bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between major depressive disorder and gut microbiota dysbiosis
Authors: Rafie Sedaghat Farzaneh , Ghotaslou Pardis , Ghotaslou Reza
Published: July 2024

Objective

Major depressive disorder (MDD) affects 300 million people globally. Because dysbiosis may alter the central nervous system, it plays a potential role in this disorder. Dysbiosis is characterized by a decrease in microbial diversity and an increase in proinflammatory species. The human gut microbiota refers to the trillions of microbes, such as bacteria, that live in the human gut. The purpose of this study was to compare the gut microbiota of patients with MDD with that of healthy controls.

Methods

This case-control study involved 35 MDD cases and 35 healthy age- and sex-matched controls. Stool samples were collected and subjected to quantitative real-time PCR. Four intestinal bacterial phyla (firmicutes, bacteroidetes, actinobacteria, and proteobacteria) were investigated by 16SrRNA analysis.

Results

The findings indicated a relative abundance of bacteroidetes to firmicutes in the control and case groups was 0.66 vs. 1.33, respectively ( p < .05). There were no significant differences in actinobacteria or proteobacteria among those in the MDD group compared to the healthy control group.

Conclusions

Gut microbiota dysbiosis may contribute to the onset of depression, underscoring the importance of understanding the relationship between MDD and gut microbiota. Firmicutes, which produce short-chain fatty acids, are crucial for intestinal health. However, dysbiosis can disrupt the gut microbiota, impacting the central nervous system and contributing to the onset of depression.
The missiological character of deaf Catholic material culture
Authors: Seah Audrey
Published: July 2024

Too often, deaf Catholics are assumed and expected to be “passive recipients of mercy” rather than active participants in mission. This is far from the role that deaf Catholics have played in the body of Christ. This introduction to deaf Catholic material culture serves to highlight one often overlooked source that demonstrates how deaf Catholics are active participants in the church’s mission—through the creation, curation, and dissemination of objects. First, the essay contextualizes deaf Catholic material culture within the sociocultural model of disability, without which the meaning and value that the objects hold cannot be fully appreciated. Then it explains how these objects create culturally-deaf spaces and the significance these spaces hold for the deaf community. Second, an analysis of various objects in public and personal spaces, which range from liturgical art and liturgical furnishings to everyday items such as pens and mugs in deaf Catholic communities is presented. Characteristics of deaf Catholic material culture and an explanation of how and what theologies of mission are operationalized through these objects in various spaces are discussed. The essay concludes with a typology of deaf Catholic material culture and the missiological opportunities they present. In so doing, the author argues that attention to material culture in deaf Catholicism counters the misconception that deaf Catholics are incapable of mission and challenges ableist theological ideas of deafness which portray deaf Catholic experiences as deficient, spiritually inferior, and dependent on hearing people.
Changing for the worse: The effects of attachment anxiety on perceived self-adulteration
Authors: Caselli Abigail J. , Machia Laura V. , Beauparlant Emily T.
Published: July 2024

In romantic relationships, people’s self-concepts (i.e., a person’s conceptualization of themselves) change. They expand to incorporate partners’ characteristics and contract to eliminate no longer relevant self-characteristics. This process is a sign that a couple is growing closer and is associated with positive outcomes. However, not all incorporated characteristics are positive. Some individuals are more likely to have selves that expand to incorporate negative characteristics, and as such they engage in the process of self-adulteration. As a result, they may fail to reap the positive outcomes of self-concept change. In one study and a direct replication (total N = 821), we predicted and found that people high in attachment anxiety are more likely to perceive greater self-adulteration in their relationship. In a third longitudinal study ( N = 122), we found people high in attachment anxiety at Time 1 perceived greater self-adulteration at Time 2.
Gender differences—or the lack thereof—in the prediction of relationship dissolution among unmarried mixed-gender couples from the United States
Authors: Johnson Matthew D. , Lavner Justin A. , Stanley Scott M. , Rhoades Galena K.
Published: July 2024

This study examines gender differences in the degree to which men’s and women’s views of their relationship predict eventual dissolution among mixed-gender couples. We analyzed data from a national sample of 314 unmarried mixed-gender couples from the United States that were surveyed across four years to test gender differences in associations between baseline levels of perceived likelihood of breaking up, relationship satisfaction, commitment, and love and relationship dissolution across one, two, three, and four years. Probit regression models revealed women’s greater perceived likelihood of breakup was a stronger predictor of relationship dissolution two years later than their male partner’s reports, but men’s and women’s perceived likelihood of breakup did not differ in the strength of predicting dissolution across one-, three-, and four-year follow-up. Women’s low commitment emerged as a significantly stronger predictor of relationship dissolution across two, three, and four years than their male partner’s commitment (but not at one year). Women’s and men’s relationship satisfaction and love did not differ in predicting dissolution across all time intervals; those less satisfied with their relationship and with less love for their partner were more likely to dissolve their relationship. Although commitment may be an area where women’s reports take primacy in predicting future breakup among adult unmarried mixed-gender couples, the results add to a growing body of literature finding that women’s and men’s views of their partnership are similarly diagnostic of future relationship outcomes.
ZK60 alloy deformation and damage at different temperatures using unified constitutive model
Authors: Sun Chaoyang , Liu Fangjia , Liu Yang , Xu Sinuo , Qian Lingyun , Meng Linghui , Wang Chunhui
Published: July 2024

The deformation behaviour and damage mechanism of ZK60 magnesium alloy under temperatures of 25–140 °C and strain rates of 0.01–0.0001 s−1 were investigated by uniaxial hot tensile and characterization experiments. The results suggested that the main factor for damage in ZK60 magnesium alloy was the nucleation, growth and coalescence of microdefects such as microvoids and cracks around the second-phase particles and/or grain boundaries. Then, a unified constitutive model including damage evolution, work hardening and recovery mechanisms was established. The model, verified by experimental data, shows good predictability. It was implemented into ABAQUS software through the VUMAT subroutine, which then predicted and analyzed the microstructure evolution.
Three paradoxes related to the mode of action of pramipexole: The path from D2/D3 dopamine receptor stimulation to modification of dopamine-modulated functions
Authors: Szabadi Elemer
Published: July 2024

Pramipexole, a D2/D3 dopamine receptor agonist, is used to treat the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, caused by degeneration of the dopaminergic nigrostriatal pathway. There are three paradoxes associated with its mode of action. Firstly, stimulation of D2/D3 receptors leads to neuronal inhibition, although pramipexole does not inhibit but promotes some dopamine-modulated functions, such as locomotion and reinforcement. Secondly, another dopamine-modulated function, arousal, is not promoted but inhibited by pramipexole, leading to sedation. Thirdly, pramipexole-evoked sedation is associated with an increase in pupil diameter, although sedation is expected to cause pupil constriction. To resolve these paradoxes, the path from stimulation of D2/D3 receptors to the modification of dopamine-modulated functions has been tracked. The functions considered are modulated by midbrain dopaminergic nuclei: locomotion – substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), reinforcement/motivation – ventral tegmental area (VTA), sympathetic activity (as reflected in pupil function) – VTA; arousal – ventral periaqueductal grey (vPAG), with contributions from VTA and SNc. The application of genetics-based molecular techniques (optogenetics and chemogenetics) has enabled tracing the chains of neurones from the dopaminergic nuclei to their final targets executing the functions. The functional neuronal circuits linked to the D2/D3 receptors in the dorsal and ventral striata, stimulated by inputs from SNc and VTA, respectively, may explain how neuronal inhibition induced by pramipexole is translated into the promotion of locomotion, reinforcement/motivation and sympathetic activity. As the vPAG may increase arousal mainly by stimulating cortical D1 dopamine receptors, pramipexole would stimulate only presynaptic D2/D3 receptors on vPAG neurones, curtailing their activity and leading to sedation.
Severe neutropenia unrelated to clozapine in patients receiving clozapine
Authors: Taylor David , Vallianatou Kalliopi , Gandhi Shreyans , Casetta Cecilia , Howes Oliver , MacCabe James
Published: July 2024

Background:

Clozapine is known to cause agranulocytosis. Mandatory monitoring schemes are aimed at reducing the risk of agranulocytosis and of the consequences of agranulocytosis. All cases of agranulocytosis occurring in people prescribed clozapine are assumed to be caused by clozapine.

Methods:

In a previous study, we examined a cohort of patients listed on our hospital database as having had clozapine-induced agranulocytosis and applied specific criteria to identify those with confirmed clozapine-related, life-threatening agranulocytosis. In this study, we examine the cases not meeting these specific criteria.

Results:

In the original study, 9 of 23 cases met the criteria for clozapine-induced, life-threatening agranulocytosis. Of the 13 remaining cases for whom data were available, 5 were probably caused by clozapine but were not life-threatening. Three cases were the result of concomitant cancer chemotherapy. Three were anomalous results probably related to measurement error. For the remaining two cases, the cause was not identified.

Conclusion:

Not all cases of agranulocytosis occurring in people taking clozapine are caused by clozapine. The widely used threshold criterion-based diagnosis overestimates the risk of agranulocytosis. True clozapine-related agranulocytosis is best identified by pattern-based criteria: rapid fall in neutrophil counts over around 2 weeks to below 0.5 × 109/L for two consecutive days (unless clozapine is stopped very early or granulocyte colony stimulating factor is given) where other possible causes (benign ethnic neutropenia, cancer chemotherapy) can be ruled out.
Development of a deep learning-based fully automated segmentation of rotator cuff muscles from clinical MR scans
Authors: Kim Sae Hoon , Yoo Hye Jin , Yoon Soon Ho , Kim Yong Tae , Park Sang Joon , Chai Jee Won , Oh Jiseon , Chae Hee Dong
Published: July 2024

Background

The fatty infiltration and atrophy in the muscle after a rotator cuff (RC) tear are important in surgical decision-making and are linked to poor clinical outcomes after rotator cuff repair. An accurate and reliable quantitative method should be developed to assess the entire RC muscles.

Purpose

To develop a fully automated approach based on a deep neural network to segment RC muscles from clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.

Material and Methods

In total, 94 shoulder MRI scans (mean age = 62.3 years) were utilized for the training and internal validation datasets, while an additional 20 MRI scans (mean age = 62.6 years) were collected from another institution for external validation. An orthopedic surgeon and a radiologist manually segmented muscles and bones as reference masks. Segmentation performance was evaluated using the Dice score, sensitivities, precision, and percent difference in muscle volume (%). In addition, the segmentation performance was assessed based on sex, age, and the presence of a RC tendon tear.

Results

The average Dice score, sensitivities, precision, and percentage difference in muscle volume of the developed algorithm were 0.920, 0.933, 0.912, and 4.58%, respectively, in external validation. There was no difference in the prediction of shoulder muscles, with the exception of teres minor, where significant prediction errors were observed (0.831, 0.854, 0.835, and 10.88%, respectively). The segmentation performance of the algorithm was generally unaffected by age, sex, and the presence of RC tears.

Conclusion

We developed a fully automated deep neural network for RC muscle and bone segmentation with excellent performance from clinical MRI scans.
Phase evolution of Al–Al2O3–ZrO2 refractories at 1300 °C under N2 flowing
Authors: Cai Xinyu , Li Yong , Jiang Peng , Ma Chenhong , Zhao Chenrui , Wang Shaoyang , Siritanon Theeranun
Published: July 2024

In order to obtain Al–Al2O3–ZrO2 composite refractories with excellent oxidation resistance, erosion resistance and thermal shock stability, metallic aluminium and fused Al2O3–ZrO2 were used as the raw materials, while phenolic resin was used as the binding agent. The microstructure was characterised by means of X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy tests. Based on the reaction between zirconia and metallic aluminium under N2 flowing at 1300 °C, the reaction mechanism of zirconia and metallic aluminium in-situ reaction at 1300 °C to generate (Al2OC) x(AlN)1− x solid solution, zirconium nitride, and aluminium–zirconium alloy was revealed, and a model for the evolution of the phases in the aluminium-added Al–Al2O3–ZrO2 specimen was constructed to realise the Al–Al2O3–ZrO2 composite refractories phase controlling. Based on the good corrosion resistance of ZrO2 to CaO and the excellent results of the in-situ reaction of metallic aluminium to generate a large number of non-oxide reinforcing phases capable of replacing elemental C, this work is of great significance for the study of refractory in erosion-heavy environments, such as calcium-treated steel.
Microstructural development in a hot rolled multi-phase steel
Authors: Bhattacharya Basudev , Samanta Santigopal , Ranjan Ravi , Ganguly Sarbari
Published: July 2024

The present work describes the development of microstructures in multi-phase steels with minimum ultimate tensile strength (UTS) in the range of 750–800 MPa. A relatively leaner composition was designed to achieve the strength, and with two compositions, the UTS values of about 750 MPa and 800 MPa were achieved. In both cases, multi-phase microstructures were developed, which consisted of ferrite, bainite and martensite. Bainite was the major phase in these microstructures. The cooling rate played a vital role. Ferrite was observed to form as the major phase along with islands of bainite at a cooling rate of 2 °C/s or less than that. The desired amount of bainite phase could be obtained at and above a cooling rate of 20 °C/s. A double step cooling strategy was applied to achieve the desired multi-phase microstructure. After the completion of hot rolling at around 850 °C, a fast cooling to a temperature of 580 °C and holding there for a duration of 5–12 s led to the formation of ample bainite in the microstructure, followed by transformation of remaining austenite into martensite during the second step cooling at 250 °C.
Creep damage assessment of HR3C austenitic steel by using misorientation parameters derived from EBSD technique
Authors: Hong Gaole , Risu Na , Zhang Fubao , Sun Maoxun , Zhang Yue , Wang Xiao
Published: July 2024

The evaluation ability of misorientation parameters and Kikuchi band parameters on creep damage of HR3C austenitic steel is reported in this paper. HR3C steel samples were subjected to the creep process for 475, 756, 1240, and 1300 h, respectively. During the creep process, the average kernel average misorientation (KAM) and grain reference orientation deviation (GROD) increased significantly overall as the creep time increased, while the average mean angle deviation (MAD) and band contrast (BC) did not show significant changes. When comparing GROD and KAM, it was found that the variation range of GROD is larger and the variation trend is monotonous, making GROD more suitable for evaluating the creep damage of HR3C steel. Subsequently, the physical mechanism of GROD is derived and studied.
Sex differences in CGRP-induced vasodilation of human middle meningeal arteries but not human coronary arteries: implications for migraine
Authors: de Vries Tessa , Boucherie Deirdre M. , Chan Kayi Y. , Rubio-Beltrán Eloísa , Labastida-Ramírez Alejandro , Labruijere Sieneke , Gupta Saurabh , van den Bogaerdt Antoon , Vincent Arnaud , Dammers Ruben , Danser A. H. Jan , MaassenVanDenBrink Antoinette
Published: July 2024

Background

Migraine prevalence and levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a peptide involved in migraine pathophysiology, differ between men and women, and appear to be affected by changes in sex hormones. The present study investigated the sex-specific responses to CGRP in human isolated arteries.

Methods

CGRP-induced relaxation of 62 (28 men and 34 women) human isolated middle meningeal arteries (HMMA) and 139 (69 men and 70 women) human isolated coronary arteries (HCA) was compared between men and women in groups <50 years and ≥50 years of age as a proxy for pre- and postmenopausal status in women, as well as matched-age groups for men.

Results

In HCA, no differences were observed between male and female tissue, or between the different age groups. However, in HMMA, the maximum response was significantly smaller and CGRP was less potent in females <50 compared with males <50 years of age. No differences were observed between the older age groups.

Conclusions

Sex differences were observed for CGRP-induced relaxation of HMMA, but not HCA. These differences could arise from differential receptor expression in the vascular beds combined with the effect of sex hormones on CGRP and subsequent receptor desensitization.
Development of a Practical Procedure for Data-Driven Weigh-in-Motion Equipment Calibration Scheduling to Assure Data Accuracy and Consistency over Time
Authors: Selezneva Olga , Wolf Dean , Walker Deborah
Published: July 2024

Weigh-in-motion (WIM) technology is a traffic monitoring technology that highway agencies use to obtain information about the weight, axle loading, and configuration of heavy vehicles moving at operational speed. To ensure high-quality WIM data, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recommends regular calibration of WIM equipment. This study addresses the need to optimize the allocation of the limited resources that agencies have for WIM equipment calibration by developing a procedure for data-driven calibration scheduling. This was accomplished through an analysis of WIM measurement errors from test truck data collected during field performance validation and calibration events and an analysis of monthly changes in truck weight and axle loading characteristics, based on WIM data collected between calibration events. The analysis results were used to draw conclusions on the functional performance of different WIM sites. The study also demonstrates how the newly developed National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) WIM Data Quality Assurance Analysis Tool can be used to compute truck weight and axle loading parameters and visualize data analysis results using four case studies: two WIM sites with piezo quartz sensors in asphalt pavements and two WIM sites with bending plate sensors in concrete pavements. This paper provides a practical procedure and recommendations that highway agencies can use to develop data-driven WIM calibration schedules that will ensure consistent high-quality WIM data for sites managed by an agency with the aid of the NCHRP WIM Data Quality Assurance Analysis Tool.
Strategies to Optimize the Deployment of Roadway Maintenance Machines for Overnight Maintenance in Urban Rail Systems
Authors: Moody John Takuma , Koutsopoulos Haris N. , Eichler Michael , Ulysse Yann
Published: July 2024

This research investigates the effectiveness of several strategies to deploy roadway maintenance machines (RMMs) in preparation for overnight maintenance in rapid transit systems. Owing to the short windows of time available for maintenance activities in the overnight period (i.e., when revenue service is suspended), efficient deployment of RMMs is an important aspect of ensuring adequate productive time for crews at work locations. Four deployment strategies are investigated: optimizing the long-term yard storage locations of RMMs; optimizing the assignment of RMMs to work zones; optimizing the use of nonrevenue locations within the network to “preposition” RMMs closer to their work zones; and optimizing the routing and scheduling of RMMs through the network to reach the work zones. The strategies have been tested using data from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. The results indicated that the proposed strategies reduced the time needed for RMM deployment. In the case of prepositioning, the median prepositioned RMM was deployed 23 min earlier than in the baseline (i.e., routing and scheduling alone) scenario, and the median RMM receiving a new yard storage location was deployed 16 min earlier. This was achieved without widespread negative impacts to RMMs that could not benefit from the proposed strategies for operational reasons. The results also demonstrated the potential of the routing and scheduling model as a tool to evaluate the deployment time impacts of distance-minimizing strategies, considering factors such as conflicts between RMMs and the availability of tracks to avoid disruptions to revenue service.
Why Women Get Divorced in Bangladesh: Exploring Individualism and Other Factors
Authors: Tanvir Md Tariqul Islam , Mostofa Shafi Md
Published: July 2024

Globally, marriage breakup or divorce has become a significant issue, and Bangladesh is no exception. The divorce rate among urban women has dramatically increased in Bangladesh, particularly in Dhaka City. This study aims to uncover the factors contributing to the rising divorce rate among women in Dhaka. Utilizing desk-based research and expert interviews, it critically examines the causes of marriage breakdown. The study argues that industrialization, women's empowerment, and feminist movements have fostered a rise in individualism among women in Dhaka, making them more educated and empowered compared to those in other Bangladeshi cities. This individualism serves as a deterrent against physical and mental abuse, extramarital affairs, authoritarian attitudes, and other forms of discrimination traditionally faced by women. Women's sense of individualism also fosters intolerance toward unhappy marriages, allowing them to pursue independent lives due to their financial solvency. Additionally, the study identifies other factors negatively impacting divorce-seeking behavior, including drug addiction, marital dissatisfaction over infertility or impotence, extramarital affairs due to partner absence, and the influence of social media.
Purified granulocytes in extracorporeal cell therapy: A multifaceted approach to combat sepsis-induced immunoparalysis
Authors: Klinkmann Gerd , Brabandt Sophie , Möller Marlene , Wild Thomas , Heskamp Benjamin , Schewe Jens-Christian , Sauer Martin , Altrichter Jens , Mitzner Steffen
Published: July 2024

Background:

Immune cell dysfunction plays a central role in sepsis-induced immunoparalysis. Targeted treatment using healthy donor immune cell transfusions, particularly granulocyte concentrates (GC) potentially induces tissue damage. Initial trials using GC in an extracorporeal immune cell perfusion system provided evidence for beneficial effects with fewer side effects, by separating patient and donor immune cell compartments. A multicenter clinical trial is exploring feasibility and effects of a 6-h treatment (NCT06143137). This ex vivo study examines technical feasibility and cellular effects of an extended treatment interval up to 24 h.

Methods:

Standard GC were purified to increase the potential storage time and subsequently implemented in the extracorporeal immune cell perfusion system. Parameters assessed included cell viability, phagocytosis activity, oxidative burst, cytokine release, and metabolic parameters of purified. GC during an extended circulation time of up to 24 h.

Results:

After storage of 72 h granulocytes were viable throughout the study period and exhibited preserved functionality and metabolic activity. The findings highlight a time-dependent nature of cytokine release by neutrophils in the extracorporeal circuit, as cytokine secretion patterns showed IL-8 peaking within 6 h, while MCP-1, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α increased after 24 h of circulation.

Conclusion:

Purified GC remain functional after 72 h of storage and additional 24 h in the circulating treatment model. Cytokine secretion patterns revealed a significant increase, especially between 10 and 24 h of treatment. Extending treatment time holds promise for enhancing immune response against sepsis-induced immunoparalysis. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing immune-targeted therapeutic interventions.
COL5A1 overexpression correlates with poor prognosis in human cervical cancer
Authors: Duan Xiaoling , Ye Danjuan , Yuan Jia , Guan Bin , Guan Wencai , Liu Songping , Fang Jingyi , Shi Jimin , Zhu Yan , Li Qinmei , Lu Qi , Xu Guoxiong
Published: July 2024

Background

Cervical cancer is the most prevalent malignant tumor in women. This study aims to detect collagen type V α1 chain (COL5A1) expression and its clinical relevance in the prognosis of patients with cervical cancer.

Methods

Cervical cancer tissues and their paired adjacent normal tissues were prepared for tissue microarray. The expression of COL5A1 protein and the scores of the expression were evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. The prognostic value of COL5A1 was analyzed by R software version 4.2.1 with “survival, survminer, ggplot2” packages and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA). The cBioPortal database was utilized for the analysis of COL5A1 gene mutations.

Results

COL5A1 protein was overexpressed in human cervical cancer tissues compared to their paired adjacent normal tissues detected by IHC ( P < 0.001). High expression of COL5A1 tends to be in elderly patients with cervical cancer. Survival analyses of clinical data of patients with cervical cancer showed that a high level of COL5A1 expression was significantly correlated with shorter overall survival ( P = 0.031) and disease-free survival ( P = 0.042) of patients. Further analyses of The Cancer Genome Atlas-Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma and the GEPIA survival datasets confirmed the association of high COL5A1 expression with poor overall survival of patients ( P = 0.040 and P = 0.018, respectively). The analysis of genomic alterations of COL5A1 using the cBioPortal tool revealed that the COL5A1 gene was altered in 4% of cervical cancer patients and COL5A1 corresponding protein alterations with post-translational modifications were hydroxylation.

Conclusion

COL5A1 is a tissue biomarker correlated with the poor prognosis of patients with cervical cancer, which may lead to a new clinical application.
Introduction: The shipbuilding industry in the Spanish Caribbean, 1400s–1700s: Construction, maintenance, supply of materials, and financing
Authors: Jiménez Alfredo Bueno
Published: July 2024

Despite the subject’s importance, historiography has overlooked the shipbuilding industry and its supplies in the Spanish Caribbean, hence the need for this forum. It contributes to naval historiography by offering four case studies that discuss shipbuilding activities in shipyards and the supply of materials, especially the main raw material – wood.
Midline Catheters as an Alternative for Central Venous Catheters in Venous Oxygen Saturation Monitoring: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Kim Justin S. , Ivanovic Sasa , Davison Danielle , Bheem Rishika , Wu Maria , Sweeney Brendan , Shaykhinurov Eduard , Yamane David
Published: July 2024

Background

Central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2) obtained from a central venous catheter (CVC) is often used to approximate oxygen delivery in critically ill patients. Despite their importance in administering medications and monitoring oxygen delivery, the use of CVCs can be associated with significant complications. Midline catheters are inserted via a peripheral vein above the antecubital fossa and provide a safe alternative to CVCs. This study aimed to determine the equivalence of ScvO2 and midline catheter oxygen saturation (SmO2) in critically ill patients.

Methods

This was a single-center observational study of critically ill adult patients who had concurrently placed CVCs (internal jugular and subclavian) and midline catheters as part of standard ICU care. Venous oxygen saturation and lactate levels were measured from both catheters using the Abbott point-of-care i-STAT analyzer. Demographic and ICU admission data were collected. Continuous variables were compared using the paired t-test. Pearson's correlation was used to evaluate the linear correlation between ScvO2 and SmO2. The systematic error (bias) was calculated using Bland-Altman analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to evaluate the sensitivities and specificities for different values of SmO2 to predict ScvO2.

Results

Forty-eight patients (n = 48) were enrolled in the study. The mean ScvO2 and SmO2 were 65.5% +/- 11.2% and 62.7% +/- 17.6% respectively (p = 0.1197). In the Bland-Altman analysis, the mean bias between ScvO2 and SmO2 was 2.8% +/- 12.3% with 95% limits of agreement of −21.3% to 26.9%. More than 60% of the ScvO2 and SmO2 values diverged by ≥ 5%.

Conclusions

The difference between the mean SmO2 and ScvO2 was not statistically significant and the mean bias between SmO2 and ScvO2 is low. Despite this, the substantially large standard deviation and limits of agreement preclude the use of SmO2 as a direct surrogate of ScvO2.
Sedation Experiences of Pediatric Intensive Care Nurses: Exploring PICU Nurse Perspectives on Sedative Management and Communication
Authors: Kolmar Amanda R. , Kerley Lindsey , Melliere M. Grace , Fuller Brian M.
Published: July 2024

Objective: This study's purpose is to better understand pediatric intensive care nursing perspectives on sedative management as a precursor to improving aspects of sedation assessment, titration, and communication. Methods/Design: We queried nurses in the pediatric intensive care unit at a 40+ bed quaternary care using an electronic survey about their experiences with sedation management. Data was collected using REDCap and statistical analyses were performed to assess for differences between experience levels in areas. Results: Seventy nurses responded with 42% response rate. More than 95% were comfortable calculating sedation and delirium scores. Those with less than 5 years’ experience were significantly more likely to consider sedation scores helpful ( P = .04) and also significant more likely to agree that delirium scores are used effectively ( P = .01). Eighty-eight percent of respondents were comfortable raising concerns about sedation to the multidisciplinary team, but those with less than 5 years’ experience were significantly less likely to express concerns to attending ( P = .001). Conclusion: Newer nurses are more inclined to support use of standardized scoring systems for sedation and delirium, but less comfortable approaching attending clinicians with their concerns. Intensive care teams should pay careful attention to team dynamics, particularly as they apply to sedative management and work to improve communication, collaboration, and educational interventions to improve patient care. Further work understanding nursing perspectives and further attempts to improve interprofessional communication seems a wise investment and could obviate barriers that may exist.
Inula helenium extract and lidocaine-loaded electrospun wound dressings for managing skin wounds pain and their healing: An in vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Wang Huidong , Li Hongyu , Zhao Pin , Zhang Hongbing , Jalili Saman
Published: July 2024

The skin injuries pose a substantial public health challenge, not only due to their physical trauma but also the accompanying pain and complexities in wound healing. In the current research, Inula helenium extract and lidocaine were loaded into electrospun PVA/calcium alginate nanofibers to promote skin wounds healing and alleviate the resulting pain. Various in vitro experiments were utilized to characterize these dressings. Wound healing potential of these constructs and their analgesic effects were studied in a rat model of skin wounds. Our developed scaffolds released the loaded drugs in a slow manner and showed antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. Fiber size measurement showed that drug-loaded and drug-free scaffolds had around 418.025 ± 140.11 nm and 505.51 ± 93.29 nm mean fiber size, respectively. Bacterial penetration assay confirmed that drug-loaded scaffolds reduced bacterial infiltration through the matrices. Wound healing study showed that on day 14th, the dressings loaded with inula helenium extract and lidocaine could close the wounds up to 91.26 ± 5.93%. In addition, these scaffolds significantly reduced the animals pain sensitivity. ELISA assay results implied that these dressings modulated inflammation and reduced tissue’s oxidative stress.
The Density Puzzle: What is Known, What is Disputed, and Where to Go from Here
Authors: Talen Emily , Wileden Lydia
Published: July 2024

The state of the literature on density is complicated. This review considers what is known and still disputed about density, focusing on thematic evidence of density's relationship to (a) transportation, (b) environmental sustainability, (c) health, (d) inequality, (e) social interaction, (f) amenities and services, (g) economic impact, and (h) crime. We summarize the complexity of density measurement and what is known about conditions under which residents accept densification. We conclude by suggesting future directions for research—including increased attention to causality, innovative methods, a focus on revealed versus expressed preferences, and the inclusion of low-density places in density studies.
Invisible and Feminized Migration of Unaccompanied Girls: A Challenge for Child Care
Authors: Gimeno Monterde Chabier , Mendoza Pérez Karmele
Published: July 2024

The objective of this article is to incorporate a gender perspective into the study of migration by shedding light on the experiences of unaccompanied minors. The study adopts a qualitative exploratory design and analyzes interviews conducted with child care professionals involved in the foster care of unaccompanied girls in a local administration in Spain. The findings reveal a strong relationship between gender, migrant status, minority status, and inadequate detection, mobility patterns, and limited resource allocation for the care of unaccompanied girls. The professionals emphasize the need for training in gender perspectives, trafficking, and exploitation, as well as the inclusion of more psychologists and cultural mediators to better address the needs of these young girls. The research concludes that a gender-sensitive and decolonized perspective within the field of social work is essential in addressing the specific vulnerabilities faced by these young women and ensuring their full access to rights.
Integrative model of servant leadership style and critical pedagogy: Answers to school leadership of neoliberalism
Authors: Dami Zummy Anselmus
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to analyse servant leadership's attributes in the theory and practice of critical pedagogy and find commonalities that produce an integrative model that will answer to the school leadership of neoliberalism. The study found an integrative model between servant leadership style and critical pedagogy that includes similar attributes of servant leadership and critical pedagogy related to the dimensions of transcendental spirituality, emotional healing and putting students first, creating value for the community, empowering students and helping students develop and succeed, demonstrating conceptual skills and behaving ethically. This integrative model is a constructive answer to the implementation of school leadership of neoliberalism.
The Effects of Reiki on the Stress of Japanese Nurses: Mixed Methods Pilot Study
Authors: Morimitsu Yu , Nakahira Miwa , Nishikawa Akiko
Published: July 2024

Purpose: To identify the effects of Reiki on stress among Japanese nurses. Design: Mixed method and intervention design. Method: A nonprobability snowball sampling was used. Twenty-one nurses were invited to receive the Reiki intervention. Physical responses were measured by pulse rate, respiration rate, blood pressure rate, and salivary α-amylase activity pre- and postintervention. Psychological responses were evaluated by the mood dimensions and Total Mood Disturbance of the Profile of Mood States 2nd Edition. To obtain qualitative data, semistructured interviews were conducted after the intervention, and a web-based questionnaire was completed the following day. Findings: Twenty-one participants completed the study, and results indicated that the Reiki intervention significantly improved psychological stress reactions. No significant differences were found in physical stress. Two categories were identified from qualitative data: “positive effects” and “negative effects”. Codes including “warm,” “body feeling more comfortable,” and “stress awareness” emerged as the positive effects. No adverse events were indicated. Conclusion: The results are the first step toward holistic nursing care in Japan and quantitative and qualitative data confirmed that Reiki improved the psychological aspect of stress responses of Japanese nurses.
Introduction to the Costs of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias
Authors: Webster Noah J. , Zahodne Laura B. , Ajrouch Kristine J. , Antonucci Toni C.
Published: July 2024

This special issue is the result of the Michigan Center for Contextual Factors in Alzheimer’s Disease (MCCFAD) third Summer Data Immersion (SDI) program held on May 23–26, 2022. Thirty-seven researchers from 17 universities participated in the program, which emphasized racial/ethnic and other contextual factors in the study of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) costs using a team science approach. During the program, data from the Health and Retirement Study were used to investigate multiple topics related to both financial and non-financial costs of ADRD including: (1) life course socioeconomic factors, (2) costs of preclinical ADRD, (3) COVID-19, (4) family members’ employment outcomes, (5) geographic contexts, (6) monetary value of unpaid ADRD care, and (7) spousal relations for couples living with ADRD.
Volunteering in the Middle of Crisis and Politicization: The Role of Religiosity, Political Ideology, and Personal Experiences in Volunteerism Among Muslims and Christians During COVID-19
Authors: Noor Zeeshan , Wasif Rafeel , Siddiqui Shariq
Published: July 2024

Religion is a strong social identity cue that creates in-group and out-group identity. Yet individuals can harbor multiple identities, and a political ideology is another significant identity marker. Similarly, personal experiences with disease also create another social identity where individuals may feel part of the same social group as individuals who have experienced a similar adverse event. How do these identities intersect in an individual’s willingness to volunteer for individuals from and outside their faith during a crisis event? We attempted to answer this question using an original sample of Muslims and Christians and their willingness to volunteer for COVID-19-related causes. We find that stronger religiosity increases volunteering toward individuals in their faith group (in-group). However, conservative beliefs reduce volunteering toward causes outside of an individual’s faith community (out-group). We find that COVID-19 diagnosis increases volunteering, but only when an individual or their family member is hospitalized.
Automated optimization of gating system through numerical simulation
Authors: Rajaram Dinesh , Sooriyamoorthy Elangovan , Sankaranarayanan Amirthagadeswaran Koduvayur
Published: July 2024

Casting is a process for the production of complex shapes. Defects are unavoidable in any casting process. An efficient method of eliminating such defects can improve the process capability of the casting system. Computer simulation can save time, resources, and money in foundry trials, but it necessitates more human effort in terms of preparing the inputs and appropriately interpreting the results. In this work, a new method for evaluating and optimizing gating system design utilizing a simulation tool is proposed. It is possible to automatically modify the gating design with the help of CAD and casting simulation software from a given initial design and boundary conditions, and to check whether the design is effective to eliminate defects. Further this takes less human effort, making it more useful for industrial applications. The suggested methodology is demonstrated by autonomously optimizing the gating system for two industrial components and validated by producing actual castings made in sand molds.
Investigation on effect of cryogenic cooling on the hole-making of CFRP with conventional PCD tool and textured PCD tool
Authors: Su Yong-sheng , Zhu Yi-yang , Wang Cheng , Chu Hao , Jin Wei , Wang Li-meng , Li Liang , Ruan Fang-tao , Qi Xiao-min , Xiao Ping , Zhao Zhuan-zhe
Published: July 2024

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) has obtained the widespread use in significant basic parts owing to its excellent properties. Different methods including the conventional PCD tool using dry machining (CPD), the conventional PCD tool with CO2 cryogenic cooling (CPC), and the textured PCD tool with CO2 cryogenic cooling (TPC), were introduced to investigated their effects on the holes-making performance. Results demonstrated that the obtained average entrance diameter and relative error of different spindle speeds using the CPC were about 4001 to 4005.4 μm and 0.025% to 0.65%, respectively. Dimensional accuracy and surface edge quality of entrance hole can be better improved by the CPC method. It was found that the cryogenic cooling method showed the remarkable effect in improving the anti-adhesion of tools than compared to the dry machining. Additionally, results indicated that the cryogenic cooling resulted in the significant fiber fractures and many pits inside the hole wall and the CPD method can help to improve the inner hole wall quality.
Establishment of constitutive model and simulation study on sealing performance of special-shaped rubber cylinder for inner packer in deepwater pipeline
Authors: Zhang Lan , Zhang Guoqiang , Wen Jing , Yun Feihong , Liu Ming
Published: July 2024

It’s important to improve the sealing performance of the inner packer in deepwater pipelines, which is an emergency sealing and oil control equipment. The deformation characteristics and sealing stress conditions of the packer’s sealant cylinder are analyzed, and the hyperelastic constitutive model is determined based on uniaxial tensile experiments. The effective contact stress and effective contact range between the rubber cylinder and the pipe wall are the main parameters for evaluating the sealing performance. Through simulation, it was found that the rubber cylinder on the force application side plays a major sealing role, and severe stress can lead to shoulder protrusions. The location of fatigue damage on the rubber cylinder’s shoulder is consistent with the sea trial. Therefore, special-shaped rubber cylinders with different structures are designed to address the shoulder protrusion. The simulation shows that the sealing performance of the right-angled trapezoidal double-layer rubber cylinder with force applied on the slope side(S-RARC) is significantly better than the original rubber cylinder(ORC), and it does not produce shoulder protrusions.
Design and performance analysis of continuum manipulator with twisting rotation
Authors: Hu Junfeng , Zhou Hao
Published: July 2024

The continuum manipulator exhibits excellent flexibility, enabling it to navigate through unstructured and narrow spaces. However, the current motion capabilities of the continuum arm are limited to expansion, bending, or their combination, which restricts its application range and potential uses. Designing a continuum manipulator capable of twisting motion around its axis poses a significant challenge. In this study, we propose a torsion module for the continuum manipulator that enables twisting motions. This module comprises a central trunk made of a torsion spring and a driving mechanism consisting of two tendons arranged in cylindrical helix symmetry. By stretching these driving cables, the module can achieve twisting motion. We describe the principle behind torsional motion, establish a kinematic model for the continuum torsional module, and analyze how structural parameters affect its performance in terms of twisting motion. Furthermore, we construct a continuum arm incorporating this torsion module to enable both twisting and bending motions. We present examples showcasing the versatile capabilities of this continuum manipulator in various specialized scenarios. Experimental results demonstrate that the addition of torsional functionality enhances dexterity and expands design possibilities for continuum manipulators.
An adaptive backstepping sliding mode control strategy for the magnetorheological semi-active suspension
Authors: Xiong Xin , Pan Zeyu , Liu Yaming , Yue Jingjing , Xu Fei
Published: July 2024

This paper proposes an adaptive backstepping sliding mode control strategy for addressing nonlinear issues in the semi-active suspension systems, such as uncertainties and external disturbances. Firstly, a hyperbolic tangent model is chosen for parameters identification of the magnetorheological (MR) damper, and a model for the semi-active suspension system is established. Secondly, a control strategy is designed by combining the backstepping and sliding mode control strategies, and adaptive methods are employed to mitigate external disturbances, enhance the robustness of the controller, and estimate system uncertainties. Finally, the stability and controllability of the closed-loop system are verified using Lyapunov theory. Under the road excitations of A-Class, B-Class, and speed bump, the dynamic characteristics of the passive control, backstepping sliding mode control, and adaptive backstepping sliding mode control strategies applied to the MR semi-active suspension are analyzed. The vertical acceleration of vehicle body, suspension dynamic deflection, and tire dynamic load are selected as evaluation indexes, the results indicate that this control strategy significantly improved the ride comfort and handling stability of the vehicle.