bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preservation of sexual and reproductive function in the treatment of extragonadal yolk sac tumors in the female genital tract
Authors: Ma Xiao , Cao Dongyan , Peng Peng , Xiao Yu , Yang Jiaxin , Huang Huifang , Zhang Ying , Yu Mei , Wang Jinhui , Zhou Huimei , Cheng Ninghai , Wang Tao , Shen Keng
Published: November 2022

Objective

This study aimed to summarize the clinical features, treatment modalities, therapeutic effects, menstruation and fertility outcomes, and prognosis of extragonadal yolk sac tumors (YSTs) of the female genital tract.

Methods

We reviewed 32 cases of extragonadal YSTs in the genital tract treated between 1983 and 2021. The medical records, including clinical characteristics, histopathology, treatments, chemo-reduced adverse events, and outcomes on long-term follow-up, were collected.

Results

Among the 32 cases, 30 were vaginal YSTs and two were uterine YSTs (endometrial and cervical). Thirty patients (30/32, 93.8%) were <4 years. Abnormal vaginal bleeding (n = 31) and elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein level (n = 32) were the most common presentations. Vaginohysteroscopy and/or pediatric rhinoscopy were used for diagnosis in 17 pediatric patients and evaluation of chemotherapeutic efficacy in 21 pediatric patients. All the patients received combination chemotherapy. Bleomycin/etoposide/cisplatin (BEP) was chosen with prior consideration in 28 cases; 21 patients were treated with BEP alone. Yellow or grayish-yellow tissue with irregular shape was found in 66.7% of the cases during repeat examinations. Five patients underwent surgeries during repeat examinations and follow-ups, and no evidence of malignancy was noted in them. Thirty-one patients achieved complete remission. During a median follow-up of 63 months (2.4–240.3 months), two patients experienced recurrence, three died, and 29 remained disease-free. One patient recovered menstruation and five had undergone menarche.

Conclusion

BEP chemotherapy can serve as a preferred treatment modality for vaginal and uterine YSTs. Vaginohysteroscopy and pediatric rhinoscopy can be used for diagnosis and evaluation of chemotherapeutic efficacy in pediatric patients. YSTs possibly appear as yellow or grayish-yellow after chemotherapy.
Glycogen storage disease type Ia misdiagnosed as multiple acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency by mass spectrometry
Authors: Du Juan , Dou Li-Min , Jin Yong-Hong , Wen Qing-Fen , Lin Ya-Fen , Wang Jian-She
Published: November 2022

Objective

To report a case of glycogen storage disease (GSD) type Ia misdiagnosed as multiple acyl-coenzyme a dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD) by mass spectrometry.

Methods

A 7 months old boy was admitted to our hospital for elevated transaminase levels lasting more than 1 month. His blood biochemistry showed hypoglycemia, metabolic acidosis, hyperlipidemia, elevated lactate and uric acid, elevated alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transaminase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). Mass spectrometry analysis of blood and urine showed elevated blood acylcarnitines and dicarboxylic aciduria, indicating multiple acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency. Sanger sequencing of all exons of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) and electronic transfer flavoprotein dehydrogenase (ETFDH) was performed for the patient and his parents.

Results

Coding and flanking sequences of the G6Pase gene detected two heterozygous single base substitutions in the boy. One variant was in exon 1 (c.209G > A), Which was also detected in the father. Another was in exon 5 (c.648G > T), which was detected in the mother. Coding and flanking sequences of the ETFDH gene revealed no pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in the boy.

Conclusion

GSD Ia can manifest elevated blood acyl carnitines and dicarboxylic aciduria which were the typical clinical manifestations of MADD. So the patient with clinical manifestations similar to MADD is in need of differential diagnosis for GSD Ia. Genetic testing is helpful to confirming the diagnosis of inherited metabolic diseases.
Novel recombinant protein flagellin A N/C attenuates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by suppressing the ROS/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway
Authors: Li Li , Deng Shihua , Liu Mingquan , Yang Min , Li Jin , Liu Teng , Zhang Ting , Zhao Yangyang , He Miao , Wu Dongming , Xu Ying
Published: November 2022

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by demyelination and neurodegeneration, for which traditional treatment offers limited relief. Microglial/macrophage modulation plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of MS. Oxygen free radical accumulation can induce axonal and nerve cell damage, and further promote MS development. We created a new recombinant protein based on flagellin from Legionella pneumophila named flagellin A with linked C- and N-terminal ends (FLaAN/C), which is an independent intellectual property of our team. We previously showed that FLaAN/C might mitigate radiation-induced damage by inhibiting inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. However, whether FLaAN/C protects against MS remains unknown. Here, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of FLaAN/C on mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) induced by oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide 35–55 (MOG35-55). The mice were injected intraperitoneally with FLaAN/C after the onset of clinical symptoms, then clinical behavior scores and changes in body weight were recorded daily. The spinal lumbar spine in model mice was enlarged and accompanied by inflammatory cell infiltration and demyelination that were reversed by FLaAN/C. FLaAN/C also induced microglia/macrophages to generate less pro-inflammatory (CD86, iNOS, and TNF-α), and more anti-inflammatory (CD206, IL-10, and Arginase-1) cytokines. These findings suggesting that FLaAN/C promoted microglial/macrophages polarization from the inflammatory M1 to the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. Moreover, FLaAN/C inhibited release of the inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-8, IL-6, IL-17, and IFN-γ. These results indicated that the anti-inflammatory effect of FLaAN/C was associated with the inhibited generation of reactive oxygen species. FLaAN/C downregulated the expression of phosphorylated NF-κB-p65 and prevented downstream NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis. Collectively, these results indicated that FLaAN/C prevents pyroptosis by inhibiting the ROS/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway, and promotes the microglial/macrophage M1/M2 polarization that significantly alleviated inflammation in mouse models of EAE. Our findings suggested that FLaAN/C could be a promising candidate for MS therapy.
Efficacy analysis of splint combined with platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis
Authors: Wu Chuan-Bin , Sun Ning-Ning , Zhang Dan , Wang Qiang , Zhou Qing
Published: November 2022

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of splints combined with PRP for the treatment of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis.

Methods: Thirty-one patients with temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis who were treated with splints combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from January 2021 to June 2021 at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Stomatology, China Medical University (Shenyang, China) were retrospectively reviewed. The VAS scores of all the patients were recorded before and 6 months after treatment, and the maximum comfortable mouth opening was recorded. All data were analyzed by the paired t-test using SPSS software, and a p-value < 0.05 indicated statistically significant differences.

Results: Splint + PRP treatment was successful in 31 patients. The mean pretreatment VAS score was 6.1, and the mean VAS score 6 months posttreatment was 4.1. The posttreatment VAS score was significantly lower than the preoperative VAS score (p < 0.05). The mean pretreatment maximum comfortable mouth opening (MCMO) was 27.6 mm, and the mean MCMO 6 months posttreatment was 34.8 mm. The MCMO was significantly increased (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Splint + PRP is an effective treatment for temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis.
Recent advances in laser gas sensors for applications to safety monitoring in intelligent coal mines
Authors: Gong Weihua , Hu Jie , Wang Zhaowei , Wei Yubin , Li Yanfang , Zhang Tingting , Zhang Qinduan , Liu Tongyu , Ning Yanong , Zhang Wei , Grattan Kenneth T. V.
Published: November 2022

Due to the extremely complex working conditions, various health and safety hazards are present in underground coal mines, which cause economic losses and heavy casualties. Among these hazards, methane gas explosion and coal combustion are recognized as the two major hazards to miners. Traditional electronic sensors in mine safety monitoring systems have problems such as low precision, a large amount of maintenance, and monitoring dead zones. In the past decade, gas sensors based on tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) have been extensively studied and tailored for use in the coal mine industry because of their advantages of high sensitivity, high stability, fast response, intrinsic safety, and remote monitoring. This invited paper introduces the recent progress and typical applications of TDLAS-based methane sensors, carbon monoxide sensors, and multi-gas monitoring systems in coal mine gas monitoring, fire prevention, and early warning in intelligent coal mines.
Proteomic responses of two spring wheat cultivars to the combined water deficit and aphid (Metopolophium dirhodum) treatments
Authors: Kosová Klára , Vítámvás Pavel , Skuhrovec Jiří , Vítámvás Jan , Planchon Sébastien , Renaut Jenny , Saska Pavel
Published: November 2022

In the field, plants usually have to face the combined effects of abiotic and biotic stresses. In our study, two spring wheat cultivars—Septima and Quintus—were subjected to three water regimes [70%, 50%, and 40% soil water capacity (SWC)], aphid (Metopolophium dirhodum) infestation, or the combination of both stresses, i.e., water deficit (50%, 40% SWC) and aphids. The study has a 2 × 3 × 2 factorial design with three biological replicates. In the present study, the results of proteomic analysis using 2D-DIGE followed by MALDI-TOF/TOF protein identification are presented. Water deficit but also aphid infestation led to alterations in 113 protein spots including proteins assigned to a variety of biological processes ranging from signalingviaenergy metabolism, redox regulation, and stress and defense responses to secondary metabolism indicating a long-term adaptation to adverse conditions. The absence of specific proteins involved in plant response to herbivorous insects indicates a loss of resistance to aphids in modern wheat cultivars during the breeding process and is in accordance with the “plant vigor hypothesis.” Septima revealed enhanced tolerance with respect to Quintus as indicated by higher values of morphophysiological characteristics (fresh aboveground biomass, leaf length, osmotic potential per full water saturation) and relative abundance of proteins involved in mitochondrial respiration and ATP biosynthesis.
Come together now: Dynamic body-formation of key regulators integrates environmental cues in plant development
Authors: Burkart Rebecca C. , Eljebbawi Ali , Stahl Yvonne
Published: November 2022

Plants as sessile organisms are constantly exposed to changing environmental conditions, challenging their growth and development. Indeed, not only above-ground organs but also the underground root system must adapt accordingly. Consequently, plants respond to these constraints at a gene-regulatory level to ensure their survival and well-being through key transcriptional regulators involved in different developmental processes. Recently, intrinsically disordered domains within these regulators are emerging as central nodes necessary not only for interactions with other factors but also for their partitioning into biomolecular condensates, so-called bodies, possibly driven by phase separation. Here, we summarize the current knowledge about body-forming transcriptional regulators important for plant development and highlight their functions in a possible environmental context. In this perspective article, we discuss potential mechanisms for the formation of membrane-less bodies as an efficient and dynamic program needed for the adaptation to external cues with a particular focus on the Arabidopsis root. Hereby, we aim to provide a perspective for future research on transcriptional regulators to investigate body formation as an expeditious mechanism of plant-environment interactions.
Transcriptomic analysis reveals the contribution of QMrl-7B to wheat root growth and development
Authors: Liu Jiajia , Zhi Liya , Zhang Na , Zhang Wei , Meng Deyuan , Batool Aamana , Ren Xiaoli , Ji Jun , Niu Yanxiao , Li Ruiqi , Li Junming , Song Liqiang
Published: November 2022

Roots are the major organs for water and nutrient acquisition and substantially affect plant growth, development and reproduction. Improvements to root system architecture are highly important for the increased yield potential of bread wheat. QMrl-7B, a major stable quantitative trait locus (QTL) that controls maximum root length (MRL), essentially contributes to an improved root system in wheat. To further analyze the biological functions of QMrl-7B in root development, two sets of Triticum aestivum near-isogenic lines (NILs), one with superior QMrl-7B alleles from cultivar Kenong 9204 (KN9204) named NILKN9204 and another with inferior QMrl-7B alleles from cultivar Jing 411 (J411) named NILJ411, were subjected to transcriptomic analysis. Among all the mapped genes analyzed, 4871 genes were identified as being differentially expressed between the pairwise NILs under different nitrogen (N) conditions, with 3543 genes expressed under normal-nitrogen (NN) condition and 2689 genes expressed under low-nitrogen (LN) condition. These genes encode proteins that mainly include NO3− transporters, phytohormone signaling components and transcription factors (TFs), indicating the presence of a complex regulatory network involved in root determination. In addition, among the 13524 LN-induced differentially expressed genes (DEGs) detected in this study, 4308 and 2463 were specifically expressed in the NILKN9204 and NILJ411, respectively. These DEGs reflect different responses of the two sets of NILs to varying N supplies, which likely involve LN-induced root growth. These results explain the better-developed root system and increased root vitality conferred by the superior alleles of QMrl-7B and provide a deeper understanding of the genetic underpinnings of root traits, pointing to a valuable locus suitable for future breeding efforts for sustainable agriculture.
Predictors of Portuguese teachers’ use of Information and Communication Technologies in literacy classes
Authors: Nunes Andreia , Limpo Teresa , Castro São Luís
Published: November 2022

In the last years, the teaching and learning of literacy has changed due to the development of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). The use of ICT in the classroom depends largely on teachers, who are the key players in its integration. However, several factors influence teachers’ decisions to use ICT in their classroom, both internal (e.g., self-efficacy) and external (e.g., school support). Indeed, despite the potential benefits of using ICT, not all teachers use them in their teaching practice. In the present study, we examined which are the main factors influencing teachers’ effective use of ICT in literacy classrooms. A total of 125 teachers lecturing Portuguese Language in grades 5–12 participated in this study (M = 50.00 years, SD = 7.88; 89% women). Teachers filled in an online survey, comprising sociodemographic questions (viz., age, gender, education, years of teaching experience, teaching level, school type, and geographical area) and four questionnaires related to ICT and teaching. Results showed that effective use of ICT was predicted by both internal (ICT’ self-efficacy and constructivist conception of teaching) and external (lack of access and support, and gatekeepers) factors. These findings may help in the identification of key targets to facilitate the effective use of ICT in literacy classrooms.
Beyond the sentence: Shared reading within a high secure hospital
Authors: Watkins Megan , Naylor Kathryn , Corcoran Rhiannon
Published: November 2022

Ashworth Hospital provides care for inpatients detained under the Mental Health Acts who present a danger to themselves or others. Rehabilitative interventions can help support the best outcomes for patients, their families, care providers, and society. The efficacy of weekly Shared Reading sessions for four patients with experience of psychosis and a history of self-harm was investigated using a 12-month longitudinal case series design. Session data were subjected to psychological discourse analysis to identify discursive strategies employed to accomplish social action and change over the duration of the intervention. Archetypes of interactional achievement across sessions emerged. Broadening of capacity to consider was demonstrated through increased hedging and less declarative language. Increased assertiveness was achieved through reduced generalisation marked by a transition from second-person plural pronouns to more first-person singular pronouns. Avoidance of expression and disagreement strategies diminished over time. In addition, heightened engagement was accomplished through the increased tendency to employ functionally related and preferred responses within adjacency pairs, which mirrored non-verbal communicative strategies. Shared Reading shows promise for promoting the interactional accomplishment for individuals within high secure settings, who are ready to undertake a recovery-related activity. Pathways of interaction should continue to be explored, with consideration to the current study’s strengths and limitations. This study contributes to the understanding of efficacious reading study design and the interactional outcomes of therapeutic reading.
Relationship between resilience, optimism, and burnout in Pan-American athletes
Authors: Tutte-Vallarino Veronica , Malán-Ernst Estefanía , Reyes-Bossio Mario , Peinado-Portero Ana , de Álvaro Julio Imbernón , Ortín Montero Francisco José , Garcés de Los Fayos Ruiz Enrique J.
Published: November 2022

Aim

A series of knowledge has been developed on burnout syndrome in the sports context that has allowed to generate a solid theoretical structure that requires new contributions to delve into those aspects that have been less addressed, as is the case of optimism and resilience when it comes to linking them to the syndrome in top-performance athletes. For this purpose, the Burnout Inventory for Athletes (IBD-r), the Resilience Scale adapted to Spanish, and the Life Orientation Scale-Revised (LOT-R) for optimism were used.

Methods

From this perspective, the study was approached with 121 Uruguayan athletes who participated in the last Pan-American Games, assuming practically all the subjects who have this level of sport (142) considering gender and type of sport.

Results

The results indicate that 67% of the sample presents burnout symptoms for the emotional exhaustion dimension, and moderate resilience and optimism. Although there are no significant differences attributable to gender or type of sport, this contribution allows us to continue focusing on future work and further analysis. The type of sport presented statistically significant differences in relation to the personal competence dimension and the type of sport.

Conclusion

Resilience and optimism obtained a clear influence on the occurrence of burnout, in a statistically negative sense, showing themselves as interesting prevention strategies for future lines of research, where it is essential to design interventions that teach emotional skills to manage adversity and prevent burnout.
Employee reactions to CSR in the pursuit of meaningful work: A case study of the healthcare industry
Authors: Janssen Josine L. , Lysova Evgenia I. , Wickert Christopher , Khapova Svetlana N.
Published: November 2022

With the growing interest in the microfoundations of corporate social responsibility (‘micro-CSR'), many questions linger regarding how the workforce reacts to CSR, which has consequences for their meaningful work experiences. To address this lack of understanding, we conducted an inductive, comparative case study of two healthcare organisations to examine how employees experience meaningful work through reacting to their organisation's CSR initiatives. We demonstrate how CSR triggers employees' meaning-making of work, which takes the form of a misalignment perceived between CSR at the strategic-level and CSR as it is implemented at the employee-level, limiting the experiences of meaningful work. We identify four proactive behaviours in which employees engage to infuse their work with meaning as a way of dealing with this experienced misalignment. We consolidate these behaviours into a typology of meaning-infusing behaviours in the context of CSR. Specifically, we found that when guided by the need for making a positive impact on their beneficiaries, employees engage in what we call ‘reshaping work for impact' next to ‘collectively enabling impact'. In contrast, when guided by the need for having a sense of meaningful membership, employees are guided by either ‘creating a sense of belonging' or ‘envisioning prosocial potential'. Through these behaviours, they either navigate within given organisational structures or enact new ones. Overall, we expand research on the CSR–meaningful work relationship, emphasising the role of employees' proactive behaviours in understanding their experiences and reactions to CSR initiatives in their pursuit of meaningful work. Moreover, we highlight implications for micro-CSR research and practice.
The incubus phenomenon: Prevalence, frequency and risk factors in psychiatric inpatients and university undergraduates
Authors: Molendijk Marc L. , Bouachmir Ouarda , Montagne Harriët , Bouwman Laura , Blom Jan Dirk
Published: November 2022

Background

The incubus phenomenon is a paroxysmal sleep-related disorder characterized by the visuotactile sensation of a person or entity exerting pressure on one’s thorax during episodes of sleep paralysis and (apparent) wakefulness. This terrifying phenomenon is relatively unknown even though a previous meta-analysis indicated a lifetime prevalence of 0.11 for individuals in the general population and of 0.41 for selected at-risk groups, including people diagnosed with schizophrenia and students. Since the studies reviewed did not always make a strict distinction between the incubus phenomenon and isolated sleep paralysis, we carried out a cross-sectional study in a contemporary patient and student sample to attain current, more detailed data on the incubus phenomenon.

Materials and methods

In a cross-sectional design, we used the Waterloo Unusual Sleep Experience Questionnaire (WUSEQ) to screen patients with severe psychiatric disorders and university undergraduates to establish and compare prevalence rates, frequencies of occurrence, and risk factors for the incubus phenomenon.

Results

Having interviewed 749 people, comprising 606 students and 143 patients with a schizophrenia spectrum or related disorder who had been acutely admitted to a secluded nursing ward, we computed a reported lifetime prevalence of 0.12 and 0.09, respectively, which rates were not statistically different. In both groups, the phenomenon was more common in people with a non-Western European background. Risk factors noted for the students were the use of psychotropic medication and the lifetime presence of an anxiety disorder, eating disorder, or sleeping disorder. We found no associations with age or gender in either group.

Conclusion

The 0.09 and 0.12 lifetime prevalence rates we recorded for the incubus phenomenon in students and psychiatric inpatients is substantially lower than the 0.41 found in an earlier meta-analysis. We tentatively attribute this difference to an overgeneralization in previous studies but also discuss alternative explanations. The elevated prevalence among non-Western European participants may well be due to the fact that the topic continues to be part of the cultural and religious heritage of many non-Western countries.
Global disease burden and trends of leukemia attributable to occupational risk from 1990 to 2019: An observational trend study
Authors: Shi Yuanfei , Chen Can , Huang Yamei , Xu Yi , Xu Dandan , Shen Huafei , Ye Xiujin , Jin Jie , Tong Hongyan , Yu Yue , Tang Xinyi , Li Azhong , Cui Dawei , Xie Wanzhuo
Published: November 2022

Background

Leukemia caused by occupational risk is a problem that needs more attention and remains to be solved urgently, especially for acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and chronic lymphoid leukemia (CLL). However, there is a paucity of literature on this issue. We aimed to assess the global burden and trends of leukemia attributable to occupational risk from 1990 to 2019.

Methods

This observational trend study was based on the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 database, the global deaths, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), which were calculated to quantify the changing trend of leukemia attributable to occupational risk, were analyzed by age, year, geographical location, and socio-demographic index (SDI), and the corresponding estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) values were calculated.

Results

Global age-standardized DALYs and death rates of leukemia attributable to occupational risk presented significantly decline trends with EAPC [−0.38% (95% CI: −0.58 to −0.18%) for DALYs and −0.30% (95% CI: −0.45 to −0.146%) for death]. However, it was significantly increased in people aged 65–69 years [0.42% (95% CI: 0.30–0.55%) for DALYs and 0.38% (95% CI: 0.26–0.51%) for death]. At the same time, the age-standardized DALYs and death rates of ALL, AML, and CLL were presented a significantly increased trend with EAPCs [0.78% (95% CI: 0.65–0.91%), 0.87% (95% CI: 0.81–0.93%), and 0.66% (95% CI: 0.51–0.81%) for DALYs, respectively, and 0.75% (95% CI: 0.68–0.82%), 0.96% (95% CI: 0.91–1.01%), and 0.55% (95% CI: 0.43–0.68%) for death], respectively. The ALL, AML, and CLL were shown an upward trend in almost all age groups.

Conclusion

We observed a substantial reduction in leukemia due to occupational risks between 1990 and 2019. However, the people aged 65–69 years and burdens of ALL, AML, and CLL had a significantly increased trend in almost all age groups. Thus, there remains an urgent need to accelerate efforts to reduce leukemia attributable to occupational risk-related death burden in this population and specific causes.
Cultural competency among Lithuanian nurses and preparedness to work with intercultural immigrants: A quantitative study protocol
Authors: El Arab Rabie Adel , Urbanavice Rita , Jakavonyte-Akstiniene Agne , Skvarcevskaja Marija , Austys Donatas , Mateos Jose Tomas , Briones-Vozmediano Erica , Rubinat-Arnaldo Esther , Istomina Natalja
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Health care providers are increasingly required to provide care to patients from diverse cultural backgrounds. A culturally competent approach could be used to address gaps in the health care of migrants, whether they are refugees, asylum seekers, or undocumented migrants. From June 2021 onward, there are estimated to be 4,300 asylum seekers in Lithuania who crossed the Belarusian border. Furthermore, ~65 thousand Ukrainians registered within 6 months of the beginning of the war on 24 February 2022.

Aim

To determine the cultural competence of Lithuanian nurses using the Nurse Cultural Competence Scale (NCCS) questionnaire.

Methods

A quantitative study evaluating the cultural competency of nursing professionals will be conducted using the Lithuanian version of the Nurse Cultural Competence Scale (NCCS). The study will be conducted in Lithuanian municipalities and will involve primary, secondary, and tertiary health care providers.

Discussion

This study will provide data that can guide the development and evaluation of interventions designed to reduce health disparities among migrants, including the need to identify the appropriate type of cultural competency training for nurses. In addition to the results of this study, it may provide an indication of other cultural competency required for nurses. This includes consideration of religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, household classifications on the basis of urban vs. rural areas, language spoken, and country of origin.
Research on the evolution of the Chinese urban biomedicine innovation network pattern: An analysis using multispatial scales
Authors: Ren Zhimin , Yu Jiaao , Qiu Liping , Hong Xuya , Wei Shaobin , Zhou Haiyan , Hu Xiao , Zhang Xiaolei , Zhang Wei , Bathuure Isaac Akpemah , Yang Qican , Su Ning , Lee Wei , Wang Xiaoping , Hu Hao
Published: November 2022

This paper addresses the spatial pattern of urban biomedicine innovation networks by separately using four scales, i.e., the national scale, interregional scale, urban agglomeration scale, and provincial scale, on the basis of Chinese biomedicine patent data from the incoPat global patent database (GPD) (2001–2020) and using the method of social network analysis (SNA). Through the research, it is found that (1) on the national scale, the Chinese biomedicine innovation network becomes denser from west to the east as its complexity continuously increases. Its spatial structure takes the form of a radial network pattern with Beijing and Shanghai as its centers. The COVID-19 pandemic has not had an obvious negative impact on this network at present. (2) On the interregional scale, the strength of interregional network ties is greater than that of intraregional network ties. The eastern, central and western biomedicine innovation networks appear to be heterogeneous networks with regional central cities as the cores. (3) At the urban agglomeration scale, the strength of intraurban-agglomeration network ties is greater than that of interurban-agglomeration network ties. The three major urban agglomerations have formed radial spatial patterns with central cities as the hubs. (4) At the provincial scale, the intraprovincial networks have poor connectivity and low internal ties strength, which manifest as core-periphery structures with the provincial capitals as centers. Our research conclusion helps to clarify the current accumulation of technology and offer guidance for the development of China's biomedicine industry.
Impact of early phase COVID-19 precautionary behaviors on seasonal influenza in Hong Kong: A time-series modeling approach
Authors: Lin Chun-Pang , Dorigatti Ilaria , Tsui Kwok-Leung , Xie Min , Ling Man-Ho , Yuan Hsiang-Yu
Published: November 2022

Background

Before major non-pharmaceutical interventions were implemented, seasonal incidence of influenza in Hong Kong showed a rapid and unexpected reduction immediately following the early spread of COVID-19 in mainland China in January 2020. This decline was presumably associated with precautionary behavioral changes (e.g., wearing face masks and avoiding crowded places). Knowing their effectiveness on the transmissibility of seasonal influenza can inform future influenza prevention strategies.

Methods

We estimated the effective reproduction number (Rt) of seasonal influenza in 2019/20 winter using a time-series susceptible-infectious-recovered (TS-SIR) model with a Bayesian inference by integrated nested Laplace approximation (INLA). After taking account of changes in underreporting and herd immunity, the individual effects of the behavioral changes were quantified.

Findings

The model-estimated mean Rt reduced from 1.29 (95%CI, 1.27–1.32) to 0.73 (95%CI, 0.73–0.74) after the COVID-19 community spread began. Wearing face masks protected 17.4% of people (95%CI, 16.3–18.3%) from infections, having about half of the effect as avoiding crowded places (44.1%, 95%CI, 43.5–44.7%). Within the current model, if more than 85% of people had adopted both behaviors, the initial Rt could have been less than 1.

Conclusion

Our model results indicate that wearing face masks and avoiding crowded places could have potentially significant suppressive impacts on influenza.
The development of a Self-Rated ICF-based questionnaire (HEAR-COMMAND Tool) to evaluate Hearing, Communication, and Conversation disability: Multinational experts’ and patients’ perspectives
Authors: Afghah Tahereh , Alfakir Razan , Meis Markus , van Leeuwen Lisette , Kramer Sophia E. , Hammady Mahmoud , Youssif Mostafa , Wagener Kirsten C.
Published: November 2022

Objective

An instrument that facilitates the advancement of hearing healthcare delivery from a biomedical model to a biopsychosocial one that underpins the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health framework (ICF) brief and comprehensive Core Sets for Hearing Loss (CSHL) is currently unavailable. The objective is to describe the process of developing and validating a new questionnaire named the HEAR-COMMAND Tool created by transferring the ICF CSHL into a theory-supported, practically manageable concept.

Design

A team from Germany, the USA, the Netherlands, and Egypt collaborated on development. The following ICF domains were considered; “Body Functions” (BF), “Activities and Participation” (AP), and “Environmental Factors” (EF). The development yielded English, German, and Arabic versions. A pilot validation study with a total of 109 respondents across three countries, Germany, Egypt, and the USA was conducted to revise the item terminology according to the feedback provided by the respondents.

Results

The questionnaire included a total of 120 items. Ninety items were designed to collect information on the functioning and 30 items inquiring about demographic information, hearing status, and Personal Factors. Except for the “Body Structures” (BS) domain, all the categories of the brief ICF CSHL were covered (a total of 85% of the categories). Moreover, the items covered 44% of the comprehensive ICF CSHL categories including 73% of BF, 55% of AP, and 27% of EF domains. Overall, the terminology of 24 ICF-based items was revised based on the qualitative analysis of the respondents' feedback to further clarify the items that were found tod be unclear or misleading. The tool highlighted the broad connection of HL with bodily health and contextual factors.

Conclusions

The HEAR-COMMAND Tool was developed based on the ICF CSHL and from multinational experts' and patients' perspectives with the aim to improve the execution of audiological services, treatment, and rehabilitation for adult patients with HL. Additional validation of the tool is ongoing. The next step would be to pair the tool with BS categories since it was excluded from the tool and determine its effectiveness in guiding hearing health care practitioners to holistically classify categories influencing hearing, communication, and conversation disability.
A low-cost wearable device for portable sequential compression therapy
Authors: Schara Mark , Zeng Mingde , Jumet Barclay , Preston Daniel J.
Published: November 2022

In 2020, cardiovascular diseases resulted in 25% of unnatural deaths in the United States. Treatment with long-term administration of medication can adversely affect other organs, and surgeries such as coronary artery grafts are risky. Meanwhile, sequential compression therapy (SCT) offers a low-risk alternative, but is currently expensive and unwieldy, and often requires the patient to be immobilized during administration. Here, we present a low-cost wearable device to administer SCT, constructed using a stacked lamination fabrication approach. Expanding on concepts from the field of soft robotics, textile sheets are thermally bonded to form pneumatic actuators, which are controlled by an inconspicuous and tetherless electronic onboard supply of pressurized air. Our open-source, low-profile, and lightweight (140 g) device costs $62, less than one-third the cost the least expensive alternative and one-half the weight of lightest alternative approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), presenting the opportunity to more effectively provide SCT to socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals. Furthermore, our textile-stacking method, inspired by conventional fabrication methods from the apparel industry, along with the lightweight fabrics used, allows the device to be worn more comfortably than other SCT devices. By reducing physical and financial encumbrances, the device presented in this work may better enable patients to treat cardiovascular diseases and aid in recovery from cardiac surgeries.
Exploring underwater archaeology findings with a diving simulator in virtual reality
Authors: Plecher David A. , Keil Leonard , Kost Guy , Fiederling Max , Eichhorn Christian , Klinker Gudrun
Published: November 2022

With Virtual Reality (VR) technology maturing and spreading widely in recent years, it is becoming an increasingly useful tool for entertainment and education alike. Its potential to simulate hard to reach environments and emulate unique experiences believably is of great interest for the scientific study of Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH), in particular for the simulation of real-world dives. VR enriched with techniques from immersive Serious Games (SG) provide an authentic way to enjoy Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH) and the sport of diving from the comfort of the user’s home or as a museum exhibit. In this paper we are focusing on the exploration of the wreck of a Roman merchant ship from the 5th century AD, which was found near Veliki Piruzi (Croatia). The images taken by the underwater archaeologists enable a 3D reconstruction of the excavation site. The modular structure of the application makes it very easy to transfer the techniques presented to other excavation sites including information and objects.
Normal bone mineral density and bone microarchitecture in adult males with high and low risk of exercise addiction
Authors: Hansen Stinus Gadegaard , Lichtenstein Mia Beck , Johansen Karen Krogh , Støving Rene Klinkby
Published: November 2022

Exercise addiction describes a pattern of excessive and obsessive exercise and is associated with hypoleptinemia and low testosterone that may have adverse skeletal effects. We used a validated questionnaire to identify males with high and low risk of exercise addiction. In a cross-sectional design, males (aged 21–49 years) with high (n = 20, exercise addictive) and low risk (n = 20, exercise controls) of exercise addiction had examinations of bone mass, bone microarchitecture, and estimated bone strength performed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry of the hip and spine and high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography of the distal radius and tibia. Findings were compared between the groups and to a population-based sample of healthy men aged 20–80 years (n = 236). We found similar hip and spine bone mineral density in exercise addictive and controls. Cortical and trabecular bone microarchitecture and estimated bone strength in radius and tibia did not differ significantly between the groups. Multiple regression analyses adjusting for age, body weight, free testosterone, and hours of weekly training did not alter findings. Also, bone indices from both groups were within 95% prediction bands derived from the population-based sample for the vast majority of indices. Neither group had no associations between circulating leptin or free testosterone and bone outcomes. In conclusion, in a study on younger males, we found no associations between high risk of exercise addiction and various indices of bone mass and bone quality indicative of altered skeletal health.
The combination of SMRT sequencing and Illumina sequencing highlights organ-specific and age-specific expression patterns of miRNAs in Sika Deer
Authors: Jia Boyin , Wang Xue , Ma Fuquan , Li Xin , Han Xintong , Zhang Linlin , Li Jianming , Diao Naichao , Shi Kun , Ge Chenxia , Yang Fuhe , Du Rui
Published: November 2022

Due to the lack of high-quality Sika Deer (Cervus nippon) transcriptome and sRNAome across multiple organs or development stages, it is impossible to comprehensively analyze the mRNA and miRNA regulatory networks related to growth, development and immunity response. In this study, we used single molecule-real time sequencing (SMRT-seq) and Illumina sequencing methods to generate transcriptome and sRNAome from ten tissues and four age groups of Sika Deer to help us understand molecular characteristics and global miRNA expression profiles. The results showed that a total of 240,846 consensus transcripts were generated with an average length of 2,784 bp. 4,329 Transcription factors (TFs), 109,000 Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs) and 18,987 Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) were identified. Meanwhile, 306 known miRNAs and 143 novel miRNAs were obtained. A large number of miRNAs showed organ-specific and age-specific differential expression patterns. In particular, we found that the organ-specific miRNAs were enriched in the brain, some of which shared only between the brain and adrenal. These miRNAs were involved in maintaining specific functions within the brain and adrenal. By constructing miRNA96mRNA interaction networks associated with Sika Deer immunity, we found that miRNAs (miR-148a, miR-26a, miR-214, let-7b, etc.) and mRNAs (CD6, TRIM38, C3, CD163, etc.) might play an important role in the immune response of Sika Deer spleen. Together, our study generated an improved transcript annotation for Sika Deer by SMRT-seq and revealed the role of miRNA in regulating the growth, development and immunity response of Sika Deer.
Optimal Cooperative Guidance Strategies for Aircraft Defense with Impact Angle Constraints
Authors: Li Quancheng , Yan Tian , Gao Mengjing , Fan Yonghua , Yan Jie
Published: November 2022

Given the limitations of escape maneuvers and decoy deployment of combat aircraft under missile attacks; active defense dramatically improves the survival chances by launching active defense missiles to intercept incoming missiles. Different from previous work, this paper implemented impact angle constraints on the defense missile to achieve a better defense effect. The low-cost active defense missile with limited maneuverability is considered to cooperate with the aircraft through three mechanisms, namely two-way cooperation without any predetermined strategy, one-way cooperation with the defense missile employing a linear guidance strategy, and one-way cooperation with independent evasion maneuver for the target. Three optimal cooperative guidance strategies with impact angle constraints were investigated. Finally, a nonlinear two-dimensional model for agents with first-order autopilot dynamics was simulated to verify the performance of the proposed strategies. The simulation results indicated that the cooperative mechanism directly affects the available range of impact angles, and the constraints of a big impact angle can be realized by introducing the nonlinear model parameters and considering the angle variation between the velocity vector and the initial line-of-sight. Furthermore, the two-way cooperative mechanism achieves the best performance and more flexible solutions to accommodate different vehicle maximum overload limits.
A Hybrid Model Integrating HFACS and BN for Analyzing Human Factors in CFIT Accidents
Authors: Meng Bin , Lu Na
Published: November 2022

Controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) is considered a typical accident category of “low-probability-high consequence”. Human factors play an important role in CFIT accidents in such a complex and high-risk system. This study aims to explore the causal relationship and inherent correlation of CFIT accidents by the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS) and Bayesian network (BN). A total of 74 global CFIT accident investigation reports from 2001 to 2020 were collected, and the main contributing factors were classified and analyzed based on the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System. Then, the model was transformed into a Bayesian network topology structure. To ensure accuracy, the prior probability of each root node was computed by the fuzzy number theory. Afterward, using the bidirectional reasoning ability of the Bayesian network under uncertainty, this study performed a systematic quantitative analysis of the controlled flight into terrain accidents, including causal reasoning analysis, diagnostic analysis, sensitivity analysis, most probable explanation, and scenario analysis. The results demonstrate that the precondition for unsafe acts (30.5%) has the greatest impact on the controlled flight into terrain accidents among the four levels of contributing factors. Inadequate supervision, intentional noncompliance with SOPs/cross-check, GPWS not installed or failure, adverse meteorological environment, and ground-based navigation aid malfunction or not being available are recognized as the top significant contributing factors. The contributing factors of the high sensitivity and most likely failure are identified, and the coupling effect between the different contributing factors is verified. This study can provide guidance for CFIT accident analysis and prevention.
Aerodynamic and Structural Aspects of a Distributed Propulsion System for Commuter Airplane
Authors: Hospodář Pavel , Klesa Jan , Demovič Daniel , Žižkovský Nikola
Published: November 2022

In this paper, an aerodynamic and structural computation framework was produced to develop a more efficient aircraft configuration considering a wing with a distributed electric propulsion and its use in different flight missions. For that reason, a model of a regional airplane was used as a case study. The considered model was a nine-seat light airplane with a cruise speed of 500 km/h at an altitude 9000 m. The design of the distributed system is introduced, then the aerodynamic and structural aspects of the new wing with distributed electric propulsion system are calculated, and finally flight performances are calculated for the purpose of analysis of the DEP effect. The design of the DEP system aimed at meeting the required landing conditions and the masses of its components, such as the electric motors, the control units and the power source of the DEP system were estimated. Aerodynamic calculations included computations of different wing aspect ratios. These calculations take into account the drag of the existing airplane parts such as fuselage and tail surfaces. A modified lifting-line theory was used as a computational tool for the preliminary study. It was used to calculate the wing drag in cruise regime and to determine the distribution of aerodynamic forces and moments. Next, based on aerodynamic calculations and flight envelope, the basic skeletal parts of the wing were designed and the weight of the wing was calculated. Finally, fuel consumption calculations for different wing sizes were made and compared with the original design. The results show that a wing with a 35% reduction in area can reduce fuel consumption by more than 6% while keeping the same overall weight of the aircraft.
The Influence of Steady Air Jet on the Trailing-Edge Shock Loss in a Supersonic Compressor Cascade
Authors: Zhu Yinxin , Luo Zhenbing , Peng Wenqiang , Liu Qiang , Zhou Yan , Xie Wei , Cheng Pan , Ma Zhengxue , Xie Xuzhen
Published: November 2022

To effectively reduce shock wave loss at the trailing edge of a supersonic cascade under high back-pressure, a shock wave control method based on air jets is proposed. The air jet was arranged on the pressure side of the blade in the upstream of the trailing-edge shock. The flow control mechanism and effects of parameters were analyzed by computational methods. The results show that the air jet formed an oblique shock wave in the cascade passage which decelerated and pressurized the airflow. The resulting expansion wave downstream of the jet slot weakened the strength of the trailing-edge shock. This could effectively change the normal shock into oblique shock and thus weaken the shock loss. Optimal control effect was achieved when the mass flow rate ratio of the jet to the passage airflow remained 0.35–1.11% and the distance from the jet slot to the shock foot of the trailing-edge shock was about five times the thickness of the boundary layer. The proposed method can reduce the total pressure loss of a supersonic cascade, with the maximum improvement effect reaching 7.29% compared to the no-control state.