bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavior and design of axially loaded square concrete-filled double steel tubular slender columns
Authors: Chen Shicai , Ahmed Mizan , Ci Junchang , Chen Wensu , Sennah Khaled
Published: July 2022

A square concrete-filled double steel tubular (CFDST) column composed of a circular core concrete-filled tube offers the advantages of both square and circular concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) columns. However, limited tests were performed to investigate the axial performance of CFDST slender columns. This paper investigates the behavior and design of square CFDST slender columns subjected to concentric loading. A total of eight columns, including six CFDST slender columns and two CFDST short columns were tested under concentric loading. The test parameter includes the slenderness ratio of the columns and the thickness of the inner tube. The ultimate load, failure modes and axial load-deflection relationships of CFDST slender columns are presented. It was observed that square CFDST slender columns failed due to the overall buckling of the columns together with the localized buckling of the steel tube and concrete crushing. Increasing the slenderness ratio and decreasing the thickness of the inner steel tube reduced the ultimate load of CFDST slender columns. The applicability of the existing design code of CFST columns in designing CFDST slender columns was evaluated. It was found that the existing design codes significantly underestimated the ultimate loads of CFDST columns.
Computationally efficient, frequency-domain quadrupole corrections for the Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings equation
Authors: Ikeda Tomoaki , Yamamoto Kazuomi
Published: July 2022

In the present article, frequency-domain formulations of quadrupole corrections are derived in a computationally efficient form for the Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings (FW-H) equation with permeable control surfaces. Quadrupole corrections effectively reduce spurious noise associated with hydrodynamic fluctuations passing across integral surfaces, originally derived for Formulation 1A of Farassat in the time domain. When a corresponding frequency-domain formulation is sought, however, difficulty arises as its Green’s function is written in a convective form and different from that of Formulation 1A. First, the mathematical framework of the convective FW-H equation is shown to be equivalent to Formulation 1A by applying a simple Galilean transformation for rectilinear motion. Then, a frequency-domain formulation is derived via a Fourier transform applied directly to the time-domain quadrupole correction forms. The results of the derived formulation agree precisely with the time-domain solutions, in the verification study of vortex convection, as well as non-uniform entropy convection, in which spurious noise can be effectively removed by the present quadrupole correction integrals.
Pandemic, poverty and education: A challenge for the sustainable development goals
Authors: Sanz Ponce Roberto , López-Luján Elena , Giménez-Beut Juan Antonio
Published: July 2022

COVID-19 has changed the socio-economic and educational landscape, increasing poverty rates and generating psychosocial problems. It has also conditioned the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Thus, this article pursues three-fold objectives: to describe the situation generated worldwide by the increase in poverty due to COVID-19; to analyse the degree of compliance with some post-pandemic SDGs and to establish educational measures to alleviate the psycho-pedagogical consequences. Interpretative hermeneutics is applied as it makes it possible to interpret and understand the socio-economic-educational reality and establish intervention measures adapted to the educational context. Amongst the macro measures designed, we can mention core actions such as establishing legal and motivational mechanisms to re-engage students at risk of dropping out of school; generating policies of economic and cultural compensation for possible educational inequalities; implementing school support programmes for families and students in vulnerable situations; carrying out socio-emotional learning programmes to combat anxiety, stress and self-esteem among students; establishing policies to raise awareness and appreciation of the teaching profession and stimulate collaboration between family and school; developing teacher training programmes in ICTs. At the micro level, the core actions applied are target vulnerable groups of students to overcome learning losses; promote emotional education; establish initiatives to reduce stigmatisation and discrimination; improve educational environments; and ensure equal opportunities at school.
Different Chambers, Divergent Rhetoric: Institutional Differences and Policy Representation on Social Media
Authors: Smith Sarah A. , Russell Annelise
Published: July 2022

For the past decade, members of both the House and Senate have increasingly used Twitter to curate a political agenda, but some are better equipped to drive digital policy conversations—even on a public platform with few constraints, low costs, and outsized user discretion. This research note explores the variable digital representation between congressional chambers, using tweets from the 115th Congress to illustrate asymmetric patterns in lawmakers’ rhetorical agendas on Twitter and the role of policy for self-presentation. Senators tweet more frequently, more often about policy, and represent a more diverse agenda on the platform. In this note, we suggest senators’ additional resources and incentives for policy expertise shape important differences in digital engagement, illustrating the prevailing importance of institutional nuance for understanding how lawmakers use Twitter to frame their political reputations.
Self-Realization and Self-Control Society: Colombian Higher Education System
Authors: Garcia Edisson Giovanny , Rolls Nicola
Published: July 2022

The article analyzes the elements defined in Colombia as relevant to evaluate higher education (HE) quality. Using a literature review as the main source of information, this article reveals the way in which the HE system is a vehicle for a society of self-control and self-realization. Likewise, the implications for different actors involved in the HE system are discussed and the question of whether the interests of governments, institutions, and students are actually being served is posited.
When it matters to keep promises: Funding of retiree benefit and government borrowing cost
Authors: Yu Jinhai
Published: July 2022

While funding of retiree benefits has become a critical challenge to the fiscal sustainability of U.S. local governments, little is known about the consequences of public expenditures on OPEBs and pensions. This study examines whether and when annual contributions to other post-employment benefits (OPEBs) plans affect government borrowing costs. By reducing unfunded liabilities, OPEB contributions may decrease borrowing costs. As two parts of deferred employee compensation, expenditure tradeoffs may exist between OPEBs and pension contributions. Fiscal capacity can further moderate these expenditure tradeoffs. Results show that, as U.S. city and county governments make more contributions to OPEB plans, they pay lower borrowing costs when the pension contribution is low and when fiscal capacity is low. They pay higher borrowing costs when the pension contribution is high and when fiscal capacity is low. These findings suggest that the savings of borrowing costs from OPEB contributions depend on the tradeoffs between OPEB and pension expenditures and the availability of fiscal resources.
Study on new frequency conversion control system and power balance control method of dual-motor for shearer traction unit
Authors: Mao Qinghua , Lu Maomao , Zhang Xuhui , Zeng Min , Zhao Jianbo , Li Shikun
Published: July 2022

The drive system of shearer traction unit is affected by complex load interference and system structure, which results in the problem of unbalanced power of dual-motor of shearer traction unit. A new type of dual-motor frequency conversion control system for shearer traction unit with “common rectification and dual inverters” is designed. And a dual-motor power balance control method based on particle swarm optimization torque cross-coupled control is proposed. The new frequency conversion control system adopts a parallel structure of two inverter circuits with a common DC bus. Particle swarm optimization is used to optimize the PID control parameters of torque cross-coupling control, which solves the problem that it is difficult to gain optimal PID parameters. The control model is established using Matlab/Simulink simulation software. The proposed control method and the master-slave control method are compared by simulation. The results show that the control effect of proposed control method is better synchromization and power balance effect than the master-slave control method. The proposed control method is applied to dual-motor control of shearer traction unit for experimental verification. The results indicate that the proposed power balance control method realizes that the output torque ratio of dual-motor is between 0.9 and 1.1.
Theoretical study of non-Newtonian micropolar nanofluid flow over an exponentially stretching surface with free stream velocity
Authors: Abbas Nadeem , Rehman Khalil Ur , Shatanawi Wasfi , Al-Eid Afifah A
Published: July 2022

The computational analysis of the second-order micropolar stagnation point flow of nanofluid over an exponentially permeable stretching sheet is considered. The freestream velocity with the thermal slip effects is taken into account in this analysis. This model is developed on the basis of flow assumptions and reduced into partial differential equations before applying the boundary layer approximations. The governing equations as a mathematical model are simplified with the help of suitable transformations. The differential system is further solved by using the bvp4c. Both graphs and tables are used to report observations. The skin friction and Nusselt number are reported for both weak and strong concentrations. The magnitude of skin friction is noticed greater for strong concentration in comparison with weak concentration. Subject to couple stress, the values of skin friction are relatively high for the case of weak concentration in comparison with strong concentration. Micropolar profile admit the direct relation toward micropolar parameter and micro-gyration parameter. Both Sherwood number and Nusselt number admits higher values for strong concentration as compared to weak concentration.
Amplification factor analysis of a simply supported beam under moving loads
Authors: Cheng Zenong , Zhang Nan , Gao Ce , Du Xianting , Zhou Shuang
Published: July 2022

An analytical solution for vertical vibrations of a simply supported bridge under the action of moving loads is derived and validated. The effect of bridge frequency, span length and vehicle length on the amplification factor of mid-span displacement is discussed using theoretical formulas and numerical results. The study finds and validates that the maximum bridge amplification factor is function of the length ratio of the bridge-to-vehicle. When the speed of the vehicle is high enough to cause bridge resonance, the maximum amplification factor of the bridge is a certain value, which has no relation to bridge’s frequency. The frequency only affects the speed the maximum amplification factor appears. The changes in the amplification factor are analyzed with the bridge-to-vehicle length ratio, which provides a basis for the selection of bridge span length. A simplified, practical formula for calculating the amplification factor is given. The presented results will be particularly useful for railway bridge preliminary design for high-speed trains and assessment of the expected maximum vibration levels.
Experimental study on combustion and emissions of a compression ignition engine fueled with gasoline
Authors: Hu Yan , Huang Zhaoming , Wang Li , Sun Xiaodong , Chen Weiguo
Published: July 2022

Gasoline compression ignition (GCI) is an effective way to achieve both high thermal efficiency and low emission. The combustion and emission performances of GCI and DCI (diesel compression ignition) were compared on a 2.0 L diesel engine equipped with Three-way catalyst-Lean NOx trap/Passive selective catalytic reduction (TWC-LNT/PSCR) aftertreatment system. In order to further clarify the advantages and disadvantages of GCI, this paper first studies the combustion and emission at 1500 rpm and braking average effective pressure (BMEP) of 4–9 bar. Secondly, six small map points of worldwide harmonized light vehicles test cycle (WLTC) are studied. The results show that the braking thermal efficiency (BTE) of GCI is lower than that of DCI at low load. When BMEP is greater than 5 bar, the BTE of GCI is significantly improved. GCI achieves a maximum BTE of 43%, which is 3% higher than DCI. Compared with DCI, the NOx emission of GCI is slightly lower, the smoke emission of filter smoke number (FSN) is significantly improved, and the CO and HC emissions are significantly increased. GCI engine equipped with TWC-LNT/PSCR system with high aftertreatment efficiency has the potential to meet China’s VI B emission regulations.
Team Immediate Meet tool to help intensive care staff: Staff perception of an updated version and preliminary feedback following implementation
Authors: Edmondson Matthew , Guscoth Layla , Highfield Julie , Kelly Fiona E
Published: July 2022

Intensive Care Unit staff deal with potentially traumatic cases throughout their careers. We designed and implemented a ‘Team Immediate Meet’ (TIM) tool, a communication aid designed to facilitate a two-minute ‘hot debrief’ after a critical event, provide the team with information about the normal reaction to such an event and signpost staff to strategies to help support their colleagues (and themselves). We describe our TIM tool awareness campaign, quality improvement project and subsequent feedback from staff who reported that the tool would be useful for navigating the aftermath of potentially traumatic events and could be transferable to other ICUs.
Gastric cancer
Authors: Baxter Karina A , Chillarge Gauri S , Wajed Saj
Published: July 2022

Gastric cancer (GC), although reducing in incidence in recent years, continues to be a common cancer worldwide, especially in developed countries where diets contain more red meat, fats and alcohol. Genetic factors and environmental factors such as Helicobacter pylori and other microbial associations play a role in the development of GC. GCs are more common in men and incidence increases with age. GC is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, GC is frequently diagnosed after curative treatment is no longer possible, because the most worrying symptoms develop at later stages of the disease. As a result, prognosis is poor. Common presenting features include upper abdominal discomfort, dyspepsia, acid reflux, unexplained anaemia and weight loss. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is the gold standard investigation for diagnosis of GC. The mainstay of curative treatment is surgery. Other treatment options include endoscopic mucosal resection, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Encorafenib plus cetuximab for the treatment of BRAF-V600E-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Ros Javier , Saoudi Nadia , Baraibar Iosune , Salva Francesc , Tabernero Josep , Elez Elena
Published: July 2022

B-type RAF ( BRAF) -V600E mutations in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) have been described in up to 12% of the patients. This mutation confers a bad prognostic and poor response with standard chemotherapy. Unlike the scenario for BRAF mutant melanoma, successful BRAF blockade in mCRC has emerged as a complex path, primarily due to the complex underlying biology of mCRC. The BEACON trial has reshaped the therapeutic landscape of BRAF mCRC demonstrating the benefit of the BRAF inhibitor encorafenib in combination with the anti-epidermal growth factor receptor cetuximab. This paper aims to review the main features of BRAF mCRC as well as to review the development of targeted therapy and biomarkers in this specific population. Finally, a deep insight into the underlying biology and molecular classification of BRAF-V600E mCRC has also been performed. The words ‘BRAF-V600E mutation’, ‘colorectal cancer’, ‘BRAF inhibitors’, ‘consensus molecular subtypes’, ‘encorafenib’, and ‘cetuximab’ were used to identify the clinical trials from phase I to phase III related to the development of BRAF inhibitors in this population. A deep search among international meetings (American Society of Clinical Oncology and European Society of Medical Oncology) has been performed to incorporate the last trials presented. BRAF-V600E mCRC is a challenging disease, mostly because of its molecular biology. The BEACON trial has been the most important therapeutic change in the last decade. Nevertheless, new information regarding biomarkers or novel combinations including BRAF inhibitors plus immune checkpoint inhibitors are also promising.
Motoric cognitive risk syndrome in people with multiple sclerosis: prevalence and correlations with disease-related factors
Authors: Dreyer-Alster Sapir , Menascu Shay , Aloni Roy , Givon Uri , Dolev Mark , Achiron Anat , Kalron Alon
Published: July 2022

Background:

The motoric cognitive risk (MCR) syndrome, defined as the coexistence of slow gait and subjective cognitive complaints, has as yet not been researched in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS).

Objective:

To examine the prevalence of the MCR syndrome in pwMS and its association with disability, disease duration, perceived fatigue, and fear of falling.

Methods:

The study comprised 618 pwMS [43.7 (SD = 12.6) years, 61.7% females]. Gait speed was measured by the GAITRite™ electronic walkway (CIR Systems, Inc. Haverton, PA, USA). Cognitive status was defined according to the global cognitive score computed by the NeuroTrax™ cognitive battery (NeuroTrax Corporation, Medina, NY, USA). The sample was divided into four main groups: ‘normal’, ‘cognitively impaired’, ‘gait impaired’ or ‘MCR’. Perceived fatigue was assessed by the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale; fear of falling by the Falls Efficacy Scale International.

Results:

Sixty-three (10.2%) patients were diagnosed with MCR. The percentage of subjects categorized as MCR was 26.0% in severely disabled pwMS compared with 10.9%, 6.0%, and 4.6% in moderately, mildly and very mildly disabled pwMS, respectively. Subjects in the MCR group presented with elevated fatigue compared with patients classified as normal [49.7 (SD = 23.3) vs 26.5 (SD = 19.2), p < 0.001]. Fear of falling was significantly higher in the MCR and gait impairment groups compared with the cognitively impaired and normal groups.

Conclusions:

The current study corroborates the presence of MCR in pwMS. Nevertheless, future longitudinal research is warranted to better understand its application.
Association of compromised cerebral perfusion with lenticulostriate artery impairments in the subacute phase of branch atheromatous disease
Authors: Jiang Shuai , Cui Jing-Yu , Yan Yu-Ying , Yang Tang , Tao Wen-Dan , Wu Bo
Published: July 2022

Background:

Whether altered cerebral perfusion is associated with the pathogenesis of single subcortical infarctions (SSIs) in the lenticulostriate artery (LSA) territory remains unclear.

Objective:

We aimed to assess whether cerebral perfusion abnormalities are related to LSA impairments in the subacute phase of SSIs and then to examine their correlations with etiological subtypes of SSIs.

Methods:

A total of 110 patients with acute SSIs in the LSA territory were prospectively recruited between July 2017 and October 2021, and they underwent magnetic resonance perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) and whole-brain vessel-wall imaging (VWI) within 7 days of stroke onset. Based on VWI, patients were assigned to one of two SSI subtypes: branch atheromatous disease (BAD, n = 78, 70.9%) or lacunar infarction related to cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD-related LI, n = 32, 29.1%). Perfusion maps and LSA morphology were also quantitatively assessed.

Results:

Based on PWI, 22 patients (20%) had hypoperfusion and 88 (80%) showed normal perfusion. Compared with normal individuals, patients with hypoperfusion showed shorter average LSA length (23.48 ± 4.81 mm versus 25.47 ± 3.74 mm, p = 0.037). Compared with patients with CSVD-related LI, patients with BAD had significantly lower relative cerebral blood flow [0.95 (IQR 0.81–1.12) versus 1.04 (IQR 0.92–1.22); p = 0.036] and cerebral blood volume [0.95 (IQR 0.84–1.15) versus 1.14 (IQR 0.97–1.27); p = 0.020] after adjusting for hypertension, number of LSA branches, and infarct volume.

Conclusion:

Compromised cerebral perfusion is associated with impairments in the LSA and with BAD pathogenesis. Perfusion magnetic resonance imaging can provide important insights into acute SSI pathophysiology, and it may be useful for determining the clinical significance of perfusion abnormalities in BAD occurrence.
Zoledronic acid does not slow spinal radiographic progression of osteoarthritis in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and radiographic osteoarthritis
Authors: Host L.V. , Keen H.I. , Laslett L.L. , Black D.M. , Jones G.
Published: July 2022

Introduction:

Post hoc analyses of osteoporosis trials have suggested that alendronate and strontium ranelate may be associated with a reduction in the progression of spinal radiographic osteoarthritis (OA). We performed an analysis on a subgroup of participants in the horizon PFT trial (a 3-year randomized controlled trial (RCT) of yearly zoledronic acid (ZA) in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis), to evaluate the effect of ZA on the structural progression of spinal osteophytes (OPh) and disk space narrowing (DN).

Methods:

Paired lateral spinal X-rays (baseline and 36 months) were selected from the horizon PFT trial records restricted to those with radiographic OA at baseline. The X-rays were analyzed by two readers blinded to the treatment allocation. OPh and DN were scored separately using the Lane atlas (0–3 for increasing severity at each vertebral level) at all evaluable levels from T4–12 and L1–5.

Results:

A total of 504 sets of paired radiographs were included in the analysis, 245 in the ZA group and 259 in the placebo group. Overall, the rates of change of OPh and DN scores were low, and they were not statistically different between the groups (change in the whole spine OPh ZA 1.0 ± 1.6, placebo 0.8 ± 1.3, p = 0.1; DN ZA 0.3 ± 1.0, placebo 0.3 ± 0.8, p = 0.7).

Conclusion:

Yearly ZA for 3 years was not associated with a slowing of progression of OPh or DN in the thoracolumbar spine in patients with pre-existing radiographic OA.
The influence of strain range, size and chiral on mechanical properties of graphene: Molecular dynamics insights
Authors: Du Yi-Xiu , Zhou Li-Jun , Guo Jian-Gang
Published: July 2022

The stress-strain response of pristine monolayer graphene under uniaxial loading/unloading over a more extensive size range (100 nm×100 nm) is studied by molecular dynamics simulations, which proves that graphene is perfectly elastic prior to the failure strain. Young’s modulus of graphene is calculated by selecting different strain ranges in the elastic region. It is found that Young’s modulus is strongly dependent on the strain range. When the selected strain ranges are increased from 0.5% to 8%, Young’s modulus of the armchair and zigzag graphene is reduced by approximately 60 GPa and 150 GPa, respectively. Based on the Pearson correlation coefficient method, the linearity of the stress-strain curve during graphene stretching is studied. The elastic region of the tensile curve is divided into the linear elastic region and non-linear elastic region. Simultaneously, the linear elastic limit strains for the armchair and zigzag graphene are defined to be about 2.5% and 1.5%, respectively, and they are independent of the size of graphene. On this basis, the chirality dependence and size effects of Young’s modulus, failure strain, and fracture strength of pristine monolayer graphene are investigated. The results show that Young’s modulus is dependent on the chiral angle but insensitive to size. The failure strain and fracture strength depend on the chiral angle and have obvious size effects.
Retained Diabetes Devices—A Literature Review
Authors: Xu Nicole Y. , Nguyen Kevin T. , Krouwer Jan S. , Akturk Halis K. , Shah Viral N. , Klonoff David C.
Published: July 2022

Background:

Diabetes management and treatment requires the use of many devices that frequently must puncture the skin, creating a risk of unintentional retention in the body as a retained diabetes device. In this article, we reviewed case studies about retained diabetes devices and presented analyses of the success rate of current imaging techniques in identifying retained devices and the success rate of device removal.

Methods:

PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for articles about retained diabetes devices. Relevant articles that included sufficient details about discovery and removal of the device were included. The success rate of identification and the success rate of removal of retained devices were both calculated as percentages.

Results:

Sixteen case studies of retained diabetes devices were identified. These devices included parts of continuous glucose monitors and infusion sets, a lancet, and various types of needles for insulin injection. Each case is presented with details about the year of publication, the retained diabetes device, the company that produced the device, the age and gender of the patient, the type of diabetes that the patient had, the location of the device, the reason for initial discovery of the retained device, the process of locating the device, the success rate for removal of the device, and the removal procedure of the device. Analysis revealed a 100% success rate for the use of imaging technology including X-rays and computed tomography to identify a retained diabetes device. The patients with retained diabetes devices had a 62.5% success rate for eventual removal of the device.

Conclusions:

With the increasing use of injected, inserted, and implanted diabetes wearables for digital health, it is likely that some of the devices will detach, break apart, or otherwise become retained in the body. It is important to be aware of available technologies to identify retained diabetes devices so that it will be possible in most cases to surgically remove these devices if they detach or become retained.
Microscopic colitis in older adults: impact, diagnosis, and management
Authors: Fedor Istvan , Zold Eva , Barta Zsolt
Published: July 2022

Microscopic colitis (comprising lymphocytic and collagenous colitis, albeit an incomplete variant is gaining recognition as well) is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory state of the lower gastrointestinal tract (colon). The diagnosis requires diagnostic colonoscopy with characteristic histopathological findings. They have a propensity to present in senior populations (above 60 years of age), particularly women – who are approximately 2.5–3 times more likely to develop microscopic colitis. Preexisting other immune-inflammatory diseases are also shown to predispose patients for the development of microscopic colitis. The classic presentation is profuse watery diarrhea, often during the night or early morning hours. Fecal incontinence and abdominal pain are frequent as well. Thus, the disease impacts patients’ quality of life and well-being. The first described cases date back to the seventies and eighties of the twentieth century, thereby they can be considered fairly recently discovered disease states. Our understanding of the disease and its pathophysiology is still incomplete. Although there is a lack of unified recommendation for treatment, most clinicians prefer the use of budesonide, and most published guidelines regard this locally acting glucocorticoid as the therapy of choice. In our article, we aimed for a brief, noncomprehensive overview of the clinical significance, diagnosis, and management of microscopic colitis.
Effect of semaglutide and liraglutide in individuals with obesity or overweight without diabetes: a systematic review
Authors: Deng You , Park Andrew , Zhu Lin , Xie Wen , Pan Calvin Q.
Published: July 2022

Background & Objective:

Although data on the effects of liraglutide and semaglutide in patients with diabetes have been reviewed, their therapeutic outcomes in obese/overweight individuals without diabetes have not been summarized. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate their effects on the latter population.

Methods:

We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, CNKI, and Wanfang databases. Studies regarding obese/overweight adults without diabetes treated with liraglutide/semaglutide compared with other active agents or placebos were accessed. The primary outcomes were the proportions of adults with at least 5% and 10% weight reduction. The secondary outcomes included metabolic indicators and adverse events.

Results:

Eighteen studies with 10,938 obese/overweight adults without diabetes were included. When stratified by the categories of at least 5% and 10% weight loss, the pooled data showed medians 27.7% and 10.3% of control groups versus 65.3% and 30.7% of liraglutide 3 mg once daily, respectively; whereas medians 47.6% and 20.4% of control groups vs 86.6% and 75.3% of semaglutide 2.4 mg once weekly were found in the two categories, respectively. Both agents either improved or had no impact on lipid or glycemia. Liraglutide or semaglutide therapy had discontinuation rates of 2.4%–11.4% which overlapped with 0.7%–8.6% in control groups. The frequency of adverse events was comparable between the treatment groups and the control groups (66.5%–95.8% vs 46.9%–96.1%), which were mild to moderate graded by studies.

Conclusion:

Liraglutide and semaglutide therapy led to a clinically relevant (⩾5%) weight loss of 48.2%–88.7% among obese/overweight adults without diabetes. Both liraglutide and semaglutide are associated with weight loss and are well-tolerated.
Associated factors of positive visual inspection of cervix with acetic acid test among women screened for cervical cancer at public health facilities in Woliso town, Southwest Shoa, Ethiopia: A case–control study
Authors: Tesfaye Bahiru , Tilahun Temesgen , Dechasa Heyi Worku , Oljira Rut
Published: July 2022

Objectives:

Screening for precancerous cervical lesions and providing access to effective treatment can significantly improve the likelihood of survival. To identify associated factors of positive visual inspection of the cervix with acetic acid test for precancerous cervical lesions among women screened for cervical cancer at public health facilities in Woliso Town, Southwest Shoa, Ethiopia.

Methods:

A facility-based unmatched case–control study was conducted on 86 cases and 172 controls. Cases were women who had a positive result for the visual inspection of the cervix with acetic acid test, and controls were women with a negative result. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire and organized using SPSS version 20. Descriptive analysis and logistic regressions were performed. The adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used, and statistical significance was declared at p-value <0.05.

Results:

The study found that women aged 40–44 years (adjusted odds ratio = 4.11, 95% confidence interval (1.20–14.50)), greater or equal to five deliveries (adjusted odds ratio = 2.78, 95% confidence interval (1.39–5.56)), age at first birth less than 20 (adjusted odds ratio = 5.45, 95% confidence interval (1.41–21.04), age at first sexual intercourse less than 18 (adjusted odds ratio = 4.73, 95%, confidence interval (1.79–12.48)), ever used condom (adjusted odds ratio = 11.06, 95% confidence interval (3.93–31.14), having a history of sexually transmitted diseases (adjusted odds ratio = 4.05, 95% confidence interval (2.15–7.76), having a history of multiple sexual partners (adjusted odds ratio = 4.81, 95% confidence interval (1.37–16.90)), and being human immunodeficiency virus positive (adjusted odds ratio = 3.85, 95% confidence interval (1.68–8.83)) were associated factors of positive visual inspection with acetic acid test for precancerous cervical lesions.

Conclusion:

Given the above-associated factors of positive visual inspection with acetic acid test for precancerous cervical lesions, the health facilities should target women with these factors and timely screen them with the application of acetic acid on the cervix.
Caval chemodectoma in a cat
Authors: Martinez Irene , Brockman Daniel , Purzycka Katarzyna
Published: July 2022

Case summary

An 11-year-old male neutered domestic shorthair cat was presented with a 4-week history of an intermittent cough and dyspnoea. A pleural effusion was identified, which was confirmed as chyle. Echocardiography and CT revealed a 16 mm mass cranial to the heart, which was invading the cranial vena cava. Because of the location of the mass, it was assumed that chylothorax had developed as a result of direct disruption of the thoracic duct by the tumour or secondarily to central venous hypertension. An exploratory thoracotomy was performed, and the mass, which originated within the wall of the cranial vena cava, was excised with narrow gross margins. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry were consistent with a chemodectoma with residual tumour cells at the surgical margin. Given the residual microscopic disease, adjuvant treatment with toceranib phosphate was initiated. The cat remained well for the duration of treatment and was euthanased 31 months after diagnosis when CT identified recurrent pleural effusion, a heart base mass with cranial vena cava and azygos vein invasion.

Relevance and novel information

Chemodectomas are rare in cats, with only 13 cases reported in the literature to date, and all were located in either the aortic or carotid body. The reported survival with partial resection and/or subtotal pericardiectomy was 13–19 months. Treatment of feline chemodectomas with toceranib phosphate has not been previously reported. To our knowledge, this is the first description of the surgical management of a feline vena cava chemodectoma, combined with adjuvant toceranib phosphate, resulting in a prolonged survival.
Computational technique of thermal comparative examination of Cu and Au nanoparticles suspended in sodium alginate as Sutterby nanofluid via extending PTSC surface
Authors: Jamshed Wasim , Safdar Rabia , Rehman Zulfiqar , Lashin Maha M. A. , Ehab Mohamed , Moussa Mohamed , Rehman Aysha
Published: July 2022

Current research underscores entropy investigation in an infiltrating mode of Sutterby nanofluid (SNF) stream past a dramatically expanding flat plate that highlights Parabolic Trough Solar Collector (PTSC). Satisfactory likeness factors are utilized to change halfway differential conditions (PDEs) to nonlinear conventional differential conditions (ODEs) along with relating limit requirements. A productive Keller-box system is locked in to achieve approximated arrangement of decreased conventional differential conditions. In the review, two sorts of nanofluids including Copper-sodium alginate (Cu-SA) and Gold-sodium alginate (Au-SA) are dissected. Results are graphically plotted as well as talked about in actual viewpoints. As indicated by key discoveries, an improvement in Brinkmann, as well as Reynolds number, brings about expanding the general framework entropy. Sutterby nanofluid boundary improves heat rate in PTSC. Additionally, Copper-sodium alginate nanofluid is detected as a superior thermal conductor than Gold-sodium alginate nanofluid. Further to that, the reported breakthroughs are beneficial to updating extremely bright lighting bulbs, heating and cooling machinery, ﬁber required to generate light, power production, numerous boilers, and other similar technologies.
The relevance of the open society to Hong Kong’s fight against moral and institutional decay: Lessons for Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Chan Kenneth Ka-Lok
Published: July 2022

The situation in Hong Kong today is not dissimilar to the moral predicaments that Central and Eastern Europe had endured during the Communist era. Then, as now, state oppression and intimidation aim not only at generating a pervasive sense of learned helplessness in society but also incentivising political opportunism. This paper begins with a thorough examination of the relevance of the open society against the background of the regime’s all-out attacks on the pro-democracy opposition and the civil society in the name national security following unprecedented protests in 2019. Civil society organisations are in retreat under the pressure of autocratic rule, but the normative appeal of the open society as a custodian for the city’s distinctive values and identity is expected to grow against the backdrop of the moral and institutional decay of the official, ‘Orwellian’, realm. It then seeks to explain why the barriers against norm entrepreneurship – individual and collective actions resisting moral decline and decay – are not insurmountable as they first appeared. Three decades after the end of Communism in Europe, the moral commitment to the open society serves as rallying point against the rise of illiberal democracies or electoral authoritarianism. In any case, autocrats are not invincible and there is nothing inevitable about the authoritarian backlash.
‘Eat, sleep, internet and talk’: an exploratory study of play profile for children living with palliative care needs
Authors: Jasem Zainab A. , Darlington Anne-Sophie , Lambrick Danielle , Randall Duncan C.
Published: July 2022

Background:

Play is central to children’s lives. Children living with palliative care needs experience disruption in their play. In this study, we sought to discover the characteristics and patterns of children’s play when receiving care in children’s hospital wards and hospices in Kuwait and the United Kingdom.

Methods:

A qualitative nonparticipatory observation design was used. Thirty-one children were observed, between the ages of 5 and 11 years, all diagnosed with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and receiving palliative care. The data were analysed using content analysis.

Results:

The children’s illnesses were negatively impacting their ability to have typical play for their age and development. The children’s interactive play was with grown-ups and very rarely with other children. This was associated with isolation precautions, the child’s need for assistance and a lack of play resources that match children’s physical and cognitive abilities. This gave rise to their engagement in more sedentary, solitary play. The findings of the study did not indicate significant cultural differences between the two countries.

Conclusion:

Children living with palliative care needs may be socially isolated due to their illnesses and their play participation can be limited. Understanding the influencing factors that determine these children’s play is essential for implementing effective modifications to enhance their play routines.
VEGF Paradoxically Reduces Cerebral Blood Flow in Alzheimer’s Disease Mice
Authors: Ali Muhammad , Bracko Oliver
Published: July 2022

Vascular dysfunction plays a critical role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Cerebral blood flow reductions of 10% to 25% present early in disease pathogenesis. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A (VEGF-A) drives angiogenesis, which typically addresses blood flow reductions and global hypoxia. However, recent evidence suggests aberrant VEGF-A signaling in Alzheimer’s disease may undermine its physiological angiogenic function. Instead of improving cerebral blood flow, VEGF-A contributes to brain capillary stalls and blood flow reductions, likely accelerating cognitive decline. In this commentary, we explore the evidence for pathological VEGF signaling in Alzheimer’s disease, and discuss its implications for disease therapy.
ICOS immunoPET enables visualization of activated T cells and early diagnosis of murine acute gastrointestinal GvHD
Authors: Xiao Zunyu , Alam Israt S. , Simonetta Federico , Chen Weiyu , Scheller Lukas , Murty Surya , Lohmeyer Juliane K. , Ramos Teresa L. , James Michelle L. , Negrin Robert S. , Gambhir Sanjiv S.
Published: July 2022

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a well-established and potentially curative treatment for a broad range of hematological diseases, bone marrow failure states, and genetic disorders. Acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), mediated by donor T cells attacking host tissues, still represents a major cause of morbidity and mortality following allogeneic HCT. Current approaches to diagnosis of gastrointestinal acute GvHD rely on clinical and pathological criteria that manifest at late stages of disease. New strategies allowing for GvHD prediction and diagnosis, prior to symptom onset, are urgently needed. Noninvasive antibody-based positron emission tomography (PET) (immunoPET) imaging of T-cell activation post–allogeneic HCT is a promising strategy toward this goal. In this work, we identified inducible T-cell costimulator (ICOS) as a potential immunoPET target for imaging activated T cells during GvHD. We demonstrate that the use of the Zirconium-89-deferoxamine-ICOS monoclonal antibody PET tracer allows in vivo visualization of donor T-cell activation in target tissues, namely the intestinal tract, in a murine model of acute GvHD. Importantly, we demonstrate that the Zirconium-89-deferoxamine-ICOS monoclonal antibody PET tracer does not affect GvHD pathogenesis or the graft-versus-tumor (GvT) effect of the transplant procedure. Our data identify ICOS immunoPET as a promising strategy for early GvHD diagnosis prior to the appearance of clinical symptoms.
Relative efficacy of lasmiditan versus rimegepant and ubrogepant as acute treatments for migraine: network meta-analysis findings
Authors: Polavieja Pepa , Belger Mark , Venkata Shiva Kumar , Wilhelm Stefan , Johansson Erin
Published: July 2022

Background

In the absence of head-to-head trials, comprehensive evidence comparing onset of efficacy of novel agents for acute treatment of migraine is lacking. This study aimed to explore the relative efficacy of lasmiditan (serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine] 1F receptor agonist) versus rimegepant and ubrogepant (calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonists) for the acute oral treatment of migraine through network meta-analysis (NMA).

Methods

Data included in the NMA were identified through a systematic literature search (conducted April 2018, updated May/December 2020) of phase II–IV, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in adults with chronic/episodic migraine with/without aura. Treatments included: lasmiditan 50, 100, 200 mg; rimegepant 75 mg; ubrogepant 25, 50, 100 mg. Pairwise treatment comparisons from Bayesian fixed-effect/random-effects NMA, adjusted by baseline risk where appropriate, were conducted. Comparisons were reported as odds ratios with 95% credible intervals. Early-onset efficacy endpoints included: pain freedom at 2 hours and pain relief at 1 and 2 hours. Adverse drug reaction (ADR) profiles were summarised. Heterogeneity and inconsistency in the network were explored; sensitivity analyses investigated robustness of findings.

Results

Across 12 RCTs included in the base case, females represented >80% of included patients (mean age 37.9–45.7 years). Odds of achieving both pain freedom and pain relief at 2 hours were higher with lasmiditan 100 and 200 mg versus rimegepant 75 mg and ubrogepant 25 and 50 mg. Results for pain relief at 1 hour were consistent with those at 2 hours, but fewer comparisons were available. There were no statistically significant differences between lasmiditan 50 mg and ubrogepant or rimegepant for any outcome. Sensitivity analyses were in the same direction as base case analyses. Most commonly reported ADRs (incidence ≥2%) were: dizziness, fatigue, paraesthesia, sedation, nausea/vomiting and muscle weakness with lasmiditan; nausea with rimegepant; and nausea, somnolence and dry mouth with ubrogepant.

Conclusions

The efficacy findings of this indirect comparison indicate that lasmiditan 100 mg or 200 mg might be an appropriate acute treatment option for patients with migraine seeking a fast onset of action. Differently from rimegepant and ubrogepant, lasmiditan use is associated with mainly neurological events, which are mostly mild or moderate in severity and self-limiting.

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Endoscopic sphincterotomy and endoscopic biliary stenting do not affect the sensitivity of transpapillary forceps biopsy for the diagnosis of bile duct adenocarcinoma
Authors: Aoki Toshinori , Ohno Eizaburo , Ishikawa Takuya , Mizutani Yasuyuki , Iida Tadashi , Yamao Kentaro , Yamamura Takeshi , Furukawa Kazuhiro , Nakamura Masanao , Honda Takashi , Ishigami Masatoshi , Yatsuya Hiroshi , Kawashima Hiroki
Published: July 2022

Background

The pathological evaluation of tissues with cholangitis is considered difficult, which can often occur after endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) and endoscopic biliary stenting (EBS). This study aimed to evaluate the influence of a history of EST and EBS on the sensitivity of transpapillary forceps bile duct biopsy (TB) for bile duct adenocarcinoma.

Methods

This retrospective study included consecutive cases of bile duct adenocarcinoma in which TB was performed before July 2020 until the number exceeded that required to support statistical and noninferiority analyses of the sensitivity of TB between patients with and without each variable. The incidence of postprocedural adverse events related to each factor was also investigated.

Results

Overall, 280 samples were required in each group, and 437 subjects (792 samples) were included. The sensitivity of TB was 63.6% for the subjects and 59.6% for the biopsy samples. For the biopsy samples, the sensitivity did not differ significantly between samples from patients with and without a history of EST (59.1% vs. 58.9%, P = 0.952) and EBS (62.1% vs. 55.4%, P = 0.065). The sensitivity was significantly higher for samples from patients with jaundice (67.9% vs. 57.0%, P = 0.008). There were significantly fewer procedure-related adverse events in patients with a history of EST (10.8% vs. 19.0%, P = 0.017) and EBS (12.0% vs. 21.7%, P = 0.005).

Conclusions

A history of EST or EBS did not influence sensitivity of TB but significantly decreased the incidence of adverse events. To safely and reliably perform TB to diagnose bile duct adenocarcinoma, planning, including for EST and EBS, is necessary.