bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gnas Loss Causes Chondrocyte Fate Conversion in Cranial Suture Formation
Authors: Xu R. , Liu Y. , Zhou Y. , Lin W. , Yuan Q. , Zhou X. , Yang Y.
Published: February 2022

Calvaria development is distinct from limb formation. Craniosynostosis is a skull deformity characterized by premature cranial suture fusion due to the loss of the GNAS gene and, consequently, its encoded protein Gαs. This birth defect requires surgery, with potential lethal consequences. So far, hardly any early-stage nonsurgical interventions for GNAS loss-related craniosynostosis are available. Here, we investigated the role of the Gnas gene in mice in guarding the distinctiveness of intramembranous ossification and how loss of Gnas triggered endochondral-like ossification within the cranial sutures. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of normal neonatal mice cranial suture chondrocytes showed a Hedgehog (Hh) inactivation pattern, which was associated with Gαs signaling activation. Loss of Gnas evoked chondrocyte-to-osteoblast fate conversion and resulted in cartilage heterotopic ossification (HO) within cranial sutures and fontanels of the mouse model, leading to a skull deformity resembling craniosynostosis in patients with loss of GNAS. Activation of ectopic Hh signaling within cranial chondrocytes stimulated the conversion of cell identity through a hypertrophy-like stage, which shared features of endochondral ossification in vivo. Reduction of Gli transcription activity by crossing with a loss-of-function Gli2 allele or injecting GLI1/2 antagonist hindered the progression of cartilage HO in neonatal stage mice. Our study uncovered the role of Gαs in maintaining cranial chondrocyte identity during neonatal calvaria development in mice and how reduction of Hh signaling could be a nonsurgical intervention to reduce skull deformity in craniosynostosis due to loss of GNAS.
Transcriptomic Mapping of Human Parotid Gland at Single-Cell Resolution
Authors: Chen M. , Lin W. , Gan J. , Lu W. , Wang M. , Wang X. , Yi J. , Zhao Z.
Published: February 2022

As the largest salivary gland in oral cavity, the parotid gland plays an important role in initial digesting and lubricating food. The abnormal secretory function of the parotid gland can lead to dental caries and oral mucosal inflammation. In recent years, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has been used to explore the heterogeneity and diversity of cells in various organs and tissues. However, the transcription profile of the human parotid gland at single-cell resolution has not been reported yet. In this study, we constructed the cell atlas of human parotid gland using the 10× Genomics platform. Characteristic gene analysis identified the biological functions of serous acinar cell populations in secreting digestive enzymes and antibacterial proteins. We revealed the specificity and similarity of the parotid gland compared to other digestive glands through comparative analyses of other published scRNA-seq data sets. We also identified the cell-specific expression of hub genes for Sjögren syndrome in the human parotid gland by integrating the results of genome-wide association studies and bulk RNA-seq, which highlighted the importance of immune cell dysfunction in parotid Sjögren syndrome pathogenesis.
Political Detentions, Political Deportations: Repressive Immigration Enforcement in Times of Trump
Authors: Montange Leah
Published: February 2022

During the presidency of Donald Trump, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) targeted migrant justice activists, journalists, and advocates with deportation proceedings. The recent political repression has a revanchist character that appears to be a new pattern introduced by Trump but is part of a longer project of securing the smooth functioning of economic and racial social control in the US. I read the recent political repression of activists in relation to texts produced by radical intellectuals who endured political repression in two prior historical moments: the detention and deportation of radicals in the McCarthy era through the words of C.L.R. James; the policing and imprisonment of Black radicals in the early 1970s through the words of Angela Davis. In a third moment, I situate the recent pattern of Trump-era political repression in a context of ongoing contestation over interior immigration enforcement. The struggle over immigration enforcement is not only about legality, but also about the politics of race and class marginalization in the US.
Posterior pedicle screw fixation combined with transpedicular bone grafting for treatment of single-level thoracolumbar fractures with the aid of a vertebroplasty tool
Authors: Wen Yuetao , Zhou Hui , Liao Youxin , He Ya , Wang Fei , Li Jingang
Published: February 2022

Objective

This study was performed to assess the efficacy of a novel tool to assist transpedicular bone grafting in short-segment pedicle screw fixation combined with pedicle fixation at the level of the fractured vertebra (six-screw fixation).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 80 patients (40 in the control group and 40 in the tool-aided group) with single-level thoracolumbar fractures. Patients in the control group underwent traditional six-screw fixation combined with transpedicular bone grafting. In the tool-aided group, we introduced a novel vertebroplasty tool to assist transpedicular bone grafting. Basic information and related indicators were recorded.

Results

There were no significant differences in the patients’ baseline characteristics or surgical outcomes between the control group and tool-aided group. Both traditional surgery and tool-aided surgery restored the height of the fractured vertebrae and decreased the Cobb angle, visual analog scale score, and Oswestry Disability Index. However, tool-aided surgery more effectively restored the height of the fractured vertebrae and reduced the visual analog scale score and Oswestry Disability Index than did traditional surgery.

Conclusion

Vertebroplasty tool-aided surgery facilitated more precise and successful grafting of bone into damaged vertebrae than did traditional surgery and therefore might be recommended for treating single-level thoracolumbar fractures.
Is interdisciplinarity distinctive? Scientific collaborations through research projects in natural sciences
Authors: Benz Pierre , Rossier Thierry
Published: February 2022

This article focuses on (inter)disciplinary collaborations through the co-application to research projects funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation, the main provider of research funding in Switzerland. We suggest that interdisciplinarity is a potential mode of distinction and that its frequency and the disciplines involved may be associated with specific configurations of scientific, institutional, international, extra-academic, and network resources. We rely on biographical data on all biology and chemistry professors in Switzerland in 2000 ( n = 342), including all their funding from the Swiss National Science Foundation. In a first step, we highlight the role of the resources mentioned previously in structuring the symbolic hierarchy of disciplines using multiple correspondence analysis. In a second step, we look at how interdisciplinarity fits into these structures based on an opposition between international and institutional resources and on the unequal distribution of scientific (and social) capital. We show that these interdisciplinary logics of social distinction differ across the two disciplines. On the one hand, collaborations with biologists seem to help chemists reaching dominant positions in the academic field, while their degree of internationality is associated with interdisciplinary collaborations. On the other hand, the biologists who are the most endowed with symbolic capital are more likely to collaborate with the medical sciences.
Cr (III) genotoxicity and oxidative stress: An occupational health risk for leather tannery workers of South Asian developing countries
Authors: Dubey Ramji , Verma Pragya , Kumar Sudhir
Published: February 2022

In the leather industry, Cr (III) is used as a basic tanning agent. The wastewater discharged from the tannery industry contains a high concentration of chromium. Recent studies indicate the genotoxic effects especially DNA damage and oxidative stress of Cr (III) in tannery workers. Cr (III) interacts with DNA to form DNA cross-links and DNA strand breaks. It also modifies the oxidative DNA base through the Haber–Weiss reaction. The present study is based on an overview of scientific literature and previous observations regarding the effects of tannery chromium effluents on exposed workers and the population in the vicinity. This study strongly suggests for use of a non-toxic substitute of chromium to be used for the tanning process and placement of tannery industries on the outskirts of the city. In South Asian developing countries like India, Pakistan and Bangladesh where the economy is strongly dependent on leather manufacturing industries, there is a need to spread proper information regarding the harmful effects of chromium toxicity to the workforce employed in the tannery and also to the people living in the surrounding area. Workers should be provided with the required safety protections like gloves, aprons, foot/shoe covers, masks, etc. Last but most important on an immediate basis is the installation of the proper efficient waste treatment plant, so that, waste should be treated before moving out of the industry.
Modeling of sliding speed of harmonic reducer based on double-circular-arc tooth profile
Authors: Zhang Tao , Liu Zhifeng , Yang Congbin , Qin Fei , Xie Fugui , Caixia Zhang
Published: February 2022

The two main failure modes of harmonic reducers are wear and contact friction between the tooth profile of the circular spline (CS) and the flexible spline (FS). The sliding speed of the meshing point is a key factor affecting friction and wear processes of the CS and FS and should therefore be accurately determined. Herein, envelope theory is used to deduce the FS trajectory and the envelope track is divided into two segments according to whether or not the meshing point is outside the top circle of the CS. The velocity of the meshing point in the second meshing stage is essentially the vector sum of the FS velocity in three directions. When the CS is fixed, the relative sliding velocity is the instantaneous velocity of the FS along the tangential direction of the enveloped tooth profile. To verify the proposed model, the finite element method (FEM) and laser sensor experiments were performed and a relationship between the angle of rotation of the wave generator (WG) and the velocity of the FS was established. The results show that the sliding speed is sensitive to the radial displacement coefficient and has a linear relationship with the rotational speed of the WG.
The effect of UV additives on thermo-oxidative and color stability of pistachio shell reinforced polypropylene composites
Authors: CELEBI Mithat , ALTUN Muslum , OVALI Sabih
Published: February 2022

In this study, pistachio shell-polypropylene copolymer (PPc) biocomposites were prepared by using the melt compounding technique. Treated pistachio shell (TPS) (30%wt) was employed to increase mechanical and thermal properties of biocomposites. Maleation and filler pre-treatment processes improved the mechanical strength of the PPc-TPS composites. The UV additives, Chimassorb 944 (CHI) stabilizer, and the UV absorber Irganox 1010 (IRGV) were used to enhance oxidative and color stability of biocomposites after they were subjected to accelerated UV irradiation for 600 h. The mechanical properties of the UV additive containing composites were less affected after UV exposure. The oxidative induction time and discoloration analysis revealed that CHI and IRGV additives can be utilized in applications that require higher color stability while the former showed better performance for oxidative stability.
Book review: Nikita Sud. 2021. The Making of Land and the Making of India
Authors: Nielsen Kenneth Bo
Published: February 2022

Nikita Sud. 2021. The Making of Land and the Making of India. New Delhi: Oxford University Press. xxiv+253 pp., ₹1,495. ISBN 9780190130206 (hardcover).
The adjustable aiming device for caspar pin insertion in anterior cervical spine surgery
Authors: Bunmaprasert Torphong , Raphitphan Raphi , Sugandhavesa Nantawit , Riew K Daniel , Liawrungrueang Wongthawat
Published: February 2022

Background

Creating a rectangular disc space is an important step during anterior cervical discectomy and fusion or cervical total disc replacement. The study aims to determine the accuracy of Caspar pin insertion by using a novel Adjustable Caspar Pin Aiming Device in anterior cervical procedures.

Methods

Forty Caspar pins were placed using an Adjustable Caspar Pin Aiming Device in 20 human cadaveric cervical vertebral bodies from C3 to C7 after performing anterior discectomies. Accuracy of pin placement was assessed by lateral fluoroscopy, considering superior endplate slope (SE), inferior endplate slope (IE), Caspar pin slope (CP), and endplate-Caspar pin slope difference (SE/CP, IE/CP).

Results

The mean superior endplate slope (SE), inferior endplate slope (IE), and Caspar pin slope (CP) were 10.82 ± 2.3°, 10.32 ± 3.2°, and 15.58 ± 7.9°, respectively. The average superior endplate-Caspar pin slope difference (SE/CP) and inferior endplate-Caspar pin slope difference (IE/CP) were 6.6 ± 0.8° and 7.7 ± 0.8°, respectively. The greatest slope difference was observed at the superior and inferior endplates of C3. No cervical endplate violations occurred.

Conclusion

Adjustable Caspar Pin Aiming Device allowed for a highly accurate Caspar pin placement with the average endplate-Caspar pin slope difference of less than 7.7°. It results in accurate placement of the superior and inferior Caspar pins parallel to the index vertebral endplates. Furthermore, it appears to facilitate the safe and effective insertion of Caspar pins for anterior cervical procedures.
Occupational Injuries and Associated Factors Among Small-Scale Woodwork Industry Workers in Hawassa, Southern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Girma Belete , Ejeso Amanuel , Ashuro Zemachu , Birhanie Aregu Mekonnen
Published: February 2022

Background:

Occupational injuries are still a major public health problem and one of the leading causes of disability, morbidity, and mortality. This study aimed to assess occupational injuries and associated factors among workers in the small-scale woodworking industry in Hawassa city, southern Ethiopia.

Materials and Methods:

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 418 randomly selected small-scale woodworking industry workers. Questionnaires and an observational checklist were used to collect data. The data was entered into Epi data version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 21. Multivariate logistic regression analysis with 95% CI and P < .05 was used to identify factors associated with occupational injury.

Results:

The prevalence of at least one occupational injury in the previous 12 months among small-scale woodworking industry workers was 41.6% [95% CI: 36.9-46.4]. Work experience 1 to 2 years [AOR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.49-5.2], working more than 48 hours per week [AOR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.41-3.49], lack of occupational safety and health (OSH) training [AOR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.35-4.75], and non-use of personal protective equipment (PPE) [AOR = 3.3, 95% CI: 1.85-5.83] were factors significantly associated with occupational injury.

Conclusions:

In this study, the prevalence of occupational injuries among workers in the small-scale woodworking industry was high. Lack of OSH training, non-use of PPE, work experience of 1 to 2 years, and working more than 48 hours per week were all factors that contributed to occupational injuries. Therefore, workers in the small-scale woodworking industry should receive ongoing occupational safety and health (OSH) training, and personal protective equipment (PPE) should be provided and monitored.
Internet-of-Things (IoT) in healthcare and social services – experiences of a sensor system for notifications of deviant behaviours in the home from the users’ perspective
Authors: Hjelm Katarina , Hedlund Lena
Published: February 2022

Studies on use of IT in residential care are limited; thus, there is a need for investigations to understand both older people’s and nursing staff’s perspectives on experiences of new technology. ‘Smart homes’ provide home automation solutions, making life easier for those residing there. The aim was to explore, from the users’ perspective, experiences of a sensor system installed in the home. The sensors are meant to provide notifications of deviations in behaviours or routines by the resident, requiring healthcare staff or relatives to do a supervisory visit. The sensor notification system made the users feel secure by being monitored, having control over the situation, and allowing them to become more independent in their daily lives; furthermore, they emphasised the importance of having well-functioning systems. Further development of the technology and use, in co-creation with the users, is needed. Careful preparation in installing/starting the system and repeated information about its aim are needed.
Datafication, Power and Control in Development: A Historical Perspective on the Perils and Longevity of Data
Authors: Cieslik Katarzyna , Margócsy Dániel
Published: February 2022

The collection, processing, storage and circulation of data are fundamental element of contemporary societies. While the positivistic literature on ‘data revolution’ finds it essential for improving development delivery, critical data studies stress the threats of datafication. In this article, we demonstrate that datafication has been happening continuously through history, driven by political and economic pressures. We use historical examples to show how resource and personal data were extracted, accumulated and commodified by colonial empires, national governments and trade organizations, and argue that similar extractive processes are a present-day threat in the Global South. We argue that the decoupling of earlier and current datafication processes obscures the underlying, complex power dynamics of datafication. Our historical perspective shows how, once aggregated, data may become imperishable and can be appropriated for problematic purposes in the long run by both public and private entities. Using historical case studies, we challenge the current regulatory approaches that view data as a commodity and frame it instead as a mobile, non-perishable, yet ideally inalienable right of people.
The fleeting moment and the long haul in urban panhandling
Authors: Wallerstein Joseph
Published: February 2022

Sociological writings on panhandling have depicted protracted donor relationships as one of panhandlers’ surest paths to an income, while portraying the fleetingness of one-off appeals as a major barrier. In this article, I recast fleetingness as a facilitator of panhandlers’ fundamental task: trying to seem worthy of aid without attracting unwanted legal attention. Using participant-observation data from a Chicago neighborhood, I outline two favorable elements of fleetingness: it allows panhandlers to evoke sorrowful compassion only for a moment, denying passersby the chance to get stuck in the feeling; and grants passersby only a brief period to evaluate the candor of panhandlers’ appeals. Together, these limit potential givers’ deliberative capacity—their capacity to determine that the panhandlers before them are bothersome, intimidating, deceitful, censurable, or the like. Protracted time horizons still matter, but primarily insofar as panhandlers work continuously, and collectively, to uphold the neighborhood conditions that enable their fleeting appeals.
The responses of stitched ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene woven fabrics upon ballistic impact
Authors: Zhou Yi , Ding Song , Zhang Zhongwei , Xiong Ziming , Sun Jiuxiao , Liu Xin
Published: February 2022

This paper investigates the influence of thread stitching on the ballistic performance of plain weaves made of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene multi-filament yarns. The inter-yarn friction is increased due to the constraint imparted by the sewing thread. The yarn pull-out test shows that the peak-load force of the sample with one stitching line is almost 10 times greater than that of the unstitched plain weave, and the maximum pull-out force increases with the loading rate. Ball-bearing impact tests are performed to characterize the ballistic performance of the stitched and the unstitched samples, and finite element simulation is used to study the underlying mechanisms of energy absorption. The ballistic penetration tests show that the stitched fabrics outperform the plain weave in terms of energy absorption. The most significant improvement in ballistic performance is observed in stitched panels where sample SL2T (a triple-ply plain fabric system stitched on every two yarns) exhibits a specific energy absorption over two times greater than that of multi-ply systems consisting of plain weaves. It is also found from the high-speed photography that thread stitching constrains the yarn displacement and therefore eliminates the possibility of yarn pull-out, enabling the primary yarns to be well-engaged with the projectile at low impact velocities and to be stretched to fail at high impact velocities. Numerical predictions show that thread stitching enlarges the area of stress distribution and widens the transverse deflection, making the stitched systems absorb more energy than the unstitched system shortly after impact.
Cannabis, Cannabinoids and Cannabis-Based Medicines in Cancer Care
Authors: Abrams Donald I.
Published: February 2022

As medical cannabis becomes legal in more states, cancer patients are increasingly interested in the potential utility of the ancient botanical in their treatment regimen. Although eager to discuss cannabis use with their oncologist, patients often find that their provider reports that they do not have adequate information to be helpful. Oncologists, so dependent on evidence-based data to guide their treatment plans, are dismayed by the lack of published literature on the benefits of medical cannabis. This results largely from the significant barriers that have existed to effectively thwart the ability to conduct trials investigating the potential therapeutic efficacy of the plant. This is a narrative review aimed at clinicians, summarizing cannabis phytochemistry, trials in the areas of nausea and vomiting, appetite, pain and anticancer activity, including assessment of case reports of antitumor use, with reflective assessments of the quality and quantity of evidence. Despite preclinical evidence and social media claims, the utility of cannabis, cannabinoids or cannabis-based medicines in the treatment of cancer remains to be convincingly demonstrated. With an acceptable safety profile, cannabis and its congeners may be useful in managing symptoms related to cancer or its treatment. Further clinical trials should be conducted to evaluate whether the preclinical antitumor effects translate into benefit for cancer patients. Oncologists should familiarize themselves with the available database to be able to better advise their patients on the potential uses of this complementary botanical therapy.
Macrophage polarization in hypoxia and ischemia/reperfusion: Insights into the role of energetic metabolism
Authors: Yakupova Elmira I , Maleev Grigoriy V , Krivtsov Andrei V , Plotnikov Egor Y
Published: February 2022

Macrophages, the key cells of innate immunity, possess wide phenotypical and functional heterogeneity. In vitro studies showed that microenvironment signals could induce the so-called polarization of macrophages into two phenotypes: classically activated macrophages (M1) or alternatively activated macrophages (M2). Functionally, they are considered as proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory/pro-regenerative, respectively. However, in vivo studies into macrophage states revealed a continuum of phenotypes from M1 to M2 state instead of the clearly distinguished extreme phenotypes. An important role in determining the type of polarization of macrophages is played by energy metabolism, including the activity of oxidative phosphorylation. In this regard, hypoxia and ischemia that affect cellular energetics can modulate macrophage polarization. Here, we overview the data on macrophage polarization during metabolic shift–associated pathologies including ischemia and ischemia/reperfusion in various organs and discuss the role of energy metabolism potentially triggering the macrophage polarization.
A combined algorithm for tunnel personnel localization based on error areal division
Authors: Xu Jian , Wang Haiying , Ren Yiqing , Zhang Yingzhi
Published: February 2022

In a tunnel personnel positioning system, the average positioning error is typically used to reflect the precision and accuracy of the positioning algorithm. However, in practical applications, the error areal distribution is generally non-uniform. The positioning errors of some areas are greater than the average positioning errors, which lead to a low positioning accuracy. In this study, based on the simulation of the positioning error areal distributions of the quadrilateral centroid localization and maximum likelihood estimation algorithms, the causes for large positioning errors in upper and lower edges and four corners were analyzed. In addition, a combined localization algorithm based on error areal division was proposed to improve the average positioning accuracy. Thus, the quadrilateral centroid localization algorithm was used for the middle section of the tunnel personnel location area, the maximum likelihood estimation algorithm was used for the upper and lower edges, and the centroid algorithm was used for the four corners. The simulation results show that the average positioning errors of the combined localization algorithm were reduced by 5.56% and 44.76% when compared with those of the quadrilateral centroid localization and maximum likelihood estimation algorithms, respectively, while the maximum positioning error was reduced by 46.45% and 42.81%, respectively.
Short-Term Evaluation of a Novel No-Touch Technique for Harvesting Saphenous Veins With Long-Shafted Ultrasonic Scalpel
Authors: Sakurai Hironobu , Someya Takeshi , Yamamoto Satoshi , Kasahara Ichiro , Kuroki Hidehito , Shirai Toshizumi
Published: February 2022

Objective

Saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) are widely used as bypass conduits in coronary artery bypass grafting. Compared with the conventional technique, the “no-touch” technique, wherein the saphenous veins are harvested with the surrounding tissue, may improve SVG patency; however, there are concerns regarding wound complications. To address this issue, we describe our novel no-touch technique with separate skin incisions using a long-shafted ultrasonic scalpel and report the clinical outcomes.

Methods

We enrolled 66 male patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting between April 2016 and April 2021. There were 30 and 36 patients treated using our no-touch technique and the conventional technique, respectively. The participants underwent coronary angiography before discharge and were followed clinically. SVG samples were taken for pathological examination.

Results

SVGs harvested using our no-touch technique displayed preservation of the vessel wall structure and surrounding tissues. Our no-touch technique demonstrated no inferiority in patency compared with the conventional technique, and there was no SVG occlusion in the no-touch group. The frequency of leg wound complications was higher in the no-touch group than the conventional group, but no surgical site infections and severe complications occurred in the no-touch group.

Conclusions

SVGs harvested using our novel no-touch technique had similar pathological characteristics to those harvested using the original no-touch technique reported previously. Our no-touch technique maintained SVG patency and caused no severe wound complications. However, a large-scale, longitudinal study is required to accurately assess the clinical outcomes of our no-touch technique.
Future Fracture Risk in Upper Extremity Fracture and Non-Fracture Patients
Authors: Seyok Thany , Collins Jamie E. , Erikson Samantha J. , Charles Julia F. , Earp Brandon E.
Published: February 2022

Background:

Upper extremity (UE) fragility fractures are common and strong predictors of subsequent fractures. To investigate the relative importance of an UE fragility fracture in determining future fracture risk, we conducted a cross-sectional study to compare future fracture risk between patients presenting for osteoporosis evaluation after an UE fragility fracture and a similarly aged cohort of patients without an UE fracture.

Methods:

In all, 129 UE fracture patients seen in our bone health clinic (BHC) and 114 non-fracture UE fracture patients seen in an UE clinic completed clinic intake surveys assessing for fracture risk factors. Prefracture fracture risk (PFFR) and fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) scores estimated the future fracture risks at the timepoint before and after the UE fragility fracture event, respectively. The primary study outcome was the 10-year risk of future fracture.

Results:

The 10-year probability of major osteoporotic and hip fractures were significantly higher among the BHC group when estimated with FRAX. When estimated with PFFR score, there was no difference in the 10-year probability of hip fracture between the groups. Prevalence of secondary osteoporosis and glucocorticoid use was higher in the BHC group, and prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis was higher in the UE clinic group.

Conclusions

This study underscores the importance of an UE fragility fracture in determining the risk of future fracture. A fragility fracture of the UE should be considered a sentinel event and physicians who evaluate these patients should recognize them as a high-risk group for future hip fracture.
Surface defect detection and classification of Si3N4 turbine blades based on convolutional neural network and YOLOv5
Authors: Liao Dahai , Cui Zhihui , Zhang Xin , Li Jun , Li Wenjie , Zhu Zuoxiang , Wu Nanxing
Published: February 2022

Due to the influence of mechanical vibration, high temperature creep and other factors, Si3N4 turbine blades are prone to surface defects. Besides, traditional algorithms are incapable to detect and classify surface defects simultaneously. Aiming at solving these problems, an algorithm for defect detection and classification of Si3N4 turbine blades based on convolutional neural network is proposed. The detection and classification network of this algorithm is optimized based on YOLOv5 network, the PAN structure and FPN structure of YOLOv5 are replaced by BiFPN structure. We establish the dataset of Si3N4 turbine blades, which is expanded by data enhancement. For the purpose of achieving a higher level of feature fusion, the PAN and FPN structures of the Neck part are replaced by BiFPN structure. As a result, the accuracy of detecting and classifying the surface defects by this algorithm is as high as 97.4%, and the detection speed is as low as 16ms. This optimized algorithm is able to solve the problems of traditional detection methods such as heavy workload, long time consuming and low accuracy. The algorithm provides a feasible approach for the quality detection of Si3N4 turbine blades and has certain engineering application value.
Developing a structural equation model for the life cycle of generic pharmaceutical products
Authors: Mousavi Atefeh , Monadizadeh Marjan , Mohammadzadeh Mehdi
Published: February 2022

Objective

Product life cycle (PLC) refers to the time ranging from when a product is introduced into the market until it is taken off the shelves. Product life cycle management can guarantee product survival and prevent it from declining. The purpose of this study is to explore factors influencing the life cycle of generic pharmaceutical product and their effect sizes to shed light on better approaches for the life cycle management of such products.

Method

To this end, a standard questionnaire containing six dimensions and 47 items was used to collect data from 302 industrial pharmacists. The research hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling to quantify the relationship between each dimension and its associated factors with the PLC.

Key finding

The results indicated that government interventions (Standard estimate (SE) = 0.63) and technology advancement (SE = 0.60) as environmental factors, quality (SE = 0.60) and price (SE = 0.62) satisfaction, patient adherence (SE = 0.68), physicians' awareness (SE = 0.64), market saturation (SE = 0.60); and demand rate (SE = 0.62) as demand factors, brand power (SE = 0.92); and availability of imported competitors (SE = 0.59) as competition factors, drug safety (SE = 0.63), product appearance (SE = 0.57); and ease of administration (SE = 0.61) as product-related factors, manufacturer reputation (SE = 0.63); and production continuity (SE = 0.64) as producer-related factors, and distributors number (SE = 0.54); and on-time delivery and availability of products (SE = 0.69) as distributor-related factors at 5% significance levels had the most effect on generic pharmaceutical PLC in Iran.

Conclusion

For the first time, this study offers a structural equation modeling framework for better managing the PLC of generic pharmaceutical products to help the company’s performance and survival.
Deposition of metallic silver from versatile amidinate precursors for use in functional materials
Authors: Mrig Shreya , Jennings Martha A , Bhide Malavika A , Bakewell Clare , Knapp Caroline E
Published: February 2022

Silver (Ag) amidinate metal organic decomposition precursors of the type: [Ag2((ArN)2C(H))2] (Ar = 2,6-dimethylphenyl (1), 2,6-diethylphenyl (2) and 2,6-diisopropylphenyl (3)) have been used for the first time in the deposition of Ag films on glass with multiple functionalities with potential application in optical/biological sensors or for use in electronic circuitry. Precursors 1–3 were isolated from the reaction of silver acetate with the appropriate ligand in a 1:2 stoichiometry and were characterized by 1H and 13C{1H} NMR, thermal gravimetric analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction for 2. Single-layer depositions at 200 °C on glass substrates via spin coating produced transparent (>90% transmittance) coatings, with well-defined Ag nanoparticles. Multi-layer depositions at 200 °C on glass had a metallic lustre and were found to be conductive ( ρ = 0.916–1.83 × 10−6 Ωm). All films were strongly adhered and displayed excellent coverage of the substrate. Ag films deposited from 1 to 3 were analysed by grazing incidence X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis and scanning electron microscopy, with optical properties determined by UV-Vis spectroscopy.
Haemoglobinopathies
Authors: Kaur Gharial Parjeet
Published: February 2022

Haemoglobinopathies are inherited disorders of the globin component of haemoglobin. Genetic mutations lead to an altered structure of haemoglobin, as in sickle cell disease, or reduced quantity of haemoglobin, as in thalassaemia. Significant haemoglobinopathies are usually detected shortly after birth. Milder forms can present later in life, with anaemia or other complications, which is why it is important for GPs to have an understanding of haemoglobinopathies. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the two most significant clinical haemoglobinopathies, sickle cell disease and thalassaemia, and to focus on their primary care management.
Improvement in pain-related quality of life in patients with hemophilia A treated with rFVIIIFc individualized prophylaxis: post hoc analysis from the A-LONG study
Authors: Pasi John , Hermans Cédric , Hakimi Zalmai , Nazir Jameel , Aballéa Samuel , Ezzalfani Monia , Fatoye Francis
Published: February 2022

Background:

Pain, a common symptom of hemophilia, begins early in life primarily due to joint bleeding. Recurrent bleeding adversely affects patients’ pain-related physical functioning, which can negatively impact their quality of life (QoL).

Objective:

Post hoc analysis of data from the A-LONG study (NCT01181128), to assess change over time in pain-related QoL in patients with severe hemophilia A treated prophylactically with recombinant factor VIII Fc fusion protein (rFVIIIFc).

Methods:

Patients who completed Haem-A-QoL (17–65 years) and EQ-5D-3L (⩾12–65 years) questionnaires at baseline (BL) and end of study (EoS). Individual-level changes were assessed using three pain-related items of the Haem-A-QoL ‘Physical Health’ domain and the pain/discomfort item of EQ-5D-3L. Distributions of responses (EoS versus BL) were compared using McNemar’s test.

Results:

A significantly greater proportion of patients reported they did not experience painful swellings ( n = 87; 66% versus 46%, p <  0.01) or pain in their joints ( n = 89; 42% versus 27%; p <  0.05) at EoS versus BL. The proportion of patients who did not find it painful to move numerically increased at EoS versus BL ( n = 86; 47% versus 38%; p = NS). A significantly greater proportion of patients reported no pain/discomfort at EoS versus BL ( n = 116; 45% versus 34%; p <  0.05).

Conclusion:

This study reports the effect of FVIII prophylaxis on patient-reported measures of pain over time in patients with severe hemophilia A. The results of this post hoc analysis showed improvements in pain from BL to EoS in patients receiving rFVIIIFc individualized prophylaxis indicating effective pain management, a key component of patient care.
Outpatient allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation: a review
Authors: Gómez-Almaguer David , Gómez-De León Andrés , Colunga-Pedraza Perla R. , Cantú-Rodríguez Olga G. , Gutierrez-Aguirre César Homero , Ruíz-Arguelles Guillermo
Published: February 2022

Hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) is usually performed in well-equipped units inside a hospital. The cost of this in-hospital transplant is usually very high; therefore, this procedure is more difficult to perform in low- and middle-income countries. Autologous outpatient HSCT is now a common procedure; however, outpatient allogeneic transplants are more complicated. Only a few centers in the world have incorporated outpatient HSCT. This transplant requires special adaptation, like a day hospital, careful selection of patients, oral medications, and the patient must live relatively close to the hospital. The results until now suggest that this outpatient transplant is factible and similar to inpatient HSCT. The objective was to review and describe the different methods and results following an outpatient allogeneic-HSCT strategy.
Analysis of colistin resistance in carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales and XDR Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Bir Raunak , Gautam Hitender , Arif Nazneen , Chakravarti Priyanka , Verma Jyoti , Banerjee Sayantan , Tyagi Sonu , Mohapatra Sarita , Sood Seema , Dhawan Benu , Chaudhry Rama , Kapil Arti , Das Bimal Kumar , Das Bhabatosh
Published: February 2022

Introduction:

Increasing occurrence of infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria resulted in colistin being the last agent for treatment. Apart from plasmid-mediated mcr genes, mutations involving several genes like mgrB, phoP/phoQ, pmrA, pmrB, pmrC, and crrABC genes, are leading causes of colistin resistance. Four colistin susceptibility testing methods were compared against broth microdilution (BMD) and determined the presence of the mcr1-5 gene.

Methodology:

A total of 100 carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales isolates were tested for colistin susceptibility by commercial broth microdilution (cBMD), E-test, VITEK-2, and rapid polymyxin NP assay (RPNP) and compared with BMD. The presence of the mcr1-5 gene was determined by modified RPNP and PCR. Two non- mcr colistin-resistant XDR isolates were subjected to whole-genome sequencing using Illumina MiSeq sequencing platform.

Results:

Among 100 carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales isolates, 15% were resistant to colistin. Essential agreement, categorical agreement, major error, and very major error for cBMD/E-test/VITEK-2/RPNP were 96%/73%/82%/NA; 99%/86%/88%/91%, 1.2%/9.4%/11.8%/8.2% and 0%/40%/13.3%/13.3%, respectively. Only one Klebsiella pneumoniae isolate harbored the mcr-1 gene, observed by both methods. Whole-genome sequencing of two non- mcr XDR Klebsiella pneumoniae showed multiple mutations in 10 genes responsible for lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis.

Conclusions:

The performance of cBMD was excellent, whereas the E-test was unacceptable. VITEK-2 and RPNP performed better but remained unreliable due to high error rates. Multiple mutations in the target proteins involving lipopolysaccharide formation, modification, and regulation were seen, resulting in colistin resistance.
1H-MR spectroscopy in grading of cerebral glioma: A new view point, MRS image quality assessment
Authors: Shakir Tahir M , Fengli Liang , Chenguang Guo , Chen Niu , Zhang Ming , Shaohui Ma
Published: February 2022

Background

Noninvasive preoperative prediction of histological grading is essential for clinical management of cerebral glioma.

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the association between the image quality assessment of 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy and accurate grading of glioma.

Materials and Methods

98 glioma patients confirmed by pathology were retrospectively recruited in this single-center study. All patients underwent 1H-MRS examination at 3.0T before surgery. According to WHO standards, all cases were divided into two groups: low-grade glioma (grade I and II, 48 cases) and high-grade glioma (grades III and IV, 50 cases). The metabolite ratios in both grades were calculated before and after image quality assessment. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the capacity of each ratio in glioma grading.

Results

The Cho/Cr, Cho/NAA and NAA/Cr metabolite ratios had certain differences in each glioma group before and after MRS image quality assessment. In the low-grade glioma group, there was a dramatic difference in the Cho/Cr ratio before and after image quality assessment ( p = 0.011). After MRS image quality assessment, the accuracy of glioma grading was significantly improved. The Cho/Cr ratio with 83.3% sensitivity and 93.7% specificity is the best index of glioma grading, with the optimal cutoff value of the Cho/Cr ratio being 3.72.

Conclusion

The image quality of MRS does affect the metabolite ratios and the results of glioma grading. MRS image quality assessment can observably improve the accuracy rate of glioma grading. The Cho/Cr ratio has the best diagnostic performance in differentiating high-grade from low-grade glioma.
Covid-19 Risk Perception of Travel Destination Development and Validation of a Scale
Authors: Zaman Khansa , Bashir Sajid , Afaq Zahra , Khan Naimah
Published: February 2022

Although traveler risk perception is a widely used term in the hospitality and tourism literature, the pandemic related risk perception of tourist destination lacks a clear conceptualization and measurement. This study develops and validates a six item scale to measure Covid-19 risk perception of travel destinations. The scale is developed using multiple data collection methods including interviews, focus group, and survey questionnaires. The exploratory stage involved in-depth interviews and the subsequent quantitative stage gathered data through a survey questionnaire. The scale offers a framework for future empirical research on Covid-19 risk perception that will shape tourism decisions in years to come. Implications for hospitality industry and limitations are also discussed.
Discursive Strategies of Manipulation in COVID-19 Political Discourse: The Case of Donald Trump and Jair Bolsonaro
Authors: Kakisina Peggy A. , Indhiarti Tantri R. , Al Fajri Muchamad Sholakhuddin
Published: February 2022

This study aims to investigate the discursive strategies of manipulation and their realizations in political speeches about COVID-19 pandemic delivered by Donald Trump and Jair Bolsonaro. The scheme of manipulation strategies proposed by van Dijk was used to analyze the data. The findings show that the manipulation in both speeches is delivered through ideological polarization, discrediting the others, emotionalizing the argument, emphasizing the power, moral superiority and credibility of the speaker, and adducing seemingly irrefutable proofs of the speaker’s beliefs and reasons. Among these strategies, ideological polarization is the most frequent strategy used by both speakers. Polarization can indoctrinate a community with shared beliefs and values because of its close relation with particular ideology and belief. These findings add to a growing body of work on discursive manipulation, suggesting that political discourse can be a potential source of societal manipulation. Most importantly, these results draw a point whereby ideological polarization is the most effective and prevailing category while adducing seemingly indisputable proofs of the speaker’s beliefs appears to be less compelling.
Long-Term Effects on Sexual Function in Women Treated With Scoliosis Correction for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Schroeder Josh E. , Michaeli Tal , Luria Mijal , Itshayek Eyal , Kaplan Leon
Published: February 2022

Study design

Retrospective cohort study with a cross-sectional comparison.

Objectives

To assess sexual function and experience in adult women who had scoliotic correction for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

Methods

Women ages 18–40 years with a history of scoliosis, who were braced or underwent uncomplicated posterior scoliosis correction for AIS, followed for two years or more since treatment were included. Sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R) and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaires. Participants’ scores were compared to those of a control group consisting of age-matched healthy women.

Results

Of 115 women who responded to the questionnaires, 40 (35%) had surgical treatment (mean age 25.1; range 19–35 years; mean time since surgery 8.2 years; range 3–12 years) and 35 (30%) were braced (mean age 23.3; range 18–27 years; mean time since treatment 3.6 years; range 3–5 years). The control group consisted of a cohort of 40 (35%) aged-matched healthy women. According to the FSDS-R, significantly more women with scoliotic correction for AIS reported sexual distress compared to healthy controls (25% vs 12%, respectively), and the difference in the total mean scores (7.05 vs 5.34, respectively), was significant (P < .001). Additionally, the mean overall FSFI score for scoliotic-corrected women was 24.2 (range 17.5–29.1) within the pathological range (<26.55) of sexual dysfunction.

Conclusions

High rates of sexual distress and dysfunction were reported in women with a history of AIS, thus, there appears to be long-term consequences years after deformity correction by brace or surgical correction.