bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CCL21 and IP10 as serum biomarkers for pulmonary involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Osman Haidy M , Omar Gihan M , Elameen Nadia F , Abdel-Nasser Ahmed M 
Published: April 2022

Background Although the significance of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the pathogenesis of SLE is well established, the findings showed diversity and implied that combining different biomarkers could be useful in monitoring disease activity or organ involvement. Despite the potentially high prevalence of lung involvement in SLE, only a few studies have investigated for lung biomarkers. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the value of Chemokine Ligand 21 (CCL 21) and Interferon gamma–induced protein 10 (IP10) as serum biomarkers for pulmonary involvement in SLE and their correlation with disease activity, organ involvement, pulmonary function tests (PFTs), and chest CT findings. Materials and methods Sixty SLE patients and 30 age- and sex-matched controls were enrolled into this study. All patients underwent serological tests, PFTs, and chest CT examination. The serum levels of CCL21 and IP10 were analyzed, and their correlations with PFTs and CT were explored. Results SLE patients with pulmonary involvement had higher serum CCL21 and IP10 levels compared to those without pulmonary involvement which in turn had higher levels than the controls. There were strong negative correlations between CCL21 and IP10 and FEV1, FVC, and DLCO. There were also strong correlations between both biomarkers and HRCT and pulmonary damage, but no correlation with other disease manifestations. Serum level of 2095 pg/mL for CCL21 and 7185 pg/mL for IP10 could detect pulmonary involvement in SLE with a sensitivity of 83.7% and a specificity of 94.1%. Both biomarkers performed equally well in detecting SLE pulmonary involvement with a strong agreement between them (κ = 0.86, p < .001), but CCL21 was better correlated with PFT abnormalities. Conclusion Both CCL21 and IP10 are serum biomarkers to detect pulmonary involvement in SLE with high sensitivity and specificity. CCL21 correlates better with PFT abnormalities.
India and the Contemporary Global Order: Beyond Western Imaginations and Conceptualisations
Authors: Choudhary Ladhu R. 
Published: April 2022

Shivshankar Menon, India and Asian Geopolitics: The Past, Present (Penguin, 2021). pp. 406, ₹699. ISBN: 9780670091294. B. M. Jain, The Geopsychology Theory of International Relations in the 21st Century: Escaping the Ignorance Trap (Lexington Books, 2021). pp. 249, ₹8000. ISBN: 9781498573597. Itty Abraham, How India Become Territorial: Foreign Policy, Diaspora, Geopolitics (Stanford University Press, 2014). pp. 207, ₹7628. ISBN: 0978804792684.
Bullous Pemphigoid-Associated Mortality Rate in a Canadian Tertiary Referral Centre
Authors: Cyr Patrick , Lim Darosa , Caruana Marco , Pennou Camille , Lemieux Alexandre , Fortin Bernard , Bolduc Chantal 
Published: April 2022

Background Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common autoimmune blistering disorder in adults. Most individuals with BP are over the age of 60. Its worldwide incidence has been increasing owing to population aging. Observational studies published over the last 2 decades highlight the non-negligible, albeit variable overall mortality of BP patients, with reported 12-month mortality rates of 10.8% to 40.8%, and 24-month mortality rates of 20.1% to 51.0%. Data in the Canadian population are lacking. Objectives We aimed to estimate the 12- and 24-month overall mortality rate of Canadian patients diagnosed with BP, and to identify independent risk factors adversely impacting overall survival. Methods A retrospective cohort study of 166 patients with a diagnosis of BP between 2010 and 2020 was carried out at Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM), a tertiary referral center in Montréal, Québec, Canada. Cumulative mortality was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier estimator, and independent prognostic factors were identified using a Cox proportional hazards regression model. Results Eighty-five patients (51.2%) in our study were female. The median age was 79.1 years old, and 80 patients (48.2%) were 80 years old or older. Mortality at 12 and 24 months in our study cohort was 16.2% (CI95% = 10.5 – 21.8) and 27.6% (CI95% = 20.5 – 34.7), respectively. In a multivariate analysis, patients who were male, 80 years old or older, and/or had a diagnosis of a major neurocognitive disorder had a poorer overall survival. Conclusions The all-cause mortality of patients with BP in our study population compared favorably with international data reported in the literature.
Long-term efficacy and safety of siponimod in patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis: Analysis of EXPAND core and extension data up to >5 years
Authors: Cree Bruce AC , Arnold Douglas L , Fox Robert J , Gold Ralf , Vermersch Patrick , Benedict Ralph HB , Bar-Or Amit , Piani-Meier Daniela , Rouyrre Nicolas , Ritter Shannon , Kilaru Ajay , Karlsson Goeril , Giovannoni Gavin , Kappos Ludwig 
Published: April 2022

Background: Siponimod significantly reduced the risk of confirmed disability progression (CDP), worsening in cognitive processing speed (CPS), relapses, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures of brain atrophy and inflammation versus placebo in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) patients in the Phase 3 EXPAND study. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess long-term efficacy and safety of siponimod 2 mg/day from the EXPAND study including the extension part, up to > 5 years. Methods: In the open-label extension part, participants receiving placebo during the core part were switched to siponimod (placebo-siponimod group) and those on siponimod continued the same treatment (continuous siponimod group). Results: Continuous siponimod reduced the risk of 6-month CDP by 22% (hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval (CI)): 0.78 (0.66–0.92) p = 0.0026) and 6-month confirmed worsening in CPS by 23% (HR (95% CI): 0.77 (0.65–0.92) p = 0.0047) versus the placebo-siponimod group. Sustained efficacy on annualized relapse rate, total and regional brain atrophy, and inflammatory disease activity was also observed. No new, unexpected safety signals for siponimod were identified over the long term. Conclusion: The sustained efficacy and consistent long-term safety profile of siponimod up to > 5 years support its clinical utility for long-term treatment of SPMS. Benefits in the continuous siponimod versus placebo-siponimod group highlight the significance of earlier treatment initiation. Trial registration number: NCT01665144
The resolute Onyx drug eluting stent for neurointervention: A technical series
Authors: White Timothy G. , Shah Kevin A. , Koul Prateeka , Link Thomas , Dehdashti Amir R. , Katz Jeffrey M. , Patsalides Athos , Woo Henry H. 
Published: April 2022

Introduction Current methods for angioplasty and stenting of the intracranial vasculature for neurointervention are limited. The Wingspan Stent System is Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved with human device exemption for a limited patient group and despite numerous prospective registries and trials demonstrating reasonable safety, still carries warnings from the FDA for its use. Given these limitations, we present the technical nuances and outcomes of the off-label use of the Resolute Onyx drug-eluting stent (DES) for neurointerventional purposes. Methods Retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing a neurointerventional procedure with the Resolute Onyx DES was done from January 2017–2021. The Resolute Onyx is a coronary balloon-mounted drug-eluting (zotarolimus) single wire laser cut stent. Technical details and procedural outcomes were collected. Results In total 40 patients had attempted placement of the Resolute Onyx DES with procedural success in 95% of patients. The most common vessel stented was the basilar artery, 30% (12/40). The most common indication was intracranial atherosclerotic disease in 62.5% (25/40) patients, followed by acute stroke in 17.5% (7/40) of patients. The technical and procedural outcomes were excellent with only one technical complication (2.5%). Conclusions This series describes the initial technical safety and utility of utilizing a new generation balloon-mounted drug-eluting stent for neurointerventional purposes. This stent offers the potential for improved navigability, delivery, and outcomes compared to current neurointerventional options and warrants further study.
Periodisation in professional tennis: A macro to micro analysis of load management strategies within a cluttered calendar
Authors: Perri Thomas , Duffield Rob , Murphy Alistair , Mabon Tom , Reid Machar 
Published: April 2022

Aim This study analysed the periodisation of internal loads across training and competition blocks of future top 250 (T250) professionally ranked tennis players’ professional transitions. Methods Retrospective data was analysed from 10 male and 8 female Australian tennis players aged between 16 to 18 who later achieved professional rankings inside the T250. Session-rating of perceived exertion training load (sRPE TL) was collected from all sessions using an online application. Data were collected from official matches, on-court skill-based training, and off-court sessions (i.e., strength, conditioning, body management) and classified according to their occurrence in either training or competition blocks. Weekly sRPE TL was quantified for respective training and competition periods. One-way analysis of variance and effect size analyses compared within-sex training loads between training and competition blocks. Results Training blocks lasted longer than competitions for both sexes ( p < 0.05). Training blocks for males had greater daily durations ( p < 0.01), but not sRPE TL ( p = 0.08). Total load for females was not different between periods ( p > 0.05). Training blocks had higher on-court and off-court loads compared to competition ( p < 0.05). No difference in weekly training and competition loads were observed ( p > 0.05). Skill-based sessions in training periods were longer with higher loads for both sexes ( p < 0.05), with no difference in duration, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and sRPE TL observed between periods for off-court sessions ( p > 0.05). Conclusions Future T250 players experience higher sRPE TL in training blocks, with reductions in both total on-court and off-court load during tournaments. Regardless, limited evidence of periodised weekly loads exists within training and competition periods.
A Network Analysis of the Association Between Depressive Symptoms and Patient Activation Among Those With Elevated Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Lee Chiyoung , Wolever Ruth Q. , Yang Qing , Vorderstrasse Allison , Min Se Hee , Hu Xiao 
Published: April 2022

Background Network analysis provides a new method for conceptualizing interconnections among psychological and behavioral constructs. Objective We used network analysis to investigate the complex associations between depressive symptoms and patient activation dimensions among patients at elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. Methods This secondary analysis included 200 patients seen in primary care clinics. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 21-item Beck Depression Inventory. Patient activation was measured using the 13-item Patient Activation Measure. Glasso networks were constructed to identify symptoms/traits that bridge depressive symptoms and patient activation and those that are central within the network. Results “Self-dislike” and “confidence to maintain lifestyle changes during times of stress” were identified as important bridge pathways. In addition, depressive symptoms such as “punishment feelings,” “loss of satisfaction,” “self-dislike,” and “loss of interest in people” were central in the depressive symptom–patient activation network, meaning that they were most strongly connected to all other symptoms. Conclusions Bridge pathways identified in the network may be reasonable targets for clinical intervention aimed at disrupting the association between depressive symptoms and patient activation. Further research is warranted to assess whether targeting interventions to these central symptoms may help resolve other symptoms within the network.
Characterizing Health Events and Return to Sport in Collegiate Swimmers
Authors: Trikha Rishi , Schroeder Grant G. , Greig Danielle E. , Kremen Thomas J. 
Published: April 2022

Background: There is limited literature characterizing the incidence, variety, and effects of injuries and illnesses observed in elite swimmers. Purpose: To describe the epidemiology of injuries and illnesses affecting elite intercollegiate competitive swimmers. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: This retrospective study utilized a deidentified injury and illness database of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I swimmers in the Pacific Coast Conference from the academic years 2016 to 2017 and 2019 to 2020. A health event was defined as an illness or musculoskeletal injury that was identified by an athletic trainer or team physician. Musculoskeletal injuries and nonmusculoskeletal injuries and illnesses were stratified by body location. Injuries were further characterized as career-ending, season-ending, missed time but the athlete returned to sport in the same season, or those that did not cause missed time. Relative risk (RR) was used to compare the percentage of athletes affected between women and men, with statistical significance being defined by a 95% CI not including 1. Results: Included were 641 collegiate swimmers (301 male, 340 female). There were 1030 health events among 277 women and 173 men, with 635 (61.7%) occurring in women and 395 (38.3%) in men. There were 540 musculoskeletal injuries reported, most of which involved the shoulder (n = 126; 23.3%), spine (n = 95; 17.6%), foot/ankle/lower leg (n = 81; 15.0%), knee/thigh (n = 67; 12.4%), and hand/wrist/forearm (n = 52; 9.6%). A total of 490 nonmusculoskeletal health events were reported and included events such as respiratory tract infections (n = 119; 24.3%), unspecified medical illness (n = 93; 19.0%), concussions (n = 58; 11.8%), ear infections (n = 25; 5.1%), and gastrointestinal illnesses (n = 24; 4.9%). Compared with male swimmers, female swimmers were at a higher risk of sustaining both musculoskeletal injury (RR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.22-1.83) and nonmusculoskeletal injury/illness (RR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.04-1.68). There were 58 documented concussions, with 8 (13.8%) being season-ending, but not career-ending and 14 (24.1%) being career-ending. Women had a higher rate of concussion (9.1% vs 4.3% for men; RR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.13-3.96). Conclusion: This retrospective study identified the most common injuries and illnesses observed among elite collegiate swimmers. Awareness of the incidence and outcome of injuries and illnesses that affect competitive swimmers may allow for more targeted analyses and injury prevention strategies.
Effects of the Anterolateral Ligament and Anterior Cruciate Ligament on Knee Joint Mechanics: A Biomechanical Study Using Computational Modeling
Authors: Kang Kyoung-Tak , Koh Yong-Gon , Park Kyoung-Mi , Choi Chong-Hyuk , Jung Min , Cho Hyunik , Kim Sung-Hwan 
Published: April 2022

Background: Recent studies on lateral knee anatomy have reported the presence of a true ligament structure, the anterolateral ligament (ALL), in the anterolateral region of the knee joint. However, its biomechanical effects have not been fully elucidated. Purpose: To investigate, by using computer simulation, the association between the ALL and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) under dynamic loading conditions. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study; Level of evidence, 5. Methods: The authors combined medical imaging from 5 healthy participants with motion capture to create participant-specific knee models that simulated the entire 12 degrees of freedom of tibiofemoral (TF) and patellofemoral (PF) joint behaviors. These dynamic computational models were validated using electromyographic data, muscle activation data, and data from previous experimental studies. Forces exerted on the ALL with ACL deficiency and on the ACL with ALL deficiency, as well as TF and PF contact forces with deficiencies of the ACL, ALL, and the entire ligament structure, were evaluated under gait and squat loading. A single gait cycle and squat cycle were divided into 11 time points (periods 0.0-1.0). Simulated ligament forces and contact forces were compared using nonparametric repeated-measures Friedman tests. Results: Force exerted on the ALL significantly increased with ACL deficiency under both gait- and squat-loading conditions. With ACL deficiency, the mean force on the ALL increased by 129.7% under gait loading in the 0.4 period ( P < .05) and increased by 189% under high flexion during the entire cycle of squat loading ( P < .05). A similar trend of significantly increased force on the ACL was observed with ALL deficiency. Contact forces on the TF and PF joints with deficiencies of the ACL, ALL, and entire ligament structure showed a complicated pattern. However, contact force exerted on TF and PF joints with respect to deficiencies of ACL and ALL significantly increased under both gait- and squat-loading conditions. Conclusion: The results of this computer simulation study indicate that the ACL and the ALL of the lateral knee joint act as secondary stabilizers to each other under dynamic load conditions.
Investigation of mechanical properties of pineapple-viscose blended fabric reinforced composite
Authors: Mahmud Rois U , Momin Aminul , Islam Raijul , Siddique Abu Bakr , Khan Ayub N 
Published: April 2022

Composites with regenerated fiber bonded with natural fibers have attracted growing attention as the globe becomes more sustainable, ecofriendly, and environment-friendly. Pineapple leaf fiber is used for composite in this study since it is also handled as waste nowadays. Furthermore, viscose was chosen as a study variant since no one had ever tried a pineapple and viscose mixed composite before. Due to a scarcity of natural fiber production on Earth, regenerated cellulosic fiber reinforced with natural fiber is widely employed, providing a nearly identical experience by employing partial or less natural fiber. This paper describes a study that used pineapple leaf fiber mixed with a viscose composite and reinforced with epoxy resin. Pineapple viscose blended composite is composed of 1/1 plain wave design, and epoxy resin is applied on them to make stability by the compression molding process. The tested Tensile Strength (σ), Young’s Modulus, and Eb% are 20.7 Mpa, 579 Mpa, and 9.4%, respectively. Some testing is also carried out to differentiate the properties like bending strength 23.5 Mpa, bending modulus 717.6 Mpa, and avg. The pH of the composite is 9.54. This article has different analytical parts to acknowledge the actual condition of composite behaviors. Finally, some suggestions are made as to where it may be utilized and where appropriate to use it, such as on building sites, in Geotextile materials, Coffee cups, coffee cans, and agro-textile materials.
A clinicians’ review of the respiratory microbiome
Authors: Campbell Christina D. , Barnett Clea , Sulaiman Imran 
Published: April 2022

The respiratory microbiome and its impact in health and disease is now well characterised. With the development of next-generation sequencing and the use of other techniques such as metabolomics, the functional impact of microorganisms in different host environments can be elucidated. It is now clear that the respiratory microbiome plays an important role in respiratory disease. In some diseases, such as bronchiectasis, examination of the microbiome can even be used to identify patients at higher risk of poor outcomes. Furthermore, the microbiome can aid in phenotyping. Finally, development of multi-omic analysis has revealed interactions between the host and microbiome in some conditions. This review, although not exhaustive, aims to outline how the microbiome is investigated, the healthy respiratory microbiome and its role in respiratory disease.Educational aimsTo define the respiratory microbiome and describe its analysis.To outline the respiratory microbiome in health and disease.To describe future directions for microbiome research.
Wear Characteristics of the Nuclear Control Rod Drive Mechanism (CRDM) Movable Latch Serviced in High Temperature Water
Authors: Yu Tianda , Fu Guozhong , Yu Yanqing , Zhu Liting , Liu Maofu , Li Wei , Deng Qiang , Cai Zhenbing 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe current research of nuclear control rod drive mechanism (CRDM) movable latch only makes a simple measurement of wear mass. The wear volume and difference in various claw surfaces are ignored and the degradation mechanism of each claw surface is not clear. In this paper, a detailed degradation analysis was carried out on each claw surface of movable latch combined with wear result and worn morphology. Results indicate that the boundary of carbide is preferred for corrosion because carbide presents a nobler Volta potential compared to the metal matrix or boundary region. Due to the oscillation of drive shaft between the claw surfaces of movable latch, the dominant wear mechanism on the upper surface of claw (USC) and lower surface of claw (LSC) is plastic deformation caused by impact wear. Mechanical impact wear will cause the fragmentation of carbides because of the high hardness and low ductility of carbides. Corrosion promotes the broken carbides to fall off from the metal matrix. The generated fine carbides (abrasive particles) cause extra abrasive wear on USC when the movable brings the drive shaft upward or downward. As a result, USC has a higher wear volume than LSC. This research proposes a method to evaluate the wear on the whole movable latches using a 3D full-size scanner.
Recirculation of Parallel-Connected Planetary Gear Trains
Authors: Chen Hong , Chen Xiao-An 
Published: April 2022

AbstractRecirculation is expected to be identified for its possibility to dramatically decrease the efficiency of planetary gear trains (PGTs). However, it exhibits an unexplained connection with the structure, making it challenging to identify without tedious computation through tooth and speed ratios, thus complicating the design process. This study employs a generic model utilizing the mechanical balance principle and reveals the fundamental laws of the previously unexplained connection for parallel-connected ring-sun-type PGTs. Two necessary and sufficient conditions, torque and structure, were proven for multi-stage and two-stage PGTs without recirculation, respectively. This shows that the structure, specifically whether the links are central gears or carriers, and the connections between them directly impact the recirculation of these PGTs. A geometric model representing the structure and kinematics was developed to visualize the power flow. Thus, the recirculation of parallel-connected ring-sun-type PGTs can be predicted without calculations. Our results provide the underlying insights to understanding recirculation from the structural connection viewpoint, thereby contributing to the conceptual design phase where the task is to select the kinematic structure and the gear size is unknown.