bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Figure S3 from Peripheral Blood IFN Responses to Toll-Like Receptor 1/2 Signaling Associate with Longer Survival in Men with Metastatic Prostate Cancer Treated with Sipuleucel-T
Authors: Brown Michael C. , D’Anniballe Vincent M. , Boczkowski David , Kandadi Harini , Sheikh Nadeem , Kornahrens William , Heath Elisabeth I. , Thakur Archana , Chen Wei , Lum Lawrence , Cackowski Frank C. , Boerner Julie , Gunn Michael D. , Armstrong Andrew J. , Nair Smita K.
Published: October 2024

Related to Figure 2
Figure S1 from Peripheral Blood IFN Responses to Toll-Like Receptor 1/2 Signaling Associate with Longer Survival in Men with Metastatic Prostate Cancer Treated with Sipuleucel-T
Authors: Brown Michael C. , D’Anniballe Vincent M. , Boczkowski David , Kandadi Harini , Sheikh Nadeem , Kornahrens William , Heath Elisabeth I. , Thakur Archana , Chen Wei , Lum Lawrence , Cackowski Frank C. , Boerner Julie , Gunn Michael D. , Armstrong Andrew J. , Nair Smita K.
Published: October 2024

Consort diagram
Figure 5 from Peripheral Blood IFN Responses to Toll-Like Receptor 1/2 Signaling Associate with Longer Survival in Men with Metastatic Prostate Cancer Treated with Sipuleucel-T
Authors: Brown Michael C. , D’Anniballe Vincent M. , Boczkowski David , Kandadi Harini , Sheikh Nadeem , Kornahrens William , Heath Elisabeth I. , Thakur Archana , Chen Wei , Lum Lawrence , Cackowski Frank C. , Boerner Julie , Gunn Michael D. , Armstrong Andrew J. , Nair Smita K.
Published: October 2024

TLR1/2 responses associate with post–sip-T survival independent of race and TLR1/2 SNP status. A–C, Survival stratified by race in the merged PRIME and KCI cohorts (A), PRIME cohort alone (B), or KCI cohort alone (C). D and E, Survival of White (D) or Black (E) patients from the merged (PRIME and KCI) cohorts stratified by respective cohort median (PRIME or KCI) IFN-β induction after TLR1/2 stimulation. F and G, Survival of the PRIME cohort (TLR1 SNP genotyping was not performed in the KCI cohort) stratified by TLR1 602 I/I or I/S vs. TLR1 602 S/S for all races (F) or for White patients (G). H and I, Survival of patients with TLR1 602 I/I or I/S SNP (H) or TLR 602 S/S (I) stratified by median IFN-β induction after TLR1/2 stimulation. HRs and 95% CI are from the Mantel–Haenszel test; P values are from the Mantel–Cox log-rank test. See Supplementary Fig. S7 for extended data.
Figure 4 from Peripheral Blood IFN Responses to Toll-Like Receptor 1/2 Signaling Associate with Longer Survival in Men with Metastatic Prostate Cancer Treated with Sipuleucel-T
Authors: Brown Michael C. , D’Anniballe Vincent M. , Boczkowski David , Kandadi Harini , Sheikh Nadeem , Kornahrens William , Heath Elisabeth I. , Thakur Archana , Chen Wei , Lum Lawrence , Cackowski Frank C. , Boerner Julie , Gunn Michael D. , Armstrong Andrew J. , Nair Smita K.
Published: October 2024

Black race and TLR1-602I SNP associate with stronger responses to TLR1/2 stimulation. A, Supernatant cytokine release separated by Black (n = 15) vs. White (n = 91) for each stimulation normalized to fold mock treatment control in the PRIME study; (*) Mann–Whitney test P < 0.05. B, TLR1-602 genotypes for each patient with sufficient DNA (n = 88 White; n = 15 Black) were tested by PCR-RFLP; percentages of I/I or I/S vs. S/S by race are shown. C, Mean fold mock control cytokine induction by genotype is shown for each stimulus; asterisks indicate significant FDR-corrected unpaired t tests Q < 0.05 (two-tailed). D, Mean fold mock control TLR1/2 induced cytokine induction by genotype for White vs. Black (all I/I or I/S); FDR-adjusted unpaired t test Q < 0.05 vs. White S/S (*) or vs. all other groups (#). E, Heatmaps depict −log (P values) from comparisons in B (cytokine induction by race) or C (cytokine induction by TLR1 SNP status) for each cytokine and treatment. See Supplementary Fig. S6 for extended data.
Data from Peripheral Blood IFN Responses to Toll-Like Receptor 1/2 Signaling Associate with Longer Survival in Men with Metastatic Prostate Cancer Treated with Sipuleucel-T
Authors: Brown Michael C. , D’Anniballe Vincent M. , Boczkowski David , Kandadi Harini , Sheikh Nadeem , Kornahrens William , Heath Elisabeth I. , Thakur Archana , Chen Wei , Lum Lawrence , Cackowski Frank C. , Boerner Julie , Gunn Michael D. , Armstrong Andrew J. , Nair Smita K.
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Mounting evidence links systemic innate immunity with cancer immune surveillance. In advanced metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), Black patients have been found to have increased inflammatory markers and longer survival after sipuleucel-T (sip-T) therapy, an FDA-approved, autologous cell therapy. We hypothesized these differences may be explained by previously reported ancestral differences in pattern recognition receptor signaling, which broadly governs innate inflammation to control adaptive immune cell activation, chemotaxis, and functionality. We discovered that peripheral blood mononuclear cell IFN-β responses to Toll-like receptor 1/2 (TLR1/2), a sensor of bacterial and gut microbiome constituents, associated with significantly longer survival after sip-T therapy in two separate cohorts of men with mCRPC (discovery cohort: n = 106, HR = 0.12; P = 0.019; validation cohort: n = 28, HR < 0.01; P = 0.047). Higher IFN-β induction after TLR1/2 stimulation was associated with lower HRs than biomarkers of vaccine potency and other prognostic factors in mCRPC. TLR1/2-dependent cytokine induction was stronger in Black individuals (1.2-fold higher for IFN-β; P = 0.04) but was associated with survival independently of race or numbers of vaccine-induced tumor antigen–specific T cells. IFN-β responses to TLR1/2 signaling correlated with increased numbers of IFN-γ producing T cells after broad, tumor antigen–independent stimulation. Thus, peripheral innate immunity differs by race, may predict survival after sip-T, and associates with peripheral T-cell functionality in men with mCRPC.
Significance:
The identification of factors that determine successful cancer immunotherapy, particularly in refractory tumor types like mCRPC, is urgently needed: both to identify patients that may benefit from such therapies and to uncover routes to sensitize patients with cancer to immunotherapy. Our work links functional peripheral immune responses with race and survival after cellular immunotherapy in men with mCRPC.
Dynamic Partnership
Authors: Puyenbroek Marleen
Published: October 2024

This essay reevaluates the roles of married women in Dutch seventeenth-century artists’ households, challenging the idea that women ceased professional artistic pursuits upon marriage. Using diverse sources – including archival documents, artist biographies, moralistic literature, contemporary socio-economic studies, and an updated overview of female artists – this study expands the established understanding that family businesses provided work opportunities for daughters by demonstrating that married women were also actively engaged in art production, both directly and indirectly. Women performed various tasks beyond domestic duties, ranging from financial management and marketing artworks to creating art and generating additional income. By introducing the concept of “dynamic partnership,” and featuring well-known cases like Judith Leyster alongside new examples, this analysis offers a nuanced understanding of the diversity and flexibility of labor division within these households. As such, this study not only highlights the economic and creative contributions of married women to the Dutch art world but also illuminates the integrated functioning of artists’ workshops.
A reference model-based backstepping anti-interference control method and its application to inverted pendulum
Authors: Li Jun , Jiang Qinglei , Li Guoming
Published: October 2024

A reference model-based backstepping anti-interference control method is proposed, which performs well in the application of Inverted Pendulum system. Firstly, the backstepping controller of the single-stage straight-line inverted pendulum is designed and the reference model of the system is obtained. Input the actual state variables into the reference model. If the single-stage straight-line inverted pendulum is disturbed, it will deviate from the ideal value of the reference model. In order to improve the anti-interference performance of single-stage straight-line inverted pendulum system, the generalized state error is introduced, that is, the error between the output of the reference model and the actual output of the system. Then the controller is designed by Lyapunov stability theory based on generalized state error and backstepping control method. Finally, the reference model-based backstepping anti-interference controller is obtained. MATLAB/Simulation results show that the controller can effectively suppress the influence of external interference on the single-stage straight-line inverted pendulum. It has strong robustness and anti-interference ability.
Culture and ICD-11 personality disorder: Implications for clinical practice across diverse ethnic groups
Authors: Hualparuca-Olivera Luis , Caycho-Rodríguez Tomás , Torales Julio , Ramos-Vera Cristian , Ramos-Campos Dayana , Córdova-Gónzales Luis , Vigo-Ayasta Elsa
Published: October 2024

Background:

Personality disorder (PD) in ICD-11 is defined primarily by self and interpersonal dysfunction and optionally by other qualifiers. This definition is inseparable from relativism of cultural determinants.

Aims:

This review aimed to synthesize the relevant aspects of the influence of culture on clinical practice and health management for this condition, aligning them to the ICD-11 PD model.

Method:

In Scopus, we systematically searched for studies that included the text strings: cultur* | personality AND (disorder* OR patholog*) without any restrictions on publication date or language or other exclusion criteria, up to November 2022.

Results:

Evidence suggests that cultural variables in ethnic groups (Western and non-Western) such as the individualist/collectivist philosophy, historical/generational trauma, immigration, acculturation, religion, and gender influence the etiology, semiology, epidemiology, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and management of health services for ICD-11 PD. We discuss the limitations and propose future lines of research on this topic based on our knowledge and experience. In this review, we provide the scientific community and clinicians with relevant cultural information to guide their practice and propose strategies to manage PD from the ICD-11 model.

Conclusions:

More research is needed using mixed study methodologies on stigma, the experiences of patients, clinicians, and health agencies, to reduce the care gaps and achieve a culturally comprehensive, inclusive, and competent use of this new model.
Publicly Available Dental Image Datasets for Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Uribe S.E. , Issa J. , Sohrabniya F. , Denny A. , Kim N.N. , Dayo A.F. , Chaurasia A. , Sofi-Mahmudi A. , Büttner M. , Schwendicke F.
Published: October 2024

The development of artificial intelligence (AI) in dentistry requires large and well-annotated datasets. However, the availability of public dental imaging datasets remains unclear. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of all publicly available dental imaging datasets to address this gap and support AI development. This observational study searched all publicly available dataset resources (academic databases, preprints, and AI challenges), focusing on datasets/articles from 2020 to 2023, with PubMed searches extending back to 2011. We comprehensively searched for dental AI datasets containing images (intraoral photos, scans, radiographs, etc.) using relevant keywords. We included datasets of >50 images obtained from publicly available sources. We extracted dataset characteristics, patient demographics, country of origin, dataset size, ethical clearance, image details, FAIRness metrics, and metadata completeness. We screened 131,028 records and extracted 16 unique dental imaging datasets. The datasets were obtained from Kaggle (18.8%), GitHub, Google, Mendeley, PubMed, Zenodo (each 12.5%), Grand-Challenge, OSF, and arXiv (each 6.25%). The primary focus was tooth segmentation (62.5%) and labeling (56.2%). Panoramic radiography was the most common imaging modality (58.8%). Of the 13 countries, China contributed the most images (2,413). Of the datasets, 75% contained annotations, whereas the methods used to establish labels were often unclear and inconsistent. Only 31.2% of the datasets reported ethical approval, and 56.25% did not specify a license. Most data were obtained from dental clinics (50%). Intraoral radiographs had the highest findability score in the FAIR assessment, whereas cone-beam computed tomography datasets scored the lowest in all categories. These findings revealed a scarcity of publicly available imaging dental data and inconsistent metadata reporting. To promote the development of robust, equitable, and generalizable AI tools for dental diagnostics, treatment, and research, efforts are needed to address data scarcity, increase diversity, mandate metadata completeness, and ensure FAIRness in AI dental imaging research.
Charting Progress in the Science of Technical Assistance for Implementation of Evidence-Based Interventions
Authors: Chambers David A. , Neta Gila I.
Published: October 2024

Technical assistance (TA) has long been a strategy utilized to support implementation of a range of different evidence-based interventions within clinical, community and other service settings. Great progress has come in extending the evidence base to support TA’s use across multiple contexts, the result of more extensive categorizing of implementation strategies to support systematic studies of their effectiveness in facilitating successful implementation. This commentary builds on that progress to suggest several opportunities for future investigation and collaborative activity among researchers, practitioners, policymakers and other key decision-makers in hopes of continuing to build the success highlighted in this special issue and elsewhere. Authors call for increased attention to operationalization and tailoring of TA, considering how TA services can be sustained over time and how to consider externally-provided TA versus that housed within an organization. In addition, the commentary suggests a few key areas for capacity-building that can increase the quality, reach, and impact of TA for the future.
Experiences of Sexual and Gender Minorities with Health Care in the Philippines: A Qualitative Study
Authors: De Torres Ryan Q. , Pacquiao Dula F.
Published: October 2024

Background:

There is limited availability and accessibility of health care facilities and services tailored to the specific health care needs of sexual and gender minorities (SGMs) in the Philippines.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to describe SGMs’ experiences with health care services in the Philippines.

Methods:

Using a phenomenological design, interviews were conducted with participants recruited online through SGM networks and organizations. Individual, online-recorded interviews were conducted with 14 participants who were at least 18 years old, were Filipino nationals residing in the Philippines, self-identified as SGM, could comprehend and write in Filipino, and received any health care service within the past year. Data were entered and analyzed using the NVivo software.

Results:

Three major themes emerged: patient-centered communication and relationship, holistic care, and caring environment. Participants identified the significance of genuine, affirming, and respectful communication in building positive relationships and continuing engagement with health care. Holistic care is embedded in clinical competence, gender sensitivity, continuity of care, and collaborative practice with other disciplines. A caring environment minimizes gender-related stigma and discrimination and promotes acceptance of diverse sexual identities.

Conclusion:

Filipino SGMs face several multifaceted health care concerns and challenges stemming at the individual, institutional, and societal levels. Sexual and gender biases, stigma, and discrimination are major barriers to health care among SGMs. Promotion of culturally and gender-sensitive care among Filipino SGMs should involve training of health care providers and creation of programs and policies to understand and respect SGMs while considering social, cultural, and political influences on their health and well-being.
The welfare state
Authors: LUNDBERG ANNA , MANTU SANDRA , PERSDOTTER MARIA , TABIN JEAN-PIERRE , WERNESJÖ ULRIKA
Published: October 2024

The first keyword, Welfare State, sets out to problematise the term itself. The welfare state is a national construct, a ‘national social state’ as Etienne Balibar calls it. Thus, transnational or global migration is often construed as a disruptive force, potentially destabilising the welfare state and the nation. This keyword entry critically examines common conceptions of what the welfare state should provide. It delineates some of the ways that migrants (and, more broadly foreign nationals who are not themselves necessarily migrants) are excluded or partially included, with a focus on contemporary EU social policies.
Ketamine use in a large global sample: Characteristics, patterns of use and emergency medical treatment
Authors: Barrios Karen P , Connolly Dean J , Ferris Jason A , Maier Larissa J , Barratt Monica J , Winstock Adam R , Puljević Cheneal , Gilchrist Gail
Published: October 2024

Background:

Ketamine’s popularity has surged globally in the past decade, especially among young men. Emergency department visits due to its toxicity remain relatively rare, often linked to co-occurring use of other substances.

Aims:

Using data from the Global Drug Survey (GDS) 2018, this study explored the correlates associated with lifetime and past-year ketamine use, and estimated the socio-demographic characteristics, usage patterns and experiences of respondents seeking emergency medical treatment (EMT) after ketamine use.

Methods:

Secondary analysis of GDS 2018, an online cross-sectional survey on drug use patterns conducted between November 2017 and January 2018.

Results:

The survey received 130,761 valid responses, with 5.93% reporting lifetime ketamine use, of which 57.70% used ketamine within the past year. Predominantly, respondents were from Germany, England and Denmark. Within the past year, 8.55% met the criteria for ketamine dependence. Respondents who used ketamine in their lifetime tended to be young (mean (x̄) = 27.37 years), men, heterosexual and of white ethnicity. Younger age (x̄ = 24.84 years), gay sexual orientation, student status, past-year use of other drugs and no lifetime mental health diagnosis were associated with past-year ketamine use. Among 4477 respondents reporting past-year ketamine use, 120 adverse events were reported, with less than 0.10% prompting EMT seeking.

Conclusion:

The study reveals frequent ketamine use but low harm occurrence, underscoring the complex interplay between ketamine use, substance use and dependence, and related factors. This underscores the need to reassess EMT priorities, implement tailored harm reduction strategies and incorporate comprehensive screening for addressing ketamine and substance dependence challenges.
Challenges of Collaborative Government Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Study of Factors and Cases in the United States
Authors: Tom Liou Kuotsai , Liou Alex K.
Published: October 2024

This study examines challenges of collaborative government response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. The study provides a review of theoretical issues about collaboration in disaster management and public health to identify influential factors, such as governance structure, effective leadership, public communication, and political polarization, to the collaboration. Based on the document analysis method, the study examines practical cases, academic studies and public opinion data that are related to these challenging factors. The study concludes with discussions about lessons of the COVID pandemic challenge and suggestions for future studies of collaborative governance response to public crises.
Behavioral Design Strategies Improve Healthy Food Sales in a Military Cafeteria
Authors: Kimmons Joel , Nugent Nadine Budd , Harris Diane , Lee Seung Hee , Kompaniyets Lyudmyla , Onufrak Stephen
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study examined the use of behavioral design strategies to improve healthier food sales.

Design

A quasi-experimental, one-group, repeated measures design examined changes in food sales following behavioral design adjustments.

Setting

United States military base hospital dining facility.

Subjects

U.S. military service members, retirees, and civilian employees.

Intervention

Behavioral design changes included placement, layout, messaging, default healthy bundling, a stoplight rating system, strategic positioning of healthy items on menu boards, and an increase in healthier snacks.

Measures

Food sales were assessed by point-of-sales data.

Analysis

T-tests examined total sales of each food adjusted weekly between baseline and intervention and intervention and post-intervention. 16 food items targeted by the intervention were examined. Weekly food sales were calculated for the 18-week baseline, 18-week intervention, and 9-week post-intervention. Further, analysis estimated negative binomial models for food item sales.

Results

The hospital dining facility served 600 to 900 meals per day. Weekly foods sales decreased during the intervention for desserts, cooked starches, hummus, and yogurt ( P < 0.01). Sales increased during the intervention for fruit cups, cooked vegetables, vegetable and turkey burgers, grilled chicken, packaged salads, French fries, hamburgers, and hot dogs ( P < 0.02).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that a mixture of behavioral design strategies can be operationalized with reasonable fidelity and can lead to increases in the sales of some healthy foods in military worksites.
Model-based PD neural network control for pipe crack sealing manipulator
Authors: Kumar Santosh , Dwivedy Santosha K
Published: October 2024

This study focuses on the control of a pipe crack sealing manipulator (PCSM) for concrete pipe crack sealing, with the capability to maneuver through horizontal and vertical pipes. This PCSM is a tree-type robot with five different branches. Observation and simulation studies indicate that only the fifth branch of the PCSM effectively executed the repair operation. However, in real application, the movement of these links is hindered by disturbances and uncertainties, preventing them from behaving as intended. Hence, a robust control scheme is essential to effectively manage the links of a pipe crack sealing manipulator. To address this need, this study introduces a Model-based PD neural network control (MBPDNNC) algorithm, which is then compared against modal-based PD (MBPD), Sliding mode control (SMC) with constant plus proportional rate reaching Law (CPPRL), and super twisting SMC (STSMC). The simulation study reveals that MBPDNN is characterized by greater accuracy and less chattering compared to the contrast control methods. The main contribution of this work is the compensation of disturbance by updating the weight by using the Radial basis function neural network (RBFNN). Through observation, it is evident that the neural network yields more promising results in the presence of disturbances and uncertainties.
Late modern war and the geos: The ecological ‘beforemaths’ of advanced military technologies
Authors: Griffiths Mark , Rubaii Kali
Published: October 2024

This article develops the idea that late modern war’s relationship with the geos (the ground and the life it sustains) is doubly destructive. While part of this is recognized in a recent focus on slow violence and ecological aftermaths, there is little consideration of the ‘beforemath’, or the sites of extraction that make advanced military technologies possible. Drawing attention to mining in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the article connects military technologies to arms manufacturers and their use of extracted minerals (e.g. cobalt, tantalum, copper, uranium). Shared patterns of environmental and public health effects across parts of Iraq, Gaza and the DRC indicate the doubly destructive nature of late modern war’s relationship with the geos: toxic materials threaten life after war as the deposits of bombardment and before war as mineral commodities at the beginning of arms supply chains. The article explicates how a perspective from the beforemath radically refigures the ways we think about war and spatiality, temporality, and the range of bodies affected in ways that promise a fuller understanding of the violence distributed by practices of late modern war.
How evidence-based is the “hashtag ADHD test” (#adhdtest). A cross-sectional content analysis of TikTok videos on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) screening
Authors: Verma Smita , Sinha Suman Kumar
Published: October 2024

Objectives

TikTok is being increasingly used as an easily accessible source of information on Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This study aimed to find the quality of information on ADHD screening or self-test in TikTok videos with the hashtag #adhdtest and the engagement of these videos with their viewers.

Method

The content of the top 50 TikTok videos with the “hashtag #ADHDtest” was analyzed cross-sectionally and categorized as “useful” or “misleading” after comparison of its content with the “Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale” (ASRS-v1.1). The videos were categorized as “useful” if its contents had at least 4 out of the 6 questions on the ASRS-v1.1 screener. Its level of engagement was quantified by measuring the number of times the video was liked, commented on, or added to favorites. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis.

Result

Out of the 50 included #adhdtest videos, 92% ( n = 46) were misleading. Furthermore, useful videos had minimal engagement, with only 4% of the total likes, 1% of the total comments, and 7% of the total favorites.

Conclusion

There is misleading information related to adult ADHD screening and testing on TikTok. There is a need to address this misinformation.
Foot Posture and Ankle Dorsiflexion as Risk Factors for Developing Achilles Tendinopathy and Plantar Fasciitis: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Johannsen Finn E. , Rydahl Julie P. , Jacobsen Anna S. , Brahe Cecilie C. H. , Magnusson Peter S.
Published: October 2024

Background:

Plantar fasciitis (PF) and Achilles tendinopathy (AT) are common injuries that primarily affect people engaged in sport or occupational weightbearing activities. Identifying modifiable risk factors is important for the treatment and prevention of these injuries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether foot posture or ankle dorsiflexion are risk factors for developing AT or PF, and if there were any differences between PF and AT patients.

Methods:

This was a case-control study of 108 patients with PF and 114 patients with AT, compared to the same number of referred patients in 2 control groups never having had these injuries, matched for sex, age, body mass index (BMI), sport, and occupational weightbearing activities. Included patients were 20-65 years with ultrasonographic-verified PF or midsubstance AT. Foot posture was assessed using Foot Posture Index (FPI) classifying the feet into 3 categories: FPI 0-5 normal foot, 6-12 hyperpronated, <0 hypopronated. Ankle dorsiflexion was measured with a goniometer in weightbearing with straight and bent knee.

Results:

Abnormal foot posture was associated with an increased risk for sustaining both AT (odds ratio [OR] 3.4-4.1) and PF (OR 3.2-3.8). Hyperpronation being the major reason for this association with ORs 5.4-5.5 compared with hypopronation with ORs 2.6-2.9. However, decreased dorsiflexion was not a risk factor: instead, there was an increased ankle dorsiflexion in patients with AT or PF compared with their control groups. Comparison between PF and AT patients demonstrated that PF affected mostly women, and AT mostly men, PF patients were 2.4 years (CI 0.2-4.5) younger, and had 25% more occupational weightbearing than AT patients. However, no differences in BMI or weightbearing physical activity was demonstrated.

Conclusion:

Hypopronation and hyperpronation but not limited ankle dorsiflexion was associated with increased risk for AT or PF.
Constraint-following control design for nonlinear underactuated belt conveyors with uncertainty
Authors: Li Chenming , Li Qiying , Yue Yanbo , Han Lei , Zhang Yuan
Published: October 2024

There are many mismatched uncertainties in the nonlinear underactuated belt conveyor systems which leads to challenges for designing the controllers. This paper addresses this issue based on the concept of constraint-following by establishing the dynamic model and treating the desired trajectory as a constraint. First, the nominal control portion is studied in the absence of the deviation of initial condition and uncertainties. Second, the uncertainties are decomposed into matched and mismatched parts according to the match condition. Then, the robust constraint-following control portion that is solely based on matched uncertainty is designed. By utilizing the Lyapunov method, the proposed control with two portions is able to ensure the uniform boundedness and uniform ultimate boundedness of the underactuated systems with uncertainties. Simulations are additionally carried out for the purpose of verification.
Heart Failure Symptoms Improve With More Intense Physical Activity
Authors: Auld Jonathan P. , Thompson Elaine A. , Dougherty Cynthia M.
Published: October 2024

Background

Little is known about how changes in physical activity (PA) over time may influence symptoms in people with heart failure (HF).

Methods

A secondary analysis was conducted with data from an RCT of an exercise intervention in patients with ICDs (implantable cardioverter defibrillator) and a HF diagnosis ( n = 96). Data were collected at baseline and 2 months of PA intervention. Physical activity (PA Steps = mean steps/day; PA Intensity = mean steps/min for most intense 30 minutes/day) were measured over 5 days at each timepoint. Physical symptoms were measured using the Patient Concerns Assessment, the SF-36 Vitality, and Bodily Pain subscales for fatigue and pain. Psychological symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the State-Trait Anxiety Index. Associations between PA and physical and psychological symptoms were analyzed with multivariate regression.

Results

Patients ( n = 96) were predominately male (83%) and Caucasian (79%), aged 55.8 ± 12.3 years, BMI of 29.7 ± 5.1, with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF; 30.9 ± 9.9%). An increase in PA Steps was associated with improvement in anxiety (β = −1.178, p = .048). An increase in PA Intensity was associated with significant reductions in depression (β = −0.127, p = .021), anxiety (β = −0.234, p = .037), and fatigue (β = 0.528, p = .022). Decreases in PA Steps and PA Intensity were not associated with changes in any symptoms.

Conclusion

For HF patients with an ICD, more intense PA over 2 months was associated with improved psychological symptoms and reduced fatigue. Decreases in PA (total and intensity) were not associated with changes in symptoms. Interventions promoting increasing the intensity of PA over time may be an effective approach to reduce some HF symptoms.
detectCilia: An R Package for Automated Detection and Length Measurement of Primary Cilia
Authors: Budde-Sagert Kai , Krueger Simone , Sehlke Clemens , Lemcke Heiko , Jonitz-Heincke Anika , David Robert , Bader Rainer , Uhrmacher Adelinde M
Published: October 2024

Background and objective:

The primary cilium is a small protrusion found on most mammalian cells. It acts as a cellular antenna, being involved in various cell signaling pathways. The length of the primary cilium affects its function. To study the impact of physical or chemical stimuli on cilia, their lengths must be determined easily and reproducibly.

Methods:

We have developed and evaluated an open-source R package called detectCilia to detect and measure primary cilia automatically. As a case study to demonstrate the capability of our tool, we compared the influence of 4 different cell culture media compositions on the lengths of primary cilia in human chondrocytes. These media compositions include (1) insulin-transferrin-selenium (ITS); (2) ITS and dexamethasone (Dexa); (3) ITS, Dexa, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1); and (4) fetal bovine serum (FBS).

Results:

The assessment of detectCilia included a comparison with 2 similar tools: ACDC (Automated Cilia Detection in Cells) and CiliaQ. Several differences and advantages of our package make it a valuable addition to these tools. In the case study, we have observed variations in the ciliary lengths associated with using different media compositions.

Conclusions:

We conclude that detectCilia can automatically and reproducibly detect and measure primary cilia in confocal microscopy images with low false-positive rates without requiring extensive user interaction.
Early-Stage Renal Cell Carcinoma Locoregional Therapies: Current Approaches and Future Directions
Authors: Khandpur Umang , Haile Bereket , Makary Mina S
Published: October 2024

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common primary renal malignancy. Prevalence of RCC in developed countries has slowly increased. Although partial or total nephrectomy has been the first-line treatment for early-stage RCC, improved or similar safety and treatment outcomes with locoregional therapies have challenged this paradigm. In this review, we explore locoregional techniques for early-stage RCC, including radiofrequency ablation, cryoablation, and microwave ablation with a focus on procedural technique, patient selection, and safety/treatment outcomes. Furthermore, we discuss future advances and novel techniques, including radiomics, combination therapy, high-intensity focused ultrasound, and catheter-directed techniques.
Pediatric emergency mental health presentations during early COVID-19: Comparing virtual and in-person presentations
Authors: Stuart Joanna , Sheridan Nicole , Cloutier Paula , Reid Sarah , Tse Sandy , Spettigue Wendy , Gray Clare
Published: October 2024

Purpose: Increased mental health (MH) needs during the COVID-19 pandemic led to the implementation of a novel pediatric Emergency Department Virtual Care (EDVC) service. Our study aimed to describe the pediatric MH patient population that used EDVC by comparing patient-specific factors of those who obtained services virtually to those seen in-person. Method: This retrospective chart review was conducted at a pediatric hospital in Eastern Ontario. Children and youth (aged 3–17) who received virtual or in-person emergency MH services from May to December 2020 were included. Patient demographics, clinical presentation details and disposition were compared between the virtual and in-person groups. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: 1104 youth (96.1%) utilized the in-person ED for MH concerns; 45 (3.9%) used EDVC. In-person youth had a higher level of perceived risk (78.9% vs. 41.9%) and were more likely to present with concerns of depression, suicidal ideation, self-harm, or laceration (46.1% vs. 35.6%). Anxiety/situational crises or behavioural issues were more likely to present virtually. Eight patients (17.8%) were redirected to the ED from EDVC. Conclusions: Several patient-specific factors varied between youth seen in-person or virtually for MH concern. Study results can assist with the design and implementation of virtual MH care platforms.
Gramsci, social theory and migration
Authors: Agustín Óscar García , Jørgensen Martin Bak
Published: October 2024

The work of Antonio Gramsci implies, in comparison with Karl Marx, a shift toward civil society, rather than state, as an intermediate category between economic structures and political institutions. Gramsci offers indeed an integral state composed of the political society (which exercises coercion) and civil society (which generates consensus). Thus, civil society becomes the site of production and contestation of ideas, the elaboration and diffusion of ideas, or, in other words, the terrain of hegemony. Our objective with this paper is to explore how Gramsci's political theory on civil society as the arena for social and political change can be used to elaborate a theoretical framework to conceptualize and analyze immigration. We highlight four dimensions that translates Gramsci's reflections to the field of immigration: class, space, common sense, and counter-hegemony. Gramsci's theory can, in a few words, contribute to understanding how migrants can question the hegemonic order and contribute to alternative visions of society.
Advocacy Skill Development in Public Health Education Curriculum: A Pilot Study
Authors: Blavos Alexis , Hancher-Rauch Heidi , Gardner Antonio , Lam Vincent , Haidar Salma , Brookins-Fisher Jodi , Thompson Amy
Published: October 2024

The National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC) released updated Responsibilities and Competencies for Health Education Specialists based on the 2020 HESPA II. For the first time, advocacy is a standalone area of responsibility (Area V: Advocacy) for health education specialists. Although this is exciting for the field of health education, there is limited consensus on how to effectively teach advocacy or what content and skills to include. Furthermore, while the HESPA II was updated, the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) criteria for advocacy have not been. This pilot study examined how CEPH-accredited programs in the United States are addressing the profession-wide advocacy competency in their health education curricula. A cross-sectional research design with single-point data collection was used to assess how CEPH-accredited university programs (including Standalone Baccalaureate Programs, Public Health Programs, and Schools of Public Health) are preparing health education students to meet the national advocacy responsibility. The survey included items from the Advocacy Area of Responsibility and potential barriers for faculty teaching advocacy. Results indicate that most programs are teaching something about advocacy, but there is no program teaching all listed sub-competencies. Barriers to including all components of the advocacy responsibility were largely related to faculty motivation, knowledge, and time. With a full responsibility area devoted to advocacy, it is reasonable to expect that programs will adjust with the profession. However, program administrators must be catalysts for these changes in their individual programs.
Dorsal and Volar Approaches for Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Replacement: Comparing Outcomes Through Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mahi Gagandeep , Ansong Eric , Gan Eugene , Dehbozorgi Sasan , Chong Han Hong
Published: October 2024

Background:

The 2 primary surgical approaches for proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) arthroplasty, dorsal or volar, have been extensively described in the literature. However, the ongoing debate regarding which approach offers superior results or is associated with fewer complications persists. This systematic review aims to compare the outcomes of PIPJ arthroplasty between the dorsal and volar approaches.

Methods:

A comprehensive search of multiple databases was conducted, and studies meeting predetermined criteria were included. Data extraction, assessment of bias risk, and statistical analysis were performed to compare treatment modalities. Outcome measures included range of motion (ROM), patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), revisions, and reported complications.

Results:

Among 368 screened articles, 5 studies involving 302 patients (310 implants) were eligible for final review. No significant differences were observed between the 2 approaches regarding postoperative ROM (mean difference [MD] 2.24; 95% confidence interval [CI] −3.83, 8.32; P = .47) and PROMs (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.18; 95% CI −0.12, 0.48; P = .25). Complication rates, including revision/fusion, persistent pain, stiffness, infection, and dislocation, did not significantly differ between the approaches. Notably, dorsal approach was associated with higher risk of swan-neck deformity (9 out of 82 implants), while no such cases were reported in the volar approach (0 out of 101 implants).

Conclusion:

Despite limitations and heterogeneity in the literature, both dorsal and volar approaches for PIPJ arthroplasty appear to yield equivalent outcomes for patients.

Level of Evidence:

II, therapeutic.
How much training is enough? Evaluating clinician self-reported family violence response skills following a 3-year transformational change project in a major trauma hospital
Authors: Fisher Caroline A , Rushan Catherine , Withiel Toni D
Published: October 2024

Background:

Rates of family violence are high in many societies, with disproportionate impacts on women and children. Healthcare services have an important gateway role for victim-survivors requiring assistance. There is limited evidence regarding how much training is required for hospital clinicians to be adequately prepared to work effectively with clients experiencing family violence.

Objectives:

This study aimed to investigate the impact of different levels of training in family violence, on the knowledge and confidence of hospital clinicians.

Design:

A cross-sectional, online, survey of hospital clinicians in a major trauma hospital was conducted. The study evaluated the impact of level of family violence training (no training, some training, clinical champions) on staff self-reported family violence knowledge and confidence levels.

Methods:

The Assisting Patient/Clients Experiencing Family Violence: Royal Melbourne Hospital Clinician Survey tool was utilised, and open for clinicians to complete, anonymously over a 6-week period.

Results:

In total, 526 clinical staff participated across a range of profession groups (Allied Health, 47%; Nursing 40%; Medical 13%). Staff with some training (mean training hours 3.25, SD 5.23) rated their knowledge and confidence levels at least two-thirds higher than those with no training. Those trained as clinical champions (mean training hours 14.60, SD 9.14) rated their knowledge and confidence at least 50% higher than staff with some training. An even more pronounced elevation across training levels was seen with specific family violence clinical skills – identifying the signs of family violence, knowing how to screen patients and providing an appropriate response to disclosures.

Conclusions:

Training in family violence clinical response significantly increased self-reported knowledge and confidence levels of hospital staff, with the extra time and resourcing required to train clinical champions, showing clear benefits. The provision of evidence-based and well-resourced family violence education for healthcare professionals is required to drive clinical practice improvements for victim-survivors.
“COVID-Collateral” Deaths
Authors: Prahlow Joseph A. , Brown Theodore
Published: October 2024

Study Design: This observational study focuses on select cases where death may have been related to COVID-related fears or the unintended consequences of protocols or public health mandates imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: The objective of this study is to highlight examples of “COVID-collateral” deaths for the expressed purpose of preventing similar deaths in the future. Methods: The study represents a retrospective observational study from the case work at an academically-based regional medical examiners’ office. Cases were selected based on identification of deaths that may have been related to COVID-19 fears, mandates or policies. Results: Six cases of COVID-collateral deaths are highlighted in this report, including cases where fear or isolation related to COVID-19 infection resulted in untreated exacerbation of an underlying disease/condition with eventual death, as well as cases where COVID-related psychological/mental stress or isolation played a role in suicide. Conclusions: Medical examiners/coroners should be aware of these cases if future pandemics or similar events occur, so that more thorough and accurate data regarding such deaths can be gathered. Public health officials, the medical community, and the general public also need to be aware of such cases so that appropriate preventive strategies can be employed.
Impact of Ultra-Rapid Insulin on Boost and Ease-Off in the Cambridge Hybrid Closed-Loop System for Individuals With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Royston Chloë , Boughton Charlotte , Nwokolo Munachiso , Lakshman Rama , Hartnell Sara , Wilinska Malgorzata E. , Ware Julia , Allen Janet M. , Thabit Hood , Mader Julia K. , Bally Lia , Leelarathna Lalantha , Evans Mark L. , Hovorka Roman
Published: October 2024

Objective:

The objective was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ultra–rapid-acting insulin with the Boost and Ease-off features of the Cambridge hybrid closed-loop system.

Methods:

A secondary analysis of Boost and Ease-off from two double-blind, randomized, crossover hybrid closed-loop studies comparing (1) Fiasp to insulin aspart (n = 25), and (2) Lyumjev to insulin lispro (n = 26) was carried out. Mean glucose on initialization of Boost and Ease-off, change in glucose 60 and 120 minutes after initialization, duration and frequency of use, mean glucose, and time in, above, and below target glucose range were calculated for periods of Boost use, Ease-off use, or neither.

Results:

Participants used Boost for longer with Fiasp than insulin aspart (median [interquartile range, IQR] = 75 [53-125] minutes vs 60 [49-75] minutes; P = .01). Mean glucose on Boost initialization with Fiasp was 238 ± 62 mg/dL compared with 218 ± 45 mg/dL with insulin aspart ( P = .08). Fiasp use resulted in a greater glucose reduction 120 minutes after Boost initialization [−59 ± 34 mg/dL vs −43 ± 31 mg/dL; P = .02]. There were no statistically significant differences in sensor glucose endpoints during Boost or Ease-off periods between Fiasp and aspart. There were no statistically significant differences during Boost or Ease-off periods when comparing Lyumjev with insulin lispro. There were no safety issues when using Boost and Ease-off with ultra-rapid insulins.

Conclusions:

The use of Fiasp and Lyumjev during Boost or Ease-off resulted in comparable safety and efficacy to using insulin aspart and lispro.