bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive Uncertainty and Employees’ Daily Innovative Work Behavior: The Moderating Role of Ambidextrous Leadership
Authors: Bernards Bernard
Published: February 2024

Innovation is crucial for public organizations to adapt to changing circumstances. While successful innovation requires employees both to explore new ideas and to exploit current processes, such innovative work behavior is often bounded by constraints, both situational and personal. This study examines individual-level constraints on innovation by focusing on cognitive uncertainty as a personal state that may affect innovative work behavior. Using a quantitative daily diary study among public professionals in the Netherlands ( n = 88 respondents and 369 diary entries), the analysis identifies a positive relationship between daily cognitive uncertainty experiences and daily employee innovative work behavior. However, this relationship is only present when employees perceive substantial support from their team leader. This support takes the form of ambidextrous leadership, which mirrors the duality of the innovation process and is shown to be most effective in stimulating innovative work behavior and in managing cognitive uncertainty in stimulating innovation.
Single-lever control method design based on power management system and deep reinforcement learning for turboprop engines
Authors: Ji Run-Min , Huang Xiang-Hua , Zhang Xing-Long , Li Ling-Wei
Published: February 2024

This paper presents a single-lever control method based on Power Management System (PMS) and improved Twin Delayed Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (TD3) algorithm for turboprop engines. In this approach, power level angle command, which is the single-lever command, is decoupled into controlled variable commands by PMS, and the controller based on improved TD3 algorithm can ensure that controlled variables track their commands rapidly and accurately. To achieve the optimal conversion relationship between different commands, an offline optimization process is used to design PMS. By optimization, specific fuel consumption and propeller efficiency are both improved after conversion. To deal with strong interactions between different control loops of a turboprop engine, TD3 algorithm which is a deep reinforcement learning algorithm is adopted. Two improvements which are the design method of observation state and prioritized experience replay are made to enhance the tracking accuracy. Simulation results show that improved TD3 algorithm can learn an optimal control policy to guarantee good control effect with fast response and small overshoot. The maximum settling time is less than 0.25s and the maximum overshoot is less than 0.1%. It also has a good robustness performance when the plant exists model uncertainties. The maximum fluctuations are less than 0.05%.
Book review: Jayati Ghosh, The Making of a Catastrophe: The Disastrous Economic Fallout of the Covid-19 Pandemic in India
Authors: Swaminathan Padmini
Published: February 2024

Jayati Ghosh, The Making of a Catastrophe: The Disastrous Economic Fallout of the Covid-19 Pandemic in India. Aleph Book Company, 2022, 271 pages, ₹799 (Hardbound). ISBN 978-93-90652-96-9.
Book review: Fearless Freedom
Authors: Agnihotri Indu
Published: February 2024

Kavita Krishnan, Fearless Freedom. Penguin, 2020, 264 pages (e-book).ISBN 978-0143444688.
Book review: Amrita Basu and Tanika Sarkar (Eds.), Women, Gender and Religious Nationalism
Authors: Reddy Deepa S.
Published: February 2024

Amrita Basu and Tanika Sarkar (Eds.), Women, Gender and Religious Nationalism. Cambridge University Press, 2022, 360 pages (Hardbound). ISBN 978-1009123143.
Competitive Analysis of the Binding Affinity of Montelukast, Zafirlukast and Gemilukast to CysLTR1, P2Y12 and PPAR-γ and their Possible Cardioprotective Effect: Using in silico Methods
Authors: Roy Matrika Saha , Sarkar Bidduth Kumar , Nadvi Md Rohan , Sarkar Arghya Prosun , Kundu Sukalyan Kumar , Ahmed Hossain , Islam Md Jahirul , Sarkar Barno Kumar , Singh Peter , Maitra Tanushree , Hasan Maruf
Published: February 2024

Background

Asthma is a very common respiratory disorder, affecting more than 360 million people worldwide. It is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways with the symptoms of shortness of breath, coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, and sometimes chest pain. Leukotrienes play an important role in bronchoconstriction during the allergen or exercise-induced acute asthma attack.

Aim

The study aims to predict the interactions between leukotriene antagonist drugs and CysLT receptor-1 (CysLTR1), P2Y12 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) on a competitive basis. The study also has the objective of understanding the cardioprotective roles of the drugs.

Introduction

Asthma is strongly linked to the development of acute coronary syndrome by the leukotriene-induced activation of CysLTR1, platelet aggregation and thrombosis by activating P2Y12. PPAR-γ is considered to show benefits against atherosclerosis, diabetes, hypertension, obesity and dyslipidaemia, which are risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disorders. Leukotriene receptor inhibitors act with these three types of receptors to show therapeutic effects.

Materials and Methods

To predict the possible interactions between the drugs and the receptors, the study has used in silico methods.

Results and Discussion

Montelukast, Zafirlukast and Gemilukast are potential antagonists of CysLTR1 and P2Y12. They are also responsible for the upregulation of PPAR-γ. Thus, these drugs show a cardioprotective role in asthma-induced cardiac disorders.

Conclusion

A competitive in silico study of Montelukast, Zafirlukast and Gemilukast to predict their binding to CysLTR1, P2Y12 & PPAR-γ revealed that Montelukast is more effective than the other two drugs for showing a cardioprotective role.
How Community-Based Health and Social Care Professionals Support Unpaid Caregivers: Experiences From One Health Authority in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Webber Jodi , Finlayson Marcia , Norman Kathleen E. , Trothen Tracy J.
Published: February 2024

In Ontario, Canada, rising rates of caregiver distress have been the ‘canary in the coal mine’ for a health system out of balance with the needs of an ageing population. Community-based health and social care professionals are well placed to play an important role in the caregiver support process; however, a gap has remained in the understanding of if and how caregiver support strategies are operationalized or experienced by community service providers (CSPs). The goal of this study was to describe how CSPs interpreted policy and how those interpretations may enable their work in supporting unpaid caregivers. Using a qualitative constructionist design, we interviewed 24 participants and reviewed 92 publicly available documents. Braun and Clarke’s method of thematic analysis was used for analysis strategy. Four overarching themes were identified: (1) community care as a priority, (2) sidewalk accountability, (3) creative care planning through partnerships, and (4) challenges to care delivery. We found that the importance of caregivers to the health system was reflected in organizational policy and strategy. There is an opportunity to improve health outcome for caregivers and the population alike through strong leadership and a clear shared vision. Our findings also suggested that social capital was a significant factor in enabling providers in their work, leveraging long-standing relationships, and accumulated local knowledge to implement highly creative care plans.
A Relational Construction of Organizational Risk: Normalizing Versus Problematizing Through Risk Work on Concerns Versus Measures
Authors: Topal Cagri , Gephart Robert P
Published: February 2024

This study examines a public hearing, in which a company normalizes a high-risk project while a group of residents and landowners problematize it through three types of relational risk work including the construction of concerns versus measures, consultations on concerns and measures, and company approach in addressing concerns with measures. They construct risk meanings in a relational context where they respond to the normalizing and problematizing attempts of one another. Accordingly, this study has two main contributions. First, it identifies three types of risk work used by public and business stakeholders to relationally construct and normalize/problematize risk and risk management and thus analyzes the tension between normalizing and problematizing as an issue of interdependence. Second, it brings forward the opposition between concerns and measures as an important topic for risk research and emphasizes the critical role of risk consultations with cooperative approaches in addressing this opposition.
Dynamic constitutive model of saturated saline frozen soil under uniaxial impact loading
Authors: Shang Bin , Zhu Zhiwu , Li Bin , Zhang Fulai , Li Tao
Published: February 2024

The soil matrix, salt crystals, ice crystals, and pore solutions constitute the composite geological material of saturated saline frozen soil. The destruction mode and dynamic constitutive model of saturated saline frozen soil need to be studied because infrastructure construction is increasingly being extended to regions with saturated saline frozen soil. Based on the split Hopkinson pressure bar device, uniaxial impact compression tests were conducted on frozen soil samples with different salt contents under different strain rates. The strain rate of saturated saline frozen soil must be emphasized based on the results. The gradient of the elastic segment and maximum stress of the soil are negatively correlated with the salt content increase. To further explore the failure mechanism, the study examined the damage and failure behavior of saturated saline frozen soil, along with the absorption energy in the failure process. According to the test results, the saturated saline frozen soil was similar to a particle-reinforced composite. Subsequently, the debonding damage of the ice–salt eutectic and the mechanical–chemical damage of the soil matrix were considered. The test results could be predicted accurately from the results of the model, verifying that the influences of the salt content and strain rate are reasonably considered by the constructed model.
The Front Edge of an Advancing Wave-Crest: Creative Ecologies and Designing Sustainable Futures
Authors: Harris Daniel X.
Published: February 2024

This editorial introduces the 15 articles in this special issue entitled “Creative Ecologies: Designing Sustainable Futures” and contextualizes them against a rapidly expanding field of climate and ecological studies, creative and affect theoretics, and a burgeoning array of creative relational methods and methodologies extending 21st century qualitative inquiry. The collection calls for a deepening of ethical, political, and eco-collaborative commitments to the work of global research that goes beyond neoliberal discourses of innovation, impact, and human exceptionalism and argues that only in this way will the vital work of academic activism and advocacy remain relevant, revolutionary, and sustainable.
Limited utility of adding 3T cervical spinal cord MRI to monitor disease activity in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Lim Timothy Reynold U , Kumaran Sunitha P , Suthiphosuwan Suradech , Espiritu Adrian I , Jones Ashley , Lin Amy Wei , Oh Jiwon , Bharatha Aditya
Published: February 2024

Background:

Performing routine brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely accepted as the standard of care for disease monitoring in multiple sclerosis (MS), but the utility of performing routine spinal cord (SC) MRI for this purpose is still debatable.

Objective:

This study aimed to measure the frequency of new isolated cervical spinal cord lesions (CSLs) in people with MS (pwMS) undergoing routine brain and cervical SC-MRI for disease monitoring and determine the factors associated with the development of new CSLs and their prognostic value.

Methods:

We retrospectively identified 1576 pwMS who underwent follow-up 3T brain and cervical SC-MRI over a 9-month period. MRI was reviewed for the presence of new brain lesions (BLs) and CSLs. Clinical records were reviewed for interval relapses between sequential scans and subsequent clinical relapse and disability worsening after the follow-up MRI.

Results:

In 1285 pwMS (median interval: 13–14 months) who were clinically stable with respect to relapses, 73 (5.7%) had new CSLs, of which 49 (3.8%) had concomitant new BLs and 24 (1.9%) had new isolated CSLs only. New asymptomatic CSLs were associated with ⩾ 3 prior relapses ( p = 0.04), no disease-modifying therapy (DMT) use ( p = 0.048), and ⩾ 3 new BLs ( p < 0.001); ⩾ 3 new BLs (OR: 7.11, 95% CI: 4.3–11.7, p < 0.001) remained independently associated with new CSLs on multivariable analysis. Having new asymptomatic CSLs was not independently associated with subsequent relapse or disability worsening after the follow-up MRI (median follow-up time of 26 months).

Conclusion:

Routine brain and cervical SC-MRI detected new isolated CSLs in only < 2% of clinically stable pwMS. Developing new asymptomatic CSLs was associated with concomitant new BLs and did not confer an independent increased risk of relapse or disability worsening. Performing SC-MRI may not be warranted for routine monitoring in most pwMS, and performing only brain MRI may be sufficient to capture the vast majority of clinically silent disease activity.
A study on the risk stratification for patients within 24 hours of admission for risk of hospital-acquired urinary tract infection using Bayesian network models
Authors: Jakobsen Rune Sejer , Nielsen Thomas Dyhre , Leutscher Peter , Koch Kristoffer
Published: February 2024

Early identification of patients at risk of hospital-acquired urinary tract infections (HA-UTI) enables the initiation of timely targeted preventive and therapeutic strategies. Machine learning (ML) models have shown great potential for this purpose. However, existing ML models in infection control have demonstrated poor ability to support explainability, which challenges the interpretation of the result in clinical practice, limiting the adaption of the ML models into a daily clinical routine. In this study, we developed Bayesian Network (BN) models to enable explainable assessment within 24 h of admission for risk of HA-UTI. Our dataset contained 138,250 unique hospital admissions. We included data on admission details, demographics, lifestyle factors, comorbidities, vital parameters, laboratory results, and urinary catheter. Models developed from a reduced set of five features were characterized by transparency compared to models developed from a full set of 50 features. The expert-based clinical BN model over the reduced feature space showed the highest performance (area under the curve = 0.746) compared to the naïve- and tree-augmented-naïve BN models. Moreover, models developed from expert-based knowledge were characterized by enhanced explainability.
From cultural intermediaries to platform adaptors: The transformation of music planning and artist acquisition in the Chinese music industry
Authors: Zhang Qian , Negus Keith
Published: February 2024

Drawing from interviews with staff who sign and work with musicians and songwriters in the Chinese music industry, this article adopts the concepts of ‘cultural intermediary’ and ‘platform adaptor’ to trace a series of transformations since the post-1978 market reforms up to the present day. We argue that significant artistic and cultural shifts have occurred as the creative practices of music planners at record companies are superseded by content operators more narrowly focused on constructing content at digital platforms and adapting songs to short video platforms. The article locates the affordances of new media within a broader context of change and continuity in the Sinophone popular music world, contributing new knowledge about the work of music industry personnel involved in artist acquisition and repertoire development, adding to scholarship on an important yet under researched period in the history of the Chinese music industries.
The Utilization of Forced-Rate Cycling to Facilitate Motor Recovery Following Stroke: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Linder Susan M. , Bischof-Bockbrader Andrea , Davidson Sara , Li Yadi , Lapin Brittany , Singh Tamanna , Lee John , Bethoux Francois , Alberts Jay L.
Published: February 2024

Background

The potential for aerobic exercise (AE) to enhance neuroplasticity post-stroke has been theorized but not systematically investigated. Our aim was to determine the effects of forced-rate AE (FE) paired with upper extremity (UE) repetitive task practice (FE + RTP) compared to time-matched UE RTP (RTP only) on motor recovery.

Methods

A single center randomized clinical trial was conducted from April 2019 to December 2022. Sixty individuals ≥6 months post-stroke with UE hemiparesis were randomized to FE + RTP (N = 30) or RTP only (N = 30), completing 90-minute sessions, 3×/week for 8 weeks. The FE + RTP group underwent 45-minute of FE (5-minute warm-up, 35-minute main set, and 5-minute cool down) followed by 45-minute of UE RTP. The RTP only group completed 90-minute of RTP. Primary outcomes were the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and Action Research Arm Test (ARAT). The 6-minute Walk Test (6MWT, secondary outcome) assessed walking capacity.

Results

Sixty individuals enrolled and 56 completed the study. The RTP only group completed more RTP in terms of repetitions (411.8 ± 44.4 vs 222.8 ± 28.4, P < .001) and time (72.7 ± 6.7 vs 37.8 ± 2.4 minutes, P < .001) versus FE + RTP. There was no significant difference between groups on the FMA (FE + RTP, 36.2 ± 10.1-44.0 ± 11.8 and RTP only, 34.4 ± 11.0-41.2 ± 13.4, P = .43) or ARAT (FE + RTP, 32.5 ± 16.6-37.7 ± 17.9 and RTP only, 32.8 ± 18.6-36.4 ± 18.5, P = .88). The FE + RTP group demonstrated greater improvements on the 6MWT (274.9 ± 122.0-327.1 ± 141.2 m) versus RTP only (285.5 ± 160.3-316.9 ± 170.0, P = .003).

Conclusions

There was no significant difference between groups in the primary outcomes. The FE + RTP improved more on the 6MWT, a secondary outcome.

Trial Registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov : NCT03819764.
Defensible Collections: Designing a Safe Exhibit Space
Authors: Hirsch Jeffrey , Gallagher Casey
Published: February 2024

A startling number of conservators tell stories about mistreatment of collection material by the public. We used to hear a familiar type of problem: vitrines marred by strollers, glass broken by resting parents, or a pencil falling out of a pocket onto a background. Now, the story is more dramatic: French fries deposited on remote surfaces of large dinosaur specimens. Is an exhibit successful if attendance contributes to the damage of delicate material? This paper provides a broad overview of the risk to exhibited collection material imposed by visitors. Patterns of damage to collections correspond to specific characteristics of the exhibit spaces themselves. This investigation looks at problems encountered at one large paleontology exhibit and overlays successful concepts drawn from sources outside the museum world.
Cause of Extensor Pollicis Longus Ruptures After Distal Radius Fracture Fixation Using a Volar Plate
Authors: Laane Charlotte L. E. , Dijkmans Anjuli L. , Messinger Chelsea J. , Wijffels Mathieu M. E. , Bhashyam Abhiram R. , Chen Neal C.
Published: February 2024

Background:

This research sought to analyze a cohort of patients with extensor pollicis longus (EPL) ruptures after volar locked plating of a distal radius fracture (DRF) to characterize the incidence of ruptures that are unlikely to be related to dorsal screw prominence.

Methods:

This is a retrospective, observational, descriptive cohort study of adults with operative fixation of a closed DRF and an EPL rupture between 2002 and 2022. Eighteen patients with operative fixation using a volar plate of a closed DRF had an EPL rupture. The cohort consisted of 66% women with an average age of 57.5 years. Median follow-up was 14.5 months.

Results:

The incidence of EPL rupture was 0.4% (18/4768). The average time from DRF and DRF fixation to EPL rupture was 3.7 and 3.4 months, respectively. Based on the operative record, in 2 of the 18 patients (11%), the rupture was directly attributable to prominent hardware; however, in 4 of the 18 patients (22%), the rupture was not related to prominent hardware, and the cause was indeterminate in 12 patients (67%). Radiologic analysis of those in the indeterminate group demonstrated that 5 of the 12 patients had screws that had a high probability of being prominent.

Conclusions:

The incidence of EPL rupture after volar plating of DRF is between 0% and 1% and usually occurs about 3 months after fixation. Approximately 50% of EPL ruptures are attributable to prominent dorsal screws. Although screw prominence is an important cause of EPL rupture, it is not the sole cause of rupture.
Feasibility of super-bore 0.088″ mechanical thrombectomy in M1 vessels smaller than 8 French: Experience in 20 consecutive cases
Authors: Campos Jessica K , Meyer Benjamen M , Khan Muhammad Waqas , Laghari Fahad J , Zarrin David A , Collard de Beaufort Jonathan , Amin Gizal , Golshani Kiarash , Bender Matthew T , Colby Geoffrey P , Lin Li-Mei , Coon Alexander L
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Superbore 0.088″ catheters provide a platform for optimizing aspiration efficiency and flow control during stroke mechanical thrombectomy procedures. New superbore catheters have the distal flexibility necessary to navigate complex neurovascular anatomy while providing the proximal support of traditional 8F catheters. The safety and feasibility of Zoom 88™ superbore angled-tip catheters in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) segments smaller than the catheter diameter have not been previously described.

Methods

Twenty consecutive cases of acute MCA mechanical thrombectomy were retrospectively identified from the senior authors’ prospectively maintained Institutional Review Board-approved database, in which the Zoom 88 (Imperative Care, Campbell, CA) catheter was successfully navigated to at least the M1 segment. Patient demographics, procedural details, and periprocedural information were analyzed. Rates and averages (standard errors) are generally reported.

Results

The average National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale at presentation and age were 15 ± 2 and 73 ± 3 years, respectively. The M1 and M2 occlusions were evenly distributed. The average M1 measurements before thrombectomy ranged from 2.36 ± 0.07 mm proximally to 2.00 ± 0.11 mm distally, and after thrombectomy, they ranged from 2.34 ± 0.07 mm proximally to 1.97 ± 0.10 mm distally. First-pass modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) 2C/3 recanalization was achieved in 40% of cases, and final mTICI 2C/3 recanalization was achieved in 90% of cases. A single case of mild vasospasm was managed with verapamil. No hemorrhagic or periprocedural complications were noted.

Conclusion

Superbore 0.088″ catheters with flexible distal segments can be safely navigated to the MCA to augment mechanical thrombectomy even when the MCA segment is smaller than the catheter.
Influence of energy density on the microstructure and property regulation of additive manufactured pure nickel
Authors: Li Cong , Zhang Quanquan , Ren Yanjie , Chen Wei , Li Wei , Chen Jian , Zhou Libo
Published: February 2024

In this work, laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technology was used to fabricate pure nickel components, and the densification behavior and microstructure of pure nickel with different energy densities were investigated. The results indicate that for LPBF-fabricated pure nickel components, the relative density reaches a peak of 98.76% at an energy density of 101 J/mm3. With the increase of energy density, a large number of pores appear inside the grains, and the grains grow epitaxially along the building direction within multiple molten pools, pores gradually disappear after undergoing remelting at the edges of the melting tracks. Among these, competitive inward growth of columnar crystals may be the main cause of dislocations and new grain generation. The grains are primarily distributed along the Ni (111) or Ni (110) orientations, and with the increase of energy density, the grains with these two orientations increase. The surface energy follows the sequence of Ni (220) > Ni (200) > Ni (111). Due to the stacking of the <101> oriented main layer and the <001> oriented sub-layer in the building direction, the sample with higher energy density exhibits a strong Ni {110} texture, accompanied by increased tensile properties.
Esketamine inhibits the c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway in the spinal dorsal horn to relieve bone cancer pain in rats
Authors: Duan Chenxia , Zhu Yi , Zhang Zhuoliang , Wu Tiantian , Shen Mengwei , Xu Jinfu , Gao Wenxin , Pan Jianhua , Wei Lei , Su Huibin , Shi Chenghuan
Published: February 2024

Cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP) is one of the most common and feared symptoms in patients with advanced tumors. The X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) and the CXCR4 receptor have been associated with glial cell activation in bone cancer pain. Moreover, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), as downstream CXCL12/CXCR4 signals, and c-Jun, as activator protein AP-1 components, contribute to the development of various types of pain. However, the specific CIBP mechanisms remain unknown. Esketamine is a non-selective N-methyl-d-aspartic acid receptor (NMDA) inhibitor commonly used as an analgesic in the clinic, but its analgesic mechanism in bone cancer pain remains unclear. We used a tumor cell implantation (TCI) model and explored that CXCL12/CXCR4, p-MAPKs, and p-c-Jun were stably up-regulated in the spinal cord. Immunofluorescence images showed activated microglia in the spinal cord on day 14 after TCI and co-expression of CXCL12/CXCR4, p-MAPKs (p-JNK, p-ERK, p-p38 MAPK), and p-c-Jun in microglia. Intrathecal injection of the CXCR4 inhibitor AMD3100 reduced JNK and c-Jun phosphorylations, and intrathecal injection of the JNK inhibitor SP600125 and esketamine also alleviated TCI-induced pain and reduced the expression of p-JNK and p-c-Jun in microglia. Overall, our data suggest that the CXCL12/CXCR4-JNK-c-Jun signaling pathway of microglia in the spinal cord mediates neuronal sensitization and pain hypersensitivity in cancer-induced bone pain and that esketamine exerts its analgesic effect by inhibiting the JNK-c-Jun pathway.
Bacterial meningitis
Authors: Akinduro Isaac , Myrtle Samuel , Hibberd Dr Owen
Published: February 2024

Bacterial meningitis and meningococcal disease are still associated with significant morbidity and mortality despite advances in treatments and primary prevention. This article, based upon a fictional clinical case scenario, highlights the role of primary care in the assessment and initial treatment of suspected bacterial meningitis and meningococcal disease, the management of close contacts, and the ongoing management of long-term sequelae.
Exploring Socioeconomic Disparities in Mandibular Trauma: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis of Patient Profiles and Treatment Outcomes
Authors: Kahler Dylan , Gardella Rebecca , Reddy Sai , Zhao Huaqing , Gerald Mykal , Jones Christine
Published: February 2024

Study Design

Retrospective Chart Review.

Objective

Mandible fracture is a life-altering event, and its complications can have devastating consequences for patients. Patients are therefore well-served if providers can identify their risk factors and engage strategies to reduce complication risk. The present study examines mandible trauma in an urban tertiary hospital serving an economically disadvantaged population.

Methods

This review identified all patients undergoing operative repair of traumatic mandible fractures from January 2015 to December 2020. Patient risk factors, operative technique, and surgical complications (including infection, hardware failure, malunion, and mandible nonunion) were analyzed.

Results

Two hundred and seventy-two patients were identified with mandible fractures; 78.3% of these injuries were related to interpersonal violence; 83.4% of patients were male, and 55.5% were African American. Based on multivariable logistic regression models, increased rates of postoperative complications were observed in patients with increasing Area Deprivation Index (Odds Ratio 1.02), mandible body fracture (OR 3.11), tobacco use disorder (OR 3.75), history of hepatitis C infection (OR 7.35), and discharge to drug and alcohol rehabilitation (OR 23.42).

Conclusions

For providers treating patients with mandible fractures, the effects of comorbid substance use—including tobacco use—and inadequate discharge disposition (a reflection of financial means and insurance status) should be identified early, and steps to mitigate their consequences should be taken. Providers must recognize that patients with these comorbidities require more patience, support, and attention than patients without these risk factors. Increased engagement with multidisciplinary services such as psychiatry, addiction medicine, primary care, and social work may improve outcomes for these vulnerable patients.
Primary lung low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma: A rare case with A diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Ayadi Aida , Houcine Yoldez , Moussa Chirine , Rouis Houda , Abid Tarek , Hugues Begueret , Le Loarer François
Published: February 2024

Low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma (LGFMS) is a rare, low-grade malignant soft tissue tumor that is often mistaken for benign or more rarely malignant tumor types. Commonly, this tumor affects young adults and typically arises in the deep proximal extremities or trunk with frequent recurrences and can metastasize to the lungs many years late. Visceral LGFMS is extremely rare. Only a few cases of primary LGFMS of the lung have been reported. Here, we present the clinical, gross, microscopic, and immunohistochemical characteristics of Evans tumor occurring in the lung with a review of the literature and discuss the differential diagnosis in this exceptional localization.
Age-Friendly Research: A Pilot Exploration of Tools to Facilitate Inclusion of Older Adults in Research
Authors: De Lima Bryanna , Lindauer Allison , Eckstrom Elizabeth
Published: February 2024

Older adults have a high burden of chronic diseases but are underrepresented in research. Researchers with geriatric or gerontology expertise have developed frameworks to recruit and retain older adults but these have not been widely adopted by the broader research community. We developed or adapted seven Age-Friendly research tools and invited research team members with no aging training to pilot test them. We consented 21 research team members and asked them to share strengths, limitations, and areas for improvement for each tool for up to 4 months via REDCap surveys. Sixteen participants (76%) completed at least one survey. The communication guide and Age-Friendly research checklist were the most utilized tools among participants. Key barriers to implementation were lack of time and lack of age-appropriate populations. Facilitators of tool implementation were accessibility and ease of use, webinar training, and supportive teams. Participants found the tools valuable to encourage Age-Friendly research studies. Adoption of Age-Friendly research tools could improve the experience for research team members and older adults alike.
Development of Fixture Layout Optimization for Thin-Walled Parts: A Review
Authors: Liu Changhui , Wang Jing , Zhou Binghai , Yu Jianbo , Zheng Ying , Liu Jianfeng
Published: February 2024

An increasing number of researchers have researched fixture layout optimization for thin-walled part assembly during the past decades. However, few papers systematically review these researches. By analyzing existing literature, this paper summarizes the process of fixture layout optimization and the methods applied. The process of optimization is made up of optimization objective setting, assembly variation/deformation modeling, and fixture layout optimization. This paper makes a review of the fixture layout for thin-walled parts according to these three steps. First, two different kinds of optimization objectives are introduced. Researchers usually consider in-plane variations or out-of-plane deformations when designing objectives. Then, modeling methods for assembly variation and deformation are divided into two categories: Mechanism-based and data-based methods. Several common methods are discussed respectively. After that, optimization algorithms are reviewed systematically. There are two kinds of optimization algorithms: Traditional nonlinear programming and heuristic algorithms. Finally, discussions on the current situation are provided. The research direction of fixture layout optimization in the future is discussed from three aspects: Objective setting, improving modeling accuracy and optimization algorithms. Also, a new research point for fixture layout optimization is discussed. This paper systematically reviews the research on fixture layout optimization for thin-walled parts, and provides a reference for future research in this field.
Highly sensitive therapeutic drug monitoring of infliximab in serum by targeted mass spectrometry in comparison to ELISA data
Authors: Hentschel Andreas , Piontek Gina , Dahlmann Rob , Findeisen Peter , Sakson Roman , Carbow Phil , Renné Thomas , Reinders Yvonne , Sickmann Albert
Published: February 2024

Background

Presently, antibody concentration measurements for patients undergoing treatment are predominantly determined by ELISA, which still comes with known disadvantages. Therefore, our aim was to establish a targeted mass-spectrometric assay enabling the reproducible absolute quantification of peptides from the hypervariable and interaction regions of infliximab.

Methods

Peptides of infliximab were measured post-trypsin digestion and subsequent separation on a Vanquish Horizon UHPLC coupled to a TSQ Altis Triple-Quad mass spectrometer. Normalization and absolute quantification were conducted using stable isotope-synthesized peptides. Calibration curves covering a range of 0.25-50 µg/ml were employed for quantitation.

Results

We demonstrated the substantial influence of peptide selection, choice of hydrolase for digestion, and digestion time on absolute peptide yield (28–44% for peptide 1 and 64–97% for peptide 2). Furthermore, we showed that the generated calibration curves for absolute quantification were highly reproducible and robust (LLOQ1 0.72 µg/ml and LLOQ2 1.00 µg/ml) over several months. In comparison to ELISA values, the absolute values obtained by mass spectrometry often yielded lower results for both targeted peptides.

Conclusions

In this study, a semi-automated workflow was employed and tested with 8 patients and corresponding replicates (n = 3–4). We demonstrated the robust implementation of calibration curves for the absolute quantification of infliximab in patient samples, with coefficients of variation ranging from 0.5 to 9%. Taken together, we have developed a platform enabling the rapid (2 days of sample preparation and 30 min of measurement time per sample) and robust quantification of Infliximab antibody concentration in patients. The use of mass spectrometry also facilitates the straightforward expansion of the method to include additional antibody peptides.
Searching for homozygous haplotype deficiency in Manech Tête Rousse dairy sheep revealed a nonsense variant in the MMUT gene affecting newborn lamb viability
Authors: Ben Braiek Maxime , Moreno-Romieux Carole , André Céline , Astruc Jean-Michel , Bardou Philippe , Bordes Arnaud , Debat Frédéric , Fidelle Francis , Granado-Tajada Itsasne , Hozé Chris , Plisson-Petit Florence , Rivemale François , Sarry Julien , Tadi Némuel , Woloszyn Florent , Fabre Stéphane
Published: February 2024

Background

Recessive deleterious variants are known to segregate in livestock populations, as in humans, and some may be lethal in the homozygous state.

Results

We used phased 50 k single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotypes and pedigree data to scan the genome of 6845 Manech Tête Rousse dairy sheep to search for deficiency in homozygous haplotypes (DHH). Five Manech Tête Rousse deficient homozygous haplotypes (MTRDHH1 to 5) were identified, with a homozygous deficiency ranging from 84 to 100%. These haplotypes are located on Ovis aries chromosome (OAR)1 (MTRDHH2 and 3), OAR10 (MTRDHH4), OAR13 (MTRDHH5), and OAR20 (MTRDHH1), and have carrier frequencies ranging from 7.8 to 16.6%. When comparing at-risk matings between DHH carriers to safe matings between non-carriers, two DHH (MTRDHH1 and 2) were linked with decreased insemination success and/or increased stillbirth incidence. We investigated the MTRDHH1 haplotype, which substantially increased stillbirth rate, and identified a single nucleotide variant (SNV) inducing a premature stop codon (p.Gln409*) in the methylmalonyl-CoA mutase (MMUT) gene by using a whole-genome sequencing approach. We generated homozygous lambs for the MMUT mutation by at-risk mating between heterozygous carriers, and most of them died within the first 24 h after birth without any obvious clinical symptoms. Reverse transcriptase-qPCR and western blotting on post-mortem liver and kidney biological samples showed a decreased expression of MMUT mRNA in the liver and absence of a full-length MMUT protein in the mutant homozygous lambs.

Conclusions

We identified five homozygous deficient haplotypes that are likely to harbor five independent deleterious recessive variants in sheep. One of these was detected in the MMUT gene, which is associated with lamb lethality in the homozygous state. A specific management of these haplotypes/variants in the MTR dairy sheep selection program would help enhance the overall fertility and lamb survival.
Balancing risks and rewards of alternate strategies in the seaward extent, duration and timing of fjord use in contemporary anadromy of brown trout (Salmo trutta)
Authors: Hawley K. L. , Urke H. A. , Kristensen T. , Haugen T. O.
Published: February 2024

Background

Anadromy comprises a successful life-cycle adaptation for salmonids, with marine migration providing improved feeding opportunities and thus improved growth. These rewards are balanced against costs from increased energy expenditure and mortality risk. Anthropogenic-induced environmental changes that reduce benefits and/or increase costs of migration e.g., aquaculture and hydropower, may therefore result in adaptations disfavouring anadromy. We tagged brown trout (Salmo trutta) smolts (N = 175) and veteran migrants (N = 342), from five adjacent riverine populations located in Sognefjorden, the longest Norwegian fjord-system supporting anadromous brown trout populations (209 km). Over four years, 138 acoustic telemetry receivers were deployed to track migrations of tagged individuals from freshwater and throughout Sognefjorden. Detected movements were used to fit migration models and multi-state mark-recapture models of survival and movement for each life-stage. Seaward migration distance was modelled to examine the fitness consequences from alternate migration strategies, with these models used to simulate the extent of fjord-use by individuals and accompanying growth, fecundity and survival consequences. We compared these findings with mark-recapture data collected prior to aquaculture and hydropower development.

Results

The telemetry data revealed that the outermost-fjord region was utilised by all populations albeit by few individuals. However, historical recaptures were located at a greater distance from the river mouth (87.7 ± 70.3 km), when compared to maximum migration distances of present-day counterparts (58.6 ± 54.9 km). River of origin influenced observed migratory behaviour and differential survival was estimated for each population and life-stage. The simulations based on telemetry-data models revealed a 30% and 23% difference in survival among populations for smolts and veteran migrants, respectively. At the individual-level, a long-distance migration strategy was rewarded with enhanced fecundity. However, the main contribution to population-level fecundity was overwhelmingly derived from middle-distance migrants, due to higher mortality rates and limited numbers of long-distant migrants.

Conclusions

We conclude that present-day anadromy is precarious, but potential risk varies considerably between life-stages and populations, even within a single fjord system. Our findings suggest that selection for extended migration is under pressure, we therefore stress the importance of monitoring and management actions to secure genetic variation pertinent to preserve fitness gains of anadromy.
Detecting the effects of opencast mining on ecosystem services value in arid and semi-arid areas based on time-series remote sensing images and Google Earth Engine (GEE)
Authors: Wu Qinyu , Yang Liya , Mi Jiaxin
Published: February 2024

Ecosystem Services Value (ESV) are the various beneficial functions and products that natural ecosystems provide to humans, and are important indicators for evaluating ecosystem conditions and human well-being. Opencast mining is one of the human activities that severely damage the surface environment, but its long-term impact on ecosystem services lacks systematic assessment. This study takes the Ordos opencast mining area as an example, and calculates the value of ESV from 1990 to 2020 based on the Google Earth Engine platform. Mann-Kendall Tau-b with Sen’s Method (Sen + mk test) and Joinpoint regression model were used to analyzes its spatiotemporal variation characteristics. Further revealed the impacts of opencast mining on ESV as well as the trend of ESV changes. The results show that: (1) The dynamic ESV levels in the study area fluctuated considerably from 1990 to 2020 with an overall decreasing trend of 89.45%. (2) Among nine types ecosystem services, most of them were significantly different (p < 0.001) between mining areas and control areas, with biodiversity protection (BP), climate regulation (CR), gas regulation (GR), soil formation and retention (SFR), water supply (WS) and waste treatment (WT) showed a significant decrease between 1990 and 2020. (3) In the past 30 years, the ESV of the study area showed an overall improvement trend, where the improved area accounted for 48.45% of the total area of the study area. However, the degraded area also accounted for 21.28, and 17.19% of the area belonged to severe degradation. With 67% of the significantly degraded areas distributed within mining concessions. (4) The trend of ESV changes in the mining impact areas and the control area showed significant differences. The ESV of the control area increased continuously, with an average annual percentage change (AAPC) of 0.7(95%CI:0.50 ~ 0.9, P < 0.001) from 1990 to 2020; while the ESV of the mining impact areas first stabilized and then decreased significantly, with an AAPC of − 0.2(95%CI:− 0.3 ~ − 0.1,P < 0.001) from 1990 to 2020. This study provides scientific support for formulating ecosystem management, restoration plans, and payment for ecosystem service policies, which is conducive to achieving regional sustainable development and improving human well-being.
Risk factors of multidrug-resistant organisms neonatal sepsis in Surabaya tertiary referral hospital: a single-center study
Authors: Miranda Stefani , Harahap Aminuddin , Husada Dominicus , Faramarisa Fara Nayo
Published: February 2024

Background

Bacterial organisms causing neonatal sepsis have developed increased resistance to commonly used antibiotics. Antimicrobial resistance is a major global health problem. The spread of Multidrug-Resistant Organisms (MDROs) is associated with higher morbidity and mortality rates. This study aimed to determine the risk factors for developing MDRO neonatal sepsis in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), dr. Ramelan Navy Central Hospital, in 2020–2022.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed on 113 eligible neonates. Patients whose blood cultures were positive for bacterial growth and diagnosed with sepsis were selected as the study sample. Univariate and multivariate analysis with multiple logistic regression were performed to find the associated risk factors for developing multidrug-resistant organism neonatal sepsis. Ap-value of < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Multidrug-resistant organisms were the predominant aetiology of neonatal sepsis (91/113, 80.5%). The significant risk factors for developing MDRO neonatal sepsis were lower birth weight (OR: 1.607, 95% CI: 1.003 − 2.576,p-value: 0.049), history of premature rupture of the membrane (ProM) ≥ 18 (OR: 3.333, 95% CI: 2.047 − 5.428,p-value < 0.001), meconium-stained amniotic fluid (OR: 2.37, 95% CI: 1.512 − 3.717,p-value < 0.001), longer hospital stays (OR: 5.067, 95% CI: 2.912 − 8.815,p-value < 0.001), lower Apgar scores (OR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.442 − 3.512,p-value < 0.001), and the use of respiratory support devices, such as invasive ventilation (OR: 2.687, 95% CI: 1.514 − 4.771,p-value < 0.001), and non-invasive ventilation (OR: 2, 95% CI: 1.097 − 3.645,p-value: 0.024).

Conclusions

Our study determined various risk factors for multidrug-resistance organism neonatal sepsis and underscored the need to improve infection control practices to reduce the existing burden of drug-resistant sepsis. Low-birth-weight, a maternal history of premature rupture of the membrane lasting more than 18 hours, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, longer hospital stays, a low Apgar score, and the use of ventilators were the risk factors for developing drug-resistant neonatal sepsis.
Prevalence of computer vision syndrome during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: León-Figueroa Darwin A. , Barboza Joshuan J. , Siddiq Abdelmonem , Sah Ranjit , Valladares-Garrido Mario J. , Adhikari Suraj , Aguirre-Milachay Edwin , Sah Sanjit , Rodriguez-Morales Alfonso J.
Published: February 2024

Background

Computer vision syndrome has become a significant public health problem, especially in developing countries. Therefore, this study aims to identify the prevalence of computer vision syndrome during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature was conducted using the databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase up to February 22, 2023, using the search terms "Computer Vision Syndrome" and "COVID-19". Three authors independently performed study selection, quality assessment, and data extraction, and the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument was used to evaluate study quality. Heterogeneity was assessed using the statistical test I2, and the R version 4.2.3 program was used for statistical analysis.

Results

A total of 192 studies were retrieved, of which 18 were included in the final meta-analysis. The total sample included 10,337 participants from 12 countries. The combined prevalence of computer vision syndrome was 74% (95% CI: 66, 81). Subgroup analysis based on country revealed a higher prevalence of computer vision syndrome in Pakistan (99%, 95% CI: 97, 100) and a lower prevalence in Turkey (48%, 95% CI: 44, 52). In addition, subgroup analysis based on study subjects showed a prevalence of 82% (95% CI: 74, 89) for computer vision syndrome in non-students and 70% (95% CI: 60, 80) among students.

Conclusion

According to the study, 74% of the participants experienced computer vision syndrome during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given this finding, it is essential to implement preventive and therapeutic measures to reduce the risk of developing computer vision syndrome and improve the quality of life of those affected.

Trial registration

The protocol for this systematic review and meta-analysis was registered in the international registry of systematic reviews, the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), with registration number CRD42022345965.