bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nationwide Awareness Campaign and Call for Dental Screening for Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia in Germany
Authors: Geisthoff Urban W. , Hölzle Frank , Stuck Boris A. , Jackowski Joachim , Hand Goetz Catherine , Grabowski Christina , Droege Freya
Published: February 2023

Objectives. Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a rare disorder encompassing facial and oral telangiectasias and visceral vascular malformations (VMs). Pulmonary VMs can lead to paradoxical embolism of thrombi or bacteria, e.g., due to dental procedures. Early detection can reduce morbidity and mortality and is recommended. However, diagnosis is often delayed for decades. Our study is assessing the feasibility and effect of a nationwide awareness campaign for early diagnosis of HHT addressing all dentists in Germany. Methods. In 2018, one article and two reminders about HHT were published in a nationwide awareness campaign. As a proxy for the effectiveness of the campaign, researchers measured the number of first-time inquiries from patients and physicians about HHT documented by the German HHT self-help group from September 2016 until September 2019. Results. A total of 411 first contacts with the German self-help group were documented, mainly via Internet platforms (Internet forum (n = 130) and Facebook® (n = 189)). For 9% of those patients (n = 36/411), the physician or dentist (physician: (n = 31/36, 86%; dentist: n = 5/36, 14%) informed patients about the disease HHT and the self-help group. Before publishing the first article about HHT, no dentist referred patients to the German self-help group; afterwards, 5 patients received information about HHT from their dentist and contacted the patient organization for the first time. After each publication in June, September, and December 2018, the number of new contacts increased. Contacts via phone and e-mail had the highest relative increase. Conclusions. The repeated call for dental screening for HHT in Germany led to increased awareness of this rare disease; more patients with possible HHT received information about the condition. The authors conclude that targeted campaigns may contribute to a shorter diagnostic latency resulting in increased quality of life and life expectancy in HHT. This trial is registered with CT03549949.
Association between RIT2 rs16976358 Polymorphism and Autism Spectrum Disorder in Asian Populations: A Meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Jing , Wei Shoupeng , Zhang Jin , Wang Hu
Published: February 2023

Background. Recent studies have shown that Ras‐like without CAAX2 (RIT2) polymorphism is a susceptible factor for Parkinson’s disease (PD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). SNP rs12456492 and rs16976358 show the emerging evidence of increased risk of PD and ASD, respectively. A meta‐analysis examining the relationship between rs12456492 and PD was reported, but the association between rs16976358 and ASD has not been investigated. Methods. We searched literature from the databases PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, EBSCOhost, OVID, Web of Science, and Wiley up to February 2021. Three studies including 1160 ASD cases and 1367 controls were eventually enrolled in the meta‐analysis based on strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results. All genetics models indicate a significant association between rs16976358 polymorphism and ASD susceptibility (C vs. T: p = 0.001; CC vs. TT: p = 0.001; CT vs. TT: p = 0.009; CC+CT vs. TT: p = 0.001; CC vs. CT+TT: p = 0.001; TT+CC vs. CT: p = 0.013). The results of sensitivity analysis and publication bias of Begg’s and Egger’s tests were stable in the models of allele (C vs. T), codominant (CC vs. TT), dominant (CC+CT vs. TT), and recessive (CC vs. CT+TT). Conclusions. Our meta‐analysis exhibits that the allele C, CC, and CT genotyping of rs16976358 suggest the risk for ASD, but additional studies using a large sample size and ethnically diverse populations need to be included in the future.
USP21 Promotes the Progression of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma by Regulating FOXM1
Authors: Li Xiaofeng , Li Xia
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this work was to explore the molecular mechanisms by which USP21 regulates nasopharyngeal carcinoma tumor growth and cancer cell stemness. In this study, the USP21 transcript data was obtained from TCGA database. Then, qPCR and western blot tests revealed that, in contrast to normal tissue or normal nasopharyngeal epithelial cells, the expression of USP21 was greater in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues or cell lines, respectively. CCK-8 and EdU immunofluorescent staining assays revealed that USP21 promoted the proliferation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Meanwhile, scratch and transwell assays showed that USP21 facilitated migration and invasion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Sphere formation assay was performed on nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells after knockdown of USP21, which revealed that knockdown of USP21 inhibited the stemness profiles of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Then, the western blot assays indicated that knockdown of USP21 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells would inhibit FOXM1 expression, and overexpression of FOXM1 could reverse the cell proliferation ability, cell migration and invasion ability, and cell stemness profiles. Finally, a nasopharyngeal xenograft model suggested that USP21 facilitated tumor growth in mice. These findings proved that USP21 promoted tumor growth and cancer cell stemness in nasopharyngeal carcinoma by regulating FOXM1.
Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and in silico NADPH Oxidase Inhibition Studies of Essential Oils of Lavandula dentata against Foodborne Pathogens
Authors: El Abdali Youness , Beniaich Ghada , Mahraz Adil M. , El Moussaoui Abdelfattah , Bin Jardan Yousef A. , Akhazzane Mohamed , Chebaibi Mohamed , Nafidi Hiba-Allah , Eloutassi Noureddine , Bourhia Mohammed , Bouia Abdelhak
Published: February 2023

Food is always subjected to microbial infection and lipid peroxidation, which frequently leads to serious food intoxications. In the present study, essential oils (EOs) extracted from Lavandula dentata Moroccan species and its major component (linalool) were chemically characterized and their antioxidant potential and antibacterial properties against foodborne pathogenic bacteria were examined. EOs phytochemical profile was carried out using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis (GC‐MS). The antioxidant potential was evaluated, in vitro, by use of the β‐carotene discoloration assay and in silico vs. NADPH oxidase enzymatic complex as an antioxidant marker. The antibacterial proprieties were assessed by use of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and disc diffusion methods, against Gram (−) bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica, and Escherichia coli) and Gram (+) bacteria (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus). Linalool (49.71%) was the major component among the eighteen components identified in Lavandula dentate EO, followed by camphor (14.36%) and borneol (8.21%). The studied EO and linalool compounds showed important antioxidant activity through the β‐carotene discoloration test with IC50 values of 35.72 ± 1.21 mg/mL and 30.32 ± 1.23 mg/mL, respectively. Among all the analyzed compounds of lavender EOs, thymol, carvacrol, and α‐terpineol were the most active compounds against NADPH oxidase with a glide score of −6.483, −6.17, and −4.728 kcal/mol, respectively. 2D and 3D views showed the formation of hydrogen bonds between the most active compounds and the active site of NADPH oxidase. The antibacterial data showed a significant activity of Lavandula dentata essences against tested foodborne pathogenic bacteria, especially against S. aureus and B. subtilis. Linalool proved active toward the same bacteria and had closer activity to that of lavender essential oil. In light of the obtained findings, the essential oil of Lavandula dentata Moroccan species can be used in the packaging sector as a promising natural food conservative to limit lipid oxidation and treat foodborne infections.
Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Software Significantly Decreases All Workflow Metrics for Large Vessel Occlusion Transfer Patients, within a Large Spoke and Hub System
Authors: Matsoukas Stavros , Stein Laura K. , Fifi Johanna
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Artificial intelligence (AI) software is increasingly applied in stroke diagnostics. Viz LVO (large vessel occlusion) is an AI-based software that is FDA-approved for LVO detection in CT angiography (CTA) scans. We sought to investigate differences in transfer times (from peripheral [spoke] to central [hub] hospitals) for LVO patients between spoke hospitals that utilize Viz LVO and those that do not. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we used our institutional database to identify all suspected/confirmed LVO-transferred patients from spokes (peripheral hospitals) within and outside of our healthcare system, from January 2020 to December 2021. The “Viz-transfers” group includes all LVO transfers from spokes within our system where Viz LVO is readily available, while the “Non-Viz-transfers” group (control group) is comprised of all LVO transfers from spokes outside our system, without Viz LVO. Primary outcome included all available time metrics from peripheral CTA commencement. Results: In total, 78 patients required a transfer. Despite comparable peripheral hospital door to peripheral hospital CTA times (20.5 [24.3] vs. 32 [45] min, p = 0.28) and transfer (spoke to hub) time (23 [18] vs. 26 [13.5], p = 0.763), all workflow metrics were statistically significantly shorter in the Viz-transfers group. Peripheral CTA to interventional neuroradiology team notification was 12 (16.8) versus 58 (59.5), p < 0.001, and peripheral CTA to peripheral departure was 91.5 (37) versus 122.5 (68.5), p < 0.001. Peripheral arrival to peripheral departure was 116.5 (75.5) versus 169 (126.8), p = 0.002, and peripheral arrival to central arrival was 145 (62.5) versus 207 (97.8), p < 0.001. In addition, peripheral CTA to angiosuite arrival was 121 (41) versus 207 (92.5), p < 0.001, peripheral CTA to arterial puncture was 146 (53) versus 234 (99.8), p < 0.001, and peripheral CTA to recanalization was 198 (25) versus 253.5 (86), p < 0.001. Conclusion: Within our spoke and hub system, Viz LVO significantly decreased all workflow metrics for patients who were transferred from spokes with versus without Viz.
‘We don’t show our women’s breasts for nothing’: Shifting purposes for Warlpiri women’s public rituals – yawulyu – Central Australia, 1980s–2020s
Authors: Curran Georgia , Dussart Françoise
Published: February 2023

Warlpiri women from the Tanami Desert of Central Australia have across generations passed on their yawulyu ceremonies, which nurture kin, country and cosmological connections. Dussart has previously shown distinct shifts in purpose in the 1990s, as Warlpiri women first began to perform yawulyu for non-Indigenous audiences. In the past decade, a further shift has occurred, with yawulyu being held predominantly as part of community-development arts initiatives. These opportunities are now the primary contexts in which yawulyu are held, while redefining the values, power relations and types of capital central to these performances, be they surrounding prestige, monetary payment or cultural recognition, as well as providing ambiguous and elusive communitas of ‘contentment’ for the performers as they engage with their audiences. In this article, the authors present case studies that span from the 1980s, when Warlpiri women first considered how to present yawulyu to non-Indigenous audiences, through to the pan-Aboriginal Women’s Law and Culture meetings of the 1990s and 2000s, and the Warlpiri-led Southern Ngaliya dance camps of the 2010s, and up to the present day, where they are being invited to perform yawulyu as part of larger theatrical events. As the authors examine performative events during different periods in Australia since colonisation, they draw on Thomas Turino’s definitions of participatory and presentational genres of musical performances to analyse how and why the reasons to perform have shifted. The authors conclude by highlighting that such shifts shed light on how entangled politics of relatedness are also changing.
A Register Study Suggesting Homotypic and Heterotypic Comorbidity Among Individuals With Learning Disabilities
Authors: Aro Tuija , Neittaanmäki Reeta , Korhonen Elisa , Riihimäki Heli , Torppa Minna
Published: February 2023

The present study examined whether learning disabilities (LD) in reading and/or math (i.e., reading disability [RD], math disability [MD], and RD+MD) co-occur with other diagnoses. The data comprised a clinical sample ( n = 430) with LD identified in childhood and a sample of matched controls ( n = 2,140). Their medical diagnoses (according to the International Classification of Diseases nosology) until adulthood (20–39 years) were analyzed. The co-occurrence of LD with neurodevelopmental disorders was considered a homotypic comorbidity, and co-occurrence with disorders or diseases from the other diagnostic categories (i.e., mental and behavioral disorders, diseases of the nervous system, injuries, other medical or physical diagnoses) was considered a heterotypic comorbidity. Both homotypic and heterotypic comorbidity were more common in the LD group. Co-occurring neurodevelopmental disorders were the most prominent comorbid disorders, but mental and behavioral disorders, diseases of the nervous system, and injuries were also pronounced in the LD group. Accumulation of diagnoses across the diagnostic categories was more common in the LD group. No differences were found among the RD, MD, and RD+MD subgroups. The findings are relevant from the theoretical perspective, as well as for clinical and educational practice, as they provide understanding regarding individual distress and guiding for the planning of support.
Analysis of Clinical Treatment of Laryngeal Stenosis After Radiotherapy and Supracricoid Partial Laryngectomy with Cricohyoidoepiglottopexy of Mid-stage and Advanced Laryngeal Cancer
Authors: Jia Yanxuan , Jiang Donghui , Wu Xiaoguang , He Xiaoguang , Tang Ju , Sun Zewu
Published: February 2023

Objective

To investigate the possible causes and treatment methods of laryngeal stenosis after radiotherapy following supracricoid partial laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy (SCPL-CHEP).

Methods

The data of seven patients with laryngeal stenosis after radiotherapy following SCPL-CHEP were analysed retrospectively. All patients were diagnosed with mid-stage or advanced laryngeal carcinoma before surgery, and the pathological type was squamous cell carcinoma. All patients met the requirements for SCPL-CHEP surgery. When laryngeal stenosis was found during the post-surgical follow-up period, patients were immediately given the appropriate treatment according to their conditions.

Results

All seven patients had laryngeal stenosis. One patient underwent granulation resection using a laryngoscope, four patients underwent granulation removal + low-temperature plasma ablation using a laryngoscope, and two patients underwent laryngeal dehiscence surgery + laryngotracheal T-tube placement. All patients recovered well after surgery, with patent airways.

Conclusion

Laryngeal stenosis in patients with mid- and late-stage laryngeal carcinoma is one of the rare complications of SCPL-CHEP. Second-stage laryngeal dilatation can be selected according to the patient’s laryngeal stenosis. Most patients with laryngeal stenosis can be extubated completely.
“For whom the bell tolls”? A ‘vulnerability-responsibility’ model based on democratic and ‘dignified’ transactions”
Authors: Mitra Subrata
Published: February 2023

The welfare state, once seen as the best institutional response to people in need, has steadily come under pressure, as much from shrinking state capacities as from neo-liberal advocates of individual responsibility. Still, despite decline of the post-war consensus on the efficacy of the welfare state, social ‘vulnerability’ still remains the key focus of public policy. However, though much in use in contemporary political discourse, the logical and practical implications of social vulnerability remain unclear. Its essential subjectivity – it is the ‘feeling of vulnerability’ which makes one vulnerable – turns the concept into a catch-all variable, impeding rigorous theoretical and empirical analysis. I respond to this problem with a ‘vulnerability-responsibility’, model. Its parameters include a ‘responsive’ state, an active civil society and a participatory political environment, bolstered by the assertion of agency of the vulnerable. With India as an empirical exemplar, the essay shows how ‘nested’ vulnerability – a community of pro-active citizens in need of urgent and vital assistance - in the backdrop of a responsive state and competitive, robust and resilient political participation, can generate a sustainable, context-relevant process to cope with the problem of social vulnerability. The model, currently aimed at vulnerable citizens in a democratic state, has the potential of being extended to non-democracies as well as vulnerable non-citizens into its domain.
Family Dynamics in Cross-National Families With Young Children in Singapore
Authors: Yeung Wei-Jun Jean , Lu Shuya
Published: February 2023

Transnational marriages between Singaporeans and non-Singaporeans have increased significantly in the 21st century, peaking at 41% among citizen marriages in 2009. About three-quarters of these couples are Singaporean grooms marrying foreign brides originating from lower income countries in Asia. We use a new nationally representative study—Singapore Longitudinal Early Development Study (SG LEADS)—to examine gender relations between spouses with young children and their family dynamics. Results show that compared to native-born mothers, foreign-born mothers have a more traditional gender ideology, bear heavier responsibility for housework, and are less likely to take primary responsibility for financial matters in the family. Data also reveal that there are more disagreements about childrearing between spouses and a higher level of family conflicts in these cross-national families. These differences can partly be accounted for by the age gap between spouses, mother’s education, family income, mother’s employment status, and family composition.
Divergent Immigrant Health Trajectories: Disparities in Physical Health Using a Multidimensional Conceptualization of Legal Status
Authors: Zajdel Rachel A
Published: February 2023

Immigrant health research demonstrates that foreign-born individuals generally experience lower morbidity rates relative to native-born individuals. However, this research often overlooks structural factors that influence the immigrant experience, such as legal status. The present study examines legal status as a multidimensional and dynamic characteristic that shapes immigrant health over time. I use two waves of the New Immigrant Survey (n = 3550) to assess if three dimensions of legal status — initial documentation classification, legal permanent residence (LPR) admission category, and US citizenship — predict likelihoods of reporting a chronic condition among a sample of immigrants who attained LPR. Results indicate that each of the three dimensions of legal status predicted health. Immigrants who obtained US citizenship improved their relative health over time, while immigrants with previous temporarily documented, undocumented, legalization, or refugee experience exhibited persistent disadvantage in the hierarchy of immigrant health. Findings demonstrate that the sociopolitical context continually shapes the physical health of immigrants, and a dynamic and multidimensional conceptualization of legal status can expose previously obscured disparities in the overarching pattern of an immigrant health advantage.
Internal carotid artery dissection with different interventions and outcomes: two case reports
Authors: Zheng Chong , Zhou Hongwei , Zhao Kexin , Kong Derui , Ji Tiefeng
Published: February 2023

Spontaneous internal carotid artery dissection (ICAD) is a rare disease and an important cause of stroke in young patients. The presentation of ICAD is variable and atypical. We have used three-dimensional T1-weighted volume isotropic turbo spin-echo acquisition to help diagnose ICAD. ICAD should be considered in young patients presenting with relevant symptoms in an emergency setting. We herein report ICAD with an unexplained onset in two patients. Neither had a history of large or small cervical trauma, but both had a history of hypertension. The first patient was a 33-year-old man who presented with upper extremity numbness and mobility impairment, and the second patient was a 40-year-old man with onset of visual impairment. There were no obvious triggers in either case. Both patients were diagnosed with ICAD by blood vessel examination. However, their prognoses differed. The first patient recovered after endovascular therapy, whereas the second patient was successfully managed with medical treatment. ICAD can cause different symptoms depending on where the dissection occurs. Clinicians must be aware of the different clinical manifestations of ICAD, make the correct diagnosis in a timely manner, make appropriate treatment plans according to the patient’s condition, and strive for timely recanalization of the blood vessels.
Enhancing the Performance of Roller-Compacted Concrete Pavement by Synergetic Improvement of Packing Density, Lubrication, and Moisture State of Recycled Concrete Aggregate
Authors: Selvam M. , Singh Surender , Anjana A. G.
Published: February 2023

Roller-compacted concrete pavement (RCCP) is considered superior to other pavement types with reference to cost, ease of construction, and performance. However, the aggregate demand is significantly higher in RCCP than in the conventional concrete pavement. It is predicted that natural minable limestone sources would be exhausted in India in the next 30 to 40 years. One way to reduce the natural aggregates (NA) requirements in RCCP is through the integration of recycled concrete aggregates (RCA). However, the physical property of RCA is significantly inferior to that of NA owing to the presence of adhered mortar (AM), which increases the water demand by 2.3 to 4.6 times and affects the compactness and hardened-state behavior of RCCP. This study has tried to enhance the compactness and improve the performance of RCCP containing RCA (coarse, fine, and total RCAs) through different synergetic approaches. This, in turn, enhances the interlocking capacity using the particle packing approach, followed by mitigating the negative effects of AM by altering the moisture states, then improving the compactability and lubricating the matrix with superplasticizers. The results depict that altering the moisture states alone could adversely affect the RCCP performance because of the moisture transfer mechanism from the hydraulic gradient. Moreover, the inclusion of superplasticizers in different moisture states could manifest better aggregate rearrangement and compactability. Further, it could improve the tensile behavior of the RCCP compared with the concrete containing NA. These findings favor the complete replacement of NA by RCA for low-volume rural road construction.
Safety Evaluation for Conversion From Protected-Only Left-Turn Phasing to Time-of-Day Protected-Permissive Left-Turn Phasing Using Flashing Yellow Arrows
Authors: Lee Taehun , Cunningham Christopher , Simpson Carrie L.
Published: February 2023

This study investigated the safety effects of the conversion from a protected-only left turn to protected-permissive left turn with flashing yellow arrow (FYA−PPLT) with time-of-day operation. The observational before–after study with the comparison group method was used to develop crash modification factors (CMFs) for the total crashes and two types of target crashes that involve left-turning vehicles on treated approaches (left-turn−same roadway and rear-end crashes). For all potential crashes, crash reports, crash diagrams, and narratives were manually inspected to identify the actual target crashes. The CMFs were separately developed for a full 24-h day and specific time-of-day based on FYA-PPLT operation, and for two severity categories (all severities and fatal & injury). The results showed that the total crashes for 24 h had a slight increase, whereas the target crashes had substantially larger changes (increase in left-turn−same roadway crashes and decrease in rear-end crashes). When looking at the specific time-of-day use of FYA-PPLT, the increase in left-turn−same roadway crashes was significantly higher than the full 24-h period. This implies that engineers could extend protected-only use more on the fringes of the peak periods to mitigate the increase in left-turn-related crashes. The analysis results also showed a trade-off between left-turn–same roadway and rear-end crashes after the signal conversion. The findings reveal how important it is for engineers to properly understand the safety effects on the different categories of target crashes and time periods when considering the signal conversion from a protected-only left turn to FYA-PPLT.
Effect of icariin on the H2O2-induced proliferation of mouse airway smooth muscle cells through miR-138-5p regulating SIRT1/AMPK/PGC-1α axis
Authors: Huang Yu-fang , Ou Guo-chun , Ma Shou-hong , Liu Ming-wei , Deng Wen
Published: February 2023

Icariin exerts antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects and is used in the treatment of bronchial asthma. However, the specific modes of action are uncertain. In this study, we investigated whether icariin could modulate the silencing information regulator 2-related enzyme 1 (SIRT1)/adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator 1α (PGC-1α) axis by regulating miR-138-5p during H2O2-induced proliferation of mouse airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs). Primary BALB/c mouse ASMCs were cultured using the tissue block adherence method and were induced with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2; 200 μmol/L) to establish a bronchial asthma ASMC proliferation model. With the aid of Western Blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in H2O2-induced ASMCs, the expression of miR-138-5p, SIRT1, AMPK, PGC-1α, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), collagen I, and collagen III protein and mRNA were investigated. The proliferation rate and activities of superoxide dismutase1 (SOD1), reduced glutathione (GSH), malonaldehyde (MDA), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in ASMCs were determined. The results suggest Compared with the H2O2-induced group, icariin inhibited the miR-138-5p expression; enhanced SIRT1, p-AMPK, and PGC-1α expression; attenuated MDA activity and ROS level; lowered TGF-β1, collagen I, and collagen III expression levels; and decreased the proliferation of ASMCs induced by H2O2. The dual-luciferase reporter gene assay results showed that SIRT1 is a regulatory target of miR-138-5p.The results suggest that Icariin could improve the H2O2-induced proliferation of ASMCs. The mechanism may be related to the increase of activation of SIRT1/AMPK/PGC-1α axis by suppressing the expression of miR-138-5p. Thus, SIRT1 is the regulatory target of miR-138-5p.
Association between bisphenol A exposure and thyroid dysfunction in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yuan Shumeng , Du Xingde , Liu Haohao , Guo Xing , Zhang Bingyu , Wang Yongshui , Wang Bingqian , Zhang Huizhen , Guo Hongxiang
Published: February 2023

The occurrence of thyroid dysfunction is affected by environmental factors, and BPA is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant with the potential to cause thyroid dysfunction. However, the limited epidemiological evidence shows an inconsistent association between BPA exposure and thyroid dysfunction. Therefore, the literature on the impact of BPA on thyroid was sorted and analyzed to study the relationship between BPA and adult thyroid function. The studies published on or before 23rd May 2022 from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were collected analyzing the association between BPA exposure and the levels of thyroid hormones. The methodological quality of each study was assessed, the sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis based on study population and gender were also performed, and publication bias was evaluated. A total of 2969 literature studies were retrieved. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, eleven studies were included. Our results showed that BPA concentration was negatively correlated with FT4 and TSH in males. Pooled correlation coefficients between BPA and FT4/TSH were −0.027 (95%CI = −0.030∼−0.024) and −0.058 (95%CI = −0.111∼−0.004). BPA concentration was positively correlated with FT4 in females, and the pooled correlation coefficient was 0.006 (95%CI = 0.003–0.008). The effects of BPA on thyroid hormone levels were significantly different between males and females. BPA may significantly decrease the levels of FT4 and TSH in males but increase the levels of FT4 in females. Considering the high heterogeneity among studies and the limited investigations into subgroups, the relationship between BPA exposure and thyroid dysfunction needs to be further investigated.
Effect of asymmetric shroud gap and shroud friction coefficient on vibration response of shrouded blades
Authors: Zhang Qinglei , Wang Liuchang , Duan Jianguo , Qin Jiyun , Zhou Ying
Published: February 2023

Based on the problem of shroud gap and shroud friction having impact on the blade collision vibration, a three-blade dynamic analysis model considering shroud friction and asymmetric gap is established in the present work. In order to study the effect of asymmetric gap and shroud friction coefficient on the vibration of the twisted shrouded blade in practice. The differential equations of shroud oblique collision between the twisted shrouded blade and adjacent blades were established, and a nonlinear Hertz contact force and an exponentially decaying friction model were used to describe the shroud contact collision force and friction, respectively. Numerical simulation and experiment are used to verify the vibration response of the blade under different gaps. The results show that the shroud movement under the asymmetric gap is more complicated than symmetric gap. The presence of shroud friction causes the passive blades to enter a cyclic motion. And shroud friction coefficient increases will decrease the amplitude of the blade.
Investigation of the stability and contact stiffness of workpiece inside fixture in different machining conditions
Authors: Sohrabifard Mahfooz , Nategh Mohammad Javad
Published: February 2023

The dynamic stability of machining processes is influenced by the dynamic stability of the workpiece and fixture assembly. This effect has not yet been sufficiently considered. Achieving dynamic stability by simply applying a large amount of clamping force is a basic method and involves damages such as elastic deformation of relatively thin workpieces, damage to the clamping surfaces, and high wear of fixture components resulting in malfunction. In spite of this, to the best knowledge of the present authors, the contact stiffness between workpiece and fixture as an influencing parameter has not been sufficiently paid attention by researchers and these parameters have not been taken into account in the equations of dynamic stability. The contact stiffness itself is influenced by the machining parameters. In the present study, the changes in contact stiffness in different machining conditions are investigated as a partial undertaking to fill the gap existing in the modeling of the machining dynamics. In this paper, by defining the mathematical model of the workpiece-fixture system and calculating the matrices of contact stiffness and fixture stiffness, the results of changes in various machining parameters in the stiffness of the workpiece-fixture system have been investigated. The results showed that high contact stiffness cannot be provided simply by applying the maximum force of the clamps. Rather, by increasing the spindle speed, the contact stiffness will increase significantly. Furthermore, by increasing the spindle speed, further increase in the contact stiffness will be achieved with lower feed rates, which will not be economically viable.
Research on look ahead control of contour error for casting sand mold with five-axis linkage high speed machining
Authors: Baoying Peng , Pengjia Wang , Mingpeng Hou
Published: February 2023

Casting sand mold with five-axis linkage high speed machining has the characteristics of high feeding speed, small milling force, fast tool axis swing speed and big contour error. The coupling relationships among tool axis swing, following error and contour error were analyzed, the computing method of axis movement speed for five-axis linkage machining was proposed, and a rapid linear estimation model of contour error for casting sand mold with five-axis linkage machining was established. On this basis, according to the relationships between rotary axis speed and tool axis swing speed, a look ahead self-adaptive control method of contour error for casting sand mold with five-axis linkage high speed machining was proposed, and an experiment of impeller sand mold with five-axis linkage machining was carried out. The results show that the contour error formed by tool tip can be estimated rapidly according to the tool axis swing speed in the process of casting sand mold with five-axis linkage high speed machining, and the proposed look ahead control of the rotary axis speed is an effective method for contour precision of casting sand mold with five-axis linkage high speed machining.
Low dose CT-based spatial analysis (CTSA) to measure implant migration after ceramic hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA): A phantom study
Authors: Clarke Susannah G , Logishetty Kartik , Halewood Camilla , Cobb Justin P
Published: February 2023

Implant migration is a predictor of arthroplasty survivorship. It is crucial to monitor the migration of novel hip prostheses within premarket clinical investigations. RSA is the gold standard method, but requires calibrated radiographs using specialised equipment. A commercial computed tomography micromotion analysis solution is a promising alternative but is not yet available for use with monobloc ceramic implants. This study aimed to develop and validate a CT-based spatial analysis (CTSA) method for use with ceramic implants. A phantom study was undertaken to assess accuracy and precision. A ceramic hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) and 20 tantalum beads were implanted into a synthetic hip model and mounted onto a 6-degree of freedom motion stage. The hip was repeatedly scanned with a low dose CT protocol, with imposed micromovements. Data were interrogated using a semiautomated technique. The effective radiation dose for each scan was estimated to be 0.25 mSv. For the head implant, precision ranged between 0.11 and 0.28 mm for translations and 0.34°–0.42° for rotations. For the cup implant, precision ranged between 0.08 and 0.11 mm and 0.19° and 0.42°. For the head, accuracy ranged between 0.04 and 0.18 mm for translations and 0.28°–0.46° for rotations. For the cup, accuracy ranged between 0.04 and 0.08 mm and 0.17° and 0.43°. This in vitro study demonstrates that low dose CTSA of a ceramic HRA is similar in accuracy to RSA. CT is ubiquitous, and this method may be an alternative to RSA to measure prosthesis migration.
Overdose and off-label psychotropic prescribing in patients with borderline personality disorder: A retrospective series
Authors: Ning Anna Y , Theodoros Theo , Harris Keith , Isoardi Katherine Z
Published: February 2023

Objective

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is common and poses many clinical challenges. Despite limited evidence of effectiveness, psychotropic medications are often prescribed. We aimed to characterise overdose presentations in patients with BPD.

Method

This is a retrospective observational series of patients with BPD presenting to a tertiary hospital following an overdose from January 2019 to December 2020. Medical records were reviewed to determine baseline characteristics, overdose details, clinical features, treatment, and disposition.

Results

There were 608 presentations in 370 people (76% female), median age 28 years (range 16–75 years). The majority (331[89%]) of patients were prescribed at least one psychotropic medication, with 129 (35%) being prescribed three or more different psychotropic agents. Of the total prescribed psychotropics, 520/1459 (36%) were for off-label indications. The majority of agents (860/1487[58%]) taken in overdose were prescribed. The commonest drug classes taken in overdose were benzodiazepines (241[16%]) and antipsychotics (229[15%]). Severe toxicity occurred in 99 (16%) cases with either coma (GCS<9) or hypotension (systolic BP <90 mmHg). The commonest agent associated with severe toxicity was quetiapine 39/99 (39%).

Conclusions

Psychotropic polypharmacy is common in BPD, often with off-label indications. Prescribed medications are commonly taken in overdose. Quetiapine is over-represented both in off-label prescribing and associated harm.
Utility of postmortem bacterial culture of abdominal organs at autopsy of young calves
Authors: Witherell Kaitlin , White Laura , Shaw Lisa , Tomassini Letizia , Eckstrand Chrissy , Nelson Danielle , McConnel Craig S. , Burbick Claire R.
Published: February 2023

Postmortem bacterial culture is controversial in human medicine, and veterinary-specific research in this area is lacking. To address this knowledge gap, we cultured liver, kidney, and spleen individually from on-farm calf mortalities to determine the number of bacterial species present, concordance between organ cultures, and agreement with gross and histologic findings. We hypothesized that the spleen, a filtering organ, would be the most useful organ with the least amount of postmortem contamination given that it does not have a direct conduit to a bacterial population. Fresh liver, kidney, and spleen were collected for culture from 30 calves 5–28-d-old with various causes of mortality. Bacterial growth of ≥2 species was observed in ~48% of cultures, with Escherichia coli and Streptococcus spp. being most frequent. One bacterial species was present in 20% of cultures, with E. coli predominating. No growth was observed in ~32% of cultures. In 43% of cases, there was agreement in the culture results for all 3 organs; however, the majority were mixed bacterial growth. The best agreement was observed when there were no gross and/or histologic septic lesions in target organs and no bacterial growth on culture. The spleen was not helpful in determining bacterial significance in comparison to kidney or liver.
Men's Perspectives on Gender Relations in the Outdoor Education Field: Furthering the Case for a Hybrid Masculinity
Authors: Kennedy Jay
Published: February 2023

Background: Scholarship has demonstrated the influence of hegemonic masculine norms on values and practices in outdoor adventure education. However, recent publications indicate that men outdoor leaders may be increasingly aware of gender biases and consequently changing their practice. To date, few publications have considered men outdoor leaders’ understanding of masculinity in the field and how it affects their practice and professional interactions. Purpose: This study critically examined multiple aspects of gender relations from men outdoor leaders’ perspectives to determine if observed changes in some men's practice signal changes toward a more equitable understanding of masculinity or merely a pivot to maintain the status quo. Methodology/Approach: A single-embedded case study methodology was employed. Interview, observation, and artifact data were collected from 18 men outdoor adventure education leaders across the United States and Canada. Findings/Conclusions: Participants noted awareness of gender inequity and articulated some strategies employed to combat sexism, particularly those associated with gendered student expectations. However, multiple participants also demonstrated gendered blind spots and supported gender hierarchy. Implications: Participants’ demonstrated awareness of gender issues, but the considerable blind spots identified in the data indicate a troubling lack of critical self-reflection and provide support for dominant hybrid masculinity.
Atypical Fibroxanthoma: Outcomes from a Large Single Institution Series
Authors: McClure Erin , Carr Michael J , Patel Ayushi , Hussnain Naqvi Syed Mahrukh , Kim Youngchul , Harrington Michael , Cruse Wayne , Gonzalez Ricardo J , Sondak Vernon K , Sarnaik Amod A , Messina Jane L , Zager Jonathan S
Published: February 2023

Background

Atypical fibroxanthomas (AFX) are rare malignant cutaneous neoplasms. Unfortunately, limited clinicopathologic and outcomes data on this cancer exists.

Objective

We report the clinical, pathologic, and treatment characteristics, as well as oncologic outcomes in this single-institution retrospective analysis.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study compiled clinical, pathologic, treatment, and outcome data for all patients with AFX on definitive excision diagnosed, evaluated, and treated primarily by surgical resection at a single institution between 2000-2020. Descriptive statistics evaluated clinical and pathologic characteristics. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional-hazards models were used to evaluate overall survival and recurrence-free survival.

Results

78 patients with AFX were identified. The majority were elderly, immunocompetent, Caucasian men. 85% of tumors were located on the head and neck. 63% of patients were correctly diagnosed only after complete resection of the index lesion. The median surgical margin was 1.0 cm. Overall, only 1.3% (1/78) of patients developed a local recurrence (RFS). No patients died of disease.

Conclusion

This study suggests that resection margins of 1 cm achieve excellent local control with close to 99% RFS and 100% disease-specific survival.
Research Progress of Tumor Microenvironment Targeted Therapy for Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Huang Yongqiang , Sun Hong , Guo Pu
Published: February 2023

Renal clear cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and the tumor microenvironment (TME) influence each other, leading to the tumor microenvironment that can guide the corresponding treatment. With the deepening of research, some treatment options have achieved good results, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and so on. As the link between TME and malignancy is constantly discovered, more targeted studies on different components of TME are increasing, and this targeted therapy is a new method for treating ccRCC, and also a current research hotspot. This review summarizes the characteristics of the ccRCC tumor microenvironment, the outcomes of different treatments, and some potential targets.
Modeling and characteristics study of double-diamond bionic vibration isolation system with inerter
Authors: Song Yong , Zhang Yonglu , Li Zhanlong , Yan Bijuan , Zhang Xiqing
Published: February 2023

An integrated and bionic passive vibration isolation system is proposed based on the double-diamond bionic structure and inerter to solve the problems of poor low-frequency vibration isolation performance, narrow vibration isolation frequency band, and big additional mass of current passive vibration isolation system. To analyze the low-frequency vibration isolation performance and the valuable frequency band, the nonlinear dynamic model of the system is established, then the system transmission characteristics and stability are studied. It is found that the system can reduce the amplitudes of resonant peaks, broaden the valuable frequency band, and the system stability is excellent. Seen from the performance analysis, the introduction of the inerter with smaller additional mass makes the system have better vibration isolation performance and wider effective vibration isolation frequency band. The proposed system provides a new solution for vibration control in practical engineering.
Automatic modal identification based on similarity filtering and fuzzy clustering
Authors: Jiang Dong , Wang Yusheng , Hu Jiamiao , Qian Hui , Zhu Rui
Published: February 2023

Artificially determining the model order is necessary for time domain modal identification, which affects the identification efficiency and accuracy. An automatic identification method is proposed to determine the best estimation of the model order. Based on the covariance-driven stochastic subspace identification method (SSI-COV), the singular value decomposition of the Toeplitz matrix is carried out to determine the range of the lower triangular matrix. The similarity coefficient and distance function are introduced to cluster the modes, and the poles of the false modes are removed to obtain the clustering stabilization diagram. The model order is taken as the number of clustering centers of the fuzzy c-means (FCM) algorithm, and all the poles of the stabilization diagram are clustered to get the modal parameters of each order. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by adopting a thin-walled cylindrical column, a triangular-prism truss in simulation, and a flexible beam in experiment. The robustness of the method is illustrated by adding white noise to the simulated response data. The advantage of the clustering stabilization diagram is demonstrated by comparing with the traditional stabilization diagram.
Impact of distance of the catheter tip from cavo-atrial junction on bubble test (delay) time: A prospective study
Authors: Stefano Elli , Dario D’amata , Silvia Cavalli , Gloria Cambiaghi , Mariavittoria Giorgianni , Francesco Marino , Jessica Pozzoli , Mario Russo , Alberto Lucchini , Giuseppe Foti , Matteo Pozzi , Marco Giani
Published: February 2023

Introduction:

Correct tip positioning is a critical aspect in central vascular access devices insertion. The verification of positioning at the cavo-atrial junction is usually performed by intracavitary electrocardiography. Recently, echocardiographic techniques were proposed, including the direct visualization of the catheter or the visualization of a saline/air bolus (i.e. “bubble test”). As for the latter, a push-to-bubbles delay time below 2 s was proposed to indicate a correct positioning of the catheter tip. The aim of this study was to measure the variations of the push-to-bubbles time at increasing distance from the cavo-atrial junction, to verify if a cut-off of 1–2 s correspond to a well-positioned catheter.

Methods:

We performed a prospective study including patients with clinical indication of positioning a peripherally inserted central catheter. The catheter tip was positioned at the cavo-atrial junction (P0) via intracavitary electrocardiography, and the push-to-bubbles delay time was measured. The catheter was then retracted 5 cm (P1) and 10 cm (P2), and the test was repeated at this positioning. Push-to-bubbles time measurements were performed off-line by analyzing an audio/video recording which included the echography screen and the voice signal of the operator.

Results:

Forty-nine patients were included. The average push-to-bubble time when the catheter tip was in the reference position was 0.41 ± 0.21 s. Retraction of the PICC catheter of 5 and 10 cm determined a significant increase of the push-to-bubbles time: mean time difference was +0.34 (95% IC 0.25–0.43, p < 0.001) s between P0 and P1 (5 cm distance), and +0.77 (95% IC 0.62–0.92, p < 0.001) s between P0 and P2 (10 cm distance). When the catheter was at the reference position (i.e. cavo-atrial junction) only 2.1% of bubbles delay times were above 1 s.

Conclusion:

The push-to-bubbles time is very low when the catheter tip is at the cavo-atrial junction. This delay increases progressively with increasing distance from the target. Push-to-bubbles delay time above 1 s might indicate a catheter not close to the cavo-atrial junction.