bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Implementation of Restorative Justice Practices: What Does Six Years of Data Reveal About the Changes in the Reported Discipline Rates for African American Students?
Authors: Fallo Katie L , Larwin Karen H
Published: May 2022

African American students continue to be suspended at rates disproportionate to same-aged peers. The purpose of this study is to use empirical evidence to determine the associated influence of restorative justice (RJ) on a large urban district by studying discipline gap data for the 3 years before and after implementation. Results of the study indicate that since the implementation of RJ in the SFUSD, there has been a significant decrease in expulsions, but not in suspensions. Suspensions for African American students at the end of the 3-year implementation period mirrored the suspension rate reported the year before implementation.
Gender Differences in Adverse Psychosocial Outcomes among Family Caregivers: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bueno Michael V. , Chase Jo-Ana D.
Published: May 2022

This systematic review explores gender differences in adverse psychosocial and role-related outcomes of family caregivers of older adults with chronic illnesses. Data sources for the systematic review included CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar. Eligible primary research focused on examining gender-based differences in psychological and emotional outcomes (e.g., burden, depression, stress) among family caregivers of an older adult with chronic illness. In total, 16 studies were included in the review with most studies using a cross-sectional design and conducted outside of the United States. Studies reported on gender differences in health outcomes such as burden, stress, and anxiety. Women caregivers had overall higher negative outcomes, but men may have more intense difficulty during the initial caregiver transition phase. Resources to address caregiver health should consider the caregiver’s gender. As the older adult population grows, more caregiver research is needed and future studies to include more male caregivers.
Rigid polyurethane foam composites based on iron tailing: Thermal stability, flame retardancy and fire toxicity
Authors: Yang Yadong , Shen Haifeng , Luo Yuzhou , Zhang Renhui , Sun Junjie , Liu Xiuyu , Zong Zhifang , Tang Gang
Published: May 2022

In order to explore the potential utilization value of iron tailings, the typical solid waste-iron tailings was introduced into rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) as a flame retardant filler in this paper. The flame retardant performance, combustion performance, gas-phase products and char residue’s related properties of RPUF/ITS composites were systematically investigated by limiting oxygen index, thermogravimetric (TG), cone calorimetry (CCT) and thermogravimetric-infrared spectrometry (TG-FTIR). The results showed that ITS improved the overall thermal stability of the composites, and the T-5%, T-50%, Tmax1, Tmax2 and char residue rates were all higher than those of the pure samples. The CCT indicated that ITS had a certain effect on smoke suppression and heat release reduction. The peak heat release rate of RPUF-6 was reduced by 22.75% compared with that of the pure sample, and the total smoke release of RPUF-2 was reduced by 25.36%. Smoke factor (SF), fire growth rate index and fire performance index indicated that ITS reduced the fire risk of RPUF/ITS composites. TG-FTIR showed that ITS inhibited the decomposition of RPUF/ITS composites, and the release intensity of hydrocarbons, CO2, isocyanate compound, CO, aromatic compounds and esters decreased significantly. TG, MCC, scanning electron microscope and Raman implied that ITS promoted the formation of a dense char layer in RPUF and improved the heat resistance of the char layer.
Challenges of total knee arthroplasty in osteogenesis imperfecta: case report and literature review
Authors: Sponer Pavel , Korbel Martin , Kucera Tomas
Published: May 2022

The majority of adults with mild osteogenesis imperfecta report significant functional impairment due to musculoskeletal concerns. Knee osteoarthritis is common in these patients. Although total knee arthroplasty has become a highly efficient surgical technique for osteoarthritis, this procedure remains uncommon in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta. This current case report describes the important clinical aspects of osteogenesis imperfecta that must be considered during the planning and performance of a total knee replacement. A 62-year-old female patient with a history of osteogenesis imperfecta suffered from severe osteoarthritis of the knee with valgus deformity. Two years after posterior stabilized total knee arthroplasty, her Hospital for Special Surgery knee score had improved from preoperative 53 points to 85 points at the final follow-up. The current case report describes the crucial technical aspects of a successful total knee replacement in this uncommon scenario. Underlying deformities and concomitant pathologies constitute specific surgical challenges. Special care should be taken to protect the patient from potential complications.
Mechanistic analysis of erectile dysfunction in a depression rat model
Authors: Hong Zhi-ming , Chen Zi-long , Feng Jun-long , Wang Sheng-jie , Qiu Jun-feng , Zeng Yang-ling , Wang Quan , Wang Ji-sheng
Published: May 2022

Objective

Most men suffering from depression have different degrees of erectile dysfunction (ED), but the relationship between depression and ED is not clear. This study explored the effect of depression on erectile function in rats and the underlying mechanism.

Methods

The potential targets and key signaling pathways of depression and ED were predicted through bioinformatics analysis, and a depression rat model was established by inducing chronic restraint stress. Pathological changes in rat penis tissue were studied by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The serum dopamine level was quantified by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of related proteins and mRNA was detected by western blotting and real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed pathological damage in the penile tissue of the model group rats. The serum dopamine level, dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) and solute carrier family 6 member 3 (SLC6A3) protein levels in penile tissue, and DRD2 and SLC6A3 mRNA levels were lower in the model group than in the control group.

Conclusion

The decrease in erectile function in the depression rat model was related to dysfunction of the dopamine system and dopaminergic synapse signaling pathway.
Inflammasome assembly is required for intracellular formation of β2-microglobulin amyloid fibrils, leading to IL-1β secretion
Authors: Kaneko Naoe , Mori Wakako , Kurata Mie , Yamamoto Toshihiro , Zako Tamotsu , Masumoto Junya
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Dialysis-related amyloidosis (DRA) caused by β2-microgloblin (B2M) fibrils is a serious complication for patients with kidney failure on long-term dialysis. Deposition of B2M amyloid fibrils is thought to be due not only to serum extracellular B2M but also to infiltrating inflammatory cells, which may have an important role in B2M amyloid deposition in osteoarticular tissues in patients with DRA. Here, we asked whether B2M amyloid fibrils activate the inflammasome and contribute to formation and deposition of amyloid fibrils in cells.

Methods

Amyloid formation was confirmed by a thioflavin T (ThT) spectroscopic assay and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Activation of inflammasomes was assessed by detecting interleukin (IL)-1β in culture supernatants from human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293T cells ectopically expressing inflammasome components. IL-1β secretion was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression and co-localization were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and dual immunofluorescence microscopy.

Results

B2M amyloid fibrils interacted directly with NLRP3/Pyrin and to activate the NLRP3/Pyrin inflammasomes, resulting in IL-1β secretion. When HEK293T cells were transfected with inflammasome components NLRP3 or Pyrin, along with ASC, pro-caspase-1, pro-IL-1β, and B2M, ThT fluorescence intensity increased. This was accompanied by IL-1β secretion, which increased in line with the amount of transfected B2M. In this case, morphological glowing of amyloid fibrils was observed by SEM. In the absence of ASC, there was no increase in ThT fluorescence intensity or IL-1β secretion, or any morphological glowing of amyloid fibrils. NLRP3 or Pyrin and B2M were co-localized in a “speck” in HEK293T cells, and co-expressed in infiltrated monocytes/macrophages in the osteoarticular synovial tissues in a patient with DRA.

Conclusion

Taken together, these data suggest that inflammasome assembly is required for the subsequent triggering of intracellular formation of B2M amyloid fibrils, which may contribute to osteoarticular deposition of B2M amyloid fibrils and inflammation in patients with DRA.
Economic Evaluation of an Intervention to Prevent Adolescent Dating Violence (Me & You)
Authors: Weber Ellerie , Peskin Melissa F. , Markham Christine M. , Shegog Ross , Baumler Elizabeth R. , Addy Robert C. , Temple Jeff R. , Hernandez Belinda , Cuccaro Paula , Thiel Melanie A. , Gabay Efrat K. , Tortolero Emery Susan
Published: May 2022

Me & You: Building Healthy Relationships (Me & You) is a multilevel, technology-enhanced adolescent dating violence (DV) prevention program that aimed to reduce DV among ethnic-minority, early adolescent, urban youth. A group-randomized control trial of Me & You, conducted with 10 middle schools from a large urban school district in Southeast Texas in 2014–2015, found it to be effective in reducing DV perpetration and decreasing some forms of DV victimization. Economic evaluations of DV interventions are extremely limited, despite calls for more economic analyses to be incorporated in research. We help fill this gap by evaluating the cost-effectiveness from the payer and societal perspectives of implementing the Me & You program. Using cost data collected alongside the Me & You group-randomized trial, we computed incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. Our primary outcome was “any DV perpetrated” within 12 months of the intervention. We conducted a cost–benefit analysis beyond the intervention endpoint by using literature estimates of per-victim lifetime costs of DV. We performed sensitivity analyses to assess effects of uncertain parameters. Under the base-case scenario, the cost of the Me & You curriculum compared to the standard curriculum was $103.70 per-student from the societal perspective, and the effectiveness was 34.84 perpetrations averted, implying an incremental cost per perpetration averted of $2.98, which ranged from $0.48 to $73.24 in sensitivity analysis. Thus, we find the Me & You curriculum is cost-effective and cost-saving in most scenarios. Policymakers should carefully consider school-based DV prevention programs, and cost data should be regularly collected in adolescent prevention program evaluations.
Child Abuse and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury among Chinese Migrant Adolescents: The Moderating Roles of Beliefs About Adversity and Family Socioeconomic Status
Authors: Wang Quanquan , Liu Xia
Published: May 2022

Although research has indicated the association between child abuse and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), few studies have examined their relationship in a particular sample of Chinese rural-to-urban migrant adolescents who tend to experience parental abuse and engage in NSSI. More importantly, factors moderating the relationship between child abuse and migrant adolescents’ NSSI have been understudied. To address this issue, this study aimed to examine whether beliefs about adversity and family socioeconomic status (SES) moderated the longitudinal relationship between child abuse and NSSI in a sample of Chinese migrant adolescents. 308 Chinese rural-to-urban migrant adolescents (aged 10–14; 138 boys) completed the two-wave survey. Self-reported questionnaires regarding child abuse, NSSI, beliefs about adversity, and family SES were used. Results showed that child abuse was significantly positively related to NSSI a year later. Moreover, the interaction of child abuse, beliefs about adversity, and family SES was significant. Specifically, for migrant adolescents with low SES, positive beliefs about adversity played a protective role in the association between child abuse and NSSI; while for those with high SES, such beliefs showed vulnerability. Findings underscore the importance of considering multiple resilient factors simultaneously by examining beliefs about adversity and SES as the moderating mechanisms in the association between child abuse and NSSI. Findings also emphasize the significance of developing differential interventions targeting NSSI in abused Chinese migrant adolescents. Positive beliefs about adversity are important in buffering the negative effect of child abuse for migrant adolescents with low SES. For those with high SES, special attention should be given to the interactive impact of child abuse, beliefs about adversity, and family SES.
Testing heritability of moral foundations: Common pathway models support strong heritability for the five moral foundations
Authors: Zakharin Michael , Bates Timothy C
Published: May 2022

Moral Foundations Theory (MFT) predicts that moral behaviour reflects at least five foundational traits, each hypothesised to be heritable. Here, we report two independent twin studies (total n = 2020), using multivariate multi-group common pathway models to test the following three predictions from the MFT: (1) The moral foundations will show significant heritability; (2) The moral foundations will each be genetically distinct and (3) The clustering of moral concerns around individualising and binding domains will show significant heritability. Supporting predictions 1 and 3, Study 1 showed evidence for significant heritability of two broad moral factors corresponding to individualising and binding domains. In Study 2, we added the second dataset, testing replication of the Study 1 model in a joint approach. This further corroborated evidence for heritable influence, showed strong influences on the individualising and binding domains (h2 = 49% and 66%, respectively) and, partially supporting prediction 2, showed foundation-specific, heritable influences on Harm/Care, Fairness/Reciprocity and Purity/Sanctity foundations. A general morality factor was required, also showing substantial genetic effects (40%). These findings indicate that moral foundations have significant genetic bases. These influenced the individual foundations themselves as well as a general concern for the individual, for the group, and overall moral concern.
Numerical study on the rotational and machining accuracy of an end-milling process with spindles supported by aerostatic bearings
Authors: Shimada Keita , Wakabayashi Daisuke , Shimoyakawa Yuma , Kawada Shouhei , Miyatake Masaaki , Yoshimoto Shigeka
Published: May 2022

Aerostatic bearings are widely used for spindles in ultra-precision machining tools. These spindles consist of a pair of aerostatic thrust bearings and several aerostatic journal bearings. The rotational accuracy of aerostatic spindles depends largely on the arrangement and performance of the individual bearings, but the evaluation of the rotational accuracy is mainly carried out experimentally using a prototype machine, which poses challenges in terms of the time and cost of building a prototype. Therefore, a real need exists to evaluate the spindle characteristics by numerical calculation. In this study, we developed a method to numerically calculate the trajectory of the spindle rotator which is supported by aerostatic bearings. The method was developed to numerically investigate and determine the effects on the rotational accuracy of the spindle during end milling when the cutting force is applied to the rotating rotor. A comparison was made regarding the amount of runout of the rotating shaft when side milling was performed using a spindle with a shaft diameter of 22 mm and a small end mill with a diameter of 1 mm, concerning three different spindles with different arrangements of thrust and journal bearings. The effects of rotational speed, radial depth of cut, and the number of tool teeth on the runout of the rotating shaft were numerically verified. As a result, it was found that a spindle structure in which the thrust bearing is placed on the tool side and the journal bearing span is lengthened is desirable.
Decentralized robust preview control for uncertain continuous-time interconnected systems
Authors: Xie Hao , Liao Fucheng , Ye Fangwen , Sun Manxin
Published: May 2022

This paper investigates the problem of robust preview tracking control for uncertain continuous-time interconnected systems. We adopt the technology of decentralized control. The tracking controller for each uncertain isolated subsystem is first designed. With the help of an uncertain error system, the considered tracking problem is converted into a regulation problem. The preview tracking controller for the nominal system is obtained by utilizing existing results. A novel method is proposed to tackle the uncertainty in the systems. In this method, the uncertainty bound is incorporated into the cost function. As a result, the preview tracking controller of the nominal system can be treated as a robust preview controller of the uncertain isolated subsystem. Then, the controllers of the uncertain isolated subsystems are assembled as a robust preview controller of uncertain interconnected systems. Finally, an academic numerical example is presented to show the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed controller.
The Year in Review: Anesthesia for Congenital Heart Disease 2021
Authors: Ross Faith J , Joffe Denise C , Landsem Leah M , Latham Gregory J
Published: May 2022

This review focuses on the literature published during the calendar year 2021 that is of interest to anesthesiologists taking care of children and adults with congenital heart disease. Four major themes are discussed, including cardiovascular disease in children with COVID-19, aortic valve repair and replacement, bleeding and coagulation, and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS).
Deliberative democracy in contemporary political parties: Longitudinal evidence from Norway
Authors: Heidar Knut , Jupskås Anders R
Published: May 2022

Parties lose members, and organizational measures adopted to counter the alleged “crisis of parties” have often turned out to be counterproductive. In response to this development, scholars have argued that parties need to strengthen their deliberative capacity. Despite this (normative) claim, we know very little about levels of deliberation in contemporary parties. Based on unique longitudinal surveys among Norwegian party members between 1991 and 2017, the article analyzes levels of deliberative capacity across time and parties. The study finds a substantial level of deliberative capacity and that this capacity has been strengthened in recent decades. There is some inter-party variation, but it reflects the organizational origin of the parties only to a limited degree. The findings suggest that the deliberative capacity of political parties is far better than often assumed in the literature. Therefore, the study argues that “crisis” is a term unfit to describe recent developments in contemporary parties in Norway, and that membership figures alone are an insufficient indicator to measure the linkage potential of party organizations in democracies.
Mental health problems in refugee and immigrant primary school children in Flanders, Belgium
Authors: Kevers Ruth , Spaas Caroline , Colpin Hilde , Van Den Noortgate Wim , de Smet Sofie , Derluyn Ilse , De Haene Lucia
Published: May 2022

Background

European countries face the challenge of promoting refugee and immigrant children’s well-being within their host communities, invoking the necessity of adequate mental health assessment. This study aims to contribute to document the psychosocial well-being of primary school refugee and non-refugee immigrant children in Flanders, Belgium.

Method

A total of 120 children (8–12 years old) with migration backgrounds participated in the study. Through self-report, parent and teacher questionnaires we scrutinized externalizing and internalizing behavioral problems, post-traumatic stress problems, and classroom relationships.

Results

Thirty percent of the participants reported high levels of post-traumatic stress; around 25% reported a high or very high prevalence of internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems. Self-reported mental health problems are elevated in comparison to the general population. Refugee children did not report more difficulties than their immigrant peers. In the perception of parents and teachers, respectively 20% and 5% of children showed high or very high amounts of internalizing and externalizing behavioral difficulties. Almost 70% of the participants perceived the class climate as unsafe.

Conclusions

Refugee and immigrant children are at risk for mental health difficulties, and experience classroom dynamics as markedly distressful. School-based intervention might be particularly suited to support these children’s psychosocial well-being in resettlement.
Plasma proteomics reveals an improved cardio-metabolic profile in patients with type 2 diabetes post-liraglutide treatment
Authors: Ekhzaimy Aishah A , Masood Afshan , Benabdelkamel Hicham , Elhassan Tasnem , Musambil Mohthash , Alfadda Assim A
Published: May 2022

Background

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic multisystem disease with a high global prevalence, including in Saudi Arabia. The Glucagon-like Peptide (GLP-1) receptor agonist liraglutide is known to lower glucose levels, reduce weight and improve cardiovascular outcome. However, mechanisms underlying the benefits of liraglutide treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remain unclear.

Methods

In the present study, a 2D-DIGE MALDI-TOF mass spectrometric approach combined with bioinformatics and network pathway analysis explore the plasma proteomic profile. The study involved 20 patients with T2DM with mean age of 54.4 ± 9.5 years and Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) between 8% and 11% (inclusive).

Results

A statistically significant change ( p < .006) was observed in HbA1c with no significant changes in body weight, renal function, or markers of dyslipidemia post-treatment with liraglutide. 2 D-DIGE gel analysis identified significant changes (⩾1.5-fold change, Analysis of variance (ANOVA), p ⩽ 0.05) in 72 proteins, (62 down and 10 up) in liraglutide pre-treatment compared to the post-treatment state. Proteins identified in our study were found to regulate metabolic processes including acute phase response proteins, enzymes, apolipoproteins with involvement of the inflammatory signaling pathways, NF-κB, AKT, and p38 MAPK

Conclusion

Liraglutide treatment decreased levels of acute phase response that to reduce the systemic chronic inflammatory state and oxidative stress, and eventually improve the cardio-metabolic profile in these patients.
Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Motor Symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Ruoyu , He Yijing , Qin Wenting , Zhang Zhuoyu , Su Junhui , Guan Qiang , Chen Yuhui , Jin Lingjing
Published: May 2022

Background

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique that has been closely examined as a possible treatment for Parkinson’s disease (PD). Owing to various rTMS protocols and results, the optimal mode and suitable PD symptoms have yet to be established.

Objectives

This study intends to systematically evaluate the efficacy of rTMS intervention and identify optimal stimulation protocol of rTMS for specific motor symptoms.

Methods

PubMed and web of Science databases were searched before January 2022. Eligible studies included sham-controlled and randomized clinical trials of rTMS intervention for motor dysfunction in patients with PD. Standard mean difference (SMD) was calculated with random-effects models. The effects of rTMS on motor symptoms were mainly estimated by the UPDRS-III.

Results

A total of 1172 articles were identified, of which 32 articles met the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. The pooled evidence suggested that rTMS relieves motor symptoms of patients with PD (SMD 0.64, 95%CI [0.47, 0.80]). High frequency stimulation on M1 is the most effective mode of intervention (SMD 0.79, 95%CI [0.52, 1.07]). HF rTMS has significant therapeutic effects on limbs motor function (SMD 1.93, 95%CI [0.73, 3.12] for upper limb function and SMD 0.88, 95%CI [0.43, 1.33] for lower limb function), akinesia (SMD 1.17, 95%CI [0.43, 1.92), rigidity (SMD 1.02, 95%CI [0.12, 1.92]) and tremor(SMD 0.91, 95%CI [0.15, 1.67]).

Conclusion

rTMS therapy is an effective treatment for motor symptoms of PD and the individualized stimulation protocols for different symptoms would further improve its clinical efficacy.
Skills Technology Foresight in Practice: The Case of the Atlas of New Professions of Kazakhstan
Authors: Nurbek Sayasat , Sagatov Yerbol , Sweeney John A.
Published: May 2022

In order to meet the demands of building a workforce prepared to confront 21st century challenges, Kazakhstan initiated a national project guided by the International Labor Organization’s (ILO) efforts to bridge the gap between educational systems and the labor market. The “Atlas of New Professions of Kazakhstan” utilizes a Skills Technology Foresight methodology developed originally by the SKOLKOVO Education Development Center in partnership with the ILO. This article reflects not only on key results of the project but also on the process of engaging a wide array of stakeholders on the impacts and implications of new and emerging technologies as well as some of the methodological implications of engaging in such work. Outcomes from this project have ramifications for national labor and education policy with specific attention as to how students and families can make future-oriented career choices.
Contested fandom and nationalism: How K-Pop fans perform political consumerism in China
Authors: Wang Eureka Shiqi
Published: May 2022

In post-THAAD period, anti-Hallyu sentiments in China have never faded out, exemplified by outbursts of anger from staunch nationalists. Social media has been considered by scholars as a force for fandom nationalism, meaning that the nation is an idol for online nationalists to love. Worshiping different idols from the nationalists, K-pop fans in China appear to take on the self-effacing ethos, while, their enthusiasm towards Hallyu has never been incinerated. This study sets out with how Chinese K-pop fans behave as deliberate consumers of Hallyu despite the authorities’ informal tamping down on South Korean media products and domestic nationalists’ constant outpouring of anti-Hallyu sentiments. After conducting digital ethnography on Weibo, this study finds that consumerism is political and employed by China’s K-pop fandom as a unique form of fan activism, while it also works as a safety valve for them to negotiate with the nationalists without undercutting the ideology.
Achieving High Strength-plasticity of Nanoscale Lamellar Grain Extracted from Gradient Lamellar Nickel
Authors: Wang Zimeng , Jia Yunfei , Zhang Yong , Tang Pei , Zhang Xiancheng , Tu Shantung
Published: May 2022

Traditional metallic materials usually face a dilemma between high strength and poor strain hardening capacity. However, heterogeneous structured metallic materials have been found to obviously overcome the trade-off. Herein, gradient lamellar structure was fabricated through ultrasound-aided deep rolling technique in pure Ni with high stacking fault energy after heat treatment. The gradient lamellar Ni was successively divided into the four regions. In-situ micropillar compression tests were conducted in different regions to reveal the corresponding microscopic mechanical properties. Microscopic characterization techniques were performed to explore underlying deformation mechanisms and the effects of microstructural parameters on deformation behaviors. This work demonstrates that the micropillar with near nanoscale lamellar thickness possesses excellent strength and plasticity. On one hand, the reason for high strength of near nanoscale micropillar is that the strength of micropillar increases with the decrease of lamellar thickness according to the Hall-Petch effect. On the other hand, numerous lamellar grain boundaries perpendicular to the loading direction is found to hinder the motion of slip bands, resulting in great strain hardening capacity in the near nanoscale lamellar micropillar.
Pseudo-tumor renal tuberculosis: a case report
Authors: El Gdaouni Abdelaziz , Ziouziou Imad
Published: May 2022

Background

Renal lesion is a very frequent location of tuberculosis disease, the diagnosis of which is often difficult and delayed due to its atypical clinical presentations, especially in its pseudo-tumoral form.

Case presentation

Patient of 54 year old was referred after a kidney mass was found on an abdominal ultrasound. In addition, the patient reported the notion of minimal intermittent low back pain with weight loss. On computed tomography, it was a nodular lesion of the superior pole of the right kidney, and it has a heterogeneous density and a suspicious appearance. A total nephrectomy was performed by subcostal incision. Pathological examination of the specimen revealed the presence of diffuse gigantocellular granulomas with caseous necrosis suggestive of renal tuberculosis.

Conclusion

Despite the rarity of this form, renal tuberculosis should always be thought in order to avoid radical treatment.
Joint interactions of carbon and nitrogen metabolism dominated by bicarbonate and nitrogen in Orychophragmus violaceus and Brassica napus under simulated karst habitats
Authors: Xia Antong , Wu Yanyou
Published: May 2022

Karst habitats are uniquely characterized by high bicarbonate, high nitrate, and low ammonium, which are in-conducive to their growth and biodiversity. The occurrence of inorganic carbon and nitrogen in karst soil profoundly affects the carbon/nitrogen metabolism and adaptability of plants. However, there has been no final conclusion to the joint interactions of carbon and nitrogen metabolism in plants under karst habitats. In this study, we selected a karst-adaptable plant Orychophragmus violaceus (Ov), and a non-karst-adaptable plant Brassica napus (Bn) as experimental plants, and compared their joint effects of carbon and nitrogen metabolism under simulated karst habitats. It was found that the two species had different joint effects of carbon and nitrogen metabolisms. Bicarbonate and nitrate joint promoted photosynthetic activity and glucose metabolism, facilitating the carbon/nitrogen metabolism and growth of Ov, but their impacts on the carbon and nitrogen metabolism were insignificant in Bn. Bicarbonate and ammonium joint inhibited the photosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism, but promoted water use efficiency in Ov, leading to its enhance of growth reduction, ammonium toxicity alleviation, and drought resistance, while they inhibited the water use efficiency of Bn. In general, bicarbonate and nitrate/ammonium more significantly joint affected the carbon and nitrogen metabolism in Ov than Bn, which is vital for Ov to adapt to karst habitats.
Focal points of preanesthesia evaluations for electroconvulsive therapy in patients with depression: a retrospective analysis of clinical characteristics in nonremission
Authors: Zou Lei , Li Xiao , Chen Qibin , Lv Feng , Min Su
Published: May 2022

Background

This study explored the patient clinical characteristics that may affect electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) efficacy to enable improved focus during evaluations and preparation for ECT.

Methods

Patients were enrolled for ECT at the Department of Psychiatry and Anesthesiology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from December 2017 to January 2019. The primary outcome in our study was defined as the development of nonremission. A multivariate logistic analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for nonremission.

Results

In total, 874 depressed patients were included in the study. After the ECT treatment, 255 cases (29.2%) exhibited nonremission. A multivariate logistic regression analysis of the variables was performed, and the results showed that atherosclerosis (OR 8.072, 95% CI 2.442 to 16.675; P = 0.001), COPD (OR 2.919, 95% CI 1.240 to 6.871; P = 0.014), diabetes (OR 2.202, 95% CI 1.115 to 4.348; P = 0.023) and smoking (OR 1.519, 95% CI 1.015 to 2.273; P = 0.042) were independent risk factors for nonremission.

Conclusion

In the retrospective analysis, we found that atherosclerosis, diabetes, COPD and smoking may be high-risk factors for nonremission.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus and cognitive decline in older adults in Germany – results from a population-based cohort
Authors: Xie Kun , Perna Laura , Schöttker Ben , Kliegel Matthias , Brenner Hermann , Mons Ute
Published: May 2022

Background

A large body of evidence supports a link between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cognitive function, including dementia. However, longitudinal studies on the association between T2DM and decline of cognitive function are scarce and reported mixed results, and we hence set out to investigate the cross-sectional and longitudinal association between T2DM and global as well as domain-specific cognitive performance.

Methods

We used multivariable regression models to assess associations of T2DM with cognitive performance and cognitive decline in a subsample of a population-based prospective cohort study (ESTHER). This subsample (n = 732) was aged 70 years and older and had participated in telephone-based cognitive function assessment (COGTEL) measuring global and domain-specific cognitive performance during the 5- and 8-year follow-up.

Results

Total COGTEL scores of patients with prevalent T2DM were 27.4 ± 8.3 and 29.4 ± 8.7 at the 5- and 8-year measurements, respectively, and were roughly two points lower than those of T2DM-free participants after adjustment for age and sex. In cross-sectional models, after adjustment for several potential confounders, performance in verbal short-term and long-term memory tasks was statistically significantly lower in participants with T2DM, but the association was attenuated after further adjustment for vascular risk factors. The difference in total COGTEL scores reflecting global cognitive function by T2DM status after full adjustment for confounders and vascular risk factors was equivalent to a decrement in global cognitive function associated with a four-year age difference. In longitudinal models, a statistically significantly stronger cognitive decline in patients with T2DM was observed for working memory.

Conclusions

In this sample of older individuals, T2DM was associated with worse performance and stronger decline in a cognitive function test. Memory-related domains were found to be particularly sensitive to T2DM. Further large-scale prospective studies are needed to clarify potential T2DM-related predictors of cognitive decline and possible consequences on the abilities to perform patient self-management tasks in diabetes care.
The first case of cholecytitis caused by Aggregatibacter kilianii in Korea
Authors: Yang Dahae , Kim Chang-Ki , Park Junja , Song Na Yeong , Lee Yunna , Lee Woonhyoung
Published: May 2022

Background

The bacterial genus Aggregatibacter was categorized in 2006 to accommodate the former Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Haemophilus aphrophilus, and H. segnis species. Aggregatibacter kilianii is a normal resident of the human upper respiratory tract but can also cause serious infections. A. kilianii is relatively newly identified and has been isolated from conjunctivitis, wounds, abdominal abscesses, and blood.

Case presentation

An 80-year-old female patient with distal common bile duct cancer was admitted to our hospital with sudden loss of consciousness and general weakness, fever, and abdominal pain for 3 days. Two colonial morphologies were isolated from both the blood and bile cultures; one was identified as Streptococcus constellatus subsp. pharyngis, but the other was not recognized by Vitek2 and MALDI-TOF. The 16 S rRNA sequences showed 99.73% similarity with the sequence of A. kilianii strains.

Conclusion and discussion

This article presents the first case of a clinical isolate of A.kilianii outside Europe. This case is also the first of the antimicrobial profile of this strain. This report highlights the importance of proper molecular identification for timely diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Deep learning-based automated segmentation of eight brain anatomical regions using head CT images in PET/CT
Authors: Wang Tong , Xing Haiqun , Li Yige , Wang Sicong , Liu Ling , Li Fang , Jing Hongli
Published: May 2022

Objective

We aim to propose a deep learning-based method of automated segmentation of eight brain anatomical regions in head computed tomography (CT) images obtained during positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scans. The brain regions include basal ganglia, cerebellum, hemisphere, and hippocampus, all split into left and right.

Materials and methods

We enrolled patients who underwent both PET/CT imaging (with an extra head CT scan) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The segmentation of eight brain regions in CT was achieved by using convolutional neural networks (CNNs): DenseVNet and 3D U-Net. The same segmentation task in MRI was performed by using BrainSuite13, which was a public atlas label method. The mean Dice scores were used to assess the performance of the CNNs. Then, the agreement and correlation of the volumes of the eight segmented brain regions between CT and MRI methods were analyzed.

Results

18 patients were enrolled. Four of the eight brain regions obtained high mean Dice scores (> 0.90): left (0.978) and right (0.912) basal ganglia and left (0.945) and right (0.960) hemisphere. Regarding the agreement and correlation of the brain region volumes between two methods, moderate agreements were observed on the left (ICC: 0.618, 95% CI 0.242, 0.835) and right (ICC: 0.654, 95% CI 0.298, 0.853) hemisphere. Poor agreements were observed on the other regions. A moderate correlation was observed on the right hemisphere (Spearman’s rho 0.68, p = 0.0019). Lower correlations were observed on the other regions.

Conclusions

The proposed deep learning-based method performed automated segmentation of eight brain anatomical regions on head CT imaging in PET/CT. Some regions obtained high mean Dice scores and the agreement and correlation results of the segmented region volumes between two methods were moderate to poor.
Motivation for protection in sexual relationship during the COVID-19 quarantine: analysis of the sociodemographic variables of the Iranian population
Authors: Maasoumi Raziyeh , Kazemi Sara , Haghani Shima , Zarei Fatemeh
Published: May 2022

Background

Coronavirus is an infectious disease that has affected sexual life. Sexual activity has decreased for many people, and couples' physical contact has reduced. The present study aimed to determine the sexual relationship of Iranian people and related factors during the Corona home quarantine by focusing on all constructs of the protective motivation theory.

Methods

This cross-sectional online survey was conducted on Iranian people under in-home quarantine from July to December 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. Seven hundred sixteen people were selected by the convenience sampling method. The data was gathered by an ad-hoc tool consisting of demographic information and sexual relationship regarding protection motivation behavior in the Covid-19 pandemic. Participants should be able to complete the online questionnaire because the questionnaires were completed online. One-way ANOVA, independent T, and Pearson correlation tests were used to analyze the data in SPSS 16 software.

Results

Findings indicate the average age of the participants was 37.78 + 8.34 years. Most of them were women (%85.1), married (%91.3) and had a university education (%90.2). In addition, %42.5% of participants had Full-time jobs and %34.2 lived in Tehran. 49.9% obtained information about corona from TV. 63.3% of the participants and their spouses did not catch Covid-19. Employment status was the only variable that was significantly different from sexual relationships regarding protection motivation (p = 0.031). Perceived response efficiency with an average of 79.12 had the highest, and perceived self-efficacy with an average of 69.92 had the lowest mean score among the areas of sexual relationship. Among the protection motivation domains of sexual behavior that all had significant correlations, there was no significant correlation between perceived severity and perceived self-efficacy (p = 0.067).

Conclusion and implication

Perceived vulnerability is associated with employment status, place of residence, and age. Sexual relationships regarding protection motivations are only associated with employment status. Overall, participants in the present study reported high levels of perceived severity, perceived vulnerability, perceived response efficiency, and perceived costs Therefore, they reported a high level of motivation for protective and preventive behaviors in their sexual relationship. Our findings suggest that future interventions should focus on general cognition by developing appropriate knowledge about the severity and vulnerability of Covid-19 and sexual behaviors, improving perceived response efficiency, and self-efficacy of protective behavior through skills training.
Simple tuberculosis screening tool using signs, symptoms, and risk factors to reduce the missed opportunity in the older population
Authors: Hidayat Agus , Murti Bhisma , Soedarsono Soedarsono , Harsini  , Wahyuni Chatarina Umbul , Qodrijati Isna
Published: May 2022

Background

There is a growing concern on how to increase tuberculosis (TB) case detection in resource-poor settings. The healthcare facilities routinely providing services to the elderly for chronic diseases often failed to detect TB cases, causing a missed opportunity. This study aimed to develop a simple and sensitive screening tool using signs, symptoms, and risk factors for TB case detection in the elderly.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study conducted from August to December 2020. A random sample of 302 subjects was taken from the elderly aged ≥ 60 years attending the outpatient polyclinic at Mangunharjo hospital, Madiun, East Java, Indonesia, for a chronic disease problem. The test was developed using 16 TB signs, symptoms, and risk factors. Test performance was assessed by comparing it against the GeneXpert MTB/RIF.

Results

Marginal analysis resulted in the optimal cut-point of ≥ 7 for the test, which gave an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.62, with the maximum marginal AUC of 0.04 (p < 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity were 60.26% and 64.29%, meaning 60 TB cases for every 100 elderly with TB would be otherwise left undetected if this screening test did not take place.

Conclusion

A simple TB screening tool with moderate sensitivity and AUC has been developed using TB signs, symptoms, and risk factors. It can be used as an initial step of the systematic TB screening in the elderly visiting healthcare facilities for routine chronic disease examination, with the additional utility of reducing the missed opportunity.
Upregulation of TGF-β-induced HSP27 by HSP90 inhibitors in osteoblasts
Authors: Kuroyanagi Gen , Tokuda Haruhiko , Fujita Kazuhiko , Kawabata Tetsu , Sakai Go , Kim Woo , Hioki Tomoyuki , Tachi Junko , Matsushima-Nishiwaki Rie , Otsuka Takanobu , Iida Hiroki , Kozawa Osamu
Published: May 2022

Background

Heat shock protein (HSP) 90 functions as a molecular chaperone and is constitutively expressed and induced in response to stress in many cell types. We have previously demonstrated that transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), the most abundant cytokine in bone cells, induces the expression of HSP27 through Smad2, p44/p42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), p38 MAPK, and stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK) in mouse osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. This study investigated the effects of HSP90 on the TGF-β-induced HSP27 expression and the underlying mechanism in mouse osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells.

Methods

Clonal osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells were treated with the HSP90 inhibitors and then stimulated with TGF-β. HSP27 expression and the phosphorylation of Smad2, p44/p42 MAPK, p38 MAPK, and SAPK/JNK were evaluated by western blot analysis.

Result

HSP90 inhibitors 17-dimethylaminoethylamino-17-demethoxy-geldanamycin (17-DMAG) and onalespib significantly enhanced the TGF-β-induced HSP27 expression. TGF-β inhibitor SB431542 reduced the enhancement by 17-DMAG or onalespib of the TGF-β-induced HSP27 expression levels. HSP90 inhibitors, geldanamycin, onalespib, and 17-DMAG did not affect the TGF-β-stimulated phosphorylation of Smad2. Geldanamycin did not affect the TGF-β-stimulated phosphorylation of p44/p42 MAPK or p38 MAPK but significantly enhanced the TGF-β-stimulated phosphorylation of SAPK/JNK. Onalespib also increased the TGF-β-stimulated phosphorylation of SAPK/JNK. Furthermore, SP600125, a specific inhibitor for SAPK/JNK, significantly suppressed onalespib or geldanamycin’s enhancing effect of the TGF-β-induced HSP27 expression levels.

Conclusion

Our results strongly suggest that HSP90 inhibitors upregulated the TGF-β-induced HSP27 expression and that these effects of HSP90 inhibitors were mediated through SAPK/JNK pathway in osteoblasts.
Surgical planning of osteotomies around the knee differs between preoperative standing and supine radiographs in nearly half of cases
Authors: Nejima Shuntaro , Kumagai Ken , Yamada Shunsuke , Sotozawa Masaichi , Kumagai Dan , Yamane Hironori , Inaba Yutaka
Published: May 2022

Background

To evaluate the difference in surgical planning of osteotomies around the knee between preoperative standing and supine radiographs and to identify risk factors for discrepancies in surgical planning.

Methods

This study included 117 knees of 100 patients who underwent osteotomies around the knee for knee osteoarthritis with genu varum. Surgical planning was performed so that the target point of the postoperative weight-bearing line (WBL) ratio was 62.5% in preoperative standing and supine radiographs. If the opening gap would be > 13 mm in open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO), closed-wedge HTO (CWHTO) was planned. If the postoperative mMPTA would be > 95° in isolated HTO, double-level osteotomy (DLO) was planned. In DLO, lateral closed-wedge distal femoral osteotomy was performed so that the postoperative mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA) was 85°, and any residual varus deformity was corrected with HTO.

Results

Surgical planning differed between standing and supine radiographs in 43.6% of cases. In all knees for which surgical planning differed between standing and supine radiographs, a more invasive type of osteotomy was suggested by standing radiographs than by supine radiographs. The risk factors for discrepancies in surgical planning were a lower WBL ratio in standing radiographs and a lower joint line convergence angle in supine radiographs.

Conclusions

Surgical planning of DLO, CWHTO and OWHTO, in standing radiographs differed from that in supine radiographs in nearly half of the cases. Surgical planning based on standing radiographs leads to more invasive surgical procedures compared to supine radiographs.