than-expected capacity, probably as a result of the tendency of nanowires to form bundles, which prevents direct contact with conductive fibers and induce the under-utilization of active material. With this study, we demonstrate a strong improvement of the otherwise inherently low-rate performance of NMO through oxide nanostructuring and hybridization with carbon fibers, paving the way for further research on NMO-based materials for aqueous sodium ion storage.
Protein Structure Prediction in Drug Discovery
Authors: Paiardini Alessandro
Published: August 2023

When the results of DeepMind’s AlphaFold2 at CASP were announced in 2020, the scientific world was so amazed by how effectively it performed that “it will change everything” became the motto for this revolution [...]
Research on the Bonding Performance of BFRP Bars with Reactive Powder Concrete
Authors: Xiao Jie , Murong Yikang , Chen Xiyuan , Liu Lingfei , Zhai Keyi , Jiang Haibo , Huang Linhai , Wang Guodong
Published: August 2023

In recent years, replacing steel bars with basalt fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) bars and replacing ordinary concrete with reactive powder concrete (RPC) are considered effective solutions to the corrosion problem of steel bars in ordinary reinforced concrete structures. In order to study the bonding performance between BFRP bars and RPC, a total of 27 bonding specimens were tested by pull-out test. The effects of steel fiber volume content (0%, 1.5%, 2%), protective layer thickness (25 mm, 40 mm, 55 mm, 69 mm), and bond anchorage length of bars (3 d, 4 d, 5 d; d is the diameter of the bars) on the bond performance were studied. The experimental results indicated that the BFRP bar and reactive powder (RPC) concrete interface exhibited better bonding performance, and the steel fibers mixed in RPC can play the role of crack-blocking enhancement in the specimen, which improves the shear and tensile properties of the concrete, thus improving the bond strength between BFRP bar and RPC. Three failure modes were observed in the pull-out tests: BFRP bar shear failure, splitting failure, and concrete shear failure. The bond strengths of BFRP bars and RPC with 0%, 1.5%, and 2% steel fiber content were 24.2 MPa, 32.1 MPa, and 34.5 MPa, respectively. With the increase in bond anchorage length, the ultimate bond strength tended to increase first and then decrease. There may be an optimal bonding length between BFRP bar and reactive powder concrete, and when the optimal bonding length is exceeded, the bond strength decreases with the increase in bonding length. With the increase in the protective layer thickness, the improvement in the bond strength of the BFRP bar and RPC was not very significant.