bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of pediatric liver transplantation for progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis
Authors: Vasudevan Anu K. , Shanmugam Naresh , Rammohan Ashwin , Valamparampil Joseph J. , Rinaldhy Kshetra , Menon Jagadeesh , Thambithurai Ravikumar , Namasivayam Saravanapandian , Kaliamoorthy Ilankumaran , Rela Mohamed 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundProgressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) is a heterogenous group of inherited hepatocellular disorders and the clinical aspects, role of liver transplantation (LT), and its outcomes remain largely unelucidated. We present our data of LT for each type of PFIC and compare their early, and long‐term outcomes, highlighting their individual differences and management strategies.MethodsProspectively collected data over a decade (2011–2022) of children with PFIC who underwent LT was analyzed. The groups (PFIC 1–4) were compared with regard to early and long‐term outcomes including attainment of catch‐up growth.ResultsOf 60 children with PFIC who underwent LT, 13, 11, 31 & 5 were of PFIC 1, 2, 3 & 4, respectively. There were no significant differences in gender, PELD scores, BMI, type of grafts, cold and warm ischemia times, intraoperative blood loss, and morbidity among the groups. Post‐LT chronic diarrhea was observed in 6 (46.1%) children with PFIC‐I, and of them, 3 (23%) developed graft steatohepatitis. Three of these children underwent total internal biliary diversion (TIBD) and on 1‐year follow‐up, their graft steatosis resolved and they attained catch‐up growth. Catch‐up growth was significantly poorer in the PFIC1 group (44.4% vs. 88%, 90%, 100% p < .001). Overall 1‐ and 5‐year patient survival of the four PFIC groups (1–4) were 69.2%, 81.8%, 96.8%, 100% & 69.2%, 81.8%, 96.8%, 100%, respectively.ConclusionOurs is the largest to‐date series of LT for PFIC illustrating their short‐ and long‐term outcomes. While the results for the whole cohort were excellent, those after LT for PFIC1 was relatively poorer as reflected by catch‐up growth, graft steatosis, and post‐LT diarrhea, which can be optimized by the addition of TIBD during LT.
The labour market and poverty impacts of COVID‐19 in South Africa
Authors: Bassier Ihsaan , Budlender Joshua , Zizzamia Rocco , Jain Ronak 
Published: September 2023

AbstractWe estimate COVID‐19‐related employment and poverty impacts in South Africa. We observe a 40% decline in active employment between February and April 2020, half of which was composed of job terminations rather than furloughs. Initially, vulnerable groups were disproportionately affected by the labour market shock. Exploiting the dataset's panel dimension and comparing lockdown incomes of job losers to reweighted job retainers, we estimate that approximately 15%–35% of job losers fell into poverty in April. We find evidence of a limited recovery in the labour market and a decrease in poverty by June, in part attributable to expanded emergency social assistance.
Effect of dental hygienists’ self‐efficacy on intention to provide dental care to autistic individuals
Authors: Hesse Lindsey G. , Smilyanski Irina , Boyd Linda D. , Vineyard Jared 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAimsThe study aimed to investigate the influence of dental hygiene providers' self‐efficacy and the factors affecting self‐efficacy on their intent to provide care for autistic individuals.Methods and ResultsA cross‐sectional survey was conducted using a nonprobability sample of dental hygienists (n = 1075), yielding a completion rate of 70.6%. The survey included validated measures to assess participants' demographics, autism training and experience, autism knowledge, self‐efficacy, environmental factors, and intention to treat the autistic population. Participants’ self‐efficacy scores (r = 0.416; p < .001) and support from dental offices (r = [0.174; 0.465]; p < .001) had the greatest influence on intent. Clinicians who had more experience treating (r = 0.280; p = .005) and received more hours of training/education on treating autistic patients (r = 0.344; p < .001) showed a stronger inclination to provide care to this population. Notably, autism knowledge had a weaker impact on intent when compared to self‐efficacy and training/education.ConclusionAutism‐focused education and training have a positive effect on provider self‐efficacy when caring for autistic individuals. Increased emphasis on such interventions is necessary at all levels of dental hygiene education. The findings from this study can help overcome barriers to preventive dental care for the autistic community.
Relational nonhuman personhood
Authors: Delon Nicolas 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis article defends a relational account of personhood. I argue that the structure of personhood consists of dyadic relations between persons who can wrong or be wronged by one another, even if some of them lack moral competence. I draw on recent work on directed duties to outline the structure of moral communities of persons. The upshot is that we can construct an inclusive theory of personhood that can accommodate nonhuman persons based on shared community membership. I argue that, once we unpack the internal relation between directed duties, moral status, and flourishing, relations can ground personhood and include nonhuman animals.
Dermoscopic and reflectance confocal microscopic features of children scabies
Authors: Guan Zhiwei , Bi Tiantian , Li Qinfeng 
Published: September 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo summarize the image features of dermatoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) in children with scabies, and to explore the clinical significance in the diagnosis of children scabies.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 102 children scabies diagnosed clinically in the dermatology outpatient department of Tianjin Children's Hospital from April 2018 to June 2022. All children were examined by dermatoscopy and RCM, and images were collected.Results102 patients, 92 patients (90.2%) showed characteristic dermoscopic manifestations: white tunnels and small brown or dark brown triangular structures at their ends. 91 patients (89.2%) showed characteristic reflectance confocal microscopic manifestations: tunnels, scabies mites, feces, and eggs in the epidermal layer. All patients showed different degrees of non‐specific manifestations of dermoscopy and RCM.ConclusionChildren scabies have typical dermatoscopic and reflectance confocal microscopic characteristics, and dermatoscopy and RCM are effective non‐invasive diagnostic methods with high clinical application value in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of children scabies.
Evaluation of a rail logistics transmission system for the transportation of blood components within a medical centre
Authors: Chen Shaoheng , Zang Yan , Wang Lili , Zheng Jun , Deng Huimin , Li Meiting , Li Yaohua , Qian Baohua , Lu Yuanshan 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesRail logistics transmission systems (RLTSs) are commonly used for the transportation of blood samples, pathological specimens and other medical materials in many hospitals, as they are rapid, secure, cost‐effective and intelligent. However, few studies have evaluated blood component transportation from blood banks to the patient care areas of hospitals using RLTS. In this study, we evaluate the RLTS used for the transportation of blood components within a medical centre.Materials and MethodsThe dispatch of blood components, including packed red blood cells (pRBCs), fresh frozen plasma (FFP), cryoprecipitate and platelet units, from a blood bank to critical care areas or general wards was done using RLTS. Parameters such as the delivery time, temperature, physical integrity and blood component quality were evaluated via analytical testing using specimens obtained before and after transportation by RLTS.ResultsThe turnaround time and temperature of all tested blood units via RLTS transportation were able to meet the clinical demands of blood component delivery (median time: 323 s [118–668 s]; temperature variation: 4.5–8.9°C for pRBCs and FFP and 21.5–23.5°C for cryoprecipitate and platelet units). Furthermore, parameters of pRBC quality, including the haemolysis index and potassium and lactate dehydrogenase levels in plasma, were not significantly different before and after transportation through RLTS. Similarly, RLTS transportation affected neither the basic coagulation test results in FFP and cryoprecipitate specimens nor platelet aggregation and activation markers in apheresis platelet specimens.ConclusionHospital‐wide delivery of blood components via RLTS seems to be safe, reliable and cost‐effective and does not have any negative impact on blood quality. Therefore, the establishment of standard criteria, protocols and guidelines based on further studies is needed.
Near braces and p$p$‐deformed braided groups
Authors: Doikou Anastasia , Rybołowicz Bernard 
Published: September 2023

AbstractMotivated by recent findings on the derivation of parametric noninvolutive solutions of the Yang–Baxter equation, we reconstruct the underlying algebraic structures, called near braces. Using the notion of the near braces we produce new multi‐parametric, nondegenerate, noninvolutive solutions of the set‐theoretic Yang–Baxter equation. These solutions are generalizations of the known ones coming from braces and skew braces. Bijective maps associated to the inverse solutions are also constructed. Furthermore, we introduce the generalized notion of ‐deformed braided groups and ‐braidings and we show that every ‐braiding is a solution of the braid equation. We also show that certain multi‐parametric maps within the near braces provide special cases of ‐braidings.
Flexure Hinge Design and Optimization for Compact Anthropomorphic Grippers Made via Metal Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Tschiersky Martin , de Jong Jan J. , Brouwer Dannis M. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Flexure-based grippers offer an attractive alternative to conventional grippers used in robotics and automation. However, most existing designs appear to suffer from insufficient range of motion, loadability, and support stiffness. This article presents an approach to obtain well-performing flexure hinges for compact anthropomorphic grippers made via metal additive manufacturing. We propose a flexure hinge architecture that achieves a high range of motion despite the challenging combination of a small design space, high Young’s modulus, and limited minimum feature size. Furthermore, we present an optimization procedure to generate suitable tendon-driven designs with high loadability. Using this framework, a flexure hinge with an outer diameter of 21.5 mm and range of motion of ±30 deg is synthesized. For the range of 0–30 deg, simulations show a lateral loadability of 52.5–18.6 N and lateral support stiffness of 12,309–11,130 N/m, determined at a gripper interface located 41.2 mm from the hinge pivot axis. Experiments confirm a loadability of at least 15.4 N and determined a stiffness of 8982 to 9727 N/m for same conditions. The results show that the flexure hinge architecture has large potential for a wide range of applications, while in combination with the optimization procedure, superior designs for tendon-driven grippers can be obtained.
Data-Based Shape Self-Sensing of a Cable-Driven Notched Continuum Mechanism Using Multidimensional Intrinsic Force Information for Surgical Robot
Authors: Wang Zhengyu , Wei Xun , Yu Xiang , Jia Zirui , Qian Sen , Wang Daoming 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The accurate shape-sensing capability of the continuum mechanism is fundamental to improve and guarantee the motion control accuracy and safety of continuum surgical robots. This paper presents a data-based shape self-sensing method for a cable-driven notched continuum mechanism using its multidimensional intrinsic force information, which mainly includes the multidimensional forces/torques and driving cable tensions. The nonlinear hysteresis compensation and the shape estimation of the notched continuum mechanism play significant roles in its motion control. Calibration compensation of the notched continuum mechanism is performed based on kinematic modeling to improve the accuracy of its preliminary motion control. The hysteresis characteristics of the continuum mechanism are analyzed, modeled, and compensated through considering the abundant dynamic motion experiments, such that a feedforward hysteresis compensation controller is designed to improve the tracking control performance of the continuum mechanism. Based on the kinematic calibration and hysteresis compensation, combined with the motor displacement, driving cable tensions, and six-dimensional forces/torques information of the continuum mechanism, a data-based shape self-sensing method based on particle swarm optimization back propagation neural network (PSO-BPNN) is proposed in this study. Experimental results show that this method can effectively estimate the loaded and unloaded shape of the notched continuum mechanism, which provides a new approach for the shape reconstruction of cable-driven notched continuum surgical robots.
Design of a Novel Flexible Spherical Hinge and Its Application in Continuum Robot
Authors: Li Guoxin , Yu Jingjun , Pan Jie , Pei Xu 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Compliant mechanisms, which can be integrally machined and without assembly, are well suited as joints for continuum robots (CRs), but how to incorporate the advantages of the compliant mechanism into the arm design is a key issue in this work. In this paper, a novel type of flexible spherical-hinged (FSH) joint composed of tetrahedron elements with a fixed virtual remote center of motion (RCM) at the bottom is proposed, and then extended to the CR and end-effector. In the arm design, the error compensation principle is used to offset the parasitic motion of the CR under external load (pressure and torque) and improve the bending and torsional isotropy of the arm through different series combinations, and then the stiffness model of the FSH joint and the statics model of the CR are developed using the 3D chain pseudo-rigid body model (3D-CPRBM) and tested. The results show that the 3D-CPRBM can effectively predict the deformation of the FSH joint and the CR. Moreover, the maximum standard deviation of the bending angle of the FSH joint in each direction is only 0.26 deg, the repeatable positioning accuracy of the CR can reach 0.5 deg, and the end-effector has good gripping ability and self-adaptive capability.
Exploiting a rodent cell block for intrinsic resistance to HIV-1 gene expression in human T cells
Authors: Behrens Ryan T. , Rajashekar Jyothi Krishnaswamy , Bruce James W. , Evans Edward L. , Hansen Amelia M. , Salazar-Quiroz Natalia , Simons Lacy M. , Ahlquist Paul , Hultquist Judd F. , Kumar Priti , Sherer Nathan M. 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

HIV-1 virion production is inefficient in cells derived from mice and other rodents reflecting cell-intrinsic defects to interactions between the HIV-1 auxiliary proteins Tat and Rev and host dependency factors CCNT1 (Cyclin T1) and XPO1 (exportin-1, also known as CRM1), respectively. In human cells, Tat binds CCNT1 to enhance viral RNA transcription and Rev recruits XPO1 to mediate the nuclear export of intron-containing viral RNA. In mouse cells, Tat’s interactions with CCNT1 are inefficient, mapped to a single species-specific residue Y261 instead of C261 in humans. Rev interacts poorly with murine XPO1, mapped to a trio of amino acids T411/V412/S414 instead of P411/M412/F414 in humans. To determine if these discrete species-specific regions of otherwise conserved housekeeping proteins represent viable targets for inhibiting HIV-1 replication in humans, herein, we employed CRISPR/Cas9 to recode the relevant regions of CCNT1 and XPO1 in human CD4+ T cells. While efforts to modify XPO1 were inconclusive, we generated isogenic CCNT1.C261Y cell lines exhibiting remarkable resistance to HIV-1 Tat, exhibiting near total inactivation of viral gene expression for all X4- and R5-tropic HIV-1 strains tested, as well as the more distantly related primate lentiviruses HIV-2 and SIV
agm
. Induction of viral reactivation using latency reversal agents (LRAs) was also restricted in CCNT1.C261Y cells. These studies validate a minor and naturally occurring, species-specific difference in a conserved human host factor as a compelling potential target for achieving broad-acting cell-intrinsic resistance to HIV’s post-integration phases.

Importance

Unlike humans, mice are unable to support HIV-1 infection. This is due, in part, to a constellation of defined minor, species-specific differences in conserved host proteins needed for viral gene expression. Here, we used precision CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to engineer a “mousified” version of one such host protein, cyclin T1 (CCNT1), in human T cells. CCNT1 is essential for efficient HIV-1 transcription, making it an intriguing target for gene-based inactivation of virus replication. We show that isogenic cell lines engineered to encode CCNT1 bearing a single mouse-informed amino acid change (tyrosine in place of cysteine at position 261) exhibit potent, durable, and broad-spectrum resistance to HIV-1 and other pathogenic lentiviruses, and with no discernible impact on host cell biology. These results provide proof of concept for targeting
CCNT1
in the context of one or more functional HIV-1 cure strategies.
Bagasse dust exposure and chronic respiratory symptoms among workers in the Metehara and Wonji sugar factories in Ethiopia: a longitudinal study design
Authors: Debela Mitiku , Kebeta Negussie Deyessa , Begosaw Achenef Motbainor , Okello Gabriel , Azage Muluken 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundEthiopia’s sugar factories are growing by creating job opportunities for thousands of workers with varying educational, professional and socioeconomic backgrounds. These sugar factories are a source of several hazards that severely harm the workers’ health. In this context, there is inconclusive evidence on the level of bagasse dust exposure and chronic respiratory health symptoms. This study aimed to assess the degree of bagasse dust exposure and chronic respiratory health symptoms.MethodsIn this longitudinal study, five workstations were selected for dust sampling. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select 1043 participants. We measured the dust intensity using a calibrated handheld real-time dust monitor once a month for 5 months, totalling 50 dust samples. Chronic respiratory symptoms were assessed using the American Thoracic Society’s respiratory symptoms questionnaire.ResultsA 1 hour time-weighted average of bagasse dust intensity in the boiler, power turbine and evaporation plant was 8.93 mg/m3, 8.88 mg/m3and 8.68 mg/m3, respectively. This corresponded to an exposure level to bagasse dust of 85.52% (95% CI 83.2% to 87.6%). The level of chronic respiratory health symptoms was 60.6% (95% CI 59.2% to 61.9%). The most common respiratory symptoms were wheezing (96.8%), coughing (89.7%) and breathlessness (80.9%). The identified risk factors were lack of dust control technology (β= 0.64, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.75), not practising wet spray (β = 0.27, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.41) and not wearing proper respiratory protection devices (β = 0.12, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.56).ConclusionsBagasse dust exposure and respiratory health abnormalities were worrying concerns. The absence of dust control technologies and no practice of wet spraying elevated the level of exposure. Not wearing proper respiratory protection gear increased the odds of having respiratory abnormalities. Hence, the use of mechanical solutions to stop dust emissions at their sources and the wearing of proper respiratory protection gear are highly advised.
Synergic prognostic value of 3D CT scan subcutaneous fat and muscle masses for immunotherapy-treated cancer
Authors: Decazes Pierre , Ammari Samy , Belkouchi Younes , Mottay Léo , Lawrance Littisha , de Prévia Antoine , Talbot Hugues , Farhane Siham , Cournède Paul-Henry , Marabelle Aurelien , Guisier Florian , Planchard David , Ibrahim Tony , Robert Caroline , Barlesi Fabrice , Vera Pierre , Lassau Nathalie 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundOur aim was to explore the prognostic value of anthropometric parameters in a large population of patients treated with immunotherapy.MethodsWe retrospectively included 623 patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (n=318) or melanoma (n=305) treated by an immune-checkpoint-inhibitor having a pretreatment (thorax-)abdomen-pelvis CT scan. An external validation cohort of 55 patients with NSCLC was used. Anthropometric parameters were measured three-dimensionally (3D) by a deep learning software (Anthropometer3DNet) allowing an automatic multislice measurement of lean body mass, fat body mass (FBM), muscle body mass (MBM), visceral fat mass (VFM) and sub-cutaneous fat mass (SFM). Body mass index (BMI) and weight loss (WL) were also retrieved. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed and overall survival was calculated using Kaplan-Meier (KM) curve and Cox regression analysis.ResultsIn the overall cohort, 1-year mortality rate was 0.496 (95% CI: 0.457 to 0.537) for 309 events and 5-year mortality rate was 0.196 (95% CI: 0.165 to 0.233) for 477 events. In the univariate Kaplan-Meier analysis, prognosis was worse (p<0.001) for patients with low SFM (<3.95 kg/m2), low FBM (<3.26 kg/m2), low VFM (<0.91 kg/m2), low MBM (<5.85 kg/m2) and low BMI (<24.97 kg/m2). The same parameters were significant in the Cox univariate analysis (p<0.001) and, in the multivariate stepwise Cox analysis, the significant parameters were MBM (p<0.0001), SFM (0.013) and WL (0.0003). In subanalyses according to the type of cancer, all body composition parameters were statistically significant for NSCLC in ROC, KM and Cox univariate analysis while, for melanoma, none of them, except MBM, was statistically significant. In multivariate Cox analysis, the significant parameters for NSCLC were MBM (HR=0.81, p=0.0002), SFM (HR=0.94, p=0.02) and WL (HR=1.06, p=0.004). For NSCLC, a KM analysis combining SFM and MBM was able to separate the population in three categories with the worse prognostic for the patients with both low SFM (<5.22 kg/m2) and MBM (<6.86 kg/m2) (p<0001). On the external validation cohort, combination of low SFM and low MBM was pejorative with 63% of mortality at 1 year versus 25% (p=0.0029).Conclusions3D measured low SFM and MBM are significant prognosis factors of NSCLC treated by immune checkpoint inhibitors and can be combined to improve the prognostic value.