bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
N6-methyladenosine reader IMP2 stabilizes the ZFAS1/OLA1 axis and activates the Warburg effect: implication in colorectal cancer
Authors: Lu Senxu , Han Li , Hu Xiaoyun , Sun Tong , Xu Dongping , Li Yalun , Chen Qiuchen , Yao Weifan , He Miao , Wang Zhenning , Wu Huizhe , Wei Minjie
Published: November 2021

Background

Accumulating evidence shows that N6-methyladenine (m6A) modulators contribute to the etiology and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the exact mechanisms of m6A reader involved in glycolytic metabolism remain vague. This article aimed to crosstalk the m6A reader with glycolytic metabolism and reveal a new mechanism for the progression of CRC.

Methods

The relationship between candidate lncRNA and m6A reader was analyzed by bioinformatics, ISH and IHC assays. In vivo and in vitro studies (including MTT, CFA, trans-well, apoptosis, western blot, qRT-PCR and xenograft mouse models) were utilized to explore the biological functions of these indicators. Lactate detection, ATP activity detection and ECAR assays were used to verify the biological function of the downstream target. The bioinformatics, RNA stability, RIP experiments and RNA pull-down assays were used to explore the potential molecular mechanisms.

Results

We identified that the crosstalk of the m6A reader IMP2 with long-noncoding RNA (lncRNA) ZFAS1 in an m6A modulation-dependent manner, subsequently augmented the recruitment of Obg-like ATPase 1 (OLA1) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysis and glycolysis during CRC proliferation and progression. Specifically, IMP2 and ZFAS1 are significantly overexpressed with elevated m6A levels in CRC cells and paired CRC cohorts (n = 144). These indicators could be independent biomarkers for CRC prognostic prediction. Notably, IMP2 regulated ZFAS1 expression and enhanced CRC cell proliferation, colony formation, and apoptosis inhibition; thus, it was oncogenic. Mechanistically, ZFAS1 is modified at adenosine +843 within the RGGAC/RRACH element in an m6A-dependent manner. Thus, direct interaction between the KH3–4 domain of IMP2 and ZFAS1 where IMP2 serves as a reader for m6A-modified ZFAS1 and promotes the RNA stability of ZFAS1 is critical for CRC development. More importantly, stabilized ZFAS1 recognizes the OBG-type functional domain of OLA1, which facilitated the exposure of ATP-binding sites (NVGKST, 32–37), enhanced its protein activity, and ultimately accelerated ATP hydrolysis and the Warburg effect.

Conclusions

Our findings reveal a new cancer-promoting mechanism, that is, the critical modulation network underlying m6A readers stabilizes lncRNAs, and they jointly promote mitochondrial energy metabolism in the pathogenesis of CRC.
The movement-to-music (M2M) study: study protocol for a randomized controlled efficacy trial examining a rhythmic teleexercise intervention for people with physical disabilities
Authors: Young Hui-Ju , Lai Byron , Mehta Tapan , Thirumalai Mohanraj , Wilroy Jereme , Yates Alex , Kane Brandon , Rimmer James H.
Published: November 2021

Background

People with physical disabilities need exercise routines that are enjoyable, readily available in the home, adapted to their functional level, and eliminate common barriers to exercise participation related to transportation and time commitment. The purpose of the movement-to-music (M2M) study is to address these issues by establishing a remotely delivered, rhythmic exercise program for people with physical disabilities.

Methods

The study is a two-arm randomized controlled efficacy trial examining a 12-week remotely delivered M2M intervention (eM2M) in 108 people with physical disabilities. The primary outcomes are changes in cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength at post 12-week intervention.

Discussion

The eM2M study will enhance our understanding of an alternative intervention design and delivery mode that removes common barriers to exercise participation experienced by people with physical disabilities. The eM2M intervention may be an alternative option for people with physical disabilities to obtain regular exercise, especially during a pandemic when exercising in indoor facilities may be problematic.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03797378. Registered on January 9, 2019, with the trial name “Movement-to-Music: Lakeshore Examination of Activity, Disability, and Exercise Response Study (M2M LEADERS)”.
Genome-wide association study and transcriptome analysis dissect the genetic control of silique length in Brassica napus L.
Authors: Wang Jia , Fan Yueling , Mao Lin , Qu Cunmin , Lu Kun , Li Jiana , Liu Liezhao
Published: November 2021

Background

Rapeseed is the third-largest oilseed crop after soybeans and palm that produces vegetable oil for human consumption and biofuel for industrial production. Silique length (SL) is an important trait that is strongly related to seed yield in rapeseed. Although many studies related to SL have been reported in rapeseed, only a few candidate genes have been found and cloned, and the genetic mechanisms regulating SL in rapeseed remain unclear. Here, we dissected the genetic basis of SL by genome-wide association studies (GWAS) combined with transcriptome analysis.

Results

We identified quantitative trait locus (QTL) for SL using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population and two independent GWAS populations. Major QTLs on chromosomes A07, A09, and C08 were stably detected in all environments from all populations. Several candidate genes related to starch and sucrose metabolism, plant hormone signal transmission and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis were detected in the main QTL intervals, such as BnaA9.CP12-2, BnaA9.NST2, BnaA7.MYB63, and BnaA7.ARF17. In addition, the results of RNA-seq and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) showed that starch and sucrose metabolism, photosynthesis, and secondary cell wall biosynthesis play an important role in the development of siliques.

Conclusions

We propose that photosynthesis, sucrose and starch metabolism, plant hormones, and lignin content play important roles in the development of rapeseed siliques.
Reliability and validity of the Mexican teachers’ physical activity questionnaire (MTPAQ) in a subsample of female Mexican teachers
Authors: Medina C. , Monge A. , Romero M. , López-Ridaura R. , Barquera S. , Romieu I. , Denova-Gutiérrez E. , Lajous M.
Published: November 2021

Background

Reliable and valid instruments are needed to estimate physical activity levels. The purposes of this study were to estimate the reliability and validity of the Physical Activity Questionnaire (MTPAQ) in a subsample of the Mexican Teachers Cohort study.

Methods

We completed telephone interviews and clinical examinations of 82 teachers. Two MTPAQ, five International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)-long form, and two accelerometer (AC) measures were used to determine physical activity levels throughout 24 months. Moderate and walking physical activity (MWPA min/week), vigorous physical activity (VPA min/week), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity minutes per week (MVPA min/week) were estimated for each instrument. Pearson, Intra-class correlations and deattenuated adjustments were used to determine the reliability and validity of MTPAQ.

Results

MWPA and MVPA min/week of MTPAQs were moderately correlated (r ≥ 0.54) to min/week of IPAQ-long form. MWPA and MVPA min/week average MTPAQ and MTPAQ1 and average AC, AC1 and AC2 were fairly correlated (r ≥ 0.20). A higher correlation was observed when correlation coefficients were attenuated (r ≥ 0.32).

Conclusions

MTPAQ1 is a reliable and valid tool to measure physical activity levels.
Association of FTO rs1421085 single nucleotide polymorphism with fat and fatty acid intake in Indonesian adults
Authors: Al-Jawadi Athraa Alaulddin , Priliani Lidwina , Oktavianthi Sukma , Febinia Clarissa A. , Daya Mulianah , Artika I Made , Malik Safarina G.
Published: November 2021

Objective

Recent studies showed that genetic polymorphisms in the fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) were associated with obesity and dietary intake. In this study of 71 adults in Jakarta, Indonesia, we investigated FTO rs1421085 association with body mass index (BMI), macronutrient intake, and fatty acid intake. The association was evaluated using linear regression analyses assuming co-dominant, dominant, recessive, over-dominant, and additive genetic models.

Results

Only individuals with the CC genotype had a considerably higher BMI (p < 0.001), which indicates a recessive genetic trait, but the incidence for this genotype is low (68 TT + TC vs. 3 CC). Individuals with the minor C allele had an estimated increase of fat intake by 3.45–4.06% across various genetic models (dominant: p < 0.010, over-dominant: p < 0.030, additive: p < 0.010). Subjects with TC/CC genotypes had increased dietary monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA; 1.14%, p = 0.046) and saturated fatty acid (SAFA; 2.06%, p = 0.023) intakes, compared to those with the TT genotype. In conclusion, our study provided evidence for the association between FTO rs1421085 risk allele with higher BMI and individual preferences for consuming more fat, MUFA, and SAFA. This study highlights the important role of FTO gene in food preference, and its influence on body weight.
Anti-metastatic effect of GV1001 on prostate cancer cells; roles of GnRHR-mediated Gαs-cAMP pathway and AR-YAP1 axis
Authors: Kim Ji Won , Park Miso , Kim Suntae , Lim Sung Chul , Kim Hyung Shik , Kang Keon Wook
Published: November 2021

Background

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR) transmits its signal via two major Gα-proteins, primarily Gαq and Gαi. However, the precise mechanism underlying the functions of Gαs signal in prostate cancer cells is still unclear. We have previously identified that GV1001, a fragment of the human telomerase reverse transcriptase, functions as a biased GnRHR ligand to selectively stimulate the Gαs/cAMP pathway. Here, we tried to reveal the potential mechanisms of which GV1001-stimulated Gαs-cAMP signaling pathway reduces the migration and metastasis of prostate cancer (PCa) cells.

Methods

The expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes was measured by western-blotting and spheroid formation on ultra-low attachment plate was detected after GV1001 treatment. In vivo Spleen-liver metastasis mouse model was used to explore the inhibitory effect of GV1001 on metastatic ability of PCa and the transwell migration assay was performed to identify whether GV1001 had a suppressive effect on cell migration in vitro. In order to demonstrate the interaction between androgen receptor (AR) and YAP1, co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP), immunofluorescence (IF) staining, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) were performed in LNCaP cells with and without GV1001 treatment.

Results

GV1001 inhibited expression of EMT-related genes and spheroid formation. GV1001 also suppressed in vivo spleen-liver metastasis of LNCaP cells as well as cell migration in vitro. GV1001 enhanced the phosphorylation of AR and transcription activity of androgen response element reporter gene through cAMP/protein kinase A pathway. Moreover, GV1001 increased Ser-127 phosphorylation of YAP1 and its ubiquitination, and subsequently decreased the levels of AR-YAP1 binding in the promoter region of the CTGF gene. In contrast, both protein and mRNA levels of NKX3.1 known for tumor suppressor gene and AR-coregulator were upregulated by GV1001 in LNCaP cells. YAP1 knockout using CRISPR/Cas9 significantly suppressed the migration ability of LNCaP cells, and GV1001 did not affect the cell migration of YAP1-deficient LNCaP cells. On the contrary, cell migration was more potentiated in LNCaP cells overexpressing YAP5SA, a constitutively active form of YAP1, which was not changed by GV1001 treatment.

Conclusions

Overall, this study reveals an essential role of AR-YAP1 in the regulation of PCa cell migration, and provides evidence that GV1001 could be a novel GnRHR ligand to inhibit metastasis of PCa via the Gαs/cAMP pathway.
Beyond the role of participant: a firsthand account of the experiences of a patient-oriented research team
Authors: Boechler Lindsey , Renwick Steven , Alabi Abdullateef , de la Torre Harold , Kumar Susheel , Singh Harmanpreet , Xavier Roshan , Hector Dalise , McTaggart Lauren , Shrubsole Jennifer
Published: November 2021

Background

Immigrants often find accessing and navigating the healthcare system difficult upon arriving in Canada. Existing challenges of accessing healthcare due to differing cultural norms, language barriers, limited health literacy, and system complexity have been outlined extensively in literature; however, evidence-informed practices to mitigate these disparities have yet to be determined.

Our research team took a patient-oriented research (POR) approach to learn more about the lived experiences of immigrants as they attempt to access and navigate the health system upon immigrating to Canada. POR is a method that involves patients beyond the role of participant, recognizing the lived experiences of patients as expertise and empowering patient partners to drive research priorities. This approach empowers patient partners to steer the direction of research, ensuring the study is relevant and patient priorities are addressed.

Main body

In this article, we define POR and share our team’s experience of engaging in POR by providing a synopsis of team member recruitment, research priority establishment, and relationship building. We also share how joining forces with patient partners, rather than solely engaging with them as participants, benefits research endeavors and ensures patient priorities are addressed. Lastly, we present examples of how conducting POR leads to increased research capacity and personal growth for both patient partners and researchers.

Conclusion

Building the foundation of this study through the perspectives of patient partners has provided insight into the difficulties immigrants experience when attempting to access and navigate the health care system that can only be understood through first-hand experience. Engaging patients as active partners on research teams enhances the potential of strengthened patient engagement, increased patient commitment to treatment, and leads to improved health outcomes. Furthermore, POR provides researchers, patients, and those serving the community at hand, an opportunity to learn from one another.
Neuropathic pain in knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Güngör Demir Uğur , Demir Ali Nail , Toraman Naciye Füsun
Published: November 2021

Background

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the neuropathic pain in knee osteoarthritis with the body composition, anthropometric and postural features, physical function, and quality of life.

Methods

Patients with primary knee osteoarthritis, 50–70 years of age, were included in the study and divided into Group 1 with neuropathic pain and Group 2 with no neuropathic pain according to Douleur Neuropathique-4. The groups were compared in terms of demographic, clinical, radiological, laboratory findings and anthropometric measurements, body composition, physical function tests, osteoarthritis severity, quality of life, and posturography.

Results

200 patients were included in the study. 98 (82.6% female) were in Group 1 and 102 (74.5% female) in Group 2. Age was higher in Group 1 compared to Group 2 [61 (50–70) and 57.5 (50–70), respectively, p = 0.03]. Symptom duration was also longer in Group 1 (5.21 ± 4.76 and 3.38 ± 3.58, p = 0.002). Body mass indices were 31.9 ± 5.6 and 30.1 ± 4.8 (p = 0.015). Kellgren–Lawrence class, Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index and Short Form-36 scores were more unfavorable in Group 1. Although fall risk was similar, stability and Fourier harmony indices were impaired in Group 1 compared to Group 2 especially when the visual and proprioceptive input was blocked.

Conclusions

Almost half of the patients with knee osteoarthritis had neuropathic pain which was associated with longer symptom duration and higher age, lower education, higher body mass index, more severe radilogical findings, worse pain perception, lower physical function and quality of life, and lower stability.
Teaching death: exploring the end of life in a novel undergraduate course
Authors: Kulp David , O’Neill Lynn , Quest Tammie , Tamasi Susan , Loudermilk Kim , Eisen Arri
Published: November 2021

Western culture discourages discussion of death and dying, especially with healthy emerging adults. Yet, research shows that engaging this population in conversations about death and dying is empowering and important for young people’s decision-making around and understanding of the end of life. We show that students are indeed ill-informed on such issues but that they desire to learn more. We describe and assess a pilot undergraduate course in palliative care addressing this need, and we demonstrate its success in engaging and educating students using pedagogical approaches built to develop a social and intellectual community of trust.
Decellularized versus cryopreserved pulmonary allografts for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction during the Ross procedure: a meta-analysis of short- and long-term outcomes
Authors: Ahmed Adham , Ahmed Sarah , Varghese Kathryn S. , Mathew Dave M. , Pandey Roshan , Rogando Dillon O. , Salazar Stephanie A. , Fusco Peter J. , Levy Kenneth H.
Published: November 2021

Background

The ideal conduit for repair of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) during the Ross procedure remains unclear and has yet to be fully elucidated. We perform a pairwise meta-analysis to compare the short-term and long-term outcomes of decellularized versus cryopreserved pulmonary allografts for RVOT reconstruction during the Ross procedure.

Main body

After a comprehensive literature search, studies comparing decellularized and cryopreserved allografts for patients undergoing RVOT reconstruction during the Ross procedure were pooled to perform a pairwise meta-analysis using the random-effects model. Primary outcomes were early mortality and follow-up allograft dysfunction. Secondary outcomes were reintervention rates and follow-up endocarditis. A total of 4 studies including 1687 patients undergoing RVOT reconstruction during the Ross procedure were included. A total of 812 patients received a decellularized pulmonary allograft, while 875 received a cryopreserved pulmonary allograft. Compared to cryopreserved allografts, the decellularized group showed similar rates of early mortality (odds ratio, 0.55, 95% confidence interval, 0.21–1.41, P = 0.22). At a mean follow-up period of 5.89 years, no significant difference was observed between the two groups for follow-up allograft dysfunction (hazard ratio, 0.65, 95% confidence interval, 0.20–2.14, P = 0.48). Similarly, no difference was seen in reintervention rates (hazard ratio, 0.54, 95% confidence interval, 0.09–3.12, P = 0.49) nor endocarditis (hazard ratio, 0.30, 95% confidence interval, 0.07–1.35, P = 0.12) at a mean follow-up of 4.85 and 5.75 years, respectively.

Conclusions

Decellularized and cryopreserved pulmonary allografts are associated with similar postoperative outcomes for RVOT reconstruction during the Ross procedure. Larger propensity-matched and randomized control trials are necessary to elucidate the efficacy of decellularized allografts compared to cryopreserved allografts in the setting of the Ross.
Value of susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) in assessment of intra-arterial thrombus in patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Abdelgawad Ehab Ali , Amin Mohammed F. , Abdellatif Ahmed , Mourad Mohamed Aboulfotoh , Abusamra Manal F.
Published: November 2021

Background

Ischemic stroke is a major cause of death and disability. Thrombolytic therapy is a standard treatment stroke nowadays for ischemic strokes up to 4.5 h from start of symptoms. Although arterial occlusion can be detected by digital subtraction angiography (DSA), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and computed tomography angiography (CTA), the question about thrombus composition and formation times still might not be replied. The use of susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) for detecting thrombus in acute ischemic stroke is getting to be a strongly investigated field. SWI can show the thrombus as a hypointense susceptibility vessel sign (SVS) in the affected area.

Results

Ninety-seven of our patients showed thrombus in MRA study. M1 segment was the most affected MCA segment representing about 57.6%. SWI detected intra-arterial thrombus in 122 patients compared to 97 patients detected by MRA (P = 0.0002). All patients had positive susceptibility sign. 88.8% of patients with positive thrombus in SWI had solitary thrombus, and 11.2% has multiple thrombi; on the other hand, MRA fails to detect any distant thrombi. 81% of patients with abnormally prominent vessel sign (APVS) showed parenchymal changes in these areas. On the other hand, deep structures, namely caudate nucleus, internal capsule and lentiform nucleus, are the least affected areas. All patients with abnormally prominent vessel sign showed arterial occlusion, and only 9 patients with no APVS showed arterial occlusion (P = 0.0001).

Conclusion

SWI plays an important role in the detection of peripheral thrombi in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Both SWI and MRA might complement each other for visual detection of occluded vessel. We recommend implementation of SWI into routine acute stroke MRI protocols.
Scaling up sexually transmissible infections point-of-care testing in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities: healthcare workers’ perceptions of the barriers and facilitators
Authors: Lafferty Lise , Smith Kirsty , Causer Louise , Andrewartha Kelly , Whiley David , Badman Steven G. , Donovan Basil , Anderson Lorraine , Tangey Annie , Mak Donna , Maher Lisa , Shephard Mark , Guy Rebecca ,   on behalf of the TTANGO2 Collaboration, Bastian Lisa , Ward James , Kaldor John , Comerford Crissy , Bushby Trish , Moore Liz , Gunathilake Manoji , Johnson David , Gallant Daniel
Published: November 2021

Background

Sexually transmissible infections (STIs), such as gonorrhoea and chlamydia, are highly prevalent, particularly in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Australia. In these settings, due to distance to centralised laboratories, the return of laboratory test results can take a week or longer, and many young people do not receive treatment, or it is considerably delayed. Point-of-care testing (POCT) provides an opportunity for same day diagnosis and treatment. Molecular POC testing for STIs was available at 31 regional or remote primary health care clinic sites through the Test-Treat-And-GO (TANGO2) program. This qualitative study sought to identify barriers and facilitators to further scaling up STI POCT in remote Aboriginal communities within Australia.

Methods

A total of 15 healthcare workers (including nurses and Aboriginal health practitioners) and five managers (including clinic coordinators and practice managers) were recruited from remote health services involved in the TTANGO2 program to participate in semi-structured in-depth interviews. Health services’ clinics were purposively selected to include those with high or low STI POCT uptake. Personnel participants were selected via a hybrid approach including nomination by clinic managers and purposive sampling to include those in roles relevant to STI testing and treatment and those who had received TTANGO2 training for POCT technology. Milat’s scaling up guide informed the coding framework and analysis.

Results

Acceptability of STI POCT technology among healthcare workers and managers was predominantly influenced by self-efficacy and perceived effectiveness of POCT technology as well as perceptions of additional workload burden associated with POCT. Barriers to integration of STI POCT included retention of trained staff to conduct POCT. Patient reach (including strategies for patient engagement) was broadly considered an enabler for STI testing scale up using POCT technology.

Conclusions

Remote healthcare clinics should be supported by both program and clinic management throughout scaling up efforts to ensure broad acceptability of STI POCT as well as addressing local health systems’ issues and identifying and enhancing opportunities for patient engagement.
Certification of a Tourist Destination As an Intellectual Potential for the Development of Tourism in the Region
Authors: Kuznecov A. , Shelonaev S. , Smetanina T.
Published: November 2021

World and domestic experience shows that it is very effective to use the method of "tourist destinations" for the development of complex programs or strategies for tourism (1). As a result of numerous studies, a fairly coherent system of describing a "tourist destination" has been developed, allowing you to have a fairly comprehensive idea of both the product itself and the conditions for its receipt, attractiveness and related products. At the same time, the task of entrepreneurs, investors and representatives of regional authorities responsible for the tourism industry is to determine the prospects for the development of a particular tourist product or route. To do this, it is necessary to solve the problem of determining the investment attractiveness and prospects of a particular tourist destination, determine its competitiveness in relation to those available in this region and make a decision on the priority and expediency of investing in this direction of the tourism industry.

This article is an attempt of the authors to formalize the process of determining the priority and promising development of regional tourism directions in the region, using the example of the tourism industry of Udmurtia. The basis is the preparation of a passport of a tourist destination and the use of expert assessments.
BOND QUALITY EVALUATION USING ADHESIVE DOPED WITH MAGNETO-ELECTRIC NANOPARTICLES
Authors: DUBON JULIETTE , ONTIVEROS GONZALO SEISDEDOSMARIANA , ONTIVEROS MARIANA , BOESL BENJAMIN , MCDANIEL DWAYNE
Published: November 2021

Adhesive bonding for composite structures offers multiple advantages over mechanical fasteners. Although the use of adhesive bonding has increased in the aerospace industry, it has still not replaced mechanical fasteners due to it being harder to inspect for damage after being manufactured/assembled, causing unreliability. Therefore, intensive quality control is needed while manufacturing to avoid weak bonds or any type of imperfection at the adhesive-adherend interface. To ensure the reliability of an adhesive bond, this project focuses on the advancement of a non-invasive field tool for adhesive quality evaluation. The tool developed is based on a B-H looper system, which can approximate the quality of an epoxy-based adhesive containing magneto-electric nanoparticles (MENs) by detecting changes in electric fields at the molecular level. Epoxy based adhesive samples containing 5 vol. % of MENs were manufactured and then scanned using the B-H looper system to correlate their magnetic signature as a function of curing time. It was determined that the magnetic signal converged between curing hours 10 and 12, indicating proper curing. Plain adhesive dogbone samples were used to determine the maximum tensile stress of the adhesive as a function of curing time, which also started converging at around the same curing hours until reaching ~41 MPa. Additionally, the evolution of the glass transition temperature of the adhesive was evaluated during the first curing hours. Convergence began at a curing time of 10 hours until reaching ~137 ⁰ C for fully cured samples. B-H looper magnetic signatures, tensile stresses testing, and glass transition temperatures were all correlated indicating a fully cured adhesive sample between 10 and 12 curing hours. These studies demonstrate the capabilities of the B-H looper system as a non-invasive inspection tool for adhesive quality.
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF THE WOVEN NATURAL FIBER REINFORCED SHEET STOCKS USED FOR THE LAMINATED OBJECT MANUFACTURING (LOM) RAPID PROTOTYPING PROCESS
Authors: JIANG LAI , JACKSON ANANDA S. AMARASEKARAQUINTEN D. , JACKSON QUINTEN D. , WANG DEPING
Published: November 2021

This paper investigates the mechanical properties of potential sheet stocks of a Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM) 3D printer made using woven jute fabrics infused with two types of bioresin. The combinations of bioresins and the reinforcements would make green sheet stocks that are expected to be environmentally friendly comparing to traditional synthetic fibers infused with regular resins. Pure resin samples are also involved for comparison purposes. Both tensile and flexural properties are measured following ASTM D638 and D3039 standards (for tensile tests) as well as ASTM D790 and D7264 standards (for flexural tests). Detailed processes of specimen preparation followed by test procedures are introduced. Tensile strengths and moduli as well as flexural strengths and moduli are obtained for comparison. Based on the study of the mechanical properties of both types of pure resin and woven jute fiber-reinforced composites, the research team concluded a few important findings that could be used as guidelines in the sheet stock selection and preparation for the LOM 3D printer that is currently under the building process.
ANALYZING MICRO-MACRO TRANSITIONAL LENGTH SCALE IN UNIDIRECTIONAL COMPOSITES
Authors: SINGH NAND KISHORE , UDDIN KAZI ZAHIR , JHA RATNESHWAR , KOOHBOR BEHRAD
Published: November 2021

Understanding the hierarchy in the mechanical behavior of heterogeneous materials requires a systematic characterization of the material response at different length scales, as well as the nature and characteristics of the transitional scales. Characterization of such transitional length scales has been carried out in the past by analytical models that calculate and compare stiffness values at micro and macro scales. The convergence of the material stiffness at the two scales has been used as the criterion for quantification of the so-called transitional length scales. These stiffness calculation approaches are based on the idea of local strain and stress distributions obtained from complex finite element models. Recent advancements in full-field experimental strain measurements have made it possible to identify the transitional length scales in fiber composites based on pure experimental measurements without the requirement of local stress analysis. In this work, we study the validity of such ‘strain-based’ approaches that are used to identify the RVE size in unidirectional fiber composites. Our modeling platform replicates the realistic conditions present in experimental measurements through the randomization of fiber locations and volume fraction within an epoxy matrix.
Optimal Transport-Based Distributionally Robust Optimization: Structural Properties and Iterative Schemes
Authors: Blanchet Jose , Murthy Karthyek , Zhang Fan
Published: November 2021

We consider optimal transport-based distributionally robust optimization (DRO) problems with locally strongly convex transport cost functions and affine decision rules. Under conventional convexity assumptions on the underlying loss function, we obtain structural results about the value function, the optimal policy, and the worst-case optimal transport adversarial model. These results expose a rich structure embedded in the DRO problem (e.g., strong convexity even if the non-DRO problem is not strongly convex, a suitable scaling of the Lagrangian for the DRO constraint, etc., which are crucial for the design of efficient algorithms). As a consequence of these results, one can develop efficient optimization procedures that have the same sample and iteration complexity as a natural non-DRO benchmark algorithm, such as stochastic gradient descent.
Intertemporal Content Variation with Customer Learning
Authors: Bernstein Fernando , Chakraborty Soudipta , Swinney Robert
Published: November 2021

Problem definition: We analyze a firm that sells repeatedly to a customer population over multiple periods. Although this setting has been studied extensively in the context of dynamic pricing—selling the same product in each period at a varying price—we consider intertemporal content variation, wherein the price is the same in every period, but the firm varies the content available over time. Customers learn their utility on purchasing and decide whether to purchase again in subsequent periods. The firm faces a budget for the total amount of content available during a finite planning horizon, and allocates content to maximize revenue. Academic/practical relevance: A number of new business models, including video streaming services and curated subscription boxes, face the situation we model. Our results show how such firms can use content variation to increase their revenues. Methodology: We employ an analytical model in which customers decide to purchase in multiple successive periods and a firm determines a content allocation policy to maximize revenue. Results: Using a lower bound approximation to the problem for a horizon of general length T, we show that, although the optimal allocation policy is not, in general, constant over time, it is monotone: content value increases over time if customer heterogeneity is low and decreases otherwise. We demonstrate that the optimal policy for this lower bound problem is either optimal or very close to optimal for the general T period problem. Furthermore, for the case of T = 2 periods, we show how two critical factors—the fraction of “new” versus “repeat” customers in the population and the size of the content budget—affect the optimal allocation policy and the importance of varying content value over time. Managerial implications: We show how firms that sell at a fixed price over multiple periods can vary content value over time to increase revenues.
Unraveling Behavioral Ordering: Relative Costs and the Bullwhip Effect
Authors: Moritz Brent B. , Narayanan Arunachalam , Parker Chris
Published: November 2021

Problem definition: We study the bullwhip effect and analyze the impact of human behavior. We separate rational ordering in response to increasing incoming orders from irrational ordering. Academic/practical relevance: Prior research has shown that the bullwhip effect occurs in about two-thirds of firms and impacts profitability by 10%–30%. Most bullwhip mitigation efforts emphasize processes such as information sharing, collaboration, and coordination. Previous work has not been able to separate the impact of behavioral ordering from rational increases in order quantities. Methodology: Using data from a laboratory experiment, we estimate behavioral parameters from three ordering models. We use a simulation to evaluate the cost impact of bullwhip behavior on the supply chain and by echelon. Results: We find that cost increases are not equally shared. Human biases (behavioral ordering) at the retailer results in higher relative costs elsewhere in the supply chain, even as similar ordering by a wholesaler, distributor, or factory results in increased costs within that echelon. These results are consistent regardless of the behavioral models that we consider. The cognitive profile of the decision maker impacts both echelon and supply chain costs. We show that the cost impact is higher as more decision makers enter a supply chain. Managerial implications: The cost of behavioral ordering is not consistent across the supply chain. Managers can use the estimation/simulation framework to analyze the impact of human behavior in their supply chains and evaluate improvement efforts such as coordination or information sharing. Our results show that behavioral ordering by a retailer has an out-sized impact on supply chain costs, which suggests that upstream echelons are better placed to make forecasting and replenishment decisions.
Effect on healing rates of wounds treated with direct cold atmospheric plasma: a case series
Authors: Ernst Jennifer , Tanyeli Murat , Borchardt Thomas , Ojugo Moses , Helmke Andreas , Viöl Wolfgang , Schilling Arndt F , Felmerer Gunther
Published: November 2021

Objective:

The response of different critical acute and hard-to-heal wounds to an innovative wound care modality—direct application of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP)—was investigated in this clinical case series.

Method:

Over an observation period of two years, acute wounds with at least one risk factor for chronification, as well as hard-to-heal wounds were treated for 180 seconds three times per week with CAP. CAP treatment was additional to standard wound care. Photographs were taken for wound documentation. The wound sizes before the first CAP treatment, after four weeks, after 12 weeks and at wound closure/end of observation time were determined using image processing software, and analysed longitudinally for the development of wound size.

Results:

A total of 27 wounds (19 hard-to-heal and eight acute wounds) with a mean wound area of 15cm2 and a mean wound age of 49 months were treated with CAP and analysed. All (100%) of the acute wounds and 68% of the hard-to-heal wounds healed after an average treatment duration of 14.2 weeks. At the end of the observation period, 21% of hard-to-heal wounds were not yet closed but were reduced in size by >80%. In 11% of the hard-to-heal wounds (n=2) therapy failed.

Conclusion:

The results suggested a beneficial effect of additional CAP therapy on wound healing.

Declaration of interest:

This work was carried out within the research projects ‘Plasma for Life’ (funding reference no. 13FH6I04IA) with financial support from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). In the past seven years AFS has provided consulting services to Evonik and has received institutional support by Heraeus, Johnson & Johnson and Evonik. There are no royalties to disclose. The Department for Trauma Surgery, Orthopaedics and Plastic Surgery received charitable donations by CINOGY GmbH. CINOGY GmbH released the di_CAP devices and electrodes for the study. WV and AH were involved in the development of the used di_CAP device (Plasmaderm, CINOGY GmbH). WV is shareholder of the outsourced start-up company CINOGY GmbH.
Telemedicine versus face-to-face care for treatment of patients with lower extremity ulcers
Authors: Gamus Alexander , Keren Elad , Kaufman Hanna , Brandin Gila , Peles Daniel , Chodick Gabriel
Published: November 2021

Objective:

Lower extremity ulcers (LEUs) are associated with a decline in patients' quality of life (QoL). Better healthcare availability in remote regions, facilitated by telemedicine (TM), may improve patient wellbeing. The aim of this study was to compare the QoL of patients treated via synchronous video TM with that of patients treated with standard face-to-face (FTF) care.

Method:

The study was performed in a large health services provider in Israel (Maccabi Healthcare Services). TM was used in four remote locations; the FTF method was applied in two regional clinics. The treatment protocol was performed by a nurse and supervised by the regional physician in both treatment modes. A validated Wound-QoL questionnaire in Hebrew was used to assess patient outcomes.

Results:

A total of 83 patients were treated via TM and 94 patients were treated FTF. The mean QoL for patients treated via TM was 0.546±0.249 compared with 0.507±0.238 for the FTF group. A similarity relating to outcomes in both treatment methods was demonstrated by a difference of 0.039 (95% confidence interval –0.33–0.111) and p=0.291. The probability of the difference being within the limits of the interval in a replicated study was 83.4%. The equivalence/non-inferiority was established within the accepted Δ=0.12 range.

Conclusion:

The results indicated no reduced QoL for patients with LEUs treated with telemedicine versus with standard FTF care.

Declaration of interest:

The authors have no conflicts of interest.
Incidence and risk factors for pressure injuries in adults in specialised medical care: a prospective observational study
Authors: Stoltenberg Sanna , Kotila Jaana , Heikkilä Anniina , Kvist Tarja , Junttila Kristiina
Published: November 2021

Introduction:

Hospital-acquired pressure injuries are one of the most important indicators of quality patient care. It is important to identify high-risk patients to guide the implementation of appropriate prevention strategies. This can be done by using an assessment tool that covers the main risk factors for pressure injuries.

Aim:

The purpose of the study was to describe the incidence of pressure injuries and the associated risk factors among patients assessed with the Prevent Pressure Injury (PPI) risk assessment tool developed by the Helsinki University Hospital.

Method:

The study was conducted by selecting six wards from medical, surgical and neurological units. The target group were the patients being treated in the study units who gave their informed consent. The research data were retrieved from electronic patient records.

Results:

From the target group, 332 patients were eligible to participate in the study. The pressure injury risk was found to increase with longer hospital stays and older age. Surgical patients had an increased risk of pressure injuries compared to other specialty fields. A primary diagnosis of musculoskeletal or connective tissue disease, and secondary diagnoses of hypertension and cerebral haemorrhage, were linked with an increased pressure injury risk. A total of nine pressure injuries occurred in nine patients, with an incidence of 2.5% (stages II−IV).

Conclusion:

The observation and recording of pressure injuries in specialised medical care remain insufficient. Longer hospital stays, older age and surgery increase pressure injury risk. Also, patients' primary and secondary diagnoses may increase the pressure injury risk.

Declaration of interest:

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
Giving travel advice in the uncertain age of COVID-19
Authors: Spinks Jacqueline , Balachandiran Kirishanthy , Birdseye James , Barker-Burnside Ceri , Cumiskey Kerry , Olufon Oluwakemi , Sanchez Adrian , Staines Robert , Wedgwood Kate , Beckett Gail
Published: November 2021

As restrictions ease and more people holiday overseas, the importance of providing accurate travel health advice increases. Jacqueline Spinks and colleagues provide an overview of current guidance

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a dramatic drop in people travelling to other countries for pleasure; however, now that restrictions across the UK are easing, more people are seeking a break and a long-awaited holiday overseas. Practice nurses are uniquely placed to provide travel advice not just in relation to COVID-19 requirements and restrictions, but also to remind travellers of the importance of being prepared for all other communicable diseases and travel-related hazards. This article aims to provide a summary of the latest and up to date information in England (links to guidance covering the Devolved Administrations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are found in Box 1 ) and covers a summary of COVID-19, current guidance on travel during the pandemic, information about pre-planning for overseas travel, return from travel and information about being identified as a contact during travel, general travel advice; and ends with links to the most relevant guidance and information available.
Diagnosing COPD in general practice
Authors: Rodman Anne
Published: November 2021

COPD prevalence is likely to be underestimated in the UK. Anne Rodman explores the current evidence base for diagnosing COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella term for several different pathological processes in the lungs of susceptible individuals. COPD should be considered in any patient who has symptoms and a history of exposure to risk factors for the disease. The cornerstone of COPD diagnosis is to identify risk factors for this preventable condition, recognise and investigate any symptoms that are not commonly found in COPD, and confirm that obstruction is present with correctly performed and interpreted spirometry. This article explores the current evidence base for diagnosing COPD, how to differentiate it from asthma and other conditions with similar symptoms, and the rationale for specialist referral.
Advanced practice education and development
Authors: Henderson Colette
Published: November 2021

Colette Henderson looks at the importance of education and development for advanced practitioners

UK government policy directives support the development of multidisciplinary advanced practice roles. Advanced practitioners must align their practice and subsequent continuing professional development (CPD) with four pillars of practice: clinical practice; facilitation of learning; leadership and evidence; and research and development. Lifelong learning is a mandatory requirement for healthcare practitioners. This article will focus on the importance of education and development for advanced practitioners and starts by providing some detail of the background development of advanced practice in the UK to justify the focus on ongoing achievement of capability across the four pillars.
World COPD Day: supporting people to live well with COPD
Authors: Parry Pam
Published: November 2021

The theme of this World COPD Day is supporting people to live well. Pam Parry explains the role practice nurses can play in checking on the physical and mental well-being of patients
Moisture-associated skin damage: an overview of its diagnosis and management
Authors: Mitchell Aby , Hill Barry
Published: November 2021

This educational article introduces and explores moisture-associated skin damage (MASD) and the four forms it manifests as, namely, incontinence-associated dermatitis; intertriginous dermatitis; peristomal moisture-associated dermatitis; and peri-wound moisture-associated dermatitis. The aetiology and predisposing factors of each form are critically discussed, in addition to the treatments and interventions that can be used by nurses to support patient recovery. Nurses and other health professionals working with patients who are at risk of skin damage or who already require wound care, must be knowledgeable about all aspects of MASD. Fortunately, a plethora of evidence-based literature exists to support health professionals in their practice, although validated assessment and recording tools for incontinence-associated dermatitis are limited.
Enabling self-management of eczema in primary care
Authors: Van Onselen Julie
Published: November 2021

Eczema is a very common and, generally, long-term condition found across all age groups. Practice nurses are skilled in chronic disease management and are ideally placed to manage eczema in general practice, and the step-wise principles of asthma care can also be applied to eczema care. These principles are aimed at enabling patient self-management by supporting and educating them in ‘preventers’, daily complete emollient therapy and ‘relievers’, treating symptoms quickly, generally with a short course of topical steroids. Patients with eczema can be educated in identifying individual triggers (such as irritants and allergens), recognising flares and complications, such as infection, and knowing when to seek health professional support.