bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advanced landing gear fibre Bragg grating sensing and monitoring system
Authors: Grooteman Frank , Goutagny Raphaël , Davies Chris , van Leest Thijs , Platt Ian , Symons Jerry
Published: June 2022

In this paper an advanced optical-based landing gear load sensing and monitoring system is presented. The system measures strains using fibre Bragg grating sensor that are converted into loads and torque at the landing gear wheels and provides this data for use by the aircraft systems for integration with aircraft health monitoring, hard landing detection, flight management, flight controls and ground controls. A complete sensing system was developed in the European Union Clean Sky 2 Joint Technology Initiative Advanced Landing Gear Sensing and Monitoring (ALGeSMo), described herein. This involved: the integration of optical fibres into a composite structure, the development of an optical harness (cabling and connectors) meeting aircraft installation requirements, the readout of the optical fibre sensors with state-of-the-art miniature optoelectronics and the processing and communication of the data. Apart from specific tests on the various components, a bespoke test rig was developed to rigorously test the whole sensing and monitoring system on an A320 main landing gear slider tube to validate the performance of the system. The system-level tests performed on the test rig showed a very good correlation with applied actuator loads and additional conventional strain and temperature sensors. It demonstrates that loads along all three axis of the landing gear and the torque about the wheel axle can be accurately measured. Tests performed at cold and elevated temperatures, however, revealed that the generally applied one-dimensional temperature compensation equation is not accurate enough for this application, due to the non-uniform non-stationary temperature field. The ALGeSMo research activities have advanced the state of the art in several key areas for the deployment of optical sensing systems for safety-critical applications, such as integration of optical fibres into composite material, robust optical connections, avionic-compliant optical interrogator and landing gear load measurement up to technology readiness level technology readiness level 5.
Mechanisms and Prediction Model of Load-carrying Capacity in Staggered Perforated RC Flanged Shear Walls
Authors: Liu Qizhou , Wang Yueyu , Zhang Lu , Qian Kai , Li Hongyu , Lin Yuhan
Published: June 2022

In order to understand the loading path and further anticipate the bearing capacity of the staggered perforated RC flanged shear walls, this paper proposed an improved strut-and-tie model and perforated reduction coefficient based on the theoretical and numerical analysis. The finite element model has been validated experimentally. The parametric study was conducted numerically to investigate the influence of shear-span ratio, axial compression load ratio, flange, dimension of perforation, and the additional rebar on the seismic performance of shear walls. When the ratio of perforation area to the wall is ranged from 10% to 26%, the proposed strut-and-tie model can effectively predict the loading path and the lateral ultimate bearing capacity with the different combinations of shear-span ratio and axial compression load ratio; however, if the ratio of the perforation area is either lower than 10% or higher than 26%, the proposed strut-and-tie model is not applicable. While the perforated reduction coefficient can be used to calculate the lateral ultimate bearing capacity of the perforated shear wall.
Distal Perfusion With Modified Centrifugal Pump Circuit in Thoracic and Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair
Authors: Ertugay Serkan , Apaydin Anil Z. , Karaca Sedat , Ergi Defne G. , Posacioglu Hakan
Published: June 2022

Objective

The left heart bypass is currently the most frequent adjunct to provide distal aortic perfusion during aortic clamping. However, closed-circuits cannot respond to sudden hemodynamic fluctuations during aortic clamping which may lead to complications. In this report, we aim to give the technical aspects of reservoir-added centrifugal pump circuit system, its implementation and the clinical outcomes.

Methods

Between 2002 and 2020, the data of 35 patients underwent aortic aneurysm repair with the use of modified pump circuit were analyzed. The mean age was 53.4 years (range 24-73) and 91.4% of all was male. Preoperative demographics, intraoperative pump data and postoperative clinical outcomes were reported.

Results

Thoracoabdominal incision was used in 22 patients (62.9%) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage catheter was placed in 15 patients (42.9%). The left inferior pulmonary vein for outflow and the left femoral artery for inflow cannulation were used preferably. Median duration of pump support was 50 mins (13-121) in the cohort. The median transfusion of red packed cells was 2 units. Renal failure was observed in two patients and permanent paraplegia in one patient. Only one patient died in the elective group (1/34) and one patient in the emergent.

Conclusions

The reservoir-added centrifugal pump is an effective, practical, and flexible perfusion system which should be in the armamentarium of surgeons in order to solve difficult problems during open repair of descending and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.
(De)Colonizing Pedagogy: Possibilities and Tensions in Undergraduate Transformative Learning Through Simulation
Authors: Carrick-Hagenbarth Jessica , Maton Rhiannon M.
Published: June 2022

This article employs transformative learning and decolonial theories to investigate the efficacy of simulation pedagogy for undergraduate student learning about refugees and the internally displaced. The simulation of refugee experience was adapted from the Doctors Without Borders’ Forced From Home exhibit and facilitated by an experienced affiliate for eighty-nine education and economics undergraduate students. Data include surveys, debriefing discussions, and written reflections. We ask: Does simulation pedagogy support transformative learning toward the decolonial goals of recognizing and deconstructing current power relations? How or how not? Overall, we find that simulation pedagogy successfully supports initial stages of transformative learning through engaging a combination of kinesthetic (body), affective (heart), and cognitive (mind) realms to shift students’ perspectives and knowledge. Through a decolonial lens, we chronicle the strengths and limitations of transformative learning processes and find that the simulation pedagogy achieved a combination of colonial and decolonial purposes.
Concerns, beliefs and attitudes of pharmacists and pharmacy students on cannabis use in Canada
Authors: Vaillancourt Régis , Dhalla Rahim , Merks Piotr , Lougheed Taylor , Goldfield Gary , Mansell Holly , Cameron Jameason
Published: June 2022

Background:

Since cannabis has been legalized in Canada for medical and recreational use, there has been an increased demand on pharmacists for cannabis counselling. The objective of this study was to determine the concerns, beliefs and attitudes of Canadian pharmacists and pharmacy students towards using cannabis.

Methods:

An online survey was synthesized under 3 broad themes: concerns, beliefs and attitudes about cannabis, consisting of 27 questions capturing demographics and Likert scale responding to survey questions. We examined whether there were differences in responses by geographic location (i.e., Ontario, Quebec, Canada), sex or practice setting (i.e., community, hospital).

Results:

Across Canada, there were 654 survey respondents, with 399 in Ontario and 95 in Quebec. Approximately 24% indicated they had used cannabis since legalization, 69% indicated they believed cannabis should be available for medical and recreational use and 34% indicated their perceptions towards cannabis had become more positive since legalization. Relative to Quebec or the rest of Canada, respondents from Ontario were significantly more likely to be comfortable providing counselling to and answering questions of patients on the safety and efficacy of medical cannabis use. Examining sex differences across Canada, male respondents were more comfortable than female counselling patients on the safety and efficacy of medical cannabis.

Conclusion:

The current results reinforce the perceived need by pharmacists and pharmacy students for targeted education, and future research in cannabis education should consider potential gender differences in attitudes and beliefs surrounding cannabis therapy.
Management of conflict injuries to the upper limb. Part 2: reconstruction and managing complications
Authors: Roberts Darren C. , Jose Rajive M. , Duraku Liron S. , Wordsworth Matthew , Foster Mark , Mortiboy Deborah , Sellon Edward , Stapley Sarah A. , Power Dominic M.
Published: June 2022

This is the second of a two-part review article on the management of conflict injuries, focused on the reconstructive strategies for bone, nerve and soft tissue and to provide guidance on assessing and managing common complications associated with complex upper limb injuries. Following assessment and early surgical management, the conflict casualty will require further wound evaluation and planning prior to definitive reconstruction of limb injuries. Surgical management of the upper limb injury should aim, where possible, to preserve the limb and allow functional reconstruction. The principles of the second look procedure are to assess wound progression, further reduce the risk of infection and plan definitive reconstruction with adequate soft tissue cover. The prerequisites for successful surgical reconstruction are a stable patient, combined orthoplastic surgery expertise supported by physiotherapists and hand therapists.
The Starcraft of Intimacy
Authors: Jones Stacy H. , Harris Daniel X.
Published: June 2022

In this poetic autoethnographic essay, we explore how the object of the caravan is a site and home for the creation of queer subjectivities and relations with the more-than-human world. As a queer object of resistance, the caravan opens us up to both the beautiful and the monstrous in our worlds and ourselves. 1
Inversion Effect of Hand Postures: Effect of Visual Experience Over Long and Short Term
Authors: Tao Weidong , Xu Zhen , Zhao Dongchi , Wang Chao , Wang QiangQiang , Britt Noah , Tao Xaoli , Sun Hong-jin
Published: June 2022

Some researchers argue that holistic processing is unique to face recognition supported by the face inversion effect. However, findings such as the body inversion effect challenge the face processing-specificity hypothesis, thus supporting the expertise hypothesis. Few studies have explored a possible hand inversion effect which could involve special processing similar to the face and body. We conducted four experiments to investigate the time course and flexibility of the hand posture inversion effect. We utilized a same/different discrimination task (Experiments 1 and 2), an identification task (Experiment 3), and a training paradigm involving the exposure of different hand orientations (Experiment 4). The results show the hand posture inversion effect (with fingers up as upright orientation) was not initially observed during the early phase of testing, but occurred in later phases. This suggests that both lifetime experience and recent exposure affect the hand posture inversion effect. We also found the hand posture inversion effect, once established, was stable across days and remained consistent across different tasks. In addition, the hand posture inversion effect for specific orientations could be obtained with short-term training of a given orientation, indicating the cognitive process is flexible.
Early versus Late initiation of direct oral Anticoagulants in post-ischaemic stroke patients with atrial fibrillatioN (ELAN): Protocol for an international, multicentre, randomised-controlled, two-arm, open, assessor-blinded trial
Authors: Fischer Urs , Trelle Sven , Branca Mattia , Salanti Georgia , Paciaroni Maurizio , Ferrari Cecilia , Abend Stefanie , Beyeler Seraina , Strbian Daniel , Thomalla Götz , Ntaios George , Bonati Leo H , Michel Patrik , Nedeltchev Krassen , Gattringer Thomas , Sandset Else Charlotte , Kelly Peter , Lemmens Robin , Koga Masatoshi , Sylaja Padmavathy N , de Sousa Diana Aguiar , Bornstein Natan M , Gdovinova Zuzana , Seiffge David J , Gralla Jan , Horvath Thomas , Dawson Jesse
Published: June 2022

Rationale:

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) are highly effective in preventing ischaemic strokes in people with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, it is unclear how soon they should be started after acute ischaemic stroke (AIS). Early initiation may reduce early risk of recurrence but might increase the risk of haemorrhagic complications.

Aim:

To estimate the safety and efficacy of early initiation of DOACs compared to late guideline-based initiation in people with AIS related to AF.

Methods and design:

An international, multicentre, randomised (1:1) controlled, two-arm, open, assessor-blinded trial is being conducted. Early treatment is defined as DOAC initiation within 48 h of a minor or moderate stroke, or at day 6–7 following major stroke. Late treatment is defined as DOAC initiation after day 3–4 following minor stroke, after day 6–7 following moderate stroke and after day 12–14 following major stroke. Severity of stroke is defined according to imaging assessment of infarct size.

Sample size:

ELAN will randomise 2000 participants 1:1 to early versus late initiation of DOACs. This assumes a risk difference of 0.5% favouring the early arm, allowing an upper limit of the 95% confidence interval up to 1.5% based on the Miettinen & Nurminen formula.

Outcomes:

The primary outcome is a composite of symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage, major extracranial bleeding, recurrent ischaemic stroke, systemic embolism or vascular death at 30 ± 3 days after randomisation. Secondary outcomes include the individual components of the primary outcome at 30 ± 3 and 90 ± 7 days and functional status at 90 ± 7 days.

Discussion:

ELAN will estimate whether there is a clinically important difference in safety and efficacy outcomes following early anticoagulation with a DOAC compared to late guideline-based treatment in neuroimaging-selected people with an AIS due to AF.
The local state’s repertoires of governance strategies for the urban commons: Nuancing current perspectives
Authors: Bianchi Iolanda
Published: June 2022

Theorists of the commons appear to have rather siloed, ideologically driven understandings of the repertoires of governance strategies enacted by the state in the emergence and development of commons. Neo-institutionalists tend to see the state as a supportive institution, while neo-Marxists generally see the state as either antagonistic and/or co-optative. This article sets its research in the dense and contested urban context, and examines the repertoires of governance strategies adopted by the local state in the emergence and development of the urban commons. By engaging with relational state theory, it aims to help nuance the theory of the urban commons–local state relationship. It does so by carrying out a comparative analysis of two cases of urban commons located in Barcelona. For each case, it delves into the variations, ambiguities and complexities of the repertoires of governance strategies enacted by the local state in its emergence and development. The article concludes that, as suggested by relational state theory, the boundaries between the types of governance strategies that the local state takes on are more nuanced than is perhaps reflected in the literature. These repertoires may well overlap, evolve throughout time and apply selectively to different urban commons.
Realising the Sustainable Development Goal 11.7 in the post-pandemic era – A case study of Taiwan
Authors: Hsu Yi-Ya , Lin Zih-Hong , Li Chong-En
Published: June 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically impacted our daily lives worldwide. For instance, pandemic-prevention policies restrict people’s mobility, which causes problems in accessing urban greenspaces. Indeed, unequal access to urban greenspace has been accentuated during the most stringent lockdowns of 2020 and 2021. Amid such challenging circumstances, there has been a growing attention placed on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11.7, which has brought opportunities for urgent action. In this paper, we applied the Gini coefficient to our analysis of unequal access to urban greenspaces across all urban planning areas in six special municipalities in Taiwan. Moreover, we also conducted comparative analyses between the Gini coefficient and other socio-economic factors. The results show that approximately 63.98% of the urban planning area suffers from unequal access to greenspaces. In addition, urban greenspace provision and household income show significant positive correlations with the Gini coefficient, which reflects Taiwan’s environmental injustice. Furthermore, these findings can help city planners and decision-makers evaluate levels of equality in each urban planning area and decide which priority areas should be improved. Finally, this study can also be used as a reference for decision-makers to realise SDG 11.7 in the post-pandemic era.
Maternal age affects equine day 8 embryo gene expression both in trophoblast and inner cell mass
Authors: Derisoud Emilie , Jouneau Luc , Dubois Cédric , Archilla Catherine , Jaszczyszyn Yan , Legendre Rachel , Daniel Nathalie , Peynot Nathalie , Dahirel Michèle , Auclair-Ronzaud Juliette , Wimel Laurence , Duranthon Véronique , Chavatte-Palmer Pascale
Published: June 2022

Background

Breeding a mare until she is not fertile or even until her death is common in equine industry but the fertility decreases as the mare age increases. Embryo loss due to reduced embryo quality is partly accountable for this observation. Here, the effect of mare’s age on blastocysts’ gene expression was explored. Day 8 post-ovulation embryos were collected from multiparous young (YM, 6-year-old, N = 5) and older (OM, > 10-year-old, N = 6) non-nursing Saddlebred mares, inseminated with the semen of one stallion. Pure or inner cell mass (ICM) enriched trophoblast, obtained by embryo bisection, were RNA sequenced. Deconvolution algorithm was used to discriminate gene expression in the ICM from that in the trophoblast. Differential expression was analyzed with embryo sex and diameter as cofactors. Functional annotation and classification of differentially expressed genes and gene set enrichment analysis were also performed.

Results

Maternal aging did not affect embryo recovery rate, embryo diameter nor total RNA quantity. In both compartments, the expression of genes involved in mitochondria and protein metabolism were disturbed by maternal age, although more genes were affected in the ICM. Mitosis, signaling and adhesion pathways and embryo development were decreased in the ICM of embryos from old mares. In trophoblast, ion movement pathways were affected.

Conclusions

This is the first study showing that maternal age affects gene expression in the equine blastocyst, demonstrating significant effects as early as 10 years of age. These perturbations may affect further embryo development and contribute to decreased fertility due to aging.
“Your heart keeps bleeding”: lived experiences of parents with a perinatal death in Northern Uganda
Authors: Arach Anna Agnes Ojok , Kiguli Juliet , Nankabirwa Victoria , Nakasujja Noeline , Mukunya David , Musaba Milton W. , Napyo Agnes , Tumwine James K. , Ndeezi Grace , Rujumba Joseph
Published: June 2022

Background

Worldwide, two million babies are stillborn and 1.8 million babies die before completing seven days of life. Approximately 4% of pregnant women in Uganda experience perinatal death. The response following a perinatal death tends to be socio-culturally constructed. Investigating the unique personal experiences of parents from a low-income setting with unique cultural beliefs and practices is crucial for the design and implementation of appropriate interventions.

Objective

To describe the lived experiences of parents following perinatal death in Lira district, Northern Uganda.

Methods

A qualitative study was carried out drawing on the tenets of descriptive phenomenology. We conducted 32 in-depth interviews in Lira district, Northern Uganda between August 2019 and September 2020 with 18 women and 14 men who had experienced a stillbirth or an early neonatal death within the preceding 2 years. Participants were selected from different families and interviewed. A local IRB approved the study. All in-depth interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, translated, and data were analysed using a content thematic approach. Key findings were discussed based on Worden’s Four Tasks of Mourning theory.

Results

The themes that emerged from the analyses included reaction to the perinatal loss and suggestions for support. The participants’ immediate reactions were pain, confusion, and feelings of guilt which were aggravated by the unsupportive behaviour of health care providers. Men cumulatively lost financial resources in addition to facing multiple stressful roles. Delayed reactions such as pain and worries were triggered by the sight of similar-age-babies, subsequent pregnancy losses, and marital challenges. Participants recommended emotional support and management of postnatal complications for parents faced with perinatal loss.

Conclusion

Losing a baby during the perinatal period in a resource-constrained setting negatively affected both gender. In addition, men suffered the loss of financial resources and the burden of multiple stressful roles. Acknowledging the pain and offering support to the grieving parents reinforce their coping with a perinatal loss. In addition to family and community members, health care providers need to provide emotional support and postnatal care to parents who experience perinatal death.
Experiences of young Australian mothers with infant feeding
Authors: Buckland Christa , Hector Debra , Kolt Gregory S. , Thepsourinthone Jack , Arora Amit
Published: June 2022

Background

Despite the overwhelming evidence of health and other benefits of breastfeeding and recommendations to breastfeed by peak health bodies, breastfeeding rates are significantly lower than recommended in Australia and globally. Young mothers are identified as being at high risk of not breastfeeding their infants according to infant feeding recommendations. This study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of young Australian mothers’ experiences of infant feeding, and to explore the factors which facilitated or hindered adherence to recommended breastfeeding practices.

Methods

Purposive and snowball sampling were used to recruit young mothers in Australia (n = 17) aged 18–25 years who had given birth to their first child within the last two years. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews via online videoconferencing. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded, and subsequently analysed. Thematic analysis was conducted using Quirkos, a qualitative data management and analysis software.

Results

Four major themes were identified: Breastfeeding is challenging; Feeling judged about infant feeding choices; Experiences with breastfeeding support; and Experiences and views on breastfeeding education. Most mothers reported experiencing breastfeeding challenges, particularly those arising from lactation difficulties, yet many were able to overcome these challenges through their determination to breastfeed. Many mothers expressed perceiving judgement from others for breastfeeding in public. Some mothers who were bottle feeding their infants, whether with expressed breast milk or infant formula, felt that they were being judged for using a bottle. Many mothers reported professional, partner, family, and peer support as critical facilitators to the continuation of breastfeeding. Most mothers shared positive experiences of attending breastfeeding education sessions, but indicated the need for community education to reduce judgement toward mothers’ infant feeding decisions.

Conclusions

The barriers and enablers to infant feeding experienced by young mothers are similar to those experienced by mothers of all ages. Young mothers experience significant breastfeeding challenges and need support from partner, family, peers, and professionals to continue breastfeeding in line with recommendations. Breastfeeding campaigns to support young mothers should be aimed at the wider community to increase awareness of breastfeeding challenges, reduce stigma associated with breastfeeding in public, and to support mothers in their infant feeding decisions.
Parents’ perceptions of functional electrical stimulation as an upper limb intervention for young children with hemiparesis: qualitative interviews with mothers
Authors: Swaffield Emma , Yang Jaynie F. , Manns Patricia , Chan Katherine , Musselman Kristin E.
Published: June 2022

Background/objective

To explore parents’ perceptions of an upper extremity (UE) intervention using functional electrical stimulation (FES) for young children with hemiparesis.

Methods

Parents of children aged 3–6 years with a history of perinatal stroke, impaired UE function, and participation in a 12-week FES intervention delivered at a hospital were included in this exploratory qualitative study. Nine mothers participated in a semi-structured interview < 1 week after their child completed the FES intervention (MyndMove®, MyndTec Inc.) targeting the hemiparetic UE. Open-ended questions queried parents’ goals, perceived benefits, and challenges of the FES intervention. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative conventional content analysis was used to analyze the transcripts.

Results

Five themes were identified. 1) Parents’ expectations for the FES intervention. Mothers described setting functional, exploratory, and realistic goals, yet feeling initial apprehension towards FES. 2) Perceived improvement. Physical, functional, and psychological improvements were observed with FES; however, there was still room for improvement. 3) Factors influencing the FES intervention. Program structure, therapist factors, and child factors influenced perceived success. 4) Lack of access to intensive therapy. Mothers noted that FES is not provided in mainstream therapy; however, they wanted access to FES outside of the study. They also highlighted socioeconomic challenges to accessing FES. 5) Strategies to facilitate participation. The mothers provided suggestions for program structure and delivery, and session delivery.

Conclusions

Mothers perceived the FES intervention to have physical, functional and psychological benefits for their children. Interest in continuing with FES highlights a need to improve access to this therapy for young children.
Using a multi-module web-app to prevent substance use among students at a Hispanic Serving Institution: development and evaluation design
Authors: Rainisch Bethany K. W. , Dahlman Linn , Vigil Jorge , Forster Myriam
Published: June 2022

Background

Despite effective strategies to prevent substance use and substance use disorders among college students, challenges remain. As young adults’ preference for and comfortability with web-based technology continues to increase, leveraging innovative approaches to rapidly evolving mHealth technology is critical for the success of lowering the risk for substance use and related consequences in college populations, and especially those at Hispanic Serving Institutions. Therefore, the present study describes the rationale, development, and design of iSTART, a novel web-app to prevent substance use among students.

Methods

The web-app was developed following the intervention mapping protocol, and in collaboration with numerous stakeholders, including a community-based partner specializing in substance abuse prevention and treatment. A 30-day multi-module web-app intervention was developed based on key theoretical constructs, behavior change strategies, and practical module components: attitudes (knowledge), perceived susceptibility (risk perceptions), subjective norms (normative re-education), and self-efficacy (refusal skills). This intervention will be evaluated via a time series design using a sample of 600 students randomly assigned to either the intervention, comparison, or control condition at a public institution in southern California.

Discussion

The iSTART web-app is an innovative and sustainable program ideal for college campuses with diverse student populations. If this prevention web-app is successful, it will significantly contribute to the evidence of effective substance use interventions in the college setting, and identify the benefits of mHealth programs to prevent future substance use.

Trial registration

NCT05362357 retrospectively registered on May 4, 2022 on clinicaltrials.gov.
Automated detection of anterior cruciate ligament tears using a deep convolutional neural network
Authors: Minamoto Yusuke , Akagi Ryuichiro , Maki Satoshi , Shiko Yuki , Tozawa Ryosuke , Kimura Seiji , Yamaguchi Satoshi , Kawasaki Yohei , Ohtori Seiji , Sasho Takahisa
Published: June 2022

Background

The development of computer-assisted technologies to diagnose anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury by analyzing knee magnetic resonance images (MRI) would be beneficial, and convolutional neural network (CNN)-based deep learning approaches may offer a solution. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of a CNN system in diagnosing ACL ruptures by a single slice from a knee MRI and to compare the results with that of experienced human readers.

Methods

One hundred sagittal MR images from patients with and without ACL injuries, confirmed by arthroscopy, were cropped and used for the CNN training. The final decision by the CNN for intact or torn ACL was based on the probability of ACL tear on a single MRI slice. Twelve board-certified physicians reviewed the same images used by CNN.

Results

The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the CNN classification was 91.0%, 86.0%, 88.5%, 87.0%, and 91.0%, respectively. The overall values of the physicians’ readings were similar, but the specificity was lower than the CNN classification for some of the physicians, thus resulting in lower accuracy for the human readers.

Conclusions

The trained CNN automatically detected the ACL tears with acceptable accuracy comparable to that of human readers.
Prevalence rates of metabolic health and body size phenotypes by different criteria and association with insulin resistance in a Maltese Caucasian population
Authors: Agius Rachel , Fava Marie Claire , Pace Nikolai Paul , Fava Stephen
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance are known to be associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. A metabolically unhealthy phenotype is frequently used as a surrogate marker for insulin resistance. The aims of the current study were to compare the prevalence of the body size phenotypes using different definitions of metabolic health and to investigate which one of them is most strongly associated with insulin resistance in men and women.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study in a middle-aged cohort of Maltese Caucasian non-institutionalized population. Metabolic health was defined using the various currently used definitions.

Results

There were significant differences in the prevalence of body size phenotypes according to the different definitions. We also found significant sex differences in the predictive value of the various definitions of the metabolically unhealthy phenotype to predict insulin resistance. The strongest association was for the definition of having >2 NCEP-ATPIII criteria to characterize the metabolic unhealthy phenotype in women (odds ratio of 19.7). On the other hand, the Aguilar-Salinas et al. definition had the strongest association in men (odds ratio of 18.7).

Conclusions

We found large differences in the prevalence of the various body size phenotypes when using different definitions, highlighting the need for having standard criteria. Our data also suggest the need for sex-specific definitions of metabolic health.
Peripheral blood CD4posCD25posFoxP3pos cells and inflammatory cytokines as biomarkers of response in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with CTLA4-Ig
Authors: Gremese Elisa , Tolusso Barbara , Petricca Luca , Di Mario Clara , Gigante Maria Rita , Ferraccioli Gianfranco , Alivernini Stefano
Published: June 2022

Background

Prognostic biomarkers of treatment response to distinct biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (b-DMARDs) are still lacking within the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Thirty-four b-DMARDs naive RA patients, divided by disease duration into early (cohort 1) and long standing (cohort 2), received CTLA4-Ig. At study entry, and every 3 months for 1 year, each patient underwent peripheral blood (PB)-derived CD4pos cell subpopulation assessment by flow cytometry, STAT3 and STAT5 expression by RT-PCR and IL-6, IL-12p70, TGFβ, and IL-10 serum levels by ELISA. The DAS and CDAI remission was assessed at 6 and 12 months.

Results

DAS- and CDAI-defined remission within 12 months was achieved by 16 (47.1%) and 8 (23.5%) RA patients, respectively. Considering the whole RA cohort, CTLA4-Ig induced a significant decrease of IL-6 serum levels from baseline to 6 and 12 months, as well as of PB CD4posCD25posFoxP3pos cells at 6 and 12 months, and of CD4posIL17pos cells after 12 months. PB CD4pos cells of RA patients showed higher STAT3 and STAT5 expression than healthy controls, which remained unchanged within 12 months of treatment. At study entry, RA patients achieving DAS remission had significantly lower IL-6 serum levels than RA patients not achieving this outcome. In particular, having baseline IL-6 serum levels ≤ 8.4 pg/ml, significantly identified naïve to b-DMARDs RA patients more likely to achieve DAS-remission under CTLA4-Ig at 6 months (66.7%) compared to RA patients with baseline IL-6 serum levels > 8.4 pg/ml [15.4%, OR (95%Cis) 11.00 (1.75–55.82)]. Moreover, having CD4posCD25posFoxP3pos cells rate ≥ 6.0% significantly identifies naïve to b-DMARDs early RA patients more likely to achieve DAS remission at 6 months (83.3%) compared to RA patients with baseline CD4posCD25posFoxP3pos cells < 6.0% [16.7%, OR (95% Cis) 25.00 (1.00–336.81)].

Conclusions

Baseline IL-6 serum levels and peripheral blood-derived CD4pos subpopulations are putative novel prognostic biomarkers of CTLA4-Ig response in RA patients.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Association of metabolic syndrome with TyG index and TyG-related parameters in an urban Chinese population: a 15-year prospective study
Authors: Zhang Xin , Zhang Ting , He Sen , Jia Shanshan , Zhang Zhipeng , Ye Runyu , Yang Xiangyu , Chen Xiaoping
Published: June 2022

Background

The metabolic syndrome (Mets) is a multiplex risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. The aims of the study were to assess the association of the Mets with TyG index and TyG-related parameters in an urban Chinese population.

Methods

The data were collected in 1992 and then again in 2007 from the same group of 590 individuals (363 males and 227 females) without Mets in 1992. The fasting lipid profile and blood glucose were measured. TyG index and related parameters were calculated, and Mets defined according to the harmonized criteria. The area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic curves was used to evaluate TyG index and related parameters for their diagnostic ability to identify people with Mets. Odd ratios (OR) for Mets prediction were calculated using stepwise logistic regression analyses.

Results

The incidence of Mets was 18.64% over the 15-year follow-up period.During 15 years’ follow-up, TyG-waist to height ratio (TyG-WHtR) shows the largest AUC for Mets detection (0.686) followed by TyG-waist circumference (TyG-WC) (0.660), TyG-waist-to-hip ratio (TyG-WHpR) (0.564), and TyG index (0.556) in all participants. Gender analysis revealed that TyG-WHtR and TyG-WC have the largest AUC in both genders. TyG-WHtR significantly predicted Mets in all participants, with an unadjusted odds ratio of 5.63 (95% CI 3.23–9.83 P < 0.001). Associations remained significant after adjustment for smoking, drinking, physical exercise and components of Mets.

Conclusions

TyG-WHtR might be a strong and independent predictor for Mets in all participants in an urban Chinese population. TyG-related markers that combine obesity markers with TyG index are superior to other parameters in identifying Mets in both genders.
The effect of probiotics on the clinical status of adult patients with atopic dermatitis: a systematic review
Authors: Sodré Camila Stofella , Vieira Mayra Stambovsky , Estefan Juliany Lima , Moraes Cristiane , Cavalcante Fernanda Sampaio , dos Santos Kátia Regina Netto , de Carvalho Ferreira Dennis
Published: June 2022

Objectives

To describe, through a literature review, the results and benefits of oral and topical probiotics for adult patients with atopic dermatitis.

Design

A systematic review of articles published over a 13-year period was conducted to answer the following questions: (1) what information is given in the scientific literature concerning the use of probiotics in adult patients with atopic dermatitis? (2) Was there an improvement in the clinical status of the patients? (3) Was there a change in the microbial profile in patients after using such approaches? (4) Among the probiotics used, which was the most used in adult AD patients? (5) What was the average time of these interventions? (6) What were the outcomes?

Results

Seven studies with different sample sizes, ranging from 16 to 109 patients, were included in this review. These studies were all clinical trials (7/7), and probiotics (7/7) was the model of intervention chosen. Probiotics showed a potential to relieve the symptoms of the study groups with a reduction of pruritus and SCORAD when compared to the placebo groups. However, their effectiveness varied according to the strain, period, and form of administration.

Conclusions

Many studies have demonstrated that probiotics improve the symptoms of atopic dermatitis and even its prevention. However, there is still much controversy and divergence concerning the real benefits. Despite this, probiotics have demonstrated a fair ability in improving AD adult patients’ symptoms in terms of decreasing pruritus and severity related to SCORAD.
Assessment of the accuracy of imaging software for 3D rendering of the upper airway, usable in orthodontic and craniofacial clinical settings
Authors: Lo Giudice Antonino , Ronsivalle Vincenzo , Gastaldi Giorgio , Leonardi Rosalia
Published: June 2022

Background

Several semi-automatic software are available for the three-dimensional reconstruction of the airway from DICOM files. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the segmentation of the upper airway testing four free source and one commercially available semi-automatic software. A total of 20 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) were selected to perform semi-automatic segmentation of the upper airway. The software tested were Invesalius, ITK-Snap, Dolphin 3D, 3D Slicer and Seg3D. The same upper airway models were manually segmented (Mimics software) and set as the gold standard (GS) reference of the investigation. A specific 3D imaging technology was used to perform the superimposition between the upper airway model obtained with semi-automatic software and the GS model, and to perform the surface-to-surface matching analysis. The accuracy of semi-automatic segmentation was evaluated calculating the volumetric mean differences (mean bias and limits of agreement) and the percentage of matching of the upper airway models compared to the manual segmentation (GS). Qualitative assessments were performed using color-coded maps. All data were statistically analyzed for software comparisons.

Results

Statistically significant differences were found in the volumetric dimensions of the upper airway models and in the matching percentage among the tested software (p < 0.001). Invesalius was the most accurate software for 3D rendering of the upper airway (mean bias = 1.54 cm3; matching = 90.05%) followed by ITK-Snap (mean bias =  − 2.52 cm3; matching = 84.44%), Seg 3D (mean bias = 3.21 cm3, matching = 87.36%), 3D Slicer (mean bias =  − 4.77 cm3; matching = 82.08%) and Dolphin 3D (difference mean =  − 6.06 cm3; matching = 78.26%). According to the color-coded map, the dis-matched area was mainly located at the most anterior nasal region of the airway. Volumetric data showed excellent inter-software reliability (GS vs semi-automatic software), with coefficient values ranging from 0.904 to 0.993, confirming proportional equivalence with manual segmentation.

Conclusion

Despite the excellent inter-software reliability, different semi-automatic segmentation algorithms could generate different patterns of inaccuracy error (underestimation/overestimation) of the upper airway models. Thus, is unreasonable to expect volumetric agreement among different software packages for the 3D rendering of the upper airway anatomy.
Enhanced effects of ferulic acid against the harmful side effects of chemotherapy in colon cancer: docking and in vivo study
Authors: Gadelmawla Mohamed H. A. , Alazzouni Ahmed S. , Farag AbdelRazik H. , Gabri Mohamed S. , Hassan Basma N.
Published: June 2022

Background

Colorectal cancer is considered a potential causative agent of morbidity and death, making it a particularly dangerous malignancy. The current study aims to assess the efficacy of ferulic acid (FA) to attenuate the harmful side effect of 5-fluorouracil (5FU) in colon cancer tissues induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH).

Results

Regarding the colon tissues of male Wistar-albino rats (Rattus norvegicus), combined FA and 5FU showed the approximately normal structure of mucosa. The treated groups showed a remarkable reduction in Ki67, Ck20, and an elevation in caspase-3 and P53. There was significant upregulation of P53 in both 5FU and combined FA–5FU groups (p < 0.001 and p < 0.00001, respectively).

Conclusions

The present results revealed a potential role of the combined therapy by 5FU and FA in the suppression of colon cancer induced by DMH by upregulation of apoptosis with the clear effect of FA in attenuating the side effects of 5FU on the normal cells.
An entirely suprasellar Rathke’s cleft cyst: a rare case report with review of literature
Authors: Patankar Amey P. , Chaudhary Shivani
Published: June 2022

Background

A Rathke’s cleft cyst is a benign intrasellar cystic lesion, with suprasellar extension reported in a few cases. An entirely suprasellar Rathke’s cleft cyst without any intrasellar component, though previously reported, is rare.

Case presentation

We report a case of an entirely suprasellar Rathke’s cyst in a 25-year-old female presenting with headache and visual complaints. The patient was treated surgically by drainage of the cyst and removal of the cyst wall by transcranial approach. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of Rathke’s cyst. We review the relevant literature and discuss its neuroembryologic pathogenesis, pathology and the factors influencing the recurrence of the cyst.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, only 62 cases of an entirely suprasellar Rathke’s cyst have been reported till date.
Comparison of nalbuphine versus magnesium sulfate as an adjuvant to intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine (0.5%) in infraumbilical surgeries
Authors: Kapdi Manisha S. , Shah Devanshi , Desai Shruti
Published: June 2022

Background

Spinal anesthesia with bupivacaine is very common for infraumbilical surgeries. Various adjuvants are added to it to improve the quality of the block and post-operative analgesia. The study period for this study was from October 2017 to March 2018, and it was a randomized double-blinded prospective observational study. In this study, we aim to compare nalbuphine and MgSO4 (magnesium sulfate) as adjuvant to hyperbaric bupivacaine in terms of sensorimotor blockage characteristics, hemodynamic stability, and postoperative analgesia. Ninety patients of ASA grades I and II, between 18 and 60 years of age of either sex posted for elective infraumbilical surgeries, after approval from the institutional review board and written informed consent, were allocated into 3 groups of 30 patients each. With the help of the randomization table, random numbers were generated, and the randomization was done at the time of giving intrathecal anesthesia.

Group A: 3 mL of 0.5% heavy bupivacaine 15 mg + 0.2 mL of 0.9% normal saline to a total volume of 3.2 mL

Group B: 3 mL of 0.5% heavy bupivacaine 15 mg + 0.1 mL of 1 mg preservative-free nalbuphine with 0.1 ml of 0.9% normal saline to a total volume of 3.2 mL

Group C: 3 mL of 0.5% heavy bupivacaine 15 mg + 0.2 ml of 50% preservative-free (100 mg) magnesium sulfate to a total volume of 3.2 mL

The primary outcome was to assess the postoperative analgesia, and the secondary outcome was to assess the perioperative hemodynamic stability and adverse effects during the study period.

Results

The onset of sensory and motor blockade was earlier in the nalbuphine group as compared with the other two groups. It was also observed that the duration of postoperative analgesia was longer in the patients who received magnesium sulfate as compared with the patients in the other two groups. Adverse effects (pruritus, nausea, vomiting) were more in the nalbuphine group as compared with the other two groups.

Conclusions

In a nutshell, preservative-free intrathecal 1 mg nalbuphine and 100 mg magnesium sulfate both are good adjuvants to hyperbaric bupivacaine. Nalbuphine provides faster sensory and motor onset than magnesium sulfate, whereas magnesium sulfate provides prolonged postoperative analgesia than nalbuphine.
Examining the usability and viability of using a simulated classroom environment to prepare preservice science teachers during and after the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Mikeska Jamie N. , Howell Heather , Kinsey Devon
Published: June 2022

Educator preparation programs experienced extreme challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many universities and K-12 schools moved to fully online or hybrid instructional models. These abrupt changes significantly limited preservice teachers’ opportunities to engage in classroom-based practice teaching experiences, which are a bedrock of educator preparation programs to support preservice teachers in learning how to teach effectively. In this study, we examined the usability and viability of integrating simulated teaching experiences, which occur in an online, virtual classroom environment consisting of five student avatars, into elementary science method courses during the COVID-19 pandemic to prepare preservice science teachers to engage in one critical science teaching practice: facilitating discussions that engage students in scientific argumentation. This study uses qualitative content analysis of survey data and a focus group interview to identify patterns and themes in how four elementary science teacher educators and 49 of their preservice teachers perceived the use of this tool within elementary science teacher education, particularly the opportunities and challenges this tool afforded during the pandemic and possibilities for use in the post-COVID era. Study findings suggest that these elementary science teacher educators and preservice teachers perceived the simulated teaching experience as valuable for supporting teacher learning, addressing COVID-related challenges, and tackling perennial challenges in science teacher education. They also noted challenges related to implementation and concerns with future access. A discussion of key factors that may support and hinder the use of such tools within elementary science teacher education and implications for leveraging lessons learned post-COVID are included.