bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomechanical Properties of Novel Lateral Hole Pedicle Screws and Solid Pedicle Screws: A Comparative Study in the Beagle Dogs
Authors: Hu Yong , Chu Zhen‐tao , Shen Shu‐feng , Zhong Jian‐bin , Zhu Bing‐ke , Wu Jia‐da , Yuan Zhen‐shan , Dong Wei‐xin
Published: November 2022

Objective

Although pedicle screws are widely used to reconstruct the stability of the spine, screw loosening is a common complication after spine surgery. The main objective of this study was to investigate whether the application of the hollow lateral hole structure had the potential to improve the stability of the pedicle screw by comparing the biomechanical properties of the novel lateral hole pedicle screws (LHPSs) with those of the solid pedicle screws (SPSs) in beagle dogs.

Methods

The cancellous bone of the distal femur, proximal femur, distal tibia, and proximal tibia were chosen as implantation sites in beagle dogs. In each of 12 dogs, four LHPSs, and four SPSs were implanted into both lower limbs. At 1, 2, and 3 months after surgery, four dogs were randomly sampled and sacrificed. The LHPS group and SPS group were subdivided into four subgroups according to the length of their duration of implantation (0, 1, 2, 3 months). The biomechanical properties of both pedicle screws were evaluated by pull‐out and the cyclic bending tests.

Results

The results of the study showed that no significant difference was found between LHPSs (276.62 ± 50.11 N) and SPSs (282.47 ± 42.98 N) in pull‐out tests at time 0 (P > 0.05). At the same time point after implantations, LHPSs exhibited significantly higher maximal pullout strength than SPSs (month 1: 360.51 ± 25.63 vs 325.87 ± 28.11 N; month 2: 416.59 ± 23.78 vs 362.12 ± 29.27 N; month 3: 447.05 ± 38.26 vs 376.63 ± 32.36 N) (P < 0.05). Moreover, compared with SPSs, LHPSs withstood more loading cycles (month 2: 592 ± 21 vs 534 ± 48 times; month 3: 596 ± 10 vs 543 ± 59 times), and exhibiting less displacement before loosening at month 2 (1.70 ± 0.17 vs 1.96 ± 0.10 mm) and 3 (1.69 ± 0.19 vs 1.92 ± 0.14 mm) (P < 0.05), but no significant difference in time 0 and month 1 (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The pedicle screw with the hollow lateral hole structure could allow bone to grow into the inner architecture, which improved biomechanical properties by extending the contact area between screw and bone tissue after implantation into the cancellous bone. It indicated that LHPS could reduce loosening of the pedicle screws in long term after surgery.
Enterokinase deficiency with novel TMPRSS15 gene mutation masquerading as acrodermatitis enteropathica
Authors: Chen Yusha , Li Zhongtao , Liu Chuangwen , Wang Sheng
Published: November 2022

Enterokinase deficiency (EKD) is a rare autosomal recessive inherited disorder caused by loss‐of‐function mutations of the transmembrane protease serine 15 (TMPRSS15) gene. To date, only 12 cases of EKD have been described in the literature and skin involvement has seldom been described. We identified a novel homozygous nonsense mutation in the TMPRSS15 gene (c.1216C>T, p.R406*) in a female infant, who manifested with acrodermatitis enteropathica (AE)‐like lesions that were dramatically relieved within 11 days after initiation of a protein‐rich hydrolyzed formula. Our case shows that AE‐like rashes can be a manifestation of EKD and expands the spectrum of causative mutations in the TMPRSS15 gene.
Causal Inference with Spatio-Temporal Data: Estimating the Effects of Airstrikes on Insurgent Violence in Iraq
Authors: Papadogeorgou Georgia , Imai Kosuke , Lyall Jason , Li Fan
Published: November 2022

Many causal processes have spatial and temporal dimensions. Yet the classic causal inference framework is not directly applicable when the treatment and outcome variables are generated by spatio-temporal point processes. We extend the potential outcomes framework to these settings by formulating the treatment point process as a stochastic intervention. Our causal estimands include the expected number of outcome events in a specified area under a particular stochastic treatment assignment strategy. Our methodology allows for arbitrary patterns of spatial spillover and temporal carryover effects. Using martingale theory, we show that the proposed estimator is consistent and asymptotically normal as the number of time periods increases. We propose a sensitivity analysis for the possible existence of unmeasured confounders, and extend it to the Hájek estimator. Simulation studies are conducted to examine the estimators' finite sample performance. Finally, we illustrate the proposed methods by estimating the effects of American airstrikes on insurgent violence in Iraq from February 2007 to July 2008. Our analysis suggests that increasing the average number of daily airstrikes for up to 1 month may result in more insurgent attacks. We also find some evidence that airstrikes can displace attacks from Baghdad to new locations up to 400 km away.
The multi elliptic‐localized solutions and their asymptotic behaviors for the mKdV equation
Authors: Ling Liming , Sun Xuan
Published: November 2022

We mainly construct and analyze the multi elliptic‐localized solutions under the background of elliptic function solutions for the focusing modified Korteweg‐de Vries (mKdV) equation. Based on the Darboux–Bäcklund transformation, we provide a uniform expression for these solutions by the Jacobi theta functions. The asymptotic behaviors of multi elliptic‐localized solutions are provided directly in two categories. By the consistent asymptotic expression of those solutions, we obtain that the collisions between the elliptic‐breathers/solitons are elastic. Moreover, a sufficient condition of the strictly elastic collision between the solitons and breathers has been given by the symmetric analysis. In addition, as , the multi elliptic‐localized solutions degenerate into solitons, breathers, or soliton‐breather solutions, which implies that we extend the solutions from the constant and vanishing backgrounds to the periodic solutions backgrounds. Moreover, we illustrate figures of the multi elliptic‐localized solutions to visualize the above analysis.
On the almost‐circular symplectic induced Ginibre ensemble
Authors: Byun Sung‐Soo , Charlier Christophe
Published: November 2022

We consider the symplectic‐induced Ginibre process, which is a Pfaffian point process on the plane. Let N be the number of points. We focus on the almost‐circular regime where most of the points lie in a thin annulus of width as . Our main results are the bulk scaling limits of all correlation functions near the real axis, and also away from the real axis. Near the real axis, the limiting correlation functions are Pfaffians with a new correlation kernel, which interpolates the limiting kernels in the bulk of the symplectic Ginibre ensemble and of the antisymmetric Gaussian Hermitian ensemble of odd size. Away from the real axis, the limiting correlation functions are determinants, and the kernel is the same as the one appearing in the bulk limit of almost‐Hermitian random matrices. Furthermore, we obtain precise large N asymptotics for the probability that no points lie outside , as well as of several other “semi‐large” gap probabilities.
Research on the intrinsic mechanism of the darkening of liquid foundation
Authors: Chen Gang , Tan Yimei , Wang Shirley , Yu Jing , Yang Cici
Published: November 2022

Background

To investigate the intrinsic mechanism that causes the darkening of liquid foundations.

Materials and method

A total of 36 commercial liquid foundations were firstly studied for preliminary screening of influencing factors. A basic liquid foundation was developed for controlling variables to study the influence of each single factor. These samples were evenly spread on the standard opacity charts with the thickness of 100 μm and applied onto human inner forearm skin with the dosage of 2 mg/cm2. The discoloration of each sample was continuously recorded using spectrophotometers and reported in the CIE 1976 L*a*b* color space for at least 120 min, and ΔE was calculated to describe the severity of darkening.

Results

One hundred twenty‐minute ΔE of all commercial foundations was highly negatively correlated with their 120‐min ΔITA° (R2 = 0.88, p < 0.01). A strong positive correlation was found between the severity of darkening and the volatilization of the basic foundations (R2 = 0.83, p < 0.01). And the darkening of silicone‐based basic foundations using pigment coating with silicon is weaker than those without silicon (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The process of the discoloration of liquid foundation is accompanied by the decrease of ITA° and manifested as darkening. The volatilization rate of the product and the coating method of the pigments used in the formula can noticeably affect the darkening of the liquid foundation.
Use of soil nonexchangeable potassium by paddy rice with clay structural changes under long‐term fertilizer management
Authors: Yanai Junta , Inoue Nanami , Nakao Atsushi , Kasuya Masahiro , Ando Kaori , Oga Toshiya , Takayama Takayuki , Hasukawa Hiroyuki , Takehisa Kunihiko , Takamoto Akira , Togami Kazuki , Takahashi Tomoki
Published: November 2022

To prove the hypothesis that paddy rice utilizes soil nonexchangeable potassium (neK) and causes associated structural changes in clay minerals, K status and clay mineralogy of 22 surface soils from three paddy fields under long‐term fertilizer management for 51–93 years were investigated. Soil neK content was determined as the difference between 1 mol L−1 hot HNO3 extractable K and 1 mol L−1 ammonium acetate exchangeable K. Clay mineralogy was identified by X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The radiocesium interception potential (RIP), an index of frayed edge sites in the interlayer sites of 2:1 type clay minerals, was also determined. The neK contents under the ‐K and NPK treatments were considerably lower than those under the unfertilized treatment in all the fields, indicating the exploitation of soil neK by rice. XRD analysis of the clay samples revealed 7% shift from the 1.0 peak to 1.4 nm one under the ‐K treatment compared with the unfertilized one, and the amounts of neK were negatively correlated with those of RIP (p < .01), suggesting the expansion of interlayer spaces of the 2:1 type phyllosilicates such as mica due to the release of neK. In addition, the neK content positively correlated with K balance of the long‐term experiments (p < .05). The differences of neK between unfertilized K and ‐K treatments corresponded to 22–157 kg K ha−1, or 0.42–1.68 kg K ha−1 year−1. In conclusion, utilization of considerable amount of soil neK under K depleted conditions should be considered to establish sustainable K management for paddy rice.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐DPB1*11:01:06 allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Cargou Marine , Elsermans Vincent , Top Isabelle , Wojciechowski Elodie , Visentin Jonathan
Published: November 2022

HLA‐DPB1*11:01:06 differs from HLA‐DPB1*11:01:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 21 in exon 2.
Solving location‐allocation problems with professional optimization software
Authors: Wolf Gert W.
Published: November 2022

Location‐allocation modeling has always been regarded as a core part of spatial analysis. A review of the literature, however, reveals that, nevertheless, publications related to facility location disappeared almost completely from geographic journals in the meantime. It can be assumed that one major reason for this development is the limited capability of the location‐allocation modules implemented in GIS packages that prevents this software from being used to solve the increasingly complex real‐world problems of today. The main purpose of the present article is to demonstrate how location‐allocation problems can be solved efficiently with professional optimization software, more precisely, with the two program packages CPLEX® and AIMMS®. Starting from two classic problems, viz., the ‐median and the location set covering problem, the article presents how structurally much more complicated problems, which are far beyond the capabilities of the respective GIS modules, can be solved quite easily with these program packages.
Handheld Augmented Reality Application for 3D Fruits Learning
Authors: Eg Su Goh , Zubir Nur Syahzanani , Zakaria Noor Hidayah , Ahmad Johanna
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this study is to look into the use of augmented reality (AR) technology in education materials for fruits and the nutrition. Augmented Reality (AR) is the primary technology for this proposed application project. AR is a real-world interactive experience in which real-world items are augmented with computer-generated perceptual information. The idea of this project is to use AR to complement the traditional method of learning with flashcards. Because schools are closed during this outbreak, traditional learning is unavailable. This study proposes the use of 3D animation in Augmented Reality (AR) to illustrate each of the fruits to overcome and improve traditional learning among students. The use of 3D animation with the Augmented Reality (AR) method on fruits and nutrition learning content outperforms the 2D illustration method in terms of student understanding. Furthermore, case studies on the application of AR technology to fruit learning content revealed that the proposed algorithm could be used as an alternative to determine the best way to teach and learn about fruits and nutrition. With this AR application, it can complement the traditional methods. To achieve the objectives of this project there are 4 main phases that need to be carried in developing this project. The first phase in developing this project is to study the data and learning interaction of fruits and the nutrition in handheld augmented reality. The second phase is designing process along with the development of the project. The third phase is to integrate the AR application. The final phase is to evaluate the user learning experience in fruits using the AR application. The project's expected outcome is evaluated using data collection and analysis from the users through the final phase.
Neuropeptides and degenerin/epithelial Na+ channels: a relationship from mammals to cnidarians
Authors: Gründer Stefan , Ramírez Audrey Ortega , Jékely Gáspár
Published: November 2022

Ion channels of the degenerin (DEG)/epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) family serve diverse functions ranging from mechanosensation over Na+ reabsorption to H+ sensing and neurotransmission. However, several diverse DEG/ENaCs interact with neuropeptides; some are directly activated, whereas others are modulated by neuropeptides. Two questions arise: does this interaction have a common structural basis and does it have an ancient origin? Current evidence suggests that RFamide neuropeptides activate the FMRFamide‐activated Na+ channels (FaNaCs) of invertebrates via binding to a pocket at the external face of their large extracellular domain. It is likely that RFamides might activate DEG/ENaCs from the freshwater polyp Hydra (the HyNaCs) via binding to a similar pocket, although there is not yet any experimental evidence. In contrast, RFamide neuropeptides modulate acid‐sensing ion channels (ASICs) from vertebrates via binding to a central cavity enclosed by β‐sheets of the extracellular domain. Dynorphin opioid peptides, for their part, bind to the acidic pocket of ASICs, which might be evolutionarily related to the peptide binding pocket of FaNaCs, but instead of opening the channels they work as antagonists to stabilize its closed state. Moreover, peptides interacting with DEG/ENaCs from animals of different phyla, although having similar sequences, are evolutionarily unrelated to each other. Collectively, it appears that despite a seemingly similar interaction with similar peptides, the interaction of DEG/ENaCs with neuropeptides has diverse structural bases and many origins.

image
Physics Informed Synthetic Image Generation for Deep Learning-Based Detection of Wrinkles and Folds
Authors: Manyar Omey M. , Cheng Junyan , Levine Reuben , Krishnan Vihan , Barbič Jernej , Gupta Satyandra K.
Published: November 2022

Deep learning-based image segmentation methods have showcased tremendous potential in defect detection applications for several manufacturing processes. Currently, majority of deep learning research for defect detection focuses on manufacturing processes where the defects have well-defined features and there is tremendous amount of image data available to learn such a data-dense model. This makes deep learning unsuitable for defect detection in high-mix low volume manufacturing applications where data are scarce and the features of defects are not well defined due to the nature of the process. Recently, there has been an increased impetus towards automation of high-performance manufacturing processes such as composite prepreg layup. Composite prepreg layup is high-mix low volume in nature and involves manipulation of a sheet-like material. In this work, we propose a deep learning framework to detect wrinkle-like defects during the composite prepreg layup process. Our work focuses on three main technological contributions: (1) generation of physics aware photo-realistic synthetic images with the combination of a thin-shell finite element-based sheet simulation and advanced graphics techniques for texture generation, (2) an open-source annotated dataset of 10,000 synthetic images and 1000 real process images of carbon fiber sheets with wrinkle-like defects, and (3) an efficient two-stage methodology for training the deep learning network on this hybrid dataset. Our method can achieve a mean average precision (mAP) of 0.98 on actual production data for detecting defects.
Numerical Study of Crossflow Effects on Discharge Coefficient of the Converging Slot Hole
Authors: Xu Qingzong , Xu Guangyao , Du Qiang , Chen Dawei , Liu Haoyang , Li Hongye
Published: November 2022

Converging slot hole is considered as a high-performance film hole with excellent film cooling effectiveness and relatively low aerodynamic loss. Previous studies on converging slot holes mainly focused on the film cooling effectiveness and heat transfer characteristics, whereas the discharge coefficient has not been fully understood, especially when the compressible effects cannot be ignored. This study numerically evaluated the effects of crossflows and compressibility on the discharge coefficient of the converging slot hole by comparing it with fan-shaped holes, and developed a promising prediction method for the discharge coefficient with both external and internal crossflows. The results show that the crossflow orientations and the compressible external/internal crossflows significantly influenced the discharge coefficients and flow fields of the converging slot hole. The trend of the discharge coefficient of the converging slot hole is obviously different from that of the fan-shaped holes because of the different flow conditions inside the holes. Moreover, the empirical correlations for the discharge coefficient of the converging slot hole based on the no-crossflow data were consistent with the numerical results, validating the numerical methods used in this study.
Numerical Investigation of Ship Waves and Associated Hydrodynamics Over a Sloping Bed With a Non-Hydrostatic Model
Authors: Mao Lilei , Li Xin , Chen Yimei
Published: November 2022

The ship waves and related hydrodynamics over a sloping bed are investigated numerically in this paper, and we aim to clarify the characteristics of ship wave deformation and its hydrodynamic effects. Laboratory experiments are performed with a self-propelled ship model to produce various wave conditions over a sloping bed in the water flume, providing the datasets for validation works of numerical simulations. With the implementation of model sensitivity analysis, numerical calculations of ship-induced waves and flow velocities are completed using the non-hydrostatic model in XBeach and compared against experimental measurements. The results show that the model is not only able to calculate primary and secondary waves well, but also the ship-induced near-bed velocity when ship waves are prominent in the water flume. Further numerical investigations of ship wave transformation and associated hydrodynamic effects are conducted over a sloping bed under different ship speed conditions. The ship wave height and run-up variations along the cross-shore transect clearly indicate the wave energy dissipation due to breaking and bottom friction. The ship-induced flow velocities are found to be mainly contributed by the low-frequency primary waves in our numerical experiments.
Investigations of the Long-Term Behavior of Electrically Heated Shape Memory Alloy Wires Deflected by a 90° Pulley
Authors: Schmelter Tobias , Theren Benedict , Kielczewski Adrian , Kuhlenkötter Bernd
Published: November 2022

Shape memory alloys (SMA) are often used to drive actuators, whereby SMA have a very specific fatigue behavior, which influences the lifetime of these actuators. The optimization of the actuator’s lifetime is an important topic to make these innovative actuators more interesting and economic for the sales market. Usually, an actuator is developed first, and a lifetime investigation of the complete actuator is carried out afterwards. The reason is the missing handling guidelines for the SMA wires which provide information on influences limiting the service life of SMA-based actuators before the actuator is fully developed and manufactured.

While investigating the influences on the SMA wire during production, storage, and use of an actuator, one frequently appearing case stands out and will therefore be examined in more detail in the further course. In many actuator applications the wire is deflected by a pulley system to generate a greater actuator stroke while keeping the assembly space small. Although a large stroke is required, a wire is used instead of a spring to additionally take advantage of the higher forces generated by the wire compared to the spring. Since the wire experiences inconsistent mechanical stress at the point of deflection and a modified heat conduction occurs due to surface contact, it is questionable if this damages the wire, leading to an earlier structural or functional fatigue.

The experiments will be carried out in two different ways. First, the SMA wire is tested regarding lifetime as a reference value. Afterwards, a pulley-system is designed and used deflecting the SMA wire by 90°. Subsequently, the respective lifetimes of the wires from both experiments can be compared to each other and conclusions can be drawn to what extent a deflection of the wire influences the wires lifetime. Furthermore, the damage caused by the deflection is put in relation to an influence of the wire by overheating — in case of too long electrical activation — and to the influence of the mechanical pretension of the wire.

Through investigating these impairments of the SMA wire by deflecting it, handling guidelines for these specific cases can be formulated to be considered in future before the actual development of an actuator takes place. Thus, a more effective development with fewer iteration steps can be achieved and the lifetime of the actuator can be determined more precisely in advance. Furthermore, the design can be optimized easier regarding lifetime, by having knowledge apropos of the insight of these influences.
Effect of Coating on the Continuous Cycle Actuation of Shape Memory Alloy Wires: Analyses and Experiments
Authors: Shaikh Ahmad , Panwar Shardul , Tsuruta Ryohei , Gandhi Umesh
Published: November 2022

We develop a finite element methodology to characterize the effects of silicone coating on Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuators during continuous actuation cycles. Slow cooling rates of thermally actuated SMA actuators have long been a hurdle for their widespread adoption. The use of a thermally conductive silicone coating provides a potential solution that improves cooling rates without much impact on the actuator thermal performance under single actuation. However, the effects of the coating on the thermal performance under cyclic actuation is unexplored. To verify the finite element model results, various thicknesses between 0.2 mm to 2.5 mm of the coating material were applied to 0.5 mm diameter SMA wires using a specially fabricated coating machine. The results of finite element models were first compared with and calibrated against experimentally measured thermal performance for single actuation cycle. Next, the actuation responses of the numerical models of these coated SMA wires are determined for multiple actuation cycles.
The Emergence of the Pandemic: High-Performance Coach and Athlete Experiences
Authors: Dehghansai Nima , Mazhar Alia , Pinder Ross , Baker Joseph , Renshaw Ian
Published: November 2022

The current study explored coach and athlete reactions and challenges leading up to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, with a specific focus on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Games’ postponement. Nine Australian Paralympic coaches (n = 3) and athletes (n = 6) shared their experiences in semistructured interviews. The thematic analysis highlighted how participants experienced the emergence of the pandemic in different ways, but all were relieved when the late but eventual decision to postpone the Games was made. Regarding lockdown periods (i.e., social-distancing restrictions), some coaches and athletes thrived under the new reality (i.e., training from home, online coaching) while others had more difficulty adjusting. Furthermore, results highlight the many uncertainties still remaining, which continue to influence participants’ sport and personal lives. The experiences of coaches and athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic sheds light on strategies and resources that could support Paralympic coaches and athletes during current and future crises.
Atypical CXCL12 signaling enhances neutrophil migration by modulating nuclear deformability
Authors: Calì Bianca , Deygas Mathieu , Munari Fabio , Marcuzzi Elisabetta , Cassará Antonino , Toffali Lara , Vetralla Massimo , Bernard Mathilde , Piel Matthieu , Gagliano Onelia , Mastrogiovanni Marta , Laudanna Carlo , Elvassore Nicola , Molon Barbara , Vargas Pablo , Viola Antonella
Published: November 2022

To reach inflamed tissues from the circulation, neutrophils must overcome physical constraints imposed by the tissue architecture, such as the endothelial barrier or the three-dimensional (3D) interstitial space. In these microenvironments, neutrophils are forced to migrate through spaces smaller than their own diameter. One of the main challenges for cell passage through narrow gaps is the deformation of the nucleus, the largest and stiffest organelle in cells. Here, we showed that chemokines, the extracellular signals that guide cell migration in vivo, modulated nuclear plasticity to support neutrophil migration in restricted microenvironments. Exploiting microfabricated devices, we found that the CXC chemokine CXCL12 enhanced the nuclear pliability of mouse bone marrow–derived neutrophils to sustain their migration in 3D landscapes. This previously uncharacterized function of CXCL12 was mediated by the atypical chemokine receptor ACKR3 (also known as CXCR7), required protein kinase A (PKA) activity, and induced chromatin compaction, which resulted in enhanced cell migration in 3D. Thus, we propose that chemical cues regulate the nuclear plasticity of migrating leukocytes to optimize their motility in restricted microenvironments.
Characterization of TGF-β signaling in a human organotypic skin model reveals that loss of TGF-βRII induces invasive tissue growth
Authors: Ye Zilu , Kilic Gülcan , Dabelsteen Sally , Marinova Irina N. , Thøfner Jens F. B. , Song Ming , Rudjord-Levann Asha M. , Bagdonaite Ieva , Vakhrushev Sergey Y. , Brakebusch Cord H. , Olsen Jesper V. , Wandall Hans H.
Published: November 2022

Transforming growth factor–β (TGF-β) signaling regulates various aspects of cell growth and differentiation and is often dysregulated in human cancers. We combined genetic engineering of a human organotypic three-dimensional (3D) skin model with global quantitative proteomics and phosphoproteomics to dissect the importance of essential components of the TGF-β signaling pathway, including the ligands TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3, the receptor TGF-βRII, and the intracellular effector SMAD4. Consistent with the antiproliferative effects of TGF-β signaling, the loss of TGF-β1 or SMAD4 promoted cell cycling and delayed epidermal differentiation. The loss of TGF-βRII, which abrogates both SMAD4-dependent and SMAD4-independent downstream signaling, more strongly affected cell proliferation and differentiation than did loss of SMAD4, and it induced invasive growth. TGF-βRII knockout reduced cell-matrix interactions, and the production of matrix proteins increased the production of cancer-associated cell-cell adhesion proteins and proinflammatory mediators and increased mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. Inhibiting the activation of the ERK and p38 MAPK pathways blocked the development of the invasive phenotype upon the loss of TGF-βRII. This study provides a framework for exploring TGF-β signaling pathways in human epithelial tissue homeostasis and transformation using genetic engineering, 3D tissue models, and high-throughput quantitative proteomics and phosphoproteomics.
Mechanisms of mosquito magnetism
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: November 2022

Some of the skin-derived compounds that make humans attractive to mosquitoes are identified.
How to interpret cardiac biomarkers in children?
Authors: McGinn Claire , Waterfield Thomas , McKeeman Gareth , Morrison Louise , Callaghan Sinead , Watson Chris , Casey Frank A
Published: November 2022

Cardiac biomarkers are used as first-line diagnostic tools in suspected myocardial injury and heart failure in adult patients. Their use in paediatric patients has been limited by variability caused by age, gender and the presence of an underlying congenital cardiac condition. There are established reference ranges for both NT-proBNP and troponin in healthy children, but these cannot be applied to all paediatric patients because of limited large studies focusing on children with congenital heart disease and/or cardiomyopathy.

This article will focus on the pathophysiology of myocardial injury and heart failure in children and the subsequent cardiac biomarker correlation. It will explain how to interpret the biomarker assay levels obtained for both troponin and NT-proBNP and highlights the importance of a clear clinical question prior to requesting a cardiac biomarker assay level.

Clinical cases outline scenarios that may prompt consideration of biomarker analysis in children and aims to equip the reader with an understanding of how to interpret the results.
Syndrome of subjective doubles as a rare presentation of a first-episode psychosis
Authors: Quarenta Joao Luis Martins , Mota Pinto Cláudia , Pedro Fernandes Catarina , Morgado Pedro
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we report the case of a man in his 30s with a first-episode psychosis, characterised by a subtype of delusional misidentification syndrome in which the delusion of doubles is exclusively of the patient’s own self. This subdivision can be termed ‘syndrome of doubles of the self’ or ‘syndrome of subjective doubles’. Additionally, an examination of the patient’s mental state showed paranoid delusions. After being evaluated in the emergency department, the patient was hospitalised, and medicated with antipsychotic drugs. One week later, he was discharged with total remission of psychotic symptoms. This is a rare and curious presentation of a psychotic episode, with very few similar cases described to date.
Inflammatory vaginitis associated with long-term rituximab treatment in a patient with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Filikci Zuhal , Jensen Rikke Marie , Thorup Sellebjerg Finn
Published: November 2022

We describe inflammatory vaginitis as a potential side effect of long-term rituximab treatment for multiple sclerosis in the absence of any other systemic disease or underlying malignancy.

More studies are needed to characterise the incidence of inflammatory vaginitis among women on long-term rituximab therapy.
Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination
Authors: Ikeda Kohsuke , Kakehi Eiichi , Adachi Seiji , Kotani Kazuhiko
Published: November 2022

A previously healthy Japanese woman in her 20s was admitted to our hospital with a 2-week history of fever (39.0°C) and a 1-week history of painful cervical lymphadenopathy. The day before fever onset, she had received her first Pfizer-BioNTech SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in her left arm. She had previously been treated with empirical antibiotics with no improvement. Physical examination revealed painful lymphadenopathy in both posterior cervical regions. CT showed symmetrical lymphadenopathies in the neck, supraclavicular, axillary and inguinal regions as well as hepatosplenomegaly. We suspected lymphoma and performed a lymph node biopsy in the right inguinal region, which revealed necrotising histiocytic lymphadenitis. The patient was, therefore, diagnosed with Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD). She improved after the corticosteroid therapy. This report highlights the importance of including KFD as a differential diagnosis of lymphadenopathy after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Additionally, lymph node biopsy is helpful for diagnosing KFD because it rules out other entities.
Intravenous acetaminophen associated with acute liver failure
Authors: Lee Maunoo , McCarron Joshua , Balinski Aaron , Bower Richard
Published: November 2022

A woman in her mid-60s, without known liver disease, was admitted to the hospital with a partial malignant colonic obstruction. Over a 6-day course, she received a total of 13 g of intravenous acetaminophen not exceeding 4 g over a 24-hour period. She developed encephalopathy and an international normalised ratio of 6.1 meeting criteria for acute liver failure (ALF). She was treated with intravenous N-acetyl cysteine and other causes of liver failure were excluded. The patient was discharged with subsequent resolution of encephalopathy and improvement of her liver chemistries. Though ALF is rare, in countries where acetaminophen is readily available, almost 50% of ALF cases are acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity and most have been documented as oral ingestion of acetaminophen. We present a rare case of intravenous acetaminophen-induced ALF.
Rare and unexpected cause for isolated massive pericardial effusion in a patient with end-stage renal disease—Brucellosis
Authors: Bhaskar Maanasa , Rajamanikam Soundarya , Sistla Sujatha , Suryadevara Jaya Madhuri
Published: November 2022

Brucellosis is one of the most common zoonotic infections with worldwide distribution. The clinical presentation of brucellosis ranges from asymptomatic to severe disease involving haematological, gastrointestinal, neurological and osteoarticular systems. Cardiovascular manifestations are rare in brucellosis cases with endocarditis being the most common presentation. Isolated pericarditis with massive pericardial effusion without endocarditis is extremely rare. Here, we describe a case of brucellosis with sole manifestation of pericarditis with massive pericardial effusion in a patient with end stage renal disease diagnosed based on the isolation ofBrucella melitensisfrom pericardial fluid.
Parent and child perceptions of physical activity with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Giblin Susan , Scully Paul , Dalton Niall , Connolly Muiriosa , McCaffrey Alison , Sheikhi Ali , Neylon Orla , O'Gorman Clodagh
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a lifelong illness that affects over 2500 children in Ireland. Management involves complex daily regimens including frequent blood glucose monitoring, pharmacotherapy, dietary management, and physical activity (PA). PA is an important modifiable lifestyle factor. Unfortunately, children with T1D remain physically inactive. Children with T1D face disease-specific barriers and facilitators to PA engagement. All aspects of T1D management for children are supported or supervised by parents. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine parents’ and children’s perceptions of barriers and facilitators to PA engagement.

Research design and methods

43 parent and child dyads participated. Parents completed a self-report survey. Children completed a modified version of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C) that explored habitual PA patterns, perceived facilitators and barriers to PA engagement.

Results

21 females, 22 males and their parents (36 mothers, 7 fathers) participated. 69% of males and 90% of females reported that having diabetes did affect their PA participation. 54% of males and 48% of females were insufficiently active based on their total PAQ-C score (<2.9 and <2.7). 53% of parents reported that their children participated in school physical education. 21% of parents reported that their child did not participate in PA outside of the school setting. 23% of parents reported that they did not feel comfortable with their child participating in strenuous PA. A further 30% of parents reported that they only felt comfortable with their child participating in strenuous PA if supervised. 66% of parents reported their child should be more physically active. 83% of parents reported that having T1D did impact their child’s PA level.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the potential influence of parents’ perceptions on PA engagement in children with T1D. Additional education is needed to support the promotion of PA for children with T1D.
Acupuncture for low back and/or pelvic pain during pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Yang Jiaman , Wang Yi , Xu Jianmei , Ou Zhiwen , Yue Ting , Mao Zhitao , Lin Ying , Wang Tao , Shen Zhen , Dong Wei
Published: November 2022

This article has been retracted.
Elbow conditions: research priorities setting in partnership with the James Lind Alliance
Authors: Singh Harvinder Pal , Chong Han Hong , Raval Parag , Divall Pip , Rangan Amar , Bateman Marcus , Watts Adam , Phadnis Joideep , Majed Addie , Jones Valerie , Pandey Radhakant , Gower Jonathan , Gwilym Steve , Peach Chris
Published: November 2022

Objective

To undertake a UK-based James Lind Alliance (JLA) Priority Setting Partnership for elbow conditions and be representative of the views of patients, carers and healthcare professionals (HCPs).

Setting

This was a national collaborative study organised through the British Elbow and Shoulder Society.

Participants

Adult patients, carers and HCPs who have managed or experienced elbow conditions, their carers and HCPs in the UK involved in managing of elbow conditions.

Methods

The rigorous JLA priority setting methodology was followed. Electronic and paper scoping surveys were distributed to identify potential research priority questions (RPQs). Initial responses were reviewed and a literature search was performed to cross-check categorised questions. Those questions already sufficiently answered were excluded and the remaining questions were ranked in a second survey according to priority for future elbow conditions research. Using the JLA methodology, responses from HCP and patients were combined to create a list of the top 18 questions. These were further reviewed in a dedicated multistakeholder workshop where the top 10 RPQs were agreed by consensus.

Results

The process was completed over 24 months. The initial survey resulted in 467 questions from 165 respondents (73% HCPs and 27% patients/carers). These questions were reviewed and combined into 46 summary topics comprising: tendinopathy, distal biceps pathology, arthritis, stiffness, trauma, arthroplasty and cubital tunnel syndrome. The second (interim prioritisation) survey had 250 respondents (72% HCP and 28% patients/carers). The top 18 ranked questions from this survey were taken to the final workshop where a consensus was reached on the top 10 RPQs.

Conclusions

The top 10 RPQs highlight areas of importance that currently lack sufficient evidence to guide diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of elbow conditions. This collaborative process will guide researchers and funders regarding the topics that should receive most future attention and benefit patients and HCPs.
Vocal biomarker predicts fatigue in people with COVID-19: results from the prospective Predi-COVID cohort study
Authors: Elbéji Abir , Zhang Lu , Higa Eduardo , Fischer Aurélie , Despotovic Vladimir , Nazarov Petr V , Aguayo Gloria , Fagherazzi Guy
Published: November 2022

Objective

To develop a vocal biomarker for fatigue monitoring in people with COVID-19.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Predi-COVID data between May 2020 and May 2021.

Participants

A total of 1772 voice recordings were used to train an AI-based algorithm to predict fatigue, stratified by gender and smartphone’s operating system (Android/iOS). The recordings were collected from 296 participants tracked for 2 weeks following SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Four machine learning algorithms (logistic regression, k-nearest neighbours, support vector machine and soft voting classifier) were used to train and derive the fatigue vocal biomarker. The models were evaluated based on the following metrics: area under the curve (AUC), accuracy, F1-score, precision and recall. The Brier score was also used to evaluate the models’ calibrations.

Results

The final study population included 56% of women and had a mean (±SD) age of 40 (±13) years. Women were more likely to report fatigue (p<0.001). We developed four models for Android female, Android male, iOS female and iOS male users with a weighted AUC of 86%, 82%, 79%, 85% and a mean Brier Score of 0.15, 0.12, 0.17, 0.12, respectively. The vocal biomarker derived from the prediction models successfully discriminated COVID-19 participants with and without fatigue.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the feasibility of identifying and remotely monitoring fatigue thanks to voice. Vocal biomarkers, digitally integrated into telemedicine technologies, are expected to improve the monitoring of people with COVID-19 or Long-COVID.

Trial registration number

NCT04380987.
What is the relationship between physical activity and chronic pain in older adults? A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Marques Raphael Lucas da Silva , Rezende Andréa Toledo de Oliveira , Junger Ana Lúcia , Noll Matias , de Oliveira Cesar , Silveira Erika Aparecida
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Chronic pain is highly prevalent in older adults and can cause functional limitations, negatively affecting health and quality of life. Physical activity is a non-pharmacological approach used to prevent chronic pain as it promotes the release of endogenous opioids that block pain sensitivity. Therefore, we developed a systematic review protocol to analyse the relationship between physical activity and the occurrence and intensity of chronic pain in older adults.

Methods and analyses

The systematic review will search PubMed, Scopus and Embase databases. The inclusion criteria will be observational studies that had primary chronic pain as an outcome, including persistent and intermittent pain. The population will include older adults from the community, living in a long-stay institution, or in outpatient follow-up. There will be no restriction regarding the year of publication and articles published in Portuguese, English and Spanish will be analysed. Effect or impact measures will be quantified, including OR, HR, prevalence ratio, incidence ratio and relative risk with their 95% CIs. If the data allow, a meta-analysis will be performed. The results may help understand the impact of physical activity as a potential protection factor against the occurrence of pain later in life as well as promote strategic prevention plans and public policies that encourage this practice in older adults.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required. The results will be disseminated via submission for publication to a peer-reviewed journal when complete.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021282898.
Recurrent cystitis: patients’ needs, expectations and contribution to developing an information leaflet – a qualitative study
Authors: Bey Louisa , Touboul Pia , Mondain Véronique
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Recurring cystitis (RC) is a common complaint among women. It has a significant impact on patients’ quality of life. The physical discomfort and psychological distress related to RC are rarely addressed and women’s needs in terms of information and advice have not been sufficiently explored, particularly in France in spite of their frequent episodes of RC. This study aimed to assess women’s needs and expectations in view of developing a patient information leaflet to help them understand and better cope with their condition, thus offering them more autonomy and empowering them to self-manage whenever possible.

Method

Qualitative study using recorded semistructured interviews with patients suffering from RC.

Setting

Interviews conducted with women suffering from RC in Corsica, France.

Participants

26 patients interviewed between January 2018 and April 2018.

Results

Knowledge of the condition was heterogeneous, but most women reported a major impact on daily life, a high level of anxiety, various management strategies and wished to avoid taking antibiotics, preferring alternative approaches. Patients reported a lack of understanding and sympathy on the part of physicians and society and wished for more autonomy with delayed/back-up prescriptions, a multidisciplinary follow-up and, most of all, appropriate information.

Conclusion

The information leaflet should improve patients’ knowledge and capacity for self-care, contribute to standardise practice and limit inappropriate antibiotic use.
Cardiovascular-related conditions and risk factors in primary care for deprived communities before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: an observational study in Northern England
Authors: Fu Yu , Price Christopher , Haining Shona , Gaffney Bob , Julien David , Whitty Paula , Newton Julia L
Published: November 2022

Objectives

The North East of England, ranked as having the highest poverty levels and the lowest health outcomes, has the highest cardiovascular disease (CVD) premature mortality. This study aimed to compare CVD-related conditions and risk factors for deprived practice populations with other general practice (GP) populations in Northern England to England overall, before and during COVID-19 to identify changes in recorded CVD-related risk factors and conditions and evidence-based lipid prescribing behaviour.

Design

A population-based observational study of aggregated practice-level data obtained from publicly accessible data sets.

Setting

34 practices that fall into the 15% most deprived practice populations in England were identified as the most deprived communities in the North East and North Cumbria (Deep End).

Participants

Patients aged ≥16 registered with GP and diagnosed with any form of CVD.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

CVD-related conditions and risk factors, statin prescribing.

Results

Deep End (n=263 830) had a smaller, younger and more deprived population with lower levels of employment and full-time education and higher smoking prevalence. They had some higher recorded CVD-related conditions than England but lower than the non-Deep End. Atrial fibrillation (−0.9, –0.5), hypertension (−3.7, –1.3) and stroke and transient ischaemic attack rates (−0.5, –0.1) appeared to be lower in the Deep End than in the non-Deep End but the optimal statin prescribing rate was higher (3.1, 8.2) than in England.

Conclusion

Recorded CVD-related risk factors and conditions remained comparable before and during COVID-19. These are higher in the Deep End than in England and similar or lower than the non-Deep End, with a higher optimal statin prescribing rate. However, it was not possible to control for age and sex. More work is needed to estimate the consequences of the pandemic on disadvantaged communities and to compare whether the findings are replicated in other areas of deprivation.