bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-generational labour markets: Data-driven discovery of multi-perspective system parameters using machine learning
Authors: Alaql Abeer Abdullah , Alqurashi Fahad , Mehmood Rashid
Published: November 2023

The impact of aggressive capitalist approaches on social, economic and planet sustainability is significant. Economic issues such as inflation, energy costs, taxes and interest rates persist and are further exacerbated by global events such as wars, pandemics and environmental disasters. A sustained history of financial crises exposes weaknesses in modern economies. The Great Attrition, with many quitting jobs, adds to concerns. The diversity of the workforce poses new challenges. Transformative approaches are essential to safeguard societies, economies and the planet. In this work, we use big data and machine learning methods to discover multi-perspective parameters for multi-generational labour markets. The parameters for the academic perspective are discovered using 35,000 article abstracts from the Web of Science for the period 1958–2022 and for the professionals’ perspective using 57,000 LinkedIn posts from 2022. We discover a total of 28 parameters and categorized them into five macro-parameters, Learning & Skills, Employment Sectors, Consumer Industries, Learning & Employment Issues and Generations-specific Issues. A complete machine learning software tool is developed for data-driven parameter discovery. A variety of quantitative and visualization methods are applied and multiple taxonomies are extracted to explore multi-generational labour markets. A knowledge structure and literature review of multi-generational labour markets using over 100 research articles is provided. It is expected that this work will enhance the theory and practice of artificial intelligence-based methods for knowledge discovery and system parameter discovery to develop autonomous capabilities and systems and promote novel approaches to labour economics and markets, leading to the development of sustainable societies and economies.
On the Way to Divine Providence: From the Abyss of Time to the Throe of Eternity
Authors: Miller Jerome A.
Published: November 2023

Divine providence, as traditionally conceived, keeps historical time subordinate to God’s sovereignty so that the divine plan for it is fulfilled. This article argues that the starting point for theologizing about providence ought to be the logic of radical generosity in play when the divine Thou creates historical time as a reality unto itself by giving it an unprecedented future. Providence does not protect the historically conditioned universe from this future; it draws the universe into it. The human experience of grace offers us a paradigmatic example of this.
Theological Aporia and the Cultivation of Desire: Reading Eriugena’s Creatio Ex Nihilo through an Islamic Theo-Poetics
Authors: Takacs Axel Marc Oaks
Published: November 2023

This comparative theological article expands on John Thiel’s article on aporias in theological method. Through an Islamic theo-poetics, it complements the import of hermeneutics in theological method with poetics. In an Islamic theo-poetics, aporias are inverted: they are not impassable walls, but “liminal spaces” through which creative imagination and revelation emerge. Reading Eriugena’s Periphyseon through two Persian love lyrics by Ḥāfiẓ (and a later commentary) draws out the poetics of the former, a dialogue often described as an exercise in dialectical reasoning. Attention to the poetics of aporetics offers another way to understand the role of aporia in theology: to cultivate (infinite) desire for God. Theology is a theo-poetic reflection on the mystery of our communal theo(poïe)sis. Along the way, I indicate how theology construed as poetics—not merely hermeneutics—makes theological aesthetics possible, underscores the role of affective knowledge, and reveals how Eriugena the poet shaped Eriugena the dialectician.
Interactive associations of maternal and paternal parenting and adolescents’ anxiety
Authors: Salaam Braima
Published: November 2023

This study investigated the interactive effects of maternal and paternal warmth as well as behavioral control on adolescents’ anxiety in Ghana and whether these linkages varied between adolescents in rural and urban contexts. Participants were 211 junior high school students (61% girls; 39% boys; Mage = 13.43; SDage = 2.03) who completed measures of parenting behaviors and experiences of anxiety. Results revealed significant two-way interaction effects such that higher levels of maternal warmth in conjunction with lower levels of paternal warmth were associated with higher levels of adolescents’ anxiety. In addition, higher levels of paternal (but not maternal) warmth predicted lower anxiety in urban families, but not rural families. Moreover, higher maternal behavioral control combined with higher paternal behavioral control predicted lower anxiety, although this association was only observed for a small subset of the sample. Findings highlight the complementary roles of both mothers and fathers in influencing adolescents’ anxiety and the importance of family context in shaping parenting influence. Interventions targeting positive parenting behaviors should focus on both mothers and fathers.
Progressive microvascular failure in acute ischemic stroke: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and time-course analysis
Authors: Tudor Thilan , Spinazzi Eleonora F , Alexander Julia E , Mandigo Grace K , Lavine Sean D , Grinband Jack , Connolly E Sander
Published: November 2023

This systematic review, meta-analysis, and novel time course analysis examines microvascular failure in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients undergoing endovascular therapy (EVT) and/or thrombolytic administration for stroke management. A systematic review and meta-analysis following PRIMSA-2020 guidelines was conducted along with a novel curve-of-best fit analysis to elucidate the time-course of microvascular failure. Scopus and PubMed were searched using relevant keywords to identify studies that examine recanalization and reperfusion assessment of AIS patients following large vessel occlusion. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model. Curve-of-best-fit analysis of microvascular failure rate was performed with a negative exponential model. Twenty-seven studies with 1151 patients were included. Fourteen studies evaluated patients within a standard stroke onset-to-treatment time window (≤6 hours after last known normal) and thirteen studies had an extended time window (>6 hours). Our analysis yields a 22% event rate of microvascular failure following successful recanalization (95% CI: 16–30%). A negative exponential curve modeled a microvascular failure rate asymptote of 28.5% for standard time window studies, with no convergence of the model for extended time window studies. Progressive microvascular failure is a phenomenon that is increasingly identified in clinical studies of AIS patients undergoing revascularization treatment.
Conditioning-based therapeutics for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage – A critical review
Authors: Pugazenthi Sangami , Norris Aaron J , Lauzier David C , Lele Abhijit V , Huguenard Anna , Dhar Rajat , Zipfel Gregory J , Athiraman Umeshkumar
Published: November 2023

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) carries significant mortality and morbidity, with nearly half of SAH survivors having major cognitive dysfunction that impairs their functional status, emotional health, and quality of life. Apart from the initial hemorrhage severity, secondary brain injury due to early brain injury and delayed cerebral ischemia plays a leading role in patient outcome after SAH. While many strategies to combat secondary brain injury have been developed in preclinical studies and tested in late phase clinical trials, only one (nimodipine) has proven efficacious for improving long-term functional outcome. The causes of these failures are likely multitude, but include use of therapies targeting only one element of what has proven to be multifactorial brain injury process. Conditioning is a therapeutic strategy that leverages endogenous protective mechanisms to exert powerful and remarkably pleiotropic protective effects against injury to all major cell types of the CNS. The aim of this article is to review the current body of evidence for the use of conditioning agents in SAH, summarize the underlying neuroprotective mechanisms, and identify gaps in the current literature to guide future investigation with the long-term goal of identifying a conditioning-based therapeutic that significantly improves functional and cognitive outcomes for SAH patients.
Adolescent Stressful Life Events Predict Future Self- Connectedness in Adulthood
Authors: Ganschow Benjamin , Zebel Sven , van der Schalk Job , Hershfield Hal E. , van Gelder Jean-Louis
Published: November 2023

In this study, we investigate how the accumulation of stressful life events and chronic stressors experienced in adolescence predict young adults’ future self-identification (i.e., connectedness, vividness, and valence of the future self) in a sample of 1482 Swiss youth. Furthermore, we investigate future self-identification as a source of resilience mediating the association between accumulated stressful life events on the one hand, and increased delinquency and less educational attainment on the other. In line with our hypothesis, we found that experiencing more stressful life events predicted reduced future self-connectedness. This was not the case for vividness and valence of the future self. Furthermore, we found that future self-connectedness partially mediated the association between stressful life events and low educational attainment. Lastly, latent class trajectories revealed that there was no association between the timing of stressful life events – whether in early or late adolescence – and future self-identification.
A Case of Pseudohypoparathyroidism Misdiagnosed as Idiopathic Epilepsy for 5 Years: Clinical Analysis and Follow-up Outcomes
Authors: Dai Li-Zhen , Lin Chenshi , Lei Rui , Zhang Yan , Ma Hong
Published: November 2023

We report a 15-year-old Chinese girl who presented with intermittent seizure episodes and had been misdiagnosed as having idiopathic epilepsy 5 years previously. Laboratory testing revealed hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and a high parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentration. She was subsequently shown to have pseudohypoparathyroidism type Ib (PHPIb) based on the results of methylation analysis of the GNAS gene, which showed a loss of methylation of the differentially methylated regions (DMR) of GNAS-AS1, GNAS-XL, and GNAS-A/B; and a gain of methylation of the DMR of the GNAS-NESP55 region. We adjusted the patient’s medication by prescribing calcium and calcitriol supplements, and gradually reduced the doses of antiepileptic drugs, until they had been completely discontinued. As a result, the patient did not experience any further seizures or epileptiform symptoms; and had normal plasma calcium, phosphorus, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and 24-hour urinary calcium excretion. In addition, her PTH concentration gradually normalized over 12 months, and no urinary stones were found on ultrasonographic examination. In conclusion, the clinical presentation of PHP is complex, and the condition is often misdiagnosed. The diagnosis and follow-up of the present patient have provide valuable insights that should contribute to informed clinical decision-making and the implementation of appropriate treatment strategies.
Neoplasia in an assurance population of Puerto Rican crested toads (Peltophryne lemur)
Authors: Imanse Sierra M. , Burrell Caitlin E. , Cannizzo Sarah A. , Reilly Tara S. , Rainwater Kimberly L. , Delaney Martha A.
Published: November 2023

Disease monitoring of amphibian assurance populations is an important buffer against ongoing global extinctions. This study documents a high incidence of neoplasia in a zoo-managed assurance population of Puerto Rican crested toads ( Peltophryne lemur; PRCTs). Over 5 years, neoplasia was diagnosed in 17/49 (35%) submitted adult PRCTs and was the cause of death or euthanasia in 13/17 (72%). Most toads were male (16/17; 94%) and 6 to 11-years-old (average 8.1 years). Notably, seven toads (41%) had multiple neoplasms. Of the 29 neoplasms identified, 17 (59%) were cutaneous or subcutaneous. The most common neoplasms included mast cell tumors (MCTs; 8/29; 28%), histiocytic sarcomas (6/29; 21%), lymphoma/leukemia (4/29; 14%), and squamous cell carcinomas (3/29; 10%). Distant metastases were documented in 6/8 (75%) toads with MCTs. Causes for neoplasia in this population were not determined though may include genetic or environmental factors. Continued investigations of managed endangered amphibians will help elucidate mechanisms of carcinogenesis.
A Compassion-Focused Therapy group for young people who live in foster, adoptive or kinship care: Initial development, reflections, and ways forward
Authors: Lau-Zhu Alex , Vella Lydia
Published: November 2023

Care-experienced youth are more likely than their peers to present with earlier, more severe and more chronic mental health difficulties. This case study presents the development of a Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) group for young people who do not live with their birth families due to an early history of abuse and neglect, delivered by psychologists in a social care service. Eight adolescent girls (aged 12–16), who lived in foster, adoptive or kinship care, attended eight face-to-face weekly sessions of a ‘Building Your Self-Confidence’ group. Most of them attended all sessions, found the group ‘enjoyable’ and ‘interesting’, and reported finding it helpful to improve their self-confidence at least to some extent (‘a little’ or ‘yes’). On standardised measures, half of the caregivers reported improvements in their child’s mental health but none of the adolescents did themselves. These initial data pave the way to further optimise the application of group CFT for care-experienced youth and inform psychological treatment innovation in youth more generally.
The Greenhouse Model of Nursing Home Care: A Scoping Review
Authors: Williams Cynthia , Joshi Aishwarya
Published: November 2023

The study aimed to comprehensively review and assess evidence-based outcomes of the Greenhouse model. We systematically reviewed, assessed, and reported on relevant literature using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines for the scoping review. We identified qualitative or quantitative studies that met our inclusion criteria from PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, and EBSCOhost. The review yielded 41,515 articles published between January 2015 and December 2022; eleven articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. The emerging themes were organizational culture, clinical outcomes, and business effects. The Greenhouse model offers a favorable organizational culture with opportunities to enhance clinical and business outcomes. The scoping review was registered in Prospero: CRD42023389048.
“The Utility of Preoperative Acetaminophen in Reducing Postoperative Pain and Narcotic Use in Patients Undergoing Cosmetic Breast Augmentations, During a National Opiate Crisis”
Authors: Jones Garrett , Haiavy Jacob , Kay Kaelen
Published: November 2023

Background:Preoperative use of acetaminophen has become widely adopted across the surgical subspecialties in attempt to maximize analgesia and minimize postoperative narcotic requirements. Whether or not acetaminophen use has an influence on these outcomes in cosmetic breast augmentation needs to be studied. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the differences in reported pain and narcotic use between patients undergoing breast augmentations who received preoperative oral acetaminophen and those who did not. Methods: This was a prospective, single-center study including 59 patients undergoing primary breast augmentation which were divided into 2 groups: control group (did not receive acetaminophen) and a study group (received 1000 g PO acetaminophen), all medications were administered prior to surgery. A self-reported survey was received from all patients which included pain scores as well as number of narcotics taken. Results: Data analysis indicated that the only statistically significant difference in pain was on postoperative day 2 (POD2), with patients who did not receive PO tylenol reporting more pain. There was no significant difference in the number of narcotics required between either group. Conclusions: It appears that preoperative PO acetaminophen did not significantly influence the amount of postoperative narcotic use. The only difference in reported pain was on POD2 and was higher in those who did not receive preoperative acetaminophen. It seems that PO acetaminophen is an inexpensive way of improving postoperative pain in patients undergoing cosmetic breast augmentation; however, it does not reduce narcotic use.
Caregiving Strain Mediates the Relationship Between Terminally Ill Patient's Physical Symptoms and Their Family Caregivers’ Wellbeing: A Multicentered Longitudinal Study
Authors: Chow Amy Y. M. , Zhang Anna Y. , Chan Iris K. N. , Fordjour Genevieve A. , Lui Julianna N. M. , Lou Vivian W. Q. , Chan Cecilia L. W.
Published: November 2023

Objectives: Research considered patient outcomes primarily over caregivers in end-of-life care settings. The importance of family caregivers (FCs) in end-of-life care draws growing awareness, evidenced by an increasing number of evaluations of caregiver-targeted interventions. Little is known of FCs’ collateral benefits in patient-oriented home-based end-of-life care. The study aims to investigate FC outcomes and change mechanisms in patient-oriented care. Methods: A pre-post-test study. We recruited FCs whose patients with a life expectancy ≤ 6 months enrolled in home-based end-of-life care provided by service organizations in Hong Kong. Patients’ symptoms, dimensions of caregiving strain (ie, perception of caregiving, empathetic strain, adjustment demands), and aspects of FCs’ wellbeing (ie, perceived health, positive mood, life satisfaction, spiritual well-being) were measured at baseline (T0) and 3 months later (T1). Results: Of the 345 FCs at T0, 113 provided T1 measures. Three months after the service commenced, FCs’ caregiving strain significantly reduced, and their positive mood improved. Alleviation of the patient's physical symptoms predicted FC better outcomes, including the perception of caregiving, empathetic strain, and wellbeing. Changes in perception of caregiving mediated the effects of changes in patients’ physical symptoms on FCs’ changes in life satisfaction and spiritual wellbeing. Changes in empathetic strain mediated the changes between patient's physical symptoms and FCs’ positive mood. Conclusions: Collateral benefits of patient-oriented home-based end-of-life care were encouraging for FCs. Patient's physical symptom management matters to FCs’ caregiving strain and wellbeing. The active ingredients modifying FCs’ perception of caregiving and addressing empathetic strain may amplify their benefits in wellbeing.
Buprenorphine-Naloxone Maintenance and Lactation
Authors: Jansson Lauren M. , McConnell Krystle , Velez Martha , Spencer Nancy , Gomonit Munchelou , Swortwood Madeleine J.
Published: November 2023

Background:

Breastfeeding among lactating people with opioid use disorder taking buprenorphine monotherapy is generally accepted, as low concentrations of buprenorphine and metabolites in human milk have been well-established. The use of buprenorphine-naloxone for pregnant and lactating people with opioid use disorder is expanding and there is no information available regarding the concentrations of naloxone and their metabolites in human milk to recommend the use of this combination medication during lactation

Research Aims:

To determine the concentrations of buprenorphine and naloxone and their primary metabolites in human milk, maternal plasma, and infant plasma, among lactating buprenorphine-naloxone maintained people and their infants.

Methods:

Four lactating buprenorphine-naloxone maintained people provided plasma and human milk samples on Days 2, 3, 4, 14, and 30 postpartum. Infant plasma was obtained on Day 14.

Results:

Concentrations of buprenorphine, norbuprenorphine and their glucuronide metabolites were present in maternal plasma and human milk at low concentrations, consistent with previous research in lactating buprenorphine monotherapy participants. Naloxone was not detected, or was detected at concentrations below the limit of quantification, in maternal plasma and in all except one human milk sample at Day 30. Naloxone was not detected or detected at concentrations below the limit of quantification in all infant plasma samples.

Conclusion:

Results support the use of buprenorphine-naloxone by lactating people who meet appropriate criteria for breastfeeding.
The impact of cat-related peritonitis on peritoneal dialysis outcomes: Results from the RDPLF
Authors: Bellanger Quentin , Lanot Antoine , Lobbedez Thierry , Bechade Clémence , Boyer Annabel
Published: November 2023

Background:

Cat ownership is common in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, even with recent guidelines recommending avoiding domestic animals during PD exchanges to limit the risk of peritonitis due to pet contamination. We analysed the outcomes of patients who experienced cat-related peritonitis compared with those who experienced peritonitis due to other causes.

Methods:

This retrospective study based on the Registre de Dialyse Peritoneale de Langue Française data analysed the outcomes of 52 patients experiencing cat-related peritonitis from the beginning of the database (1986) until 21 June 2022 compared with those of 208 matched patients experiencing peritonitis due to other causes. A Cox regression model examined the association between cat-related peritonitis and the composite end point of death in PD or transfer to haemodialysis (HD), death in PD and transfer to HD.

Results:

Among patients with an episode of cat-related peritonitis, 11 (21.1%) died, 19 (36.5%) were transferred to HD and 11 (21.1%) were transplanted. In the group with other causes of peritonitis, these numbers were 67 (32%), 81 (39%) and 26 (12.5%), respectively. In multivariate survival analysis, age (hazard ratio (HR): 1.39; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.13–1.70) and use of assisted PD (HR: 4.07; 95% CI: 2.11–7.86) were associated with the risk of death. Having experienced cat-related peritonitis was not significantly associated with any of the three outcomes (death, transfer to HD or PD cessation).

Conclusions:

Patients on PD should be aware that cats may cause a peritoneal infection, which results in similar consequences to those of other causes of peritonitis. However, pets at home should not be considered a contraindication to PD.
Preventive effect of culture supernatant of epithelial-like peritoneal mesothelial cells on peritoneal fibrosis
Authors: Takahashi Kensaku , Tsuji Kenji , Nakanoh Hiroyuki , Fukushima Kazuhiko , Kitamura Shinji , Wada Jun
Published: November 2023

Peritoneal fibrosis (PF) is a primary reason for discontinuing peritoneal dialysis, which involves characteristic changes of peritoneal mesothelial cells (PMCs). We previously reported preventive effects of implanting human epithelial-like PMCs (P-Epi) for mouse PF caused by mechanical peritoneum scrapings. In the present study, we analysed the preventive effects of culture supernatant of P-Epi in PF. Concentrated culture supernatant of P-Epi or human fibroblast-like PMCs (P-Fibro) or vehicles was injected into nude mice that had undergone mechanical scraping of the parietal and visceral peritoneum, and thickness and amount of adhesions were analysed. Although increased peritoneal adhesions and peritoneum thickening were observed in the vehicle-injected positive control group compared to the sham operation group, fewer number of adhesions and less thickness were observed in the mice treated with culture supernatant of P-Epi, but not P-Fibro, compared to the vehicle-injected positive controls. Immunofluorescent analysis revealed that the expression of extracellular matrix, type I collagen and fibronectin, was lower in the mice treated with culture supernatant of P-Epi than in the vehicle-injected positive controls. In addition, exosomes from P-Epi significantly reduced transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-induced expressions of type I collagen and fibronectin in 3T3 fibroblast cells. Collectively, culture supernatant of P-Epi has preventive effects on PF, thus cell therapy is not necessarily required. Further exploration of substances secreted by P-Epi and their protective mechanisms could lead to the development of therapeutic strategies to limit PF.
Predicting transfer to haemodialysis using the peritoneal dialysis surprise question
Authors: Anwaar Ayesha , Liu Sai , Montez-Rath Maria , Neilsen Hatsumi , Sun Sumi , Abra Graham , Schiller Brigitte , Hussein Wael F
Published: November 2023

Background:

People on peritoneal dialysis (PD) at risk of transfer to haemodialysis (HD) need support to remain on PD or ensure a safe transition to HD. Simple point-of-care risk stratification tools are needed to direct limited dialysis centre resources. In this study, we evaluated the utility of collecting clinicians’ identification of patients at high risk of transfer to HD using a single point of care question.

Methods:

In this prospective observational study, we included 1275 patients undergoing PD in 35 home dialysis programmes. We modified the palliative care ‘surprise question’ (SQ) by asking the registered nurse and treating nephrologist: ‘Would you be surprised if this patient transferred to HD in the next six months?’ A ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer indicated low and high risk, respectively. We subsequently followed patient outcomes for 6 months. Cox regression model estimated the hazard ratio (HR) of transfer to HD.

Results:

Patients’ mean age was 59 ± 16 years, 41% were female and the median PD vintage was 20 months (interquartile range: 9–40). Responses were received from nurses for 1123 patients, indicating 169 (15%) as high risk and 954 (85%) as low risk. Over the next 6 months, transfer to HD occurred in 18 (11%) versus 29 (3%) of the high and low-risk groups, respectively (HR: 3.92, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.17–7.05). Nephrologist responses were obtained for 692 patients, with 118 (17%) and 574 (83%) identified as high and low risk, respectively. Transfer to HD was observed in 14 (12%) of the high-risk group and 14 (2%) of the low-risk group (HR: 5.56, 95% CI: 2.65–11.67). Patients in the high-risk group experienced higher rates of death and hospitalisation than low-risk patients, with peritonitis events being similar between the two groups.

Conclusions:

The PDSQ is a simple point of care tool that can help identify patients at high risk of transfer to HD and other poor clinical outcomes.
Delphi Plus: A novel methodology for identifying evidence-based data standards for health service decision-making
Authors: Clark Peter W , Williams Lauren T , Lee Jessica , Ball Lauren
Published: November 2023

The underlying tenet of evidence-based decision-making in health services is assessing all the relevant evidence. Using the traditional qualitative and quantitative approaches to identifying evidence may not capture the full spectrum of factors that need to be addressed. A selective mixed-method approach may provide a comprehensive assessment of the relevant knowledge. This paper adds to the methodological literature by outlining a novel sequential, mixed-method, exploratory process for identifying evidence-based data standards that may be used for health service decision-making. The three-phase process, entitled Delphi Plus, engages peer-nominated topic-specific experts to assess all publicly available and practice-based items and, through a series of reviews, reach an evidence-based consensus on standards for decision-making. Each process phase is outlined in-depth and supplemented by practical learnings gained through its implementation. The Delphi Plus methodology provides the first comprehensive process for combining the published and practised data to develop evidence-based data standards. The routine use of Delphi Plus would provide a framework for benchmarking in health services, enabling greater monitoring and evaluation of client outcomes and improving quality care. This manuscript describes the process of implementing Delphi Plus and provides an example of data standards generated from its use, which directly inform the Australian Government’s Primary Health Care 10 Year Plan.
Numerical simulation of behavior of multi-layered metal targets impacted by high-velocity striker
Authors: Orlov Maxim Yurievich , Orlova Yulia Nikolaevna , Fazylov Talgat Vadimovich
Published: November 2023

The results of numerical simulation of perforation of monolithic and multi-layered targets are presented. The objects of study were monolithic, two-layer, three-layer and air gap targets made of steel 3. The influence of the placement of an additional layer on impact resistance in high-velocity impact (initial velocity was more than the ballistic limit of all targets) was investigated. The behavior of materials was described using a phenomenological macroscopic model of continuum mechanics. A modified Lagrangian method was used for numerical simulation of the perforation process. Test calculations were performed before numerical research. Good agreement on penetration depth of an ogival striker into a semi-infinite metal target was obtained. Numerical simulation found that impact resistance of the triple-layered target was higher than that of the double-layered target and monolithic targets. Post-perforation analysis showed the targets were completely perforated and the striker’s tip was slightly eroded or blunted. Duration of perforation of all targets and damage to their materials were approximately the same, but permanent deformation of additional layers was greater with a triple-layered target. This finding can be explained by a pinching effect of additional layers acting on the striker and decelerating it.
Why does the pathologization of grief cause such a stir? A comment on Bergsmark and Ramsing
Authors: Brinkmann Svend
Published: November 2023

After years of debate, a new diagnosis called prolonged grief disorder (PGD) was finally included in the 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases ( ICD-11; World Health Organization). The pathologization of grief has been controversial and caused quite a stir among researchers, practitioners, and the general public. Recently, Bergsmark and Ramsing (2023) have addressed some considerations that they believe are lost in the ensuing debate, and they call for a positive response to the diagnosis among psychologists. In this reply, I argue that we have good reasons to maintain a critical stance both toward the specific grief diagnosis and toward the general pathologization of human suffering.
Pathologizing the pathological and the place for grief: Reply to Brinkmann
Authors: Bergsmark Lars Petter Sødal , Ramsing Frida
Published: November 2023

In this response, Lars Petter Sødal Bergsmark and Frida Ramsing address the arguments and criticism made by Svend Brinkmann (2023) concerning their carefully optimistic presentation of the psychiatrization of pathological grief in the article “Which Considerations Are Lost When Debating the Prolonged Grief Disorder Diagnosis?” (Bergsmark & Ramsing, 2023). Overall, they argue that Brinkmann (2023) presents intriguing perspectives on this controversial topic, but he does not capture the complex case of prolonged grief disorder adequately, partly because of faulty premises in his argument. Contrary to the perspective put forth by Brinkmann, the authors remark on the possibilities and promises of integrating critical cultural psychology with the developments in psychiatric nosology, and in conclusion provide three standpoints for the future of psychiatry.
Lymphoid interstitial pneumonia in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus: Case report and literature review
Authors: Dans Vilán Laura , Ríos Fernández Raquel , Fernández Ontiveros Sergio , Suárez Robles Miguel , Caba Molina Mercedes , García Morales Marta , De la Hera Francisco Javier , Ortego Centeno Norberto , Callejas Rubio Jose Luis
Published: November 2023

Lymphoid interstitial pneumonia (LIP) is a rare form of interstitial pulmonary disease, which has been described in association with a wide range of autoimmune disorders. Although the association of this entity with Sjogren’s syndrome is well known, only a few cases are reported in relation to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this paper is to review the cases reported in literature to date, as well as to describe the characteristics of these patients including the new case presented herein. We will be focusing on the case of a 36-year-old female patient diagnosed with SLE on hydroxychloroquine treatment who develops pleuritic chest pain and progressive dyspnea after 3 years of follow-up. The chest CT scan showed pleural thickening and both multiple and bilateral micronodules. A lung biopsy was also performed, revealing an infiltration of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and histiocytes in the alveolar septa suggestive of LIP. After conducting a review of the literature, we identified seven other cases describing SLE in association with LIP. The majority of them were young women, and LIP tends to appear early in the course of the disease, even as a form of initial presentation in some cases. Symptoms included cough, dyspnea, and pleuritic pain, with the exception of one case which was asymptomatic. It is noteworthy that half of the patients were positive for anti-SSA/anti-SSB autoantibodies, and some of them also met criteria for Sjogren’s syndrome. Treatment with steroids and other immunosuppressive agents improved symptoms in all of them.
Neuroprotective Effects of Human Adipose–Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy
Authors: Xin Jifu , Zhou Lvlv , Zhang Ling , Guo Kai , Yang Dayong
Published: November 2023

This study was designed to provide evidence of the neuroprotective of human adipose–derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs) in oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). In vivo, hADSCs were intravitreally injected into OIR mice. Various assessments, including HE (histological evaluation), TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling) staining, electroretinogram (ERG) analysis, and retinal flat-mount examination, were performed separately at postnatal days 15 (P15) and 17 (P17) to evaluate neurological damage and functional changes. Western blot analysis of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was conducted at P17 to elucidate the neuroprotective mechanism. The P17 OIR group exhibited a significant increase in vascular endothelial cell nuclei and neovascularization that breached the ILM (inner limiting membrane) to the P17 control group. In addition, the retinal nonperfusion areas in the P17 OIR group and the number of apoptotic retinal cells in the P15 OIR group were significantly higher than in the corresponding hADSCs treatment group and control group. There was no significant thickness change in the inner nuclear layer (INL) but the outer nuclear layer (ONL) in the P17 OIR treatment group compared with the P17 OIR group. The cell density in the INL and ONL at P17 in the hADSCs treatment group was not significantly different from the OIR group. The amplitude of a-wave and b-wave in scotopic ERG analysis for the P17 OIR group was significantly lower than in the P17 hADSCs treatment group and the P17 control group. Furthermore, the latency of the a-wave and b-wave in the P17 OIR group was significantly longer than in the P17 hADSCs treatment group and the P17 control group. In addition, the expression levels of CNTF and BDNF in the P17 OIR group were statistically higher than those in the P17 control group, whereas the expression of GDNF was statistically lower in the P17 OIR group, compared with the P17 control group. The expression of CNTF and GDNF in the P17 hADSCs treatment group was statistically higher than in the P17 OIR group. However, the expression of BDNF in the P17 hADSCs treatment group was statistically lower than in the P17 OIR group. This study provides evidence for the neuroprotective effects of hADSCs in OIR.
Living With Toxic Wounds: The Voices and Visual Self-Representations of Gulf War Veterans
Authors: Dieterich-Hartwell Rebekka , Malhotra Bani , Arslanbek Aslı , DeBeer Bryann , Alverio Tabitha , Kaimal Girija
Published: November 2023

Operations Desert Shield and Storm occurred over 30 years ago, yet many of those who were deployed continue to experience chronic and debilitating symptoms, now recognized as Gulf War Illness (GWI). While efforts have been made to explore clinical treatments for GWI, misperceptions and skepticism about its complex nature and a lack of consensus on its etiology impede progress in this area. A critical necessity remains to better understand the experiences, needs, and concerns of veterans with GWI. In this qualitative research study, 40 Gulf War veterans were interviewed about their perceptions regarding symptoms of physical health, cognitive functioning, quality of life, and the quality of care received. In addition, they depicted their experiences through an artistic elicitation collage. Through a grounded theory method, key findings indicated that there are remaining hurdles, such as challenging symptoms, persisting unknowns about the illness, and variations in treatment quality. Veterans have mostly managed and coped with GWI, but they voice the need for acknowledgment and support. The main implication from this study is the significance of both clinical and institutional validation and recognition of the GWI experience as well as the need for specific support systems.
Green Energy Resources, Products Recycling, and Clean Environment
Authors: Wu Shengwen , Wu Zhixin , Gao Ziqing , Awan Abdul Ghafoor , Sumra Bakhtawar
Published: November 2023

This research paper explores the relationship between green resources, product recycling, CO2 emission, and clean environment, using time series data spanning from 1990 to 2021. The sample of the study was the green energy sector of Pakistan and clean energy was taken as the dependent variable while green energy resources, product recycling, and CO2 emissions were chosen as independent variables. Correlation matrix and multiple regression analysis were applied to determine the relationship between green energy resources, product recycling, CO2 emissions, and clean environment. The results of the study show that there is significant positive relationship between green energy resources and product recycling with clean environment but negative association between CO2 emissions and clean environment. These results provide valuable insight for policy makers to focus on development of green energy resources and encourage products recycling as an effective strategy to mitigate the depletion of natural resources and improvement of clean environment to attain sustainability in the energy sector.
A review and metanalysis of metronomic oral single-agent cyclophosphamide for treating advanced ovarian carcinoma in the era of precision medicine
Authors: Martorana Federica , Scandurra Giuseppina , Valerio Maria Rosaria , Cufari Salvatore , Vigneri Paolo , Sanò Maria Vita , Scibilia Giuseppe , Scollo Paolo , Gebbia Vittorio
Published: November 2023

Objective

Oral metronomic cyclophosphamide has been used as a single agent or in combination with other drugs for several solid tumors with interesting results in disease palliation and mild to moderate toxicity, notably in patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) progressing after systemic chemotherapy. In this paper, we report a review and a metanalysis of heterogeneous data published up to date.

Data sources

The literature search was restricted to single-agent MOC. The analysis was conducted through March 2023 by consulting PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and The Cochrane Library databases. Research string and Medical Subject Headings included “ovarian tumor,” “ovarian carcinoma,” or “ovarian cancer,” “fallopian tube cancer,” “primary peritoneal cancer,” “oral chemotherapy,” and “metronomic cyclophosphamide.” All articles were assessed for quality by at least two investigators independently, and a < 18 patients sample size cutoff was chosen as a lower limit with a Cohen's kappa statistical coefficient for accuracy and reliability. Metanalysis of selected papers was carried out according to a fixed model.

Data summary

The percentage of agreement between investigators on literature study selection was very high, reaching 96.9% with a Cohen's k of 0.929. MOC pooled objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate for recurrent or platinum-refractory ovarian cancer were 18.8% (range 4–44%) and 36.2% (range 16–58.8%), respectively. The mean progressive-free survival and overall survival were 3.16 months (range 1.9 to 5.0 months) and 8.7 months (range 8 to 13 months), respectively. The fixed model metanalysis of selected studies showed a 16% median ORR (12–20% CI, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Single-agent oral cyclophosphamide in EOC holds promise as a treatment option, even in the era of precision medicine. Genetic factors, such as DNA repair gene polymorphisms, may influence treatment response. Combining cyclophosphamide with biological agents such as PARP inhibitors or immunotherapy agents is an area of active investigation.
Static-99R Norms and Cross-Cultural Validity for Australian Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal Men Convicted of Sexual Offences
Authors: Howard Mark V. A. , Chong Chee Seng , Murphy Kristy
Published: November 2023

This study examined Static-99R normative data and cross-cultural validity in a sample of 811 Aboriginal and 3257 non-Aboriginal Australian men ( N = 4068) serving custodial orders for sexual offences in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Aboriginal men scored significantly higher on the Static-99R than non-Aboriginal men (M = 4.39 vs. 2.61) and were more likely to be represented in higher categories of risk. The Static-99R showed good discrimination performance for the total sample (AUC = .76; 95% CI = [.73–.80]) and acceptable calibration to expected reoffending rates for routine samples, with slight tendencies towards overestimation. Discrimination accuracy was lower for Aboriginal men (AUC = .68; 95% CI = [.60–77]) than non-Aboriginal men (AUC = .78; 95% CI = [.74–83]) although was significantly better than chance for both groups. Additional analyses indicated that cross-cultural differences in discrimination were partly associated with variance in sample composition between groups. This is the first Australian study to find evidence for significant predictive validity of the Static-99R with Aboriginal men, and while further research is needed, the results provide initial support for cross-cultural applications of the measure in local criminal justice settings.
A Scoping Review of Varying Mobile Electrocardiographic Devices
Authors: Dzikowicz Dillon J
Published: November 2023

The electrocardiogram (ECG) can now be measured using mobile devices. Mobile ECG devices, which are defined as devices capable of recording and transmitting non-standard ECGs, offer numerous advantages such as cost-effectiveness and being user-friendly. Mobile ECG can also extend recording lengths (e.g., 2 days, 14 days), which is necessary to capture important intermittent events (e.g., cardiac arrhythmias) and evaluate prognostic risk markers (e.g., prolonged corrected QT (QTc) interval). Some mobile ECG devices can even connect to broadband networks allowing patients to remotely transmit their ECG to a clinician. This article systematically examines different mobile ECG devices used in prior studies and provides a detailed assessment of five diverse yet commonly used mobile ECG devices: AliveCor KardiaMobile; AliveCor KardiaMobile 6L; iRhythm ZioPatch; Apple Smartwatch ECG; and CardioSecur System. These mobile ECG devices are diverse in the number of leads measured and the duration of monitoring. Similar to their diversity, there has been a wide range of clinical applications of mobile ECG devices. Despite significant progress, questions regarding data quality, and clinican and patient acceptance and compliance persist.
Can the length of a catheter change the time to bubble at the tip performing the “Bubble Test”? A bench study
Authors: Giustivi Davide , Elli Stefano , Airoldi Chiara , Lo Izzo Federica , Rossini Michela , Gidaro Antonio , Lucchini Alberto , Privitera Daniele
Published: November 2023

Introduction:

Intraprocedural tip control techniques are critical during central venous catheter placement. According to international guidelines (INS 2021), intracavitary electrocardiography is the first method of choice to verify it; when this technique is not feasible, it is considered acceptable to use a contrast-enhanced ultrasound-based tip location method, commonly known as “bubble-test” as an effective alternative.

Objective:

To assess whether the length of the vascular catheter can alter the time between the injection of the contrast media and its appearance at the catheter tip and the injection duration. Differences between operators stratified according to experience were evaluated as secondary endpoints.

Methods:

A bench study was conducted using an extracorporeal circuit. For each catheter length (60, 40, and 20 cm), three injections were obtained by each of the five operators with different levels of experience for a total of 45 measurements. Differences among operators were evaluated using ANOVA, and the impact of catheter length and operator expertise on times was assessed using repeated measurement models.

Results:

Hub-to-tip times of 247.33 ms (SD 168.82), 166 ms (SD 95.46), 138 ms (SD 54.48), and injection duration of 1620 ms (SD 748.58), 1614 ms (SD 570.95), 1566 ms (SD 302.83) were observed for 60, 40, 20 cm catheter length, respectively. A significant time variability between operators was observed. Moreover, moving from 60 to 20 cm, hub-to-tip time was significantly longer for 60 cm devices ( p = 0.0124), while little differences were observed for injection duration.

Conclusions:

Catheter length can change both the time between the injection of the contrast media and its appearance at the catheter tip and the injection duration. Hub-to-tip times obtained with 20 and 40 cm and overall injection duration did not differ significantly; skilled personnel could substantially reduce both values analyzed in this study.
Longitudinal evaluation of serum MOG-IgG titers in MOGAD after initiation of maintenance immunoglobulin: A case series
Authors: Roy Shuvro , Vasileiou Eleni , Barreras Paula , Ahmadi Gelareh , Chen Haiwen , Suslovic William , Kornbluh Alexandra , Kahn Ilana , Sotirchos Elias S
Published: November 2023

Background:

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) is a distinct demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Immunoglobulin (Ig) has been used as a maintenance therapy to prevent relapses in MOGAD, but the impact of Ig on serum MOG-IgG titers is unclear.

Objective:

To characterize the variation in serum MOG-IgG titers after initiation of Ig treatment in people with MOGAD.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective study of 10 patients with a diagnosis of MOGAD and available serum MOG-IgG titers before and after initiation of maintenance Ig treatment.

Results:

We found that most of the patients remained MOG-IgG seropositive while on Ig treatment with a reduced or unchanged titer, despite a lack of disease activity.

Conclusions:

This case series suggests that the mechanism of action of Ig therapy in MOGAD is not exclusively dependent on MOG-IgG titer reduction.