bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of m7G Methylation‐Related miRNA Signature Associated with Survival and Immune Microenvironment Regulation in Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Rujun , Sun Ke , Hou Yue , Shen Jiayu , Chen Jina , Dong Fuyun , Wang Xiaoqin , Yang Lina , Zhang Liwen
Published: November 2022

Background. N7‐methylguanosine (m7G) has been implicated in the development of cancer. The role of m7G‐related miRNAs in the survival prediction of UCEC patients has not been investigated. Current research was the first to construct an m7G‐related miRNA model to accurately predict the survival of patients with uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) and to explore immune cell infiltration and immune activity in the tumor microenvironment. Methods. RNA‐seq data and clinical information of UCEC patients were derived from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Using the TargetScan online database, we predicted miRNAs linked to the m7G‐related genes and identified miRNAs which were significantly associated with the survival in UCEC patients and constructed a risk scoring model. The TCGA‐UCEC cases were scored according to the risk model, and the high‐ and low‐risk groups were divided by the median risk value. Gene enrichment analysis and immune cell infiltration and immune function analysis were performed using “clusterProfiler” and “GSVA” packages in R. Results. The survival prediction model consisted of 9 miRNAs, namely, hsa‐miR‐1301, hsa‐miR‐940, hsa‐miR‐592, hsa‐miR‐3170, hsa‐miR‐876, hsa‐miR‐215, hsa‐miR‐934, hsa‐miR‐3920, and hsa‐miR‐216b. Survival of UCEC patients in the high‐risk group was worse than that in the low‐risk group (p < 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that the model had good predictive performance, and the area under the curve was 0.800, 0.690, and 0.705 for 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year survival predictions, respectively. There were differences in the degree of immune cell infiltration and immune activity between the low‐risk and high‐risk groups. The expression levels of the identified differentially expressed genes correlated with the susceptibility to multiple anticancer drugs. Conclusions. The survival prediction model constructed based on 9 m7G‐related miRNAs had good predictive performance.
Macrophage Extracellular Traps Exacerbate Secondary Spinal Cord Injury by Modulating Macrophage/Microglia Polarization via LL37/P2X7R/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhang Chengyi , Guo Dong , Qiao Hao , Li Jie , Li Jiaxi , Yang Yubing , Chang Su’e , Li Fengtao , Wang Dong , Li Haopeng , He Xijing , Wang Fang
Published: November 2022

Persistent inflammation in the secondary spinal cord injury (SCI) is an important reason for the failure of nerve repair, which is partly due to the continuous activation of local M1-like macrophage/microglia. It is reported that extracellular trap (ET) has been a new way of cell death, which can be released by macrophages and named macrophage extracellular trap (Met). Furthermore, it exists widely in the pathophysiological process of many diseases, but it has been rarely studied in the field of SCI. In this study, we constructed a spinal cord contusion model and assessed the function outcome of SCI rats. We used immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and transmission electron microscope (TEM) to demonstrate the existence of Mets. Besides, some related experiments had also been employed to explore the relationship between Mets and M1 polarization of macrophage/microglia. We also performed Co-IP and Western blotting to reveal a new extracellular proinflammatory signal pathway. Finally, we made a linear regression analysis between the concentrations of specific markers of Mets in human serum and ASIA scores. Briefly, our results suggested that macrophages infiltrated in SCI area could induce macrophage/microglia to differentiate into M1-like cells by releasing Mets, which may be achieved partly through LL37-P2X37-NF-κB signal pathway. However, limiting Mets could effectively inhibit M1 polarization and promote function recovery. In addition, the concentrations of Met related proteins in human serum showed high correlation with ASIA scores and could be applied to reflect the severity of SCI. In conclusion, Mets may be a new target for SCI therapy and a promising index for SCI assessment.
Short Term Outcomes of Open and Minimally Invasive Approaches to Segmental Colectomy for Benign Colovesical Fistula
Authors: Yeganeh Zhobin , Huynh Dustin Hau , Kopatsis Anthony Paul , Kopatsis Anthony
Published: November 2022

Background. We speculated that a minimally invasive (MIS) colectomy for colovesical fistula is associated with less morbidity compared to an open colectomy. Methods. Multivariate analysis using logistic regression was used to investigate the outcomes of patients who underwent colectomy for benign colovesical fistula during 2012–2017 by surgical approach using the NSQIP database. Results. We identified 748 patients underwent partial colectomy for benign colovesical fistula during 2012–2017. Surgeons used the MIS approach in 72.7% of operations, with a conversion rate of 13.1%. The MIS approach was associated with lower morbidity (27.4% vs. 43.1%, AOR: 0.46,

P
=
0.02

) compared to the open approach. The mean operation duration was longer in MIS operations compared to open (225 min vs. 201 min,

P
<
0.01

). The robotic approach to colectomy showed no significant difference in morbidity (28.4% vs. 27.2%,

P
=
0.77

) but a decrease in conversion rate (8.1% vs. 13.8%,

P
<
0.01

) and an increase in operation length (249 min vs. 222 min, mean difference: 27 min,

P
<
0.01

) compared to a laparoscopic approach. There was no significant difference in the anastomotic leak rate between MIS and open approaches (3.7% vs. 5.4%,

P
=
0.14

) and between laparoscopic and robotic approaches (2.8% vs. 3.8%,

P
=
0.99

). Conclusions. We found a 72.7% utilization rate of MIS approach to colectomy for benign colovesical fistula in the NSQIP hospitals with a 13.6% conversion rate. Patients with MIS approach had significantly lower morbidity compared to open. A robotic approach to partial colectomy has the same morbidity risk with a decreased conversion rate compared to laparoscopic approach.
Acute Mesenteric Ischemia: Preexisting Comorbidity Determines Short-Term Outcome and Quality of Life in Long-Term Survivors
Authors: Witte Maria , Neese Manuela , Leuchter Matthias , Philipp Mark , Klar Ernst , Schafmayer Clemens
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI), either arterial or venous, is still a devastating disease with poor prognosis. It is unknown, whether AMI is associated with impaired quality of life (QoL) in long-term survivors. Material and Methods: This retrospective analysis includes 64 patients with occlusive arterial or venous mesenteric ischemia treated operatively between 2008 and 2016 at the University Medical Center Rostock. Short-term outcome with focus on comorbidities was measured by the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) an instrument that operationally measures comorbidity based on 17 clinical parameters including age. Operative outcome in view of enterostomy placement and long-term outcome measured as QoL by the EQ-5D in the long-term survivors were evaluated. The EQ-5D is a standardized, self-reported five-dimension QoL questionnaire built to provide a simple and generic measure of health. Results: Thirty-day mortality was 60.9%, and in-hospital mortality was 70.3% (n = 45). No patient was discharged with a stoma. Patients with a primary anastomosis after the initial operation for AMI had a high leak rate of 27% (4/15 patients) compared to no dehiscence in the group of patients who had secondary anastomosis during second or third laparotomy. The long-term survivors had significantly lower CCI compared to the 45 nonsurvivors (median 4 [3, 4, 5, 6] vs. 6 [4, 5, 6, 7]). All long-term survivors had QoL assessment. QoL score was significantly impaired compared to an age- and sex-matched reference population. This impairment was not due to disease-specific sequelae such as presence of stool deviation or intestinal failure but due to preexisting risk factors as shown by an inverse relation between the CCI and QoL score. Conclusion: Herein, we show for the first time that long-term QoL in patients with AMI is impaired but this impairment is not due to disease-specific aspects but rather general risk factors underlying the presence of a higher level of comorbidities at the time of AMI.
Turpentine Ointment in Bacterial Skin Infections: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial
Authors: Fuchs-Algrim Joachim , Lorenz Horst , Zimmermann Christian , Günnewich Nils , Schwarzensteiner Ilona , Kaiser Peter-Michael , Tronnier Hagen
Published: November 2022

Background: Turpentine-containing substances are considered effective in treating cutaneous bacterial infections, but reliable clinical data are scant. Objective: We investigated the efficacy and safety of an ointment containing larch turpentine (from Larix decidua), eucalyptus oil (from Eucalyptus globulus), and turpentine oil (from Pinus pinaster) in outpatients with painful skin abscesses in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Intervention: 116 outpatients with skin abscesses used verum or placebo for 10 days. Sum score of the patient’s discomforts, changes in abscess size, rate of therapeutic success, and complete healing served as outcome parameters. Results: Fifty-four patients were treated with verum and 56 with placebo. According to the patient’s discomfort sum score, patients in the verum group showed a better improvement compared to the placebo group (7.3 vs. 4.7; p = 0.024), and subjective assessment by the investigators revealed a higher treatment success rate after verum (70% vs. 48%; p = 0.021). Complete healing was documented in 67% of the patients receiving verum versus 46% in the placebo group (p = 0.037). There was a positive trend toward a larger decrease in the abscess sizes in the verum group compared to the placebo group (p = 0.07). Conclusion: The ointment studied is an effective and safe option for the treatment of bacterial skin diseases.
La construcción de nuevas identidades urbanas: lenguas originarias de América Latina y castellano en el etno-rap
Authors: Gugenberger Eva
Published: November 2022

El artículo se propone explorar los esfuerzos por la revitalización de las lenguas originarias en América Latina, tomando como ejemplo el etno-rap o rap originario. Este género musical surgió a comienzos de este siglo en América Latina, cuando una serie de grupos de raperos empezaron a incorporar las lenguas originarias en sus canciones con el fin de reactivarlas y revalorarlas mediante producciones musicales. La atención se centrará en el fenómeno del cambio de código o code-switching –utilizado frecuentemente por los artistas en sus canciones–, que interpreto en sentido amplio como el uso de diferentes recursos estilísticos de índole lingüística, visual y sonora. Mediante esta estrategia los artistas construyen identidades híbridas en sus performances, que dan cuenta de una nueva identidad urbana en la que las raíces lingüísticas y culturales indígenas cobran un valor destacado. Como ejemplo, se analizará el caso del rapero peruano Liberato Kani y su canción Kaykunapi. Se argumentará  que el etno-rap puede tener un impacto positivo sobre los jóvenes de origen indígena y su autoestima, lo que convierte este género musical en una valiosa herramienta para la revitalización lingüística.
Entrevista com Fernando Ramallo
Authors: Lagares Xoán Carlos , Monteagudo Romero Henrique
Published: November 2022

.
Circulating c-Met–Expressing Memory T Cells Define Cardiac Autoimmunity
Authors: Fanti Silvia , Stephenson Edward , Rocha-Vieira Etel , Protonotarios Alexandros , Kanoni Stavroula , Shahaj Eriomina , Longhi M. Paula , Vyas Vishal S. , Dyer Carlene , Pontarini Elena , Asimaki Angeliki , Bueno-Beti Carlos , De Gaspari Monica , Rizzo Stefania , Basso Cristina , Bombardieri Michele , Coe David , Wang Guosu , Harding Daniel , Gallagher Iain , Solito Egle , Elliott Perry , Heymans Stephane , Sikking Maurits , Savvatis Konstantinos , Mohiddin Saidi A. , Marelli-Berg Federica M.
Published: November 2022

Background:

Autoimmunity is increasingly recognized as a key contributing factor in heart muscle diseases. The functional features of cardiac autoimmunity in humans remain undefined because of the challenge of studying immune responses in situ. We previously described a subset of c-mesenchymal epithelial transition factor (c-Met)–expressing (c-Met
+
) memory T lymphocytes that preferentially migrate to cardiac tissue in mice and humans.

Methods:

In-depth phenotyping of peripheral blood T cells, including c-Met
+
T cells, was undertaken in groups of patients with inflammatory and noninflammatory cardiomyopathies, patients with noncardiac autoimmunity, and healthy controls. Validation studies were carried out using human cardiac tissue and in an experimental model of cardiac inflammation.

Results:

We show that c-Met
+
T cells are selectively increased in the circulation and in the myocardium of patients with inflammatory cardiomyopathies. The phenotype and function of c-Met
+
T cells are distinct from those of c-Met–negative (c-Met
−
) T cells, including preferential proliferation to cardiac myosin and coproduction of multiple cytokines (interleukin-4, interleukin-17, and interleukin-22). Furthermore, circulating c-Met
+
T cell subpopulations in different heart muscle diseases identify distinct and overlapping mechanisms of heart inflammation. In experimental autoimmune myocarditis, elevations in autoantigen-specific c-Met
+
T cells in peripheral blood mark the loss of immune tolerance to the heart. Disease development can be halted by pharmacologic c-Met inhibition, indicating a causative role for c-Met
+
T cells.

Conclusions:

Our study demonstrates that the detection of circulating c-Met
+
T cells may have use in the diagnosis and monitoring of adaptive cardiac inflammation and definition of new targets for therapeutic intervention when cardiac autoimmunity causes or contributes to progressive cardiac injury.
Taxonomy and bioacoustics of scaly crickets (Orthoptera, Mogoplistidae, Mogoplistinae) from Borneo and Singapore
Authors: TAN MING KAI , JAPIR RAZY , CHUNG ARTHUR Y.C. , WAHAB RODZAY BIN HAJI ABDUL , ROBILLARD TONY
Published: November 2022

A species of scaly cricket is described here: Ornebius lupus sp. nov. from the mangrove forests in Singapore. Ornebius pullus Ingrisch, 2006 is recorded in eastern Sabah for the first time. The calling songs of Cycloptiloides bimaculatus Tan et al., 2021 and Ornebius pullus from Sabah are described. We also revise the diagnosis of Ectatoderus nigrofasciatus Tan et al., 2021 from Brunei Darussalam.
The Role of Cloud–Cloud Interactions in the Life Cycle of Shallow Cumulus Clouds
Authors: Chen Jingyi , Hagos Samson , Feng Zhe , Fast Jerome D. , Xiao Heng
Published: November 2022

Some of the climate research puzzles relate to a limited understanding of the critical factors governing the life cycle of cumulus clouds. These factors force the initiation and the various mixing processes during cloud life cycles. To shed some light into these processes, we tracked the life cycle of thousands of individual shallow cumulus clouds in a large-eddy simulation during the Holistic Interactions of Shallow Clouds, Aerosols, and Land-Ecosystems field campaign in the U.S. southern Great Plains. Concurrent evolution of clouds is tracked and their respective neighboring clouds are examined. Results show that the clouds initially smaller than neighboring clouds can grow larger than the neighboring clouds by a factor of 2 within 20% of their lifetime. Two groups of the tracked clouds with growing and decaying neighboring clouds, respectively, show distinct characteristics in their life cycles. Clouds with growing neighboring clouds form above regions with larger surface heterogeneity, whereas clouds with decaying neighboring clouds are associated with less heterogeneous surfaces. Also, those with decaying neighboring clouds experience larger instability and a more humid boundary layer, indicating evaporation below the cloud base is likely occurring before those clouds are formed. Larger instability leads to higher vertical velocity and convergence within the cloud, which causes stronger surrounding downdrafts and water vapor removal in the surrounding area. The latter appears to be the reason for the decaying neighboring clouds. Understanding those processes provide insights into how cloud–cloud interactions modulate the evolution of cloud population and into how this evolution can be represented in future cumulus parameterizations.
Modifying Post-operative Opioid Stewardship Through a System of Educational Feedback
Authors: Beauchamp Gillian , Deol Pavit , Sipko Joseph , Yazdanyar Ali , Rosentel Joshua , Kuehler Daniel , Sandhu Rovinder S. , McCambridge Matthew
Published: November 2022

Background: The opioid overdose epidemic remains one of the leading focuses of the United States’ public health agenda. Current literature has suggested that many surgical procedures are associated with an increased risk of chronic opioid use in the post-operative period of opioid-naïve patients. We aimed to assess whether providing feedback on the average morphine milligram equivalents (MMED) and opioid utilization by selected post-operative patients would impact the provider opioid prescribing patterns.

Methods: An opioid stewardship educational intervention provided didactic and email feedback to general surgeons about their prescribing patterns and summary feedback on opioid usage among post-operative patients from the pre-intervention period. We used descriptive statistics, Chi Square, Fisher’s Exact test, Wilcoxon Rank Sum, two sample t test, and Spearman’s rho to analyze the data gathered.

Results: A total of 5142 patients with an average age of 43.9 years were included in the study period. Women accounted for 3096 (60.2%) and 2046 (39.8%) were men. The surgeries during the study period included 1928 (37.5%) appendectomies and 3214 (62.5%) cholecystectomies. The predominant surgical approach was laparoscopic 5028 (97.8%). In both groups, the total MMED and total number of pills prescribed decreased significantly after the intervention was implemented. There were no refill prescriptions nor 30-day readmissions among those discharged with an opioid prescription in either study phase.

Discussion: An intervention that provided general surgeons with feedback about their post-operative prescription patterns and data on post-operative opioid utilization by patients decreased prescribed MMED.
Managing Competing Demands in a Teacher Shortage Context: The Impact of Teacher Shortages on Principal Leadership Practices
Authors: Castro Andrene J.
Published: November 2022

Purpose: Teacher shortages disrupt multiple aspects of school functioning. Negative effects of shortages are linked to poor outcomes for students, teachers, and organizational climate and culture. However, less attention has been paid to the impact of shortages on principals’ leadership activities. Research Methods/Approach: This study uses qualitative data from 23 principals in four Oklahoma school districts to describe the impact of teacher shortages on principals’ leadership practice and the extent to which principals alter leadership behaviors in relation to shortages. Findings: Findings offer new evidence suggesting teacher supply, principal leadership, and organizational functioning are tightly coupled. Specifically, principals experienced competing managerial demands as they reported stronger impacts of shortages on tasks associated with organizational management, instructional management, and internal relations, while indirect or minor impacts were reported for administrative and external relations tasks. Implications: As teacher shortages increase across the U.S., this study highlights the cumulative impacts of shortages on schools and offers implications for school leadership, policy, and practice.
A Splash and a Crowd: Do Water Fountains and Storefronts Improve Plaza’s Visitability?
Authors: Abdulkarim Dina , Nasar Jack L.
Published: November 2022

Whyte made recommendations based on observational studies on making public plazas more livable. The present paper describes two experiments that looked at whether two design attributes he identified—water features and active streets—increase livability measured through visitability, a concept that replaced livability. The studies manipulated four scenarios for fountains (accessible, inaccessible, floor, nothing) and two for storefronts (present, absent) using slides of three plazas each manipulated to present one of the eight scenarios. Study 1 had 66 college students (34 women, 32 men). Study 2 had 93 participants (53 women, 39 men, 1 other) rate the slides on the Perceived Visitability Scale. Fountains and storefronts increased visitability. Accessible water improved visitability for people between the ages 25 and 44. Participants between 18 and 24 and those 45 and older judged plazas with floor fountains as less visitable, suggesting varying effects of certain design elements across age groups.
A jar of pure poetry over the head of a polluted god: On the cultural economy of Tiruniḻalmāla
Authors: Galewicz Cezary
Published: November 2022

The present essay grows from the contention that we need to learn more on how the historical survival and career of indigenous knowledge systems and of related literary genres depended on genre-specific vehicles of transmission and on changing institutional structures of patronage that sustained them. As in many other instances of surviving early Malayalam literature, we know next to nothing about the process of producing intended audiences or actual users of the work titled Tiruniḻalmāla. So is the case with the historical moment of its composition, its sociocultural context or the economic basis of its transmission in terms of patronage patterns that might have framed its composition and later circulation. This situation calls for a new critical attention to the editorial processes of rediscovery pertaining to this and other early works in their bearing on the regional history making. The article proposes a closer look at the work in question as an instance of specific type of premodern textuality with its problematic standing in terms of genre, language and type of discourse against the backdrop of the practices of inscription prevalent in later medieval and premodern South India. It touches also on the complex relationship of Tiruniḻalmāla with the Āṟanmuḷa temple and the ritualised performances of Teyyam of North Malabar while exploring the historically understood cultural economy of its transmission and reproduction.
Book review: Edward A. Alpers and Chhaya Goswami, eds., Transregional Trade and Traders: Situating Gujarat in the Indian Ocean from Early Times to 1900
Authors: Hamza Shireen
Published: November 2022

Edward A. Alpers and Chhaya Goswami, eds., Transregional Trade and Traders: Situating Gujarat in the Indian Ocean from Early Times to 1900. New Delhi: Oxford University Press, 2019, 397 pp.
Book review: Radhika Singha, The Coolie’s Great War: Indian Labour in a Global Conflict (1914–1921)
Authors: Sturman Rachel
Published: November 2022

Radhika Singha, The Coolie’s Great War: Indian Labour in a Global Conflict (1914–1921). Noida: HarperCollins Publishers, 2020, 396 pp.
Book review: Christopher Fleming, Ownership and Inheritance in Sanskrit Jurisprudence
Authors: Wright Samuel
Published: November 2022

Christopher Fleming, Ownership and Inheritance in Sanskrit Jurisprudence. New York: Oxford University Press, 2021, 272 pp.
The Effects of Covid-19 Emergency Aid on UN Reputation—Evidence From Syria, Yemen, and Sudan
Authors: Rubinson Eyal , Hitman Gadi
Published: November 2022

This article explores the effects of United Nations (UN) emergency Covid-19 aid on its organizational reputation in the Middle East/North Africa (MENA) region—the prominent aid recipient under this scheme. MENA states are traditionally critical of the UN, perceiving it as a representative of Western and colonial order. We argue that Covid-19 presented an opportunity to reinforce UN regional reputation, despite historical grievances. We perform an original online two-stage survey among 667 social media users in the three most funded MENA states—Syria, Yemen, and Sudan, where reliable data are particularly difficult to attain. The results demonstrate how long-term positive perception of the UN improved over time, enhancing UN reputation.
Characterization of the contacting area of spacer fabric under spherical compression
Authors: Gu Longxin , Du Zhaoqun , Wu Yuanxin , Zheng Dongming
Published: November 2022

Spacer fabrics have been developed into a variety of special textile mattress products due to their outstanding pressure distribution performance. It may be that the contacting area of spacer fabrics can be expanded under spherical compression. The total compression force and distance curve is currently used to test the compression of spacer fabrics; however, there are few detailed reports about expanding the contacting area under the spherical intender. Therefore, this paper developed a test method for the contacting area between the spacer fabric and the spherical indenter under spherical compression. The spherical indenter was specially designed by using serial resistors method. The contacting area was easily obtained by detecting the resistance change through 12 resistors pasted on the surface of the spherical indenter and calculating the surface of the spherical indenter under dynamic movement. This method can be used to effectively characterize the pressure-relief property of textile soft materials in pad materials.
In Defence of ‘Theological’ Readings of the New Testament
Authors: Rowlands Jonathan
Published: November 2022

‘Theological interpretation of Scripture’ (TIS) has undergone a resurgence within Christian theology. This has been matched in some quarters of ‘mainstream’ New Testament studies by a renewed insistence on the illegitimacy of such an approach in the context of academic readings of the New Testament. In this article the author mounts a defence for the academic credibility of ‘theological’ readings of the New Testament, while simultaneously articulating the manner in which such readings have frequently overstepped the boundaries of their hermeneutical framework. He notes the two reading strategies emerge implicitly out of mutually exclusive hermeneutical traditions and suggests that explicating the hermeneutical foundations of both reading strategies might explain the conflict and help to move beyond it.
Does Religious Priming Induce Greater Prejudice? A Meta-Analytic Review
Authors: Snell Annetta , Zuckerman Miron , Le Bonnie M.
Published: November 2022

The current meta-analysis addressed whether theistic religious beliefs are causally related to greater prejudice by analyzing 44 studies ( Ntotal = 11,330) that used experimental designs—priming religion and then measuring negativity toward outgroups (e.g., LGBT and Muslim). The overall priming effect was significant but small ( r = .06), indicating that priming religion increases prejudice. The implications of these results for the relation between religion and prejudice and for future work on religious priming are discussed.
Proportional pulmonary pulse pressure: A new index to assess response to veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Lim Hoong Sern
Published: November 2022

Background

Based on theoretical physiology, the ratio of pulmonary artery pulse pressure to mean pulmonary pressure (PP-MPAP), termed proportional pulmonary pulse pressure, provides a measure of coupling between the right ventricle and the pulmonary circulation. This study tested the hypothesis that lower PP-MPAP ratio was associated with left ventricular (LV) distension in patients with cardiogenic shock who underwent extracorporeal life support (ECLS).

Methods

This is a retrospective observational single-centre study of 22 patients with cardiogenic shock who underwent ECLS as the primary support modality without and with LV distension and Impella unloading. The relationship between post-support PP-MPAP and 12-hour lactate clearance was also assessed.

Results

Of the 22 patients: 10 patients underwent additional Impella unloading due to LV distension (Group 1) and 12 patients on ECLS only without LV distension (Group 2). As predicted by the theoretical model, PP-MPAP on ECLS dropped in Group 1 (pre-Impella) from 0.473 ± 0.067 to 0.372 ± 0.087, p < 0.001; but increased in Group 2 patients without LV distension (0.518 ± 0.070 to 0.549 ± 0.072, p = 0.002). Impella support in Group 1 increased PP-MPAP (0.372 ± 0.087 to 0.615 ± 0.094, p < 0.001). On multiple regression analysis, post-support PP-MPAP was significantly associated with 12-hour lactate clearance.

Conclusion

Changes in PP-MPAP is associated hemodynamic response to ECLS and 12-hour lactate clearance. This simple parameter may guide therapeutic optimization in cardiogenic shock and ECLS.
Directional sensitivity of dynamic cerebral autoregulation during spontaneous fluctuations in arterial blood pressure at rest
Authors: Panerai Ronney B , Barnes Sam C , Batterham Angus P , Robinson Thompson G , Haunton Victoria J
Published: November 2022

Directional sensitivity, the more efficient response of cerebral autoregulation to increases, compared to decreases, in mean arterial pressure (MAP), has been demonstrated with repeated squat-stand maneuvers (SSM). In 43 healthy subjects (26 male, 23.1 ± 4.2 years old), five min. recordings of cerebral blood velocity (bilateral Doppler ultrasound), MAP (Finometer), end-tidal CO2 (capnograph), and heart rate (ECG) were obtained during sitting (SIT), standing (STA) and SSM. A new analytical procedure, based on autoregressive-moving average models, allowed distinct estimates of the autoregulation index (ARI) by separating the MAP signal into its positive (MAP+D) and negative (MAP−D) derivatives. ARI+D was higher than ARI−D (p < 0.0001), SIT: 5.61 ± 1.58 vs 4.31 ± 2.16; STA: 5.70 ± 1.24 vs 4.63 ± 1.92; SSM: 4.70 ± 1.11 vs 3.31 ± 1.53, but the difference ARI+D–ARI−D was not influenced by the condition. A bootstrap procedure determined the critical number of subjects needed to identify a significant difference between ARI+D and ARI−D, corresponding to 24, 37 and 38 subjects, respectively, for SSM, STA and SIT. Further investigations are needed on the influences of sex, aging and other phenotypical characteristics on the phenomenon of directional sensitivity of dynamic autoregulation.
Lamotrigine induced priapism in children: case analysis and literature review
Authors: Ge Jie , Cao Shan-Shan , Cao Xiao-Yu , Tang Meng , Mu Fei , Qiao Yi , Guan Yue , Wang Jing-Wen
Published: November 2022

Lamotrigine is an antiepileptic drug that can be used to control many types of seizures as a single-agent or an add-on therapy in patients over 2 years of age. In addition to common adverse reactions, this current case report describes a paediatric male patient with a rare side-effect of persistent penile erectile due to lamotrigine. Previous studies have shown that it can improve sexual function in adult male patients. This patient suffered from refractory epilepsy and pneumonia. He had taken a variety of antiepileptic drugs for a long time and developed priapism after the dosage of lamotrigine had been increased. The priapism improved after drug withdrawal and sedation. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanism of this rare side-effect.
The Stochastic Model of Technical Change and Profit Rates: Korean Economy (Manufacturing Sector: 1970–2015)
Authors: Kim Deokmin
Published: November 2022

This article aims to reconstruct major macroeconomic variables, including the profit rate in the Korean economy, by using the stochastic model of technical change. This model needs no a priori technological patterns concerning available technologies, such as the neoclassical production function or fixed coefficient technologies. This article provides a summary of the rate of profit, the productivity of capital, and labor productivity in the Korean manufacturing sector between 1970 and 2015. A multiple structural break model detects possible regime changes in the growth rate of each type of productivity. The innovation sets for the simulation are created based on this test. Furthermore, the article reconstructs the rate of profit, the productivity of capital, and labor productivity in Korea’s manufacturing sector and discusses a catching-up process by Korea with the United States, which the model reproduces.

JEL Classification: E11, E17, O14, O33
The Gender Fix: Outsourcing Feminism and the Gender Politics of Supply Chains
Authors: Otis Eileen , Petrucci Larissa L.
Published: November 2022

Decades of feminist research has revealed the dismal labor conditions for women in global supply chains. Given this reality, why does Walmart use women in its supply chain as icons of female empowerment? Combining the Marxist notion of a “spatial fix” with a feminist analysis of symbolic resources, we develop the concept of a “gender fix” to understand a growing field of corporate programs that use women as symbolic resources to restore the image of firms as ethical actors. The gender fix encompasses a wide range of corporate empowerment strategies to capture a broad pattern of action. A second term is necessary to situate Walmart’s particular empowerment strategy within its corporate positioning as leader of a vast supply chain network. We identify Walmart’s particular empowerment strategy as “outsourcing feminism.” Walmart’s use of the outsourcing feminism strategy stems from its commanding position in supply chains, which allows it to extract a symbolic surplus from women business owners from whom it sources products. When Walmart argues that it uplifts these women, its strategy targets the consumer end of the supply chain, emphasizing sourcing practices that promote a racially diverse, selfless, and middle-class femininity. In so doing, Walmart deflects attention from the treatment of women in other segments of its supply chain (e.g., its stores and factories).
Design of a measurement system for measuring geometric errors of a workpiece table during two-axis synchronous motion
Authors: Chen Yu-Ta , Wang Ching-Lin , Liu Chien-Sheng
Published: November 2022

With the increasing customer demand for high-precision workpieces, the accuracy performance of CNC machine tools has become an increasingly important hot topic for almost all machine tool manufacturers. For fine surface finish workpieces, the performance of multi-axis synchronous motion has a significant impact on lathe processing. Accordingly, it is necessary to calibrate and identify the geometric errors of the workpiece table during multiple-axis synchronous motion. Therefore, this study proposes a novel noncontact optical measurement system for measuring the geometric errors of the workpiece table while the two axes are moving simultaneously. In addition, the horizontal CNC lathe machine iTC-2000LM, produced by Tongtai machine & tool Co., Ltd., was taken as the research vehicle. The proposed measurement system comprises an optics module composed of several reflectors, lenses, and cubic beam splitters; a sensing module composed of multiple two-dimensional position-sensitive detectors (PSDs); and a laser. Based on the principle of geometric optics theory and the optical triangulation method, complete mathematical models that describe the geometric errors of the workpiece table during two-axis synchronous motion were established using the skew-ray tracing method. Additionally, the essential features of the proposed measurement system were verified using the optical design software Zemax. Finally, a laboratory prototype system was constructed to experimentally verify the proposed measurement system. As mentioned above, the main contribution of this study is to design a novel and highly efficient measurement system with established measurement mathematical models and experimental verifications.
A human-like response model for following vehicles in lane-changing scenario
Authors: Liu Rui , Zhao Xuan , Yuan Tian , Li Haipeng , Bu Tengchen , Zhu Xichan , Ma Jian
Published: November 2022

A human-like following vehicle (FV) model for lane-changing scenario was developed. First, the non-linear relationship between FV responses and relative speed was integrated. Normalized transformation was performed to better investigate the correlation characteristics between variables. Second, environmental factors and kinematic parameters were characterized using a hierarchical linear model. Next, vehicle control modes were incorporated. Finally, a human-like response model (HRM) for the FV was proposed and tested. It is found that the brake intensity of the FV is affected by lane-changing direction, but it is not affected by turn-signal usage or traffic density. Turn-signal usage and traffic density are related to kinematic parameters. Lane-changers use their turn signal more when relative velocity is negative or when traffic density is high. Therefore, turn-signal usage and traffic density will become redundant variables when kinematic parameters are considered. Driving data verification shows that the HRM can match both non-critical and critical lane-changing cases and can simulate the no reaction behavior of the FV in lane-changing, which can help to improve the human-like driving ability of intelligent vehicles.
Status of TWEAK DNA methylation and mRNA expression in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Liao Li , Li Shu , Upreti Bibhuti , Wang Xiangyu , Yang Yifan , Lou Xue , Li Luqiong , Cui Ruomei , Liu Shuang , Cheng Yuqi , Xu Jian
Published: November 2022

Objective

Draw upon research into the serum concentration, mRNA expression, and DNA methylation of TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) in the peripheral blood of systemic lupus erythematosus patients and healthy controls in an attempt to investigate the epigenetics associated with TWEAK in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

A total of 178 SLE patients (SLE group) and 131 sex-age matched healthy controls (HC group) were recruited. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) was used to detect serum protein concentration of TWEAK. TWEAK mRNA expression was analyzed by Real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Methylation levels of the promotor of TWEAK were measured using quantitative DNA methylation analysis on the MassARRAY spectrometry.

Results

Serum TWEAK concentrations were not statistically significant in SLE patients and HCs. Nevertheless, serum TWEAK concentrations were significantly lower in patients with renal involvement when compared to those without it. Serum TWEAK concentrations were reduced in clinically active patients (SLEDAI ≥ 10) compared with clinically stable patients (SLEDAI < 10). It was also significantly associated with SLEDAI. Compared with the HC group, the TWEAK mRNA expression in the SLE group was significantly lower. The global DNA methylation levels of TWEAK in the SLE group were observed to be significantly higher than the HC group. SLE patients with renal involvement, and the clinically active patients had higher TWEAK global methylation as well as exhibited variation in certain CpG island methylation. Furthermore, TWEAK methylation negatively correlated with TWEAK mRNA expression.

Conclusion

This study suggests that TWEAK DNA methylation is a valuable as a focus for epigenetic studies because of it potentially influencing TWEAK gene expression in SLE patients. Aberrant DNA methylation of TWEAK may be involved in the initiation and development of SLE.
Mid-term survivorship of fixed bearing unicondylar knee arthroplasty with no exclusion of early PFJ arthritis or ACL deficiency: Analysis of clinical and radiological predictors
Authors: Lee Qunn Jid , Chang Wai Yee, Esther , Wong Yiu Chung
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Fixed bearing (FB) UKA constituted 63.7% of unicondylar knee arthroplasties in 2020 Australian Registry with the longest UKA survivorship. The significance of patellofemoral joint (PFJ) arthritis, ACL deficiency, post-operative anteromedial pain, radiosclerosis or radiolucency on survivorship of FB UKA is not established. The aim of this study was to analyze the medium-term survivorship of fixed-bearing UKA with no exclusion of PFJ OA and ACL deficiency. Predictors for failure were analyzed.

Methods

FB UKA performed in 2011-17 were reviewed. Cases with PFJ OA or ACL deficiency were not excluded. The effect on survivorship by ACL deficiency, PFJ arthritis, post-operative anteromedial pain and radiological abnormalities were analyzed.

Results

There were 96 UKA with follow-up time of 66 ± 18 months (27–98). The mean age was 70 ± 9 years, BMI 25.8 ± 2.6 kg/m2. Alignment was varus 9° ± 4° pre-operatively and varus 3° ± 3° post-operatively. There were four revisions (4.2%) and 4 deaths (4.2%). Reasons for revisions were loosening ( n = 1), persistent pain ( n = 2) and lateral compartment disease ( n = 1). Estimated survival at 8.3 years was 94.7% (95% CI 91.6–97.7). BMI ≥30 was found to be a significant predictor for failure. The incidence of radiographic abnormalities was 75% for PFJ arthritis, 39% for tibial tray overhang, 14% for radiolucency or radiosclerosis, 5% for ACL deficiency and 5% for edge loading respectively but they were not significantly associated with lower survivorship or anteromedial knee pain. The presence of anteromedial pain after surgery in 36.5% was also not significantly associated with survivorship.

Conclusion

FB UKA with no exclusion of early PFJ arthritis and ACL deficiency has satisfactory medium-term survivorship. BMI ≥30 could have higher risk of all-cause revision. Tibial tray overhang, non-progressive radiolucency or radiosclerosis do not seem to be associated with anteromedial knee pain or poorer medium term survivorship.
Family-Based Intervention for Substance Using Parents: Experiences and Resource Use
Authors: Fäldt Anna , Nystrand Camilla , Fängström Karin
Published: November 2022

Purpose: The study aimed to assess families’ resource use and to explore parents’ experiences of the Sofia model, a family-based intervention for parents with substance use disorder (SUD). Methods: Interviews were conducted with 14 parents. Data were analyzed with qualitative content analysis. The resource use assessment was estimated based on data for 40 families referred to the Sofia model and 30 reference families. Results: Parents described difficulties accessing family support and differences in received services in the Sofia model. The intervention lacked focus on the children. Families’ communication regarding substance use did not increase. Resource use estimations indicated larger use of services by families in the Sofie model, but little co-parent and child-specific support. Conclusions: The intervention failed its aim to focus on the children, and enhance communication about SUD. Parents voiced a need for more long-term comprehensive support for their children and themselves.
Effects of Lag Schedules of Reinforcement on Variable Manding in Preschoolers With Disabilities
Authors: Pokorski Elizabeth A. , Todt Mollie J. , Willard Kelly C. , Barton Erin E. , Martinez Ana Paula , Lloyd Blair P.
Published: November 2022

Functional communication training (FCT) is an evidence-based intervention that while often effective, can result in rote responding, reduced generalizability of target behavior, and resurgence of challenging behavior (CB) during treatment lapses. Lag schedules of reinforcement have been successfully used to address these concerns. We applied an increasing lag schedule within FCT to increase the variability and persistence of appropriate responding of four young children with disabilities while maintaining low levels of CB during treatment. Our results provide evidence regarding the effects of lag reinforcement on appropriate communication and CB during treatment and lapses in treatment with children with autism and Down syndrome. This research provides a new perspective to the field given, we assessed functional communication during baseline, assessed generalization to new contexts, and assessed social validity via both masked raters and participants’ mothers. We discuss the implications of this work and provide future directions for researcher and practice.
Does Adult-Directed Early Behavioral Intervention Improve Family Quality of Life? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Duncan Amanda , Shepley Collin
Published: November 2022

For decades, researchers and providers of adult-directed early behavioral intervention services have made conceptual arguments linking the receipt of such services to improvements in family and family member quality of life. To date, there has not been a review of the literature to empirically evaluate this claim. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and identified 15 studies contributing 40 effect sizes to evaluate the relationship between the receipt of early behavioral intervention and family quality of life. Our analyses did not detect that there was a robust and meaningful difference in the quality of life of families with a child that did and did not receive early behavioral intervention. Considerations to inform future research are presented; and implications are discussed with respect to parents, pediatricians, providers, and those involved in the public dissemination of evidence-based treatments for individuals with autism.
The Association of Metformin, Other Antidiabetic Medications, and Statins With the Prognosis of Colon Cancer in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Erkinantti Sami , Hautakoski Ari , Sund Reijo , Arffman Martti , Urpilainen Elina , Puistola Ulla , Jukkola Arja , Peeter Karihtala , Läärä Esa
Published: November 2022

Background

Use of metformin and statins have been associated with improved prognosis of colon cancer (CC) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). We examined the survival from CC in relation to the use of metformin, other oral antidiabetic medications (ADM), insulin, and statins in T2D patients.

Materials and Methods

A cohort (n = 2252) of persons with pre-existing T2D diagnosed with incident CC between 1998 and 2011 was identified from several Finnish registers. Cox models were fitted for cause-specific mortality rates to obtain adjusted estimates of the hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) in relation to use of ADM and statins before the CC diagnosis. Cox models were also fitted for mortality in relation to post-diagnostic use of the medications treating these as time-dependent exposures, and starting follow-up 1 year after the CC diagnosis

Results

Pre- and post-diagnostic metformin use was weakly associated with the risk of CC–related death (HR .75; 95% CI .58-.99, and HR .78; 95% CI .54-1.14, respectively) compared to the use of other oral ADMs. Pre- and post-diagnostic statin use predicted a reduced risk of CC–related death (HR .83; 95% CI .71- .98, and HR .69; 95% CI .54-.89, respectively).

Conclusion

Additional evidence was found for use of statins being associated with an improved survival from CC in patients with pre-existing T2D, but for metformin use the evidence was weaker.