bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Thermal Conductivity of Phase Change Materials Using Nanomaterials and its Effectiveness in Cooling Solar Cells
Authors: Albisher Huda , Abu Safa Mustafa
Published: June 2024

The latent heat storage system is considered the most promising technology in thermal energy storage (TES) because of its many advantages. This technique uses phase change material (PCM) as a TES medium. However, the low thermal conductivity (TC) of PCM is the major drawback of the system. Previous studies have shown that the addition of nanomaterials to PCM generally increases its TC. On the other hand, researchers tend to study the possibility of using enhanced PCM to cool solar cells. In fact, raising the solar cell’s operating temperature negatively impacts its efficiency. This problem is considered one of the biggest problems in solar energy systems, and researchers are still working to solve it. This paper focused on the possibility of enhancing the TC of paraffin by adding different shapes of silver nanomaterials to it (silver nanoparticles, silver nanowires and nanohybrid with silver nanoparticles and silver nanowires). Nanomaterials were added at volume fractions of 0.5% and 1%. Then, the study examined the ability to use this improved material to reduce the temperature of solar cells. We used the “Solidworks” program to create a 3D system, and then we used the “Ansys Fluent” software to simulate five cases; PV without PCM, PV with PCM, PV with PCM enhanced by nanoparticles, PV with PCM enhanced by nanowires, PV with PCM enhanced by nanohybrid (a mixture of nanoparticles and nanowires). The results show that using PCM enhanced by nanowire at a volume fraction of 0.5% gave the best results in decreasing the temperature of PV. The average temperature of PV declined by 14.9[Formula: see text]. In addition, the efficiency of PV rose by about 7.6%. Followed by using PCM enhanced by nanoparticles at a volume fraction of 1%. The average temperature of PV declined by 12.9[Formula: see text]. Moreover, the efficiency of PV rose by about 6.6%.
Effect of Eosin Y on the photocatalytic H2 production of the 3D ZnO/ZnS sheet@ZnO/ZnS nanotube hybrids
Authors: Deng Xiaohai , Xia Qinneng , Wu Qi , Chen Chuansheng
Published: June 2024

For an effective promotion of ZnO nanostructure in photocatalytic H2 evolution, this work aims to build a 3D ZnO/ZnS sheet@ZnO/ZnS nanotube (3D ZSN) structure with Eosin Y to realize the efficient hydrogen production. The combination of the 3D ZSN unique structure and Eosin Y greatly promotes the hydrogen production performance. The H2 production yield of 3D ZSN holds 9.321 mmol ⋅ g[Formula: see text] ⋅ h[Formula: see text], where the hydrogen production efficiency is about 1.64 times higher than that of without Eosin Y. The augmentation mechanism is to use the unique structure of three-dimensional bar and Eosin Y acts as a support substrate to give and obtain electrons appropriately, which will provide a new approach to improving the photocatalytic H2 production efficiency of a photocatalyst.
Lignocellulose-based gel polymer electrolyte composited by a special additive of elemental sulfur with outstanding performances in lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Zou Chao , Huang Yun , Wei Xingquan , Song Amin , Ren Wenhao , Li Saisai , Gan Junyuan , Li Xing , Wang Mingshan , Lin Yuanhua
Published: June 2024

Gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) based on polymer matrix of lignocellulose and gelatinized potato starch is prepared, and elemental sulfur is introduced as an additive for the first time. The polymer matrix has shown excellent performances including liquid electrolyte uptake, tensile strength and thermal stability. The ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability window of the corresponding GPE are improved with the introduction of the elemental sulfur. Furthermore, the addition of elemental sulfur can be reduced into short-chain [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] on the surface of lithium anode to further elevate the capacity of battery. Meanwhile, the short-chain [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film on the surface of lithium metal can improve SEI’s mechanical properties and the interface compatibility between GPE and lithium metal. The multi-component synergistic effect of GPE provides the battery with superior cycle stability and excellent electrochemical performances. Bio-based GPE will exhibit a promising and alternative way for the practical application of lithium–sulfur batteries.
The CoFe-LDH/CuCo2O4 composite as an efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst under alkaline conditions for overall water splitting
Authors: Liu Yuru , Li Hao , Xie Wenjie
Published: June 2024

To reduce energy crises and environmental pollution, it is imperative to logically create affordable, stable, efficient, and environmentally friendly bifunctional electrocatalysts based on non-precious metals for total water splitting. In this study, we designed and synthesized sea urchin-like structured CoFe/CuCo2O4 bifunctional electrocatalysts on nickel foam. Benefiting from the high conductivity of nickel foam and the positive synergistic effect between different component materials, this catalyst exhibited high activity in both oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Specifically, the CoFe/CuCo2O4/NF-5 material required only 257 mV of OER overpotential and 178 mV of HER overpotential at a current density of 50 mA cm[Formula: see text]. It is worth noting that the alkaline electrolyzer prepared using CoFe/CuCo2O4/NF-5 material achieves a low cell voltage of 1.544 V to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm[Formula: see text] in overall water splitting and can operate stably for a prolonged period. This work also provides a feasible strategy for green and low-cost electrocatalyst synthesis.
All Oxide-Based Magnetic Tunnel Junctions Fabricated by Focused Ion Beam Nanomachining Technique
Authors: Tiwari Kaushal , Bera Anup Kumar , Godha Akshat , Makineni Surendra Kumar , Blamire Mark , Prasad Bhagwati
Published: June 2024

This study offers a comprehensive investigation into the fabrication of all-oxide-based magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) utilizing the focused ion beam (FIB) nanomachining method. The oxide thin films of SrTiO3 (STO), La[Formula: see text]CaxMnO3 (LCMO) and La[Formula: see text]SrxMnO3 (LSMO) were grown using pulsed laser deposition (PLD). Magnetization measurements at 5K revealed a notable difference in coercivity between LCMO and LSMO films, highlighting their suitability as electrodes in MTJ device fabrication. The deposited trilayer structure of LCMO/STO/LSMO exhibited heteroepitaxial growth, enabling the independent magnetic switching of electrode layers in the MTJ with the STO barrier layer. Conventional photolithography and ion milling were used to create a series of 4[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m Hall bar tracks in the deposited films. Nanopillar devices, sized 250[Formula: see text]nm[Formula: see text]×[Formula: see text]250[Formula: see text]nm, were successfully fabricated on these 4[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m tracks by optimizing the FIB nanomachining technique. The fabricated MTJs demonstrated a high tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) response, leading to the conclusion that the FIB nanomachining technique holds significant promise for the development of high-performance oxide-based spintronic devices.
A Theoretical Study on the Magnetic Features of Ru2MnX Nano-Heusler Alloys
Authors: Eraki H. , Saber N. , Sabbah Hussein , Fadil Z. , El Fdil R. , Mhirech A. , Kabouchi B. , Bahmad L. , Ali Mohamed , Rosaiah P. , Raorane Chaitany Jayprakash , Haldhar Rajesh
Published: June 2024

This study focuses on examining magnetic property performances among three nano-Heusler Ru2MnX alloys (where X is replaced by the atoms V, Ta and Nb). The investigation was conducted through Monte Carlo simulations, exploring the magnetic properties of these alloys. The study established a clear transition from ferrimagnetic to superparamagnetic behavior. Furthermore, it exposed the effects of magnetization in each nano-Heusler alloy relative to physical factors.
Impact of ZnO Decoration on Electronic Properties of Alkyl Substituted Thiophene–Carbazole Copolymer
Authors: Pooja S. , Anurag S. , Rachana K. , Reena S.
Published: June 2024

This study analyzes the impact of zinc oxide (ZnO) decoration on the structure, stability and electronic properties of the alkyl-substituted thiophene-vinyl carbazole (3-MeTH-VCZ) copolymer, employing density functional theory (DFT)-based quantum atomistix toolkit (ATK) software. This analysis shows a negative interaction energy between the ZnO and the pristine 3-MeTH-VCZ, facilitating substantial charge transfer. Furthermore, the composite (3-MeTH-VCZ-ZnO) formed by the decoration of ZnO in the pristine 3-MeTH-VCZ shows improved electronic properties compared to its pristine counterpart. This improvement is evidenced by an approximate 62% reduction in the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO)-lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) gap, confirmed by shifts observed in the molecular energy spectrum (MES) and density of state (DOS) profiles. The reduction in the HOMO-LUMO gap suggests enhanced physicochemical and electrochemical sensitivity of the synthesized composites to external stimuli, making them promising candidates for sensing and optoelectronic devices.
Electroanalysis of Catechol and Hydroquinone by Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified with Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes, β-cyclodextrin Decorated with Reduced Graphene Oxide - Gold Nanoparticle Nanocomposite
Authors: Shirzad Dehpiri Vahid , Pourghobadi Zeinab
Published: June 2024

In this work, the glassy carbon electrode was modified by multi-walled carbon nanotubes, β-cyclodextrin, reduced graphene oxide, and gold nanoparticle nanocomposites GC/MWCNTs/β-CD-rGO@Au). The GC/MWCNTs/β-CD-rGO@Au electrode was utilized for simultaneous monitoring of catechol (CC) and hydroquinone (HQ). The modified electrode has a clear pair of voltammetric peaks for CC and HQ, which makes it an appropriate tool for the simultaneous determination of the two isomers. Under optimized conditions, the oxidation peak currents of CC and HQ at GC/MWCNTs/β-CD-rGO@Au were increased linearly in the 1–173 μM and 2–80 μM concentration range with the limit of detection (LOD) (based on S/N = 3) of 0.17 μM and 0.26 μM. The GC/MWCNTs/β-CD-rGO@Au exhibits adequate stability, repeatability, and recovery in analyzing two dihydroxybenzenes isomers.
Renal Manifestations of IgG4‐Related Disease: A Concise Review
Authors: Towheed Shahrukh T. , Zanjir Wayel , Ren Kevin Yi Mi , Garland Jocelyn , Clements-Baker Marie
Published: June 2024

IgG4‐related disease (IgG4‐RD) is an immune‐mediated disorder marked by fibro‐inflammatory masses that can infiltrate multiple organ systems. Due to its relatively recent discovery and limited understanding of its pathophysiology, IgG4‐related disease may be difficult to recognize and is consequently potentially underdiagnosed. Renal involvement is becoming regarded as one of the key features of this disease. To date, the most well‐recognized renal complication of IgG4‐related disease is tubulointerstitial nephritis, but membranous glomerulonephritis, renal masses, and retroperitoneal fibrosis have also been reported. This concise review has two objectives. First, it will briefly encapsulate the history, epidemiology, and presentation of IgG4‐related disease. Second, it will examine the reported renal manifestations of IgG4‐related disease, exploring the relevant histology, imaging, clinical features, and treatment considerations. This synthesis will be highly relevant for nephrologists, rheumatologists, general internists, and renal pathologists to raise awareness and help improve early recognition of IgG4‐related kidney disease (IgG4‐RKD).
Data from Cancer-Related Fatigue and the Additive Effect of Treatment in the Context of Lymphoma: An Analysis of the Lymphoma Coalition’s 2022 Global Patient Survey
Authors: Kalloger Steve E. , Watson Amanda , Sajkowski Shawn , Warwick Lorna
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) continues to be a challenging phenomenon that is often underreported and poorly understood. With etiologies in both disease and treatment manifesting as a symptom and a side effect, respectively, CRF is highly incident and presents a significant clinical problem that impacts survivorship. We conducted a survey to ascertain the patient-reported incidence of symptoms and side effects for people with lymphoma or chronic lymphocytic leukemia. We found that CRF was enhanced in those who received more intense therapies that coincided with more aggressive lymphoma subtypes. These data illuminate an unmet need among patients with lymphoma and provide an opportunity to further refine treatment regimens in order to reduce the burden of CRF in this vulnerable population.
Significance:
CRF is a highly incident phenomenon in lymphoma that can be ascribed to a combination of causes. We have demonstrated substantial variability across various subtypes of lymphoma and have estimated that nearly half of the reported fatigue comes from treatment. Increased screening for and monitoring of fatigue will yield favorable health-related quality of life that will benefit health technology assessment activities and yield improved outcomes for patients.
Phylogenetic placement of Mimosa pabstiana reinforces a biogeographic pattern of the Pleistocene Arc Theory in Mimosa (Leguminosae, Caesalpinoideae)
Authors: JORDÃO LUCAS SÁ BARRETO , PIRES MORIM MARLI , FRAGOMENI SIMON MARCELO , CÁSSIO SEVILHA ANDERSON , A. BAUMGRATZ JOSÉ FERNANDO
Published: June 2024

New molecular evidence derived from the trnD-T region has unveiled an unexpected relationship for Mimosa pabstiana. Traditionally classified within M. sect. Batocaulon ser. Campicolae, our phylogenetic study reveals its new placement within M. sect. Batocaulon ser. Andinae. This discovery aligns with a biogeographic pattern consistent with the Pleistocene Arc Theory, encompassing inter-Andean valleys, the Chaco, Central-West Brazil, and Brazilian seasonally dry forests. Recent observations of M. pabstiana in Brazilian herbaria, along with newly collected field samples documented through photography and georeferencing, bring forth additional data about this poorly-known species. We further elucidate the phylogenetic placement of M. paraibana, previously hypothesized to have a close relationship with M. pabstiana.
Reasons for Unmet Health Care Needs Among Black, Hispanic, and White Children in the United States With or at Risk for Physical and Mental Health Conditions
Authors: Ault Anna K. , Comer-HaGans DeLawnia , Faubert Sarah J. , Wallace Bakari A. , Weller Bridget E.
Published: June 2024

Children with special health care needs (CSHCN)—ie, children who are at increased risk for, or currently manage, persistent physical and mental health conditions—require more health care resources than children without special health care needs. Furthermore, CSHCN who identify as racial/ethnic minorities disproportionately encounter unmet needs, according to reports from their caregivers. However, the reasons for their unmet needs are relatively unknown. This study estimated and compared the US national prevalence of caregiver-reported reasons for unmet health care needs for Hispanic, non-Hispanic black, and non-Hispanic white CSHCN. The most common reasons were problems getting an appointment for black CSHCN and cost for Hispanic and white CSHCN. Issues related to transportation were significantly less likely for black than for white and Hispanic CSHCN. Cost-related issues were significantly less likely for black than Hispanic CSHCN. To address reasons for unmet needs for CSHCN, effective structural changes are needed.
Primary Nasopharyngeal Papillary Adenocarcinoma: Report of 2 Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Nguyen Van Dang , Nguyen Dinh Duc , Tran Trung Toan , Nguyen Van Tai
Published: June 2024

The primary nasopharyngeal papillary adenocarcinoma (NPPA) is extremely rare which accounts for less than 0.48% of all malignant neoplasms in the nasopharynx. The clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of NPPA have not been well described. We present 2 patients with NPPA that were treated with total endoscopic resection and radiotherapy at Vietnam National Cancer Hospital. Through these cases and reviewing of the literature, we provide deeper understanding of NPPA to highlight clinical pathological characteristics and the optimal treatment strategy for patients with pathologically confirmed NPPA. Our 2 cases were successfully treated and remained disease-free 4 years after treatment. The NPPA was usually an indolent tumor with polypoid appearance and slow growth rate and has a good prognosis. Surgical excision, including endonasal endoscopic excision with or without adjuvant radiotherapy, was most effective with a localized and operable tumor.
Reorienting the Sustainable Development Goals: Lessons from Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness
Authors: Masaki Katsu
Published: June 2024

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) implicitly prioritize economic growth over social and environmental sustainability, and idealize industrialized, consumerist societies. In delving into ways to rectify these stances, the article takes up Bhutan’s policy of Gross National Happiness (GNH), which seeks to harmonize material prosperity, social and environmental concerns, and spiritual and emotional contentment. Unlike the SDGs that fail to acknowledge culture’s role in sustainable development, GNH pursues a vernacular pathway founded on a Buddhism-inspired holistic view of well-being. In reality, GNH is yet to elicit a structural shift toward a fully-fledged sustainable society. Nonetheless, it is worth analyzing how the Bhutanese state demarcates the space within which GNH is promoted, with recourse to a locally defined vision of sustainable development.
Image capturing, segmentation and data analysis of shredded refuse streams
Authors: Gursch Heimo , Schlager Elke , Thaler Franz , Waltner Georg , Ganster Harald , Rinnhofer Alfred , Jaschik Malte , Oberwinkler Christian , Meisenbichler Reinhard , Bischof Horst , Kern Roman
Published: June 2024

Refuse sorting is an important cornerstone of the recycling industry, but ever-changing refuse compositions and the desire to increase recycling rates still pose many unsolved challenges. The digitalisation of refuse sorting plants promises to overcome these challenges by optimising and automatically adapting the sorting process. This publication describes a system for image capturing, segmentation-based refuse recognition and data analysis of shredded refuse streams. The image capturing collects multispectral 2D and 3D images of the refuse streams on conveyor belts. The image recognition performs a semantic segmentation of the images to determine the refuse composition from the 2D images, whereas the 3D images approximate the volumes on the conveyor belts. The semantic segmentation is done by a combined convolutional neural network model, consisting of a foreground–background and a refuse class segmentation. Both models rely on synthetic training data to reduce the necessary amount of manually labelled training data, whereas the final segmentation performance reaches an Intersection over Union of up to 75%. The results of the semantic segmentation and volume estimation are combined with data of the shredding machinery by transforming it into a unified representation. This combined dataset is the basis for estimating the processed refuse masses from the semantic segmentation and volume estimation.
Nursing vaccine mandates: Ethically justified, an infringement on autonomy, or both?
Authors: Charles Christopher M. , Milliken Aimee B.
Published: June 2024

After almost a year and a half of the COVID-19 pandemic, many healthcare institutions in the United States announced that they would mandate COVID-19 vaccination, with medical and religious exceptions, as a term of employment. The mandates resulted in widely publicized protests from hospital staff, including some nurses, who argued that these medical institutions violated the ethical principle of autonomy. As the world enters the “post-pandemic period,” decisions such as these, made during times of crisis, must be reviewed to provide clarity for when the next pandemic occurs. In this paper, we support the argument that such mandates are ethically justifiable. We explore the framework of objections that were brought forward by dissenters of this vaccine mandate. Next, we provide an analysis of conflicting ethical principles present when such mandates were deployed. Utilizing the American Nurses Association’s Code of Ethics for Nurses, notably provisions 2, 3, and 6 we argue that it is an ethical duty of the nurse to be vaccinated. Specifically, we turn to provision two, which most explicitly underscores the necessity of vaccination as a function of the nurse’s primary commitment to the patient. Next, we highlight the International Council of Nurses Code of Ethics which provides similar guidance internationally. Finally, we examine the applicability of the principles of public health, care ethics, and the nursing role as frameworks to underpin such mandates both for the current and for potential future pandemics, arguing that the nurse’s ethical duty to be vaccinated spans these contexts.
Domestic Violence in Asian Communities: A Scoping Review of Quantitative Literature
Authors: Chen Yafan
Published: June 2024

Domestic violence (DV) is a prevalent social problems that threaten individuals’ health and well-being, and the issue of DV in Asian communities requires extensive and comprehensive investigation. Following the steps by Arksey and O’Malley, a scoping review was conducted to (a) summarize and synthesize existing quantitative evidence on the topic of DV in Asian immigrant communities in North America, and (b) identify research gaps in the literature to guide future work. Inclusion criteria were that (a) the studies must comprise a sample of Asian immigrants in North America, (b) the focus of the article was specifically on individuals’ experiences of DV in the past year or lifetime, (c) DV was measured as either independent or dependent variable, (d) full-text publications written in English, (e) articles must be peer-reviewed, quantitative studies. On completion of the review process, 35 full-text articles were identified for review. Across studies, five main topics emerged: factors related to DV victimization, prevalence and forms of DV, individuals’ attitudes and/or perceptions about DV, DV-related consequences, and intervention evaluation. Some less common topics include help-seeking behaviors and sources and culturally responsive scales. The findings of this review suggest that future research will benefit from using a nationally representative Asian sample and culturally sensitive tools, examining potential protective factors against DV victimization, and employing an experimental design to evaluate the effectiveness of culturally sensitive interventions. Policies should provide stronger support to agencies and practitioners to deliver culturally sensitive services.
Developing a Modular Survey App Using Co-design Principles
Authors: Antoun Christopher , Yang Xin (Rosalynn) , West Brady T. , Ong Ai Rene
Published: June 2024

The objective of our project was to develop a smartphone app for administering shorter (“modular”) surveys. Given the paucity of research on this topic, we decided to use “co-design” techniques to generate design solutions. To implement these techniques, we recruited respondents in the survey target population to work in small groups and provide design ideas for the app. In this article, we present their input and examine whether we were successful in engaging them to contribute useful ideas. Although participation levels were uneven across the different groups, we found no evidence that group engagement was low overall or declined over the course of the sessions. In addition, the groups generated a diverse set of ideas, some of which informed the final app design. These findings underscore the feasibility of applying co-design principles to survey research, though further investigation is needed with different samples and design topics.
Texts and Images as Data in Qualitative Social Research: Proposing a Common Methodological Approach
Authors: Radermacher Martin
Published: June 2024

Images and texts, their qualities as empirical data, and their entanglements, have been the object of methodological and theoretical debates in social scientific research for a few decades now. Scholars have argued that images and texts are fundamentally different to the point of being incommensurable. Contrary to this line of reasoning, this paper suggests that images and texts are similar enough to be studied within the same framework, that of semiotics, understood as a non-reductive approach to the socio-cultural making of aesthetics, performances, and meanings in multi-media arrangements. Unfolding this argument, I do not suggest that ‘images are like texts,’ but instead propose that ‘texts are like images.’ Doing so, I discuss a few of the most frequently assumed properties of images, and how these may apply to texts. As such, this article sets the theoretical perimeters for more specific methodical approaches in social scientific research.
Misrepresented multiple endocrine neoplasia 2: Do the British Thyroid Association guidelines accurately predict thyroid cancer risk in high-risk groups with multiple endocrine neoplasia 2? A case series
Authors: Kamyab Arya Anthony , Weller Alex , Hulley Kate , Bano Gul
Published: June 2024

Introduction:

The incidence of thyroid nodules in the general population is around 40%. The British Thyroid Association U-grading has high sensitivity for identifying the common thyroid cancer subtypes (papillary and follicular). However, ultrasound features of the rarer medullary thyroid cancer differ, with lower sensitivity for ultrasound detection. Hereditary medullary thyroid cancer accounts for 25% of cases, forming part of the multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes (multiple endocrine neoplasia 2) and is associated with RET proto-oncogene mutation, for which gene testing is increasingly available. This study aims to evaluate British Thyroid Association U-grading for thyroid cancer risk stratification in this high-risk population.

Case report:

This was a retrospective review of four multiple endocrine neoplasia 2 patients referred for thyroid ultrasound. A total of 10 thyroid nodules were graded as part of routine evaluation, taken from an endocrine and genetics tertiary referral centre. Patients with identifiable RET mutation from March 2017 to February 2023 were reviewed.

Discussion:

Six patients had 10 thyroid nodules, of which 8 were graded as U2, 2 graded U3–5 and 8 confirmed as medullary thyroid cancer. However, two patients had no pathology data at the time of writing. For this cohort, U-grading and genetics were discordant, with RET gene testing more effective than ultrasound in cancer detection. All nodules should be considered high risk for medullary thyroid cancer, regardless of U-grade.

Conclusion:

Our data demonstrate that British Thyroid Association U-score has limited value for medullary thyroid cancer detection in this high-risk group and cannot be used for risk stratification or surveillance. As a rarer thyroid cancer subtype, medullary thyroid cancer and the high-risk multiple endocrine neoplasia 2 population are under-represented in British Thyroid Association 2014 guidance and deserve consideration in future editions.
The impact of imposter syndrome on self-esteem and intention to quit among respiratory therapy (RT) students in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Siraj Rayan A , Aldhahir Abdulelah M , Alzahrani Yousef R , Alqarni Abdullah A , Alanazi Turki M , Alruwaili Abdullah , Algarni Saleh S , Alghamdi Abdulrhman S , Alahmari Mushabbab A , Baogbah Abdulmajeed A , AlQahtani Ali S , Alasimi Ahmed H , Alsolami Sultan S , Alqarni Mohammed A , Alahmadi Fahad H , Alshammari Ghadeer S
Published: June 2024

Introduction:

Imposter syndrome is common among health disciplinary students, leading to serious consequences. However, the impact of imposter syndrome on self-esteem and quitting intention among respiratory therapy students has not been well researched.

Objective:

To report on the prevalence of imposter syndrome and assess its impacts on self-esteem and quitting intention among respiratory therapy students in Saudi Arabia.

Methods:

A nonprobability cross-sectional questionnaire using the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale was self-administered and distributed among respiratory therapy students between October 2022 and April 2023. Data analysis was performed using Descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results:

Of the 1500 respiratory therapy students invited to participate in the study, 901 surveys were completed; and thus, included in the final analysis. Of whom, 92% were presented with imposter syndrome: 44% with moderate, 35% with frequent, and 13% with intense feelings. In addition, 60% of respiratory therapy students and interns experienced low self-esteem, while only 0.5% indicated high self-esteem. More than 50% of the study participants thought about quitting the respiratory therapy program, and 30% have been diagnosed with psychological disorders. Furthermore, there was a significant association between imposter syndrome and low self-esteem, p < 0.001. Factors associated with imposter syndrome and low self-esteem were family income (<0.005) and parents’ education (<0.005), quitting intention (<0.005), and having been diagnosed with psychological disorders (<0.005). Genders, academic levels, and grade point average were not associated with either imposter syndrome or self-esteem (>0.005).

Conclusion:

Imposter syndrome and low self-esteem are prevalent among respiratory therapy students, both of which are associated with considering leaving the respiratory therapy program. Effective interventions should be implemented to ameliorate the symptoms imposter syndrome and low self-esteem; thus, improving the academic experience of respiratory therapy students.
Racial and ethnic influences on carotid atherosclerosis: Epidemiology and risk factors
Authors: Huang Yijun , Shi Weihao , He Qing , Tan Jinyun , Tong Jindong , Yu Bo
Published: June 2024

Carotid atherosclerosis-related stenosis, marked by atherosclerotic plaque formation in the carotid artery, significantly increases ischemic stroke risk. Its prevalence varies across ethnic groups, reflecting racial disparities. Epidemiological studies have highlighted different susceptibilities to carotid stenosis among racial groups. Native Americans and Whites show greater vulnerability, indicating genetic and environmental influences. The impact of carotid stenosis is more severe in Hispanic and Black populations, with a higher incidence of related brain injuries, underscoring the need for targeted interventions. Comparative imaging studies between Chinese and White individuals reveal unique patterns of carotid stenosis, enhancing understanding of its pathophysiology and management across ethnicities. This review also categorizes risk factors, distinguishing those with racial disparity (such as genetic loci, sleep apnea, and emotional factors, socioeconomic status) from those without. In summary, racial disparities affect carotid stenosis, leading to varying susceptibilities and outcomes among ethnic groups. Recognizing these differences is essential for developing effective prevention, diagnosis, and management strategies. Addressing these disparities is critical to reducing ischemic stroke’s burden across populations. Continued research and targeted interventions are crucial to improve outcomes for individuals at risk of carotid stenosis and its complications.
Perceptions of Child Vulnerability, Parental Overprotection, and Parenting Stress among Parents of a Child with Cancer
Authors: Kim Min Ah , Yi Jaehee , Sang Jina , hyun Kim Soo
Published: June 2024

Parents of child with cancer often perceive their child as vulnerable and are at risk of overprotecting their child because of the challenges associated with the illness. We examined the relationships of perceived child vulnerability, parental overprotection, and parenting stress among Korean parents of a child with cancer. A sample of 163 parents of a child with cancer completed questionnaires. Perceived child vulnerability was associated with parenting stress. Parental overprotection was associated with parental distress and difficult child, but not dysfunctional parent–child interactions. This study emphasizes the need to consider parenting capacity variables in the context of childhood cancer.
How Do Remittances Affect Child Mortality at Different Levels of Mortality? Estimating Unconditional Quantile Treatment Effects on Three Leading Causes of Child Mortality
Authors: Deonanan Regan , Ramkissoon Benjamin
Published: June 2024

There is an emerging view that remittances improve health outcomes in developing countries, though less is known about the conditions under which they may be effective. This study investigates whether and how the impact of remittances on child mortality depends on the level of mortality itself. Using a sample of 134 developing countries over the period 1990 to 2018, we estimate unconditional quantile treatment effects with an endogenous treatment variable, on aggregate child mortality and the three leading cause-specific child mortality rates: mortality from neonatal disorders, lower respiratory infections, and diarrheal diseases. We find that the impact of remittances differs systematically across the mortality distribution and across mortality indicators. Remittances appear less effective at reducing child mortality at the lowest and highest mortality rates than at the average.
Erector Spinae Plane Block Versus Thoracolumbar Interfascial Plane Block in Lumbar Spine Surgery: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Khor Wei-Thing , Chang Yu , Tien Chih-Hao , Chen Liang-Yi , Hsu Hao-Hsiang , Perng Pang-Shuo , Wong Chia-En , Hsu Heng-Juei , Lee Jung-Shun
Published: June 2024

Study Design

Meta-analysis.

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of postoperative pain control between erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and thoracolumbar interfascial plane (TLIP) block in lumbar spine surgery.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and MEDLINE electronic databases were searched for articles containing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between January 1900 and January 2024. We extracted the postoperative mean pain score, the first 24-h postoperative morphine consumption, and their standard deviation from the included studies. Meta-analysis was performed using the functions available in the metafor package in R software. We pooled continuous variables using an inverse variance method with a random-effects model and summarized them as standardized mean differences.

Results

Five RCTs that directly compared the ESPB and TLIP block in lumbar spine surgery were included, enrolling 432 participants randomly into the two groups with 216 participants in each group. The pooled analyses showed that there was no significant difference between the ESPB and TLIP groups in terms of lower pain scores during the early (1 h) (standardized mean difference [SMD] −1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI], −3.10; 0.11), middle (12 h) (SMD −3.12, 95% CI, −6.86; 0.61), and late (24 h) (SMD −1.38, 95% CI, −3.01; 0.24) postoperative periods. There was also no significant difference in the first 24-h postoperative morphine equivalent consumption between the ESPB and TLIP groups (SMD −0.46 mg, 95% CI −1.23; 0.31).

Conclusion

No significant difference was observed between the ESPB and TLIP block in terms of postoperative pain control and 24-h morphine equivalent consumption for lumbar spine surgery.
Outcomes of Particulated Juvenile Articular Cartilage and Association With Defect Fill in Patients With Full-Thickness Patellar Chondral Lesions
Authors: Marmor William A. , Dennis Elizabeth R. , Buza Stephanie S. , Gruber Simone , Propp Bennett E. , Burge Alissa J. , Nguyen Joseph T. , Shubin Stein Beth E.
Published: June 2024

Background:

Cartilage restoration procedures for patellar cartilage defects have produced inconsistent results, and optimal management remains controversial. Particulated juvenile articular cartilage (PJAC) allograft tissue is an increasingly utilized treatment option for chondral defects, with previous studies demonstrating favorable short-term outcomes for patellar chondral defects.

Purpose:

To identify whether there is an association between defect fill on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with functional outcomes in patients with full-thickness patellar cartilage lesions treated with PJAC.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was conducted on patients treated with PJAC for a full-thickness symptomatic patellar cartilage lesion between March 2014 and August 2019. MRI was performed for all patients at 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were obtained preoperatively and at 1, 2, and >2 years postoperatively. Clinical outcome scores—including the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, the Kujala, the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score–Physical Function Short Form (KOOS-PS), the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score–Quality of Life (KOOS-QoL), and the Hospital for Special Surgery Pediatric Functional Activity Brief Scale (HSS Pedi-FABS)—were analyzed and evaluated for a relationship with tissue fill on MRI.

Results:

A total of 70 knees in 65 patients (mean age, 26.6 ± 8.1 years) were identified, of which 68 knees (97%) underwent a concomitant patellar stabilization or offloading procedure. Significant improvements were observed on all postoperative PROM scores at the 1-, 2-, and >2-year follow-up except for the Pedi-FABS, which showed no significant difference from baseline. From baseline to the 2-year follow-up, the KOOS-QoL improved from 24.7 to 62.1, the IKDC improved from 41.1 to 73.5, the KOOS-PS improved from 35.6 to 15, and the Kujala improved from 52 to 86.3. Imaging demonstrated no difference in the rate of cartilage defect fill between the 3-month (66%), 6-month (72%), 1-year (74%), and ≥2-year (69%) follow-ups. No association was observed between PROM scores and the percent fill of cartilage defect on MRI at the 1- and 2-year follow-up.

Conclusion:

PROM scores were significantly improved at the 2-year follow-up in patients who underwent PJAC for full-thickness patellar cartilage defects. On MRI, a cartilage defect fill of >66% was achieved by 3 months in most patients. In our sample, PROM scores were not significantly associated with the defect fill percentage at the short-term follow-up.
Assessing the unseen consequences: influence of an extreme weather event on environmental perceptions and connection to nature
Authors: Kleespies Matthias W. , Friedrich Thomas , Marg Oskar , Völker Carolin , Schiwy Sabrina
Published: June 2024

Background

Due to climate change, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent worldwide. An example of such an extreme weather event was the flooding in Western Europe in July 2021. Currently, there are large research gaps regarding how such events, particularly those involving oil pollution, affect people's connection to nature and their perceptions of environmental problems. Perceptions and connections to nature are important factors that influence environmental behavior and decisions. This study examines the influence of the exposure of oil pollution during the 2021 floods on the perception of the natural environment (connection to nature) and of environmental problems (perception of planetary boundaries). To this end, people affected by flooding who have come into direct or indirect contact with oil pollution are examined, with people from unaffected regions serving as a control group.

Results

No significant differences were found for both the connection to nature and the perception of planetary boundaries between the three groups studied. Connection to nature was at a moderate level in all three groups. In the case of planetary boundaries, it was observed that all boundaries were rated as significantly exceeded in all three groups. Especially the boundary of novel entities to which also oil pollution belongs, was evaluated as highly exceeded.

Conclusions

The results suggest that extreme weather events do not negatively impact personal connection to nature. Additionally, no significant group differences were found in the assessment of planetary boundaries, which may be attributed to the inherently high assessment scores in Germany. The study provides evidence that perceptions of environmental problems and connection to nature are relatively stable in the face of an extreme weather event with a natural trigger. Further studies are needed to investigate the reasons and consequences of this stability.
Drug-coated balloon angioplasty with provisional stenting versus primary stenting for the treatment of de novo coronary artery lesions: REC-CAGEFREE I trial rationale and design
Authors: Gao Chao , He Xingqiang , Liu Yunpeng , Liu Jianzheng , Jiang Zhiwei , Zhu Bin , Qin Xing , Xia Yunlong , Zhang Tingting , Wang Ping , Zhang Ruining , Onuma Yoshinobu , Xia Jielai , Wang Duolao , Serruys Patrick , Tao Ling
Published: June 2024

Background

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with primary stenting, which stands for stent implantation regardless of obtaining satisfactory results with balloon angioplasty, has superseded conventional plain old balloon angioplasty with provisional stenting. With drug-coated balloon (DCB), primary DCB angioplasty with provisional stenting has shown non-inferiority to primary stenting for de novo coronary small vessel disease. However, the long-term efficacy and safety of such a strategy to the primary stenting on clinical endpoints in de novo lesions without vessel diameter restrictions remain uncertain.

Study design

The REC-CAGEFREE I is an investigator-initiated, multicenter, randomized, open-label trial aimed to enroll 2270 patients with acute or chronic coronary syndrome from 43 interventional cardiology centers in China to evaluate the non-inferiority of primary paclitaxel-coated balloons angioplasty to primary stenting for the treatment of de novo, non-complex lesions without vessel diameter restrictions. Patients who fulfill all the inclusion and exclusion criteria and have achieved a successful lesion pre-dilatation will be randomly assigned to the two arms in a 1:1 ratio. Protocol-guided DCB angioplasty and bailout stenting after unsatisfactory angioplasty are mandatory in the primary DCB angioplasty group. The second-generation sirolimus-eluting stent will be used as a bailout stent in the primary DCB angioplasty group and the treatment device in the primary stenting group. The primary endpoint is the incidence of Device-oriented Composite Endpoint (DoCE) within 24 months after randomization, including cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction, and clinically and physiologically indicated target lesion revascularization.

Discussion

The ongoing REC-CAGEFREE I trial is the first randomized trial with a clinical endpoint to assess the efficacy and safety of primary DCB angioplasty for the treatment of de novo, non-complex lesions without vessel diameter restrictions. If non-inferiority is shown, PCI with primary DCB angioplasty could be an alternative treatment option to primary stenting.

Trial registration

Registered on clinicaltrial.gov (NCT04561739).
Development of a real-world simulated instrument for evaluating visuospatial working memory: a preliminary psychometric study on older adults
Authors: Mirchi Zahra , Kheirkhah Mohammad Taghi , Khosrowabadi Reza , Fadardi Javad Salehi , Ramezani Mojdeh
Published: June 2024

Background

A prevalent challenge in neuropsychological assessment, particularly when utilizing instruments designed for controlled laboratory environments, is that the outcomes may not correspond to an individual’s real-life status. Accordingly, assessments of visuospatial working memory (VSWM) conducted in such settings might fail to capture certain facets of this function, as it operates in real life. On the other hand, entirely ecological assessments may risk compromising internal validity. This study aimed to develop an intermediate mode of assessment that measures VSWM in older adults by employing a setting, a task, and a response format that aligns closely with both laboratory and ecological assessments. Furthermore, a preliminary investigation was carried out to study the variations in spatial cognition among different demographic groups.

Methods

In a two-session study, 77 healthy older adults, eight patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and seven patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) were recruited to complete the wayfinding questionnaire (WQ), the Corsi block-tapping task (CBTT), and the Spatial Memory Table (SMT). The SMT is a novel instrument developed specifically for this study, aiming to provide a more accurate measure of VSWM performance in older adults’ everyday life. Test-retest and split-half reliabilities, as well as the face, content, concurrent, convergent, and known-groups validities, were analyzed to investigate the psychometric properties of the SMT.

Results

The analyses were mainly centered on studying the psychometric properties of the SMT. Test-retest reliability (r = .753, p < .001) and split-half reliability (ρSC = 0.747) were found to be acceptable. Concurrent validity using CBTT (r = .264, p = .021), convergent validity using WQ subscales (navigation and orientation: r = .282, p = .014; distance estimation: r = .261, p = .024), and known-groups validity using the SMT scores among people with MCI and AD (χ2 = 35.194, df = 2, p < .001) were also indicative of the instrument’s good validity. Data analysis also revealed acceptable levels of face validity (U = 4.50; p = .095) and content validity (CVR ≥ 0.60). As a result of comparing VSWM and wayfinding variables across genders and education levels, a significant difference was observed for navigation and orientation and spatial anxiety between women and men (p < .05). None of the variables were different among education levels.

Conclusion

The SMT was found to be a reliable and valid tool for measuring VSWM performance in older adults. Given these findings, the SMT can be regarded as a measure that sufficiently approximates both laboratory and real-life demands for VSWM. Additionally, the instrument demonstrated a preliminary acceptable capacity to differentiate between healthy individuals and those with MCI and AD.