bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the performance of grouted couplers in vehicle impacted reinforced concrete ABC bridge piers
Authors: Roy Suman , Unobe Ikwulono D. , Sorensen Andrew D.
Published: November 2022

Increased dynamic impact on bridge piers caused by seismic events, blasts, and vehicular impact have become increasingly common. Recent research efforts indicate that code provisions for designing reinforced concrete members to withstand such dynamic loads are inadequate and need additional insights for this purpose. Numerous works have been undertaken to investigate reinforced concrete (RC) traditional bridge pier performance on high strain rate loading. However, little attention has been given to evaluate the performance of connections used in present day bridges including accelerated bridge constructions (ABC) to withstand vehicle impacts, and hence, is relatively unknown. In this study, the use of grouted couplers to contain the unbalanced moments resulting from vehicular impact forces exceeding the moment capacity of the reinforced concrete piers and avoiding extensive damage to the piers is investigated. A representative column, typical of those specified by state departments of transportation, is studied to determine the performance. The performance of the coupler is investigated for both dynamic and static combined stresses. Quasi-static to dynamic strain rates of steel reinforcement connected to the couplers is also evaluated. Quantifying the stresses and strains developed at coupler region from dynamic impact can help coupler manufacturers to optimize the strength properties, thus improving serviceability. This study investigated utilizing splice sleeves in mitigating the formation of plastic hinges, as well as addressing the essential properties of coupler sections required to adequately carry out this function, and will provide a useful design tool for the manufacturers, forensic structural engineers, and practitioners.
Investigating the relationship between autistic traits and symptoms and Catatonia Spectrum
Authors: Dell’Osso L. , Amatori G. , Massimetti G. , Nardi B. , Gravina D. , Benedetti F. , Bonelli C. , Luciano M. , Berardelli I. , Brondino N. , De Gregorio M. , Deste G. , Nola M. , Reitano A. , Muscatello M. R. A. , Pompili M. , Politi P. , Vita A. , Carmassi C. , Maj M.
Published: November 2022

Background

In recent years, numerous studies have highlighted the overlap between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and catatonia, both from a clinical and pathophysiological perspective. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the autism spectrum (autistic traits and ASD signs, symptoms, and behavioral manifestation) and Catatonia Spectrum (CS).

Methods

A total sample of 376 subjects was distributed in four diagnostic groups. Subjects were assessed with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5, Research Version, the Adult Autism Subthreshold Spectrum (AdAS Spectrum), and CS. In the statistical analyses, the total sample was also divided into three groups according to the degree of autism severity, based on the AdAS Spectrum total score.

Results

A statistically significant positive correlation was found between AdAS Spectrum and CS total score within the total sample, the gender subgroups, and the diagnostic categories. The AdAS Spectrum domains found to be significantly and strongly correlated with the total CS score were hyper–hypo reactivity to sensory input, verbal communication, nonverbal communication, restricted interests and rumination, and inflexibility and adherence to routine. The three groups of different autistic severity were found to be distributed across all diagnostic groups and the CS score increased significantly from the group without autistic traits to the group with ASD.

Conclusions

Our study reports a strong correlation between autism spectrum and CS.
Changes in mental illness stigma over 30 years – Improvement, persistence, or deterioration?
Authors: Schomerus Georg , Schindler Stephanie , Sander Christian , Baumann Eva , Angermeyer Matthias C.
Published: November 2022

Background

Large efforts have been made to erase the stigma of mental illness, but it is unclear whether they have succeeded on a population level. We examine how attitudes toward people with depression or schizophrenia have evolved in Germany since 1990, and whether there are different developments for both disorders.

Methods

Using data from the three decades, four wave repeated cross-sectional representative population study in the “old” (western) states in Germany with surveys in 1990 (n = 2,044), 2001 (n = 4,005), 2011 (n = 1,984), and 2020 (n = 2,449), we calculate time-trends for social distance and emotional reactions toward someone with major depression or acute schizophrenia.

Results

Social distance worsened in six out of seven situations for schizophrenia, whereas improving in two out of seven situations for depression. Emotions related to fear and uneasiness increased for schizophrenia, whereas tending to decrease for depression. Pro-social reactions like the desire to help increased for depression, but decreased for schizophrenia. Initially observed differences, favoring depression over schizophrenia, widened over the 30-year study period. For schizophrenia, the biggest negative changes occurred between 1990 and 2001, whereas some improvements with regard to depression occurred more recently.

Conclusion

Contrary to expectations, stigma has become more severe regarding acute schizophrenia in Germany over the last 30 years, whereas only slightly improving for depression. The apparent normalization of mental health problems seems not to directly translate into improving attitudes toward people with severe mental illness. Re-focusing of anti-stigma efforts on people with severe mental illness seems necessary.
Prognostic Impact of Early Treatment and Oxaliplatin Discontinuation in Patients With Stage III Colon Cancer: An ACCENT/IDEA Pooled Analysis of 11 Adjuvant Trials
Authors: Gallois Claire , Shi Qian , Meyers Jeffrey P. , Iveson Timothy , Alberts Steven R. , de Gramont Aimery , Sobrero Alberto F. , Haller Daniel G. , Oki Eiji , Shields Anthony Frank , Goldberg Richard M. , Kerr Rachel , Lonardi Sara , Yothers Greg , Kelly Caroline , Boukovinas Ioannis , Labianca Roberto , Sinicrope Frank A. , Souglakos Ioannis , Yoshino Takayuki , Meyerhardt Jeffrey A. , André Thierry , Papamichael Demetris , Taieb Julien
Published: November 2022

PURPOSE

Oxaliplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with stage III colon cancer (CC) for 6 months remains a standard in high-risk stage III patients. Data are lacking as to whether early discontinuation of all treatment (ETD) or early discontinuation of oxaliplatin (EOD) could worsen the prognosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We studied the prognostic impact of ETD and EOD in patients with stage III CC from the ACCENT/IDEA databases, where patients were planned to receive 6 months of infusional fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin or capecitabine plus oxaliplatin. ETD was defined as discontinuation of treatment and EOD as discontinuation of oxaliplatin only before patients had received a maximum of 75% of planned cycles. Association between ETD/EOD and overall survival and disease-free survival (DFS) were assessed by Cox models adjusted for established prognostic factors.

RESULTS

Analysis of ETD and EOD included 10,447 (20.9% with ETD) and 7,243 (18.8% with EOD) patients, respectively. Compared with patients without ETD or EOD, patients with ETD or EOD were statistically more likely to be women, with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≥ 1, and for ETD, older with a lower body mass index. In multivariable analyses, ETD was associated with a decrease in disease-free survival and overall survival (hazard ratio [HR], 1.61, P < .001 and HR, 1.73, P < .001), which was not the case for EOD (HR, 1.07, P = .3 and HR, 1.13, P = .1). However, patients who received < 50% of the planned cycles of oxaliplatin had poorer outcomes.

CONCLUSION

In patients treated with 6 months of oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy for stage III CC, ETD was associated with poorer oncologic outcomes. However, this was not the case for EOD. These data favor discontinuing oxaliplatin while continuing fluoropyrimidine in individuals with significant neurotoxicity having received > 50% of the planned 6-month chemotherapy.
Approach to the Patient With a Suppressed TSH
Authors: Praw Stephanie Smooke , Brent Gregory A
Published: November 2022

Subclinical hyperthyroidism (SCH) is a laboratory diagnosis defined by a serum thyrotropin (TSH) concentration below the reference range (< 0.4 mU/L in most assays), and a free thyroxine (FT4) and 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine levels (FT3) in the reference range. Many patients diagnosed with SCH will be clinically euthyroid while others may present with manifestations characteristic of thyroid hormone excess, such as tachycardia, tremor, intolerance to heat, bone density loss, or weight loss. In addition to the laboratory abnormalities, patient factors such as age, symptoms, and underlying heart and bone disease are used to stratify patients for the risk of adverse outcomes and determine the appropriate treatment. Evaluation should include repeat thyroid function tests to document persistent TSH suppression, investigation of the underlying cause, as well as evaluation of the patient's risk of adverse outcomes in the setting of a subnormal TSH. Persistent SCH has been associated with an increased risk of a range of adverse events, including cardiovascular events such as atrial fibrillation and heart failure, bone loss and fracture, and in some studies, cognitive decline. Despite the consistent association of these adverse events with SCH, prospective studies showing improved outcomes with treatment remain limited. Management options include observation without active therapy, radioactive iodine ablation of the thyroid, antithyroid medication, thyroid surgery, or radiofrequency ablation, as appropriate for the patient and clinical setting. The choice of therapy should be guided by the underlying etiology of disease, patient factors, and the risks and benefits of each treatment option.
Health-Related Quality of Life at Diagnosis for Pediatric Thyroid Cancer Patients
Authors: Perez Megan N , Halada Stephen , Isaza Amber , Sisko Lindsay , Mostoufi-Moab Sogol , Bauer Andrew J , Barakat Lamia P
Published: November 2022

Context

Pediatric thyroid cancer (TC) incidence rates are increasing, yet TC has one of the highest survival rates. Despite increased prevalence, little is known about youth adjustment to TC, particularly compared to other pediatric cancers.

Objective

The current study sought to describe health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in pediatric TC patients early after diagnosis compared to other pediatric cancer patients and healthy youth and examine predictors of HRQoL.

Methods

Pediatric TC patients (ages 8.5–23.4 years) and their caregivers from a pediatric thyroid center completed psychosocial questionnaires as part of a clinic-based screening program around time of surgery. TC HRQoL was compared to other pediatric cancer and healthy youth reported norms. Clinical and demographic data extracted from the medical record were examined for predictors of HRQoL. The main outcome measures included the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) and Distress Thermometer.

Results

Findings evidenced significantly higher HRQoL for TC patients than other pediatric cancers for all but emotional and school functioning. Compared to healthy youth, TC patients reported significantly lower functioning, except comparable social functioning. No significant differences in HRQoL were identified based on disease severity, thyroid disease history, or treatment. Patient distress was associated with HRQoL.

Conclusion

The findings suggest general resilience in TC patients compared to youth with other cancers, yet worse HRQoL than peers. Early universal screening is warranted due to a short TC treatment regimen. If administrative barriers preclude comprehensive screening, the single-item Distress Thermometer may identify patients for further comprehensive screening.
Another Country: Cuban Communism and Black Self-Determination, 1932–1936
Authors: Wood Tony
Published: November 2022

Between 1932 and 1935, the Cuban Communist Party (PCC) argued that the majority-Black population of Oriente, the island's easternmost province, should be granted the right to national self-determination. While this policy has often been dismissed as a passing aberration, I argue that Black self-determination in fact left a lasting imprint both on the PCC and on the country's political landscape. I draw on research in Cuban and Russian archives to show that, far from being imposed on local Communists by the Comintern, the policy was most clearly formulated by Cubans, including leading members of African descent. I further show that it served as the focal point for the development of the PCC's antiracist stance, which by the end of the decade had made it a leading proponent of equality. Self-determination was integral to that transformation, which reshaped the party's composition and social basis for years to come.
Multiple Universes and Self-Locating Evidence
Authors: Isaacs Yoaav , Hawthorne John , Sanford Russell Jeffrey
Published: November 2022

Is the fact that our universe contains fine-tuned life evidence that we live in a multiverse? Ian Hacking and Roger White influentially argue that it is not. We approach this question through a systematic framework for self-locating epistemology. As it turns out, leading approaches to self-locating evidence agree that the fact that our own universe contains fine-tuned life indeed confirms the existence of a multiverse (at least in a suitably idealized setting). This convergence is no accident: we present two theorems showing that, in this setting, any updating rule that satisfies a few reasonable conditions will have the same feature. The conclusion that fine-tuned life provides evidence for a multiverse is hard to escape.
Hallucination and Its Objects
Authors: Byrne Alex , Manzotti Riccardo
Published: November 2022

When one visually hallucinates, the object of one’s hallucination is not before one’s eyes. On the standard view, that is because the object of hallucination does not exist, and so is not anywhere. Many different defenses of the standard view are on offer; each has problems. This article defends the view that there is always an object of hallucination—a physical object, sometimes with spatiotemporally scattered parts.
Opaque Infrastructure: Black Markets as Architectures of Care
Authors: Tayob Huda
Published: November 2022

Bellstat Junction and Sekko's Place are two markets in Cape Town established by migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. They are perhaps better understood as black markets existing within a lineage of global black urbanisms, past and future. These sites occupy a slippery legality, sited in the peripheral margins and shadows of the central city of Cape Town. They operate across grammars of transaction and care. An architectural reading of black markets enables a drawing out and stitching together of the constituents of these sites: of site and story, of domesticity and infrastructure, of publicness and transnational networks. Adopting the term black markets for these sites calls attention to the racialization of these spaces, and their emergence as sites of possibility, precarity, and care in the face of protracted crises.
In Passing: Some Notes on Urban Life
Authors: Khanolkar Prasad
Published: November 2022

The expansionist mode of neoliberal urbanization relies on a subtractive logic that renders lives, habitats, and rhythms along its path as both expendable and profitable. This essay uses the conceptual lens of “passages” to read how urban entities, those rendered “expendable,” seep back in through different urban passages and “play” the game of urbanization. These passages are not given, but constellated by drawing disparate urban entities into a relationship. In them, urban entities, although deemed expendable, are in medias res and incomplete; they are the mediums in which life takes form; and they have the “abilities” to take on many forms. The essay thus departs from the demographic and territorial notions of “what is urban,” to explore the urban as a constitutive medium composed of numerous passages. It asks, What is at play in them? What life forms in passing? And how might we conceive of Walter Benjamin's Passagen-Werk down South?
Perylene-Templated Hierarchically Porous Carbon Fibers as Efficient Supercapacitor Electrode Material
Authors: Perez-Calm Adria , Shrestha Lok Kumar , Magana Jose Rodrigo , Esquena Jordi , Salonen Laura M , Shrestha Rekha Goswami , Ma Renzhi , Ariga Katsuhiko , Rodriguez-Abreu Carlos
Published: November 2022

Nitrogen-doped nanoporous carbon fibers were prepared using chromonic perylene bisimide self-assemblies as templates. The method involves the formation of perylene-templated silica followed by carbonization and etching. This strategy does not require any additional carbon or nitrogen precursor and therefore omits the associated impregnation step. The obtained carbon fibers were tested as electrode materials for supercapacitor applications. Owing to the high surface area (695 m2 g−1) and well-developed porosity (pore volume ca. 0.67 cm3 g−1) with hierarchical micro- and mesopore structures, N-doping and high-wettability, amorphous carbon fibers show excellent electrical double-layer capacitance with faradaic pseudocapacitance performance in an aqueous electrolyte solution (1 M H2SO4). A working electrode prepared from the optimal sample achieved a high specific capacitance of 317 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1 with excellent capacitance retention of 80% at a high current density of 50 A g−1 suggesting a fast electrolyte ion diffusion at the electrode surface. The electrode also showed outstanding cycle stability of 99% after 10,000 successive charge-discharge cycles. These results show the high potential of chromonic-derived hierarchically porous carbon fibers as electrode materials for high-performance supercapacitors with advantages over electrospinning and catalytic fabrication methods, such as the absence of heavy metals and organic solvents in the preparation procedure.
What is the association between common medications (indomethacin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen) and spontaneous intestinal perforations in premature infants? A systematic review protocol
Authors: Hudson Jo-Anna , Shabbir Wardha , Chan Monica Lik Man , Hayawi Lamia , Barrowman Nicholas , Sikora Lindsey , Ferretti Emanuela
Published: November 2022

Background: Spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP) affects very low birth weight preterm neonates and accounts for 44% of gastrointestinal perforations. Commonly used medications such as indomethacin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen for PDA closure, increases the risk of intestinal perforation. Unfortunately, the majority of the data combine SIP with those affected by necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) despite them being separate entities. This systematic review aims to explore the association between the use of common medications and SIP in the premature infant cohort independently from NEC.

Methods: Our study will focus on preterm infants with exposure to either indomethacin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen where SIP is a reported outcome. A health science librarian will search Medline and Medline in Process via OVID, Embase Classic + Embase via OVID, the LILACS database, the ScIELO database and the Cochrane Library including EBM Reviews - Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Search dates for each database will be from their respective dates of inception to March 2022. All articles will undergo screening by two independent reviewers, and if selected, data extraction with risk of bias assessment by two independent reviewers. A third reviewer will settle any disagreements that may occur. Incidence of SIP will be measured as a proportion. Individual proportions will be pooled using a random effects logistic regression model. The comparative incidence of SIP by treatment group will be measured using the odds ratio. Odds ratios will be pooled using the DerSimonian and Laird random effects model for meta-analysis.

PROSPERO Registration: CRD42017058603
Role of RAS signaling in ovarian cancer
Authors: Therachiyil Lubna , Anand Anjana , Azmi Abdullah , Bhat Ajaz , Korashy Hesham M. , Uddin Shahab
Published: November 2022

The RAS family of proteins is among the most frequently mutated genes in human malignancies. In ovarian cancer (OC), the most lethal gynecological malignancy,RAS, especiallyKRASmutational status at codons 12, 13, and 61, ranges from 6–65% spanning different histo-types. Normally RAS regulates several signaling pathways involved in a myriad of cellular signaling cascades mediating numerous cellular processes like cell proliferation, differentiation, invasion, and death. Aberrant activation of RAS leads to uncontrolled induction of several downstream signaling pathways such as RAF-1/MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase), PI3K phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K)/AKT, RalGEFs, Rac/Rho, BRAF (v-Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B), MEK1 (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1), ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase), PKB (protein kinase B) and PKC (protein kinase C) involved in cell proliferation as well as maintenance pathways thereby driving tumorigenesis and cancer cell propagation.KRASmutation is also known to be a biomarker for poor outcome and chemoresistance in OC. As a malignancy with several histotypes showing varying histopathological characteristics, we focus on reviewing recent literature showcasing the involvement of oncogenicRASin mediating carcinogenesis and chemoresistance in OC and its subtypes.
The number of neutral mutants in an expanding Luria-Delbrück population is approximately Fréchet
Authors: Frank Steven A.
Published: November 2022

Background: A growing population of cells accumulates mutations. A single mutation early in the growth process carries forward to all descendant cells, causing the final population to have a lot of mutant cells. When the first mutation happens later in growth, the final population typically has fewer mutants. The number of mutant cells in the final population follows the Luria-Delbrück distribution. The mathematical form of the distribution is known only from its probability generating function. For larger populations of cells, one typically uses computer simulations to estimate the distribution.

Methods: This article searches for a simple approximation of the Luria-Delbrück distribution, with an explicit mathematical form that can be used easily in calculations.

Results: The Fréchet distribution provides a good approximation for the Luria-Delbrück distribution for neutral mutations, which do not cause a growth rate change relative to the original cells.

Conclusions: The Fréchet distribution apparently provides a good match through its description of extreme value problems for multiplicative processes such as exponential growth.
How can healthcare services support LGBTQ+ patients with prostate cancer?
Authors: Wardell Dave
Published: November 2022

As one of the coordinators of a peer support group for LGBTQ+ people and their partners who have been affected by prostate cancer, Dave Wardell discusses measures that could be implemented to help clinicians better understand and support this group.
Research on Intelligent Fault Diagnosis of Wind Power Generation System Based on Data Fusion
Authors: Tan YuHang , Liang KangYou , Zhang ZhenTao
Published: November 2022

With the consume of traditional petrifaction energy origin such as coal, matelote and physical gas and the increasingly serious question of entire warming, the penetration ratio of wind power in the energy economy continues to enhance. Wind farms are generally built-in areas with strong winds, tough working environments and a high probability of equipment failure. Faults on large grid-connected wind turbines will seriously influence the safety and stability of conventional strength grids. In addition, unplanned maintenance after a breakdown of wind turbines needs a lot of manpower and corporeal resources, which greatly decrease the efficiency of wind strength production and enhance production costs. Therefore, the key to solving the above problems is to quickly and efficiently identify fan faults, which in turn enables accurate troubleshooting. In the article, the malfunction diagnosis of intelligent wind power system based on data fusion is discussed, and it is found that the GBoost algorithm has high accuracy in detecting sensor gain error, sensor offset error and sensor standard error when the Gaussian white-to-noise ratio exceeds 45 dB. In addition, DBN has different diagnostic effects for different faults with different Gaussian noises, at 45 dB and 35 dB, each type of error varies slightly, and the dotted line varies; at 25 dB, each type of error has a large difference. The difference is large, indicating that at 25 dB, this type of error is more sensitive; comparing the state estimation effect makes DLSTM have good adaptability to time series, and also shows that DLSTM considers the system to be reliable enough, and can be obtained by data fusion of the parameters of each system. What is the state of its system, and then take corresponding measures.
Construction of Power Supply Stability Control Model for Wind Connected Power Grid
Authors: Xue Xiao , Zheng Yangbing , Lu Chao
Published: November 2022

There are many problems in the power supply stability control of wind power generation system, such as large fluctuations, poor control effect and so on. Therefore, a new stability control model of wind power grid connected is designed. Determine the DC grid connection mode when the wind farm is connected, convert the DC power into AC power through the converter station, and transmit it to the final AC system to realize the grid connection of wind power and power grid; According to the determined wind power access mode, calculate the mechanical operation power, mechanical torque and wind energy utilization coefficient collected by the wind turbine, complete the best collection of wind energy, and determine the shafting according to the mass block model of the wind turbine and generator, so as to realize the research on the mathematical model of wind power generation. By analyzing the power flow direction of the stator and rotor of the wind turbine generator set, the unstable state of the power supply voltage of the wind turbine generator set after grid connection is determined. The PV curve method is used to calculate the steady-state voltage stability of grid connected wind turbines, and a power supply stability control model based on the voltage stability of grid connected wind turbines is established. The nonlinear objective function method is used to optimize the critical point of power supply stability, calculate the maximum load and maximum power of the system, establish the static power supply and transient power supply stability model after wind power grid connection, and realize the power supply stability control research of grid connected wind power through the analysis of power supply characteristics. The experimental results show that the model is closer to the stability of the actual power supply in the test of improving the stability of the power supply, ensuring the quality of power supply, while the test results of the other two methods have large fluctuations. In the analysis of the change of power supply after grid connection, the experimental results obtained by the model are very close to the actual data values. Therefore, this method can effectively improve the performance of power system.
That Sinking Feeling
Authors: Tal-Alon Noa , Almog Nitsan , Tenne Rinde Michal
Published: November 2022

This study examined the experiences of people with disabilities in general hospitals. Specifically, we identified and analysed the barriers and difficulties that people with disabilities face while hospitalised. Using qualitative methods, our findings were based on a combination of in-depth interviews and a focus group with twenty inpatients in total. Three major barriers to proper care arose from the transcripts: inaccessibility, practitioners’ lack of medical knowledge, and negative stereotypes. While some of the findings reinforce existing knowledge about barriers faced by people with disabilities, some address barriers that have not yet been investigated with qualitative instruments, such as lack of specific medical knowledge. In addition, the findings suggest the need to refer separately to physical and service accessibility, the latter including human service and communication. Practical recommendations include the need to upgrade healthcare accessibility regulations and ways to help people with disabilities receive equal health services during hospitalisation.
Salud sexual y reproductiva en mujeres migrantes latinoamericanas: una revisión narrativa
Authors: Leal-Jofré Emilia , Alonso-Karle Maite , Espinoza-Fabri Florencia , Latorre-Funke Javiera , Reyes-Valderrama Josefa , Vejar-Arenas Julia , González-Garate Paola , González-Nahuelquin Cibeles
Published: November 2022

Objetivo. Identificar las acciones y experiencias de salud sexual y reproductiva (SSR) de mujeres migrantes latinoamericanas en la atención primaria de salud. Método. Se realiza revisión narrativa con búsqueda en las bases de datos Dialnet, Pubmed, CUIDEN, Redalyc, Scielo y BVS. Las palabras claves utilizadas fueron «Mujeres», «Migrantes», «Atención Primaria de Salud», «Salud Reproductiva» y «Salud Sexual», con los operadores boleanos «AND» y «OR». Se incluyen estudios que refieren la atención de mujeres migrantes latinoamericanas en el contexto de salud sexual y reproductiva, excluyendo estudios enfocados a la población pediátrica, adulto mayor y masculina. Resultados. Se incluyeron un total de 16 artículos. Del análisis se desprendieron cuatro categorías: acceso a la atención de salud; estrategias de salud pública en salud sexual y reproductiva; experiencias en salud sexual y reproductiva; percepciones de salud. Conclusiones. La salud sexual y reproductiva de las mujeres migrantes se encuentra influenciada por diversas variables, entre los que destacan factores socioculturales y factores asociados al acceso en atención de salud. Se observa un déficit de información sobre la salud sexual y reproductiva, por lo que existe el desafío de aumentar las investigaciones en este ámbito con tal de generar políticas y protocolos de cuidado que permitan mejorar y adaptar la atención en salud sexual y reproductiva.
Digital infrared chromatic aberration correction algorithm for a membrane diffractive lens based on coherent imaging
Authors: Wu Jiang , Li Daojing , Cui Anjing , Gao Jinghan , Zhou Kai , Liu Bo
Published: November 2022

Aiming at the wide-spectrum chromatic aberration problem of membrane diffractive
lenses, the concept of the digital chromatic aberration correction
infrared imaging system was proposed. The principle of digital
chromatic aberration correction was given, and the chromatic
aberration correction of this system was completed on a computer,
which is based on a wavelength-tunable laser local oscillator coherent
detection detector. Compared with the chromatic aberration correction
method for traditional lenses, this membrane diffractive optical
system exhibited characteristics of small size, low weight, and low
complexity. The digital chromatic aberration correction application
conditions of this membrane diffractive optical system were analyzed.
In addition, the main parameters and imaging simulation results were
given. The center wavelength of this membrane diffractive optical
system is 1.55 µm, and its spectral range is
1.50–1.60 µm. The application of autocorrelation processing to
infrared complex images after digital chromatic aberration correction
followed by incoherent accumulation of the received corrected complex
images based on multiple stepping wavelengths could significantly
improve the imaging signal-to-noise ratio.
Magnification and quality improvement for an optical cylindrical holographic display
Authors: Wang Jun , Guo Zicheng , Wu Yang
Published: November 2022

Cylindrical holograms have been widely studied for their 360° display properties and have remained in the theoretical stage for a long time because of the difficulty to manufacture cylindrical spatial light modulators (SLMs). Recently, an optical realization of cylindrical holography using a planar SLM that converts planar holography into cylindrical holography through a conical mirror has been proposed. However, the magnification and quality improvement of the reconstruction have remained issues from the original method that still must be addressed. In this paper, a Fourier hologram optimization with stochastic gradient descent (FHO-SGD) is proposed for the magnification and quality improvement of an optical cylindrical holographic display. The reconstructed object is magnified 2.9 times by a lens with a focal length of 300 mm due to the optical properties of Fourier holograms. In addition, the quality of the reconstructed objects is significantly improved. Numerical simulation and optical experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed FHO-SGD method in the magnification and quality improvement of an optical cylindrical holographic display.
Biomass measurements of single neurites in vitro using optical wavefront microscopy
Authors: Durdevic Ljiljana , Relaño Ginés Aroa , Roueff Antoine , Blivet Guillaume , Baffou Guillaume
Published: November 2022

Quantitative phase microscopies (QPMs) enable label-free, non-invasive observation of living cells in culture, for arbitrarily long periods of time. One of the main benefits of QPMs compared with fluorescence microscopy is the possibility to measure the dry mass of individual cells or organelles. While QPM dry mass measurements on neural cells have been reported this last decade, dry mass measurements on their neurites has been very little addressed. Because neurites are tenuous objects, they are difficult to precisely characterize and segment using most QPMs. In this article, we use cross-grating wavefront microscopy (CGM), a high-resolution wavefront imaging technique, to measure the dry mass of individual neurites of primary neurons in vitro. CGM is based on the simple association of a cross-grating positioned in front of a camera, and can detect wavefront distortions smaller than a hydrogen atom (∼0.1 nm). In this article, an algorithm for dry-mass measurement of neurites from CGM images is detailed and provided. With objects as small as neurites, we highlight the importance of dealing with the diffraction rings for proper image segmentation and accurate biomass measurements. The high precision of the measurements we obtain using CGM and this semi-manual algorithm enabled us to detect periodic oscillations of neurites never observed before, demonstrating the sufficient degree of accuracy of CGM to capture the cell dynamics at the single neurite level, with a typical precision of 2%, i.e., 0.08 pg in most cases, down to a few fg for the smallest objects.
OCT based four-dimensional cardiac imaging of a living chick embryo using an impedance signal as a gating for post-acquisition synchronization
Authors: Ma Yushu , Li Chuanxi , Jiang Huiwen , Zhao Yuqian , Liu Jian , Yu Yao , Wang Yi , Shi Wenbo , Ma Zhenhe
Published: November 2022

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging modality with high spatial resolution suitable for early embryonic heart imaging. However, the most commonly used OCT systems cannot provide direct 4-D imaging due to acquisition speed limitations. We proposed a retrospective gating 4-D reconstruction method based on spectral domain OCT. A special circuit was designed to measure the impedance change of chick embryos in response to the heart beating. The impedance signal was acquired simultaneously with the OCT B-scan image sequence at several different locations along the heart. The impedance signal was used as a gating for 4-D reconstruction. The reconstruction algorithm includes cardiac period calculation, interpolation from multi-cardiac cycle image sequence into one cardiac cycle, and cardiac phase synchronization among the different locations of the heart. The synchronism of the impedance signal change with the heartbeat was verified. Using the proposed method, we reconstructed the cardiac outflow tract (OFT) of chick embryos at an early stage of development (Hamburger–Hamilton stage 18). We showed that the reconstructed 4-D images correctly captured the dynamics of the OFT wall motion.
The ZnO-based TCO with low resistivity and high carrier concentration prepared by femtosecond laser
Authors: Liu Yaoyao , Wu Qiang , Yao Jianghong , Xu Jingjun
Published: November 2022

ZnO-based TCO with a resistivity of 1.93×10-4 Ω cm was achieved by femtosecond laser processing without elements doping. Besides, the carrier density increased by five orders of magnitude compared to the pristine one.
Identities of women who have an autoimmune rheumatic disease [ARD] during pregnancy planning, pregnancy and early parenting: A qualitative study
Authors: Williams Denitza , Pell Bethan , Grant Aimee , Sanders Julia , Taylor Ann , Edwards Adrian , Choy Ernest , Phillips Rhiannon
Published: November 2022

Objective

Women of reproductive age who have autoimmune rheumatic diseases [ARDs] have expressed a need to be better supported with making decisions about pregnancy. Women with ARDs want their motherhood identities and associated preferences to be taken into account in decisions about their healthcare. The aim of this study was to explore the interplay between illness and motherhood identities of women with ARDs during preconception decision making.

Methods

Timeline-facilitated qualitative interviews with women diagnosed with an ARD [18–49 years old]. Participants were purposively sampled based on the following three criteria: thinking about getting pregnant, currently pregnant, or had young children. Interviews were thematically analysed.

Results

Twenty-two women were interviewed face-to-face [N = 6] or over the telephone [N = 16]. Interview length ranged from 20 minutes to 70 minutes, with a mean length of 48 minutes. Three main themes were identified: prioritisation, discrepancy, and trade-off. Difficulties in balancing multiple identities in healthcare encounters were reported. Women used ‘self-guides’ as a reference for priority setting in a dynamic process that shifted as their level of disease activity altered and as their motherhood identity became more or less of a focus at a given point in time. Women’s illness and motherhood identities did not present in isolation but were intertwined.

Conclusions

Findings highlight the need for holistic person-centred care that supports women with the complex and emotive decisions relating to preconception decision-making. In practice, health professionals need to consider women’s multiple and sometimes conflicting identities, and include both their condition and family associated goals and values within healthcare communication.
The proportion and determinants of COVID-19 infection among medical doctors in Sudan, 2020: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Kabbashi Maan , Khairy Amna , Mohamed Amal , Abuobaida Duha , Malik Elfatih
Published: November 2022

Globally, frontline health care providers are among the most affected population group by the COVID-19 pandemic. Knowing the factors contributing to the transmission of COVID-19 infection among frontline health care providers is essential for implementing tailored control measures and protecting this vital population group. This study aimed to estimate the proportion and to identify factors associated with COVID-19 infection among medical doctors in Sudan. A web-based survey was used to collect data from medical doctors who were working in Sudan during the study period. Data were analyzed using SPSS® version 25; Descriptive analysis in terms of means (SD) for continuous variables, frequencies, and percentages with 95% CI for the categorical variable was conducted. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression for associations between the outcome variables (risk of exposure to COVID-19 infection and ever tested positive for COVID-19 infection) and independent variables (socio-demographic and infection control standards) were also performed. Out of 352 valid responses, 13.6% had tested positive for COVID-19 infection at least once during the pandemic. More than one-third have identified colleagues as the main sources of infection compared to 21% of patients (p-value < 0.04). Doctors who received training on COVID-19 were 60% less likely to have positive tests for COVID-19 (p-value <0.03), while lack of PPE and hand hygiene utilities had no statistically significant associations with testing positive for COVID-19 infection. In conclusion, a significant proportion of doctors have contracted COVID-19 infection from their colleagues. This calls for restricting infection control practices at hospitals, doctor’s doormats, and any other shared places that allow day-to-day interaction between doctors and their colleagues. Also, urgent need for training doctors on COVID-19 infection control practices as it has been identified as the key protective factor.
Mesenchymal stromal cell therapy compared to SGLT2-inhibitors and usual care in treating diabetic kidney disease: A cost-effectiveness analysis
Authors: Barry Luke E. , Crealey Grainne E. , Cockwell Paul , Elliman Stephen J. , Griffin Matthew D. , Maxwell Alexander P. , O’Brien Timothy , Perico Norberto , O’Neill Ciaran
Published: November 2022

Background and objectives

To simulate the cost-effectiveness of Mesenchymal Stromal Cell (MSC) therapy compared to sodium/glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) or usual care (UC) in treating patients with Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD).

Design, setting, participants, and measurements

This Markov-chain Monte Carlo model adopted a societal perspective and simulated 10,000 patients with DKD eligible for MSC therapy alongside UC using a lifetime horizon. This cohort was compared with an SGLT2i alongside UC arm and a UC only arm. Model input data were extracted from the literature. A threshold of $47,000 per quality-adjusted life year and a discount rate of 3% were used. The primary outcome measure was incremental net monetary benefit (INMB). Sensitivity analysis was conducted to examine: parameter uncertainty; threshold effects regarding MSC effectiveness and cost; and INMB according to patient age (71 vs 40 years), sex, and jurisdiction (UK, Italy and Ireland).

Results

While MSC was more cost-effective than UC, both the UC and MSC arms were dominated by SLGT2i. Relative to SGLT2i, the INMB’s for MSC and UC were -$4,158 and -$10,085 respectively indicating that SGLT2i, MSC and UC had a 64%, 34% and 1% probability of being cost-effective at the given threshold, respectively. This pattern was consistent across most scenarios; driven by the relatively low cost of SGLT2i and demonstrated class-effect in delaying kidney failure and all-cause mortality. When examining younger patients at baseline, SGLT2i was still the most cost-effective but MSC performed better against UC given the increased lifetime benefit from delaying progression to ESRD.

Conclusions

The evidence base regarding the effectiveness of MSC therapy continues to evolve. The potential for these therapies to reverse kidney damage would see large improvements in their cost-effectiveness as would targeting such therapies at younger patients and/or those for whom SGLT2i is contra-indicated.
Impact of body and orofacial appearance on life satisfaction among Brazilian adults
Authors: Campos Lucas Arrais , Campos Juliana Alvares Duarte Bonini , Silva Wanderson Roberto da , Peltomäki Timo , Pinto Ary dos Santos , Marôco João
Published: November 2022

Aims

1. to elaborate a general model of physical appearance taking into account body image (BI) and orofacial appearance (OA) components; and 2. to evaluate the impact of BI and OA on life satisfaction among Brazilian adults.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional observational study. The cognitive, behavioral, affective, and satisfaction/dissatisfaction aspects of BI, the satisfaction and psychosocial impact of OA, and life satisfaction were evaluated by self-reported psychometric scales. Principal Component Analysis and Parallel Analysis were performed. Structural equation models were elaborated to estimate the impact of BI and OA on life satisfaction. The fit of the models was verified and the significance of the path estimates (β) was evaluated using z-tests (α = 5%).

Results

A total of 1,940 individuals participated in the study (age: mean = 24.8, standard deviation = 5.7 years; females = 70.1%). In the male sample, three physical appearance factors were retained (OA, cognitive and behavioral components of BI, and affective and satisfaction/dissatisfaction components of BI). In the female sample, two factors were retained (OA and all components of BI). All factors had significant impact on life satisfaction (β = |0.26|-|0.48|, p<0.001) in both samples. Individuals dissatisfied with BI and OA had lower levels of life satisfaction. For men, the affective and satisfaction components of BI had a greater impact on life satisfaction (β = 0.48, p<0.001) than the other factors (β =] -0.30;-0.25[, p<0.001). For women, both BI and OA had a similar impact (BI: β = -0.30, p<0.001; OA: β = -0.32, p<0.001).

Conclusion

BI and OA formed distinct clusters in the physical appearance evaluation. Physical appearance was perceived differently by men and women, fostering discussion about the sociocultural construction of the body. BI and OA had a significant impact on life satisfaction and should be considered in assessment and treatment protocols.
Protecting mental health of young adults in COVID-19 pandemic: Roles of different structural and functional social supports
Authors: Doan Linh Phuong , Nguyen Long Hoang , Do Ha Ngoc , Nguyen Tham Thi , Vu Linh Gia , Do Huyen Phuc , Vu Thuc Minh Thi , Latkin Carl A. , Ho Cyrus S. H. , Ho Roger C. M.
Published: November 2022

Background

Concerning rates of psychological disorders are increasingly recognized in young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to examine the associations of different structural and functional social supports on depression, anxiety, and stress among young adults in Vietnam.

Methods

An online cross-sectional study was performed on 236 respondents aged 16 to 30 years in Vietnam from June to July 2020. The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale—21 Items (DASS-21); the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the LUBBEN Social Network Scale (LSNS-6) was used to measure psychological health, functional and structural social support characteristics. Multi-level mixed-effect logistic regression was used to identify associations between social support and anxiety, depression, and stress.

Results

The rate of at least mild depression, anxiety, and stress were 30.1%, 34.8%, and 35.6%, respectively. Structural supports measured by LSNS-6 were not associated with the likelihood of having depression, anxiety, and stress (p>0.05). Respondents having friends with whom they could share joys and sorrows were less likely to have anxiety (aOR = 0.61, 95%CI = 0.41–0.90) and stress (aOR = 0.66, 95%CI = 0.45–0.96). Having family support in decision-making was also negatively associated with depression, anxiety, and stress. Meanwhile, those having family and friends who tried to help them were more likely to suffer stress (aOR = 1.94, 95%CI = 1.16–3.24) and depression (aOR = 2.09; 95%CI = 1.11–3.92), respectively.

Conclusion

This study highlighted a high rate of psychological problems among young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam. Emotional support from friends and advice support from family were important components that should be considered in further interventions to mitigate the psychological problems in young adults.