bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hide‐and‐seek: Neurotropes Plattenepithelkarzinom der periorbitalen Region – eine Fallserie und Übersichtsarbeit aktueller Literatur
Authors: Morandi Evi M. , Rauchenwald Tina , Puelzl Petra , Zelger Bernhard W. , Zelger Bettina G. , Henninger Benjamin , Pierer Gerhard , Wolfram Dolores
Published: November 2021

Das Plattenepithelkarzinom ist nach dem Basalzellkarzinom das zweithäufigste Malignom der Haut und wird vorwiegend an sonnenexponierten Stellen wie der Gesichtshaut diagnostiziert. Diese meist lokal destruktiv wachsende Malignität kann durchaus auch invasives Wachstumsverhalten, wie perineurale Ausbreitungsmechanismen, aufweisen. Das Plattenepithelkarzinom der periorbitalen Region ist in bis zu 14 % der Fälle mit perineuraler Invasion assoziiert. Vor allem in diesem Bereich birgt die anatomische Nähe zu den Hirnnerven das Risiko einer Progression Richtung zentrales Nervensystem, was mit einer schlechteren Prognose assoziiert ist. Der klinisch unauffällige Charakter dieser Entität resultiert oft in einer Verzögerung der definitiven Diagnosestellung, wodurch die vollständige Resektion und anschließende Rekonstruktion erschwert werden. Eine aufmerksame klinische Evaluierung kann bereits vor Erlangen histologischer Befunde Hinweise für ein perineurales Wachstum liefern.

Neben fünf herausfordernden Fällen analysiert diese Arbeit Risikofaktoren, klinische als auch histologische Merkmale und Behandlungsoptionen des periorbitalen Plattenepithelkarzinoms mit perineuraler Invasion.
Arzneimittelexantheme unter modernen zielgerichteten Therapien – Immuncheckpoint‐ und EGFR‐Inhibitoren
Authors: Pospischil Isabella , Hoetzenecker Wolfram
Published: November 2021

Der zunehmende Einsatz moderner zielgerichteter Therapien führt dazu, dass Dermatologen stetig mit neuartigen kutanen Nebenwirkungen dieser Substanzen konfrontiert werden. Eine rasche Diagnose und Therapie sind notwendig, um die planmäßige Fortführung der onkologischen Therapie zu ermöglichen und eine Beeinträchtigung der Lebensqualität der Patienten zu verhindern. Immuncheckpoint‐ und EGFR‐Inhibitoren sind häufig eingesetzte zielgerichtete Therapien mit spezifischen kutanen Nebenwirkungsspektren. Exanthematische Hautveränderungen stellen hierbei eine besondere diagnostische Herausforderung dar. Immuncheckpoint‐Inhibitoren können vielfältige immunvermittelte kutane Nebenwirkungen hervorrufen; am häufigsten sind dies makulopapulöse, lichenoide oder psoriasiforme Exantheme. Das Auftreten bullöse Autoimmundermatosen und Kollagenose‐assoziierter Exantheme ist möglich. Bei atypischen, ausgeprägten oder therapieresistenten exanthematischen Hautveränderungen ist eine dermatologische Abklärung inklusive Hautbiopsie zur genauen Einordnung indiziert. Die Hauptsäule der Therapie stellen topische und systemische Glukokortikoide dar. Unter EGFR‐Inhibitor‐Therapie sind papulopustulöse Exantheme die häufigste kutane Nebenwirkung, die je nach Substanz bei bis zu 90 % der Patienten innerhalb der ersten beiden Therapiewochen auftreten. Neben topischen Antibiotika und Glukokortikoiden sind systemische Tetrazykline die Therapie der ersten Wahl und können auch prophylaktisch eingesetzt werden.
Natural toxins leached from Eucalyptus globulus plantations affect the development and life‐history of anuran tadpoles
Authors: Iglesias‐Carrasco Maider , Cabido Carlos , Ord Terry J.
Published: November 2021

Rapid human‐induced transformation of habitats is presenting organisms with challenging novel environmental conditions. Nowadays, extensive areas of the world are covered by exotic plantations, and among these, eucalypt plantations stand out for their worldwide occurrence. These novel environments probably threaten the persistence of native species, with several studies reporting biodiversity losses in these transformed areas. However, the effects of such habitat alteration on life‐history traits that potentially constrain the ecology of individuals have been poorly explored.

In a mesocosm experiment, we exposed tadpoles of three anuran species (Rana temporaria, Alytes obstetricans, and Pelophylax perezi) to the leachates of natural oak trees and exotic eucalypt trees to explore how the transformation of natural forests into eucalypt plantation affects the expression of behavioural and morphological traits and immune response.

While anti‐predatory responses appeared not to be impacted by leachate type, tadpoles exposed to eucalypt leachates differed in morphology and growth, and exhibited weaker immune responses and smaller size at metamorphosis than those exposed to oak leachates. Some of the responses were also species‐specific, suggesting that some species are likely to be more sensitive than others to novel chemicals.

We conclude that the poor quality of eucalypt leaf litter (e.g., its low nutrient content), low amount of food (e.g., periphyton), and the presence of toxic detritus and leachates can have important stress‐related consequences for the critical early stages of development in anurans.
Meteorites and the Moon
Authors: Simms Michael J.
Published: November 2021

For those interested in the Solar System, 1969 was a momentous year. Rock samples collected during the first Moon landing, and on subsequent missions, contributed enormously to understanding our nearest neighbour, but several meteorite falls that same year also had a profound influence on our wider understanding of the Solar System. Fortuitously, two of these falls, which by their very nature are unplanned events, also played a significant role in the analysis of samples brought back from the Moon by the Apollo astronauts. In this article, I will outline how meteorites have contributed to our understanding of the Moon, and how the Moon also has provided information on meteorites.
‘Catch a falling star’: the Winchcombe meteorite fall of 2021
Authors: Simms Michael J.
Published: November 2021

The fall to the Earth of a meteorite—a piece of rock or metal from Space—is a rare event with fewer than 30 recovered from Britain and Ireland in more than two centuries. Museum curators like myself acquire meteorites mainly through purchases or sample exchange with other museums. Meteorites are so rare that, unlike many rocks and minerals, I cannot reasonably expect to go out and find one, at least not in the UK or Ireland. Or so it seemed until 2021.
Meteorites explained: what is a meteorite?
Authors: Simms Michael J.
Published: November 2021

Meteorites are natural lumps of rock and/or metal that fall to Earth from Space. Most meteorites are from the Asteroid Belt, with a few from the Moon or from Mars, but their ultimate origins extend more widely through the Solar System. More than 150 parent bodies are represented among more than 65 000 meteorites known. Certain meteorite components provide an age for the Solar System of 4567 million years. Various meteorite classifications have been proposed based on composition, texture and inferred formation processes, but the most informative of these encompasses aspects of all of these properties.
Effect of dispersants on structural integrity of 3D printed ceramics
Authors: Kim Jeehwan , Choi Yeong‐Jin , Gal Chang Woo , Park Honghyun , Yoon Seog‐Young , Yun Hui‐suk
Published: November 2021

Ceramic 3D printing based on stereolithography is an excellent alternative to overcome drawbacks of conventional subtractive manufacturing for 3D shape control. Optimization of photocurable ceramic slurry is one of the most essential conditions to achieve favorable 3D printed structures using SL. Homogeneity of ceramic particle dispersion in photocurable resin is particularly important to optimize ceramic suspension. Dispersant plays a significant role in increasing homogeneity. Dispersant in photocurable ceramic resin has an additional effect on photocurability and integrity of 3D printed green body. We herein discuss how dispersants influence 3D printing conditions based on stereolithography using various commercially available dispersants of BYK series such as BYK103, BYK111, BYK180, BYK182, and BYK2001. Both BYK111 and BYK180 showed better performances than others because of their lower volatilities under general temperature condition during a printing process. Both solubility and decomposition temperature of dispersants largely influenced the structural quality after washing and debinding processes. This study provides worthy information to design photocurable ceramic suspension for various types of ceramic materials.
Vers des relations collectives du travail inclusives: une sélection d'articles de laRevue internationale du Travailau cours du siècle écoulé
Authors: BOSCH Gerhard
Published: November 2021

Les relations collectives du travail, ou relations professionnelles, sont fondées sur des droits spécifiques qui ne peuvent être exercés que par des organes de représentation des salariés, et non par des salariés à titre individuel. Parmi les nombreuses publications sur le sujet parues dans laRevue internationale du Travailau cours des cent dernières années, quinze contributions ont été sélectionnées pour figurer dans ce numéro du centenaire. L'un des critères de sélection a été l'accent mis sur le renforcement de l'inclusion – c'est‐à‐dire l'extension de la protection offerte au plus grand nombre possible de personnes et pas seulement à des catégories privilégiées. Des relations professionnelles inclusives sont une condition préalable au recul des discriminations sur le marché du travail et au caractère universel du travail décent.
Factors associated with ocular surface disease and severity in adults with atopic dermatitis: a nationwide survey
Authors: Rønnstad A.T.M. , Hansen P.M. , Halling A.S. , Egeberg A. , Kolko M. , Heegaard S. , Thyssen J.P.
Published: November 2021

Background

Ocular surface diseases (OSDs), including conjunctivitis and blepharitis, are common in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients, but the magnitude and patient characteristics are unclear.

Objectives

To examine the prevalence of OSDs in adults with AD and identify patient characteristics and risk factors.

Methods

We designed a cross‐sectional questionnaire‐based survey and sent it via a secure public mail to all adult Danes with a hospital diagnosis of AD (ICD‐10 code L20.x) registered in the National Patient Register (n = 16 718) between 2000 and 2019 and 7044 (42%) participated. Primary outcomes were OSDs and severity according to Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using logistic regression models.

Results

Respondents were mostly females and middle‐aged (67.4%, mean [SD] age, 39.0 [15.5] years). Based on Patient‐Oriented SCORing Atopic Dermatitis 49% had mild AD, 35% moderate, 10% severe and in 6% AD was inactive; 44.3% reported physician‐diagnosed asthma bronchiale and 55.8% rhinitis. The lifetime prevalence of OSDs was 66.6% for conjunctivitis, 63.5% for hordeolum, 11.0% for blepharitis, 9.7% for keratitis, 2.0% for pterygium, 1.5% for symblepharon, 1.1% for keratoconus and 12.7% reported current conjunctivitis. Factors associated with lifetime occurrence of conjunctivitis included mild, moderate, and severe AD (aOR = 1.48 [95% CI, 1.02–2.14], aOR = 1.73 [95% CI, 1.19–2.53], aOR = 2.17 [95% CI, 1.42–3.21]), asthma bronchiale and rhinitis (aOR = 1.76 [95% CI, 1.49–2.07]), childhood‐onset of AD (aOR = 1.34 [95% CI, 1.16–1.56]) and systemic AD treatment (aOR = 1.27 [95% CI, 1.08–1.50]). Use of soft and hard contact lenses (aOR = 2.15 [95% CI, 1.65–2.80], aOR = 3.35 [95% CI, 1.62–6.92]) were associated with lifetime occurrence of keratitis. Moderate and severe AD, asthma bronchiale and rhinitis were also associated with a higher OSDI level.

Conclusions

This study identified important patient factors associated with OSDs. Clinicians should be attentive of ocular signs and symptoms in AD patients and ask about these.
Designing relational sanctions in buyer–supplier relationships
Authors: Ganuza Juan‐José , Gomez Fernando
Published: November 2021

This paper explores the role of supplier performance measures (scorecards and others) in the internal design of relational contracts. We analyze a simple supplier–buyer repeated interaction in which incentives arise by the threat of terminating the relationship—temporarily or permanently. As the periods with no‐trade reduce the value of the relationship, the optimal relational contract minimizes the equilibrium punishment while preserving the supplier's incentives. We show that making the relational penalties conditional on additional supplier's performance measures increases total surplus. We also provide a rationale for “forgiveness” in relational contracting. The buyer may optimally forgive (decide not to sanction at all or to impose a lesser sanction) the supplier despite a bad outcome when some additional information is positive. We start with a binary performance measure, but we extend our analysis to more complex performance measures such as scorecards. Finally, we rank the scorecards in terms of their informativeness and we characterize the optimal investment in the design and improvement of these performance measures.
Stop routine microscopic urinalysis in hospitalized patients with dipstick abnormalities?
Authors: Shimoni Zvi , Froom Paul , Dusseldorp Nathan , Benbassat Jochanan
Published: November 2021

Background

Restricting the performance of microscopic urinalyses only to patients in whom it was specifically requested has been shown to reduce their number in laboratories servicing both inpatients and outpatients.

Objective

To determine the effect of such restriction solely in in‐patients in a 400‐bed regional hospital.

Methods

In 2017, we discontinued routine (‘reflex’) microscopic urinalysis for all positive dipstick results, and restricted such testing to in‐patients in whom it was specifically requested by a doctor. We compared the numbers of patients in three internal medicine departments who had a urinalysis over 2‐year periods before and after 2017, and reviewed doctors' complaints.

Results

Before 2017, more than 80% of all dipstick tested samples had one or more abnormalities that led to a microscopic examination. Discontinuation of reflex microscopy reduced microscopic urinalysis to less than 10% of all patients with dipsticks on admission. Requests for repeat urinalysis decreased from 4.3% to 2.5% and there were no complaints after the change in policy.

Conclusions

Discontinuation of a ‘reflex’ microscopic urinalysis in patients with abnormal dipstick results did not increase repeat urine testing. Doctors apparently felt that the microscopic urinalysis does not have clinical utility in the vast majority of hospitalized adult patients.
Geographical variation in age and growth of the endemic Australian sciaenid Atractoscion atelodus
Authors: Hegarty Anne‐Marie , Stewart John , Gladstone William
Published: November 2021

Growth rates and other age‐related population characteristics are essential parameters underpinning management of a stock. This is the first study to estimate length‐at‐age of Atractoscion atelodus (family Sciaenidae) in New South Wales (NSW), despite the species being exploited since the 1940s. The aim of the current study was to quantify the age‐based biological characteristics of A. atelodus and in particular: (a) validate the use of sagittal otoliths to quantify age; (b) estimate the growth rates and longevity of males and females; (c) examine geographical variation in age and growth; (d) document the age composition in commercial landings and (e) estimate mortality rates. A. atelodus is relatively fast growing, reaching 40 cm fork length (LF) in the first year of life and living to at least 14 years. Growth was significantly different between sexes, with modelled asymptotic lengths of females (L∞ = 84.6 cm LF) greater than males (L∞ = 69.0 cm LF). Growth rates were also significantly different between northern and southern populations. Fish sampled from the southern region were younger and faster growing than those sampled in the northern region, supporting the counter‐gradient growth theory and the influence of upwelling providing greater nutrient and food availability. The commercial fishery was predominantly based on young fish <3 years. with few (c. 5%) greater than 5 years. Fishing mortality estimates (F = 0.42) were similar to natural mortality estimates (M = 0.44). The age‐based parameters estimated in the present study suggest that A. atelodus should be relatively resilient to fishing; nonetheless, the sizes and ages in landings are indicative of a stock heavily fished. The fishery is experiencing truncated age distributions and appears to be largely recruitment driven, increasing susceptibility to overexploitation. Determining geographical differences in growth rates of a population has important implications when considering impacts of anthropogenic drivers such as global warming and overexploitation and is important to determine in managing exploited fish populations.
Direct care nurses’ perceptions of their roles in clinical research: An integrated review of the literature
Authors: Hale Andrea , Barton Brenda , Serino‐Cipoletta Jessica , Sheldon Yvonne , Vessey Judith A.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To review the extant literature relevant to perceptions by direct care nurses toward clinical research endeavors.

Design

An integrative review guided by the socioecological model was conducted.

Methods

Five databases were searched to identify relevant peer‐reviewed articles; there was no limitation on publication date.

Findings

The final sample (N = 9) was systematically appraised. Numerous barriers to direct care nurses’ ability to perform study activities on clinical research trials were encountered at all levels: (1) personal—comprehension, education, and training; (2) interpersonal—communication issues within or from the study team, failure to advocate for the patient; (3) organizational—lack of leadership support, knowledge, and time; and (4) community—insufficient guidance and oversight by research‐governing bodies.

Conclusions

Direct care nurses report numerous barriers to completing protocol‐administered activities for their patients participating in clinical research. A dearth of robust research exists in describing the reasons for, or persistence of, barriers faced by direct care nurses to assisting with research, and there have been little to no interventions to address them.

Clinical relevance

As translational research evolves and becomes more complex, there is the need to ensure both the care of clinical research participants and the integrity of the research. Direct care nurses are critical to this endeavor, and potential barriers they face may have significant ramifications for the research enterprise. Recognition of these barriers and eventual interventions designed to address them are needed.
Hoechst 33342 as a marker for imaging neurites of Dorsal Root Ganglion in vitro
Authors: Merolli Antonio , Bektas Cemile
Published: November 2021

Fluorescent markers, generally targeting neurotubules, are used to visualize the radiating crown of growing neurites that is produced by dorsal root ganglion cells in vitro. Hoechst 33342 (2'‐[4‐ethoxyphenyl]‐5‐[4‐methyl‐1‐piperazinyl]‐2,5'‐bi‐1H‐benzimidazole trihydrochloride trihydrate) is a widely used fluorescent DNA marker that stain both live and fixed nuclei. We have recently found that H33342 can visualize the neurites of DRG too, but only when they are fixed in formalin. Images have a good signal‐to‐noise ratio. We noticed that besides H33342 being a specific marker for DNA, it also stains the transmembrane P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) which is involved in the active pump‐out of alien molecules from the cytoplasm; so, H33342 remains associated with P‐gp after fixation. P‐gp is quite ubiquitous in healthy cells and, notably, P‐gp has been detected in DRG of several species as well as in human DRG. The use of H33342 as a staining for neurites of DRG in fixed samples could have a practical value due to its widespread use and its better affordability compared to other fluorescent markers for neurites.
Gender pay gap in the public sector: Evidence from the Canadian Labour Force Survey
Authors: Mueller Richard E.
Published: November 2021

Using the merged monthly Labour Force Survey, a variety of techniques are employed to address the pay gap for males and females between four definitions of the public sector and the private sector, as well as the gender pay gap within each of these five sectors. It is found that females tend to have higher public sector wage premiums than their male counterparts when comparing within each gender. The gender wage gap within each sector is positive and favours males, most notably in the private sector. Estimates of any wage premiums at the mean cloud differences along the wage distribution.
Transport changes and COVID‐19: From present impacts to future possibilities
Authors: Conrow Lindsey , Campbell Malcolm , Kingham Simon
Published: November 2021

Changes in people's movement and travel behaviour have been apparent in many places during the COVID‐19 pandemic, with differences seen at a range of spatial scales. These changes, occurring as a result of the COVID‐19 ‘natural experiment’, have afforded us an opportunity to reimagine how we might move in our day‐to‐day travels, offering a hopeful glimpse of possibilities for future policy and planning around transport. The nature and scale of changes in movement and transport resulting from the pandemic have shown we can shift travel behaviour with strong policy responses, which is especially important in the concurrent climate change crisis.
Infant gut bacterial community composition and food‐related manifestation of atopy in early childhood
Authors: Joseph Christine LM , Sitarik Alexandra R. , Kim Haejin , Huffnagle Gary , Fujimura Kei , Yong Germaine Jia Min , Levin Albert M. , Zoratti Edward , Lynch Susan , Ownby Dennis R. , Lukacs Nicholas W. , Davidson Brent , Barone Charles , Cole Johnson Christine
Published: November 2021

Background

Immunoglobulin E–mediated food allergy (IgE‐FA) has emerged as a global public health concern. Immune dysregulation is an underlying mechanism for IgE‐FA, caused by “dysbiosis” of the early intestinal microbiota. We investigated the association between infant gut bacterial composition and food‐related atopy at age 3–5 years using a well‐characterized birth cohort.

Methods

The study definition of IgE‐FA to egg, milk, or peanut was based on physician panel retrospective review of clinical and questionnaire data collected from birth through age 3–5 years. Using 16S rRNA sequencing, we profiled the bacterial gut microbiota present in stool specimens collected at 1 and 6 months of age.

Results

Of 447 infants with data for analysis, 44 (9.8%) met physician panel review criteria for IgE‐FA to ≥1 of the three allergens. Among children classified as IgE‐FA at 3–5 years, infant stool samples showed significantly less diversity of the gut microbiota compared with the samples of children classified as no IgE‐FA at age 3–5 years, especially for milk and peanut (all covariate‐adjustedp’s for alpha metrics <.007). Testing of individual operational taxonomic units (OTUs) revealed 6‐month deficiencies in 31 OTUs for IgE‐FA compared with no IgE‐FA, mostly in the ordersLactobacillales,Bacteroidales, andClostridiales.

Conclusions

Variations in gut microbial composition in infant stool were associated with a study definition of IgE‐FA at 3–5 years of age. This included evidence of a lack of bacterial diversity, deficiencies in specific OTUs, and delayed microbial maturation. Results support dysbiosis in IgE‐FA pathogenesis.
Culturally and linguistically diverse mothers accessing public health nursing: A narrative review
Authors: Bonakdar Tehrani Mehrnoush , Kemp Lynn , Baird Kelly
Published: November 2021

Background

Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) families with young children are less likely to seek out healthcare services in comparison with the mainstream population. A lack of appropriate access and engagement with public health nursing (PHN) service contributes to major health disparities for CALD mothers.

Aim

To describe and synthesize the available literature on the factors that promote or hinder CALD mothers’ access to and engagement with PHN services and in particular sustained nurse home‐visiting (SNHV) programs. This paper identifies gaps and new areas of needed research inquiry to support best provision of PHN for CALD mothers.

Method

A narrative review of the literature was conducted. Databases searched included PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Scopus with year of publication between 2000 and 2020.

Results

Of 463 total articles, 12 met inclusion criteria. The key barriers and facilitators identified were grouped in three major themes. These include mother‐related issues, experiences with interpreters, and program and program delivery related issues.

Discussion

The review demonstrates that CALD mothers with limited English proficiency (LEP) are experiencing multiple challenges in accessing and engaging with PHN and SNHV services. More research is needed to understand nurse‐mother‐interpreter relationships and policy and practice issues.
Exploring the Use of Exclusionary Practices Against African American Participation in Urban Nightlife
Authors: May Reuben A. B.
Published: November 2021

Drawing on qualitative data from an exploratory study of the experiences of audit pair researchers—pairs of black, white, and Latinx field testers—in an urban nightlife study in Austin, Dallas, and Houston, Texas, this paper examines nightclub owners’ use of what I identify as “exclusionary tools”—that is, “dress codes,” “steering,” and “fake guest lists.” Using Critical Race Theory’s critique of neutrality, I argue that these exclusionary tactics create a welcoming atmosphere for white patrons while maintaining limits on the participation of African Americans and other peoples of color. This paper offers empirical examples of how these exclusionary practices limit legal challenges to discrimination in the first place and concludes with a discussion of potential methodological approaches for expanding this exploratory study and further identifying systematic exclusionary practices.
Emission Analysis of Diesel Vehicles in Circumstances of Emission Regulation System Failure: A Case Study
Authors: Kozina Ante , Radica Gojmir , Nižetić Sandro
Published: November 2021

Despite the development of other propulsion systems, the internal combustion engines will continue to be an essential element of vehicle propulsion on the road, as the sole source of propulsion or in the hybrid drives. The main challenge for the regulatory bodies is to find suitable strategies to ensure the lowest possible impact on the environment, for new and in use vehicles. This research gives an insight into the issue related to the disproportion of exhaust emissions of diesel-powered vehicles under the conditions of real, in use, vehicle operation with respect to the approved values. Emissions measurements were performed on six different passenger vehicles homologated according to Euro emission standards, with correct and faulty emission control systems. The results obtained show significant increases in defective vehicle’s NOx emissions from 58.2% for Euro 5 vehicles to 78.2% for Euro 4 vehicles and increases of 86% and 227%, respectively, compared to the approved values with Conformity Factor 2.1, CO emissions are increased in the fault case from 197% for Euro 3 to 780% for Euro 5. A guideline is given for the emission control system with respect to its accuracy. The brief analysis of the hybrid powertrain was also elaborated as a future replacement for conventional ICE units, contributing greatly to a cleaner environment. The proposed novel hybrid energy management strategy which included only regenerative braking has given a promising result; NOx emissions are reduced by 45%, consumption and CO2 emissions by 44% and CO emissions by 31%.
Sequential Design Process for Screening and Optimization of Robustness and Reliability Based on Finite Element Analysis and Meta-Modeling
Authors: Brix Nerenst Tim , Ebro Martin , Nielsen Morten , Bhadani Kanishk , Asbjörnsson Gauti , Eifler Tobias , Lau Nielsen Kim
Published: November 2021

A new medical device can take years to develop from early concept to product launch. The long development process can be attributed to the severe consequences for the patient if the device malfunctions. As a result, three approaches are often combined to mitigate risks: failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), simulation and modeling, and physical test programs. Although widely used, all three approaches are generally time consuming and have their shortcomings: The risk probabilities in FMEA’s are often based on educated guesses, even in later development stages as data on the distribution of performance is not available. Physical test programs are often carried out on prototype components from the same batch and, therefore, may not reveal the actual distribution of actual running performance. Finally, simulation and modeling are usually performed on nominal geometry—not accounting for variation—and only provide a safety factor against failure. Thus, the traditional use of safety factors in structural analysis versus the probabilistic approach to risk management presents an obvious misfit. Therefore, the aforementioned three approaches are not ideal for addressing the design engineer’s key question; how should the design be changed to improve robustness and failure rates. The present study builds upon the existing robust and reliability-based design optimization (R2BDO) and adjusts it to address the aforementioned key questions using finite element analysis (FEA). The two main features of the presented framework are screening feasible design concepts early in the embodiment phase and subsequently optimizing the design’s probabilistic performance (i.e., reduce failure rates), while using minimal computational resources. A case study in collaboration with a medical design and manufacturing company demonstrates the new framework. The case study includes FEA contact modeling between two plastic molded components with 12 geometrical variables and optimization based on meta-modeling. The optimization minimizes the failure rate (and improves design robustness) concerning three constraint functions (torque, strain, and contact pressure). Furthermore, the study finds that the new framework significantly improves the component’s performance function (failure rate) with limited computational resources.
SEGMENTATION OF ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING DEFECTS USING U-NET
Authors: Wong Vivian , Ferguson Max , Law Kincho , Lee Yung-Tsun Tina , Witherell Paul
Published: November 2021

Additive manufacturing (AM) provides design flexibility and allows rapid fabrications of parts with complex geometries. The presence of internal defects, however, can lead to deficit performance of the fabricated part. X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT) is a non-destructive inspection technique often used for AM parts. Although defects within AM specimens can be identified and segmented by manually thresholding the XCT images, the process can be tedious and inefficient, and the segmentation results can be ambiguous. The variation in the shapes and appearances of defects also poses difficulty in accurately segmenting defects. This paper describes an automatic defect segmentation method using U-Net based deep convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures. Several models of U-Net variants are trained and validated on an AM XCT image dataset containing pores and cracks, achieving a best mean intersection over union (IOU) value of 0.993. Performance of various U-Net models is compared and analyzed. Specific to AM porosity segmentation with XCT images, several techniques in data augmentation and model development are introduced. This work demonstrates that U-Net can be effectively applied for automatic segmentation of AM porosity from XCT images with high accuracy. The method can potentially help improve quality control of AM parts in an industry setting.
New Straightforward Benchmark Solutions for Bending and Free Vibration of Clamped Anisotropic Rectangular Thin Plates
Authors: An Dongqi , Ni Zhuofan , Xu Dian , Li Rui
Published: November 2021

This study presents new straightforward benchmark solutions for bending and free vibration of clamped anisotropic rectangular thin plates by a double finite integral transform method. Being different from the previous studies that took pure trigonometric functions as the integral kernels, the exponential functions are adopted, and the unknowns to be determined are constituted after the integral transform, which overcomes the difficulty in solving the governing higher-order partial differential equations with odd derivatives with respect to both the in-plane coordinate variables, thus goes beyond the limit of conventional finite integral transforms that are only applicable to isotropic or orthotropic plates. The present study provides an easy-to-implement approach for similar complex problems, extending the scope of finite integral transforms with applications to plate problems. The validity of the method and accuracy of the new solutions that can serve as benchmarks are well confirmed by satisfactory comparison with the numerical solutions.
Enhancing Responses of Lamb Waves to Bias Electric Fields by Flexoelectricity
Authors: Lv Sihao , Yang Wenjun , Deng Qian , Shen Shengping
Published: November 2021

In this study, responses of Lamb waves to a bias electric field in a nanoplate with the consideration of piezoelectricity, flexoelectricity, and strain gradient elasticity are investigated. First, governing equations and boundary conditions of acoustic waves propagating in bias fields are derived. Then, dispersion equations under a bias electric field are obtained and solved numerically. Numerical solutions indicate that flexoelectricity can enhance the response of Lamb waves to external bias electric fields. It is also found that the competition between flexoelectricity and strain gradient elasticity leads to a complex variation of the voltage sensitivity with respect to the wavelength and frequency of Lamb waves. Our work may provide a way of resolving the contradiction between high sensitivity and miniaturization in the conventional voltage sensors based on surface acoustic waves. The theoretical results can guide a new design of voltage sensors with high sensitivity.
Enhanced Micro-Electric Discharge Machining-Induced Surface Modification on Biomedical Ti-6Al-4V Alloy
Authors: Davis Rahul , Singh Abhishek , Debnath Kishore , Sabino Roberta Maia , Popat Ketul , Soares Paulo , Keshri Anup Kumar , Borgohain Bhaskar
Published: November 2021

In the midst of a huge demand for high-precision miniaturized medical implants made up of potential biomaterials, the biomedical Ti-6Al-4V alloy meets the uncompromising standards for longevity, biocompatibility, and sterilizability required to interact with living cells in medical settings. This research tailored the existing capabilities of a traditional micro-electric discharge machining (µ-EDM) setup by adding 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 g/l bioactive zinc powder particle concentrations (PPCs) to the dielectric. A copper and brass micro-tool electrode (C-µ-TE and B-µ-TE) was employed in association with each PPC. Experiments were executed using the one-variable-at-a-time (OVAT) approach. Machining time and dimensional deviation were chosen as the response variables of Zn powder mixed-micro-EDM (Zn-PM-µ-EDM). According to the analytical findings, the combination of C-µ-TE and 6 g/l Zn PPC achieved 23.52%, 3.29%, and 17.96% lesser machining time, dimensional deviation, and recast layer thickness, respectively, compared to the B-µ-TE. The detailed study of this surface endorsed a significant modification in terms of improved recast layer thickness (26.44 µm), topography (Ra = 743.65 nm), and wettability (contact angle < 90 deg), suggesting its dental application. In addition, the observation of ZnO and TiO in X-ray diffraction and appealing in vitro cytocompatibility encourage the subsequent biological and therapeutic studies to validate the anticipated antiviral activity of the modified Ti-6Al-4V alloy surface against coronavirus (COVID-19).
Unsupervised repetition enables rapid perceptual learning
Authors: Montazeri Vahid , Kapolowicz Michelle R. , Assmann Peter F.
Published: November 2021

This study examined how listeners disambiguate an auditory scene comprising multiple competing unknown sources and determine a salient source. Experiment 1 replicated findings from McDermott, Wrobleski, and Oxenham. [(2011). Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 108(3), 1188–1193] using a multivariate Gaussian model to generate mixtures of two novel sounds. The results showed that listeners were unable to identify either sound in the mixture despite repeated exposure unless one sound was repeated several times while being mixed with a different distractor each time. The results support the idea that repetition provides a basis for segregating a single source from competing novel sounds. In subsequent experiments, the previous identification task was extended to a recognition task and the results were modeled. To confirm the repetition benefit, experiment 2 asked listeners to recognize a temporal ramp in either a repeating sound or non-repeating sounds. The results showed that perceptual salience of the repeating sound allowed robust recognition of its temporal ramp, whereas similar features were ignored in the non-repeating sounds. The response from two neural models of learning, generalized Hebbian learning and anti-Hebbian learning, were compared with the human listener results from experiment 2. The Hebbian network showed a similar response pattern as for the listener results, whereas the opposite pattern was observed for the anti-Hebbian output.
Phototaxis in Cyanobacteria: From Mutants to Models of Collective Behavior
Authors: Menon Shakti N. , Varuni P. , Bunbury Freddy , Bhaya Devaki , Menon Gautam I.
Published: November 2021

Cyanobacteria rely on photosynthesis and, thus, have evolved complex responses to light. These include phototaxis, the ability of cells to detect and respond to the direction, wavelength, and intensity of light.
ElyC and Cyclic Enterobacterial Common Antigen Regulate Synthesis of Phosphoglyceride-Linked Enterobacterial Common Antigen
Authors: Rai Ashutosh K. , Carr Joseph F. , Bautista David E. , Wang Wei , Mitchell Angela M.
Published: November 2021

Enterobacterial common antigen (ECA) is a conserved polysaccharide present on the surface of the outer membrane (OM) and in the periplasm of the many pathogenic bacteria belonging to
Enterobacterales
, including
Klebsiella pneumoniae
,
Salmonella enterica
, and
Yersinia pestis
. As the OM is a permeability barrier that excludes many antibiotics, synthesis pathways for OM molecules are promising targets for antimicrobial discovery.
Advances on the Role and Applications of Interleukin-1 in Tuberculosis
Authors: Silvério Diogo , Gonçalves Rute , Appelberg Rui , Saraiva Margarida
Published: November 2021

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a key player in the immune response to pathogens due to its role in promoting inflammation and recruiting immune cells to the site of infection. In tuberculosis (TB), tight regulation of IL-1 responses is critical to ensure host resistance to infection while preventing immune pathology.
An Effective Pulsed-Periodic Chemical HF(DF) Laser
Authors: Agroskin V. Ya. , Bravy B. G. , Vasiliev G. K. , Guriev V. I. , Kashtanov S. A. , Makarov E. F. , Sotnichenko S. A. , Chernyshev Yu. A.
Published: November 2021

Abstract—

A working process is proposed for an HF(DF) laser, in which evacuation of the reactor is completely excluded. The workflow consists of the following stages: (1) displacement of the reaction products, which are formed after initiation of the working mixture, by an inert gas and (2) subsequent displacement of the inert gas by the working mixture. A design solution is proposed for the system of gas puffing into the reactor. Gas is supplied through an annular slot at one of the reactor ends, which makes it possible to minimize the consumption of inert gas used for displacing the reaction products after initiation of the working mixture. The amount of residual HF(DF) gas in the reactor is incapable of affecting the generation energy in the next cycle. It has been experimentally shown that the displacement technology does not lower the lasing energy in comparison with the pumping technology, but significantly reduces the duration of the HF(DF)-laser operating cycle by approximately two orders of magnitude).
Parental perspective on important health outcomes of extremely preterm infants
Authors: Jaworski Magdalena , Janvier Annie , Bourque Claude Julie , Mai-Vo Thuy-An , Pearce Rebecca , Synnes Anne R , Luu Thuy Mai
Published: November 2021

Background and objective

Neonatal outcome research and clinical follow-up principally focus on neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) after extremely preterm birth, as defined by the scientific community, without parental input. This survey aimed to investigate parental perspectives about the health and development of their preterm children.

Methods

Parents of children aged 18 months to 7 years born <29 weeks’ gestational age presenting at a neonatal follow-up clinic over a 1-year period were asked to evaluate their children’s health and development. They were also asked the following question: ‘if you could improve two things about your child, what would they be?’ Responses were analysed using mixed methods. Logistic regressions were done to compare parental responses.

Results

248 parents of 213 children (mean gestational age 26.6±1.6 weeks, 20% with severe NDI) were recruited. Parents evaluated their children’s health at a median of 9/10. Parental priorities for health improvements were (1) development, mainly behaviour, emotional health and language/communication (55%); (2) respiratory heath and overall medical fragility (25%); and (3) feeding/growth issues (14%). Nineteen per cent explicitly mentioned ‘no improvements’. Parents were more likely to state ‘no improvements’ if child had no versus severe NDI OR 4.33 (95% CI 1.47 to 12.75)) or if parents had no versus at least a high school diploma (OR 4.01 (95% 1.99 to 8.10)).

Conclusions

Parents evaluate the health of their preterm children as being very good, with positive perspectives. Parental concerns outside the developmental sphere should also be addressed both in clinical follow-up and research.
Mycotic aortic aneurysm formation following intravesical BCG treatment for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder
Authors: Flynn David , Ogi Akihiro , Subedi Shradha , Langton Jonathan , Choong Keat , O’Donnell Jill
Published: November 2021

Mycotic aneurysms are rare and if left untreated, can have devastating outcomes. In this case, a 72-year-old man presented to hospital with fevers, night sweats and abdominal pain. A CT scan revealed the development an infrarenal pseudoaneurysm over the course of 8 weeks, increasing from 2.8 cm to a 3.1 cm. The aneurysm was not present on a CT scan performed 6 months earlier. The patient underwent an emergency endovascular repair of the aortic aneurysm (EVAR) and was placed on broad-spectrum antibiotics. Intra-aortic blood cultures aspirated adjacent to the aneurysm and tissue biopsy confirmed tuberculosis bovis as the cause of the mycotic aneurysm. The patient had been treated with intravesical BCG for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder several months prior. The patient was treated with an extended course of antituberculosis medication. He recovered well and was back to his baseline function within weeks.
Effects of school-based before-school physical activity programmes on children’s physical activity levels, health and learning-related outcomes: a systematic review
Authors: Woodforde James , Alsop Tahlia , Salmon Jo , Gomersall Sjaan , Stylianou Michalis
Published: November 2021

Objective

To review and evaluate the impact of school-based, before-school physical activity (PA) programmes on children’s PA levels, health and learning-related outcomes.

Design

Systematic review.

Data sources

PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, Embase and ERIC were searched in January 2021.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

(1) Original research published in English, (2) sample included typically developing school-age children and/or adolescents, (3) examined school-based PA programmes delivered before school, (4) included a comparator and (5) reported associations with PA, physical health, learning-related and/or psychosocial outcomes. Studies examining before-school active transport or sport were excluded.

Results

Thirteen articles representing 10 studies were included (published 2012–2020); seven conducted in primary schools. Programmes ranged between 3 weeks and 6 months, primarily operating daily and for 25–40 min. One study examined a programme informed by theory; six incorporated fidelity measures. Data synthesis, considering consistency of findings, showed indeterminate associations for the domains of physical health, learning-related and psychosocial outcomes. Among subdomains, synthesis showed positive associations with before-school and daily PA, cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, readiness to learn and an inverse association with adiposity. Risk of bias was high/serious or insufficiently detailed across studies and outcome domains, except PA, which included moderate-risk studies.

Conclusion

There is limited available evidence on school-based, before-school PA programmes, with some positive associations at domain and subdomain levels. Continued research is justified to understand the role of before-school programmes for facilitating PA. Future research should follow recommended practice for intervention design and process evaluation, and address under-represented contexts, including secondary schools.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020181108.
Secondary erythrocytosis following drugs used in rifampicin/multidrug-resistant tuberculosis: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Tesfamariam Sirak , Ghebrenegus Amon Solomon , Woldu Henok , Fisseha Ephrem , Belai Gebremeskel , Russom Mulugeta
Published: November 2021

Background

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) drugs have never been associated with erythrocytosis. In Eritrea, however, several cases of incident erythrocytosis had been observed in the MDR-TB hospital. This study was aimed at exploring the association between MDR-TB drugs and secondary erythrocytosis, characterising the cases, and identifying other possible risk factors.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in Merhano National Referral MDR-TB hospital. Data were extracted from physically available clinical cards and laboratory results collected longitudinally between 23 June 2011 and 17 January 2021. Initially, univariate descriptive statistics (frequency, mean (SD), median (IQR) and range) were used as appropriate. Then, χ2or Fisher χ2test, and bivariate and/or multivariate Cox proportional hazard model were used to identify the predictors of incident erythrocytosis. All statistical analyses were conducted using R, and a two-sided alpha 0.05 was used to determine the statistical significance.

Results

A total of 257 patients’ medical cards were screened, and 219 were eligible for further analysis. The median age of the patients was 38 years (range: 13–90 years) and 54.8% were males. During the follow-up time, 31 (14.2%) patients developed secondary erythrocytosis yielding an incidence rate of 7.8 cases per 1000 person-months. On average, the median time to onset of the event was found to be 5-months (range: 1–24 months). Males were more likely to develop the event than females (adjusted HR=7.13, 95% CI=1.66 to 30.53), and as body weight increases by 1 kg, the likelihood of developing secondary erythrocytosis was found to increase by 7% (adjusted HR=1.07, 95% CI=1.03 to 1.10). Moreover, all cases of secondary erythrocytosis were found to be possibly associated with the MDR-TB drugs.

Conclusion

The authors hypothesised that the incident erythrocytosis is possibly be associated with MDR-TB drugs, and further studies are required to substantiate this finding.