bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Co-electrospun poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(ɛ-caprolactone) nanofiber scaffolds containing coffee and Calendula officinalis extracts for wound healing applications
Authors: Doostan Mahtab , Doostan Maryam , Maleki Hassan , Faridi Majidi Reza , Bagheri Fariba , Ghanbari Hossein
Published: October 2022

Fabrication of a biocompatible nanofibrous dressing with the advantage of the inclusion of bioactive herbal extracts is a promising approach in skin tissue engineering and wound healing applications. Herbal extracts possess many properties to promote the wound healing process, such as antioxidant properties, anti-inflammation activities as well as enhancing fibroblasts proliferation and migration.

In this study, Calendula officinalis ( C. officinalis) and coffee extracts were loaded into poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PVA/PCL) nanofibrous mats. The obtained scaffolds were then characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR), contact angle, and mechanical measurements. Also, the antioxidant activity, scratch assay, and cell viability of fibroblast cells were also evaluated. The results showed PVA/PCL scaffold loaded with 10 wt% C. officinalis and coffee extracts displayed smooth homogenous morphology with 317 ± 106 nm average diameter. Moreover, the relevant analyses confirmed that the extracts were incorporated into the nanofibers with suitable hydrophilicity and higher mechanical strength (4 ± 0.4 MPa). The antioxidant assay showed that IC50 values of coffee and C. officinalis extracts were 46 ± 1 ppm and 101 ± 4 ppm, successively, which presented a high antioxidant activity. The combination of both extracts showed a higher rate of migration than individual extracts with not detected cytotoxic effects on the human dermal fibroblast cells. In conclusion, our results confirmed that the coffee and C. officinalis extracts loaded PVA/PCL nanofibrous scaffolds could provide an appropriate construct for wound healing applications.
Detecting Intimate Partner Violence During Pregnancy Using Municipal Pregnancy Registration Records: An Administrative Data Analysis
Authors: Fujiwara Takeo , Doi Satomi , Isumi Aya
Published: October 2022

Intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy needs to be prevented because it leads to negative health outcomes for both the mother and offspring. However, it is not easy to detect women who suffer from IPV by health practitioners or public health staff due to stigma attached to it or hesitation of the women to disclose it. The aim of this study is to develop a scale using pregnancy registration records to detect IPV during pregnancy. We used administrative data of pregnancy registration records of Adachi City, Tokyo, in the 2016 fiscal year ( N = 5,990). IPV was assessed at the first interview or another opportunity for further assessment by a public health nurse. The data include registration information, demographics, health and perinatal status, and social environment. Multiple logistic regression model was used to predict IPV. IPV cases were found for 24 (0.4%) cases. Subsequent child (odds ratio [OR]: 3.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.02–11.6]), single marital status (OR: 7.96, 95% CI [2.88–22.2]), thinness (OR: 3.17, 95% CI [1.13–8.90]), past pregnancy of four or more times (OR: 5.25, 95% CI [1.35–20.4]), having trouble with family member (OR: 5.45, 95% CI [1.95, 15.2]), and poverty (OR: 6.27, 95% CI [2.25–17.5]) showed significant association with IPV. These variables detected IPV with good predictive power (area under receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.89, 95% CI [0.81–0.98]). We showed strong detectability of IPV during pregnancy using a scale based on pregnancy registration records in which IPV was not asked directly. The current study is useful to detect IPV during pregnancy and prevent further adverse health outcomes due to IPV during pregnancy.
Home as an Uncanny Site of Violence in Polish-Jewish Autobiographical Texts on the Holocaust
Authors: Aleksiun Natalia , Szymaniak Karolina
Published: October 2022

Autobiographies frequently feature the author’s understanding of home as an anchoring ground for the creation of the self. While home in such texts often invokes childhood and family, in the context of Jewish life in twentieth-century Eastern Europe, home became a complex site with a double function. Because the German authorities targeted Jewish material culture early in World War II, the destruction of communal buildings and family dwellings was unavoidable; for many, it was the first encounter with what would become the Nazi project to murder the Jews of Europe. We argue that home in Jewish wartime autobiographical texts is made to signify both a nostalgic longing for the place and objects that represent intimacy, shelter, and belonging, and at the same time, a marker of profound losses. We trace this double meaning of home by analyzing a range of Polish-Jewish ego-documents from the 1940s. Through this analysis, we show that home’s double function allowed the authors to inhabit (textually) a place of memory, asserting a claim to a prewar life with its own specific material culture, while also depicting a haunted emptiness that stands in for other losses that the writer cannot represent through language. To develop this elaboration of home’s function in the texts, we draw on and expand the concept of domicide, which identifies the loss of home as a specific type of violence. We conclude that the impact of anti-Jewish violence on the self is expressed through memory and uncanny hauntings of material culture.
Cities of Refuge: An Exploration of Sanctuary and Restorative Culture in the Hebrew Bible
Authors: Reaves Jayme R.
Published: October 2022

The cities of refuge as detailed in the Deuteronomic witness in the Hebrew Bible have served as the inspiration and model for the practice of providing sanctuary for many throughout the centuries, namely with the most recent Sanctuary movements in the US and the UK in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. And yet, its biblical witness as to its implementation and effectiveness is practically silent. Using methods of biblical studies via liberation hermeneutics and theological ethics from both the Jewish and Christian traditions, the following questions will be explored: What were the cities of refuge? How were they to be set up? What are the theological and ethical questions at play in the biblical witness as to their use? What relevance, if any, do they have for us today?
Effects of cavity parameters on flame flashback phenomenon in a supersonic crossflow with a cavity flameholder
Authors: Tang Tao , Zhao Guoyan , Wang Hongbo , Sun Mingbo , Wang Zhenguo
Published: October 2022

In this paper, the cavity parameters of length-to-depth ratio, aft ramp angle, and nitrogen throttling positions are numerically studied by a Large Eddy Simulation (LES) combined with the Flamelet/Progress Variable (FPV) model, to investigate the inducing factors and formation mechanism of flame flashback. These numerical studies are validated and compared to our previous experiments. It can be observed from both the calculated and experimental flow field that the larger length-to-depth ratio, sharper aft ramp angle, and nitrogen throttling closer to the cavity strengthen the mixing of fuel wake and promote the jet penetration depth. Meanwhile, the separation of the boundary layer downstream of the cavity can be induced by the shear layer, acoustic oscillation, as well as nitrogen throttling. And the above favorable prerequisites enhance the heat release nearby, while the reverse pressure gradient causes the enlargement of the boundary layer separation in turn. Under this positive feedback, thermal choking is formed and drives the reverse propagation of the high-temperature flame. It is concluded that the downstream boundary layer separation induced by the changes of the cavity parameters is a prerequisite for the flame flashback, and the formation of the thermal choking is the main reason for the flame flashback.
Workers’ Perspectives on State-Constructed Vulnerability to Labour Exploitation: Experiences of Migrant Fishers in Ireland
Authors: Murphy Clíodhna , Doyle David M. , Thompson Stephanie
Published: October 2022

This article examines migrant workers’ experiences of state-constructed vulnerability to labour exploitation, through the case study of non-European Economic Area (EEA) migrant fishers in Ireland. It draws on the findings of interviews with 24 migrant fishers, together with information obtained from public bodies and legal analysis. Building on the work of Mantouvalou, Zou, and others, we demonstrate that the Irish legal and policy framework – most importantly, immigration law – places migrant fishers in a position of ‘hyper-dependency’ and ‘hyper-precarity’ in their work relations. We outline how this state-constructed vulnerability to labour exploitation is experienced in practice through an in-depth account of the interviewees’ experiences of working conditions; immigration status; and racism and discrimination at work. In particular, the interviews reveal the work permit scheme for non-EEA fishers to be a powerful structure of exploitation, within which workers have little bargaining power and protective employment mechanisms are rendered ineffective.
“This Is Fine”: The Principal’s Role in the Induction Experiences of a Gay, Novice, ELA Teacher
Authors: Davis Summer
Published: October 2022

While there have been numerous studies of teachers’ lived experiences, the LGBTQ+- teaching community continues to be underrepresented within this literature (Mayo, 2008). More specifically, empirical evidence regarding LGBTQ+ preservice teachers’ (PST) experiences and their induction is nearly all, but absent. This is of great importance to discussions and formations of educational practice and policies. Drawn from a larger, critical narratological study examining lesbian, gay, and/or queer first-year E/LA teachers, this study illuminates the experiences of a first-year, middle school E/LA teacher and her stories of her interactions with her building’s principal. Utilizing systems of first year teaching (Strom et al., 2018), tenets of queer theory (Butler, 1997), and subjectivities (Cammack & Phillips, 2002), this study drew on multiple semi-structured interviews, ethnographic field observations, preservice field experience journals and coursework, along with artifacts of student learning. Findings demonstrate the participant’s sense of space and place within her building, district, and the state, in combination with multiple interactions with her school’s administration, elicited and reified feelings of precarity, which were interwoven within her induction stories. Most importantly, these tensions affected the participant’s sense-making, and contributed to troubles with enacting more engaging, student-centered pedagogical practices, which contributed to difficulties in curating healthier classroom ecologies. Altogether, this furthered the participant’s feelings of confusion, isolation, and inefficacy. As these emotions are often associated with teacher attrition, implications center the key role principals and school policies play within teacher induction, but especially in disrupting inequities and affirming LGBTQ+ teachers’ importance within their schools.
Preparing Teachers to Facilitate Engagement in Reading Intervention Through Embedded Behavioral Supports
Authors: Lindström Esther R. , Roberts Garrett J.
Published: October 2022

Reading intervention sessions are most effective when students are engaged. Combined interventions that target both reading and engagement may produce stronger outcomes in both domains than separate interventions for each goal. They also have advantages of being efficient, thus requiring fewer resources. However, planning and executing combined interventions may be challenging to novice teachers. This article presents guidance for teacher educators to address combined reading and engagement support interventions in the context of a university reading methods course and applied fieldwork setting. The article outlines the importance of engagement to reading instruction and offers a framework for training teachers to implement reading interventions with embedded engagement supports, toward the overall goal of maximizing effectiveness of the reading instruction. Resources, tools, and sample activities are presented to further illustrate these concepts and facilitate their application in classrooms.
Challenges for Education of Children With Disabilities in Pakistan
Authors: Shaukat Sadia
Published: October 2022

Considering the needs of children with diverse needs, current legislation emphasizes the allocation of a special budget to address the needs of children with disabilities in Pakistan. However, Pakistan is one of the countries that is not investing a reasonable budget to accommodate the needs of children with disabilities like many other developing and developed countries. This column reports on three current issues in relation to children with disabilities in Pakistan: (a) education for children with disabilities, (b) challenges to inclusion of children with disabilities, and (c) current education status of children with disabilities. Suggestions for future directions are also discussed.
Editorial – The affordances of art
Authors: Kiverstein Julian
Published: October 2022

This special issue on the theme of the affordances of art is organised around a lecture Erik Rietveld presented at the University of Twente on the occasion of being appointed as Socrates Professor. In his lecture, Erik describes three affordance-related aspects of the making practices at Rietveld Architecture-Art-Affordances (RAAAF), a visual art and architecture studio Erik and his brother Ronald Rietveld founded in 2006. The special issue includes 22 reflections on Erik’s lecture written by commentators from a broad range of different fields including art history, architecture, ecological psychology, dynamical systems cognitive science, anthropology, archaeology and the philosophy of 4e cognition. Erik and I provide a response that reflects on what it means to make philosophical art installations. The special issue also includes an interview conducted with art-historian Anja Novak reflecting on the potential of ecological-enactive cognitive science to further our understanding of experiential engagement with art. Finally, Erik has written an opinion article in which he sets out the next steps in his research programme of developing a conceptual framework for understanding ‘change-ability’ – skills for coordinating with a rapidly changing world. The key insight behind the framework is that changing the affordances of the living environment can contribute to changing otherwise rigid and undesirable patterns of behaviour. Erik reflects on the role that artworks can play in inviting reflection on how the practices that organise and shape human life could be different, a task that is increasingly urgent in a time when removing obstacles to change is necessary.
Dilemmas Related to Direct-Acting Oral Anticoagulant Administration in Patients With Extreme Obesity
Authors: Erstad Brian L. , Barletta Jeffrey F.
Published: October 2022

Objective:

The objective of the study was to discuss the controversies surrounding the use and dosing of direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in obese patients recognizing the limitations of the existing evidence base that preclude strong recommendations.

Data Sources:

A literature search of MEDLINE was performed (2020 to end August 2022) subsequent to recent guidelines using the following search terms: direct acting anticoagulants, obesity, rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban, dabigatran, dabigatran etexilate, and clinical practice guidelines.

Study Selection and Data Abstraction:

English-language studies and those conducted in adults were selected.

Data Synthesis:

The available randomized studies evaluating DOACs had relatively small numbers of patients with more extreme forms of obesity (body mass index [BMI] > 40 kg/m2) and none of the larger studies had a specific focus on dosing DOACs in obese patients. Recent guidelines by the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) have specific recommendations for dosing DOACs in obesity. There are pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic and observational studies published before and after the ISTH guidelines with a focus on DOAC dosing in obese patients that generally support the recommendations in the guidelines, but most involved small numbers of patients usually with BMIs <45 kg/m2.

Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice:

This review discusses DOAC dosing in obesity with important considerations for clinicians related to DOAC choice and dosing.

Conclusions:

Dosing alterations of DOACs do not appear to be necessary when used for either prophylaxis or treatment in patients with BMIs up to approximately 45 to 50 kg/m2, but research is needed for BMIs >50 kg/m2.
Tele Homecare in Premature Infants’ Post-Discharge Early Follow-Up: A Narrative Review
Authors: Shamsi Atefeh , Ehteshami Asghar , Zandi Hamed , Namnabati Mahboobeh
Published: October 2022

The study was conducted to review, categorize and organize early tele-homecare follow-up research in premature infants based on research type, the focus of tele-homecare, and measured outcomes. This narrative review was conducted in 2021 through international databases, including PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, and Web of Science databases. Studies selected for this purpose included original articles on premature infants. We reviewed 16 out of 267 identified articles. These studies were analyzed according to general characteristics, elements, and characteristics of tele-homecare intervention. Based on the obtained data, most studies had been conducted in Nordic countries as the pioneer in tele homecare. Also, most of them were on the psychological status of premature infants’ parents. Phone calls, video consultation, and applications were considered dominant tele-homecare communication tools. Overall, the qualitative studies on parents’ and health providers’ views about tele homecare revealed its hidden aspects as a supportive tool. The tele-homecare studies were distributed across different fields and countries, resulting in positive outcomes for infants and parents. However, further studies in the long-term periods are recommended to follow up on premature infants.
2022 ISFM/AAFP Cat Friendly Veterinary Environment Guidelines
Authors: Taylor Samantha , St Denis Kelly , Collins Sarah , Dowgray Nathalie , Ellis Sarah LH , Heath Sarah , Rodan Ilona , Ryan Linda
Published: October 2022

Practical relevance:

The ‘2022 ISFM/AAFP Cat Friendly Veterinary Environment Guidelines’ (hereafter the ‘Cat Friendly Veterinary Environment Guidelines’) describe how the veterinary clinic environment can be manipulated to minimise feline patient distress. Many components of a veterinary clinic visit or stay may result in negative experiences for cats. However, much can be done to improve a cat’s experience by making the veterinary clinic more cat friendly. Exposure to other cats and other species can be reduced, and adjustments made with consideration of the feline senses and species-specific behaviour. Caregivers can prepare cats for a clinic visit with appropriate advice. Waiting rooms, examination rooms, hospital wards and other clinic areas can be designed and altered to reduce stress and hence encourage positive emotions. Changes need not be structural or expensive in order to be effective and make a difference to the cats and, in turn, to cat caregivers and the veterinary team. Moreover, by improving the all-round experience at the veterinary clinic, there are positive effects on preventive healthcare, identification of and recovery from illness, and compliance with treatment.

Clinical challenges:

Good feline healthcare necessitates visiting the veterinary clinic, which, simply by being outside of a cat’s territory and familiar surroundings, may lead to negative experiences. Such experiences can trigger negative (protective) emotions and associated physiological stress, which can result in misleading clinical findings, patient distress, prolonged recovery from illness, further difficulties with handling at subsequent visits and potential veterinary personnel injury. There may be a mistaken belief that veterinary clinics must undergo significant renovation or building work to become cat friendly, and that, if species cannot be separated, then clinics cannot improve their care of cats. These Guidelines aim to dispel any such misconceptions and provide detailed practical advice.

Evidence base:

These Guidelines have been created by a Task Force of experts convened by the International Society of Feline Medicine and American Association of Feline Practitioners, based on an extensive literature review and, where evidence is lacking, the authors’ experience. Endorsements: These Guidelines have been endorsed by a number of groups and organisations, as detailed on page 1161 and at icatcare.org/cat-friendly-guidelines and catvets.com/environment .
Physical literacy in children: Exploring the construct validity of a multidimensional physical literacy construct
Authors: Britton Úna , Belton Sarahjane , Peers Cameron , Issartel Johann , Goss Hannah , Roantree Mark , Behan Stephen
Published: October 2022

Physical literacy (PL) is highlighted as a construct that can positively impact physical activity (PA). Measurement methods and definitions for PL exist, but vary between research groups. This variation affects the ability to compare research findings. The purpose of this study was to assess the construct validity of PL in children. PL was operationalised according to Whitehead’s (2001 ) definition, comprising confidence, motivation, physical competence, and knowledge and understanding. Participants ( n = 1073; mean age 10.86 ± 1.20 years: 53% male) were measured on: (i) confidence (Physical Activity Self-Efficacy Scale; Bartholomew et al., 2006 ), (ii) motivation (Behavioural Regulation in Exercise-Adapted; Sebire et al., 2013 ), (iii) physical competence (health-related fitness: 20 m shuttle run, back-saver sit-and-reach, handgrip strength, plank); balance (Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency 2; Bruininks, 2005 ); object-control and locomotor skills (Test of Gross Motor Development-3rd edition (TGMD-3); Ulrich, 2016 ); and (iv) knowledge and understanding (PA and sedentary guidelines). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to analyse the factor structure of PL. The best-fitting model (χ2 = 209.8, df = 99, p < 0.001; comparative fit index = 0.95, normed fit index = 0.91, Tucker–Lewis index = 0.93, root mean square error of approximation = 0.032, 95% confidence interval: 0.026–0.038) was a three-component model containing the domains of motivation, confidence, and physical competence. The knowledge and understanding domain did not fit the model well. Factor loadings were highest for confidence and motivation. Findings support the adoption of a pragmatic approach to PL measurement. CFA results indicated a similar factor structure as has been identified in other studies which have used different tools to measure PL domains.
Addition of Camrelizumab to Transarterial Chemoembolization in Hepatocellular Carcinoma With Untreatable Progression
Authors: Ren Yanqiao , Liu Ziyi , Makamure Joyman , Kan Xuefeng , Song Songlin , Liu Yiming , Qian Kun , Zheng Chuansheng , Liang Bin
Published: October 2022

Purpose: The present retrospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of camrelizumab addition to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with TACE-related untreatable progression (UP). Methods: Patients with HCC who received addition of camrelizumab due to UP after initial TACE treatment were enrolled at our institution between May 2019 and January 2021. Patients were assessed for tumor response, progression-free survival (PFS), and adverse events (AEs). Risk factors for PFS were evaluated with logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 41 patients were included. The objective response rates (ORR) and disease control rates (DCR) were 24.4% and 61.0% at 2 to 3 months, and 12.2% and 58.5% at 6 months, respectively. The median PFS of the patients were 6 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.8 months, 8.2 months). Of the 41 patients, 23 received camrelizumab combined with TACE (hereafter, camrelizumab–TACE) on whom 52 combined TACE procedures were performed, with a median of 2 procedures (range: 1-6) per patient. The remaining 18 patients received camrelizumab alone due to TACE contraindications. Multivariable analysis indicated that camrelizumab–TACE was an independent prognostic factor for PFS. Subgroup analysis showed a median PFS of 8 months in the camrelizumab–TACE group and 3 months in the camrelizumab monotherapy group ( P < .001). No treatment-related mortalities occurred. Seventeen patients (41.5%) developed at least 1 type of AE after treatment with camrelizumab, with reactive cutaneous capillary endothelial proliferation (RCCEP) (n = 14, 34.1%) being the most common AE. Conclusion: Addition of camrelizumab to TACE offered an effective and safe treatment for HCC with UP.
Protective effects of glutamine on lipopolysaccharide/D-galactosamine-induced fulminant hepatitis in mice
Authors: Yang Mengxin , Zhang Xinyue , Zhao Shuang , Shao Ruyue , Fan Kerui , Hu Kai , Zhang Li , Yang Yongqiang
Published: October 2022

Fulminant hepatitis remains a critical health problem owing to its high mortality rate and the lack of effective therapies. An increasing number of studies have shown that glutamine supplementation provides protective benefits in inflammation-related disorders, but the pharmacological significance of glutamine in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/D-galactosamine (D-Gal)-induced fulminant hepatitis remains unclear. In the present study, the potential effects of glutamine on LPS/D-Gal-induced fulminant hepatitis were investigated. Pretreatment with glutamine decreased plasma activities of alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, and ameliorated hepatic morphological abnormalities in LPS/D-Gal-exposed mice. Glutamine pretreatment also inhibited LPS/D-Gal-induced tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) production. In addition, glutamine pretreatment decreased the level of cleaved cysteinyl aspartate–specific proteinase 3 (caspase-3), suppressed the activities of caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9, and reduced the number of cells positive for TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling in LPS/D-Gal-challenged mice. Interestingly, post-treatment with glutamine also provided protective benefits against LPS/D-Gal-induced acute liver injury, although these effects were less robust than those of glutamine pre-treatment. Thus, glutamine may have potential value as a pharmacological intervention in fulminant hepatitis.
Gene expression profile suggests different mechanisms underlying sporadic and familial mesial temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Maurer-Morelli Claudia V , de Vasconcellos Jaira F , Bruxel Estela M , Rocha Cristiane S , do Canto Amanda M , Tedeschi Helder , Yasuda Clarissa L , Cendes Fernando , Lopes-Cendes Iscia
Published: October 2022

Most patients with pharmacoresistant mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) have hippocampal sclerosis on the postoperative histopathological examination. Although most patients with MTLE do not refer to a family history of the disease, familial forms of MTLE have been reported. We studied surgical specimens from patients with MTLE who had epilepsy surgery for medically intractable seizures. We assessed and compared gene expression profiles of the tissue lesion found in patients with familial MTLE ( n = 3) and sporadic MTLE ( n = 5). In addition, we used data from control hippocampi obtained from a public database ( n = 7). We obtained expression profiles using the Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 (Affymetrix) microarray platform. Overall, the molecular profile identified in familial MTLE differed from that in sporadic MTLE. In the tissue of patients with familial MTLE, we found an over-representation of the biological pathways related to protein response, mRNA processing, and synaptic plasticity and function. In sporadic MTLE, the gene expression profile suggests that the inflammatory response is highly activated. In addition, we found enrichment of gene sets involved in inflammatory cytokines and mediators and chemokine receptor pathways in both groups. However, in sporadic MTLE, we also found enrichment of epidermal growth factor signaling, prostaglandin synthesis and regulation, and microglia pathogen phagocytosis pathways. Furthermore, based on the gene expression signatures, we identified different potential compounds to treat patients with familial and sporadic MTLE. To our knowledge, this is the first study assessing the mRNA profile in surgical tissue obtained from patients with familial MTLE and comparing it with sporadic MTLE. Our results clearly show that, despite phenotypic similarities, both forms of MTLE present distinct molecular signatures, thus suggesting different underlying molecular mechanisms that may require distinct therapeutic approaches.
Stick–slip in hand guidance of palletizing robot as collaborative robot
Authors: Chuang Yun-Ju , Chang Ho , Sun Yin-Tung , Tsung Tsing-Tshih
Published: October 2022

Stick–slip is a challenging problem in palletizing robots and constitutes one of the main problems in precision positioning control. This study analyzed the stick–slip of a four-degree-of-freedom ceiling-mounted hand-guiding collaborative robot in a working space. A brief perspective on the focus of the experimental design is presented on the stick–slip friction of a palletizing robot’s hand guidance as a collaborative robot. The palletizing robot typically has a simple mechanical structure but possesses over 16 bearings to constrain the motion of the dual-parallelogram linkage mechanism. First, the hand-guiding force was successfully measured. Second, an image model was built based on the obtained measurement results. Third, the stick–slip results for the working space were analyzed using an image model. Finally, related conclusions and recommendations are provided for precision positioning control. A significant aspect of this study is identifying the hand-guiding force in the working space of a ceiling-mounted collaborative robot. Stick–slip in hand guiding is a critical issue and is therefore important for collaborative robot users. The main contribution of this study is developing a feasible method for helping researchers understand where stick–slip occurs.
Experiences of carers of youth, adult children and spouses with ME/CFS
Authors: Baken Don M , Ross Kirsty J , Hodges Lynette D , Batten Lesley
Published: October 2022

Objectives

The debilitating nature of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) means that family members often take on a caring role. This study compared the experiences of people caring for three groups: youth, young adults, spouses.

Methods

An opportunistic sample of 36 carers completed an online survey of open-ended questions asking about their experiences. Thematic analysis was used to consider the three sets of responses separately and Thematic Comparison was used to identify points of connection and disconnection across the sets.

Results

The themes identified were very similar to those identified in past studies. Two super-ordinate themes were identified: “Lack of knowledge and understanding” and “Holistic Impact”. Though most sub-ordinate themes were evident across all three groups, important differences were found. The sub-ordinate themes “Caring Blindly”, “Emotional and physical health cost”, and “Impact on the whole family” were more evident amongst carers of youth while the theme “Worry for the future” was more evident from carers of young adults and spouses.

Discussion

Differences seemed to be related to both the time since diagnosis and the life stage. A longitudinal study would help to understand how carer experiences change over the life course of caring for someone with ME/CFS.
Knowledge of identity reduces variability in trait judgements across face images
Authors: Gogan Taylor , Beaudry Jennifer , Oldmeadow Julian
Published: October 2022

Faces vary from image to image, eliciting different judgements of traits and often different judgements of identity. Knowledge that two face images belong to the same person facilitates the processing of identity information across images, but it is unclear if this also applies to trait judgements. In this preregistered study, participants ( N = 100) rated the same 340 face images on perceived trustworthiness, dominance, or attractiveness presented in randomised order and again later presented in sets consisting of the same identity. We also explored the role of implicit person theory beliefs in the variability of social judgements across images. We found that judgements of trustworthiness varied less when images were presented in sets consisting of the same identity than in randomised order and were more consistent for images presented later in a set than those presented earlier. However, knowledge of identity had little effect on perceptions of dominance and attractiveness. Finally, implicit person theory beliefs were not associated with variability in social judgements and did not account for effects of knowledge of identity. Our findings suggest that knowledge of identity and perceptual familiarity stabilises judgements of trustworthiness, but not perceptions of dominance and attractiveness.
Long-term outcome of hamstring lengthening versus transfer and the role of biceps femoris lengthening in patients with spastic diplegia and dynamic knee flexion in gait
Authors: Do Patrick , Feng Jing , Sussman Michael D
Published: October 2022

Background:

Orthopedic treatment of flexed-knee gait consists of hamstring lengthening along with surgery at other levels. Transfer of the semitendinosus (hamstring transfer) was introduced to avoid increase of anterior pelvic tilt as well as reduce risk of recurrence.

Methods:

We retrospectively assessed children with spastic cerebral palsy and flexed-knee gait pre-operatively, 1 year post-operatively, and at a minimum of 7 years post-operatively.

Results:

The 39 patients were a mean 9.4 ± 3.4 years at the time of surgery, 20 subjects underwent hamstring transfer, and 19 subjects had hamstring lengthening with mean follow-up 9.1 years. Passive range of motion improved initially, but regressed at long term. Dynamic minimum knee flexion in stance decreased in both groups at the first post-operative study, and was maintained at final follow-up in 64-67% of patients. There was a small increase in anterior pelvic tilt at the 1-year follow-up which subsequently decreased to less than pre-operative in the hamstring lengthening group but remained mildly increased (5°) in the hamstring transfer group at final follow-up. Success in correcting stance knee flexion of the entire group was 69% of the Gross Motor Function Classification System grades I and II and 60% of the Gross Motor Function Classification System grade III subjects. Gait profile Score and sagittal knee Gait Variable Score both showed clinically important improvement after surgery and was mostly maintained long term for both groups. Lateral hamstring lengthening was beneficial in more severe patients, with minimal risk of adverse effects.

Conclusion:

Hamstring surgery as part of single event multi-level surgery (SEMLS) is effective in correcting flexed-knee gait in 60%–70% of patients with minimal effect on anterior pelvic tilt. There was no added advantage to hamstring transfer. Biceps Femoris lengthening may be beneficial and without significant additional risk.

Level of evidence:

level III.
Tendoscopic-Assisted Repair of Distal Peroneus Longus Rupture: A Novel Approach and 2 Case Reports
Authors: Pontell David , Greenblatt Matthew
Published: October 2022

Surgical approaches have been described to treat isolated peroneus longus (PL) injuries when the ruptured tendon ends do not allow for direct end-to-end reapproximation due to distal location beneath the cuboid or beyond. Among these are proximal PL-to-peroneus brevis tenodesis and PL transfer to the lateral border of the calcaneus or cuboid (with or without excision of an associated os peroneum). While these procedures may have utility, it is unlikely that the aforementioned restore the active, simultaneous eversion, abduction, and dynamic plantarflexion of the normal PL muscle-tendon unit. A procedure is described which may be capable of restoring PL function in the presence of these more distal ruptures. This procedure begins with tendoscopic confirmation of the rupture, followed by externalization and debridement of the proximal tendon stump, whip suture preparation, and reinsertion under estimated physiologic tension into the first metatarsal base by way of nonabsorbable suture and endobutton. Two patients whose surgery utilized this technique with a minimum of 7 years follow-up are presented.

Levels of Evidence:

Level IV: Case Series
Looking in the Mirror: US and French Coverage of Black Lives Matter in France
Authors: Bleich Erik , Pollard Amelia , van der Veen A. Maurits
Published: October 2022

We demonstrate how sociological theories of discursive opportunity structures illuminate key elements of US and French media coverage of Black Lives Matter (BLM) in France. Fundamental discursive differences between the two countries shape the visibility, resonance, and legitimacy of claims made on behalf of racially identified groups. A textual analysis of thirty-five articles from each country that discuss BLM and France published between 2015 and 2020 reveals that the US journalists commonly identify BLM activists as members of marginalized communities, interpret French circumstances as similar to the racial dynamics found in the United States, critique France's “republican” model of citizenship, and are relatively positively disposed toward BLM activity in France. By comparison, French coverage largely eschews identifying actors by racial identities, avoids or rejects comparisons with the United States, and at times contains implicit or explicit valorization of the French color-blind republican model, with some authors casting BLM as a product of the excesses of the American system. Our findings demonstrate the relevance of discursive opportunity structure theories to comparative media analysis, suggesting that coverage of race-based movements abroad may respond to different dynamics than coverage within the United States.
Early Bidirectional Glenn Procedure as Initial Surgical Palliation for Functionally Univentricular Heart with Common Arterial Trunk
Authors: Diliz-Nava Hector S. , Barrera-Fuentes Marcela , Castañuela-Sanchez Violeta L. , Martinez Moises Mier , Palacios-Macedo Alexis
Published: October 2022

We report an unusual case of a 2-month-old baby with a diagnosis of common arterial trunk and double outlet right ventricle with a remote type ventricular septal defect. Taking into consideration the physiologic moment and anatomic findings of the patient, we planned and successfully performed a bidirectional Glenn procedure as its first palliative procedure.
Educational Quality of YouTube Cholesteatoma Surgery Videos: Areas for Improvement
Authors: Wu Matthew J. , Knoll Renata M. , Bouhadjer Karim , Remenschneider Aaron K. , Kozin Elliott D.
Published: October 2022

Otolaryngology surgical education continues to evolve where trainees increasingly use videos to learn technical skills. Trainees commonly use YouTube, but no study to date has evaluated the educational quality (EQ) of otologic surgical videos on YouTube. We aim to assess the EQ of cholesteatoma surgical videos. Cholesteatoma surgical videos were queried using YouTube search terms, assessed using LAParoscopic surgery Video Educational GuidelineS (LAP‐VEGaS), a validated assessment tool for publication, and categorized into low (0‐6), medium (7‐12), and high (13‐18) EQ groups. In total, 74 videos were identified (mean LAP‐VEGaS score = 9.6 ± 4.0) and 44.6% had medium EQ. Videos commonly lacked graphic aids to highlight anatomy (71.6%) and postprocedural outcomes (68.9%). LAP‐VEGaS scores were greater in videos originating from US surgeons compared to non‐US surgeons (12.4 ± 3.4 vs 8.0 ± 3.5; P <. 001). Our study highlights that otolaryngology trainees may experience difficulty finding high‐EQ cholesteatoma surgery videos on YouTube. Areas for improved EQ content are discussed.

Level of evidence: IV
A mouse model characterizes the roles of ZIP8 in systemic iron recycling and lung inflammation and infection
Authors: Zhang Vida , Jenkitkasemwong Supak , Liu Qingli , Ganz Tomas , Nemeth Elizabeta , Knutson Mitchell D. , Kim Airie
Published: October 2022

ZIP8 (SLC39A8) is a transmembrane divalent metal ion importer that is most highly expressed in the lung and is inducible by inflammatory stimuli. In addition to zinc and manganese, ZIP8 can transport iron, but its specific roles in iron regulation during homeostatic and pathologic processes remain poorly understood. Using a novel global inducible ZIP8 knockout (KO) mouse, we analyzed the role of ZIP8 in steady-state iron homeostasis and during inflammation and infection. We observed an unexpected phenotype of elevated spleen iron levels and decreased serum iron in ZIP8 KO mice, suggesting that ZIP8 plays a role in iron recycling. We also showed that ZIP8 is expressed on lung distal airspace epithelial cells and transports iron from the airway into lung tissue. LPS-induced inflammation induced ZIP8 expression in the lung, but ZIP8 deletion had no detrimental effect on the severity of LPS-induced acute lung injury or on the outcomes of Klebsiella pneumoniae lung infection. Thus, ZIP8 plays a role in systemic iron homeostasis but does not modulate the severity of inflammatory lung injury or the host defense against a common bacterial cause of pneumonia.
Genetic dissection of fruit maturity date in apricot (P. armeniaca L.) through a Single Primer Enrichment Technology (SPET) approach
Authors: Baccichet Irina , Chiozzotto Remo , Scaglione Davide , Bassi Daniele , Rossini Laura , Cirilli Marco
Published: October 2022

Background

Single primer enrichment technology (SPET) is an emerging and increasingly popular solution for high-throughput targeted genotyping in plants. Although SPET requires a priori identification of polymorphisms for probe design, this technology has potentially higher reproducibility and transferability compared to other reduced representation sequencing (RRS) approaches, also enabling the discovery of closely linked polymorphisms surrounding the target one.

Results

The potential for SPET application in fruit trees was evaluated by developing a 25K target SNPs assay to genotype a panel of apricot accessions and progenies. A total of 32,492 polymorphic sites were genotyped in 128 accessions (including 8,188 accessory non-target SNPs) with extremely low levels of missing data and a significant correlation of allelic frequencies compared to whole-genome sequencing data used for array design. Assay performance was further validated by estimating genotyping errors in two biparental progenies, resulting in an overall 1.8% rate. SPET genotyping data were used to infer population structure and to dissect the architecture of fruit maturity date (MD), a quantitative reproductive phenological trait of great agronomical interest in apricot species. Depending on the year, GWAS revealed loci associated to MD on several chromosomes. The QTLs on chromosomes 1 and 4 (the latter explaining most of the phenotypic variability in the panel) were the most consistent over years and were further confirmed by linkage mapping in two segregating progenies.

Conclusions

Besides the utility for marker assisted selection and for paving the way to in-depth studies to clarify the molecular bases of MD trait variation in apricot, the results provide an overview of the performance and reliability of SPET for fruit tree genetics.
Community composition and trophic mode diversity of fungi associated with fruiting body of medicinal Sanghuangporus vaninii
Authors: Ma Yanjun , Gao Weiqian , Zhang Fan , Zhu Xuetai , Kong Weibao , Niu Shiquan , Gao Kun , Yang Hongqin
Published: October 2022

Background:

The microbial symbionts of macrofungal fruiting body have been shown to play momentous roles in host growth, development, and secondary metabolism. Nevertheless, there is no report on the fungal diversity of Sanghuangporus, a medicinal and edible homologous macrofungus as “forest gold”, which has good effects on antioxidation, boosting immunity and curing stomachache. Here, the diversity and functional group of fungi associated with the fruiting body of the most widely applied S. vaninii were characterized by high-throughput sequencing and FUNGuild tool for the first time.

Results:

Total 11 phyla, 34 classes, 84 orders, 186 families, and 328 genera were identified in the fruiting body, and our results revealed that the fungal community was dominated by the host fungal taxonomy with absolute superiority (more than 70%), namely, Basidiomycota, Agaricomycetes, Hymenochaetales, Hymenochaetaceae, and genus of Phellinus corrected to Sanghuangporus. Simultaneously, the reads allocated into non-host fungal operational taxonomic units were largely dominated by Ascomycota, Sordariomycetes, Sordariales, Mortierellaceae, and Mortierella. Furthermore, the endophytic fungi were assigned into three trophic modes of “saprotroph” (53.2%), “symbiotroph” (32.2%), and “pathotroph” (14.1%), in which the category of “plant pathogen” was highest enriched with relative abundance of 91.8%, indicating that the endophytic fungi may have the potential to adjust the growth and metabolism of host S. vaninii.

Conclusion:

Altogether, this report firstly provided new findings that can be inspiring for further in-depth studies to exploit bioactive microbial resources for increased production of Sanghuangporus via coculture, as well as to explore the relationship between macrofungi and their associated endophytes.
Pregnancy outcome and follow-up of offspring of donor oocytes recipient from PCOS patients
Authors: Jiang Yan , Yuan Jing-Chuan , Song Ge , Zhang Xu-Hui , Miao Sui-Bing , Wu Xiao-Hua
Published: October 2022

Background

The use of donated oocytes (DO) for in vitro fertilization(IVF) treatment in patients with infertility is generally recognized, and females with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can participate in oocyte donation programs as donor patients. However, the pregnancy outcomes and offspring follow-up in patients with PCOS as the recipients are unclear. This study was to compare the pregnancy outcomes and follow-up of offspring in PCOS and non-PCOS receptor.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of 62 patients undergoing the oocyte reception program were separated into 2 groups: Group I, PCOS oocyte recipients (n = 30); Group II, non-PCOS recipients (n = 32). Medical records were reviewed, and rates of fertilization, cleavage, high-quality embryos and blastocysts were compared between PCOS and non-PCOS groups. Rates of implantation, pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, early abortion, multiple pregnancies, and offspring outcomes were calculated using the first single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer (SVBT) analysis between the groups.

Results

The average recipient age and body mass index (BMI) of PCOS and non-PCOS patients was (36.3 ± 2.6 vs. 36.2 ± 2.8, and 23.4 ± 3.9 vs. 23.7 ± 4.0), respectively (P > 0.05). The fertilization, cleavage, high-quality embryos and blastocyst rates were not significantly different between the PCOS and non-PCOS groups. Rates of implantation, pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, early abortion, and multiple pregnancies were not significantly different in SVBT between the PCOS and non-PCOS groups. The incidence of complications, such as pre-eclampsia or gestational diabetes, between PCOS and non-PCOS groups was similar (11.8% vs.11.1%, 5.9% vs.5.5%; P > 0.05). Preterm births were also similar (11.8% vs.16.7%, P > 0.05). Donor oocytes are more likely to be delivered via cesarean Sect. (80.0% vs. 86.7%: P > 0.05). The mean gestational age, birth weight, and height were comparable between the 2 groups during full-term delivery.

Conclusion

There was no difference in the pregnancy outcomes and follow-up of the offspring between the PCOS and non-PCOS groups.