bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A perspective on welding technology challenges in the nuclear sector
Authors: Francis J. A.
Published: March 2022

This article describes three areas that, in the opinion of the author, should be priorities for development in the nuclear sector. The application of electron-beam (or laser in vacuo) welding to pressure vessel fabrication, the optimisation of filler metal compositions for multipass steel welds, and the pre-fabrication of dissimilar metal transition pieces are each highlighted and discussed. While conceived with the nuclear sector in mind, these priority areas are relevant more generally to the welding of pressure vessels, piping, and similar structures. The intention is to stimulate ideas, to provoke debate, and to encourage the welding community to rise to the challenges that must be overcome as we transition to a low-carbon future.
Investigation of the microstructure and tribological properties of CNTs/Ni composites prepared by electrodeposition
Authors: Yang Ping , Wang Ning , Zhang Jian , Lei Yun , Shu Baipo
Published: March 2022

Here, numerous oxygen-containing functional groups were grafted onto the surface of CNTs to improve their dispersibility in an electrolyte. The CNTs were characterized by FT-IR, Raman, XPS, FE-SEM, and TEM. The results revealed that the dispersibility of the functionalized CNTs in the composites was better than unfunctionalized CNTs. CNTs/Ni composites were deposited on a copper plate by pulsed electrodeposition and ultrasonic dispersion using an electrolytic bath with CNTs concentrations from 0 to 2 g l−1. The friction and wear behavior of the composite coatings were assessed using two different methods. In the first method, the coatings were scratched with a progressively higher load from 0–100 N, and the results demonstrate a 10 percent reduction in the coefficient of friction (COF) of the composite compared to pure nickel. The other method involved applying a constant load of 30 N, the COF and microscopic wear mechanism were investigated at different carbon nanotube contents, and the results confirmed that the COF of the composites was gradually reduced with the increase of carbon nanotube mass concentration, and the COF was only 0.343 when the carbon nanotube content was increased to 2 g l−1. According to the XRD results, increasing the CNTs contents changed the preferred growth orientation. Moreover, the FE-SEM images of the wear surface of the 1 g l−1 CNTs/Ni sample indicated that it had the best wear resistance and showed the smoothest wear trace without apparent cracks. The addition of CNTs enhanced the wear resistance of the nickel matrix due to the superior mechanical strength and lubricating effect of the CNTs. CNTs exposed to the matrix surface reduced the direct contact between the Ni matrix and the friction pair, acted as lubricants, and reduced the wear rate.
Triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) porous structures: from multi-scale design, precise additive manufacturing to multidisciplinary applications
Authors: Feng Jiawei , Fu Jianzhong , Yao Xinhua , He Yong
Published: March 2022

Inspired by natural porous architectures, numerous attempts have been made to generate porous structures. Owing to the smooth surfaces, highly interconnected porous architectures, and mathematical controllable geometry features, triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) is emerging as an outstanding solution to constructing porous structures in recent years. However, many advantages of TPMS are not fully utilized in current research. Critical problems of the process from design, manufacturing to applications need further systematic and integrated discussions. In this work, a comprehensive overview of TPMS porous structures is provided. In order to generate the digital models of TPMS, the geometry design algorithms and performance control strategies are introduced according to diverse requirements. Based on that, precise additive manufacturing methods are summarized for fabricating physical TPMS products. Furthermore, actual multidisciplinary applications are presented to clarify the advantages and further potential of TPMS porous structures. Eventually, the existing problems and further research outlooks are discussed.
Spectral radius inequalities for operator matrices with commuting entries
Authors: Kittaneh Fuad
Published: March 2022

We prove a spectral radius inequality for operator matrices with commuting entries. Applications of this inequality to the polynomial eigenvalue problem are also given.
𝜏-tilting theory in abelian categories
Authors: Liu Yu , Zhou Panyue
Published: March 2022

Let

A

\mathcal {A}

be a Hom-finite abelian category with enough projectives. In this note, we show that any covariantly finite

τ
\tau

-rigid subcategory is contained in a support

τ
\tau

-tilting subcategory. We also show that support

τ
\tau

-tilting subcategories are in bijection with certain finitely generated torsion classes. Some applications of our main results are also given.
On the non-existence of isochronous tangential centers in Filippov vector fields
Authors: Novaes Douglas , Silva Leandro
Published: March 2022

The isochronicity problem is a classical problem in the qualitative theory of planar vector fields which consists in characterizing whether a center is isochronous or not, that is, if all the trajectories in a neighborhood of the center have the same period. This problem is usually investigated by means of the so-called period function. In this paper, we are interested in exploring the isochronicity problem for tangential centers of planar Filippov vector fields. By computing the period function for planar Filippov vector fields around tangential centers, we show that such centers are never isochronous.
A non-Hausdorff space of CR equivalence classes
Authors: Jacobowitz Howard
Published: March 2022

Examples show that in three dimensions the natural topology on the space of equivalence classes of CR structures need not be Hausdorff. However, the space of equivalence classes of compact aspherical CR structures is Hausdorff. Thus the non-Hausdorff property is due to spherical or Levi-flat points.
Bounded weak solutions to the thin film Muskat problem via an infinite family of Liapunov functionals
Authors: Laurençot Philippe , Matioc Bogdan-Vasile
Published: March 2022

A countably infinite family of Liapunov functionals is constructed for the thin film Muskat problem, which is a second-order degenerate parabolic system featuring cross-diffusion. More precisely, for each

n
≥
2

n\geq 2

we construct an homogeneous polynomial of degree

n
n

, which is convex on

[
0
,
∞

)
2

[0,\infty )^2

, with the property that its integral is a Liapunov functional for the problem. Existence of global bounded non-negative weak solutions is then shown in one space dimension.
Critical Darlings, Critical Dogs: Joseph O’Neill and What Contemporary Criticism Doesn’t Want
Authors: Wasserman Sarah
Published: March 2022

This essay argues that the drive within literary studies to name new paradigms obscures key historical continuities in contemporary fiction. To explore this problem, I turn to Joseph O’Neill’s The Dog (2014), a novel mostly panned or ignored by critics. The Dog courts its status as an outcast by confounding readers’ expectations of novelty. It refuses to showcase supposed aesthetic progress made in the wake of postmodernism. It also forces readers to revisit the Reagan-Thatcher years, bearing us backward on an economic tide when we hoped that culture, technology, and literature might be hurtling us forward. O’Neill’s satire bites heralds of experimental fiction by challenging the belief that new novelistic techniques could alter neoliberal market societies. The Dog attends to new forms of global transit and digital media, but insists that its own aesthetic horizons are still shaped by economic formations and literary forms that coalesced during the 1980s. Its failure to gain academic adherents reveals two underlying urges on the part of the critical establishment: the urge to transcend the stale horizons of the postmodern through novel periodization and the urge to exit the neoliberal order through art.
Intraoperative robotic-assisted low anterior rectal resection performance assessment using procedure-specific binary metrics and a global rating scale
Authors: Gómez Ruiz Marcos , Tou Samson , Gallagher Anthony G. , Cagigas Fernández Carmen , Cristobal Poch Lidia , Matzel Klaus E.
Published: March 2022

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the use of binary metric-based (proficiency-based progression; PBP) performance assessments and global evaluative assessment of robotic skills (GEARS) of a robotic-assisted low anterior rectal resection (RA-LAR) procedure.

Method

A prospective study of video analysis of RA-LAR procedures was carried out using the PBP metrics with binary parameters previously developed, and GEARS. Recordings were collected from five novice surgeons (≤30 RA-LAR previously performed) and seven experienced surgeons (>30 RA-LAR previously performed). Two consultant colorectal surgeons were trained to be assessors in the use of PBP binary parameters to evaluate the procedure phases, surgical steps, errors, and critical errors in male and female patients and GEARS scores. Novice and experienced surgeons were categorized and assessed using PBP metrics and GEARS; mean scores obtained were compared for statistical purpose. Also, the inter-rater reliability (IRR) of these assessment tools was evaluated.

Results

Twenty unedited recordings of RA-LAR procedures were blindly assessed. Overall, using PBP metric-based assessment, a subgroup of experienced surgeons made more errors (20 versus 16, P = 0.158) and critical errors (9.2 versus 7.8, P = 0.417) than the novice group, although not significantly. However, during the critical phase of RA-LAR, experienced surgeons made significantly fewer errors than the novice group (95% CI of the difference, Lower = 0.104 – Upper = 5.155, df = 11.9, t = 2.23, p = 0.042), and a similar pattern was observed for critical errors. The PBP metric and GEARS assessment tools distinguished between the objectively assessed performance of experienced and novice colorectal surgeons performing RA-LAR (total error scores with PBP metrics, P = 0.019–0.008; GEARS scores, P = 0.029–0.025). GEARS demonstrated poor IRR (mean IRR 0.49) and weaker discrimination between groups (15–41 per cent difference). PBP binary metrics demonstrated good IRR (mean 0.94) and robust discrimination particularly for total error scores (58–64 per cent).

Conclusions

PBP binary metrics seem to be useful for metric-based training for surgeons learning RA-LAR procedures.
Control of fibrosis and hypertrophic scar formation via glycolysis regulation with IR780
Authors: Meng Xinxian , Yu Zhixi , Xu Wanyu , Chai Jun , Fang Shuo , Min Peiru , Chen Yunsheng , Zhang Yixin , Zhang Zheng
Published: March 2022

Background

Hypertrophic scars (HS) represent one of the most common clinical challenges due to unsatisfactory therapeutic results. HS formation is associated with the abnormal activation of fibroblasts and their excessive fibrotic behavior. Glycolysis dysregulation has been shown to participate in the incidence and progression of various fibrotic diseases and shows potential as a means of controlling HS formation. This work aimed to discuss the impact of augmented glycolysis on HS and to propose a method for controlling HS formation through glycolysis regulation.

Methods

Here, augmented glycolysis was confirmed together with enhanced fibrotic activity in both HS fibroblasts (HFs) and HS tissues, and the suppression of glycolysis also attenuated fibroblast activation. We also introduced IR780, a heptamethine cyanine dye, to regulate glycolysis for the control of HS formation.

Results

In vitro, cell studies indicated that IR780 significantly down-regulated glycolysis and suppressed the fibrotic activity of HFs. In vivo, the intralesional injection of IR780 into rabbit HS models led to the downregulation of glycolysis and the control of HS formation. Furthermore, IR780 accumulated preferentially in activated fibroblasts in both in vitro and in vivo studies, and thus specifically downregulated glycolysis and efficiently controlled fibrosis by targeting activated fibroblasts.

Conclusions

This work identified a strategy for controlling fibrosis and HS formation from the perspective of glycolysis regulation with IR780 targeting of activated fibroblasts.
A certain idea of ‘Le Sport français’: the monument Frantz Reichel and the contest for the soul of French sport
Authors: Levett Geoffrey
Published: March 2022

The French sportsman Frantz Reichel (1871–1932) was the leading sporting intellectual in France in the early twentieth century. His thought had a lasting effect on public policy beyond his sudden death in 1932. An Olympic athlete, he was the strongest advocate of the ideology of amateurism between the wars. Using his position as sports editor of Le Figaro and as the head of the Comité Olympique Français, he defended his ideology against attacks from socialist critics as well as those on the extreme right who advocated professionalism in team sports. The monument erected to him in the west of Paris acted as a symbolic place of ritual for those who supported the ideology of amateurism and a return to what they considered to be the traditional values of France. Despite the monument’s partial destruction in 1941, Reichel’s ideas had a direct influence on the Vichy regime’s sporting révolution nationale.
The Challenges in Balancing National Interests and Global Responsibilities in South Korea’s Refugee Policy
Authors: Schattle Hans , Seo Yeojin
Published: March 2022

This study offers a critical analysis of refugee policy in the Republic of Korea (South Korea) since the national government in 2013 enacted a law intended to improve its treatment of refugees and asylum seekers and align itself more closely with the principles of the 1951 Refugee Convention. The article begins by focusing on a major controversy that arose in 2018, following the arrival of more than 500 asylum seekers from Yemen, an episode that revealed how considerable public antipathy toward refugees presents a social and cultural problem for South Korea as it charts a course for improvement of its treatment of refugees. The analysis then turns to numerous problems at the nexus of law and society that continue to plague the refugee status determination process and, in many instances, to deny basic rights to a rapidly growing number of asylum seekers in South Korea. The article concludes by showing how, despite these problems, South Korea is better positioned than many of the world’s more affluent constitutional democracies to harmonize its national interests with its responsibilities to make a meaningful contribution to ongoing global efforts to protect and accommodate refugees.
Colonic intussusception masquerading as diverticulitis: a case report of a 31 year old diagnosed with colorectal carcinoma after multiple presentations to the ED for episodes of acute diverticulitis
Authors: McNamara Molly A , Ceron y Ceron Maria , Merrill Andrea L , Husain Syed G
Published: March 2022

Colonic intussusception is a rare occurrence in adults, with few reported cases in the literature. Patients often present with nonspecific and vague symptoms leading to diagnostic challenges and delayed treatment. Given the high incidence of underlying malignancy associated with cases of adult intussusception, it is important for clinicians to be able to recognize and coordinate appropriate follow-up. A 31-year-old female presented to the emergency department four times over a month with left lower quadrant abdominal pain. Multiple computed tomography scans showed inflammation and diverticulitis of the mid-descending colon along with a short segment of colonic intussusception. A colonoscopy was performed due to concern for malignancy. A partially obstructing mass was found in the descending colon that could not be traversed. Biopsies revealed necrosis and no evidence of malignancy. However, given high suspicion for malignancy, the patient underwent a laparoscopic left colectomy, which revealed a pT3N1b colon adenocarcinoma.
Emerging analytical methods to characterize zeolite-based materials
Authors: van Vreeswijk Sophie H , Weckhuysen Bert M
Published: March 2022

Zeolites and zeolitic materials are, through their use in numerous conventional and sustainable applications, very important to our daily lives, including to foster the necessary transition to a more circular society. The characterization of zeolite-based materials has a tremendous history and a great number of applications and properties of these materials have been discovered in the past decades. This review focuses on recently developed novel as well as more conventional techniques applied with the aim of better understanding zeolite-based materials. Recently explored analytical methods, e.g. atom probe tomography, scanning transmission X-ray microscopy, confocal fluorescence microscopy and photo-induced force microscopy, are discussed on their important contributions to the better understanding of zeolites as they mainly focus on the micro- to nanoscale chemical imaging and the revelation of structure–composition–performance relationships. Some other techniques have a long and established history, e.g. nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared, neutron scattering, electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques, and have gone through increasing developments allowing the techniques to discover new and important features in zeolite-based materials. Additional to the increasing application of these methods, multiple techniques are nowadays used to study zeolites under working conditions (i.e. the in situ/operando mode of analysis) providing new insights in reaction and deactivation mechanisms.
Eradicating female genital cutting: implications from political efforts in Burkina Faso
Authors: Kudo Yuya
Published: March 2022

Applying a difference-in-differences approach to the historical ethnic homelands partitioned between Burkina Faso and Mali, I find that Burkina Faso’s political efforts to eradicate female genital cutting have reduced this practice overall and its moderate forms in particular, though the effect was weaker when it was performed by traditional cutters or on younger girls. The overall decline was smaller near the national border prone to fatal violence in its neighboring countries, which conversely suggests that the absence of internal conflict in Burkina Faso might have increased the credibility of the government’s political commitment. The overall decline, though only suggestive, might also have resulted from changes in people’s preference. Consistently, at present, Burkinabé people belonging to all birth cohorts have a much stronger aversion to this practice, in spite of the remarkable similarity in cutting rates between the two countries among those who were born prior to Burkina Faso’s political efforts.
The roles of HMGB1‐produced DNA gaps in DNA protection and aging biomarker reversal
Authors: Yasom Sakawdaurn , Watcharanurak Papitchaya , Bhummaphan Narumol , Thongsroy Jirapan , Puttipanyalears Charoenchai , Settayanon Sirapat , Chalertpet Kanwalat , Khumsri Wilunplus , Kongkaew Aphisek , Patchsung Maturada , Siriwattanakankul Chutha , Pongpanich Monnat , Pin‐on Piyapat , Jindatip Depicha , Wanotayan Rujira , Odton Mingkwan , Supasai Suangsuda , Oo Thura Tun , Arunsak Busarin , Pratchayasakul Wasana , Chattipakorn Nipon , Chattipakorn Siriporn , Mutirangura Apiwat
Published: March 2022

The endogenous DNA damage triggering an aging progression in the elderly is prevented in the youth, probably by naturally occurring DNA gaps. Decreased DNA gaps are found during chronological aging in yeast. So we named the gaps “Youth‐DNA‐GAPs.” The gaps are hidden by histone deacetylation to prevent DNA break response and were also reduced in cells lacking either the high‐mobility group box (HMGB) or the NAD‐dependent histone deacetylase, SIR2. A reduction in DNA gaps results in shearing DNA strands and decreasing cell viability. Here, we show the roles of DNA gaps in genomic stability and aging prevention in mammals. The number of Youth‐DNA‐GAPs were low in senescent cells, two aging rat models, and the elderly. Box A domain of HMGB1 acts as molecular scissors in producing DNA gaps. Increased gaps consolidated DNA durability, leading to DNA protection and improved aging features in senescent cells and two aging rat models similar to those of young organisms. Like the naturally occurring Youth‐DNA‐GAPs, Box A‐produced DNA gaps avoided DNA double‐strand break response by histone deacetylation and SIRT1, a Sir2 homolog. In conclusion, Youth‐DNA‐GAPs are a biomarker determining the DNA aging stage (young/old). Box A‐produced DNA gaps ultimately reverse aging features. Therefore, DNA gap formation is a potential strategy to monitor and treat aging‐associated diseases.
A Pilot Sexual and Gender Minority Health Curriculum for the Largest Public Health Care System in the United States
Authors: Ard Kevin L. , Goldhammer Hilary , Almazan Anthony N. , Michael Timothy , O’Donnell Deirdre , Bender Sarah , Roman Matilde , Greene Richard E. , Keuroghlian Alex S.
Published: March 2022

Problem

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) people face multiple health disparities. Clinicians often lack adequate training to address health needs of SGM people. In this setting, some health care organizations have sought to develop system-wide curricula to build clinician knowledge and capacity around SGM health.

Approach

NYC Health + Hospitals partnered with the National LGBTQIA+ [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual] Health Education Center at The Fenway Institute to design and implement a novel SGM health care curriculum, offered from 2017 to 2020. The pilot program featured a 90-minute live introductory session, a pretest, a post-test, and six 45-minute online modules focusing on a range of topics in SGM health care.

Outcomes

Of approximately 35,000 employees from a range of settings and professional roles across NYC Health + Hospitals, 792 participated in the pilot program; most were clinicians at acute care hospitals, with the single largest group being attending clinicians. The proportion of eligible employees completing each component of the curriculum varied: 544 of 792 (68.7%) completed the online pretest, while 373 of 792 (47.1%) completed the module on behavioral health. Of 373 participants who completed both the pre- and post-tests, mean scores rose significantly from 60.9 on the pretest to 81.9 on the post-test (P < .001).

Next Steps

Future efforts should focus on increasing staff participation in the curriculum through scale-up efforts across the health care system, as well as measuring patient outcomes to assess the clinical impact of the initiative.
Combination With Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics and Utilization of Nonstandard Formulations as Compliance Enhancing Methods for Clozapine Users
Authors: Mutlu Emre , Karaçam Doğan Melike , Ertuğrul Aygün , Anıl Yağcıoğlu A. Elif
Published: March 2022

Background

Combining clozapine with a long-acting injectable antipsychotic (LAI) or using different, nonstandard formulations of the compound may improve treatment outcomes. We aimed to investigate the utility of the clozapine-LAI combination and different formulations of clozapine for compliance problems of clozapine treatment, and to describe a case series on the combined treatment.

Procedures

We conducted a PubMed search with no date restriction. The number and length of hospitalizations, the results of clinical scales, and adverse events were recorded. We also present a case series of 18 patients using the clozapine-LAI combination. Data were collected from the medical charts and electronic records.

Results

We extracted 9 records describing the use of the clozapine-LAI combination. The case reports and mirror-image studies showed a significant reduction in the number of hospitalizations, length of hospital stays, and number of visits to the emergency department on the combined treatment with no serious adverse events. We included 11 articles for clozapine formulations. The case reports and retrospective data suggested that short-acting intramuscular clozapine was often well tolerated and resulted in an increased acceptance of oral clozapine in the acute phase of illness. In our case series, illness severity and the number of hospitalization per year significantly decreased after the combined treatment, besides a significant improvement in the functioning scores. Hyperprolactinemia and extrapyramidal side effects were reported due to concomitant LAIs.

Conclusions

Despite the encouraging evidence, the present data are preliminary and mostly based on retrospective studies, and oral-dissolving tablets or oral liquid formulations of clozapine have insufficient evidence for clinical practice. Well-designed, controlled, follow-up studies are needed for both clozapine-LAI combination and different formulations of clozapine.
Precarious Employment and Self-Rated Health in Young Adults
Authors: An Sanghyun , Park Sungjin
Published: March 2022

Objective

To investigate the relationship between employment changes including sustained precarious employment (PE) and poor self-rated health (SRH) in young Korean adults. Methods: A longitudinal study was performed using follow-up data from the Korea Youth Panel Survey 2007 (3rd–12th). Overall, 1265 young adults were included. Multiple logistic regression analyses estimated the poor SRH risk according to employment changes.

Results

Poor SRH risk was significantly higher in sustained PE than in fulltime permanent employment in young male adults and overall. However, in young female adults, PE was not clearly associated with poor SRH risk.

Conclusions

The proportion of new cases of poor SRH was increased by PE, particularly in young male workers. This finding emphasizes the importance of improving the health of young workers with PE and employment quality for young people vulnerable to PE.
Comparison of Speech Test Outcomes After Cochlear Implantation in Patients With and Without Asymmetric Hearing Loss
Authors: Misztal Carly , Peña Stefanie , Martinez Diane , Velandia Sandra , Goncalves Stefania , Ma Ruixuan , Holcomb Meredith , Angeli Simon , Telischi Fred , Dinh Christine T.
Published: March 2022

Objectives:

Determine whether asymmetric hearing loss (AHL) affects postoperative speech outcomes in cochlear implant (CI) patients.

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

Tertiary care hospital.

Patients:

Adult English-speaking patients with unilateral CIs implanted between 2014 and 2018 were stratified into NonAHL and AHL groups based on preoperative AzBio scores in quiet from the nonimplanted ear (0–50% vs. 51–100%, respectively).

Interventions:

CI surgery in the poorer performing ear.

Main Outcome Measures:

Postoperative consonant-nucleusconsonant (CNC) word and AzBio sentence test scores in quiet and/or noise at +5 dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).

Results:

Of 512 patients, 33 non-AHL and 27 AHL patients were included. Average ages were 65.6 and 63.6 years, respectively. As expected, preoperative AzBio scores in quiet from the nonimplanted ear were higher in the AHL group (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 66.4–76.4%) than the non-AHL group at baseline (95%CI: 12.3–23.6%). In both cohorts, AzBio scores in quiet from the implanted ear improved from baseline, with 24-month scores (95%CI: 73.8 - 84.9%) being higher than preoperative scores (95%CI: 13.2–23.1%). There were also significant differences in AzBio scores in quiet between cohorts overall (p 
= 0.0120) on mixed model analysis, with the AHL group performing ∼6.4% better than the non-AHL group; however, differences were not significant when scores were stratified by time. In addition, there were no significant differences in CNC in quiet and AzBio scores in noise at +5 dB SNR between cohorts (p 
= 0.1786 and p 
= 0.6215, respectively).

Conclusions:

After CI, patients with AHL can achieve scores on word and sentence tests at least comparable to traditional CI candidates, supporting the expansion of CI candidacy to include patients with AHL.
Reconstruction of Postburn Mild Anterior Neck Contracture With a Free Thin Anterolateral Thigh Flap
Authors: Malhotra Anjana , Shah Urvi Ashok , Chakraborty Sourabh Shankar , Baraiya Dhaval , Shetty Shrikrishna Prasad , Babu Shylesh Ramesh , Dandekar Puja Bhaurao
Published: March 2022

In this article, we describe reconstruction of a McCauley's Grade I postburn anterior neck contracture with extensive scarring in a 34-year-old woman using a free thin anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap. To our knowledge, this is the first case of reconstruction of Grade I neck contracture using a thin ALT flap that has been reported. By selecting the correct patient, adhering to recommended standards of microvascular technique, and implementing appropriate postoperative nursing care, we achieved a near-normal neck contour in this patient in a single-staged procedure.
Recurrent Glomus Jugulare Tumor Invading the Cerebellum on 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT
Authors: Balaban Genc Zeynep Ceren , Filizoglu Nuh , Ozguven Salih
Published: March 2022

Glomus tumors are rare, slow-growing extra-adrenal paragangliomas of the head and neck. Treatment and prevention of neurological deficits become more difficult as these tumors aggressively grow in size and infiltrate adjacent anatomical structures. Because glomus tumors are paragangliomas of neuroendocrine origin, 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT can be used as imaging method in the diagnosis and follow-up. In this case, we presented a recurrent glomus jugulare tumor that invaded to the cerebellum on 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT imaging.
Motivations and Concerns of Preorthognathic Surgery Patients
Authors: Shi Ziwen , Bi Ruiye , Chen Haozhe , Zhu Songsong , Jiang Nan
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

This study aims to investigate motivations, ways of gaining information, and concerns for orthognathic surgery of patients with skeletal dentomaxillofacial deformities before receiving the treatment, and to explore directions for improvement in doctor-patient communications in the clinical practice.

Methods:

Presurgical patients were asked to fill out a questionnaire about their basic information, the approaches via which they knew about the surgery, as well as their motivations and concerns for the surgery.

Results:

One hundred ninety two questionnaires were included in the analysis in total. Patients (females: males = 2.69:1) with an average age of 23.79 ± 4.36 mainly regarded facial esthetics (103, 53.65%) as a primary concern. Although about 80.20% of patients accessed medical information through the Internet, it was still an irreplaceable way to know through consulting specialists.

Conclusions:

The majority of patients were young, unmarried women without a stable income. For most patients, the primary motivation to receive the surgery was an improvement in facial esthetics and the biggest concern was the operation effect. Access to medical information through the Internet has become very important access to medical knowledge.
The Use of Osseodensification for Ridge Expansion and Dental Implant Placement in Narrow Alveolar Ridges: A Prospective Observational Clinical Study
Authors: Salman Rosal D. , Bede Salwan Y.
Published: March 2022

The osseodensification (OD) drilling technique was suggested as an alveolar ridge expansion technique, so the aim of this prospective clinical study was to evaluate the amount of bone expansion obtained by the OD drilling technique and its effect on implant stability in patients with narrow alveolar ridges. The width of the alveolar ridge was measured at the crest before and after implant site preparation, whereas the implant stability was measured using Osstell Beacon implant stability quotient (ISQ). The ISQ values were recorded immediately postoperatively and after 16 weeks. Twenty-three patients were included; they received 40 implants. The mean (± standard deviation [SD]) amount of expansion was 1.29 (± 0.41) mm, and the difference between preexpansion and post-expansion bone width was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The mean (± SD) primary stability was 73.73 (± 2.85) ISQ, whereas the mean (± SD) secondary stability was 74.83 (± 2.73) ISQ, and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.043). The implant survival rate was 100%. It can be concluded that using the OD technique in narrow alveolar ridges resulted in bone expansion without dehiscence or fenestration and allowed simultaneous implant placement with high primary and secondary implant stability.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Different Training Techniques in the Development of Leopold’s Maneuver Skills
Authors: Kaplan Sena , Peksoy-Kaya Sibel , Başkaya Esra , Şahin Sevil , Ariöz-Düzgün Ayten , Dumo Anndra M.
Published: March 2022

Background

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the outcomes of simulation- and video-based training for teaching nursing students Leopold's maneuver. Their self-efficacy and anxiety levels were also explored.

Method

Data were collected among 121 participants [low-fidelity simulator group (LFSG) n = 43; video training group (VTG) n = 41; control group (CG) n = 37] using a Student Information Form, Leopold's Maneuver Skill Checklist, Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory, and General Self-Efficacy Scale. The primary outcome measure was the participants' performance; the secondary outcome measures were their anxiety and self-efficacy levels and grade point averages.

Results

The LFSG and VTG participants performed Leopold's maneuvers better than the CG participants. A negative correlation between anxiety and self-efficacy in the LFSG and CGs was found, while there was a positive correlation between grade point average and self-efficacy in the VTG.

Conclusions

Educational institutions with an insufficient number of instructors and laboratory infrastructure can use video-based training as an alternative to simulation-based education to reach more students.
Designing Sustainable Solutions to Implement a Distance-Based Simulation Basic Life Support Training Program During COVID-19 Pandemic in Low-Income Countries
Authors: Corvetto Marcia A. , Kattan Eduardo , Varas Julian , Caro Ivan , Altermatt Fernando R.
Published: March 2022

Summary Statement

The global pandemic of COVID-19 had strong repercussions in healthcare simulation-based education around the world. Different adaptations to imposed restraints such as social distancing have been developed to address the educational needs of healthcare professionals. However, the lack of access to simulators in low-income countries or rural areas may restrict the access to distance simulation-based training.
Reconstitution of an active human CENP-E motor
Authors: Craske Benjamin , Legal Thibault , Welburn Julie P. I.
Published: March 2022

CENP-E is a large kinesin motor protein which plays pivotal roles in mitosis by facilitating chromosome capture and alignment, and promoting microtubule flux in the spindle. So far, it has not been possible to obtain active human CENP-E to study its molecular properties.
Xenopus
CENP-E motor has been characterized
in vitro
and is used as a model motor; however, its protein sequence differs significantly from human CENP-E. Here, we characterize human CENP-E motility
in vitro
. Full-length CENP-E exhibits an increase in run length and longer residency times on microtubules when compared to CENP-E motor truncations, indicating that the C-terminal microtubule-binding site enhances the processivity when the full-length motor is active. In contrast with constitutively active human CENP-E truncations, full-length human CENP-E has a reduced microtubule landing rate
in vitro
, suggesting that the non-motor coiled-coil regions self-regulate motor activity. Together, we demonstrate that human CENP-E is a processive motor, providing a useful tool to study the mechanistic basis for how human CENP-E drives chromosome congression and spindle organization during human cell division.
Noise resistant synchronization and collective rhythm switching in a model of animal group locomotion
Authors: Doering Grant Navid , Drawert Brian , Lee Carmen , Pruitt Jonathan N. , Petzold Linda R. , Dalnoki-Veress Kari
Published: March 2022

Biology is suffused with rhythmic behaviour, and interacting biological oscillators often synchronize their rhythms with one another. Colonies of some ant species are able to synchronize their activity to fall into coherent bursts, but models of this phenomenon have neglected the potential effects of intrinsic noise and interspecific differences in individual-level behaviour. We investigated the individual and collective activity patterns of two
Leptothorax
ant species. We show that in one species (
Leptothorax
sp. W), ants converge onto rhythmic cycles of synchronized collective activity with a period of about 20 min. A second species (
Leptothorax crassipilis
) exhibits more complex collective dynamics, where dominant collective cycle periods range from 16 min to 2.8 h. Recordings that last 35 h reveal that, in both species, the same colony can exhibit multiple oscillation frequencies. We observe that workers of both species can be stimulated by nest-mates to become active after a refractory resting period, but the durations of refractory periods differ between the species and can be highly variable. We model the emergence of synchronized rhythms using an agent-based model informed by our empirical data. This simple model successfully generates synchronized group oscillations despite the addition of noise to ants' refractory periods. We also find that adding noise reduces the likelihood that the model will spontaneously switch between distinct collective cycle frequencies.
Navigating life with HIV as an older adult on the Kenyan coast: perceived health challenges seen through the biopsychosocial model
Authors: Mwangala Patrick N , Wagner Ryan G , Newton Charles R , Abubakar Amina
Published: March 2022

Background

Kenya, like many sub-Saharan African countries (SSA), is experiencing a rise in the number of HIV infected adults aged ≥50 years (recognized as older adults living with HIV [OALWH]). This trend has created a subgroup of vulnerable older adults demanding a prompt response in research, policy, and practice to address their complex and transitioning needs. Unfortunately, little is known about the health and wellbeing of these adults in Kenya. As such, we explore the experiences of OALWH and key stakeholders at the coast of Kenya to understand the health challenges facing the OALWH.

Material and methods

We utilized the biopsychosocial model to explore views from 34 OALWH and 22 stakeholders (11 health care providers and 11 primary caregivers) on the physical, mental, and psychosocial health challenges of ageing with HIV in Kilifi County, Kenya, between October and December 2019. Data were drawn from semi-structured in-depth interviews, which were audio-recorded and transcribed. A framework approach was used to synthesize the data.

Results

Symptoms of common mental disorders (e.g. stress, worry, thinking too much), comorbidities (especially ulcers/hyperacidity, hypertension, visual and memory difficulties), somatic symptoms (especially pain/body aches, fatigue, and sleep problems), financial difficulties, stigma, and discrimination were viewed as common across the participants. Suicidal ideation and substance use problems (especially ‘mnazi’ – the local palm wine and ‘ugoro’ – snuff) were also raised. There was an overlap of perceived risk factors across the three health domains, such as family conflicts, poverty, lack of social support, stigma, and the presence of comorbid health complaints.

Conclusion

Our findings provide a preliminary understanding of challenges, using the biopsychosocial model, facing OALWH in a low-literacy Kenyan setting. We found that OALWH at the Kenyan coast are at risk of multiple physical, mental, and psychosocial challenges, likely affecting their HIV treatment and overall health. Before programmes can have any lasting impact on these adults, improved access to basic needs, including food, financial support, and caregiving, and a reduction of stigma and discrimination must be addressed. Future research should quantify the burden of these challenges and examine the resources available to these adults before piloting and testing feasible interventions.
mtDNA copy number, mtDNA total somatic deletions, Complex I activity, synapse number and synaptic mitochondria number are altered in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
Authors: Das Sujan C. , Hjelm B.E. , Galke B. , Morgan L. , Omidsalar A.A. , Sequeira A. , Schatzberg A.F. , Barchas J.D. , Lee F.S. , Myers R.M. , Watson S.J. , Akil H. , Bunney W.E. , Vawter M.P.
Published: March 2022

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a neurobiological phenomenon implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder that can synergistically affect synaptic neurotransmission. We hypothesized that schizophrenia and bipolar disorder share molecular alterations at the mitochondrial and synaptic level: mtDNA copy number (CN), mtDNA common deletion (CD), mtDNA total deletion, complex I activity, synapse number, and synaptic mitochondria number. These mitochondrial parameters were studied in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), superior temporal gyrus (STG), primary visual cortex (V1), and nucleus accumbens (NAc) of 44 controls (CON), 27 schizophrenia (SZ), and 26 bipolar disorder (BD) subjects. The results showed- (i) the mtDNA CN is significantly higher in DLPFC of both SZ and BD, decreased in the STG of BD, and unaltered in V1 and NAc of both SZ and BD; (ii) the mtDNA CD is significantly higher in DLPFC of BD while unaltered in STG, V1 and NAc of both SZ and BD; (iii) The total deletion burden is significantly higher in DLPFC in both SZ and BD while unaltered in STG, V1, and NAc of SZ and BD; (iv) Complex I activity is significantly lower in DLPFC of both SZ and BD with no alteration in STG, V1 and NAc. (v) The number of synapses is decreased in DLPFC of both SZ and BD, while the synaptic mitochondria number was significantly lower in female SZ and female BD compared to female controls. Overall, these findings will pave the way to better understand the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder for therapeutic interventions.
Changing dynamics of SARS-CoV2 B.1.617.2 (Delta variant) outbreak in the United Kingdom: Shifting of SARS-CoV2 infections from younger to elderly populations with increasing hospitalizations and mortality among elderly
Authors: Emani Venkata R. , Nakka Abirath S. , Goswami Kartik K. , Emani Shaila R. , Maddula Kailash R. , Reddy Nikhila K. , Reddy Nidhi K. , Nandanoor Dheeraj , Goswami Sanjeev , Reddy Raghunath
Published: March 2022

Background

To assess the comprehensive dynamics of outcomes during the SARS-CoV2 B.1.617.2 (Delta variant) compared to the Alpha variant outbreak in the United Kingdom.

Methods

In this observational study of the cases reported by Public Health England for confirmed (sequencing and genotyping), SARS-CoV2 cases Delta variant (n=592,692) and Alpha variant (n=150,934) were used. Outcomes were analyzed by age groups and compared with all reported weekly cases in the UK.

Results

The Delta variant surge is associated with a significantly lower case fatality rate (0.43% vs 1.07; RR 0.39; 95% CI 0.37-0.42; P<0.0001); lower odds of hospitalization (2.1% vs 3.0%; RR 0.70; 95% CI 0.68-0.73; P<0.0001) than the Alpha variant. During the Delta variant surge there were significant increased cases (11.3% to 21.1%, RR 1.87; 95% CI 1.84-1.89; P<0.0001), hospitalizations (40.2% to 56.5%; RR 1.40, 95% CI 1.3-1.46; P<0.0001) among confirmed Delta variant cases in the ≥50 years age group during the August 3-September 12, 2021 period compared to earlier reported cases. There was also a significant increase in total weekly COVID-19 deaths noted among ≥70 years old age group (71.4% to 75.1%; RR 1.05; 95% CI 1.01-1.08; P=0.0028) during August 6-October 8, 2021 compared to June 4-July 30, 2021 period.

Conclusions

The Delta variant surge is associated with significantly lower mortality and hospitalizations than the Alpha variant. As the Delta variant surge progressed, ≥50 years old had a significant increased percentage of cases, hospitalizations and a significant increased COVID-19 deaths occurred among ≥70 years old age group.
Three separate spike antigen exposures by COVID-19 vaccination or SARS-CoV-2 infection elicit strong humoral immune responses in healthcare workers
Authors: Brehm Thomas Theo , Ullrich Felix , Thompson Michelle , Küchen Julia , Schwinge Dorothee , Spier Anthea , Huber Samuel , Knobloch Johannes K , Aepfelbacher Martin , Addo Marylyn M , Lohse Ansgar W , Lütgehetmann Marc , zur Wiesch Julian Schulze
Published: March 2022

As part of our ongoing prospective seroprevalence study, we assessed the SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination-induced immunity of 697 hospital workers at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf between January 17 and 31, 2022. The overall prevalence of anti-NC-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies indicating prior infection was 9.8% (n=68) and thus lower than the seroprevalence in the general population in Hamburg. At the current study visit, 99.3% (n=692) had received at least one vaccine dose and 93.1% (n=649) had received at least three vaccine doses. All vaccinated individuals had detectable anti-S1-RBD-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (median AU/ml [IQR]: 13’891 [8’505 – 23’543]), indicating strong protection against severe COVID-19. In addition, we show that individuals who received three COVID-19 vaccine doses (median AU/ml [IQR]: 13’856 [8’635 – 22’705]), and those who resolved a prior SARS-CoV-2 infection and received two COVID-19 vaccine doses (median AU/ml [IQR] 13’409 [6’934 – 25’000]) exhibited the strongest humoral immune responses. The low prevalence of anti-NC-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies indicates persistent effectiveness of established infection control interventions in preventing nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 transmission with the delta and omicron viral variants as predominant strains. Our study further indicates that three exposures to the viral spike protein by either SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 vaccination are necessary to elicit particularly strong humoral immune responses, which supports current vaccination recommendations.
Exploring potential causal genes for uterine leiomyomas: A summary data-based Mendelian randomization and FUMA analysis
Authors: Dai Yuxin , Liu Xudong , Zhu Yining , Mao Su , Yang Jingyun , Zhu Lan
Published: March 2022

Objective

To explore potential causal genetic variants and genes underlying the pathogenesis of uterine leiomyomas (ULs).

Methods

We conducted the summary data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) analysis and performed functional mapping and annotation using FUMA to examine genetic variants and genes that are potentially involved in the pathogenies of ULs.

Both analyses used summarized data of a recent genome-wide association study (GWAS) on ULs, which has a total sample size of 244,324 (20,406 cases and 223,918 controls). For the SMR analysis, we performed separate analysis using CAGE and GTEx eQTL data.

Results

Using the CAGE eQTL data, our SMR analysis identified 13 probes tagging 10 unique genes that were pleiotropically/potentially causally associated with ULs, with the top three probes being ILMN_1675156 (tagging CDC42, PSMR=8.03×10−9), ILMN_1705330 (tagging CDC42, PSMR=1.02×10−7) and ILMN_2343048 (tagging ABCB9, PSMR=9.37×10−7). Using GTEx eQTL data, our SMR analysis did not identify any significant genes after correction for multiple testing. FUMA analysis identified 106 independent SNPs, 24 genomic loci and 137 genes that are potentially involved in the pathogenesis of ULs, seven of which were also identified by the SMR analysis.

Conclusions

We identified many genetic variants, genes, and genomic loci that are potentially involved in the pathogenesis of ULs. More studies are needed to explore the exact underlying mechanisms in the etiology of ULs.