bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Triceps to teres minor motor nerve transfer to restore glenohumeral external rotation after neonatal brachial plexus injury
Authors: Soldado Francisco , Barrera‐Ochoa Sergi , Romero‐Larrauri Pablo , Nguyen Trong‐Quynh , Diaz‐Gallardo Paula , Knörr Jorge 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIntroductionAttaining active glenohumeral external rotation (aGHER), whether via primary reconstruction or spontaneous recovery, is infrequent in patients with neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPI). We evaluated the effectiveness of triceps‐to‐teres minor motor branch transfers to restore this function, both performed primarily (i.e., in conjunction with microsurgical plexus reconstruction) or secondarily (after primary surgery has failed to restore aGHER).Patients and MethodsThis was a retrospective study of 12 children with NBPI undergoing triceps‐to‐teres minor motor branch transfer via an axillary approach, six undergoing primary surgery and six secondary. The primary outcome was post‐operative restoration of aGHER in abduction. The primary‐surgery group consisted of six children of mean age 8 months (range 5–11) with partial injuries ranging from C5–C6 to C5–C8. The secondary‐surgery group included six patients with C5–C6 injuries of mean age 43 months (range 23–120), undergoing re‐operation a mean 40 months (range 18–116) after their primary surgery.ResultsNo complications occurred after surgery. At a mean follow‐up of 22 months (range 14–30), aGHER in abduction only was restored in one patient in the primary group while in the secondary group, aGHER in abduction was restored in all patients to a mean 73° (range 70–80) after a mean follow‐up of 16 months (range 6–26).ConclusionsTriceps‐to‐teres minor motor branch transfer is not indicated as primary surgery for NBPI. However, they can be effective in children in whom primary surgery has failed to restore aGHER, even if the spinal accessory nerve is unavailable for transfer to the infraspinatus motor branch.
Detection of anatomical changes using two‐dimensional x‐ray images for head and neck adaptive radiotherapy
Authors: Hirotaki Kouta , Moriya Shunsuke , Tachibana Hidenobu , Sakae Takeji 
Published: March 2022

PurposeTo develop a system for detecting anatomical changes using two‐dimensional (2D) x‐ray images.MethodsTen patients with head and neck cancer were retrospectively analyzed using 2D x‐ray and cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. The 2D x‐ray images were acquired daily, whereas the CBCT images were acquired weekly during the treatment period. The developed system imported the 2D x‐ray images obtained on the initial treatment day and on another day, and thereafter converted them into the water equivalent thickness (WET) using the conversion table. The difference between the WET images for the first and other treatment days (ΔWET) was calculated as the quantitative value for anatomical changes and visualized to recognize the anatomical change location. We compared ΔWET and the difference in the lateral neck distance (ΔLND) on the corresponding CBCT images. ΔLND was used as the ground truth for anatomical changes. ΔWET and ΔLND were measured at the first cervical vertebra (C1) and the tumor center (TC). C1 and TC were selected to observe the volume changes in the parotid gland and tumor, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated to evaluate the performance of the 2D‐WET system. The cut‐off values of WET and LND were set to 2–10 mm. Furthermore, intensity‐modulated proton therapy (IMPT) plans for six patients with rescan CT images were generated. The IMPT plans on the rescan CT images were compared to the original plans on simulation CT using the dosimetric parameters for the target and the organs at risk.ResultsThe mean differences between ΔWET and ΔLND for C1 and TC were −0.62 ± 1.66 mm and −0.93 ± 1.28 mm (mean ± 1 SD), respectively. ΔWET in the proposed system was in good agreement with ΔLND using the CBCT images. In the sensitivity and specificity results for C1 and TC with cut‐off values from 2 to 10 mm, the sensitivity was >85% for all cut‐off values, while the specificity was >90% at 5–10 mm and <90% at less than 5 mm. The average ΔWET at the time of replanning was 12.8 mm which resulted in maximum dose increase in the spinal cord D1cc by 8.4 Gy, the parotid gland D50 by 26.6 Gy, and the oral cavity D50 by 23.2 Gy.ConclusionsWe developed a new system for detecting anatomical changes using 2D x‐ray images. The developed system with ΔWET showed an agreement with ΔLND at C1 and TC with an average difference of less than 1 mm. ΔWET detected anatomical changes with high sensitivity and specificity with a cut‐off value of 5–10 mm. This system can monitor daily anatomical changes without causing high exposure to patients and requiring any inefficient work, and it can be applied to daily online adaptive proton beam therapy and triggered adaptive radiotherapy.
What is the real burden of the overactive bladder? Results from a national prevalence study
Authors: Santander Jessica , Plata Mauricio , Zuluaga Laura , Azuero Julián , Daza Fabián , Trujillo Carlos Gustavo , Caicedo Juan Ignacio , Rondón Martín 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the prevalence of overactive bladder determining patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMS) and potential risk factors.MethodsA cross‐sectional population‐based study to estimate lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) prevalence in the Colombian population was performed (COBaLT study). Overactive bladder (OAB) was assessed using 2002 International Continence Society definitions and the Report on the Terminology for Female Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. PROMS were included to evaluate participant's perceptions of health‐related quality of life (QoL). Spanish validated questionnaires were used, including the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Overactive Bladder (ICIQ‐OAB) and Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC) scale.ResultsA total of 1060 individuals were assessed. The mean age of participants was 42.2 years, and most participants were Hispanic (93.15%). The overall prevalence of OAB syndrome was 31.70%, and it was more frequently reported in women than in men (39.25% vs. 24.15%). Most participants with OAB did not perceive their symptoms as bothersome. The most bothersome symptom, associated with moderate/severe impact in QoL was urinary urgency. According to the PPBC questionnaire 75.6% of the participants reported that their bladder condition does not cause any problem, while 11.% reported moderate to severe bother. The multivariable model showed high blood pressure and anxiety were associated with OAB in men. In females, depression, obstructive sleep apnea, IBS, and pelvic organ prolapse were associated with OAB syndrome.ConclusionsUsing the symptomatic definition of OAB can overestimate the real impact and burden of the condition, and treatment should be targeted to those symptomatic patients with QoL impairment as they would benefit from further management. The questionnaires seem to overestimate the condition, since we assessed it from a PROMS perspective there is not such a marked QoL impact.
A prediction model of residual stress for belt‐grinding blade based on geometrical characteristic and progressive wear of abrasive grains
Authors: Wang Tingting , Zou Lai , Li Heng , Huang Yun 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe formation mechanism of residual stress on the machined surface of belt grinding is sophisticated, and residual stress is an important factor affecting the fatigue life of aero‐engine blades. In this study, a prediction model of residual stress in a belt grinding blade is proposed with the geometrical characteristics and progressive wear of the grains as the research topic. By extracting the morphological features of abrasive belt, the residual stress based on different geometrical characteristics of grains (pyramidal, hexahedral, spherical, and conical belts) were investigated, and the optimal grain geometry was determined to be a uniformly arranged positive quadrilateral cone. Accordingly, a grinding experiment with a pyramidal belt was conducted to obtain an experienced model of the grain wear height. A numerical simulation model of the grain wear evolution under four wear states (no abrasion, early abrasion, middle abrasion, and late abrasion) was developed. Additionally, more detailed progressive wear of the abrasive grains was also applied to grind the entire profile of the complex curved blade. The residual stress on the blade surface was mainly compressive, and the surface stress values were distributed between −385 and −117 MPa with the service life of the pyramidal abrasive belt.
Notes on Sovereignty in Vanuatu
Authors: Lindstrom Lamont 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACTThe colonial New Hebrides acquired independence and a new name, Vanuatu, in July 1980. The nascent state despite its expectations and exhortations of national sovereignty has dealt with challenges at several levels to its authority. I review a series of Vanuatu's sovereign competitors, both internal and external. These have included insurgent social movements, claimants to traditional (kastom) chiefly authority, foreign freebooters, former colonial powers France and Great Britain, and developmental aid donors with their political entanglements, including Australia and China. Understandings of sovereignty refract through local expectations of personal and communal interdependency. As such, Vanuatu's ‘fractionated’ sovereignty conforms to the current global economic and political situation.
Second cancer risk in childhood cancer survivors treated with intensity‐modulated radiation therapy: An updated analysis of more than 10 years of follow‐up
Authors: Tringale Kathryn R. , Casey Dana L. , Niyazov Gregory , Lavery Jessica A. , Moskowitz Chaya , Friedman Danielle N. , Wolden Suzanne L. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundIt is unclear how intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) impacts long‐term risk of second malignant neoplasms (SMNs) in childhood cancer patients.ProcedurePatients aged ≤21 years treated with IMRT between 1998 and 2009 and who survived ≥5 years after IMRT were included. SMN site in relation to isodose level (IDL) of IMRT was evaluated. Standardized incidence ratios (SIR) and excess absolute risks (EAR) were calculated. Cumulative incidences were estimated with death as a competing risk.ResultsThree‐hundred twenty‐five patients were included with median follow‐up of 11.2 years from IMRT (interquartile range: 9.4–14.0) among patients alive at the end of follow‐up. Two hundred (62%) patients had ≥10 years of follow‐up and 284 (87%) patients were alive at the time of analysis. Fifteen patients developed SMNs (11 solid, four hematologic). Median time from IMRT to solid SMN was 11.0 years (range: 6.8–19.2) with 10‐ and 15‐year cumulative incidences 1.8% (95% CI: 0.7–3.9) and 3.5% (95% CI: 1.4–7.5), respectively; SIR was 13.7 (95% CI: 6.9–24.6) and EAR was 2.8 per 1000 person‐years (95% CI: 1.0–4.6). Eight solid SMNs developed within the IMRT field (100% IDL [n = 5], 80% IDL [n = 1], 50% IDL [n = 1], 40% IDL [n = 1]), one within the 70%–80% IDL of a conventional field, one was out‐of‐field, and one could not be determined.ConclusionsWith median follow‐up of >10 years, many solid SMNs after IMRT in childhood cancer survivors develop in the high‐dose region. These data serve as a foundation for comparison with other modalities of radiation treatment (e.g., proton therapy).
Coagulopathy and related complications following sclerotherapy of congenital venous malformations
Authors: Swerdlin Rachel F. , Briones Michael A. , Gill Anne E. , Hawkins C. Matthew 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundCongenital venous malformations (VMs) are low‐flow vascular anomalies that can cause coagulation abnormalities. This phenomenon, referred to as localized intravascular coagulopathy (LIC), is characterized by elevated D‐dimer, hypofibrinogenemia, and/or thrombocytopenia. Increased risk for LIC includes patients with an extensive VM, multifocal VM, and Klippel–Trenaunay and CLOVES syndromes. Peri‐procedural anticoagulation has been given to prevent complications from LIC in patients undergoing surgical/interventional procedures; however, the rate of clinically relevant complications from sclerotherapy is largely unknown. The purpose of this study is to describe a single‐institution's incidence of LIC in patients with VMs and coagulopathy‐related complications following sclerotherapy.Design/methodsRetrospective chart review of patients, 0–21 years of age, with VM who underwent sclerotherapy without peri‐procedural anticoagulation and had coagulation profiles evaluated within 1 month prior to sclerotherapy. Data collected: diagnosis type (high vs. low risk for LIC), coagulation profile (including PT/PTT, D‐dimer, fibrinogen, and platelet count), sclerosant used, and post‐procedure outcomes. Coagulopathy‐related complications included clinically relevant bleeding, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE).ResultsN = 138 patients; 59.4% were female. The most common location of VM was the lower extremity (47.8%; 66/138). Of patients with high‐risk VMs (29/138 [21%]), 11/29 (37.9%) had laboratory values consistent with LIC, whereas 5% (5/109) of low‐risk VMs had LIC. In sum, 492 sclerotherapy procedures were performed with no complications of bleeding, DVT, or PE.ConclusionPatients undergoing sclerotherapy for VM with abnormal coagulation profiles may not require peri‐procedural low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). Further studies are needed to precisely define which patients would benefit from anticoagulation.
Reduction in the cerebrospinal fluid protein level after bevacizumab treatment in patients with optic pathway low‐grade gliomas
Authors: da Costa Marcos Devanir , Watanabe Rodrigo Akira , Soares Carolina Torres , Dassi Natalia , Dastoli Patricia Alessandra , Nicácio Jardel Mendonça , Cappellano Andrea Maria , Silva Nasjla Saba , Cavalheiro Sergio 
Published: March 2022

AbstractOptic pathway gliomas (OPG) can cause elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein concentrations. We report on two patients with suprasellar low‐grade gliomas and high CSF protein levels (590 and 551 mg/dl) that precluded shunt implantation. After two and three doses of bevacizumab, respectively, the levels dropped dramatically to 191 and 178 mg/dl, respectively. Bevacizumab treatment was associated with a decrease in CSF protein level, allowing successful shunt placement. Our results are consistent with the pharmacological mechanism of bevacizumab, which decreases protein leakage from blood vessels to the ventricles.
Beyond counting the correct responses: Metacognitive monitoring and score estimations in mathematics
Authors: Başokçu Tahsin Oğuz , Güzel Mehmet Akif 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis study investigated how well students differentiate their responses' accuracies (metacognitive monitoring) and estimate their test scores beyond counting—and counting on—the number of correct responses alone. Monitoring abilities of 2832 sixth‐graders (1410 male and 1422 female native in Turkish) at an 11‐item Program for International Student Assessment (PISA)‐equivalent mathematics test were measured via response‐contingent Type‐2 signal detection theory. The students also made score estimations right before and immediately after completing the test (pre‐ and posttest estimations, respectively). Although high‐scoring students underestimated and low‐scoring ones overestimated how they would perform in the test, high‐scorers were accurate in their posttest estimations unlike the low‐scoring group, where the lattaer retained their overestimation tendencies. Having better monitoring performance, the high‐scoring group could subsequently calibrate their posttest estimations. Additional assessment methods such as measuring monitoring and score estimations seem to have the potential to reveal how mathematics students behave before, during, and after responding.
Measuring discomfort—An objective method for quantifying peak pressure discomfort and improved fit in adults with transtibial amputation
Authors: Binedell Trevor , Ghazali Mohd Fazli Bin , Wong Clara , Subburaj Karupppasamy , Blessing Lucienne 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundProsthetic socket coupling with the residual limb should be comfortable without causing skin breakdown or excessive pressure. However, users report socket discomfort, and there is a scarcity of objective measurements available to assess this feeling of discomfort. Quantifying the specific pressure may enable clinicians and users to determine and improve comfort levels objectively.Objectives(1) To evaluate if a peak pressure reduction assists in resolving wounds, redness, and pain inside prosthetic sockets in people with transtibial amputation. (2) To determine if peak pressures measured inside the prosthetic socket due to external forces could be used to quantify the level of improvement in socket discomfort.DesignIn this cohort study, we used a pressure sensor to quantify and facilitate adjustments to the prosthetic socket, correlating this information to the userʼs socket comfort.SettingOutpatient clinic in a tertiary hospital in Singapore.ParticipantsPeople (N = 16) with unilateral transtibial lower limb amputation using a prosthesis.InterventionsNA.Main Outcome MeasuresPeak pressure and socket comfort score (SCS).ResultsThe peak pressure value showed a statistically significant reduction across all participants following adjustments at a 50% delta change in pressure (p = .001). This was achieved with a mean number of 2.6 ± 1.4 adjustments per participant. Following the adjustments, the paired t‐test results showed a mean increase between the first SCS and final SCS was 2.6 (p = .001).ConclusionThe wound, redness, and pain resolved in 15 of 16 participants regardless of diabetic status following socket adjustments. Although the peak pressures values did not correlate to the SCS score, the reduction in peak pressure saw significant improvement to the SCS. The use of a portable sensor is a fast and efficient means to quantify adjustments inside the prosthetic socket and could potentially be considered as part of future care delivery.
Botanical boom: A new opportunity to promote the public appreciation of botany
Authors: Burke Rory , Sherwood Orla L. , Clune Stephanie , Carroll Rebecca , McCabe Paul F. , Kane Adam , Kacprzyk Joanna 
Published: March 2022

Societal Impact StatementPlants are indispensable to life on Earth. Securing our future requires protecting plant biodiversity and the development of climate‐resilient crops. Activities fostering public appreciation of plant science, and promoting plant‐related professions, are therefore critical. These efforts can be hindered by plant awareness disparity, manifesting as difficulty in recognizing the presence and importance of plants. However, interest in plants as a hobby and as lifestyle elements has rapidly increased in younger demographics over the last decade. We suggest these topics should be exploited urgently by researchers and educators to increase further the reach of science communication, thereby enhancing societal awareness of botany and stimulating interest in plant‐related degrees and career pathways.SummaryPlants are the basis of life on Earth as we know it and the study of plants is essential to protect our future. Yet botany and plant science are in crisis and suffer a low uptake at the level of undergraduate degrees. Increasing science communication about exciting advances in our knowledge of plants and their importance to society may be a strategy to counteract this. Here, we comment on the recent trends in the public perception of plants and explore them using infoveillance tools. Our observations highlight that paradoxically over the last decade public interest in plant‐related topics has increased considerably, with the advent of a new type of social media influencer—‘plantfluencers’. Additionally, recent studies demonstrate that the COVID‐19 pandemic has boosted awareness of the therapeutic value of interacting with plants and their positive effect on human well‐being. We suggest that this offers a window of opportunity to develop an appreciation of plant science among the wider public, who are reconnecting with plants in new ways. Plant‐focused communities and online groups on social media platforms can facilitate engagement with new audiences. In particular, trends relating to houseplants, plant‐based diets and the benefits of interacting with plants on mental health and well‐being together provide an attractive springboard for science outreach and botany‐focused conversations. Here, we discuss these trends and make recommendations for researchers and educators.
Curcumin regulates the homeostasis of Th17/Treg and improves the composition of gut microbiota in type 2 diabetic mice with colitis
Authors: Xiao Qiu‐Ping , Zhong You‐Bao , Kang Zeng‐Ping , Huang Jia‐Qi , Fang Wei‐Yan , Wei Si‐Yi , Long Jian , Li Shan‐Shan , Zhao Hai‐Mei , Liu Duan‐Yong 
Published: March 2022

AbstractDiabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common complications in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Curcumin has a wide range of bioactive and pharmacological properties and is commonly used as an adjunct to the treatment of UC and DM. However, the role of curcumin in UC complicated by DM has not been elucidated. Therefore, this study was conducted to construct a model of UC complicating diabetes by inducing UC in DB mice (spontaneously diabetic) with dextran sodium sulfate. In this study, curcumin (100 mg/kg/day) significantly improved the symptoms of diabetes complicated by UC, with a lower insulin level, heavier weight, longer and lighter colons, fewer mucosal ulcers and less inflammatory cell infiltration. Moreover, compared to untreated DB mice with colitis, curcumin‐treated mice showed weaker Th17 responses and stronger Treg responses. In addition, curcumin regulated the diversity and relative abundance of intestinal microbiota in mice with UC complicated by DM at the phylum, class, order, family and genus levels. Collectively, curcumin effectively alleviated colitis in mice with type 2 diabetes mellitus by restoring the homeostasis of Th17/Treg and improving the composition of the intestinal microbiota
Semi‐Markov reliability model of manufacturing systems considering machine degradation, human errors, and their mutual facilitation effects
Authors: Che Haiyang , Zeng Shengkui , Guo Jianbin 
Published: March 2022

AbstractReliability plays a significant role in the overall performance of manufacturing systems, and accurate reliability assessments can guarantee their functionalities and efficiencies. This paper develops a reliability model of a manufacturing system considering machine degradation, human errors, and their mutual facilitation effects (MFE): machine degradation may increase fatigue rate and weaken learning process, thereby facilitating the occurrence of human errors, while human errors may, in turn, facilitate the machine degradation process. Although MFE may reduce system reliability, current reliability models ignore this effect. In this paper, to describe the MFE, a stochastic human error model under the effects of learning–forgetting and fatigue–recovery is proposed, where the human error rate depends on the current machine degradation state; next, based on their facilitation effects on machine degradation, human errors are divided into safety, damage, and fatal zones; finally, we incorporate the zoned human error model into the machine degradation model and develop a Semi‐Markov reliability model. A Monte Carlo method is implemented to calculate system reliability. The turret of a lathe operated by a worker is utilized to illustrate the effectiveness of the reliability model.