bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender-based violence (GBV) against women with precarious legal status and their access to social protection in advanced welfare societies: an analytical contribution to reconstruct the research field and its institutional development
Authors: Di Matteo Claudia , Scaramuzzino Roberto
Published: October 2022

The aim of this paper is to map the emergence and development of a research field around the topic of “gender-based violence (GBV) against women with precarious legal status and their access to social protection in advanced welfare societies”. We explore the academic knowledge production around this topic as a specific research field by using bibliometric data. We investigate the place occupied by scholars who publish in well-established journals, and their disciplines, in order to understand the relevance of different disciplines and groups of researchers in the knowledge production within the field. Our methodology includes analysis of co-authorship, cross-country collaboration, and co-citation. The search strategy is informed by discursive practices and knowledge production by influential international civil society actors (CSAs) involved in framing welfare responses to GBV against women with precarious legal status. Our results suggest that the knowledge produced in the field increased in terms of number of publications between 2010 and 2021, indicating a process of institutionalisation. Disciplines oriented towards certain groups of professionals such as clinical psychology, medicine, health, nursing, and social work, affiliated mainly to institutions in the US, Canada, and the EU, have a prominent role in knowledge production in this field. In our conclusions, we discuss the implications of these results in relation to gender studies and migration studies, along with some limitations of the use of bibliometrics software combined with an intersectionality approach.
Effects of Enterprise 2 stent-assisted coil embolization for wide-necked intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Zhou Yangyang , Peng Qichen , Mu Shiqing
Published: October 2022

Background

This study analyzed the safety and efficacy of Enterprise 2 stent-assisted coil embolization for wide-necked intracranial aneurysms by examining stent-vessel apposition, operative complications, embolization outcomes, and clinical outcomes.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with wide-necked intracranial aneurysms who underwent Enterprise 2 stent-assisted coiling in our hospital from November 2018 to October 2019. Intraoperative VasoCT was performed immediately after stent release in a continuous cohort of patients to observe stent-vessel apposition. Patient demographic, clinical, and imaging data were recorded and analyzed.

Results

A total of 106 wide-necked aneurysms in 106 patients were treated. Stent release was successful in all patients. Twenty-one patients were enrolled consecutively for VasoCT scanning, and incomplete stent apposition was observed in 5 (23.8%). Perioperative complications occurred in 10 patients (9.4%): cerebral infarction in 6, intraoperative coil prolapse in 1, puncture site pseudoaneurysm in 1, deep vein thrombosis at multiple sites in 1, and transient brainstem mass effect in 1. Among the 95 aneurysms with angiographic follow-up, embolization was satisfactory (Raymond–Roy classifications I and II) in 89 (93.7%). Hyperlipidemia was an independent risk factor for incomplete aneurysm occlusion. At the last clinical follow-up, seven patients had a poor clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale score ≥ 3). Independent risk factors for poor outcomes were preoperative subarachnoid hemorrhage at presentation and cerebral infarction.

Conclusion

Enterprise 2 stent-assisted coiling for treatment of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms showed good safety and efficacy; however, incomplete stent apposition can still occur in vessels with a large curvature. Preoperative subarachnoid hemorrhage at presentation and cerebral infarction are the main reasons for poor clinical outcomes after stent-assisted coil embolization.
Morphology-based noninvasive early prediction of serial-passage potency enhances the selection of clone-derived high-potency cell bank from mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Suyama Takashi , Takemoto Yuto , Miyauchi Hiromi , Kato Yuko , Matsuzaki Yumi , Kato Ryuji
Published: October 2022

Background

Rapidly expanding clones (RECs) are one of the single-cell-derived mesenchymal stem cell clones sorted from human bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMCs), which possess advantageous features. The RECs exhibit long-lasting proliferation potency that allows more than 10 repeated serial passages in vitro, considerably benefiting the manufacturing process of allogenic MSC-based therapeutic products. Although RECs aid the preparation of large-variation clone libraries for a greedy selection of better-quality clones, such a selection is only possible by establishing multiple-candidate cell banks for quality comparisons. Thus, there is a high demand for a novel method that can predict “low-risk and high-potency clones” early and in a feasible manner given the excessive cost and effort required to maintain such an establishment.

Methods

LNGFR and Thy-1 co-positive cells from BMMCs were single-cell-sorted into 96-well plates, and only fast-growing clones that reached confluency in 2 weeks were picked up and passaged as RECs. Fifteen RECs were prepared as passage 3 (P3) cryostock as the primary cell bank. From this cryostock, RECs were passaged until their proliferation limitation; their serial-passage limitation numbers were labeled as serial-passage potencies. At the P1 stage, phase-contrast microscopic images were obtained over 6–90 h to identify time-course changes of 24 morphological descriptors describing cell population information. Machine learning models were constructed using the morphological descriptors for predicting serial-passage potencies. The time window and field-of-view-number effects were evaluated to identify the most efficient image data usage condition for realizing high-performance serial-passage potency models.

Results

Serial-passage test results indicated variations of 7–13-repeated serial-passage potencies within RECs. Such potency values were predicted quantitatively with high performance (RMSE < 1.0) from P1 morphological profiles using a LASSO model. The earliest and minimum effort predictions require 6–30 h with 40 FOVs and 6–90 h with 15 FOVs, respectively.

Conclusion

We successfully developed a noninvasive morphology-based machine learning model to enhance the efficiency of establishing cell banks with single-cell-derived RECs for quantitatively predicting the future serial-passage potencies of clones. Conventional methods that can make noninvasive and quantitative predictions without wasting precious cells in the early stage are lacking; the proposed method will provide a more efficient and robust cell bank establishment process for allogenic therapeutic product manufacturing.
Cross-sectional evaluation of FGD-avid polyostotic fibrous dysplasia: MRI, CT and PET/MRI findings
Authors: Pozzessere Chiara , Cicone Francesco , Barberio Paolo , Papa Annalisa , Coppolino Giuseppe , Biagini Roberto , Cascini Giuseppe Lucio
Published: October 2022

A 42-year-old male with left hip pain was diagnosed of several right femoral and tibial bone tumours. All lesions were osteolytic with sclerotic margins. The symptomatic lesion in the proximal femur also showed bone expansion and focal cortical thinning. Whole-body [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT and segmental PET/MRI of the left hip and femur were performed for metabolic characterization of the lesions and for biopsy guidance. The lesions showed a heterogenous degree of FDG uptake corresponding to different metabolic stages of the disease. A biopsy of the tumour portion showing the highest FDG uptake revealed a fibrous dysplasia (FD). In conclusion, although generally affecting paediatric and adolescent subjects, polyostotic FD may be detected in the adulthood. Despite the benign nature of the disease, increased glucose metabolism can be seen in some lesions. Hybrid imaging combining morphological and functional information may help guide biopsy and better define the treatment strategy.
A fully dynamic forward-secure group signature from lattice
Authors: Liao Zhijian , Huang Qiong , Chen Xinjian
Published: October 2022

A forward-secure group signature (FSGS) ensures the unforgeability of signatures in the past time period despite signing secret key is leaked in the current time period. As we know, traditional FSGS schemes are mostly relying on number-theoretic assumptions unable to resist quantum attacks. Therefore, we present an efficient lattice-based fully dynamic (i.e. users can flexibly join or quit the group) forward-secure group signature (DFSGS) by combining an improved version of FSGS scheme proposed by Ling. Based on an efficient zero-knowledge argument, we construct argument of knowledge of the committed value and the plaintext that help with privacy protection. Our DFSGS scheme is proved to be anonymous and forward-secure traceable relying on short integer solution and learning with errors assumptions in random oracle model. Moreover, the lengths of group public key and signature of our DFSGS scheme have been improved, and the length of user secret key has no connection with the quantity of group members.
Stay-at-home orders during COVID-19 pandemic: an experience from general population in Damietta Governorate, Egypt
Authors: Nour Mohamed O.
Published: October 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic in Egypt triggered national preparedness, public engagement, and an integrated response that included social distancing measures, for example, staying at home. We aimed to investigate community awareness of and commitment to complying with the stay-at-home orders in Damietta Governorate, Egypt, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A web-based cross-sectional survey was designed and completed by 500 adult participants from Damietta, Egypt, between April 10 and July 15, 2020. Participants were asked about their sociodemographics, sources of knowledge about COVID-19, awareness of COVID-19 prevention methods, commitment to stay-at-home orders, and their trust in governmental measures, community resources, and emergency services. The participants were classified as stay-at-home responders or nonresponders.

Results

Of the participants, 18.4% responded to stay-at-home orders; the main reasons for leaving home were buying essentials, especially food, and going to work. Compliance was significant among elderly individuals and those with a history of chronic illness. Nonresponse was significant among individuals who were married, working, or had low family income. More than one-third (39.2%) had good knowledge of effective methods of COVID-19 prevention, and the overall accepted knowledge was significantly higher among stay-at-home responders than nonresponders. Their trust in governmental measures, community resources, and emergency services to manage the pandemic was poor—84.6%, 71.8%, and 79%, respectively—with no significant differences between the groups.

Conclusions

Participants’ compliance with and engagement in stay-at-home orders in Damietta Governorate, Egypt, was poor. Public response to stay-at-home orders is affected by sociodemographics, and the public’s trust in governmental measures, community resources, and emergency services was poor. Understanding how social distancing is perceived in Egypt is important to provide public support and improve pandemic disease containment.
Food sovereignty of the P’urhépecha of Michoacán, Mexico: historical review and critical perspectives from nature-culture relationships
Authors: González-Rivadeneira Tania I. , Casas Alejandro , Argueta-Villamar Arturo
Published: October 2022

This study aims to analyze the relationships between culture and nature associated with food sovereignty of the P'urhépecha people of Michoacán, central Mexico. We explore how food sovereignty could be analyzed by decentering humans. Firstly, we examine the context and meaning of food sovereignty based on information on the P'urhépecha culture, its history and food patterns. Then, we discuss the concept of food sovereignty from three perspectives: (1) How food sovereignty could be understood by decentering humans; (2) How to define food sovereignty from a relational perspective; and (3) How to do justice to an ontological plurality that involves non-human organisms. We conclude the need of considering new ways to understand food sovereignty, emphasizing the relational perspectives that include non-human entities.
Comparison of young male mice of two different strains (C57BL/6J and the hybrid B6129SF1/J) in selected behavior tests: a small scale study
Authors: Hansen Kristine Eraker Aasland , Hudecová Alexandra M. , Haugen Fred , Skjerve Eystein , Ropstad Erik , Zimmer Karin E.
Published: October 2022

Background

All mouse strains are different, before choosing a strain for a large study, a small scale study should be done. In this study, we compared young males of two mouse strains, C57BL/6J and the hybrid B6129SF1/J, and gained knowledge on their performance in three different behavioral tests; open field (OF) test, Barnes maze (BM) test and a restraint stress test.

Results

We found that the young males of the C57BL/6J strain spent more time moving in the OF. In the BM, the hybrid covered less ground before reaching the goal box during the first three sessions, than the C57BL/6J. The hybrid left more fecal pellets than C57BL/6J both in OF and BM. During the stress test, the C57BL/6J had a lower corticosterone response than the hybrid.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that the C57BL/6J has a presumably higher locomotor activity and/or explorative behavior than the hybrid, while the hybrid appeared more sensitive to stress.
Does functional planning, 3D templating and patient-specific instrumentation improve accuracy in total hip replacement?— a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Thomas Christopher , Gupta Vatsal , Parsons Helen , Metcalfe Andrew , Foguet Pedro , King Richard
Published: October 2022

Aims

Debate continues as to the optimal orientation of the acetabular component in total hip arthroplasty (THA) and how to reliably achieve this. The primary objective of this study was to compare functional CT-based planning and patient-specific instruments with conventional THA using 2D templating.

Methods

A pragmatic single-center, patient-assessor blinded, randomized control trial of patients undergoing THA was performed. 54 patients (aged 18–70) were recruited to either Corin Optimized Positioning System (OPS) or conventional THA. All patients received a cementless acetabular component. All patients underwent pre- and postoperative CT scans, and four functional X-rays. Patients in the OPS group had a 3D surgical plan and bespoke guides made. Patients in the conventional group had a surgical plan based on 2D templating X-rays. The primary outcome measure was the mean error in acetabular anteversion as determined by postoperative CT scan.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference in the mean error in angle of acetabular anteversion when comparing OPS and conventional THA. In the OPS group, the achieved acetabular anteversion was within 10° of the planned anteversion in 96% of cases, compared with only 76% in the conventional group. The clinical outcomes were comparable between the groups.

Conclusion

Large errors in acetabular orientation appear to be reduced when CT-based planning and patient-specific instruments are used compared to the standard technique but no significant differences were seen in the mean error.
Outpatient psychiatric service utilization during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Shirzad Fateme , Shati Mohsen , Mortazavi Seyede Salehe , Gholamzad Shakiba , Ahmadkaraji Shahrzad , Pazhooyan Mahdie , Saeedi Narges , Hashemi Rana , Shirdel Saeedeh , Salehi Mahdieh
Published: October 2022

Background

The conditions related to the Covid-19 pandemic and quarantine have endangered the mental health of people in the community, especially psychiatric patients. This study aims to determine the mental health services usage of outpatient psychiatric patients who attended a public mental health clinic in Tehran, during the quarantine. The study sample consisted of 387 patients with an active record in the mental health clinic. They were selected using systematic random sampling. Data was gathered with the telephone interviews using the researcher-made checklist. The data were then collected and analyzed.

Results

Participants in this study included 141 male and 264 female patients. One-hundred forty-two patients (36.7%) felt better during this period, and the rest got worse or did not make a difference. Among the patients who felt the need to visit, 144 (47.2%) referred for services, of which 81.7% had visited in person. Among the applicants, 84 (56%) succeeded in receiving the service. A total of 53.5% of patients had used at least one face to face, telephone, or online visit. Among them, women are compared to men (p = 0.002), educated people to low education (p < 0.001), and adults to children and the elderly (p = 0.02), and Tehran residents to foreigners (p = 0.01) used significantly more services.

Conclusions

Experience with pandemic quarantine conditions has shown that face-to-face use of these services faces significant barriers. In this situation, the expansion of online services can help improve the condition of patients and should be on the agenda of mental health policymakers.
Relation between latrophilin 3 (LPHN3) gene polymorphism (rs2345039) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children
Authors: Elsadek Akram , Soliman Doaa , Behiry Eman , Deraz Salem
Published: October 2022

Background

The most prevalent psychological disorder in children is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Latrophilin 3 (LPHN3) is a G protein-coupled receptor family member. It is brain specific and related to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) genetic susceptibility. This study aimed to assess the association of LPHN3 gene with ADHD and its types.

Methods

The subjects were 2 groups: group I, thirty patients with ADHD, and group II, thirty healthy individuals as a control group. The process of polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used to establish the genetic association of ADHD with the polymorphic gene LPHN3 (rs2345039).

Results

The ADHD group included 20 male and 10 females; the mean age was 9.8±1.8 years. LPHN3 rs2345039 polymorphism genotypes distribution showed a statistical significant difference between ADHD and controls (P = 0.01). In the ADHD group, individuals with CG genotype were 5.8-folds to have ADHD than CC individuals. Also, those with GG genotype were about six times more likely to have ADHD than CC ones. All of these relationships were significant statistically (P = 0.024 and = 0.018, respectively). Individuals carrying the G allele were 2.6 times more likely to develop ADHD than those carrying the C allele (OR = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.3–5.6, P value = 0.01).

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate an association between latrophilin 3 (LPHN3) gene rs2345039 and ADHD. Moreover, LPHN3 polymorphisms tend to have a key role in triggering the condition and exacerbating its severity.
Utilizing a new self-centering hysteresis model to assess the seismic vulnerability of a long-span cable-stayed bridge equipped with SMA wire-based roller bearings
Authors: Li Shuai , Farshad Hedayati Dezfuli , Wang Jing Quan , Alam M. Shahria
Published: October 2022

A novel shape memory alloy wires-based smart roller bearing (SMA-RBs) has been developed and its cyclic behavior under reverse cyclic loadings has been experimentally investigated. However, its efficacy and performance in enhancing the seismic performance of bridge structures have not been well understood and proven. A new self-centering hysteresis model for SMA-RBs has been proposed to properly simulate their hysteretic behavior, which has been experimentally validated through a pseudo-static test. A methodology is proposed to determine the four damage states of SMA-RB (i.e. slight, moderate, extensive, and collapse) considering the contribution of SMA wires. The smart SMA-RBs are utilized for a cable-stayed bridge in China. The vulnerability of two reference bridges, i.e. the floating system (FS) and rigid system (RS), and one isolated bridge equipped with SMA-RBs (SMA-RBS) are compared at component and system levels. The applicability of three commonly used intensity measures (IMs), i.e. PGA, PGV, and Sa(T1), are evaluated and PGV turns out to be the optimal IM for long-span cable-stayed bridge systems. Results show that incorporating SMA wires in roller bearings can decrease the failure probabilities of the bearing. The piers and towers with SMA-RBs lead to lower seismic fragility over the towers and piers in the reference bridges. The RS is the most vulnerable bridge whereas the SMA-RBS is the least vulnerable bridge among the four bridges. The SMA-RBS experience a much lower collapse damage probability compared to RS ad FS.
Sociodemographic and mental health characteristics associated with changes in movement behaviours due to the COVID-19 pandemic in adolescents
Authors: Lien Amanda , Sampasa-Kanyinga Hugues , Patte Karen A. , Leatherdale Scott T. , Chaput Jean-Philippe
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Control measures enacted to control the spread of COVID-19 appear to have impacted adolescent movement behaviours. It remains unclear how these changes relate to sociodemographic characteristics and indicators of mental health. Understanding these relationships can contribute to informing health promotion efforts. The purpose of this study is to examine sociodemographic and mental health characteristics associated with changes in movement behaviours (physical activity, screen time, sleep duration) due to the COVID-19 pandemic among adolescents.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used May–June 2020 survey data and included 7349 students from Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia (Canada). ANOVA, χ2 tests, and estimation of effect sizes using Cohen’s d and h tests were performed between self-reported perceived changes (increase; decrease; no change) to physical activity, TV watching, social media use, and sleep duration as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and gender, age, race/ethnicity, income, depression and anxiety symptoms, flourishing-languishing, and self-rated mental health.

Results

Over half of students reported increases in TV viewing and social media use and approximately 40% reported decrease in physical activity and increase in sleep duration due to the COVID-19 pandemic. More females (68.9%) than males (54.3%) reported increase in social media use (Cohen’s h ≥ 0.2–0.5). No change from pre-COVID-19 social media use and sleep duration were associated with fewer depression and anxiety symptoms and better self-rated mental health compared to reports of an increase or decrease. These effect sizes ranged from small-to-moderate to moderate-to-large (Cohen’s d/h ≥ 0.2–0.8). Decreased physical activity and sleep duration were associated with better psychological functioning with effects sizes of small-to-moderate. Compared to an increase or no change, decreased sleep had the largest effect size of less frequent depression symptoms (Cohen’s d ≥ 0.5–0.8).

Conclusion

Maintaining pre-COVID-19 screen time and sleep duration during early stages of the COVID-19 lockdown was generally beneficial to mental health, with sleep being particularly important in regards to symptoms of depression. Psychological functioning was more related to physical activity and sleep than screen time during the pandemic.
On the estimation of reflectivity in reverse time migration: Implementational forms of the inverse-scattering imaging condition
Authors: Albano Natiê A. , Costa Jessé C. , Schleicher Jörg , Novais Amélia
Published: October 2022

The inverse-scattering imaging condition (ISIC) for reverse time migration (RTM) aims at recovering amplitudes proportional to seismic reflectivity. It has been derived as the high-frequency asymptotic inverse of Born modeling, which justifies its being called a true-amplitude imaging condition. It involves the temporal and spatial derivatives of the up- and downgoing wavefields, in this way generalizing the conventional crosscorrelation imaging condition. The temporal derivations can be redistributed between different wavefield contributions, in this way deriving a set of different implementational forms of the ISIC. By making use of the wave equation for the up- and downgoing wavefields, one can substitute the time derivatives by the Laplacian operator. This provides a theoretical foundation for a popular filter for reducing the backscattering artifacts in RTM. Using Born data from a simple three-layer model and the Marmousi II model as well as the Sigsbee2b data, we have determined that the theoretical equivalence of the equations leads to similar but not identical images. Our numerical tests indicate that the ISIC versions using spatial derivatives are the most economical approach, and that the images obtained with the second time derivative of the source wavefield indicate slightly improved resolution over the other implementations, making the combination of these two characteristics the best choice.
Separation and imaging of seismic diffractions using geometric mode decomposition
Authors: Lin Peng , Peng Suping , Li Chuangjian , Xiang Yang , Cui Xiaoqin
Published: October 2022

Seismic diffractions from small-scale discontinuities or inhomogeneities carry key geologic information and can provide high-resolution images of these objects. Because diffractions characterized by weak energy are easily masked by strong reflections, diffraction-enhancement processing is essential before subwavelength information detection. Therefore, a novel diffraction-separation method is developed that uses the Fourier-based geometric-mode decomposition (GMDF) algorithm to remove reflections and separate diffractions in the common-offset or poststack domain. The key idea of our method is that, in the frequency-wavenumber ( f- k) domain, strong reflections concentrate linearly along a certain dip direction, whereas weak diffractions are distributed over a wide range of wavenumbers owing to their variable dips in the time-space domain. The GMDF algorithm can effectively represent reflections with directional and linear geometric features by adaptively decomposing seismic data as a combination of the band-limited modes consisting of linear characteristics in the f- k domain. The alternating direction method of the multipliers algorithm is used to solve the GMDF optimization problem and obtain linear reflections. Because this method considers the energy sparsity property and linear geometric features of reflections in the f- k domain, kinematic and dynamic differences between reflections and diffractions are exploited to separate diffractions. Applied synthetic and field examples demonstrate the good performance of our method in removing strong reflections and separating weak diffractions, providing interpreters with detailed structural and stratigraphic information.
Film in the Composition Classroom
Authors: Shaw Zack
Published: October 2022

Instructors of writing-intensive disciplines infrequently integrate cinematic media in composition curricula. Furthermore, when instructors use films in composition courses, they often treat films merely as supplemental texts tangentially relevant to course topics and prioritize teaching content rather than media or filmmaking. This pedagogical approach overlooks an opportunity to ask students to consider how the audiovisual rhetorical efforts can meaningfully harmonize or create dissonance with the content. In this research study, the author argues that students are active media consumers engaging frequently with media as a form of composition. He navigates the limitations of Gregory Ulmer and Lev Manovitch, whose early work stressing the primacy of media literacies in composition classrooms is nonetheless seminal to the author's larger claims of film's educational import. The author relates the results of the IRB-approved research of his composition students, who offer feedback about the use of film in the class. The author calls for greater attention to film instruction and curricula development for collegiate composition classrooms, urging educators to move beyond film's supplemental use and toward more educationally fruitful practices, including teaching active watching and basic film analysis. Film is a critical form of cultural communication and media, and the author contends that it is a pivotal part of the landscape of twenty-first century literacy engagements.
“A Dilatory Stratagem”: Taft-Hartley, American Enka, and the Defeat of Organized Labor in the Postwar South
Authors: Brooks Jennifer
Published: October 2022

“A Dilatory Stratagem” argues that the national Taft-Hartley Act (1947) emboldened southern employers to use permanent replacement hiring to undermine organized labor and eradicate union locals soon after World War II. Extensive archival research in union records, government documents, and newspapers, as well as oral history interviews conducted with former employees, tells the story of the 1950 strike at the American Enka Rayon plant in Morristown, Tennessee. Although largely unknown, the Enka strike became the subject of national congressional hearings and demonstrated the importance of permanent replacement hiring in management's anti-union toolbox well before the 1970s.
A c-MET-Targeted Topical Fluorescent Probe cMBP-ICG Improves Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Detection in Humans
Authors: Wang Jingbo , Li Siyi , Wang Kun , Zhu Ling , Yang Lin , Zhu Yunjing , Zhang Zhen , Hu Longwei , Yuan Yuan , Fan Qi , Ren Jiliang , Yang Gongxin , Ding Weilong , Zhou Xiaoyu , Cui Junqi , Zhang Chunye , Yuan Ying , Huang Ruimin , Tian Jie , Tao Xiaofeng
Published: October 2022

Introduction

The postoperative survival of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) relies on precise detection and complete resection of original tumors. The mucosal extension of the tumor is evaluated visually during surgery, but small and flat foci are difficult to detect. Real-time fluorescence imaging may improve detection of tumor margins.

Materials and Methods

In the current study, a peptide-based near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence dye, c-MET-binding peptide-indocyanine green (cMBP-ICG), which specifically targets tumor via c-MET binding, was synthetized. A prospective pilot clinical trial then was conducted with oral SCC patients and intraoperatively to assess the feasibility of cMBP-ICG used to detect tumors margins. Fluorescence was histologically correlated to determine sensitivity and specificity.

Results

The immunohistochemistry (IHC) results demonstrated increased c-Met expression in oral SCC compared with normal mucosa. Tumor-to-background ratios ranged from 2.71 ± 0.7 to 3.11 ± 1.2 in different concentration groups. From 10 patients with oral SCC, 60 specimens were collected from tumor margins. The sensitivity and specificity of discriminative value derived from cMBP-ICG application in humans were respectively 100% and 75%.

Conclusions

Topical application of cMBP-ICG is feasible and safe for optimizing intraoperative visualization and tumor margin detection in oral SCC patients, which could clinically increase the probability of complete resections and improve oncologic outcomes.
Effects of azithromycin on serum inflammatory factors and T lymphocyte subsets in patients with gynecological mycoplasma infection
Authors: She Mengdi , Chen Cheng
Published: October 2022

Objectives: To investigate the effect of azithromycin on the levels of serum inflammatory factors and T lymphocyte subsets in patients with gynecological mycoplasma infection.

Methods: Records of 250 patients with gynecological mycoplasma infection, treated in our hospital from May 2020 to June 2021, were retrospectively divided into two groups based on the received treatment. Patient (n=120) that were treated with levofloxacin tablets comprised the control group, and patients (n=130) treated with levofloxacin tablets (250mg) and azithromycin tablets comprised the observation group. Changes of serum inflammatory factors and T lymphocyte subsets in the two groups after two weeks of treatment with corresponding drugs were analyzed retrospectively.

Results: After the treatment, the levels of C-reactive protein(CRP), interleukin-6(IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (Tumor necrosis factor α, TNF- α) in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). Levels of CD3+, CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The total clinical efficacy in the observation group was 93.08%, significantly higher than 80.00% in the control group, and the total incidence of adverse drug reactions was 6.15%, significantly lower than 14.17% in the control group (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Azithromycin used in clinical treatment of patients with gynecological mycoplasma infection can effectively improve anti-inflammatory and immune response, improve the clinical efficacy of the treatment and reduce adverse reactions.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.6283

How to cite this:She M, Chen C. Effects of azithromycin on serum inflammatory factors and T lymphocyte subsets in patients with gynecological mycoplasma infection. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(8):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.6283

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Fabry disease in South and Central Asia: Is it truly a rare disease or underappreciated?
Authors: Saeed Sahrai , Imazio Massimo
Published: October 2022

Fabry disease (FD) is a relatively rare X-linked hereditary disease caused by mutations in the GLA gene that results in deficient α-galactosidase A (α-Gal A) enzyme activity. The disturbed catabolism of the neutral sphingolipids globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) leads to its progressive lysosomal accumulation throughout the body. Multiple organs can be affected. The atypical late-onset cardiac variant is associated with a high burden of cardiac morbidity and mortality. The true burden of FD in Central and some South Asian countries is unknown. Lack of research studies and awareness, and misdiagnosis/underdiagnosis may be the reasons. Some possible explanations as well suggestions for a structured Fabry care and research possibilities in these WHO regions are offered.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.7064

How to cite this:Saeed S, Imazio M. Fabry disease in South and Central Asia: Is it truly a rare disease or underappreciated?. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(8):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.7064

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Structural basis of ER-associated protein degradation mediated by the Hrd1 ubiquitin ligase complex
Authors: Brodsky Jeffrey L. , Engelman Donald M. , Hendershot Linda M. , Piana-Agostinetti Stefano , Sommer Thomas
Published: October 2022

Proteins that are expressed on membrane surfaces or secreted are involved in all aspects of cellular and organismal life, and as such require extremely high fidelity during their synthesis and maturation. These proteins are synthesized at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) where a dedicated quality control system (ERQC) ensures only properly matured proteins reach their destinations. An essential component of this process is the identification of proteins that fail to pass ERQC and their retrotranslocation to the cytosol for proteasomal degradation. This study by Wu et al. reports a cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of the five-protein channel through which aberrant proteins are extracted from the ER, providing insights into how recognition of misfolded proteins is coupled to their transport through a hydrophobic channel that acts to thin the ER membrane, further facilitating their dislocation to the cytosol [1].
Computer simulation of radiation effects on high-speed non-volatile memory
Authors: Chubunov Pavel , Lapshin Artem , Solodilov Maksim , Ryazancev Roman , Gamzatov N. , Evdokimova Svetlana
Published: October 2022

The article is devoted to the study of radiation effects on non-volatile memory. The basis of non-volatile memory with high speed is the ferroelectric effect. The paper describes the principle of operation of FRAM memory, considers the characteristics of various options for the implementation of FRAM. Particular attention is paid to the description of experimental studies of the resistance of FRAM to the effects of ionization radiation from outer space. PZT-FRAMs from three manufacturers, Krysalis Corporation, National Semiconductor Corporation, and Sandia National Laboratories, were considered. The paper illustrates the dependences of the switching charge under the influence of X-rays, the charge change during irradiation and annealing at low temperatures, plots of Hysteresis loops, etc. The influence of neutrons on PZT FRAM was studied by measuring the total switching charge observed when measuring the Hysteresis loop; residual charge; effect on repeated read/write cycles. The experiment involved three samples with different PZT films 240, 250, and 400 nm thick.
Comparison of tibial alignment parameters based on clinically relevant anatomical landmarks
Authors: Jang Seong J. , Kunze Kyle N. , Brilliant Zachary R. , Henson Melissa , Mayman David J. , Jerabek Seth A. , Vigdorchik Jonathan M. , Sculco Peter K.
Published: October 2022

Aims

Accurate identification of the ankle joint centre is critical for estimating tibial coronal alignment in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of the current study was to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to determine the accuracy and effect of using different radiological anatomical landmarks to quantify mechanical alignment in relation to a traditionally defined radiological ankle centre.

Methods

Patients with full-limb radiographs from the Osteoarthritis Initiative were included. A sub-cohort of 250 radiographs were annotated for landmarks relevant to knee alignment and used to train a deep learning (U-Net) workflow for angle calculation on the entire database. The radiological ankle centre was defined as the midpoint of the superior talus edge/tibial plafond. Knee alignment (hip-knee-ankle angle) was compared against 1) midpoint of the most prominent malleoli points, 2) midpoint of the soft-tissue overlying malleoli, and 3) midpoint of the soft-tissue sulcus above the malleoli.

Results

A total of 932 bilateral full-limb radiographs (1,864 knees) were measured at a rate of 20.63 seconds/image. The knee alignment using the radiological ankle centre was accurate against ground truth radiologist measurements (inter-class correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.99 (0.98 to 0.99)). Compared to the radiological ankle centre, the mean midpoint of the malleoli was 2.3 mm (SD 1.3) lateral and 5.2 mm (SD 2.4) distal, shifting alignment by 0.34o(SD 2.4o) valgus, whereas the midpoint of the soft-tissue sulcus was 4.69 mm (SD 3.55) lateral and 32.4 mm (SD 12.4) proximal, shifting alignment by 0.65o(SD 0.55o) valgus. On the intermalleolar line, measuring a point at 46% (SD 2%) of the intermalleolar width from the medial malleoli (2.38 mm medial adjustment from midpoint) resulted in knee alignment identical to using the radiological ankle centre.

Conclusion

The current study leveraged AI to create a consistent and objective model that can estimate patient-specific adjustments necessary for optimal landmark usage in extramedullary and computer-guided navigation for tibial coronal alignment to match radiological planning. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(10):767–776.
A Piezo-Electric Valve Actuator for Hydraulic Exoskeleton Drives
Authors: Albrecht-Zagar Philipp , Scheidl Rudolf
Published: October 2022

In many exoskeleton applications where heavy lifting is involved (e.g. in military or industrial applications) hydraulic actuators are used because of their high power density. For such applications it is necessary to develop compact and light hydraulic components so that the exoskeleton’s mass and size are low and, therefore, wearing comfort is high and power consumption is reduced to a minimum. Crucial components of hydraulic exoskeletons concerning this weight aspect are hydraulic valves and particularly their actuators, since conventional solenoids contribute the lion share of valve size and weight. As one option to solve this weight and size problem the application of smart materials such as piezo-ceramics to electrically actuate hydraulic valves are seen. The contribution at hand deals with the systematic design of a piezo-actuator which shall be used to switch a hydraulic valve. To overcome the problem of very low strain of the piezo a mechanism for amplification via a bistable buckling beam is analyzed analytically and numerically and an actuator prototype is designed and manufactured. This paper intends to carve out crucial challenges such as the requirements for snapping through of the buckling beam, the bearings of the beam and the integration of the piezo stack.
Numerical Simulation of a Spool Valve in Gaseous Cavitation Conditions
Authors: Frosina Emma , Marinaro Gianluca , Amoresano Amedeo , Senatore Adolfo
Published: October 2022

Spool valves are subject to a deteriorated performance and noise due to the occurrence of cavitation phenomena. It is well known that cavitation effects the performance of the component and causes an unwanted noise. The noise sound levels are influenced by many parameters like geometries and opening areas. In this paper a simple valve body made in plexiglass has been tested analyzing the cavitating area in U-grooves. A dedicated test rig has been equipped with a high-speed camera to acquire images of the phenomenon. A numerical three-dimensional CFD model has been built up using the commercial code. Experimental imagines have been compared with the numerical results showing a high accuracy on the prediction of the gaseous cavitation. The numerical results allow separate examination of several distinctive flow characteristics, which show favorable consistency with experimental observation and a periodic evolution of cavitation structure.
Energy Management Based on Neural Networks for a Hydraulic Hybrid Wheel Loader
Authors: Raduenz Henrique , Ericson Liselott , Uebel Karl , Heybroek Kim , Krus Petter , Negri Victor J. De
Published: October 2022

This paper presents a method to derive optimised energy management strategies for a hydraulic hybrid wheel loader. Energy efficiency is a key aspect for the sustainability of off-road mobile machines. Energy management strategies for on-road hybrid vehicles cannot be directly applied to off-road hybrid machines. One significant reason is that there are added degrees of freedom with respect to how power can be recovered, exchanged and reused in the different functions, such as drivetrain or work functions. This results in more complex energy management strategies being derived. This paper presents an analysis and preliminary conclusions for a proposed method to derive optimised online energy management strategies for a hydraulic hybrid wheel loader. Dynamic programming is used to obtain optimal offline energy management strategies for a series of drive cycles. The results are used as examples to train a neural network. The trained neural network then implements the energy management strategy and is used to make optimised control decisions. Through simulation, the neural network’s ability to learn the dynamic programming decision-making process is shown, resulting in the machine operating with fuel consumption similar to that of the offline optimal energy management strategy. Aspects of simplicity to model these machines for dynamic programming optimisation, the data necessary to train the network, the training process, variables used to learn the dynamic programming decision-making process and the robustness of the network when facing unseen operational conditions are discussed. The paper demonstrates the simplicity of the method for taking into account variables that affect the control decisions, therefore achieving optimised solutions.
A New Elastic Non Contacting Sealing Concept for Valves
Authors: Matthias Scherrer , Rudolf Scheidl , Evgeny Luckachev
Published: October 2022

The hydraulic binary counter concept was proposed as a means to realize compact and lightweight digital hydraulic cylinder drives for exoskeleton actuation. This counter principle is based on hydraulically actuated switching valves which have a hysteretic response with respect to the pilot pressure. Manufacturing tolerances of the tiny components caused unexpected high leakage which, in turn, led to a malfunction of the system.

In this paper a new sealing concept, is introduced to solve this problem. It is based on a non-contact seal (sealing gap), which exploits a self-regulating, elasto-hydrodynamic effect to reduce a rather large initial gap h0 – to allow a rough tolerance – into a very small sealing gap h(x) to avoid dry friction of valve spool movement on the one hand but have very small leakage on the other hand.

As sealing, an annular flexible ring made, e.g. of PTFE, is used which combines sufficient flexibility to allow this self adapting mechanism to a sufficient extent and to stay the high pressure loads.

For the mathematical analysis of the concept, an approximate elasto-hydrodynamic analytical model is used. It sets the gap pressure, obtained from the Reynold’s equation for the sealing gap, the elastic restoring forces of the sealing ring, and the imparting pressure in equilibrium.

The sealing concept is then simulated with a numerical model built with the finite element code ABAQUS, this results are compared with the one of the analytical model.

It solves the Reynolds equation by a user defined subroutine. The simulation results indicate that this sealing principle delivers way better results than standard gap seals despite its rough manufacturing tolerances with one order of magnitude higher tolerance ranges. The application of this concept is not limited to small valves as needed for exoskeleton hydraulics but can be transferred to conventional type of hydraulics as well.
Range and Capacity Considerations for Terahertz-Systems for 6G Mobile and Wireless Communication
Authors: Mohr Werner
Published: October 2022

Discussions on research directions towards systems beyond 5G/6G have started. One of the potential elements of future mobile and wireless systems are new radio systems in the (sub)-Terahertz domain above 100 GHz for communication and sensing purposes. This paper is investigating potentially available frequency bands based on the ITU Radio Regulation, basic propagation conditions above 100 GHz including the different additional path loss contributions on top of distance dependent path loss such as atmospheric and rain attenuation, foliage and wall penetration loss. The impact on system performance like range and channel capacity is considered under idealized conditions at Shannon limit and demonstrated by indoor and outdoor, uplink and downlink scenarios. Radiation limits based on internationally accepted regulations are taken into account in scenarios, where humans are directly involved in the communication. In other scenarios less stringent requirements apply. The main purpose of this paper is to get an understanding from a system perspective of the relation between achievable data throughput versus range and system bandwidth for different propagation conditions and carrier frequency ranges and to investigate basic physical limits. This understanding helps in the identification of use cases, applications and economic considerations on system deployment.