bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impaired Sleep in Patients with Post-COVID-19 Syndrome Compared to Healthy Controls: A Cross-Sectional Trial
Authors: Jarosch Inga , Schneeberger Tessa , Stegemann Antje , Gloeckl Rainer , Leitl Daniela , Dennis Clancy , Hitzl Wolfgang , Schoen Christopher , Koczulla Andreas Rembert
Published: March 2024

Introduction: To objectify self-reported sleep disorders in individuals with post-COVID-syndrome (PCS), we aimed to investigate the prevalence and nature of sleep disturbances by polysomnography (PSG) in PCS compared to healthy individuals. Methods: People with PCS (n = 21) and healthy controls (CON, n = 10) were included in this prospective trial. At baseline, clinical and social anamnesis, lung function, 1 min sit-to-stand test (STST) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were assessed. For a single-night, sleep health was evaluated by video-PSG. The apnoea/hypopnea index (AHI) was used as the primary outcome. Results: Twenty patients with PCS (50 ± 11 y, BMI 27.1 m2/kg, SARS-CoV-2 infection 8.5 ± 4.5 months ago) and 10 CON participants (46 ± 10 y, BMI 23.0 m2/kg, no SARS-CoV-2 infection in the history) completed the study. Forced vital capacity (p = 0.018), STST repetitions (p < 0.001), and symptoms of dyspnoea (at rest: p = 0.002, exertion: p < 0.001) were worse in PCS compared to CON. PSQI score (PCS: 7.5 ± 4.7 points) was higher in PCS compared to CON (Δ = 3.7 points, 95% CI [0.4–7.1] p = 0.015), indicating poor sleep in 80% of patients with PCS. Although PSG showed comparable sleep stage distributions in both groups, AHI (Δ = 9.0 n/h, 95% CI [3.3–14.8], p = 0.002), PLM index (Δ = 5.1 n/h, 95% CI [0.4–9.8], p = 0.017), and the prevalence of sleep apnoea (60% vs. 10%, p = 0.028) was significantly higher in PCS compared to CON. Conclusion: Quantifiable subjective limitations of sleep have been revealed by PSG data in this PCS cohort. More than half of PCS patients had signs of sleep apnoea, highlighting the importance of sleep screening in PCS.
For Exposed and Deserted Young Children: Research at the London Foundling Hospital
Authors: Obladen Michael
Published: March 2024

Background: Little is known about research in Foundling Hospitals during the 18th century. Summary: The London “Hospital for the Maintenance and Education of Exposed and Deserted Young Children” opened in 1741, after fundraising by the former shipmaster Thomas Coram and a Charter by King George II. From 1741 to 1756, fewer than 100 infants a year were admitted by lot. With onset of the Seven Years’ War in 1756, the House of Commons resolved and financed the admission of all deserted babies. The number of admitted babies rose to 4,000 per year, and their mortality increased. The Institution was not intended as a research and teaching facility but soon became a site for gaining knowledge of young infants. Appointed physicians included Richard Conyers, William Cadogan, William Watson, and William Buchan. Their research focused on frequent conditions in the hospital’s infirmary such as scabies, fever, measles, chilblains and scorbutic eruptions, and set standards for infant care and nutrition in the English-speaking world during the 18th century. They described the dangers connected with tight swaddling, meconium purgation, artificial feeding, and the difficulty to obtain wet nurses in the big cities. A major topic was their fight against smallpox, then fatal for 80% if infected infants, and the development of an effective technique of inoculation. Key Messages: Research at the London Foundling Hospital differed from modern understanding of controlled clinical trials but revealed systematic, hypothesis-driven approaches in the mid-18th century. As in other Foundling Hospitals, absent parental interference facilitated innovations.
Prolonged Button Battery Exposure Leading to Severe Ocular Injury without Heavy Metal Poisoning
Authors: Chen Lifei , Gan Haiyan , Huang Hui , Zhang Jiuming , Tang Fen , Lan Qianqian , Chen Qi , Li Min , Xu Fan , Zhong Haibin
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Prolonged exposure to a complete button battery can cause severe tissue necrosis in the eye and permanent impairment of visual function. The main mechanism of injury is the current generated by the hydrolysis of tissue fluid at the negative electrode and the production of hydroxide ions. Case Presentation: A 3-year-old girl went to the local hospital because of swelling and pain in her right eye of 12-h duration. The local doctor performed an orbital CT (computed tomography) scan and found a foreign body between the right eyelid and the eyeball. The foreign body was removed immediately under general anesthesia. In addition, it was found that the foreign body was a button battery, but it prolonged 39 h from the onset of the child’s symptoms. The child underwent a second operation in our hospital and received amniotic membrane transplantation combined with conjunctival flap coverage. Topical corticosteroid and antibiotic eye ointment were continued for 3 months after surgery. Local pigmentation was seen, there was no symblepharon, but the cornea was still opaque and the visual acuity was only FC (finger count). In this particular case, heavy metal testing conducted on the child’s blood fortunately revealed that the levels were within the normal range. Conclusion: Early detection and urgent removal of button battery are crucial in order to minimize exposure time. We should also be concerned about heavy metals in the blood. Children should be kept away from button batteries as much as possible to avoid such injury.
Congenital Absence of Stapes Suprastructure and Footplate: A Case Report
Authors: Jiraboonsri Sunicha , Tananuchittikul Pornsek
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Congenital ossicular chain anomalies are rare conductive hearing loss conditions that remain difficult to diagnose even with high-resolution computed tomography (CT). The preoperative diagnosis is helpful for surgical planning and counseling patients regarding treatment outcomes. Case Presentation: We report a case involving a 14-year-old boy presenting with left conductive hearing loss without history of trauma for 5 years, physical examination showed normal otoscopic examination bilaterally and high-resolution CT showed absent of stapes suprastructure and footplate. Subsequent diagnosis was done via endoscopic middle ear exploration which revealed an absent long process of the incus, stapes suprastructure and footplate, but with intact oval window membrane. The residual incus was removed, and a tragal perichondrium graft was used over the oval window. A total ossicular replacement prosthesis was placed between the malleus and oval window to repair the chain. Postoperatively, the patient had no complications. Preoperative pure tone average revealed an air/bone result of 52/8 dB. Follow-up after surgery at 6 months showed a pure tone average air/bone result of 15/3 dB. The air-bone gap was reduced from 44 to 12 dB. Conclusion: Congenital absence of the stapes suprastructure and footplate remains a rare condition compared to the myriad of middle ear anomalies in the literature.
Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma with Co-Occurrence of KRAS and EGFR Mutations: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Mody Juhi , Kamgar Mandana
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Mutation in Kristin ras sarcoma virus (KRAS) oncogene is the main driver in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and is present in nearly 90% of patients with PDAC. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation is rare in PDAC and is mostly present in the absence of KRAS mutation. Co-occurrence of KRAS and EGFR mutations is extremely rare, and the value of EGFR inhibition in these cases is unknown. Case Presentation: Here, we present a case of metastatic PDAC with co-occurrence of KRAS G12V and EGFR L730R. Despite primary resistance to folinic acid, fluorouracil, irinotecan, oxaliplatin, and gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel, this patient had a biochemical response (decrease in carbohydrate antigen 19-9) and disease control of 7 months on gemcitabine/erlotinib (an EGFR inhibitor). This outcome is remarkable in the late-line PDAC treatment setting and is unusual after the progression of the tumor on gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel chemotherapy. Conclusion: This case suggests that gemcitabine/erlotinib could be an effective treatment in patients with PDAC and co-occurrence of EGFR and KRAS mutations.
Retrospective Analysis of Patient-Reported Adverse Drug Reactions in an Italian Allergy Unit: ALLERG-RAF Study
Authors: Abate Andrea , Rossini Elisa , Tamburello Mariangela , Paganotti Daniela , Cinquini Massimo , Sigala Sandra , Lodi Rizzini Fabio
Published: March 2024

Introduction: The Italian Medicines Agency indicates that about 5% of hospital admissions are due to adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Several factors are recognized to be associated with an increased risk for ADRs, such as the female gender and polytherapy. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the suspected ADRs reported by patients during the anamnestic interview at the Allergy Unit. Patients and Methods: ALLERG-RAF study is a retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients evaluated in the Allergy Unit of ASST Spedali Civili and the University of Brescia from 2000 to 2016. The inclusion criteria were age ≥18 years and medical consultation requested for suspected ADRs. Data relating to the patient’s intrinsic characteristics, the drug supposed to be the cause, and the prescribed pharmacological therapy were collected. Pseudonymized data from each patient were collected in an informatics database. Results: From 2000 to 2016, 35,817 accesses to the Allergy Unit were made, and 2,171 unique events related to a suspected ADR were collected in 1,840 patients. More than two-thirds of the reports concerned females (70.4%). Antibiotics were involved in the majority of the self-reported suspected ADRs (48.7%), particularly beta-lactams (61.1%). Anti-inflammatory drugs, mainly NSAIDs, were second in incidence and suspected in 25.2% of reports. As a site of ADR manifestation, most of the reported reactions involve the skin. No clinical sequelae were reported. Conclusions: Our results underline the importance of patient reporting in pharmacovigilance. Furthermore, gender gap data emphasizes the importance of the gender-specific medicine approach.
Neonatal Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Associations between Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy, Thrombocytopenia, and Outcomes
Authors: Walker Lauren R. , Hollinger Laura E. , Southgate W. Michael , Selewski David T. , Korte Jeffrey E. , Gregoski Mathew , Steflik Heidi J.
Published: March 2024

Introduction: The incidence of thrombocytopenia in neonates receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) with and without concurrent continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and associated complications have not been well described. The primary aims of the current study were to (1) characterize thrombocytopenia in neonates receiving ECMO (including those treated concurrently with CRRT) and (2) evaluate risk factors (including CRRT utilization) associated with severe thrombocytopenia. In a planned exploratory secondary aim, we explored the association of severe thrombocytopenia with outcomes in neonates receiving ECMO. Methods: We conducted a retrospective single-center chart review of neonates who received ECMO 07/01/14–03/01/20 and evaluated associations between CRRT, severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count <50,000/mm3), and outcomes (ECMO duration, length of stay, and survival). Results: Fifty-two neonates received ECMO; 35 (67%) received concurrent CRRT. Severe thrombocytopenia occurred in 27 (52%) neonates overall and in 21 (60%) neonates who received concurrent CRRT. Underlying diagnosis, ECMO mode, care unit, and moderate/severe hemolysis differed between those who did and did not receive CRRT. CRRT receivers experienced shorter hospital stays than CRRT non-receivers, but ECMO duration, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and survival did not differ between groups. CRRT receipt was associated with severe thrombocytopenia. Exploratory classification and regression tree (CART) analysis suggests CRRT use, birthweight, and ICU location are all predictors of interest for severe thrombocytopenia. Conclusions: In our cohort, CRRT use during ECMO was associated with severe thrombocytopenia, and patients who received ECMO with CRRT experienced shorter hospital stays than those who did not receive CRRT. Exploratory CART analysis suggests CRRT use, birthweight, and ICU location are all predictors for severe thrombocytopenia and warrant further investigations in larger studies.
Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Inpatients: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: McNeil Rotem , Fredman Danielle , Eldar Ofir , Gafter-Gvili Anat , Avni Tomer
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients are three times more likely to develop venous thromboembolism (VTE), and guidelines recommend prophylaxis during all hospitalizations. In this systematic review, we sought to assess for the benefits and risks of VTE prophylaxis in hospitalized IBD patients. Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched MEDLINE and others up to 2/2022, for studies on IBD inpatients treated with prophylactic anticoagulation during hospitalization, compared to no prophylaxis. Primary efficacy and safety outcomes were any VTE and major bleeding, respectively. Results were pooled using random-effects models, calculating odds ratios (OR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The ROBINS-I tool was used to assess bias. Results: We extracted data from 18 observational studies and 2 randomized-trial subgroups. The studies were highly variable regarding the included populations, interventions, and outcome definitions. Meta-analysis of all studies showed a nonsignificant effect of prophylaxis on VTEs (OR: 0.97 [95% CI: 0.49–1.95]). An analysis of eight lower-risk-of-bias studies showed a significant reduction in VTEs (OR: 0.27 [95% CI: 0.13–0.55], number needed to treat (NNT) 34.8 [95% CI: 26.8–49.8]). A significant protective effect persisted in several subgroups. Major bleeding was reported in three studies and showed a significant increase with prophylaxis (OR: 2.02 [95% CI: 1.11–3.67], number needed to harm (NNH) 113.6 [95% CI: 40.7–very-large-number]). Conclusion: In studies with lower-risk-of-bias, a significant reduction in VTEs was shown in patients treated with VTE prophylaxis (NNT = 35), which should be carefully considered against an increased major-bleeding risk (NNH = 114). However, current data are limited and randomized trials dedicated to IBD inpatients would aid in understating whether universal prophylaxis should be recommended.
Inspiring Change in Catholic Religious Education
Authors: Hendrickx Jeroen
Published: March 2024

The task of Bible teaching in Catholic religious education (RE) is to bring the world of the Bible and that of the contemporary reader into dialogue. This is not an easy task. After all, the (postmodern) processes of detraditionalisation and pluralisation have greatly widened the gap between the Bible and today’s culture. To meet this challenge, the hermeneutic-communicative model of Catholic RE in Flanders promotes an approach to Bible teaching that is both experiential, multidirectional, and communicative. However, Flemish Catholic RE teachers indicate that they often find it difficult to apply and implement this in their actual classroom practice. As part of a larger appreciative inquiry project with nine Catholic RE teachers in Flemish secondary education, this contribution focusses on the question of what teachers need to develop the necessary ownership, confidence, skill, and experience to strengthen their Bible teaching. Based on an analysis of RE teacher’s self-reflection and self-assessment reports, several factors or elements were identified that seem important to facilitate transfer to practice.
Continuously Striving
Authors: Lindebæk Lyngsøe Maria
Published: March 2024

Engagements in Islamic knowledge search have proved an important aspect of the religious path for Muslim women worldwide. This article testifies that that is also the case for pious Danish Muslim women. Based on extensive fieldwork, it describes how pious Danish Muslim women make an effort to find time for Islamic educational engagements in an everyday life of other obligations to maintain a continuous commitment to learning about Islam, and it describes the various routes to knowledge that the women employ. Throughout, it is argued that temporal and social aspects are key to consider if we are to understand the engagement of the women. First, I show that everyday commitments and time management in relation to such commitments are key for understanding how Danish Muslim women’s engagement in Islamic education unfolds. Second, I consider the engagement as shaped by the women’s social embeddedness in an everyday life of different commitments and ambitions and as cultivated through social bonds.
Combative Genealogies of Tricontinentalism: Re-Presenting the Southern Struggle for Historical Justice in Latin America and Beyond
Authors: Molden Berthold
Published: March 2024

Tricontinentalism, the radical ideational universe of the Global South so important in the 1960s and 1970s, lost much of its original thrust with the neoliberal turn, and its contribution to global history has long been obscured. Recently, however, historians, political theorists and others have been studying its take on global justice and the multiple impacts of its political strategies, ideological rhetoric, identity formations, as well as its many transnational connections: traces still recognisable in the repertoire of social movements today. By unearthing these strands and constellations of global history, and by sometimes cooperating with activists, these scholars act as Foucauldian genealogists, laying bare sediments of historical agency that the hegemonic memory formation of neoliberalism had all but buried. Such efforts constitute a form of counter-history in the competitive field of political memory. This paper applies elements of mnemonic hegemony theory (mht) to analyse Tricontinental memory, with a particular focus on Latin America.
In Vivo Study on the Effect of Tetrahydropalmatine on the Activation of NLRP3 Inflammasome in BV-2 Cells
Authors: Zhang Mingjuan , Yi Xiajun , Zhan Qingying , Huang Li , Xiao Yadong , Zhong Jihui
Published: March 2024

Background: The paper aimed to explore the effect of Tetrahydropalmatine on the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes in BV-2 cells and its mechanism in vitro. Material and methods: ELISA determine the IL-1β and IL-18 in the BV-2 cell culture medium of each
group. WB was employed to detect NLRP3 inflammasome-related components including NLRP3, ASC, NEK7 and Caspase-1, as well as p-NF-κB, NF-κB, p-Iκ-Bα and Iκ-Bα in cell lysates of each group. The effects of Tetrahydropalmatine
on NLRP3 inflammasome activation and NF-κB signaling pathway were analyzed. Immunofluorescence labeling method was used to detect the expressions of NLRP3 in BV-2 cells in each group. Mito-tracker Red labeled mitochondrial confocal microscope was employed to observe and evaluate
mitochondrial damage. Fluorescent probe DCFH-DA was used to label cells. Flow cytometry technology was applied to detect ROS production and evaluate the effect of Tetrahydropalmatine on ROS production. Results: After Tetrahydropalmatine treatment, p-NF-κB/NF-κB
and p-Iκ-Bα/Iκ-Bα were significantly lower than that in the model group. Tetrahydropalmatine can inhibit the production of ROS and improve the mitochondrial membrane potential. Conclusion: Tetrahydropalmatine can mitigate mitochondrial
damage, reduce ROS production, and inhibit the NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes in BV-2 cells.
In situ detection of miR-93/VEGFR2 by nanosensor and inhibition of trophoblast apoptosis
Authors: Zhou Yanru , Ji Yimei , Cheng Yan
Published: March 2024

We investigated the pathogenesis of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) and evaluated the therapeutic effect of Pill Nourishing Kidney and Fetus (PNKF). A sensitive DNA sensor was used to detect miR-93 expression and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2). We testing
the penetration capacity and physicochemical properties of the DNA sensor and found that the sensor had higher penetration and good stability and effectively detected miR-93 and VEGFR2 at different reaction temperatures and mediums with similar fluorescence signals. The sensor detected higher
miR-93 expression, increased apoptosis, and negative regulation of VEGFR2 in patients with RSA. Treatment with PNKF of cultured trophoblast cells collected from patients with RSA were treated with PNKF significantly inhibited trophoblast cell apoptosis and promoted trophoblast cell proliferation
by reducing miR-93 expression and promoting VEGFR2 expression. In conclusion, PNKF can improve the proliferation and inhibit apoptosis of trophoblast cells by suppressing miR-93 and promoting VEGFR2. Furthermore, the miR-93/VEGFR2 sensor demonstrated high sensitivity that has potential applications
in clinical practice.
Monitoring bridge bearings based on rubber-based composite materials
Authors: Zhou Yejun , Zhang Shengli , Liu Xiujuan , Yang Jun
Published: March 2024

To improve the real-time monitoring capability of bridge structure safety, intelligent bridge bearings were prepared based on rubber based composite materials. The study selected T4/3-5 intelligent rubber bearings and conducted a systematic experimental analysis on their response characteristics
under different loading speeds and holding states. By measuring the displacement and resistance changes of the intelligent bearings under various load conditions, their sensitivity and stability were evaluated. These experiments confirmed that the T4/3-5 intelligent rubber bearings exhibited
a total creep deformation of approximately 1 mm and 1.5 mm under loads of 60 kN and 45 kN, respectively. This suggests that the molecular chains reach a relatively stable configuration under high loads and are not prone to further changes. Moreover, the resistance reduction ratio under a load
of 60 kN is approximately 0.57, while under a load of 45 kN it is approximately 0.62, indicating that nickel powder particles in the composite material form a more stable conductive network after molecular rearrangement. At different loading rates, the displacement-load and load-resistance
curves of the bearings show consistent trends, and the creep and resistance relaxation behaviors exhibit certain regularity with the concentration of load size. Through the analysis of these data, the study elucidated the resistance change mechanism in the bearings and validated the feasibility
of intelligent bearings as a real-time load monitoring tool.
Preparation method and industrialization of Ta-based ultra high temperature ceramic Tujia jar tea baking jar materials
Authors: Shi Wenwen , Jin Zhangli , Li Meng , Hu Dongya , Liu Fangyu , Chen Yu’e , Zhang Wencheng
Published: March 2024

The production materials of traditional Tujia jar tea often face problems such as poor high-temperature performance and poor durability. To improve the temperature resistance and durability of tea baking utensils, this study proposes a new type of TaC ultra-high temperature ceramic.
TaC ceramics with excellent performance were prepared through powder metallurgy technology, including high-energy ball milling to ensure uniform mixing, followed by compression molding and high-temperature sintering. The test results demonstrated excellent mechanical properties, with a maximum
depth of 948.67 nm and a contact depth of 954.45 nm, proving outstanding compressive and wear resistance. The hardness reached 21.4±0.5 Gpa, and the elastic modulus was 397.2±8.7 Gpa, both of which indicate its stability under high loads. In addition, the fracture toughness was
2.8±0.2 Mpa*m1/2. At a high temperature environment of 1000 °C, the oxidation rate constant of TaC ceramics was only 0.183 mg2 *cm−4 *h, which demonstrates its excellent high-temperature stability. The development of this TaC ceramic not only
strengthened the traditional production process of Tujia teapots and tea roasting teapots, thereby improving the product’s service life, but also holds potential for other industrial applications that demand ultra-high temperature stability. These contributions provide new directions
for the high-temperature application of ceramic materials and bring tangible economic and technological value to related industries.
Application of nano-insoles on functional recovery in early postoperative period in intertrochanteric femur fractures
Authors: Xu Xuexue , Zhu Chongxue , Zhu Ya , Chen Yumei , Jin Liya
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the effect of integrating family empowerment programs with the application of nanoinsoles on functional recovery in the early postoperative period in elderly patients with intertrochanteric femur fractures (IFF). A total of 100 elderly patients with IFF, who
underwent internal fixation and were admitted to our hospital from November 2020 to October 2021, were selected and divided into an observation group (n = 50) and a control group (n = 50). The control group mainly received perioperative routine health-care education. The observation
group received a family empowerment program and used nano-insoles prepared by carbon nanotube/silicone rubber composites during the perioperative period and before discharge. After postoperative follow-up, the care readiness of the main caregivers and hospitalization time were compared in
the two groups. The scores of activities of daily living (ADL), Harris Hip Function Scale (HHS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), quality of life, satisfaction with care, and complications were recorded. The results demonstrated that the observation group exhibited significantly
higher care readiness, nursing satisfaction rates, HHS, and ADL scores, as well as reduced hospitalization time and HADS scores compared to the control group. After 3 months post-surgery, the quality of life in the observation group was significantly superior to that of the control group.
The incidence of complications in the observation group (8%) was significantly lower than that in the control group (24%). In conclusion, the family empowerment programs combined with the application of nano-insoles on patients with IFF can effectively improve postoperative functional recovery.
Quality assessment standards and production technology of artificial sand based on hydraulic concrete construction specifications
Authors: Yu Pei , Gao Suqin , Peng Jun
Published: March 2024

Natural sand and gravel resources are a local resource. Natural sand and gravel are non-renewable in a short time and are not suitable for long-distance transportation. After decades of mining, sand and gravel resources in some areas have been exhausted. The transportation distance
of natural sand and gravel is getting farther and farther, and accordingly, the price of natural sand and gravel continues to rise. At the same time, continuous and disorderly mining has caused serious damage to the environment and resources. During the construction of large and medium-sized
water conservancy and hydropower projects in China, due to the lack of surrounding natural aggregates, most projects use artificial aggregates. In the current national standards for water conservancy projects, the content of artificial sand and gravel powder is clearly defined. Based on the
“Hydraulic Concrete Construction Specifications” (SL677-2014), this article summarizes the particle shape, gradation and surface structure of artificial sand, and also calculates the theoretical gradation of artificial sand. To find out the impact of stone powder content on the
performance of artificial sand, different levels of stone powder content need to be selected for research and analysis to clarify the impact of artificial sand powder content on concrete properties. Research shows that for concrete made from artificial sand, increasing the aggregate content
with a particle size less than 0.075 mm can significantly increase the compressive strength of the concrete. In artificial sand, the content of stone powder will affect the workability, polishability, durability, permeability and water release of concrete. In the artificial sand and gravel
production process system, crushing and sand making equipment are the most important sand and gravel production equipment. The research results provide theoretical reference for the application of artificial sand in concrete and the update of artificial sand production technology and equipment.
Coparenting Quality During COVID-19: Exploring Gender Differences Using a Mixed Methods Approach
Authors: Douglas Sabrina , Morrison Katherine , Miller Alison , Haines Jess
Published: March 2024

The aim of this study was to examine potential differences in coparenting quality during the COVID-19 pandemic among mothers and fathers using an embedded mixed methods approach. The objectives were to compare mothers’ and fathers’ scores on the Coparenting Relationship Scale among 150 mother–father dyads, and to examine mothers’ and fathers’ perceptions of how COVID-19 influenced their coparenting quality using thematic analysis of 159 mothers’ and 75 fathers’ responses to an open-ended coparenting survey question. While total coparenting quality scores did not differ among mothers and fathers, fathers had significantly higher scores on the division of labour and endorsement subscales, and mothers had significantly higher scores on the undermining subscale. The qualitative thematic analysis identified five key themes: gendered changes to division of labour, increased hostility, increased teamwork, less alone time, and increased stress. Efforts to mitigate adverse pandemic outcomes on families should address coparenting quality.
Causal Estimation of Long-term Intervention Cost-effectiveness Using Genetic Instrumental Variables: An Application to Cancer
Authors: Dixon Padraig , Martin Richard M. , Harrison Sean
Published: March 2024

Background

This article demonstrates a means of assessing long-term intervention cost-effectiveness in the absence of data from randomized controlled trials and without recourse to Markov simulation or similar types of cohort simulation.

Methods

Using a Mendelian randomization study design, we developed causal estimates of the genetically predicted effect of bladder, breast, colorectal, lung, multiple myeloma, ovarian, prostate, and thyroid cancers on health care costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) using outcome data drawn from the UK Biobank cohort. We then used these estimates in a simulation model to estimate the cost-effectiveness of a hypothetical population-wide preventative intervention based on a repurposed class of antidiabetic drugs known as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors very recently shown to reduce the odds of incident prostate cancer.

Results

Genetic liability to prostate cancer and breast cancer had material causal impacts on either or both health care costs and QALYs. Mendelian randomization results for the less common cancers were associated with considerable uncertainty. SGLT2 inhibition was unlikely to be a cost-effective preventative intervention for prostate cancer, although this conclusion depended on the price at which these drugs would be offered for a novel anticancer indication.

Implications

Our new causal estimates of cancer exposures on health economic outcomes may be used as inputs into decision-analytic models of cancer interventions such as screening programs or simulations of longer-term outcomes associated with therapies investigated in randomized controlled trials with short follow-ups. Our method allowed us to rapidly and efficiently estimate the cost-effectiveness of a hypothetical population-scale anticancer intervention to inform and complement other means of assessing long-term intervention value.

Highlights

The article demonstrates a novel method of assessing long-term intervention cost-effectiveness without relying on randomized controlled trials or cohort simulations. Mendelian randomization was used to estimate the causal effects of certain cancers on health care costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) using data from the UK Biobank cohort. Given causal data on the association of different cancer exposures on costs and QALYs, it was possible to simulate the cost-effectiveness of an anticancer intervention. Genetic liability to prostate cancer and breast cancer significantly affected health care costs and QALYs, but the hypothetical intervention using SGLT2 inhibitors for prostate cancer may not be cost-effective, depending on the drug’s price for the new anticancer indication. The methods we propose and implement can be used to efficiently estimate intervention cost-effectiveness and to inform decision making in all manner of preventative and therapeutic contexts.
A step too far: Employer perspectives on in-work conditionality
Authors: Jones Katy , Carson Calum
Published: March 2024

This chapter explores employer perspectives on the extension of behavioural conditionality to working social security claimants (‘in-work conditionality’). As policymakers across Europe and other developed nations have pursued increasingly interventionist approaches to activating the unemployed through conditional welfare policies, the UK has gone a significant and ‘unprecedented’ step further by requiring those in receipt of in-work benefits to demonstrate their efforts to increase their working hours and/or pay. As the actors ultimately in control over the jobs people can access and progress in, understanding employer perspectives on this new policy development is critical, which, however, has so far been overlooked by policymakers and researchers. We address this omission through presenting original analysis of 84 semi-structured interviews conducted with a diverse group of employers. We find that while the UK’s Work First approach to activation has seemingly encountered little resistance from employers to date, this new Work First, Work More approach may be a step too far. We contribute theoretically by identifying a potential role for employers as latent path disruptors in policy development, and challenge the commonly-held assumption that employers are typically supportive of extensions of behavioural conditionality to social security claimants.
Predicting absolute risk for a person with missing risk factors
Authors: Wang Bang , Cheng Yu , Gail Mitchell H , Fine Jason , Pfeiffer Ruth M
Published: March 2024

We compared methods to project absolute risk, the probability of experiencing the outcome of interest in a given projection interval accommodating competing risks, for a person from the target population with missing predictors. Without missing data, a perfectly calibrated model gives unbiased absolute risk estimates in a new target population, even if the predictor distribution differs from the training data. However, if predictors are missing in target population members, a reference dataset with complete data is needed to impute them and to estimate absolute risk, conditional only on the observed predictors. If the predictor distributions of the reference data and the target population differ, this approach yields biased estimates. We compared the bias and mean squared error of absolute risk predictions for seven methods that assume predictors are missing at random (MAR). Some methods imputed individual missing predictors, others imputed linear predictor combinations (risk scores). Simulations were based on real breast cancer predictor distributions and outcome data. We also analyzed a real breast cancer dataset. The largest bias for all methods resulted from different predictor distributions of the reference and target populations. No method was unbiased in this situation. Surprisingly, violating the MAR assumption did not induce severe biases. Most multiple imputation methods performed similarly and were less biased (but more variable) than a method that used a single expected risk score. Our work shows the importance of selecting predictor reference datasets similar to the target population to reduce bias of absolute risk predictions with missing risk factors.
Effects of Embedding Special Interest Area in Instruction on the Engagement and Out-of-Seat Behaviors of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Kim Gospel Y. , Lee SoHyun , Tuck Kathleen N. , Martinez Jose R.
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of embedding special interest areas (SIAs) in whole-group (WG) instruction on engagement and out-of-seat (OOS) behaviors for young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in general education classrooms. A multiple baseline across participants design was used to evaluate the functional relation between the SIA-embedded instruction and engagement and OOS behaviors of all three children. Non-targeted probes were conducted after every intervention session to investigate whether there was behavioral change when the SIAs were removed from instruction. Results indicated that embedding SIAs in WG instruction may increase the engagement behavior and decrease the OOS behavior of children with ASD; behavioral changes were maintained over time for all children.
Estimated prevalence of keratoconus in the largest metropolitan area of Italy
Authors: Lombardo Marco , Alunni Fegatelli Danilo , Serrao Sebastiano , Vestri Annarita , Lombardo Giuseppe
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To estimate the prevalence of keratoconus in a population of subjects undergoing first eye examination in an eye clinic in Italy.

Methods

A single-center, cross-sectional, study was conducted involving patients who underwent first eye examination at an eye clinic in Rome between September 2021 and June 2022. The prevalence of keratoconus was determined by Placido-disk corneal topography using the maximum keratometry (Kmax) value and the Cone Magnitude and Location Index (CLMI) for keratoconus screening. Subjective analysis was performed by two experienced corneal specialists, who classified the outcome into two groups: normal and keratoconus. Risk factors, including family history of keratoconus, allergy or atopy, thyroid disease, eye rubbing habit and gender were also examined.

Results

A total of 512 subjects between 7 and 81 years old were evaluated. The inter-observer agreement to classify subjects in normal or keratoconus group was excellent (k = 1.0); the estimated prevalence in the specific population was 2.1%. Presence of positive family history (9% of keratoconus vs 5% normal), concomitant allergy or atopy (27% vs 9%) and eye rubbing habit (18% vs 4%) were associated with a higher risk of disease.

Conclusion

This study reported a high estimated prevalence of keratoconus in a metropolitan area of Italy, as found in recent studies in the Mediterranean and Middle East countries. Screening for keratoconus is highly recommendable and easily feasible with corneal topography under expert supervision and may be indicated primarily in young population to improve early detection and prompt therapeutic management for halting disease progression.
Single-nucleotide polymorphisms of TLR4 and GAS7 linked to primary open-angle glaucoma among patients of Shenyang, China
Authors: Jie Jiao , Wu Tengfei
Published: March 2024

The potential for adverse outcomes and classifications of glaucoma differ among race, country, gender, and family medical history. Nearly, 50 represent candidate genes are considered as potential contributors to the happening for the primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) since the advent of GWASs. Our investigation is the first to report the Toll-like receptor 4 ( TLR4) and growth arrest-specific 7 ( GAS7) among people in Shenyang, China; to investigate whether single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ( TLR4) or GAS7 gene are risk factors for POAG among people in Shenyang, China; and also to explore their potential pathogenic mechanisms. POAG patients from July 2015 to June 2019 at Shenyang Fourth People’s Hospital were selected. A total of 218 POAG patients and 252 controls were enrolled. Eight potentially functional SNPs of TLR4 (rs7868859, rs7873784, rs77358523, and rs752998) and GAS7 (rs8012311, rs11656696, rs74629981, and rs9900085) were genotyped. Multifactor analysis was conducted to evaluate the correlation between TLR4, GAS7, and POAG. The allele frequency of rs7873784 of TLR4 demonstrated that the GC ( P = 0.030), CC ( P = 0.040), and GC + CC genotypes ( P = 0.009) were significantly higher compared with CC genotype for POAG patients than that for controls. The rs8072311 and rs9900085 of GAS7 gene also were significantly associated with POAG. Haplotype analysis found that the C-A-T-A haplotype (order: rs7873784-rs77358523-rs752998-rs7868859) of TLR4 gene and the two haplotypes A-C-C-A and C-C-A-C of GAS7 (order: rs9900085-rs74629981-rs8072311-rs11656696) were associated with an elevated susceptibility to POAG ( P < 0.05). In this study, rs7868859 of TLR4 and rs8012311 and rs9900085 polymorphisms of GAS7 were first identified to be related to POAG among people in Shenyang, China.
Research of restricted migration evaluation of MDA-MB-231 cells in 2D and 3D co-culture models
Authors: Du Zhichang , Yang Shaohui , Gong Qingzhong , Lin Zhonghua , Xiao Guohong , Mi Shengli
Published: March 2024

The restricted migration evaluation is conducive to more complex tumor migration research because of the conformity with in vivo tumors. However, the differences between restricted and unrestricted cell migration and the distinction between different evaluation methods have not been systematically studied, hindering related research. In this study, by constructing the restricted environments on chips, the influence of co-culture conditions on the cancer cell migration capacity was studied. The results showed that the restricted channels can discriminate the influence of weak tumor environmental factors on complex tumor migration behaviors by limiting the free growth instinct of tumor cells. Through the comparison of 2D and 3D restricted migration methods, the extracellular matrix (ECM) restriction was also helpful in distinguishing the influence of the weak tumor environmental factor. However, the 3D ECM can better reflect the tortuosity of the cell migration process and the cooperative behavior among cancer cells. In the anticancer drug evaluation, 3D ECM can more accurately reflect the cytotoxicity of drugs and is more consistent with the drug resistance in the human body. In conclusion, the research will help to distinguish different evaluation methods of cancer cell migration, help researchers select appropriate evaluation models, and promote the research of tumor metastasis.
A quantum-based oversampling method for classification of highly imbalanced and overlapped data
Authors: Yang Bei , Tian Guilan , Luttrell Joseph , Gong Ping , Zhang Chaoyang
Published: March 2024

Data imbalance is a challenging problem in classification tasks, and when combined with class overlapping, it further deteriorates classification performance. However, existing studies have rarely addressed both issues simultaneously. In this article, we propose a novel quantum-based oversampling method (QOSM) to effectively tackle data imbalance and class overlapping, thereby improving classification performance. QOSM utilizes the quantum potential theory to calculate the potential energy of each sample and selects the sample with the lowest potential as the center of each cover generated by a constructive covering algorithm. This approach optimizes cover center selection and better captures the distribution of the original samples, particularly in the overlapping regions. In addition, oversampling is performed on the samples of the minority class covers to mitigate the imbalance ratio (IR). We evaluated QOSM using three traditional classifiers (support vector machines [SVM], k-nearest neighbor [KNN], and naive Bayes [NB] classifier) on 10 publicly available KEEL data sets characterized by high IRs and varying degrees of overlap. Experimental results demonstrate that QOSM significantly improves classification accuracy compared to approaches that do not address class imbalance and overlapping. Moreover, QOSM consistently outperforms existing oversampling methods tested. With its compatibility with different classifiers, QOSM exhibits promising potential to improve the classification performance of highly imbalanced and overlapped data.
Alternate Day Fasting Leads to Improved Post-Stroke Motor Recovery in Mice
Authors: Mersha Mahlet D. , Hubbard Robert , Zeiler Steven R.
Published: March 2024

Background

Caloric restriction promotes neuroplasticity and recovery after neurological injury. In mice, we tested the hypothesis that caloric restriction can act post-stroke to enhance training-associated motor recovery.

Methods

Mice were trained to perform a skilled prehension task. We then induced a photothrombotic stroke in the caudal forelimb area, after which we retrained animals on the prehension task following an 8-day delay. Mice underwent either ad libitum feeding or alternate day fasting beginning 1-day after stroke and persisting for either 7 days or the entire post-stroke training period until sacrifice.

Results

Prior studies have shown that post-stroke recovery of prehension can occur if animals receive rehabilitative training during an early sensitive period but is incomplete if rehabilitative training is delayed. In contrast, we show complete recovery of prehension, despite a delay in rehabilitative training, when mice underwent alternate day fasting beginning 1-day post-stroke and persisting for either 7 days or the entire post-stroke training period until sacrifice. Recovery was independent of weight loss. Stroke volumes were similar across groups.

Conclusions

Post-stroke caloric restriction led to recovery of motor function independent of a protective effect on stroke volume. Prehension recovery improved even after ad libitum feeding was reinstituted suggesting that the observed motor recovery was not merely a motivational response. These data add to the growing evidence that post-stroke caloric restriction can enhance recovery.
Impact of Early Mobilization on Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke Treated With Thrombolysis or Thrombectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Yen Hsiao-Ching , Pan Guan-Shuo , Jeng Jiann-Shing , Chen Wen-Shiang
Published: March 2024

Background

Early mobilization (EM) within 24 to 72 hours post-stroke may improve patients’ performance and ability. However, after intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) or mechanical thrombectomy (MT), the increased risk of hemorrhagic complications impacts the implementation of early out-of-bed mobilization. Few studies have investigated EM after IVT or MT for acute ischemic stroke (AIS), and its impact in these patients is unknown.

Objective

To investigate the effect of EM on AIS treated with IVT or MT.|

Methods

We recruited 122 patients with first AIS; 60 patients were treated with IVT, and 62 patients were treated with MT. For each IVT and MT cohort, the control groups received standard early rehabilitation, and the intervention groups received an EM protocol. The training lasted 30 minutes/day, 5 days/week until discharge.

Main Outcomes Measures

The effectiveness of the interventions was evaluated using the motor domain of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM-motor) and the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (PASS) at baseline, 2-week, 4-week, and 3-month post-stroke, the Functional Ambulation Category 2-week post-stroke, and the total length of stay at the stroke center.

Results

Both IVT and MT treatment groups showed improved FIM-motor and PASS scores over time; however, only the IVT EM group had significantly improved FIM-motor performance within 1 month after stroke than the control group. Conclusion. An EM protocol with the same intervention time and session frequency per day as in the standard care protocol was effective in improving the functional ability of stroke patients after IVT.