bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The burden of transport injury and risk factors in India from 1990 to 2019: evidence from the global burden of disease study
Authors: Behera Deepak Kumar , Singh Sanjay Kumar , Choudhury Dinesh Kumar
Published: September 2022

Background

India is one of the fastest-growing developing economies associated with many socio-demographic challenges that include a high density of population, growing urbanization, and poor road infrastructure. These challenges might lead to the cause of injury, especially transport related. Therefore, we aim to analyze the burden of Transport Injury (TI) and associated risk factors in India using the required data from 1990 to 2019.

Methods

This study has used the latest Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2019 data set and estimated TI-related incidence rate, mortality (death) rate, and Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) lost for India over the period from 1990 to 2019. The latest round of GBD survey-2019 provides information about 369 diseases and injuries and 87 risk factors across age groups and gender.

Results

Around 25% of the death rate of all ages was caused due to TI in 2019, significantly higher than in 1990 (20%). However, between 1990 and 2019, the DALYs rate per 100,000 people due to TI decreased slightly by 1.6% for all ages and both gender while more reduction has been observed in under 5- and 5–14-years age groups. On the contrary, the incidence rate and DALYs rate had increased substantially in the age group above 50 years which could be a serious issue for the safety of aging people. By analyzing the sub-cause of TI, we found that motorcyclist road injuries and pedestrian road injuries have been major causes of deaths in India during the last three decades. Further, we have found four risk factors associated with environmental change, occupational hazard, behavioral risk, and metabolic risk that cause TI injuries.

Conclusions

TI-related disease burden has not been reduced over the years in India despite improvements in road infrastructure and digital technology. Improvement in transport policies; awareness about traffic rules and laws among citizens, and improvement in governance in the road & transport sector could change the behavioral risk factors of TI and reduce population unwanted death and suffering.
Environmental drivers of seasonal shifts in abundance of wild pigs (Sus scrofa) in a tropical island environment
Authors: Risch Derek R. , Honarvar Shaya , Price Melissa R.
Published: September 2022

Background

Non-native wild pigs (Sus scrofa) threaten sensitive flora and fauna, cost billions of dollars in economic damage, and pose a significant human–wildlife conflict risk. Despite growing interest in wild pig research, basic life history information is often lacking throughout their introduced range and particularly in tropical environments. Similar to other large terrestrial mammals, pigs possess the ability to shift their range based on local climatic conditions or resource availability, further complicating management decisions. The objectives of this study were to (i) model the distribution and abundance of wild pigs across two seasons within a single calendar year; (ii) determine the most important environmental variables driving changes in pig distribution and abundance; and (iii) highlight key differences between seasonal models and their potential management implications. These study objectives were achieved using zero-inflated models constructed from abundance data obtained from extensive field surveys and remotely sensed environmental variables.

Results

Our models demonstrate a considerable change in distribution and abundance of wild pigs throughout a single calendar year. Rainfall and vegetation height were among the most influential variables for pig distribution during the spring, and distance to adjacent forest and vegetation density were among the most significant for the fall. Further, our seasonal models show that areas of high conservation value may be more vulnerable to threats from wild pigs at certain times throughout the year, which was not captured by more traditional modeling approaches using aggregated data.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that (i) wild pigs can considerably shift their range throughout the calendar year, even in tropical environments; (ii) pigs prefer dense forested areas in the presence of either hunting pressure or an abundance of frugivorous plants, but may shift to adjacent areas in the absence of either of these conditions; and (iii) seasonal models provide valuable biological information that would otherwise be missed by common modeling approaches that use aggregated data over many years. These findings highlight the importance of considering biologically relevant time scales that provide key information to better inform management strategies, particularly for species whose ranges include both temperate and tropical environments and thrive in both large continental and small island ecosystems.
Application of machine learning techniques to simulate the evaporative fraction and its relationship with environmental variables in corn crops
Authors: Zenone Terenzio , Vitale Luca , Famulari Daniela , Magliulo Vincenzo
Published: September 2022

Background

The evaporative fraction (EF) represents an important biophysical parameter reflecting the distribution of surface available energy. In this study, we investigated the daily and seasonal patterns of EF in a multi-year corn cultivation located in southern Italy and evaluated the performance of five machine learning (ML) classes of algorithms: the linear regression (LR), regression tree (RT), support vector machine (SVM), ensembles of tree (ETs) and Gaussian process regression (GPR) to predict the EF at daily time step. The adopted methodology consisted of three main steps that include: (i) selection of the EF predictors; (ii) comparison of the different classes of ML; (iii) application, cross-validation of the selected ML algorithms and comparison with the observed data.

Results

Our results indicate that SVM and GPR were the best classes of ML at predicting the EF, with a total of four different algorithms: cubic SVM, medium Gaussian SVM, the Matern 5/2 GPR, and the rational quadratic GPR. The comparison between observed and predicted EF in all four algorithms, during the training phase, were within the 95% confidence interval: theR2value between observed and predicted EF was 0.76 (RMSE 0.05) for the medium Gaussian SVM, 0.99 (RMSE 0.01) for the rational quadratic GPR, 0.94 (RMSE 0.02) for the Matern 5/2 GPR, and 0.83 (RMSE 0.05) for the cubic SVM algorithms. Similar results were obtained during the testing phase. The results of the cross-validation analysis indicate that theR2values obtained between all iterations for each of the four adopted ML algorithms were basically constant, confirming the ability of ML as a tool to predict EF.

Conclusion

ML algorithms represent a valid alternative able to predict the EF especially when remote sensing data are not available, or the sky conditions are not suitable. The application to different geographical areas, or crops, requires further development of the model based on different data sources of soils, climate, and cropping systems.
Study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial to increase COVID-19 testing and vaccination among people who inject drugs in San Diego County
Authors: Bazzi Angela R. , Harvey-Vera Alicia , Buesig-Stamos Tara , Abramovitz Daniela , Vera Carlos F. , Artamonova Irina , Patterson Thomas L. , Strathdee Steffanie A.
Published: September 2022

Background

People who inject drugs (PWID) have low rates of COVID-19 testing and vaccination and are vulnerable to severe disease. We partnered with a local, community-based syringe service program (SSP) in San Diego County, CA, to develop the single-session theory- and evidence-informed “LinkUP” intervention to increase COVID-19 testing and vaccination. This paper details the protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) of the LinkUP intervention.

Methods

With significant community input into study design considerations, including through our Community and Scientific Advisory Board, the LinkUP pilot RCT leverages an ongoing cohort study with adult (≥ 18 years) PWID in San Diego County to recruit participants who have not recently undergone voluntary COVID-19 testing and are unvaccinated. Eligible participants are referred to SSP locations randomized to offer the active intervention (involving tailored education, motivational interviewing, and problem-solving strategies) or a didactic attention-control condition (information sharing only). Both conditions are delivered by trained peer counselors hired by the SSP and were designed to be delivered at mobile (outdoor) SSP sites in ~ 30 min. Intake data assesses COVID-19 testing and vaccination history, health status, and harm reduction needs (to facilitate SSP referrals). At the end of either intervention condition, peer counselors offer onsite rapid COVID-19 antigen testing and COVID-19 vaccination referrals. Out-take and follow-up data (via SSP and state health department record linkages) confirms whether participants received the intervention, COVID-19 testing (and results) onsite or within six months, and vaccination referrals (and uptake) within six months. Planned analyses, which are not powered to assess efficacy, will provide adequate precision for effect size estimates for primary (COVID-19 testing) and secondary (vaccination) intervention outcomes. Findings will be disseminated widely including to local health authorities, collaborating agencies, and community members.

Discussion

Lessons from this community-based pilot study include the importance of gathering community input into study design, cultivating research-community partnerships based on mutual respect and trust, and maintaining frequent communication regarding unexpected events (e.g., police sweeps, neighborhood opposition). Findings may support the adoption of COVID-19 testing and vaccination initiatives implemented through SSPs and other community-based organizations serving vulnerable populations of people impacted by substance use and addiction.

Trial registration This trial was registered prospectively at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier NCT05181657).
Using skin temperature and activity profiles to assign chronotype in birds
Authors: Strauß Aurelia F. T. , McCafferty Dominic J. , Nord Andreas , Lehmann Marina , Helm Barbara
Published: September 2022

Chronotypes describe consistent differences between individuals in biological time-keeping. They have been linked both with underlying variation in the circadian system and fitness. Quantification of chronotypes is usually by time of onset, midpoint, or offset of a rhythmic behaviour or physiological process. However, diel activity patterns respond flexibly to many short-term environmental influences, which can make chronotypes hard to identify. In contrast, rhythmic patterns in physiological processes, such as body temperature, may provide more robust insights into the circadian basis of chronotypes. These can be telemetrically recorded from skin-mounted, temperature-sensitive transmitters, offering minimally invasive opportunities for working on free-ranging animals in the wild. Currently, computational methods for deriving chronotype from skin temperature require further development, as time series are often noisy and incomplete. Here, we investigate such methods using simultaneous radio telemetry recordings of activity and skin temperature in a wild songbird model (Great TitParus major) temporarily kept in outdoor aviaries. Our aims were to first develop standardised selection criteria to filter noisy time series of skin temperature and activity, to second assign chronotype based on the filtered recordings, and to third compare chronotype as assigned based on each of the two rhythms. After the selection of rhythmic data using periodicity and autocorrelation parameters, chronotype estimates (onset and offset) were extracted using four different changepoint approaches for skin temperature and one approach for activity records. The estimates based on skin temperature varied between different approaches but were correlated to each other (onset: correlation coefficientr = 0.099–0.841, offset:r = 0.131–0.906). In contrast, chronotype estimates from skin temperature were more weakly correlated to those from activity (onset:r = −0.131–0.612, offset:r = −0.040– −0.681). Overall, chronotype estimates were less variable and timed later in the day for activity than for skin temperature. The distinctions between physiological and behavioural chronotypes in this study might reflect differences in underlying mechanisms and in responsiveness to external and internal cues. Thus, studying each of these rhythms has specific strengths, while parallel studies of both could inform broadly on natural variation in biological time-keeping, and may allow assessment of how biological rhythms relate to changes in the environment.
Effects of rosuvastatin on serum glucose and insulin in hyperuricemic rats
Authors: Xilifu Dilidaer , Tuerxun Zumulaiti , Nuermaimaiti Buweiayixiemu , Aili Ayinu , Rehemu Nijiati , Sun Huiping , Zhang Xiangyang
Published: September 2022

Background

Hyperuricemia is a state in which the serum levels of uric acid (UA) are elevated. This study was to determine the roles of rosuvastatin in fasting blood glucose (FGB) and insulin levels in hyperuricemic rats.

Methods

Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomized divided into the control, model and rosuvastatin groups: the control was given no intervention, the model group was established by administrating yeast extract powder and oxonic acid potassium salt, and the rosuvastatin group was given intravenous administration of rosuvastatin for 28 days in hyperuricemic rats. Serum uric acid (SUA), fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting blood insulin (FBI), glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody (GADA), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) levels, and the ultrastructure of pancreatic β-cells were measured. Also, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) scores was computed in three groups.

Results

Compared to the model group, SUA were decreased, while the FBG, GADA, OGTT and HOMA-IR at week 4 were significantly increased in rosuvastatin group. However, FBI was not significantly changed between three groups. It was also showed that the structure of pancreatic β-cells was damaged and the number of β-cells was changed in hyperuricemic rats while they were aggravated in rosuvastatin group.

Conclusion

Rosuvastatin has roles in inducing FGB, GADA, OGTT and pancreatic β-cells damage in hyperuricemic rats.
Lymphatic vessels are present in human saccular intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Huuska Nora , Netti Eliisa , Lehti Satu , Kovanen Petri T. , Niemelä Mika , Tulamo Riikka
Published: September 2022

Saccular intracranial aneurysm (sIA) rupture leads to subarachnoid haemorrhage and is preceded by chronic inflammation and atherosclerotic changes of the sIA wall. Increased lymphangiogenesis has been detected in atherosclerotic extracranial arteries and in abdominal aortic aneurysms, but the presence of lymphatic vessels in sIAs has remained unexplored. Here we studied the presence of lymphatic vessels in 36 intraoperatively resected sIAs (16 unruptured and 20 ruptured), using immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence stainings for lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) markers. Of these LEC-markers, both extracellular and intracellular LYVE-1-, podoplanin-, VEGFR-3-, and Prox1-positive stainings were detected in 83%, 94%, 100%, and 72% of the 36 sIA walls, respectively. Lymphatic vessels were identified as ring-shaped structures positive for one or more of the LEC markers. Of the sIAs, 78% contained lymphatic vessels positive for at least one LEC marker. The presence of LECs and lymphatic vessels were associated with the number of CD68+ and CD163+  cells in the sIA walls, and with the expression of inflammation indicators such as serum amyloid A, myeloperoxidase, and cyclo-oxygenase 2, with the presence of a thrombus, and with the sIA wall rupture. Large areas of VEGFR-3 and α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) double-positive cells were detected in medial parts of the sIA walls. Also, a few podoplanin and αSMA double-positive cells were discovered. In addition, LYVE-1 and CD68 double-positive cells were detected in the sIA walls and in the thrombus revealing that certain CD68+ macrophages are capable of expressing LEC markers. This study demonstrates for the first time the presence of lymphatic vessels in human sIA walls. Further studies are needed to understand the role of lymphatic vessels in the pathogenesis of sIA.
Tau seeding activity in various regions of down syndrome brain assessed by two novel assays
Authors: Jin Nana , Gu Jianlan , Wu Ruozhen , Chu Dandan , Tung Yunn Chyn , Wegiel Jerzy , Wisniewski Thomas , Gong Cheng-Xin , Iqbal Khalid , Liu Fei
Published: September 2022

Propagation of tau pathology via the seeding of naive tau aggregation underlies the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related tauopathies. Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) develop tau pathology at the fourth decade of life, but tau seeding activity in DS brain has not yet been determined. To measure tau seeding activity, we developed capture assay and seeded-tau aggregation assay with truncated tau151-391. By using brain extracts from AD and related tauopathies, we validated these two methods and found that the brain extracts from AD and related tauopathies, but not from controls and the diseases in which tau was not hyperphosphorylated, captured in vitro and seeded 3R-tau151-391 and 4R-tau151-391 to aggregate in cultured cells similarly. Captured tau151-391 levels were strongly correlated with the seeded-tau151-391 aggregation. Employing these two newly developed assays, we analyzed tau seeding activity in the temporal (TC), frontal (FC), and occipital cortex (OC); corpus callosum (CC); and cerebellar cortex (CBC) of DS and control brains. We found that the extracts of TC, FC, or OC, but not the CC or CBC of DS or the corresponding brain regions of control cases, captured tau151-391. Levels of the captured tau151-391 by brain extracts were positively correlated with their levels of phosphorylated tau. Extracts of cerebral cortex and CC, but not CBC of DS with a similar tau level, induced more tau151-391 aggregation than did the corresponding samples from the control cases. Thus, higher tau seeding activity associated with tau hyperphosphorylation was found in the TC, FC, and OC of DS compared with the corresponding control regions as well as with the CBC and CC of DS. Of note, these two assays are sensitive, specific, and repeatable at a low cost and provide a platform for measuring tau seeding activity and for drug screening that targets tau propagation.
Idealized simulations of tropical cyclones with thermodynamic conditions under reanalysis and CMIP5 scenarios
Authors: Chih Cheng-Hsiang , Chou Kun-Hsuan , Wu Chun-Chieh
Published: September 2022

The idealized Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) simulations are conducted to investigate tropical cyclone (TC) size and intensity over the Western North Pacific (WNP) over the past decades, as represented by National Centers for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP/NCAR) R-1, European Center for Medium range Weather Forecasting (ECMWF) twentieth century (ERA20C) reanalysis, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences 20th Century (CIRES20) Reanalysis V2 data, and under a future climate, as predicted by the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5). Firstly, sensitivity experiments with varying environmental thermodynamic forcing are conducted to examine how thermodynamic conditions affect TC size and intensity. Secondly, distributions of thermodynamic quantities taken from the NCEP/NCAR R-1, ERA20C, CIRES20, and CMIP5 data are used to initialize four more sets of WRF simulations. There is no significant variation in TC size nor intensity over the WNP within the past 90 years based on the idealized downscaling high-resolution WRF model, whereas those simulations initialized based on CMIP5 data show that both the TC size and intensity would increase in the future (2071–2100) of the representative concentration pathway 8.5 (RCP8.5) as compared to those during the current (2010–2040) climate stage of RCP8.5. An explanation for these findings is given by referring to impact of the air–sea thermal disequilibrium and acutely increasing temperature in the TC outflow, while their relation to previous works is also discussed.
A novel pressed coal from citrus and cooking oil wastes using fungi
Authors: Hasanin Mohamed S. , Hashem Amr H. , Abu Hashish Hassan M. , Abdelraof Mohamed
Published: September 2022

Nowadays renewable energy with low prices is a global target that has taken the attention to compare alternatives energy sources with fossil fuels. Therefore, this study was established to find suitable and sustainable alternative low-cost fuels source. Cooking oil waste (COW) was mixed with non-pretreated citrus tree fibers (CTF) (0.5 mL to 1 g ratio) and pressed to formulate coal (CTF/COW). Otherwise, this mixture was subjected to in situ fungal pretreated using Aspergillus flavus isolate to simplify the mixture composition and pressed to offer in a usable form with enhancing their heating value for the first time. CTF/COW was characterized using attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and thermal analysis (TGA) before and after treatment. The fungal isolate was observed with enzyme productivity and activity of CMCase, avicelase, xylanase, mannanase, α-glucosidase, β-glucosidase, lignin peroxidase and lipase according to enzyme assays and the chemical compositions of CTF before and after fungal treatment, where the best PH for enzymes extraction was between 5 and 7. The fungal enzymes increased the heating value by about two and half folds in comparison with non-pretreated coal. Moreover, the calorific value of tCTF/COW was 43,422 kJ/kg, which was higher than CTF recorded 18,214 kJ/kg and COW recorded 39,823 kJ/kg. Our result suggests that fungal treatment of the mixture of citrus trees and cooking oil waste presents as a promising low-cost and eco-friendly coal.

Graphical Abstract
A CT-based nomogram for predicting the risk of adenocarcinomas in patients with subsolid nodule according to the 2021 WHO classification
Authors: Song Qilong , Song Biao , Li Xiaohu , Wang Bin , Li Yuan , Chen Wu , Wang Zhaohua , Wang Xu , Yu Yongqiang , Min Xuhong , Ma Dongchun
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To establish a nomogram for predicting the risk of adenocarcinomas in patients with subsolid nodules (SSNs) according to the 2021 WHO classification.

Methods

A total of 656 patients who underwent SSNs resection were retrospectively enrolled. Among them, 407 patients were assigned to the derivation cohort and 249 patients were assigned to the validation cohort. Univariate and multi-variate logistic regression algorithms were utilized to identity independent risk factors of adenocarcinomas. A nomogram based on the risk factors was generated to predict the risk of adenocarcinomas. The discrimination ability of the nomogram was evaluated using the concordance index (C-index), its performance was calibrated using a calibration curve, and its clinical significance was evaluated using decision curves and clinical impact curves.

Results

Lesion size, mean CT value, vascular change and lobulation were identified as independent risk factors for adenocarcinomas. The C-index of the nomogram was 0.867 (95% CI, 0.833-0.901) in derivation cohort and 0.877 (95% CI, 0.836-0.917) in validation cohort. The calibration curve showed good agreement between the predicted and actual risks. Analysis of the decision curves and clinical impact curves revealed that the nomogram had a high standardized net benefit.

Conclusions

A nomogram for predicting the risk of adenocarcinomas in patients with SSNs was established in light of the 2021 WHO classification. The developed model can be adopted as a pre-operation tool to improve the surgical management of patients.
Guided imagery for treatment (GIFT): protocol of a pilot trial of guided imagery versus treatment as usual to address radiotherapy-related distress in head and neck cancer
Authors: Kolva Elissa , Karam Sana D. , Carr Alaina L. , Roberts Sydneyjane , Torkko Kathleen , Lanning Ryan , Cox-Martin Emily
Published: September 2022

Background

Cancers of the head and neck region are associated with high symptom burden and elevated levels of psychological distress. Radiotherapy (RT) is a common treatment for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) that is associated with psychological distress related to the immobilizing nature of the treatment, frequency of treatment delivery, and side effects. Guided imagery is a relaxation technique that is beneficial in reducing psychological distress in patients with other cancer diagnoses but has not been studied in this patient population. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a brief guided imagery intervention (guided imagery for treatment, GIFT) to reduce RT-related anxiety and depression in patients with HNC relative to treatment as usual (TAU).

Methods

Patients with HNC planning to receive RT will be recruited to participate in a randomized controlled trial evaluating a brief, two-session guided imagery intervention (GIFT) relative to TAU alone. Primary aims include acceptability and feasibility evaluated through quantitative and qualitative methods. Measures of anxiety and depression, symptom burden, health-related quality of life, and anxiolytic medication use will be collected at baseline, during treatment, and at 1-month follow-up.

Discussion

There are no published interventions of guided imagery for anxiety and depression in patients with HNC despite its efficacy in other populations of patients with cancer. This proposed project evaluates the feasibility and acceptability of an intervention that has the potential to reduce psychological distress in a vulnerable population. Additionally, we will preliminarily examine the impact of behavioral intervention on psychological distress and the use of anxiolytic medication, a novel area of study.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03662698; registered on 9/6/2018.
Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation for Concussion Recovery (i-RECOveR): protocol of an investigator-blinded, randomised, case series with multiple baseline design to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a 12-week treatment for persistent post-concussion symptoms
Authors: Nguyen Jack V. K. , McKay Adam , Ponsford Jennie , Davies Katie , Makdissi Michael , Drummond Sean P. A. , Reyes Jonathan , Willmott Catherine
Published: September 2022

Background

Up to 25% of concussed individuals experience persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCSs) which may interfere with the return to pre-injury activities and cause significant stress. Given that multiple etiological factors are thought to contribute to PPCSs, an interdisciplinary approach is recommended. This pilot study aims to primarily investigate the feasibility of a novel interdisciplinary treatment for PPCSs. Given this intervention is novel, uncertainty exists in terms of potential recruitment and retention rates, adverse events, and treatment adherence and fidelity. These factors will be explored to inform the feasibility of a phase-2 randomised controlled trial. Preliminary efficacy of this intervention will also be explored.

Methods

Fifteen individuals with mild traumatic brain injury and PPCSs will receive up to 12 weeks of interdisciplinary treatments including psychology, physiotherapy, and medical interventions. Primary feasibility outcomes including data on recruitment and retention rates and treatment adherence will be explored descriptively. The cognitive therapy rating scale will be used to assess treatment fidelity. A single-case series with multiple baseline design will be used to explore preliminary efficacy. Participants will be randomly assigned to baseline phases of 2, 4, or 6 weeks. Regarding patient-centred secondary outcomes, the Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire will be assessed three times a week during baseline and treatment phases. Secondary outcomes also include measures of mood, sleep and fatigue, physical functioning, return to activity, and health-related quality of life. Patient-centred outcomes will be assessed at baseline, pretreatment, post-treatment, and one- and three-month follow-up. Thematic analysis of participant experiences will be explored through qualitative interviews.

Discussion

Results from this trial will inform the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of this interdisciplinary concussion intervention and whether proceeding to a future definitive phase-2 randomised controlled trial is worthwhile. Understanding the end-user perspective of the treatment will also enable modifications to the treatment protocol for future trials to best suit the needs of individuals with PPCSs after mTBI. Outcomes from this trial can be directly translated into community rehabilitation programmes.

Trial registration

ANZCTR, ACTRN12620001111965. Registered 27 October 2020,https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=379118
Optimization of the clinically approved Mg-Zn alloy system through the addition of Ca
Authors: Roh Hyung-Jin , Park Jaeho , Lee Sun-Hee , Kim Do-Hyang , Lee Gwang-Chul , Jeon Hojeong , Chae Minseong , Lee Kang-Sik , Sun Jeong-Yun , Lee Dong-Ho , Han Hyung-Seop , Kim Yu-Chan
Published: September 2022

Background

Although several studies on the Mg-Zn-Ca system have focused on alloy compositions that are restricted to solid solutions, the influence of the solid solution component of Ca on Mg-Zn alloys is unknown. Therefore, to broaden its utility in orthopedic applications, studies on the influence of the addition of Ca on the microstructural, mechanical, and corrosion properties of Mg-Zn alloys should be conducted. In this study, an in-depth investigation of the effect of Ca on the mechanical and bio-corrosion characteristics of the Mg-Zn alloy was performed for the optimization of a clinically approved Mg alloy system comprising Ca and Zn.

Methods

The Mg alloy was fabricated by gravitational melting of high purity Mg, Ca, and Zn metal grains under an Ar gas environment. The surface and cross-section were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to analyze their crystallographic structures. Electrochemical and immersion tests in Hank’s balanced salt solution were used to analyze their corrosion resistance. Tensile testing was performed with universal testing equipment to investigate the impact of Ca addition. The examination of cytotoxicity for biometric determination was in line with the ISO10993 standard.

Results

In this study, the 0.1% Ca alloy had significantly retarded grain growth due to the formation of the tiny and well-dispersed Ca
2
Mg
6
Zn
3
phase. In addition, the yield strength and elongation of the 0.1% Ca alloy were more than 50% greater than the 2% Zn alloy. The limited cell viability of the 0.3% Ca alloy could be attributed to its high corrosion rate, whereas the 0.1% Ca alloy demonstrated cell viability of greater than 80% during the entire experimental period.

Conclusion

The effect of the addition of Ca on the microstructure, mechanical, and corrosion characteristics of Mg-Zn alloys was analyzed in this work. The findings imply that the Mg-Zn alloy system could be optimized by adding a small amount of Ca, improving mechanical properties while maintaining corrosion rate, thus opening the door to a wide range of applications in orthopedic surgery.
Translanguaging pedagogy in tutor’s oral corrective feedback on chinese EFL learners’ argumentative writing
Authors: Wang Yibei , Li Danli
Published: September 2022

Translanguaging pedagogy has widely attracted interests from studies of second or foreign language teaching. Corrective feedback has long been recognized for its value on improving second language learning outcomes. However, limited attention has been given to the potential influence of translanguaging in the process of corrective feedback on learners’ second language writing performance, especially the influence of oral corrective feedback. This paper aims at exploring the effects of translanguaging in tutors’ oral corrective feedback (OCF) on Chinese EFL learners’ argumentative writing in six-week writing tutorials. 12 first-year Chinese college students and a Chinese tutor of English participated in the study at a university in Central China. The findings showed positive effects of translanguaging in OCF on Chinese EFL students’ argumentative writing performance. It attempts to make some contributions to EFL writing instruction. Teachers can alter their monolingual medium of English only to adapt to students’ needs, focus on students’ language practices, and create a language education ecological environment through translanguaging pedagogy.
The role of environmental factors and other migration drivers from the perspective of Moroccan and Congolese migrants in Belgium
Authors: Ou-Salah Loubna , Van Praag Lore , Verschraegen Gert
Published: September 2022

This manuscript describes findings from 53 interviews conducted with Moroccan and migrants from The Democratic Republique of the Congo living in Belgium, with an emphasis on discussing the extent to which environmental factors in the migrants’ home countries may or may not have influenced their migration decisions. A comparative approach clarifies and disentangles the relationship between natural environmental factors and other drivers of migration in two distinct contexts. Applying a comparative approach and having extensive biographical accounts of each interviewee’s migration trajectory and history enables us to understand how individual migration aspirations develop gradually and how the importance of environmental factors changes during different stages. Conceiving of migration as a multi-stage process, this study demonstrates how environmental factors are closely linked to other factors and play different roles during a migration trajectory.
The views of people living with chronic stroke and aphasia on their potential involvement as research partners: a thematic analysis
Authors: Charalambous Marina , Kountouri Alexia , Phylactou Phivos , Triantafyllidou Ioanna , Annoni Jean-Marie , Kambanaros Maria
Published: September 2022

Background

Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) is the active partnership between researchers, patients and laypeople in the process of creating research. PPI in stroke aphasia research aims to ensure equal opportunities for informed decision-making and guarantee democratic representation of patient partners within the research team. Yet, little is known about the factors that hinder and/or promote the autonomous involvement of people with aphasia in stroke and aphasia PPI projects. This study aimed to explore the views and perspectives of people who live with chronic stroke, with and without aphasia, with experience in research prior to stroke, on their potential involvement as research partners.

Methods

The research team included a PPI partner with chronic stroke-induced aphasia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted online with people with chronic stroke (n = 8), four with aphasia and four without. Interviews were subject to thematic analysis.

Results

Inductive thematic analysis generated four themes: (1) the kinds of Restrictions that make involvement in research difficult, (2) the preferred levels and ways of Involvement during the research process, (3) the Support required for active and collaborative involvement, and (4) the Impact of their involvement and how it benefits the study’s outcomes.

Conclusion

People experiencing chronic stroke and aphasia are willing to be involved as PPI partners if the research team provides the necessary support. Recommendations for researchers to consider before commencing co-produced research with people with stroke and aphasia are provided.
Conscious engagement within patients’ and simulated participants’ personal space: medical students' perspective
Authors: Banks-McGovern Chara , Gormley Gerard J. , Wilson Diane , Kearney Grainne P.
Published: September 2022

Background

#MeToo prompted a shift in acceptable societal norms, sparking global recognition of the complexities of entering another’s personal space. Physical examinations are an integral part of medicine yet have the capacity to encroach upon patient’s personal space, whether in simulated or clinical environments. Examinations may be misconstrued as inappropriate advances, with negative effects for both patient and doctor. Medical educators must consider how they teach students to approach this complex task. This study aimed to gain insight into the lived experiences of medical students when working within patient’s personal space. This builds on previous research from the perspective of simulated participants.

Method

A hermeneutic phenomenology approach was used to explore lived experiences of working within patient’s personal space. Data was collected from seven medical students through semi-structured interviews and thematically analysed using template analysis.

Results

The analysis yielded four main themes: (1) transitioning into a privileged position; (2) negative role modelling: emphasising the physical; (3) consent: a dynamic and fragile state; and (4) a simple act or a complex performance?

Discussion

This study provides a unique insight into the lived experiences of medical students when working within a patient’s personal space. The physical examination is a complex process; the experiences of medical students can shape learning on crossing boundaries. Medical educators need to reflect this complexity in teaching, mirroring societal interest around the boundaries of consent. Students need a pedagogical space to develop these interpersonal skills, to prevent early adoption of the clinical gaze, and to create more consciously engaged doctors for the future.
Evaluation of the relationship between hemodialysis-related glycemic variability and hormonal profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes on hemodialysis: a pilot study
Authors: Hayashi Akinori , Matoba Kenta , Ohata Yasuhiro , Shimizu Naoya , Suzuki Agena , Fujii Satoe , Sato Marie , Takano Koji , Shichiri Masayoshi
Published: September 2022

Background

The number of dialysis patients with diabetes is currently increasing in Japan and a similar proportion worldwide. It was suggested that approximately 20% of these patients had hypoglycemia after dialysis session and most of these hypoglycemia were unconscious. Furthermore, it was suggested that glucose variabilities induced by hemodialysis may be related to insulin and insulin-counter hormones, such as glucagon, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and cortisol and growth hormone, but conclusive evidence has not still been obtained.

Methods

We investigated in detail the glucose and hormonal profiles in 7 patients with type 2 diabetes on hemodialysis (all male, HbA1c 6.8 ± 2.1%, glycated albumin 24.7 ± 10.2%). All participants were attached continuous glucose monitoring (iPro2®). Blood glucose level, C-peptide immunoreactivity, plasma glucagon, ACTH, cortisol and growth hormone were measured by 7 points blood tests at before breakfast, after breakfast (predialysis), 2 h and 4 h after starting dialysis, after lunch and before/after dinner on the dialysis day and 6 points at before/after each meal on the non-dialysis day, and these relationship with blood glucose dynamics were examined. The meal contents were set to the indicated energy amount, and the same menu was served daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on dialysis and non-dialysis days of this study period. In addition, the start time of lunch on non-dialysis day was the same as the start time of lunch on the dialysis day.

Results

Serum C-peptide level was significantly increased by taking breakfast and lunch on the hemodialysis day, significantly decreased during hemodialysis, and was significantly lower before and after lunch on the hemodialysis day than on the non-hemodialysis day. Plasma glucagon level significantly decreased during hemodialysis and that before lunch on hemodialysis day was significantly lower than on non-hemodialysis day. ACTH, cortisol, and growth hormone did not show any changes related to hemodialysis.

Conclusions

It was suggested that C-peptide and glucagon play an important role in hemodialysis-related glycemic variabilities in patients with type 2 diabetic hemodialysis.

Trial registration UMIN Clinical Trial Registry (Registration Number UMIN000018707). Registered 18 August 2015, https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr.cgi?function=brows&action=brows&type=summary&language=J&recptno=R000021647.
Face masks impair facial emotion recognition and induce specific emotion confusions
Authors: Rinck Mike , Primbs Maximilian A. , Verpaalen Iris A. M. , Bijlstra Gijsbert
Published: September 2022

Face masks are now worn frequently to reduce the spreading of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Their health benefits are undisputable, but covering the lower half of one's face also makes it harder for others to recognize facial expressions of emotions. Three experiments were conducted to determine how strongly the recognition of different facial expressions is impaired by masks, and which emotions are confused with each other. In each experiment, participants had to recognize facial expressions of happiness, sadness, anger, surprise, fear, and disgust, as well as a neutral expression, displayed by male and female actors of the Radboud Faces Database. On half of the 168 trials, the lower part of the face was covered by a face mask. In all experiments, facial emotion recognition (FER) was about 20% worse for masked faces than for unmasked ones (68% correct vs. 88%). The impairment was largest for disgust, followed by fear, surprise, sadness, and happiness. It was not significant for anger and the neutral expression. As predicted, participants frequently confused emotions that share activation of the visible muscles in the upper half of the face. In addition, they displayed response biases in these confusions: They frequently misinterpreted disgust as anger, fear as surprise, and sadness as neutral, whereas the opposite confusions were less frequent. We conclude that face masks do indeed cause a marked impairment of FER and that a person perceived as angry, surprised, or neutral may actually be disgusted, fearful, or sad, respectively. This may lead to misunderstandings, confusions, and inadequate reactions by the perceivers.
Coping with high advertising exposure: a source-monitoring perspective
Authors: Bell Raoul , Mieth Laura , Buchner Axel
Published: September 2022

Consumers are exposed to large amounts of advertising every day. One way to avoid being manipulated is to monitor the sources of persuasive messages. In the present study it was tested whether high exposure to advertising affects the memory and guessing processes underlying source attributions. Participants were exposed to high or low proportions of advertising messages that were intermixed with product statements from a trustworthy source. In a subsequent memory test, participants had to remember the sources of these statements. In Experiments 1 and 2, high advertising exposure led to increased source memory and decreased recognition of the statements in comparison to low advertising exposure. High advertising exposure also induced an increased tendency toward guessing that statements whose sources were not remembered came from advertising. The results of Experiment 3 suggest that the presence of advertising, relative to its absence, leads to a skeptical guessing bias. Being exposed to advertising thus has pronounced effects on the memory and guessing processes underlying source attributions. These changes in source monitoring can be interpreted as coping mechanisms that serve to protect against the persuasive influence of advertising messages.
Power generation maximization of distributed photovoltaic systems using dynamic topology reconfiguration
Authors: Fang Xiaolun , Yang Qiang , Yan Wenjun
Published: September 2022

The ‘mismatch losses’ problem is commonly encountered in distributed photovoltaic (PV) power generation systems. It can directly reduce power generation. Hence, PV array reconfiguration techniques have become highly popular to minimize the mismatch losses. In this paper, a dynamical array reconfiguration method for Total-Cross-Ties (TCT) and Series–Parallel (SP) interconnected PV arrays is proposed. The method aims to improve the maximum power output generation of a distributed PV array in different mismatch conditions through a set of inverters and a switching matrix that is controlled by a dynamic and scalable reconfiguration optimization algorithm. The structures of the switching matrix for both TCT-based and SP-based PV arrays are designed to enable flexible alteration of the electrical connections between PV strings and inverters. Also, the proposed reconfiguration solution is scalable, because the size of the switching matrix deployed in the proposed solution is only determined by the numbers of the PV strings and the inverters, and is not related to the number of PV modules in a string. The performance of the proposed method is assessed for PV arrays with both TCT and SP interconnections in different mismatch conditions, including different partial shading and random PV module failure. The average optimization time for TCT and SP interconnected PV arrays is 0.02 and 3 s, respectively. The effectiveness of the proposed dynamical reconfiguration is confirmed, with the average maximum power generation improved by 8.56% for the TCT-based PV array and 6.43% for the SP-based PV array compared to a fixed topology scheme.