bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Allograft Versus Autograft Osteochondral Transplant for Chondral Defects of the Talus: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Migliorini Filippo , Maffulli Nicola , Baroncini Alice , Eschweiler Jörg , Knobe Matthias , Tingart Markus , Schenker Hanno
Published: September 2021

Background:

It is unclear whether the results of osteochondral transplant using autografts or allografts for talar osteochondral defect are equivalent.

Purpose:

A systematic review of the literature was conducted to compare allografts and autografts in terms of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), MRI findings, and complications.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

This study was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. The literature search was conducted in February 2021. All studies investigating the outcomes of allograft and/or autograft osteochondral transplant as management for osteochondral defects of the talus were accessed. The outcomes of interest were visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) score. Data concerning the rates of failure and revision surgery were also collected. Continuous data were analyzed using the mean difference (MD), whereas binary data were evaluated with the odds ratio (OR) effect measure.

Results:

Data from 40 studies (1174 procedures) with a mean follow-up of 46.5 ± 25 months were retrieved. There was comparability concerning the length of follow-up, male to female ratio, mean age, body mass index, defect size, VAS score, and AOFAS score ( P > .1) between the groups at baseline. At the last follow-up, the MOCART (MD, 10.5; P = .04) and AOFAS (MD, 4.8; P = .04) scores were better in the autograft group. The VAS score was similar between the 2 groups ( P = .4). At the last follow-up, autografts demonstrated lower rate of revision surgery (OR, 7.2; P < .0001) and failure (OR, 5.1; P < .0001).

Conclusion:

Based on the main findings of the present systematic review, talar osteochondral transplant using allografts was associated with higher rates of failure and revision compared with autografts at midterm follow-up.
Rotator Cuff Tendon Healing Using Human Dermal Fibroblasts: Histological and Biomechanical Analyses in a Rabbit Model of Chronic Rotator Cuff Tears
Authors: Lee Ji-Hye , Kim Yun Hee , Rhee Sung-Min , Han Jikhyon , Jeong Hyeon Jang , Park Joo Hyun , Oh Joo Han , Jeon Saewha
Published: September 2021

Background:

Tenocytes derived from tendons have been reported to be effective in the treatment of rotator cuff tears through the expression of extracellular matrix proteins. Human dermal fibroblasts, known to express collagen types I and III as tenocytes do, may likely be substitutes for tenocytes to enhance healing rotator cuff tears.

Purpose:

To demonstrate the capability of human dermal fibroblasts to enhance healing of rotator cuff tears.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

The cellular properties and expression profiles of growth factors were compared between human dermal fibroblasts and tenocytes. In both cell types, a series of extracellular matrix proteins were analyzed along with matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases involved in the collagenolytic system. A total of 35 rabbits were divided into 5 groups: normal (n = 2), saline control (n = 9), fibrin control (n = 9), low dose of human fibroblasts (HF-LD; n = 9), and high dose of human fibroblasts (HF-HD; n = 6). Cells were injected into the sutured lesions at 6 weeks after creation of bilateral rotator cuff tears, followed by histological and biomechanical analyses at 12 weeks.

Results:

Human dermal fibroblasts exhibited a protein expression pattern similar to that of tenocytes. More specifically, the expression levels of collagen types I and III were comparable between fibroblasts and tenocytes. The histological analysis of 30 surviving rabbits showed that collagen fibers were more continuous and better oriented with a more mature interface between the tendon and bone in the sutured lesions in the HF-LD and HF-HD groups. Most importantly, biomechanical strength, measured using the load to failure at the injection site, was 58.8 ± 8.9 N/kg in the HF-HD group, increasing by approximately 2-fold ( P = .0003) over the saline control group.

Conclusion:

Human dermal fibroblasts, showing cellular properties comparable with tenocytes, effectively enhanced healing of chronic rotator cuff tears in rabbits.

Clinical Relevance:

Human dermal fibroblasts can be used in place of tenocytes to enhance healing of rotator cuff tears.
Development of Group Cognition in Online Collaborative Problem-Solving Processes
Authors: Ouyang Fan , Ling Tengjiao , Jiao Pengcheng
Published: September 2021

Group cognition is a cognitive science concept that studies how groups think, learn, and work. Most research investigates group cognition as a qualitative-oriented phenomenon. From a quantitative perspective, this research proposes a measure equation of group cognition, conducts empirical research during online collaborative problem-solving, and uses multiple quantitative methods to examine group cognition complemented with qualitative microanalysis. Specifically, social network analysis, behavioral pattern analysis, and quantitative content analysis are used to measure three groups’ group cognition. Results show that only one group successfully develops group cognition through synergistic coordination of social, behavioral, and cognitive activities. Students in the other two groups either take separate responsibilities to cooperate or have unequal participations, which indicates an inadequacy of group cognition. The extent that three groups develop group cognition is consistent with the order of groups’ final performance scores. Research analytical and pedagogical implications are provided to advance research and practice of group cognition.
Study on vibration characteristics of hydraulic planetary transmission considering engine and torque converter excitation
Authors: Liu Wen , Ren Chunji , Lin Tengjiao , Zhang Yanjun
Published: September 2021

Large-size vehicle loaders are mainly used in various construction projects with complex working environment, which has a serious impact on the internal vibration of the whole system. In this study, the vibration characteristics of hydraulic planetary transmission of vehicle loader considering the influence of the external excitation are evaluated theoretically and experimentally. The output torque of the four-stroke six-cylinder diesel engine is obtained by force calculation of crank and connecting rod mechanism. The equivalent stiffness and damping of the torque converter are solved according to the torsional dynamic equation of the torque converter. The trapped oil area, oil pressure, and flow rate of gear meshing part are extracted to obtain the trapped oil pressure of variable-speed pump. Then, the multi-degree-of-freedom gear system dynamic model is established to calculate the meshing force, which is applied to vibration response analysis model by using mode superposition method. Lastly, the vibration response test is performed on the experimental prototype to verify the calculation method. The conclusion shows that the generation principle of external excitation and its calculation method in this paper are feasible in the analysis of dynamic characteristics of hydraulic planetary torque converter.
Theoretical research on the wear characteristics of rotors in a twin-screw compressor
Authors: Wang Chuang , Xing Ziwen , Sun Shizhong , Chen Wenqing , He Zhilong
Published: September 2021

Thanks to the development and application of coating technology and polymer rotor material, it is an inevitable trend to eliminate synchronous gear for water-injected and dry twin-screw compressors, especially running at a high speed, due to much power consumed by synchronous gears. However, it is not economical and reliable to rely only on coating or rotor material to enhance the wear resistance of rotor. This paper attempts to lighten the rotor wear in twin-screw compressors from the angle of setting driving belt. To achieve this goal, the contact analysis is carried out in this paper, taking the rotor profile of a developed water-lubricated twin-screw air compressor as an example. By the contact analysis, equivalent curvature radius, Hertz contact stress, sliding distance, the value of PH S, and the minimum film thickness of each mesh point on different tooth curve are calculated and discussed. The product of the Hertz contact stress and total sliding distance, PH S, and minimum film thickness are chosen as the evaluation indexes to estimate the wear resistance of all tooth curves. By comparing these indexes of each tooth curve, some suggestions about setting the driving belt are proposed.
Optimal allocation to treatments in a sequential multiple assignment randomized trial
Authors: Morciano Andrea , Moerbeek Mirjam
Published: September 2021

One of the main questions in the design of a trial is how many subjects should be assigned to each treatment condition. Previous research has shown that equal randomization is not necessarily the best choice. We study the optimal allocation for a novel trial design, the sequential multiple assignment randomized trial, where subjects receive a sequence of treatments across various stages. A subject's randomization probabilities to treatments in the next stage depend on whether he or she responded to treatment in the current stage. We consider a prototypical sequential multiple assignment randomized trial design with two stages. Within such a design, many pairwise comparisons of treatment sequences can be made, and a multiple-objective optimal design strategy is proposed to consider all such comparisons simultaneously. The optimal design is sought under either a fixed total sample size or a fixed budget. A Shiny App is made available to find the optimal allocations and to evaluate the efficiency of competing designs. As the optimal design depends on the response rates to first-stage treatments, maximin optimal design methodology is used to find robust optimal designs. The proposed methodology is illustrated using a sequential multiple assignment randomized trial example on weight loss management.
Effects of post-treatment electroacupuncture on ventricular monophasic action potential and cardiac function in a rat model of ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Tang Jian , Ren Wenxin , Liu Yanqiu , Gao Hong , Wang Yuanliang , Huang Suisui
Published: September 2021

Background:

To determine the effects of post-treatment electroacupuncture (EA) on the electrophysiological properties of ventricular muscle in rats with ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury.

Methods:

Male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned into sham-operated (SH), IR and IR + EA groups ( n = 8 each). The IR model was generated by ligation of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery for 30 min. After establishing the IR model, EA was administered at PC6 for 30 min while opening the coronary artery and allowing reperfusion for 30 min. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure and monophasic action potential (MAP) of cardiac muscle in the outer membrane of the antetheca of the left ventricle before coronary artery ligation ( T0), after coronary artery ligation for 30 min ( T1) and after reperfusion for 30 min ( T2) were recorded. At the same time, ventricular electrophysiological parameters including ventricular effective refractory period (ERP), conduction velocity (CV) and ventricular fibrillation threshold (VFT) were measured. Then, the cardiac function and the levels of creatine kinase-muscle/brain (CK-MB) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) were monitored. Based on these data, monophasic action potential amplitude (MAPA), the maximum depolarization velocity ( Vmax) and the MAP durations at 50% and 90% repolarization (MAPD50 and MAPD90) were calculated to determine the incidence of arrhythmia during reperfusion.

Results:

Compared with the SH group, the IR group showed an obviously decreased HR as well as reduced mean arterial pressure, Vmax, CV, ERP and MAPA. All indices of cardiac function except left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) decreased (i.e. ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), fractional shortening (FS) and rate of the ventricular pressure rise/drop (±dp/dt)). Furthermore, the MAPD50 and MAPD90 were prolonged, and the levels of CK-MB and cTnI increased ( p < 0.05). In comparison to the IR group, HR and the mean arterial pressure were increased. All indices of cardiac function except LVEDP increased (LVSP, LVEF, FS and ±dp/dt). Vmax, CV, ERP and MAPA were also increased in the IR + EA group. However, MAPD50 and MAPD90 were distinctly shortened, and the levels of CK-MB and cTnI decreased ( p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in VFT between the three groups ( p > 0.05).

Conclusion:

EA post-treatment can relieve prolongation of repolarization and slowed depolarization of ventricular muscle during IR, thus decreasing the rate of incidence of reperfusion arrhythmia.
Fraser Syndrome With Megalencephaly: A Rare Association
Authors: Gupta Manasi , Konda Kalyan Chakravarthy , Purkayastha Jayashree , Lewis Leslie Edward
Published: September 2021

An outborn term neonate was referred at 12 h of life with multiple congenital anomalies. A baby was born out of consanguineous marriage to a mother with 2 previous abortions. Clinical examination showed features such as bilateral cryptophthalmos, syndactyly involving all limbs, and clitoromegaly suggestive of Fraser syndrome. Ultrasound of the abdomen showed unilateral renal hypoplasia. Echocardiography showed ostium secundum atrial septal defect, small ventricular septal defect, and patent ductus arteriosus. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed megalencephaly with polygyria. Further evaluation and surgical treatment of cryptophthalmos were advised but could not be done because of socioeconomic constraint, and the neonate was discharged and lost to follow-up. The occurrence of cerebral malformations in Fraser syndrome is highly variable and not very well described in the literature. To the best of our knowledge, association of megalencephaly with this syndrome is being reported for the first time. We also intend to educate the physicians about the antenatal clues associated with this rare syndrome, which could promote antenatal diagnosis and thereby modify the outcome.
Detection of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues via in situ hybridization
Authors: O’Toole Alicia D. , Zhang Jian , Williams Laura B. A. , Brown Corrie C.
Published: September 2021

Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues from European rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus) that succumbed to rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2; Lagovirus GI.2) during the 2019 outbreak in Washington, USA, were utilized for in situ hybridization via RNAscope (ACDBio). This detection method was both sensitive and specific, with no staining in tissues from RHDV- ( Lagovirus GI.1) and RHDV2-negative rabbits, and only slight background staining of RHDV-positive rabbits; RHDV2-positive tissues had bright-red cytoplasmic staining. Although much of the viral mRNA detection was consistent with previously described antigen detection via immunohistochemistry of the liver, lungs, and spleen, there was also significant glomerular staining in the kidneys, and endothelial staining within blood vessels of almost all organs. We validated the RNAscope technique for detection of RHDV2 mRNA in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues, with increased sensitivity from previous techniques, and identified additional affected cell types that may contribute to the understanding of pathogenesis.
Patient, Family Caregiver, and Nurse Involvement in End-of-Life Discussions During Palliative Chemotherapy: A Phenomenological Hermeneutic Study
Authors: Ikander Tine , Dieperink Karin B. , Hansen Olfred , Raunkiær Mette
Published: September 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate current nursing practice related to end-of-life discussions with incurable lung cancer patients and their family caregivers from the perspectives of patients, family caregivers, and nurses in an oncology outpatient clinic. This phenomenological hermeneutic study included nine patients, eight family caregivers, and 11 nurses. Data were collected using participant observation, informal and semi-structured individual or joint interviews with patients and family caregivers, and focus group interviews with nurses. A Ricoeur-inspired approach was used to analyze the data. Three themes were identified: (a) content of end-of-life discussions, (b) timing of end-of-life discussions, and (c) challenges in end-of-life discussions. End-of-life discussions were seldom initiated; when they were, it was often too late. Discussions addressed treatment, place of care, practical/economic concerns, and existential matters. The physical environment at the outpatient clinic, lack of continuity, and nurses’ instrumental task workloads and time pressure posed challenges to initiating end-of-life discussions.
A pig model of tunneled dialysis catheter (TDC) infection and dysfunction: Opportunities for therapeutic innovation
Authors: Celdran-Bonafonte Diego , Wang Lihua H , Jarrouj Aous , Campos-Naciff Begona , Janda Jaroslav , Roy-Chaudhury Prabir
Published: September 2021

Background:

Although tunneled dialysis catheters (TDC) are far from ideal, they still represent the main form of vascular access for most patients beginning dialysis. Catheters are easy to place and allow patients instant access to dialysis, but regardless of these benefits, catheters are associated with a high incidence of significant complications like bloodstream infections, central venous stenosis, thrombosis, and dysfunction. In the present study, we aim to describe and characterize a swine model of catheter dysfunction and bloodstream infection, that recreates the clinical scenario, to help to serve as a platform to develop therapeutic innovations for this important clinical problem.

Methods:

Six Yorkshire cross pigs were used in this study. Non-coated commercial catheters were implanted in the external jugular recreating the main features of common clinical practice. Catheters were aseptically accessed twice a week for a mock dialysis procedure (flushing in and out) to assess for and identify catheter dysfunction. Animals were monitored daily for infections; once detected, blood samples were collected for bacterial culture and antibiograms. Study animals were euthanized when nonresponsive to treatment. Tissue samples were collected in a standardized fashion for macroscopic inspection and histological analysis.

Results:

The data analysis revealed an early onset of infection with a median time to infection of 9 days, 40% of the isolates were polymicrobial, and the average time to euthanasia was 20.16 ± 7.3 days. Median time to catheter dysfunction onset was 6 days post-implantation. Postmortem dissection revealed external fibrin sheath and internal thrombosis as the main causes of catheter dysfunction. There was also evidence of central venous stenosis with positive cells for αSMA, CD68, Ki67, Smoothelin, and Vimentin within the venous neointima.

Conclusions:

The described model represents a reliable and reproducible large animal model of catheter dysfunction and bloodstream infection, which recreates all the main complications of TDC’s and so could be used as a validated large animal model to develop new therapies for TDC related infection, thrombosis/dysfunction and central venous stenosis.
Superficialization of dilated radial artery for vascular access: A case report
Authors: Ge Weijing , Shi Yaxue , Liu Sijie , Bao Xuedong , Yu Min , Mi Lanhua
Published: September 2021

Successful hemodialysis treatment need a well functioning vascular access (VA) allowing two cannulation sites with enough blood flow have minimum adverse events. The expectations, age of the HD population are rising as well as the lack of conventional methods due to central venous exhaustion, we have to choose some complex access, including complex or tertiary vascular access mentioned in 2018 Clinical Practice Guidelines of the European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) and the option to abandon the venous circuit in instead of arterial system, including arterial-arterial graft and arterial superficialization. This article report a complicated case of AVF dysfunction, central venous stenosis due to central venous catheter and aortic dissection stent as well as lower extremity arteriosclerosis occlusion, using the simple method of superficialization of enlarged radial artery to maintain hemodialysis.
Materials selection criteria weighting method using analytic hierarchy process (AHP) with simplest questionnaire and modifying method of inconsistent pairwise comparison matrix
Authors: Yang Won-Chol , Ri Jae-Bok , Yang Ji-Yon , Kim Ju-Song
Published: September 2021

The analytic hierarchy process has been widely used to determine subjective weights of materials selection criteria in materials selection using multi-criteria decision-making. However, the analytic hierarchy process has some drawbacks: it is difficult to construct a pairwise comparison matrix and meet the consistency requirement. First, we propose a new simplest questionnaire to perform the pairwise comparison without confusion, conventionally and easily. Next, we propose an improved modifying method for inconsistent pairwise comparison matrix according to the following principles: (1) the elements of the reconstructed pairwise comparison matrix should be nine-point scales, (2) the number and modifying the amount of the modified elements should be as small as possible and (3) the deviation between the original and reconstructed pairwise comparison matrixes should be as small as possible. The outline of the proposed modifying method is as follows: (1) calculate the consistency ration decrements of all the pairwise comparison matrixes reconstructed by modifying every element of the original pairwise comparison matrix to the lower and upper adjacent nine-point scales and (2) find the element with the maximum consistency ratio decrement and modify it to the lower or upper adjacent scale. To illustrate the effectiveness, we apply the proposed methods to determine the criteria weights for selecting the best phase change material used in a solar domestic hot water system, and apply the proposed modifying method to some examples from the published papers, and compare the performances with some previous methods. The simplest questionnaire and improved modifying method help materials designers and engineers to apply the analytic hierarchy process method in materials design and optimization problems, much more actively.
Numerical investigation of soot emission sources in a direct-injection spark-ignition engine based on comprehensive breakup model validation
Authors: Kim Joohan , Chung Jongwon , Kim Namho , Cho Seokwon , Lee Jaeyeop , Oh Sechul , Song Chiheon , Min Kyoungdoug
Published: September 2021

Direct injection system is widely adopted in spark-ignition engines to achieve higher thermal efficiency, but it accompanies a penalty in particulate emission, especially when engine is not fully warmed-up. Split injection strategy is known to be an effective measure to reduce engine-out particulate emissions. To better understand the role of split injections, this study aims to analyze the effect of split injection strategy on the sources of soot formation using computational fluid dynamics simulation. To accurately predict changes in particulate mass and number associated with split injection strategy, it is vital that spray models be carefully validated against the experimental data since spray dynamics govern the formation of soot emission sources, such as local fuel-rich mixtures and wall-deposited fuel-films. To this end, a set of spray experiments for free sprays is performed to measure liquid penetration length and droplet size distribution, and hence a comprehensive validation is conducted for spray breakup models. Then, engine simulations are carried out to predict the change in soot sources according to split injection, and the trend of simulation results is compared against the measured engine-out particulate mass and number. Simulation results indicate that breakup model validation using both penetration length and droplet size data is critical for predicting fuel spray dynamics and formation of sources of soot emission. It is also revealed that the piston wetting decreases as the number of injections increases because less amount of fuel is injected when piston is closer to the injector. Lastly, the late evaporation of heavy gasoline components from fuel-film appears to be a significant contributor to soot precursors formation.
Which emphasis technique to use? Perception of emphasis techniques with varying distractors, backgrounds, and visualization types
Authors: Mairena Aristides , Gutwin Carl , Cockburn Andy
Published: September 2021

Emphasis effects are visual changes that make data elements distinct from their surroundings. Designers may use computational saliency models to predict how a viewer’s attention will be guided by a specific effect; however, although saliency models provide a foundational understanding of emphasis perception, they only cover specific visual effects in abstract conditions. To address these limitations, we carried out crowdsourced studies that evaluate emphasis perception in a wider range of conditions than previously studied. We varied effect magnitude, distractor number and type, background, and visualization type, and measured the perceived emphasis of 12 visual effects. Our results show that there are perceptual commonalities of emphasis across a wide range of environments, but also that there are limitations on perceptibility for some effects, dependent on a visualization’s background or type. We developed a model of emphasis predictability based on simple scatterplots that can be extended to other viewing conditions. Our studies provide designers with new understanding of how viewers experience emphasis in realistic visualization settings.
A product of prestige?: “Race unknown” and competitive admissions in the United States
Authors: Ford Karly S. , Rosinger Kelly , Choi Junghee
Published: September 2021

Policy researchers have difficulty understanding stratification in enrollment in US higher education when race and ethnicity data are plagued by missing values. Students who decline to ethnoracially self-identify become part of a “race unknown” reporting category. In undergraduate enrollment, “race unknown” students are not randomly distributed and are highest among the most selective universities. In this “Policy Research Note,” we investigate these patterns at US law schools to understand if they are driven by selectivity. We find that the most competitive law schools, on average, report 8% of their students are race unknown, double the rate of other law schools. We argue that race unknown enrollment cannot be ignored when studying ethnoracial enrollments in higher education because it varies systematically by institutional type and may mask actual rates of ethnoracial diversity. We posit that the race unknown category is likely produced by a combination of individual and institutional processes. Individual applicants may resist disclosing their ethnoracial identities, perhaps because of a perceived threat to their chances of admission. Additionally, institutional actors may willfully ignore race unknown students (not following up upon enrollment) because this category may enhance the appearance of campus diversity by diminishing the percentages of students in over-represented ethnoracial groups. In this way, high rates of race unknown students may be a product of prestigious and highly competitive educational processes.
Strategic sisterhood and the girlfriend gaze: Representation of girlfriendship in the Chinese TV drama Ode to Joy
Authors: Hu Tingting , Wang Cathy Yue
Published: September 2021

This article examines the representation of girlfriendship (Winch A (2013) Girlfriends and Postfeminist Sisterhood. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan) in the Chinese TV series Ode to Joy (2016–2017), and in particular, its representation of the interactions between urban women’s competence, experience of romance, postfeminist identity and class status in the Chinese gender context. Drawing on Winch’s concepts of ‘strategic sisterhood’ and the ‘girlfriend gaze’, we first explore how female friendship relies on networks of exchange in terms of economy, career and/or emotion, and then investigate the ways in which young women mutually monitor each other’s personal relationships to ensure their heterosexuality in society as a group.
Glycaemic control in critical care: Can flash glucose monitoring help?
Authors: Moncrieff Jessica , Jayagopal Vijay , Yates David
Published: September 2021

Good glycaemic control confers an outcome benefit in both diabetic and non-diabetic critically unwell patients. Critically unwell patients receiving intravenous insulin in the intensive care unit (ICU) require hourly glucose monitoring. This brief communication highlights the impact of the introduction of the FreeStyle Libre glucose monitor, a form of continuous glucose monitoring, on the frequency of glucose recordings in patients receiving intravenous insulin in the ICU at York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
Repurposing haloperidol for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: an integrative approach using data mining techniques
Authors: Nakagawa Chihiro , Yokoyama Satoshi , Hosomi Kouichi , Takada Mitsutaka
Published: September 2021

Introduction:

Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has advanced with the introduction of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. However, more than 20% of patients with RA still have moderate or severe disease activity. Hence, novel antirheumatic drugs are required. Recently, drug repurposing, a process of identifying new indications for existing drugs, has received great attention. Furthermore, a few reports have shown that antipsychotics are capable of affecting several cytokines that are also modulated by existing antirheumatic drugs. Therefore, we investigated the association between antipsychotics and RA by data mining using real-world data and bioinformatics databases.

Methods:

Disproportionality and sequence symmetry analyses were employed to identify the associations between the investigational drugs and RA using the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (2004–2016) and JMDC administrative claims database (January 2005–April 2017; JMDC Inc., Tokyo, Japan), respectively. The reporting odds ratio (ROR) and information component (IC) were used in the disproportionality analysis to indicate a signal. The adjusted sequence ratio (SR) was used in the sequence symmetry analysis to indicate a signal. The bioinformatics analysis suite, BaseSpace Correlation Engine (Illumina, CA, USA) was employed to explore the molecular mechanisms associated with the potential candidates identified by the drug-repurposing approach.

Results:

A potential inverse association between the antipsychotic haloperidol and RA, which exhibited significant inverse signals with ROR, IC, and adjusted SR, was found. Furthermore, the results suggested that haloperidol may exert antirheumatic effects by modulating various signaling pathways, including cytokine and chemokine signaling, major histocompatibility complex class-II antigen presentation, and Toll-like receptor cascade pathways.

Conclusion:

Our drug-repurposing approach using data mining techniques identified haloperidol as a potential antirheumatic drug candidate.
Patients’ Experience of New Technologies and Digitalization in Diabetes Care in Germany
Authors: Kulzer Bernhard , Heinemann Lutz , Roos Timm
Published: September 2021

Background:

Little is little known about how people with diabetes experience advancing digitization and new technologies in diabetes.

Research question:

What are the attitudes of people with diabetes (or, in the case of children with diabetes, their parents) toward digitization and advancing technology in diabetology? What significant advantages and disadvantages do they see, and how do they assess current developments of digitization in diabetology (eg, hybrid closed-loop systems, do-It-Yourself (DIY) closed-loop systems, data protection, and data donation)?

Material and method:

3,427 people with diabetes (47.7% female, 65.6% type 1 diabetes (T1D), 25.5% type 2 diabetes (T2D), 8.1% parents of children with diabetes; 0.8% other type of diabetes, age 49.2 ± 19.3 years) were interviewed with an online survey.

Results:

Overall, survey participants had a very positive attitude toward digitization (82.6%) and considered the potential for optimizing diabetology through digitization to be very high (78.8%). The highest rated advantages of digitization were “greater personal responsibility and self-determination in therapy” (80.0%), “better quality of treatment” (80.0%), and “better communication with the doctor/diabetes team” (77.3%), while the highest rated disadvantages were the “error-proneness of digital applications” (35.9%), the “risk of misuse of patient data” (32.3%) and the “fear that digitization will replace the doctor in many cases” (31.1%). The possibility of evaluating and analyzing glucose data by means of software, and AID systems, and the possibility of improving the interoperability of the various applications are currently rated as the most significant topics.

Conclusions:

The vast majority of people with diabetes are very positive about new technologies in diabetology and expect that it will improve and simplify their diabetes therapy and reduce the burdens associated with diabetes. In particular, people with type 1 diabetes have high expectations for AID systems, viewing them as a kind of “technical cure” for their diabetes.
Musical Scents: On the Surprising Absence of Scented Musical/Auditory Events, Entertainments, and Experiences
Authors: Spence Charles
Published: September 2021

The matching of scents with music is both one of the most natural (or intuitive) of crossmodal correspondences and, at the same time, one of the least frequently explored combinations of senses in an entertainment and multisensory experiential design context. This narrative review highlights the various occasions over the last century or two when scents and sounds have coincided, and the various motivations behind those who have chosen to bring these senses together: This has included everything from the masking of malodour to the matching of the semantic meaning or arousal potential of the two senses, through to the longstanding and recently-reemerging interest in the crossmodal correspondences (now that they have been distinguished from the superficially similar phenomenon of synaesthesia, with which they were previously often confused). As such, there exist a number of ways in which these two senses can be incorporated into meaningful multisensory experiences that can potentially resonate with the public. Having explored the deliberate combination of scent and music (or sound) in everything from “scent-sory” marketing through to fragrant discos and olfactory storytelling, I end by summarizing some of the opportunities around translating such unusual multisensory experiences from the public to the private sphere. This will likely be via the widespread dissemination of sensory apps that promise to convert (or translate) from one sense (likely scent) to another (e.g., music), as has, for example already started to occur in the world of music selections to match the flavour of specific wines.
Early osteoimmunomodulatory effects of magnesium–calcium–zinc alloys
Authors: Rahmati Maryam , Stötzel Sabine , Khassawna Thaqif El , Iskhahova Kamila , Florian Wieland DC , Zeller Plumhoff Berit , Haugen Håvard Jostein
Published: September 2021

Today, substantial attention is given to biomaterial strategies for bone regeneration, and among them, there is a growing interest in using immunomodulatory biomaterials. The ability of a biomaterial to induce neo vascularization and macrophage polarization is a major factor in defining its success. Magnesium (Mg)-based degradable alloys have attracted significant attention for bone regeneration owing to their biodegradability and potential for avoiding secondary removal surgeries. However, there is insufficient evidence in the literature regarding the early inflammatory responses to these alloys in vivo. In this study, we investigated the early body responses to Mg-0.45wt%Zn-0.45wt%Ca pin-shaped alloy (known as ZX00 alloy) in rat femora 2, 5, and 10 days after implantation. We used 3D micro computed tomography (µCT), histological, immunohistochemical, histomorphometrical, and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analyses to study new bone formation, early macrophage polarization, neo vascularization, and bone quality at the implant bone interface. The expression of macrophage type 2 biological markers increased significantly after 10 days of Mg alloy implantation, indicating its potential in stimulating macrophage polarization. Our biomineralization results using µCT as well as histological stained sections did not indicate any statistically significant differences between different time points for both groups. The activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx 2) biological markers decreased significantly for Mg group, indicating less osteoblast activity. Generally, our results supported the potential of ZX00 alloy to enhance the expression of macrophage polarization in vivo; however, we could not observe any statistically significant changes regarding biomineralization.
Acute ischemic stroke in young adult: Atrial fibrillation, hyperthyroidism, and COVID-19 collaboration
Authors: Betül Gunduz Zahide , Ozsahin Aysun
Published: September 2021

Atrial fibrillation is a frequently detected cardiac arrhythmia in the etiology of ischemic stroke. The incidence of atrial fibrillation and the risk of it causing ischemic stroke increase significantly with age; it is rare in young people. It is known that the risk of developing atrial fibrillation is high when there is a background of hyperthyroidism. COVID-19 is thought to cause thromboembolic events, cardiac pathologies, and endocrine disorders. A 54-year-old presented with right-sided hemiplegia and motor aphasia of 1.5 h duration. On evaluation, he tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 imaging was suggestive of acute pons ischemia and found to have hyperthyroidism and atrial fibrillation. It is clear that atrial fibrillation, which is highly unlikely to cause ischemic stroke in young adults, may develop due to hyperthyroidism. COVID-19 has been suggested as a cause of atrial fibrillation and hyperthyroidism. It is also thought to be involved in the etiology of stroke by causing hypercoagulation or triggering vasoconstriction through the renin–angiotensin system.
Constructing Assessment Indicators Weight System of Digital Business Chinese Materials
Authors: Cai Qiao-Yu Warren
Published: September 2021

Learning business Chinese through digital materials has become an inevitable tendency with the growth of the internet and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the increasing research-based publications and practices relating to Chinese language textbooks, there is a dearth of assessment indicators weight systems constructed by alternative research tools and statistical methods to evaluate the quality of the growing digital business Chinese materials. To the best of our knowledge, no literature review has been published on using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method to construct the assessment indicators of digital business Chinese materials. Therefore, this study aims to fill this gap by reviewing the existing, but limited, literature and providing recommendations for developing a checklist—based on the assessment indicators weight system—to evaluate digital business Chinese materials. The preliminary PC2U (Production, Content, Use, and Usefulness) assessment indicators are constructed based on the current research on business Chinese, CLTML, and relevant assessment indicators. In addition, the analysis hierarchy process (AHP) is used to construct the weight system. The results show that it is crucial to prioritize the access of digital business Chinese content. Of the three criteria in the content dimension, learning needs and credibility are equally important, and both are more important than data update. The assessment indicators are not only beneficial to fill the knowledge gap on business Chinese research, but also helpful for publishers and teachers to compile and select high quality digital business Chinese materials.
Rapid Development Studio: An Intensive, Iterative Approach to Designing Online Learning
Authors: Mei Bing , May Lawrence , Heap Rena , Ellis Damon , Tickner Sue , Thornley Jacqui , Denton Jamie , Durham Richard
Published: September 2021

Given the increasing demand for online learning at the tertiary level, there currently exists a need to modify or develop instructional design (ID) models/approaches that can effectively facilitate the collaboration between learning designers and teachers, as well as to research the effectiveness of these models/approaches. Against this backdrop, adopting a design-based research approach, we tested a practical ID approach that is developed on two prior models: rapid prototyping and collaborative course development. Accordingly, a 2-week rapid development studio—an agile, intensive, iterative ID process—was arranged. Data from multiple sources were gleaned during the study to generate a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the proposed approach. Overall, results suggest that the approach is effective for developing online courses in case of a limited time frame and was positively perceived by both course instructors and learning designers. Moreover, practical tips for replicating the process in other contexts are also shared. It is our hope that the study will stimulate further exploration of alternative ID models/approaches to improve online course design efficacy in other higher education institutions.
‘We Do Much More Than Norms Require’: Making Sense of Family-Owned Healthcare Firms’ Profitability and Ethics
Authors: Hiltunen Esa , Holopainen Riikka , Li Kang
Published: September 2021

To address the literature gap regarding the business ethics of family firms in the healthcare sector, this case study investigates profitability and business ethics from the perspective of a very successful Finnish private healthcare company. The study combines business ethics and sensemaking theories to provide a broad view of the company’s performance and stimulate new thinking about the relationship between ethics and profitability in private healthcare. Company’s profitability requirements seem to elicit disapproval from the public. This study examines how a private, family-owned healthcare company combines business ethics and profitability successfully in its operations and how this family-owned company has successfully constructed a plausible, trusted and ethical identity. The theoretical framework of this study is based on business ethics, profitability, trust and sensemaking theory. The study shows that the case company has worked tirelessly to maintain high ethical practices and standards in providing excellent care and enjoying high profitability. By achieving high standards of business ethics and maintaining good social relations with stakeholders, the company has developed a plausible and trustworthy identity, while continuously improving its operations. The case shows that the surrounding environment, in particular, places significant pressure on the case company’s daily activities and management. Even when customers (municipalities and residents) are very satisfied with the quality of care, this does not automatically lead to performance and profitability in the short term. Profitability as a value creation can also depend on personal relations and trust fostered between the company and its stakeholders. Thus, applying sensemaking theory, profitability means company’s ongoing sensemaking about the plausibility of its actions and reading cues within the environment now and for the future.
Millennial’s Tide Over the COVID-19 Crises: Buying Behavior of Indian Millennial’s Post-COVID-19 Crises
Authors: Jain Anil , Joshi Nirmala , Mayee Anand J.
Published: September 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic had a catastrophic effect on the economies of the world. The COVID-19 crises had a huge impact on the way in which buying and selling is done. Complex consumer buying behavior became all the more unpredictable. For most companies, the pandemic had created a situation for innovation like never before. Generation Z (Gen Y) and generation Z (Gen Z) were the most affected segments during the turmoil. These generations are experiencing a roller-coaster ride. These cohorts were fast in adapting to the new challenges arising out of the COVID-19 upheaval. Gen Z had to attend online classes, while Gen Y was either attending online classes or those with jobs were working from home.

Purpose:

This article makes an attempt to understand the impact of COVID-19 on the buying behavior of the Indian millennials and to know the major sectors of the Indian economy which were exorbitantly influenced by them.

Methodology:

The research article is based on secondary data obtained from leading financial dailies, news reports observations and discussions with acquaintances.

Findings:

The research study hopes to shed light on the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on the buying habits of the young generation in India. It will act as a beacon for companies to develop marketing strategies that are in congruence with the mindset of the millennial. Successful business models can be worked out keeping the millennial as the focus.

Originality:

The research is genuine and creatively inscribed; it visualizes the researchers’ speculation about the situation
The expression of BECN1, LC3B, and BCL2 genes in eutopic endometrium of patients with adenomyosis: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Tantanavipas Siriluk , Aojanepong Tepchongchit , Waiyaput Wanwisa , Sophonsritsuk Areepan
Published: September 2021

Introduction:

Both autophagy and apoptosis play a role in the cyclic remodeling of the endometrium. The abnormal regulation of genes and signaling pathways in the eutopic endometrium plays a role in the abnormal migration and implantation in adenomyosis.

Objective:

The present study investigates the mRNA expression of autophagy and apoptosis-related genes BECN1, LC3B, and BCL2 in the eutopic endometrium of patients with adenomyosis compared with healthy premenopausal women.

Materials and methods:

The present work was a cross-sectional study conducted between July 2018 and April 2019. The participants were 32 premenopausal women who attended the surgery for adenomyosis and other benign gynecological conditions. The participants were divided into two groups, with 16 women in the adenomyosis group and 16 healthy women in the control group. Endometrial tissues were collected during the proliferative menstrual phase for a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results:

The mRNA expression of BECN1, LC3B, and BCL2 were normalized by geometric mean mRNA expression of actin and GAPDH. There was no significant difference in mRNA expression for all three genes when comparing the control and adenomyosis groups.

Conclusions:

The mRNA expressions of autophagy-related genes BECN1 and LC3B and anti-apoptosis-related gene BCL2 were not significantly different in the eutopic endometrium of patients with adenomyosis compared with healthy premenopausal women during the proliferative menstrual phase.